Day 1   Arrive in Cairo
 
Today we arrive in Cairo; transfer to our hotel. Overnight in Cairo-Giza. Dinner if required. 
  
Day 2   Cairo - Alexandria - Cairo
 
Early this morning we travel from Cairo to Alexandria, a city whose 19th century architecture is redolent of colonial days. In Alexandria, we visit the Roman Catacombs, tombs that were tunneled into the bedrock in the age of the Antonine emperors (2nd century AD) for a single wealthy family still practicing the ancient religion. These tombs represent the last existing major construction for the sake of the old Egyptian religion. Though the funerary motifs are pure ancient Egyptian, the architects and artists were schooled in the Graeco-Roman style. Applied to the themes of Ancient Egyptian religion, it has resulted in an amazing integrated art, quite unlike anything else in the world. A highlight of today is a visit to Bibliotheca Alexandria. Once the greatest library in the ancient world, the Bibliotheca is dedicated to "the writings of all nations." Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the modern Bibliotheka cost some USD150 million, all by donation from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Iraq. At the end of our sightseeing, we return to Cairo. Overnight in Cairo-Giza. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 3   Cairo: Memphis & Saqqara, Great Pyramids & the Sphinx
 
This morning we travel to Memphis and Saqqara, chronologically the two most important sites in all of Egypt. Memphis was the capital of Egypt during the Old Kingdom (ca 2700-2180 BC), and Saqqara was used as a burial place for residents of Memphis including kings, princes and nobles. Our drive this morning takes us past some small, colourful villages and plantations in the fertile Nile Valley. At the ancient city of Memphis we will see several statues in a garden-like setting, including the colossal statue of Rameses the Great. You will have ample opportunity to photograph the statue from the gallery's mezzanine. From Memphis we travel a short distance to Saqqara, the ancient burial site. On the site, considered by many archaeologists to be one of the world's most important excavations, is the Step Pyramid, constructed by Imhotep in the 27th century BC. The pyramid is part of the tomb complex of Zoser, the first Pharaoh of the Old Kingdom. The pyramid began as a simple mastaba, or long, flat tomb building. Over the course of time, Imhotep added to this mastaba five times--the pyramid eventually measured 62m (203 feet) in height! After lunch we pay a visit to the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. These Pharaonic monuments have come to symbolize Egypt's glory and mystery. Impressive in their grandeur, the pyramids are estimated to have been constructed over a period of 20 years using more than 100,000 labourers each year. The Great Pyramid of Cheops, constructed from over two million stone blocks, is 135m (443 feet) high! The stone for the Pyramid complex -- Pyramid of Cheops, Pyramid of Chefren and Pyramid of Mykerinos--was quarried from nearby hills south of Cairo. You may enter one of the pyramids through a long, narrow passageway and explore the deep inner chambers (for an extra cost of approx USD 4.00). Later we see the Sphinx. This feline-human was named by the Greeks because it resembled the mythical winged monster with a woman's head and lion's body. Legend has it that this "Sphinx" proposed a riddle to the Thebans and killed all who could not guess the correct answer! The Sphinx was carved from one solid piece of limestone and measures 50m (164 feet) in length and 22m (72 feet) in height. Overnight Cairo-Giza. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 4   Cairo - Abu Simbel - Aswan
 
Early this morning we fly from Cairo directly to Abu Simbel and the imposing rock temples of Rameses II and his queen, Nefartari. In the 1960s Abu Simbel became the focus of world attention as the controversial construction of the High Dam threatened the temples. In a large-scale world relief, funded mainly by UNESCO, the temple was delicately disassembled with the aid of laser technology and shifted to a site on the banks of the artificially formed Lake Nasser. We have a guided tour of this site, including the interior of the colossal temples. The Temple of Rameses II, with its immense statues of the Pharaoh seated on his throne, is one of the classic images of the power of the Pharaohs. Inside the temple you will see well-preserved wall decorations and several murals. We also gain insight into the reconstruction process by visiting the interior of the artificial mountain. After our tour we travel by road to Aswan with a brief visit to the High Dam en route. Constructed between 1960 and 1971, the High Dam collects and stores water over a number of years so that the annual Nile flood can be controlled. We will have a panoramic view of Aswan to the north and Lake Nasser to the south. This evening we will attend the Sound & Light Show at Philae Temple. The temple is situated on an island, and we have to take a boat to get to the site. Since early this century, the site of Philae was flooded for six months each year. An incredible restoration programme was undertaken in the 1960s and the temple was moved stone by stone to a higher elevation. Overnight in Aswan. Basma Hotel (or similar). Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 5   Aswan: St Simeon Camel Trek
 
