Cairo, Alexandria & the Mediterranean + Nile Cruise (3 nights)
Captivating Cairo, historic Alexandria and Egypt's poignant World War II sites await you on this fascinating trip.
No trip to Egypt would be complete without cruising along the Nile to witness the breathtaking ancient sites of Luxor and Aswan. So why not extend your holiday with a three-night cruise and a night in Cairo, starting on day 8 of your tour?
Day 8 (Sat): Cairo - Aswan. Fly to Aswan and visit the Temple of Isis and the spectacular High Dam. After lunch on board, join the optional excursion to ancient Abu Simbel. (B,L,D)
Day 9 (Sun): Nile Cruise. Stop at the Greco-Roman temple of Kom Ombo before sailing to Edfu. Visit the Temple of Horus. Sail overnight to Luxor. (B,L,D)
Day 10 (Mon): Nile Cruise. Visit the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut and monumental Colossi of Memnon. Later, explore the Temple of Luxor. (B,L,D)
Day 11 (Tue): Luxor - Cairo. Visit the colossal Temple of Karnak before flying to Cairo for one night. (B)
Day 12 (Wed): Cairo - UK. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
Your Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Cairo.
Fly to Cairo where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore this bustling city. (D)
DAY 2: Cairo.
Egypt's capital and Africa's largest city is a mesmerising mix of sights, sounds and ancient monuments, as well as being home to over 18 million people, all of which contributes to its intoxicating atmosphere. This morning, begin your stay in this captivating city with an included visit to its most spectacular sight - the pyramids of Giza, three soaring structures dedicated to the Pharaohs Cheops, Chephren and Mykerinos, together with the Valley Temple and its mysterious Sphinx. After witnessing these incredible ancient marvels, enjoy a fascinating insight into ancient royal Egypt on a visit to the enthralling National Egyptian Museum, a treasure trove of unique artefacts from the tombs of the Pharaohs including splendid gold treasures from Tutankhamen's burial chamber. Relax this evening with an optional Nile dinner cruise, complete with an exciting folklore and belly dancing show. (B)
DAY 3: Cairo - Alexandria.
This morning, explore the oldest quarter of Cairo, also known as Coptic Cairo. Originally a Roman stronghold called 'Babylon', this picturesque area still has old Christian churches and sections of its ancient wall. Today's visit includes time to view the Saladin citadel, which is crowned by a beautiful mosque, the first ever built in Egypt. Later, leave Cairo and head on to Alexandria for three nights. (B, L, D)
DAY 4: Alexandria.
Often described as the 'Pearl of the Mediterranean', Alexandria was built on the orders of Alexander the Great in 331AD and captures the essence of Egypt in its cosmopolitan ambience, elegant architecture and legendary hospitality. Today's tour of this historic city takes in its best-known landmarks including the ancient Catacombs, cut into rocks during the 2nd century, Pompey's Pillar, the new Alexandria library and a stop at the turreted Qait Bay Fort. There is also a chance to stroll around the beautiful Montaza Palace gardens, once a royal summer residence. The remainder of the day is free for you to continue exploring this charismatic city or simply relax by your hotel pool. (B)
DAY 5: Alexandria.
Enjoy a scenic drive along the Mediterranean coastal road to El Alamein, made famous in the decisive Allied Forces victory against Rommel's army in World War II. After a fascinating and moving visit to the El Alamein Museum, with its military artefacts and vast Cemetery with regimented rows of war graves, return to Alexandria. (B, L, D)
DAY 6: Alexandria - Cairo.
Drive amidst striking, contrasting scenery and stark, rugged landscapes as you cross the desert on your way back to Cairo today. En-route, visit Wadi el Natrun, a lush oasis nestled in a desert valley, to view one of its age-old Coptic monasteries and learn about the Coptic faith. Later, reaching Cairo, head into the heart of the bustling Khan-el-Khalili bazaar to explore atmospheric alleyways laden with stalls and souvenir shops. (B, D)
DAY 7: Cairo.
This morning, head to the ancient site of Memphis, a once magnificent metropolis believed to have been the capital of the Old Kingdom of Egypt and now preserved as an open-air museum. Explore remnants of this sprawling city and admire the spectacular and well-preserved statuary, such as the limestone colossi of Ramses II and the imposing alabaster sphinx, built to guard the Temple of Ptah. Next, continue to the vast necropolis of Sakkara, the royal cemetery of Memphis and site of the first pyramid to be built in Egypt - the renowned Step Pyramid of Djoser. This afternoon, return to Cairo where the rest of the day is free for you to explore at leisure. (B)
DAY 8: Cairo - Aswan.
This morning, fly to Aswan where you will be met by our representative. The day begins with a sightseeing tour including the city's awesome Temple of Isis, transplanted from the submerged island of Philae, and spectacular High Dam. After boarding your cruise ship in time for lunch, the afternoon is free to relax or join an optional excursion to the magnificent 3,200-year old Abu Simbel temple, carved into a mountainside. (B, L, D)
DAY 9: Nile Cruise.
Your cruise continues with a stop at the blufftop temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile and falcon gods. Next, sail to Edfu, where you'll visit the amazing Temple of Horus, built in 250 BC. Sail overnight to Luxor via Esna Lock. (B, L, D)
DAY 10: Nile Cruise.
Time to relax on board this morning as we glide past majestic scenery to Luxor. After lunch, your day is dedicated to the awesome Valley of the Kings on the Nile's west bank with its extraordinary rock tombs, and the monumental Temple of Hatsheput and Colossi of Memnon. This evening, revel in the majestic Temple of Luxor, its massive statues and columns lit by the stars. (B, L, D)
DAY 11: Luxor - Cairo.
This morning, enjoy a visit to the colossal Temple of Amon Ra in Karnak en-route to Luxor airport for your flight to Cairo and an overnight stay in the capital. (B)
DAY 12: Cairo - UK.
Transfer to Cairo airport for flight to the UK. (B)
Amarante Nile Cruisers
Amarante Isis and Amarante Osiris are deluxe Nile cruise ships, identical in style and size, each offering up classic refined décor and tastefully furnished spacious public areas. Both ships provide a choice of 37 comfortable, well-appointed cabins with large panoramic windows, a wealth of facilities and very good levels of dedicated personal service.
Public Rooms & Facilities
Splash pool; sun deck with terrace and snack bar; dining room; lounge with bar; gift shop; wi-fi access; laundry service; 24 hour reception.
Dining
Your cruise includes full board. Breakfasts and lunch are buffet style while dinner can be chosen from a set menu. Meals include a good selection of international dishes. Complimentray afternoon tea is served whilst sailing. Evening entertainment includes a Galabeyah party, folklore show and belly dancing.
Cabins
All cabins have twin or double beds; air-conditioning; satellite TV; telephone; wi-fi access; safety deposit box; minibar; hairdryer; shower and wc; large window.
Options
Single cabin (on request)
Tipping
Tipping is expected in Egypt. Expect to budget for about £30 for tips. For your convenience this may be collected at the beginning of the cruise.
Holiday Availability
Unfortunately we do not currently have any available departure dates for this holiday. For more information about possible future departures or suitable alternative holidays please contact us using the number at the top of the page or view one of the Other Holiday Choices
Cairo, Alexandria & the Mediterranean + Nile Cruise (3 nights)
Holiday Highlights
- Cairo City sightseeing & National Museum
- Giza Pyramids & Sphinx
- Alexandria City sightseeing
- El Alamein Military museum & Cemetery visit
- Wadi el Natrun Coptic Monastery visit
- Sakkara & Memphis Pyramid and open-air museum visit
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
© Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. All holidays and offers are subject to availability.
