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Egypt & Greece Highlights
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Itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
Saturday Arrival: Day 1 CAIRO Arrival at Cairo International Airport where you will be welcomed by our representative and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 2 CAIRO (B) The excitement today begins with the fabulous Cairo Museum of Antiquities. Regarded as one of the most prominent in the world, offers visitors remarkable insights into Egypt’s ancient history dating back 5,000 years. Antiquities include among others the treasures of King Tutankhamon, the Mummy room and more. Then proceed to the great Pyramid of Cheops, and the Sphinx, the great God-Lion sentinel. Built over 3500 years ago the towering Pyramid stands majestically on a desert plateau with two slightly smaller pyramids (one built by Cheops’ son Kophren and the other by Mycerinus) erected to preserve their bodies and treasures for the afterlife. Return to the hotel
Day 3 CAIRO - LUXOR (Nile Cruise) (B,L,D) Morning flight takes you to Luxor to embark on your ship for a five day cruise on the river Nile. After a relaxing lunch on board we visit the Temples of Karnak and Luxor. The Hypostyle Hall with its 134 columns, the Obelisk of Queen Hatsepsut and the avenue of the Sphinxes are among the featured sites. Tonight the Captain’s welcome cocktail party followed by dinner.
Day 4 LUXOR-WEST BANK-ESNA (B,L,D) Early morning we cross the Nile by ferry boat to the powerful West Bank. Thebes sightseeing includes the mysterious Valley of the Kings, set in the Lybian Hills, where dynasties of Pharaos were buried. The Valley of the Queens, Queen’s Hatshepsut great Temple, the funerary Temple of Ramses III and the Colossi of Memnon at Medinet Habut. We sail to Esna in the afternoon. Tonight dinner on board followed by a Calabeya party.
| Day 5 ESNA-EDFU-KOM OMBO
(B,L,D) Our visit to the village of Esna this morning includes the
Ptolemaic Temple of Khnum the ram headed God . Return to the ship for lunch. We
continue sailing to Edfu where our shore excursion takes us to Edfu’s superbly
preserved Temple of the Falcon God Horus, built 237 BC. Return to the ship and
cruise to Kom Ombo.
Day 6 KOM OMBO-ASWAN (B,L,D) Morning visit to Kom Ombo’s Ptolemaic Temple dedicated to two Gods, Sobek and Heroeis, which offers beautiful murals and a splendid panoramic view of the Nile. Marvel at the haunting carvings and mummified crocodiles. Enjoy lunch on board as we cruise the Nile to Aswan. In the afternoon sail on a felucca boat to view the Elephantine island, the Mausoleum of Agha khan and Kichener island. |
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Day 7 ASWAN-CAIRO (B) Disembark this morning and visit the Old and High dams, the ancient Granite Quaries with the 170 ft. long Unfinished Obelisk, the Temple of Isis rising of the waters of lake Nasser on the Island of Philae. Then transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo. (Optional excursion to Abu Simbel is offered before your flight) .Upon arrival you will be escorted to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure for your own activities.
Day 8 CAIRO-ATHENS (B) After breakfast at the hotel you will be escorted to the Cairo airport for your departing flight to Athens. Upon arrival in Athens, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day at leisure in this lively city.
Day 9 ATHENS (B) A morning tour introduces you to Athens most important sites. Highlights include the Tomb of the unknown soldier, the Royal Palace, The Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, the Panathenian Stadium built to accommodate the first modern Olympic Games, the Acropolis and its Parthenon. The afternoon and evening are free to make your own discoveries. Hunt for souvenirs in Monastiraki flea market or wander through Plaka area with its elegant shops and charming tavernas.
Day 10 PIRAEUS (Cruising)-MYKONOS (B,L,D) This morning you will be transferred to Piraeus harbor to board your cruise ship for a four night cruise to the Greek islands and Turkey. Settle in and relax as we sail to Mykonos, our first port of call with its whitewashed houses, flower-filled streets and thatched-roof windmills.