Today we travel by small boat across the River Nile to the west bank. From here we travel by camel across the sandy desert to the Christian Monastery of St Simeon. Riding a camel is one of the most invigorating, exciting ways to see Egypt. Before we begin this easy trek our Tour Leader and camel trainer will teach you the technique of riding a camel! This is a journey that can be undertaken by anyone at any age (one rider per camel). Our trek is about 45 minutes to the monastery. Those who prefer not to ride can stay with the boat and rejoin the camel riders for our trip to Kitchener's Island. Dating from the 6th century, and in use until the 13th century, the Monastery of St Simeon is one of the best preserved Christian sites in Egypt. The monastery, built on two plateaux, is surrounded by a high wall. Inside we will see the chapel, living quarters, kitchen and dining areas, wine press, bake area and storerooms. On our tour we will also see the remains of some Coptic frescoes --depictions of Christ and saints as well as many geometric patterns. From the monastery we continue on our camel journey for another 15 minutes back to the bank of the Nile. From here we board our boat and ride among the islands dotting the Nile. Up the hill, above the river, is the Mausoleum of the Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismailis, a Shi'ite sect based principally in India but with followers around theworld. The tomb is an elegant pink granite structure of late 1950 origin. The main island is called Elephantine Island because many of the rocks look like elephants bathing in the Nile. We will arrive at the beautiful Kitchener's Island where we will have time to stroll through the rich botanical gardens with trees, plants, and bushes. This evening we cross the Nile to a Nubian village and enjoy dinner at a local home. Overnight in Aswan. Basma Hotel (or similar). Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 6   Aswan: Nile Cruise Embarkation
 
This morning we have a leisurely sail on a fellucca, a traditional sailing vessel used for centuries for carrying goods and passengers along the Nile. At around midday we board our Nile cruise vessel and enjoy lunch on board. This afternoon you have a choice between a free afternoon either on board the ship (which will remain docked in Aswan until tomorrow), or in the town of Aswan, OR you can join the ship's sightseeing programme. This sightseeing will likely include the 'Unfinished Obelisk', the High Dam (already seen), and Philae temple, also already visited, but some passengers enjoy seeing it again during daylight hours. Overnight on Nile cruise. NTS cruise (or similar). All meals. 
  
Day 7   Nile Cruise: Kom Ombo & Edfu
 
We will make a stop and visit the Temple of Kom Ombo. In ancient times, Kom Ombo was strategically important as a trading town on the caravan route from Nubia to Cairo. Kom Ombo, actually two temples in one, is dedicated dually to Haroeris and Sobek, respectively the god of the sky and the crocodile-headed god. Here we are able to see the remains of a mummified crocodile. Crocodiles no longer exist in the Egyptian part of the River Nile, but in Pharaonic times they lived here in great numbers and were worshipped as gods! From Kom Ombo we continue along the River Nile toward Edfu. As the largest and most completely preserved Pharaonic temple, albeit Greek-built, Edfu is dedicated to the god Horus. Construction of this temple began under Ptolemy III Euergetes I in 237 BC. We will allow time to explore this massive and impressive site, enclosed by walls and flanked by two large pylon gateways. Here we will also be able to see a Nilometer -- an ancient technique of measuring the Nile's water fluctuations and setting the level of taxes! Overnight on Nile cruise. NTS cruise (or similar). All meals. 
  
Day 8   Nile Cruise: Luxor Carriage Tour & Karnak Temple
 
Overnight or early this morning we will have arrived at Luxor. This morning we will enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of Luxor to visit one of the most fantastic archaeological sites in the world: Karnak Temple. Karnak was built, added to, dismantled, restored, enlarged and decorated during its colourful history of over 1,500 years. At certain points in Egyptian history, this temple was the most important in all of Egypt. When we arrive at the temple you will be awed by the grandeur of the tremendous pylon gateway and the Avenue of 1,000 Sphinxes that originally ran all the way to the Nile and Luxor Temple! We will have a guided tour of the complex, massive by any standard. Our carriage ride continues through the town of Luxor and surrounding countryside. This is one of the best ways to see local town and village life in Egypt where we see the "fellahin" (farmers) at work. During time on your own this afternoon, we suggest a visit to the excellent Luxor Museum. Overnight on Nile cruise (docked at Luxor). NTS cruise (or similar). All meals. 
  
