Anzac & Ancient Egypt - 15 days
Starts: 22nd April. Pay your respects at Gallipoli then head to Egypt to explore Pyramids tombs and temples, and round it off with snorkelling or relaxation time on the sunny coast of Dahab
Day 1: 22 April - Istanbul
Sunday 22nd April 2012. Welcome to Turkey and the start of your awesome ANZAC experience! Choice of shuttle transfers to hotel. Rest of the day free in Istanbul – a city that straddles both Europe and Asia! Overnight - Istanbul
Day 2: Istanbul old city
Enjoy a guided tour of the old city - Sultanahmet, taking in the stunning Iznik tiled Blue Mosque, Hippodrome area, Topkapi Palace, the underground cistern, the 6th century Hagia Sofia (exterior only) and more. This afternoon, we spend a relaxing afternoon on a Bosphorus cruise. When the sun sets, why not enjoy our optional Istanbul by night bolt on! With dinner, belly dancers and entertainment at a great Istanbul venue. A top value evening and a great way to break the ice and meet fellow travellers (transport shuttle included). Overnight - Istanbul (B)
Anzac & Ancient Egypt - 15 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Day 3: Gallipoli
Istanbul - Gallipoli. This morning we drive to the WW1 battlefields on Gallipoli Peninsular. This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour (subject to ANZAC Cove opening hours and traffic conditions) of the evocative war memorials that dot the region, for example; Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, Johnston’s Jolly, the trenches and Kabatepe - the modest ANZAC museum. Early this evening, we’ll relax at our exclusive ANZAC Eve Turkish BBQ before later taking our places amongst the many at the Dawn Service site for the atmosphere charged ANZAC Eve vigil. Overnight - Dawn Service site (ANZAC Cove) (B, L)
Day 4: ANZAC Day - Gallipoli
First light heralds a poignant bugle call and commencement of the Dawn Service. After the service and armed with your maps, you’ve a chance to independently explore many of the trenches and memorial sites as you head up to Lone Pine or Chunuk Bair for the Australian or New Zealand National services. Later this afternoon, we return to Istanbul, where upon our late evening arrival, we check into our hotel for a well-earned rest after such an emotion-filled day. (Timing on 25th April subject to coach traffic). Overnight - Istanbul
Day 5: 26 April - Istanbul - Cairo
Thursday 26th April 2012. Hotel check out is at 12 noon. Opt to visit the mammoth Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Spice Market before making your own way to Cairo where your Egyptian adventure begins.
Turkish Airlines offers open jaw flights between London, Istanbul and Cairo, check the THY website for more details or we can arrange flights on your behalf! If you provide us with your incoming flight details to Egypt we will be there to meet you at Cairo airport and transfer you to our hotel. Overnight - Cairo (B)
Turkish Airlines offers open jaw flights between London, Istanbul and Cairo, check the THY website for more details or we can arrange flights on your behalf! If you provide us with your incoming flight details to Egypt we will be there to meet you at Cairo airport and transfer you to our hotel. Overnight - Cairo (B)
Day 6: Pyramids & Saqqara
Cairo - Aswan. Visit to the famous pyramids and lion-headed Sphinx at Giza Plateau. Sole survivors from the ancient Greek-listed Seven Wonders of the World, the pyramids are the planet’s oldest tourist attraction! Gaze in awe at Cheops (Khufu) - the largest of the three great pyramids. Constructed from over 2.5 million limestone blocks it is thought to have taken more than 20 years to construct. Continuing to Saqqara, we can explore the myriad tombs and temples at this site and see Zhoser’s step pyramid - constructed by Imhotep, the pharaoh’s chief architect in 27BC! We later enjoy a chance to freshen up then catch the overnight seater train to Aswan. Sleeper cabin upgrade available. Overnight - Train (B)
Day 7: Philae Temple
Arrive Aswan and check into our hotel. Today, we visit the High Dam and travel by boat to the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Remainder of day and evening free. Overnight - Aswan (B)
Days 8 - 9: Felucca Cruise