Day 11 KUSADASI-PATMOS (B,L,D) Early today we drop anchor at the Turkish port of Kusadasi, getaway to Ephesus. An optional excursion takes you to the ruins of the ancient city where St. Paul once preached. Later we cruise to Patmos the quiet and pretty island where St. John wrote the Book of Revelations. Do not miss the optional excursion to the monastery which houses an original manuscript of the gospel and the Grotto of St. John.
Day 12 RHODES (B,L,D) Early morning arrival in to the ancient walled harbor where Colossus once stood. Explore on your own the picturesque medieval town of Rhodes, relax on the beaches or take an optional excursion to the city and the lush hills and valleys en route to the picturesque town of Lindos with its own famous Acropolis.
Day 13 HERAKLION-SANTORINI (B,L,D) This morning we call at Heraklion Crete. The history of the island reaches back into the mists of legend; King Minos, the Minotaur, the Labyrinth, all come alive with an optional tour to the Palace of Knossos. Then sail to Santorini where a volcanic eruption in 1450 BC may have destroyed the Atlantis of legend. Take the cable car or an unforgettable donkey-back ride to the mountain-top village.
Day 14 PIRAEUS (B) Early morning arrival into the Piraeus harbor. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your departing flight home.
NOTE: For departure dates between Nov. 1, 2008 - Feb. 28, 2009, the 4 days Greek islands cruise (not in operation) will be substituted with the 4-day Classical Tour and one extra day in Athens.
Itinerary as follows:
Days 1-9 Same as above.
Day 10 ARGOLIS (B,D) Journey into antiquity as you cross from Attica to Peloponnese. First a stop at the Corinth Canal. Then on to Mycenae to view the handsome Lion Gate and Beehive Tombs, remnants of a once great city. At Epidaurus, the perfect acoustics of the 4th century BC amphitheater will astonish you. Dinner and overnight at the picturesque town of Nauplion.
Day 11 OLYMPIA (B,D) From Nauplion the mountainous road winds to Olympia, site of the original Olympic games. The sightseeing explores the ruins of the great Doric Temple of Zeus, the Museum and the ancient stadium. Dinner and overnight in Olympia.
Day 12 DELPHI (B,D) Morning drive north through Patras to Delphi where the wild beauty and grandeur of the landscape are awe-inspiring. Visit the Sacred Way, Temple of Apollo, the Seat of the Oracle, Sanctuary of Athena, Castalia Spring and more. Dinner and overnight in Delphi.
Day 13 DELPHI-ATHENS (B) Continue your sightseeing in sacred Delphi, visit the Museum, which houses many masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture and the famous Bronze Charioteer. In the afternoon drive through the village of Arachova renowned for its colorful rugs en route back to Athens. Early evening arrival.
Day 14 ATHENS (B) Morning transfer to the airport for your flight home.
DATES: Saturdays
Jan* $2,775 Feb* $2,775 Mar $2,895 Apr $2,875 May $2,975 Jun $2,935 Jul $2,935 Aug $2,935 Sep $2,976 Oct $2,976 Nov* $2,875 Dec* $2,875
* The Greek Island cruise does not operate on these departure dates and is substituted with the 4 Day Classical tour.
Rates are per person, based on double occupancy.
Single Supplement: Aegean cruise option $925 / 4 day tour option $795, Triple reduction: Aegean cruise option $170 / 4 day tour option $100
Port taxes of $95 are not included. Shore excursions for the Greek Island cruise are optional and not included.
EXTEND YOUR STAY.
Double: $85/$77 Single: $140/$108 Triple: $78/$60. Rates are per night per
person and include breakfast, hotel service charges and taxes.
ATHENS: St. George Hotel. NAFPLION: Amalia Hotel. OLYMPIA:
Amalia Hotel DELPHI: Amalia Hotel. CAIRO: Cairo Sheraton
YOUR CRUISES.
- NILE CRUISE: The Diamond or ms Vittoria. (Diamond does not call at Esna.)
- GREEK ISLAND CRUISE: Louis Cruise Lines’ vessel.
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