Day 9   Luxor: Valley of the Queens
 
Today we disembark our cruise and move to our hotel in Luxor. This morning we make an excursion the Valley of the Queens. After crossing the Nile we will board our bus for the short journey to visit this wonderful necropolis on the western shore of the Nile. The Valley of the Queens was used as a burial site for the royal women of the 18th, 19th and 20th Dynasties. Ancient Egyptians called this place "Set Neferu" meaning Seat Of Beauty, and today only a few of the eighty tombs are open to the public. We will visit 3 tombs. The Valley of the Queens holds far more than graves of queens. High officials had been buried here before the first queen. Royal children were also buried here next to the queens. As well as our visit to the Valley of the Queens we will also have a guided tour of the workers' village and the Madinat Habu temple. Madinat Habu, also known as the temple of Rameses III was known in ancient times as Djanet, and according to ancient belief, was the place were Amon first appeared. Both Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis III built a temple dedicated to Amon here, and later Rameses III constructed his larger memorial temple on the site. Overnight in Luxor. Luxor Sheraton (or similar). Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 10   Luxor: Valley of the Kings
 
Early this morning we cross the River Nile by boat to the West Bank where the wealth of antiquities is outstanding. On the other side we will meet our transport for our excursion into the Valley of the Kings. Our preferred method of travel today is by donkey (though we can arrange a minibus for those who do not wish to travel in this manner). After we "saddle-up" we begin our trek through the New Gourna Village and into the countryside. En route we will pass by the Colossi of Memnon. These two huge statues sit side by side; they originally flanked the entry to the funerary temple of Amenophis III. The Colossi were named from a legend explaining the phenomenon of the dawn. Excellent photo opportunities occur here with you on your donkey and the Colossi in the background. We continue from here along the road leading into the hills. From where the road forks, we travel along the stony pathway toward the cliff ridge. Our donkey ride from here on offers breathtaking views of the Nile valley below. At some points, we make brief stops for photographs and to give our donkeys a rest; there are also some parts of the trail that we have to walk as the burden to the donkey would be too much. When we arrive at a ridge overlooking the Valley of the Kings we will dismount from our donkeys and walk the remainder of the way down into the valley. It is a short but steep walk; a good pair of shoes or lightweight hiking boots will be required. Once in the isolated valley dominated by large pyramid-shaped mountains, we will have a guided tour of three of the many tombs that are here. The valley was the burial ground for pharaoh kings throughout the New Kingdom. Note that some of the tombs have steep stairways and all are dark inside. It is a good idea to have a small flashlight with you today for a closer inspection of the interior of the tombs. When we have finished the guided tour of the Valley of the Kings. We then proceed to the funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut -- the first woman to rule as pharaoh! We have a tour of this impressive complex, discovered in the mid-19th century and still under restoration. The temple's 37 m- (121 foot-) wide causeway leads us to three huge terraced courts. After our tour we return by donkey (or minibus) through the countryside to the river. We may be invited into a village home for some tea before returning to Luxor. Tonight you may choose to visit the Sound and Light show at Karnak Temple (optional). Overnight in Luxor. Luxor Sheraton (or similar). Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 11   Luxor - Kharga Oasis
 
Today we travel by road to Kharga Oasis, the southernmost of Egypt's five western oases. It is located in the Libyan Desert, about 200 km to the west of the Nile valley, and is some 150 km long. The oases have always been crossroads of caravan routes converging from the barren desert. In the case of Kharga, this is made particularly evident by the presence of a chain of fortresses that the Romans built to protect the Darb el-Arbain, the long caravan route running north-south between Middle Egypt and the Sudan. Stunning views of the surrounding desert and the charm of the mountains create a wonderful atmosphere of pureness and serenity. This afternoon you can enjoy the amenities of our resort. Overnight at Kharga Oasis. Sol Y Mar Pioneers Resort. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 12   Kharga Oasis - Luxor
 
This morning we visit the Temple of Hibis, built on the site of an 18th dynasty settlement of Saites, Persians and Ptolemies. One of the few Persian monuments in Egypt, the 6th century BC temple is well-preserved with painted vultures and huge reliefs of Darius greeting Egyptian gods on the outer walls. Ten kilometers away, the Necropolis of al-Bagawat contains 263 mud-brick chapels with Coptic murals, including the Chapel of Peace with images of Adam and Eve and the Ark on its dome and the Chapel of the Exodus with frescoes of pharaonic troops pursuing the Jews led by Moses, out of Egypt. Pharaonic monuments include the al-Hhuwaytah Temple which dates from 522 BC and the Temple of Amenebis. We return to Luxor. Overnight in Luxor. Luxor Sheraton (or similar). Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 13   Luxor - Cairo, Egypt - Nairobi, Kenya
 
Today we fly to Nairobi, Kenya (via Cairo) and transfer to our hotel. Part of Maasai land when the British arrived, this modern capital grew with the development of the railway. Derived from a Maasai word meaning "Cold Water," Nairobi is a pleasant mix of colonial British with modern and traditional African influences. NOTE: This flight is NOT included in the Land Price. Call us for an all inclusive air price from your town or city. Our air prices are based on a routing with KLM / NW Airlines. Please also note that this flight may actually be overnight, thus requiring that you depart from Luxor LAST NIGHT arriving in Luxor this morning. Overnight in Nairobi. Nairobi Hilton or similar. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 14   Nairobi - Samburu National Reserve
 
Today we travel from Nairobi, through the "White Highlands," so called because of the large number of Europeans who settled here, northwards to the Samburu National Reserve arriving in the mid-afternoon. En route we stop for lunch on the lower slopes of Mt Kenya where we may catch a glimpse of the glaciers coating the summit of Africa's second highest mountain. The Samburu Reserve is mainly semi-desert savannah plain with the seasonal Ewaso Nyiro River supporting a wide variety of game such as elephant, buffalo, cheetah, leopard and lion as well as dik-dik (a tiny antelope), and warthog. On our afternoon game drive you can almost certainly be guaranteed close-up sightings of elephant, giraffe and gazelle. Overnight in the Samburu National Reserve. Samburu Lodge or Serena Lodge or similar. All meals. 
  
