Pharaohs and the Philai... Oberoi's Egypt
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ITINERARY
Day 1 Travel to London Heathrow by complimentary private car (within 50 miles) and depart on your scheduled flight to the Egyptian capital, Cairo. A private minibus and driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel, the Mena House Oberoi for the first of three nights.
CAIRO (Days 2-3) Take a couple of days to discover the many highlights of Africa’s largest and most exhilarating city in the company of an expert guide. Uncover layer after layer of history, from enigmatic Sphinx and the monumental 5000-year-old Pyramids of Giza (last surviving Wonder of the World) to the magnificent Egyptian Museum. A tour of the remarkable Egyptian Museum provides an enthralling overview of the country’s ancient glory, including the glittering, breathtaking funerary treasure of the boy-pharaoh Tutankhamun and the eerie Mummy Room. (B) Optional excursions are also available to the age-old city of Memphis and the Step Pyramid of Saqqara, a fascinating insight into the logistics and development of pyramid-building.
Day 4 – Wednesday 12:00 noon Embarkation 12:30 Lunch 16:00 Visit Nubian Museum. In the early 1960’s, when Egypt built the High Dam at Aswan, Egyptologists and archaeologists the world over heeded UNESCO’s appeal to salvage the monuments of Egyptian Nubia before the rising waters of Lake Nasser submerged them forever. More than sixty expeditions ultimately joined the “Nubian Rescue Campaign”, which resulted in the excavation and recording of hundreds of sites, the recovery of thousands of objects, and the salvage and translocation of a number of important temples to higher ground. 17.00 Tea at club lounge. 19:00 cocktail reception. 19:30 Dinner Overnight in Aswan
Day 5 – Thursday 07:00 Breakfast 08:00 visit of Philae temple and High Dam High Dam Built between 1960 and 1971, the immense High Dam is 3,830 meters(12,562 feet) across, 111 meters (364 feet) high and 980 meters (3,214 feet) wide at its base. At the eastern end of the dam there is a visitors’ pavilion detailing the construction of the dam and at the western end there is a lotus shaped tower, built to commemorate the Soviet Union’s support in the building of the dam. The Philae Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Isis and was built in Ptolemaic times. The oldest parts of the temple were built by Nectanebo I (380 - 362 B.C.) and a large portion of the temple was constructed during the regime of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285 – 246 B.C.). With the building of the High Dam this monument was relocated to the nearby island of Agilika. The UNESCO led project took eight years to complete during which Agilikawas landscaped to look like Philae. 12.00 noon Sail to Komombo 12:30 Lunch 14:30 Visit the twin temple of Komombo. One side of the temple is dedicated to the Crocodile God Sobek, God of Fertility and Creator of the World. The other side is dedicated to the Falcon God Haroeis, also known as Horus, the Elder. The construction of the Temple of Komombo began in the 2nd century and completed in the 1st century BC. The temple is built in imposing Graeco – Roman style and is in a particularly beautiful setting overlooking the Nile. The Chapel of Hathor to the south of the temple now houses a few crocodile mummies from the nearby crocodile necropolis. 16:00 Sail to Edfu 17.00 Tea at club lounge. 19:30 Dinner Overnight in Edfu
Day 6 – Friday 7:30 Breakfast 09:00 Visit the Temple of Edfu, The Temple of Horus at Edfu was buried under sand and silt for nearly two thousand years. It is the largest and best-preserved Ptolemaic temple in Egypt. Construction of the temple began in 237 B.C. and the main temple complex took 25 years to complete. 11:00 Sail to Essna 13:00 Lunch Cross the Essna Lock Sail to Luxor 17.00 Tea at club lounge. 19:30 Dinner Overnight in Luxor
Day 7 – Saturday 5:00 Breakfast 6:00 Visit West bank valley of kings, king Tut's tomb, Ramses "the six", Dier Elmadina, Habu and colossus of Memnon. Visit the West Bank. Explore the West Bank of ancient Thebes. Visit Valley of the Kings, with its royal tombs, King Tut’s tomb, Ramesses the 6th. This is followed by a visit to Temple of Medinet Habu, Dier El Madina. On the way back stop at the Colossi of Memnon. The remote barren Valley of the Kings was the necropolis of the New Kingdom pharaohs. By digging their tombs deep into the Theban Hills pharaohs from 1500 BC had hoped to stop robbers stealing the priceless possessions buried with them. Sixty two tombs have been found in the Valley of the Kings including Tomb of Ramesses VI, Tomb of Tutankhamen and Tomb of Seti. The beautiful temple of Medinet Habuis second only to Karnak in size and detail. Soaring 18 meter (60 feet) into the sky, the two enthroned statues are the first monuments most visitors see on arriving in the West Bank. All that remains today are the two faceless colossi called the Colossi of Memnon, which, despite the ravages of time, are an impressive sight. 12:30 Lunch 15:00 Visit Luxor and Karank temples Spread out on the east bank of the Nile and built on the site of the New Kingdom capital city of Thebes, Luxor is the tourist Mecca of the Nile Valley. The exciting excavations in the 19th and early 20th centuries, especially the discovery of King Tutankhamen’s tomb, aroused international interest in the town. The bustling town is centered on the magnificent Luxor Temple, an enduring symbol of its glorious past. Located at the northern end of the town of Luxor, Karnak Temple is the country’s most important temple. It covers two hectares (five acres) of land. The temple lay buried under sand for more than 1,000 years before excavation work began in the mid-19th century. Today, the huge task of restoration continues. 17.00 Tea at club lounge. 19:30 Dinner Overnight in Luxor
