Big 5 African Safaris, accommodated, camping and fully escorted

7: Aswan - Overnight train

Those who have booked the optional excursion to Abu Simbel will rise early and travel by road along the shores of Lake Nasser to the great Temple of Ramses II, one of the most impressive ever built. For the rest of us it's another lazy day in Aswan, checking out the shops and watching the locals. After a break for lunch we might head out on a felucca sailboat and then take a camel ride towards the Monastery of St. Simeon - a great way to spend the afternoon. In the late afternoon we are transferred to the station for the overnight recliner train back to Cairo.

8-9: Cairo

Arrive Cairo in the morning and be transferred to the hotel. Today you will see some of the medieval Cairo like Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, Cairo's oldest mosque and the Gayer Anderson museum. There's time shopping at the bazaar. The tour ends after breakfast on Day 9.

2: Cairo to Luxor

With a population of around 16 million people, Cairo is one of the world’s biggest cities and there’s a lot to see and do. With our guide we visit the pyramids and the Sphinx and also see the wonderful Valley Temple of King Chephren. The afternoon is free to explore further and many will want to check out the Egyptian Museum (just a short taxi ride away on the other side of the river… depending on Cairo traffic!). In the evening we head to the train station for the overnight train to Luxor – always a fun experience. Our air-conditioned carriage has large, comfortable seats (similar to business class seats on a plane) that recline back at about 45 degrees and a simple dinner and breakfast are served on board. There is a toilet located at the end of the carriage.

1: Cairo

On arrival into Cairo, be met and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to explore.

5: Edfu - Kom Ombo

Visit the well preserved temple dedicated to Horus in the morning, then after cruising, visit the Temple of Sobek at Kom Ombo. Cruise overnight.

6: Aswan

Morning arrival into Aswan. Depending on the arrival time, a visit to the Temple of Isis may be possible. The rest of the day is free to wander through the Nubian bazaar or visit the Nubian Museum (own expense).

4 : Valley of the Kings - Nile Cruise

We wake early and cross the Nile, where our donkeys are waiting to take us into the Valley of the Kings. After matching up the donkeys to riders, we head off just as the sun begins to rise in the eastern skies. It’s great fun and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. Around midday we return to the east bank, where we board our Nile riverboat and set sail towards Aswan. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax on the sundeck. During the next two days we sail upstream, gliding over the dark waters of the Nile River.

3: Luxor

Luxor boasts the greatest quantity of ancient sites anywhere in the world, and there’s heaps to see and do while here. After checking our gear in to the hotel, just near the bazaar, we have time to explore our surroundings – or perhaps enjoy a swim in the rooftop pool. The bazaar is pretty big and will keep shopaholics busy for hours. Alternatively you can visit the excellent little Luxor Museum – or take a stroll around Luxor Temple, dominating the centre of town. Entrance fees for these two options are listed below. Another popular activity is to take a horse-carriage ride to Karnak Temple, dedicated to the great God Amon and considered one of the greatest of Ancient Egyptian monuments. Your tour leader can help organise the carriages. Don’t miss the sunset tonight over the west bank!

Trip Start	Trip Finish	Twin Share Price	Local Pymt Currency	Single Supp	Trip Notes
01 Jan 2011	31 Dec 2011	$1695	$	$0	Departs every SATURDAY.View Notes