Day 15   Samburu National Reserve
 
Today we have a full day of game viewing in Samburu National Reserve where we have a good chance of seeing the so-called "Northerns" -- the Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe and the blue-legged Somali ostrich -- species of animals found only in this dry area of Kenya. In addition, crocodiles can often be seen along the river bank. This afternoon we may have an opportunity to pay a visit to a nearby Samburu village (optional expense - approximately 15 USD). The Samburu are semi-nomadic pastoralists well-known for their proud adherence to traditional tribal customs and elaborate personal adornment. Overnight in the Samburu National Reserve. Samburu Lodge or Serena Lodge or similar. All meals. 
  
Day 16   Samburu - Mt Kenya Conservation Area
 
This morning we will depart for the lower slopes of Mt Kenya, rising to 5199 m (16,728 feet), Africa's second highest peak. Our drive will take us into the Central Highlands, the heartland of the Kikuyu people. This is a very fertile region, well-watered, intensively cultivated, and thickly forested. The land was coveted by the Europeans who began arriving in ever-increasing numbers once the railway through the area was completed. The settlers established coffee and tea plantations on the eastern slopes of Mt Kenya and cultivated wheat on the western slopes. The higher regions of the slopes are left to the leopard, buffalo, lion and elephant. Tonight we overnight at a "Tree-Style" lodge, uniquely designed and situated to provide one with a close-up view of a wide variety of wild animals as they come to drink and cavort. We highly recommend an optional guided nature walk (approx USD 30, payable locally) offered by the lodge. All rooms have a waterhole view and en suite facilities. Overnight in Mt Kenya Conservation area. Serena Mountain Lodge. All meals. 
  
Day 17   Mt Kenya Conservation Area - Great Rift Valley - Lake Nakuru National Park
 
This morning we travel to Lake Nakuru, a shallow soda lake in the Rift Valley. The Rift Valley was created millions of years ago under the strain of enormous volcanic eruptions which resulted in a giant split in the earth's surface from Syria to Mozambique. Lava flowed into the valley, forming escarpments on either side of the gigantic trough which can be up to 80 km (50 miles) wide, big enough to be visible from space. At the lake, depending on the water levels, we may have the opportunity to see up to two million flamingos, in addition to the over 340 species of birds that have been recorded in the Rift Valley! Lake Nakuru is very shallow and can fluctuate up to five metres (12 feet) each day. When the water is low, you can see a white band of crystallized soda along the shoreline. This is also one of the best places in Kenya to view the rare White Rhino as we explore the park on our afternoon game drive. Overnight in Lake Nakuru National Park. Sarova Lion Hill Camp Lodge or similar. All meals. 
  
Day 18   Lake Nakuru - Maasai Mara National Reserve
 
Early this morning we depart from Lake Nakuru National Park and continue our journey through the Rift Valley, passing by Lake Naivasha and nearby Mount Longonot, a relatively young volcanic reminder of the Rift's violent past. We arrive at our lodge (via bad road) in the Maasai Mara National Reserve in time for lunch. The Maasai Mara is a natural extension of the Serengeti eco-system and has an amazing concentration of wildlife. The largest population of lions in Kenya is found here, along with large herds of plains game. The Maasai Mara may also be the best place in Kenya to view cheetah. Later this afternoon we enjoy another game drive. Overnight in the Maasai Mara. Mara Sopa Lodge or similar. All meals. 
  
Day 19   Maasai Mara - Nairobi
 
After breakfast we depart for Nairobi. En route, just outside the capital, we visit the Karen Blixen Museum. Baroness Karen Blixen-Finecke emigrated from Denmark to Kenya in 1918 and, in 1937, wrote under the pseudonym, Isaac Dineson, "Out of Africa." The novel tells the tale of the Baroness's experiences on a Kenya farm. Her home is now a museum, restored to the style in which she maintained it. Tonight will enjoy an evening at the famous Carnivore Restaurant where we can sample exotic roasted meats (vegetarian meals available). Overnight in Nairobi. Nairobi Hilton or similar. Breakfast and dinner. 
  
Day 20   Departure
 
Departure from Nairobi. Breakfast. SAFIRI SALAAMA!

10/09