15 Days :: Imaginative Traveller's "Jewels of Egypt"

This tour is perfect for those who want to see as much as possible of Egypt - we visit all the highlights of the Nile Valley and enjoy a wonderfully relaxing cruise on our private cruise boat, but we also have the chance to explore the Mediterranean city of Alexandria and to climb Mt Sinai for one of the most beautiful sunrises you are ever likely to see. ITINERARY Day 1,CAIRO Arrive and check into your hotel. Later this evening you will have the chance to meet your tour leader and the other members of the tour. (No meals.) Day 2,CAIRO In the morning we visit the great Pyramids & Sphinx at Giza where we enjoy a guided tour. Later this afternoon we drive to the north coast to the Mediterranean city of Alexandria (B) Approx 3 hrs journey.

Day 3,ALEXANDRIA A morning guided tour of the National Museum, Catacombs and Pompey's pillar. This afternoon we drive back to Cairo where we board the first class sleeper train for our journey to Luxor. (BD)

Day 4,LUXOR - NILE CRUISE Arrive and transfer to our Nile cruise boat. Later we take the horse drawn carriages for a guided tour of the great temple of Karnak. This afternoon we begin our sailing to Edfu. (BLD)

Day 5,NILE CRUISE We sail south to the river side temple of Kom Ombo. On arrival we visit the temple dedicated to the Gods Sobek and Haroeris. Overnight in Kom Ombo. (BLD)

Day 6,KOM OMBO - ASWAN Continue sailing to Aswan. The day is free to explore this beautiful, vibrant town. You could visit Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk (US$24), see the sound and light show at Philae (US$24), take a camel ride to St Simeon's Monastery (us$15) or enjoy a Felucca cruise (US$5). (BLD)

Day 7,ASWAN A free day in Aswan (BLD). There is the option to visit the temples of Abu Simbel by bus (US$50) or by air (US$215).

Day 8,NILE CRUISE A day of cruising takes us to the town of Edfu. Overnight in Edfu. (BLD)

Day 9,NILE CRUISE - LUXOR In the morning we visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu before we continue sailing to Luxor. Overnight in Luxor. (BLD)

Day 10,LUXOR We get up before sunrise to ride sturdy donkeys to the Valley of the Kings. Our route back offers magnificent views of the Nile Valley and passes the Colossi of Memnon. Free afternoon. Sound and light show at Karnak temple (US$28). (BLD)

Day 11,LUXOR - HURGHADA Travel to the Red Sea resort of Hurghada. Free afternoon (B) Approx. 5 hrs driving

Day 12,HURGHADA - ST CATHERINE Rise early to board the Hydrofoil from Hurghada to the Sinai, then transfer to St Catherine where we spend the night near the foot of Mt Sinai. Approx 8 hrs in total. (BD)

Day 13,ST CATHERINE - MT SINAI - CAIRO We get up early to climb Mt Sinai in time for sunrise. The views from the top over the Sinai Mountains are absolutely magnificent. Transfer back to Cairo In the afternoon. Approx 8 hrs drive. (B)

Day 14,CAIRO Morning guided tour of the Egyptian Museum with the chance to see the famous mummies. This afternoon is free. Take a horse or camel ride at the Pyramids (US$35). (B)

Day 15,CAIRO Tour ends after breakfast. (B)