Day 8 – Sunday Free morning 07:30 onwards Breakfast 11:00 Sail to Quina 12:30 Lunch 15:00 Visit the Temple of Dendara, dedicated to Hathor, Goddess of Music, Love and Joy. Buried under sand until the 19th century, the vast Temple of Hathor remains remarkably intact. The current temple is of Graeco-Roman style but its design imitates typical Pharaonic temple architecture. 17:00 Tea at club lounge 19:30Dinner Overnight in Quina
Day 6 – Monday 06:00 Breakfast 07:00 Visit the Temple of Abydos For the Ancient Egyptians, Abydos was one of the holiest sites in the world. As the cult centre of the god Osiris and gateway to the underworld (believed to lie under the nearby hills), it was a popular place of pilgrimage and burial. The main monument at Abydos is the Temple of Seti I, built around 1300 BC by Seti and his son Ramesses II. 12.00 Sail to Luxor 12:30 Lunch 17:00 Tea at club lounge 18:00 Visit Luxor Museum 19:30 Dinner Overnight in Luxor
Day 7 – Tuesday 7:30 Breakfast 8:00 Disembarkation
ACCOMODATION
Cairo Mena House Oberoi 5*
This palatial hotel in the shadow of the Great Pyramids in Cairo has enchanted guests since 1869. Located in forty acres of jasmine scented gardens, Mena House Oberoi is cushioned from the buzz of the outside world. Its royal history is reflected in luxurious interiors that are embellished with exquisite antiques, handcrafted furniture and rich textiles. A variety of international as well as Egyptian cuisine is on offer at the excellent restaurants and bars in the hotel. Recreational facilities include a swimming pool with views through the gardens to the Pyramids, tennis and a fitness centre. There is also a 9 hole golf course right on the doorstep. This is the perfect place to begin your explorations of Cairo.
Nile Cruise The Oberoi Philae 5*
The Oberoi Philae is one of the most Luxurious vessels on the Nile River between Luxor and Aswan providing 5 Star Deluxe services and facilities. Elegant interiors with teak panelling, parquet floors, European antiques and Oriental carpets create an ambience of luxury. Impeccable service and a beautiful setting come together to make this a voyage of discovery. Cabin facilities: Each elegantly furnished cabin has its own private balcony and sun loungers allowing peaceful contemplation of the ever changing views. Cabins come with a private bathroom with shower. You can choose between Deluxe (21.75sqm) and Deluxe Suites (38sqm situated on the upper deck with separate lounge). Dining: The Philae restaurant offers fine dining in impeccable surroundings. Continental and Egyptian dishes are served here between 7am and 9.30pm. The Lounge Bar is open for cocktails and soft drinks from 7am. The Bar hosts a discotheque where guests can dance the night away. Recreation facilities: Swimming pool, Sun Deck, Library, Indoor fitness centre, Hair Salon, Gift shop. Luxor Sofitel Winter Palace 5* Step back in time with a stay at Luxor’s legendary Winter Palace, a splendid ‘grand dame’ offering a choice of Garden or Nile View rooms in the beautiful Old Wing. Elegance is the watchword as you walk the lovely gardens, take high tea on the Nile Terrace, savour a cool cocktail at the Royal Bar and dine at the (jacket-and-tie) 1886 Restaurant, referencing the hotel’s year of construction and now serving up candle-lit international delights. Elsewhere at the resort, an outdoor swimming pool, another restaurant and a snack bar are available to guests. Boat excursions and golf at a nearby course may also be arranged. A hotel of character and yesteryear charm, the Sofitel Winter Palace makes a wonderful base for exploring Luxor, where history surrounds you.
Red Sea Coast Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh 5*
A secluded haven of timeless beauty. Nature’s colours come to life at The Oberoi, Sahl Hasheesh with white sand, aquamarine waters and vibrantly-hued and rare marine life. In exotic Egypt, this exclusive luxury resort on the Red Sea Coast is situated on 48 acres with a private beach. The architecture of the resort reflects the style of the region, resplendent with domes, arches and columns. Peace and privacy pervade this all-suite resort, with private courtyards complemented by soothing interiors and luxurious bathrooms. The resort’s distinctive guest accommodations include Deluxe, Grand and Royal Suites. Grand and Royal Suites have private heated swimming pools. The Restaurant has commanding views of the sea and offers an a la carte menu of Continental and Oriental cuisine. Dine alfresco to take advantage of the stunning fairytale appearance of the resorts illuminated domes after dark. Other restaurants include the poolside Pergola for light snacks and the elegant Zaafran for Oriental and Indian cuisine.
DEPARTURES AND PRICES
Tailormade: We are tailor-made specialists which is reflected in the excellent value we are able to give our clients. We regularly receive special offers from airlines and hotels, enabling us to tailor-make the best possible price at the time of your enquiry. As a result the choice of airline and hotel will differ dependent on the time of your enquiry.
