Day 1: ARRIVE IN CAIRO, EGYPT A welcome drink awaits you at your hotel, settle in and start soaking up the atmosphere of this exciting city.
Day 2: CAIRO Meet your Egyptologist and travelling companions at 8am. Sightseeing in and around Africa's largest metropolis starts with a look at one of the Seven Wonders of the World: the guardian of the great pyramids, the enigmatic Sphinx and the daunting Great Pyramids of Giza. Cheops, with an original height of 496 feet, is the most colossal pyramid ever built. Then, drive to the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis, where you can admire the 40 foot statue of Ramses 2 and the Alabaster Sphinx. On to Sakkara, a vast desert necropolis built for kings and nobles, and its "Stairway to the Sky", the oldest of all pyramids. Tonight, enjoy a sound and light show at the Pyramids that will put these wonders of the ancient world into an easily undertandable historic context. (B)
Day 3: CAIRO-LUXOR (EMBARKATION) Today, fly 300 miles up the Nile Valley to Luxor where your elegant river cruise vessel awaits your arrival. After lunch on board, see the stunning monuments of Luxor and Karnak, the greatest cities of ancient Egypt that had a combined population of more than one million. To walk among the pillars of the colossal Temple of Amun-ra and along the Avenue of the Sphinxes is an experience you will treasure for the rest of your life. (B, L, D)
Day 4: LUXOR-EDFU Focus on the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens on the west bank of the Nile, where generations of pharaohs and nobles were buried in great splendour in crypts cut into the cliffs. Sixty-two royal tombs have been uncovered so far, of which only the tomb of Tutankhamun was nearly inviolate when discovered in 1922. Visit Deir El-Bahri, Queen Hatshepsut's monumental rock temple. Stop for pictures at the two Colossi of Memnon guarding the valleys. For a little fun tonight, take part in a Galabya Party on board. (B, L, D)
Day 5: EDFU-KOM OMBO-ASWAN This morning, visit the Temple of Horus with its menacing black stone statue of the falcon god. Built in the time of Cleopatra about 2,000 years ago, it is recent by Old Egyptian standards and beautifully preserved. After lunch, dock at Kom Ombo for a short walk to its bluff top twin temples. The right side is dedicated to the crocodile god, Sobek-Re, while the left side is dedicated to the falcon god, Horus. Later, sail on to Aswan and enjoy an exclusive lecture on this ancient civilization by your Egyptologist. (B, L, D)
Day 6: ASWAN This morning, consider an optional flight (weather permitting) to the huge sandstone temples of Abu Simbel. Return to your ship in time for lunch. This afternoon, board a Felucca and sail right across the blue waters of the river. En route, see the ancient "nilometer" on Elephantine Island, Kitchener Island's lush Botanical Gardens and the splendid Aga Khan Mausoleum on the left bank. Haggle for bargains in the local souk before returning to your ship for a final night. (B, L, D)
Day 7: ASWAN (DISEMBARKATION) - CAIRO Sightseeing today starts at the Granite Quarries that supplied ancient Egypt with its hard stones for the pyramids in Giza. Then, see the famous unfinished obelisk, still in the quarry. Next, visit the gigantic Aswan High Dam, completed in 1970. Board a motorlaunch to the island of Agilika, situated between the two dams, and visit the Temple of Isis, transplanted from the submerged island of Philae. Later today, fly back to Cairo. How about our optional Nile River dinner cruise tonight to celebrate your Egyptian adventure? (B)
Day 8: CAIRO On your last day in Egypt, drive to the now famous Tahrir Square and visit the Egyptian Museum with Tutankhamun's fabulous treasures and many other masterpieces of ancient Egypt. Continue to walled Old Cairo, with Saladin's 12th century citadel, and the Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali. In Coptic Cairo, see the Hanging Church where the Virgin Mary and Jesus stayed while in Egypt, then walk to see Cairo's oldest synagogue, founded in the 9th century. There is still time for a visit to the labyrinthine Khan el Khalili Souk before returning to your hotel. (B)
Day 9: CAIRO Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected
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Kom Ombo
Country - Egypt Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 0kms Currency - Egyptian Pound
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Avalon Waterways
Now that you know why river cruising should be your next vacation, you need to decide which cruise company to choose. Thats easy, When you travel with Avalon Waterways, you can relax in the knowledge that you've made the best choice. Newest Ships
Avalon sets a new standard in river cruising Europe's newest ships; you cruise in amazing, one-of-a-kind travel comfort. Sleek and elegant, they are part of a new generation of river cruisers, with state-of-the-art technology. These ships offer larger accommodations with hotel-style beds, private facilities, satellite television, and much more, including email or internet access, and floor to ceiling sliding glass doors in many staterooms. Travellers will enjoy a fitness centre, hair salon and massage services.
The Most Enriching Experiences
Our Enrichment Program is among the best in river cruising. Experienced local guides will take you on sightseeing tours of wonderful towns and cities, plus you can spend the evening on shore, if the schedule permits. In addition to fascinating sightseeing on each itinerary, you can choose from a few optional outings, and there's always time to make your own discoveries as well. Back on board, you'll enjoy interactive presentations with area experts, wine tastings, local entertainment, and more. Look on each cruise itinerary page to see the Included Features and Special Highlights listed for each vacation.
Created for the English Speaking Market
These new ships are built for the English Speaking Market, with non-smoking interiors and English speaking crew. They feature larger staterooms than most other river cruise vessels with comfortable beds and large windows to view the passing scene. Meals are European cuisine tailored to western tastes with coffee and tea available at no extra charge throughout the day. The Enrichment Program is geared towards those that like to travel with lively itineraries, time for individual discovery, and onboard entertainment.
Fine Dining
Whether you savour time-tested recipes or experiment more boldly, with Avalon you'll taste the true flavours of Europe, Egypt and China. Meals enjoyed in the company of your travelling companions are a major part of your vacation experience. On Avalon's ships, you'll enjoy open seat dining with one sitting, wine included with all onboard dinners, and panoramic views from your restaurant.
Quality Hotels
On several itineraries, you'll either begin or end your experience with a stay on land. We understand the importance of hotel quality to your vacation; that's why any hotels included in your itinerary are rated first class (F) or above (SF). Look for the exact ratings on the itinerary pages.
Unbeatable Value
We include all the main features of a destination without extra cost. Our volume buying power saves you money. And we handle all the logistics and details, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your cruise. Plus we provide all meals on board, a rich land excursion program and much more!
