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Treasures of Nubia

Statue of Ramses II, Abu Simbel

Click on the name of the hotel or cruise ship for details

CRUISING ON LAKE NASSER - please read.

8 days from £930

excluding international flights

DAY 1 – Arrival in Cairo.  Continue by air to Aswan.

On arrival in Cairo you will be met in the baggage hall by our representative who will assist you through customs, and hand over your domestic flight tickets. Continue by EgyptAir to Aswan where you will be met and taken by private car direct to your hotel. Recommended flight from London: bmi from London Heathrow (see below). If you are travelling from a country other than the UK we would be happy to give you guidance on your flight options.

DAYS 2 AND 3 – At leisure in Aswan.

Aswan, gateway to Nubia, is situated downriver from the First Cataract on the Nile. It was here that the British built a dam between 1898 and 1902, but this was superseded by the Aswan High Dam, constructed by President Nasser in the 1960s, resulting in the creation of Lake Nasser, the largest artificial lake in the world. These two days are to relax in the peaceful surroundings of your hotel on Elephantine Island, take a ride on a felucca, or shop in Aswan's bazaars.  If this is your first time in the city, the World Discovery representatives will be happy to organise sightseeing to visit the highlights of Aswan - the High Dam, the unfinished obelisk in the granite quarries, the marvellous Temple of Philae, or a camel ride across the desert to visit the Monastery of St Simeon.
Meals included: Full breakfast each day.

DAY 4 – Embark on your Lake Nasser Cruise ship.

You will be collected and driven to Aswan Harbour to board the Kasr Ibrim in time for lunch.  In the afternoon visit the Kalabsha Temple, Beit el-Wali temple and the small but attractive Kiosk of Kertassi (pictured) [more].  Return to the Kasr Ibrim for afternoon tea in the lounge.  Overnight at Aswan Harbour.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner.

DAY 5 – Cruising on Lake Nasser.

The day is spent sailing south on the tranquil waters of Lake Nasser, crossing the Tropic of Cancer on your way to Wadi el-Seboua, where you will moor for the night. 
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner

DAY 6 - Cruising with several shore excursions.

Sites visited today are Wadi el-Seboua, the Temple of Maharakka, the small Chapel of Dakka, and Amada [more].  Overnight at Amada.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner.

DAY 7 – Kasr Ibrim.  Arrival at Abu Simbel.

In the morning the ship reaches Kasr Ibrim, a castle which once dominated the area from its mountain-top location, now just above the water on an island.  The guide's explanation is given on the ship's sun deck as entrance to the site is not permitted.  You will now set sail for Abu Simbel, the highlight of the cruise.  The temples are first sighted in the distance in the late morning, and you will moor near the site by lunchtime.  A visit is made in the afternoon to this spectacular site [more].  In the evening there is the option (ticket not included) of re-visiting the temples for a Sound and Light performance.  Overnight at Abu Simbel aboard the Kasr Ibrim.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner.

DAY 8 – Fly back to Cairo to connect with your homeward flight.

Disembark after breakfast. Fly back to Cairo to connect with your homeward flight.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

International Flights

We recommend the services of bmi from London Heathrow. Flights are non-stop and have a choice of classes. Current timings (subject to possible change) are as follows:
Heathrow/Cairo. Depart at 09.15; arrive Cairo at 16.20
Cairo/Heathrow. Depart at 17.25; arrive Heathrow at 20.50

Treasures of Nubia (Tour Reference: WDEG010)
2010/2011 Departures
Price per person based on a minimum of two persons travelling together:

Single Room Supplements on request.

The price includes:

• Scheduled domestic flights on EgyptAir from Cairo to Aswan and from Abu Simbel to Cairo, including local airport taxes.
• Hotel and cruise ship accommodation as listed above in twin-bedded rooms/cabins with private facilities.
• 7 full breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners as shown in the itinerary. During the Lake Nasser cruise, a light afternoon tea will also be served.
• Private transfers at each location.
• All sightseeing as shown (unless indicated as ‘optional’), including entrance fees.
• The services during the cruise of the boat’s English-speaking guide.

Not included in the price:

• International flights (see our recommendation above). We are happy to discuss the flights with you and give you further guidance.
• Optional sightseeing.
• International airport taxes.
• Tipping. We will be pleased to give guidance in this often sensitive matter.
• Your Egyptian Visa.  This can be obtained on arrival at Cairo Airport (no forms or photos required).  Current cost is 15 US dollars.

A deposit of £250 per person is required at the time of booking. The balance of the price for your travel arrangements must be paid at least 8 weeks before your departure date.