Egypt and the Nile
Legends & Heroes
2 nights – 3 days (EALH)
This three day tour includes two nights accommodation in the legendary city of Alexandria and can be added to any of the Temptation Tours starting or finishing in Cairo. Located on the blue waters of the Mediterranean, Alexandria is an eclectic mix of the ancient Egyptian, Hellenic influence and touches of the Italian.
Egypt
Alexandria
2
CAIRO Sinai
Luxor
Aswan
ARRIVING IN ALEXANDRIA VIA DIRECT FLIGHT? WE CAN CUSTOMISE THIS TOUR TO SUIT BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO CAIRO.
Abu Simbel
Itinerary
Day 1 : Cairo – Alexandria
Following an early breakfast we journey to Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast. Known for its founding by the great Macedonian warrior, Alexander the Great and home to the legendary Queen Cleopatra, Alexandria has a wealth of treasures to see. Tour includes the Alexandria National Museum, the Catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa, the Roman Amphitheatre and Pompey’s Pillar. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in Alexandria. (B)
INCLUSIONS:
Transfers Tour Directors Collection from your hotel. Fully escorted service including professional, experienced multi lingual Tour Directors. Professional local guides at key sites. Private airconditioned coach. 2 nights hotels. All entrance fees included in itinerary.
Departure Dates
Departs Daily Cairo 2006–2007
Local Guides Transportation Accommodation Entrance Fees
Day 2
: Alexandria – El Alamein
Full day at leisure. Optional tour visiting the coastal town of El Alamein, the desert location where the Allies defeated the German general Erwin Rommel, visiting the Commonwealth War Cemetery and the War Museum. Here we see an extraordinary collection on memorabilia including tanks left behind after the battle. For something different, join an optional diving expedition in the Harbour to see the remains of Cleopatra’s Palace and the sunken treasures of the old Romans and Greeks, a veritable treasure trove under water. Free evening. (B)
Star Trekking...are you up for a unique experience?
Trekking can be a hugely self satisfying experience – putting one foot in front of the other can induce a sort of “man against nature” mentality which sets in and defies one to press through the barriers. However, it must be said that trekking is not for the faint-hearted, flat footed or the “couch potatoes”! Significant preparation must be done – not just to get the body in shape, but to be aware of what equipment may be required and what clothing should be taken. After all, one can’t lug the Louis Vuitton around the canyons and gorges! Sleeping bags, water bottles, the ubiquitous sun hat and sun screen are mandatory, the trekker relies mostly on their own feet as the primary form of transportation so sensible, comfortable shoes and socks are a must! The Sinai in particular is very popular with adventurous trekkers, offering a variety of different landscapes, from dry river beds to stark canyons, waterfalls and gorges.Trekking through this sometimes desolate region offers a rewarding experience. The masters of the trek are without question Bedouin – a nomadic people, that have for centuries since their migration from Saudi Arabia, been the custodians of the rugged peninsula, caring for the environment with passion and commitment. Living in tribes and sustained by a family culture, the Bedouin are a fiercely independent people. Our Bedouin guides take good care of your well-being by choosing picturesque lunch stops, as well as the night camp, preparing local Egyptian dishes for a well-deserved dinner in the evening, often followed by music and entertainment. Every family member contributes – women, children, elders and, of course, the animals. Camels, donkeys and goats are an integral part of the family dynamic providing transportation and sustenance for the family as they go about their daily life. Beautiful desert features, bizarre rock formations, ever-changing colours, picturesque little oases, all combine to present the trekker with a truly sublime experience – although not everyone’s “cup of tea”, for those who hunger for an encounter with Nature in a raw, almost undiluted form, taking a desert trek through the Sinai will undoubtedly freshen the soul and stimulate the senses.
Day 3
: Alexandria – Cairo
Before leaving lovely Alexandria this afternoon we have a free morning to explore. There’s Fort Qaitbey, the Mamluk fortification constructed to safeguard the harbour and built on the site of the ancient Pharos lighthouse or take a picnic in the Montazah gardens surrounding the old summer palace. Or perhaps take a special morning tea in one of the landmark hotels on the Corniche. Depart for Cairo late afternoon, arriving early evening. Transfer to hotel. (B)
18
Register online to subscribe to our monthly e newsletter www.temptationtours.com.au