Aswan - Nile felucca cruising. Optional early morning air excursion to famous Abu Simbel. This afternoon, we board our Nile felucca for a 2 night cruise upstream toward Kom Ombo. Relax, top up your tan and chat with new friends as the felucca gently plies its route. Stops are made en route at local villages and at the waterside Temple of Kom Ombo. Overnight - Felucca Cruise (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Day 10: Kom Ombo Temple & Edfu
Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor. Disembarking in Kom Ombo we visit the temple before travelling to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, a huge complex that began construction in 237 BC! We then continue to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at it’s best. Enjoy some rest and relaxation. Tonight, an optional visit to the Temple of Luxor is available alternatively, enjoy the facilities of our hotel. Overnight - Luxor (B)
Day 11: Valley of the Kings
Luxor - Dahab. Optional early morning hot air balloon ride over Luxor before crossing to the west side of the Nile and commencing our tour of the Valley of the Kings. One of the first sights you’ll see is the Colossi of Memnon. This huge pair of enthroned statues is all that remains of the temple of Amenophis III. Touring of Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and and after a little R&R Karnak Temple. This evening we travel by overnight bus to Dahab via Hurghada. Overnight - Bus (B)
Days 12 - 14: Dahab
Arriving at Dahab, our base for the coming days, there is plenty of time to explore the Sinai – a region of incredible beauty. Dahab offers great diving, snorkelling, swimming and sun-worshipping possibilities. Check out our exciting range of 4 day dive bolt-ons. Optional excursions such as snorkelling at Dahab's Blue Hole or an energetic climb to the summit of Mt Sinai and a visit to St Katherine's Monastery are available. Our climb commences in the early hours of the morning and experiencing the magnificent sunrise atop a mountain is a truly great and humbling experience. Camel and jeep treks into the surrounding Sinai Desert are also available. Dahab waterfront is dotted with laid back cafes, bars and shops, perfect for eating, drinking and a little relaxing retail therapy. Overnight - Dahab (B:3)
Day 15: Sun 6th May 2012 - Cairo
Sunday 6th April 2012, Dahab - Cairo. Early this morning (approx 4:30 - 5am), we bid farewell to Dahab and travel back to Cairo, arriving early this afternoon. We later enjoy a guided visit at the Egyptian Museum. Prize exhibit has to be the priceless funerary treasures of King Tutankhamen, including his legendary solid gold death mask. Completing our tour of the Egyptian Museum marks the conclusion of our Anzac & Ancient Egypt tour and onward departure transfer to the airport.
Note: If undertaking our Egyptian Museum tour today, it is important that you reserve a flight departing Cairo after 5pm, or consider reserving an additional night’s accommodation. For travellers departing after 5pm or later into the evening you will be transferred to a nearby hotel were you are welcome to use the hotel lobby facilities until your departure transfer later tonight. Hotel day use rooms, if available (at an additional cost) may also be arranged at the time if you require. (B)
Note: If undertaking our Egyptian Museum tour today, it is important that you reserve a flight departing Cairo after 5pm, or consider reserving an additional night’s accommodation. For travellers departing after 5pm or later into the evening you will be transferred to a nearby hotel were you are welcome to use the hotel lobby facilities until your departure transfer later tonight. Hotel day use rooms, if available (at an additional cost) may also be arranged at the time if you require. (B)
Botl-on Abu Simbel
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Abu Simbel, possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt, with its gigantic rock–cut façade, was created to revere the mighty ruler Ramses II. Guarding the entrance to the temple, the 4 colossal statues of Ramses II sit majestically staring out across the desert, seemingly since time began. We offer an amazing excursion to visit the Temples of Abu Simbel on the morning of day 8.
Click here for further information. |
Tour Details
- Starts in: Istanbul / Ends in: Cairo
- Departs: Sun 22 April 2012
- No local payment required
- Breakfast:13, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 2
- Hotel Rating: 3 - 5 star
- Tour Guide: Yes
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