Wonders of the Ancient World

Explore the wonders of Athens before embarking on a cruise to Israel and excursion to Jerusalem. Then enjoy a cruise along the Nile and marvel at the wonders of Ancient Egypt, including the Great Pyramids and the Alabaster Sphinx.

Highlights

• Athens
• Istanbul
• Mykonos
• Jerusalem
• Bethlehem
• Cairo
• Crete
• Luxor
• Aswan
• Cairo
• Memphis
• Sakkara
• Giza

Day 1 - Depart Canada
Overnight flight to Athens.

Day 2 - Arrive Athens (3 nights)
You are met at Athens Airport and transferred to your hotel. After check–in, time at leisure. Later we enjoy a Welcome Drink with our local Trafalgar representative.
Hotel: Divani Palace Acropolis

Day 3 - Athens sightseeing
This morning our guided sightseeing tour includes a visit to the iconic Acropolis and we see the Olympic Stadium and the Evzone guards at the tomb of the unknown soldier, plus the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 4 - Athens at leisure
The whole day is free to explore on your own in the fascinating city of Athens or maybe to take an excursion to Dephi or Corinth? (Buffet breakfast)

Day 5 - Athens – Cruising
This morning we are transferred to the port of Piraeus to board our cruise ship, our home for the next seven nights. Relax on board as we cruise towards Turkey. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Standard outside 2-berth cabin

Day 6 - Cruising – Istanbul
We arrive in Istanbul in the morning with views of the Bosphorus and have until the evening to enjoy this fabled city. Perhaps take an excursion to see the highlights of Istanbul or visit the Blue Mosque and St. Sofia before we set sail to the playground of the rich and famous, the beautiful island of Mykonos. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 7 - Cruising – Mykonos
We arrive at Mykonos, renowned for its windmills, this afternoon. There is time to shop in the amazing labyrinth of narrow little alleyways or just to relax and enjoy a cool drink. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 8 - Cruising – At Sea
Time to relax as we cruise to Israel. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 9 - Cruising – Ashdod – Jerusalem excursion
We dock in Ashdod this morning and drive through the Judean Mountains to Jerusalem. On arrival we will drive through the New City to the Mount of Olives with wonderful views over the Old City. Then we walk into the Old City and reach the Via Dolorosa, the route Jesus took to his crucifixion. We see the Church of the Holy Sepulchre then continue to the Jewish Quarter and the Wailing Wall, the location of King Solomon’s Temple where now stands the Dome of the Rock. We walk through the Bazaar and have lunch in a restaurant. Afterwards we drive to Bethlehem to visit the Church of the Nativity before returning to our ship in Ashdod. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 10 - Cruising – Port Said – Cairo
We dock in Port Said in Egypt at the entrance to the Suez Canal. We are then transferred to our Cairo hotel where we are met by our Trafalgar Representative. (Breakfast)
Hotel: Fairmont Heliopolis

Day 11 - Cairo – Luxor – Nile cruise (4 nights)
A morning flight from Cairo to Luxor on the River Nile. On arrival, the rest of the morning is free before we board our luxury cruise ship for lunch. Later, we visit the grand Temple of Luxor, which dominates the town and also the gigantic temple complex at Karnak. Explore the mighty Temple of Amun with its mass of obelisks, pylons, colossi and courts. Plus marvel at the remains of the amazing Avenue of the Sphinx, which once stretched between the Temples of Karnak and Luxor. Later, we return to our cruise ship for dinner. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Cruise ship: MS Norma or MS Sapphire

Day 12 - Nile cruise: Luxor – Edfu
Today’s highlight is a visit to the Valley of the Kings. Secluded in the Theban Hills, it is where the New Kingdom pharaohs were buried in dramatically shafted tombs built into the hillsides. Next we visit the Temple of Medinet Habou and on to the breathtaking Deir el-Bahri, Queen Hatshepsut’s impressive temple, and the Colossus of Memnon on the West Bank. Later, we return to the ship and sail for Edfu. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 13 - Nile cruise: Edfu – Kom-Ombo This morning we visit Edfu to see Egypt’s best-preserved cult temple, which was dedicated to the falcon god Horus. Then we continue our tranquil cruise along the Nile arriving at Kom-Ombo. Why not relax on deck and watch primitive villages on the banks of the river glide by? They have changed little in a thousand years. Tonight we don traditional Egyptian galabeas for a fun-filled Egyptian Dinner and Galabea Party. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 14 - Nile cruise: Kom-Ombo – Aswan
We visit the roofless Temple of Kom-Ombo, which was built for the falcon and crocodile gods. From here we cruise to Aswan to take a memorable felucca ride across the Nile to visit the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener’s Island. The felucca is the traditional craft of Egyptians who have sailed in them down the centuries. An amazing sight is a blood-red sunset, commonplace in Aswan, with the distinctive sails of dozens of feluccas silhouetted against the setting sun. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

Day 15 - Disembark – Aswan – Cairo (3 nights)
We disembark to explore the High Dam. Then we visit the Temple of Isis on the Island of Philae and the massive Unfinished Obelisk. Afterwards, there is a once in a lifetime opportunity to take an optional excursion to the mighty Sun Temple of Abu Simbel, flanked by four giant stone statues of Ramses II. The temple was reclaimed from the dam and reconstructed in its present and unforgettable location. Finally, we transfer to the airport for the return flight to Cairo. (Breakfast)

Day 16 - Cairo sightseeing
Today we enjoy a full day of sightseeing, which will include the Citadel, the spectacular complex dominating Cairo’s skyline. From here we make a visit to the Sultan Hassan Mosque and Mohammed Ali’s Alabaster Mosque with its highly decorated and ornate interior. In old Cairo we will visit the Hanging Church of St. Mary above the old water gate. Also we will visit the Egyptian Museum, home of King Tutankhamun’s priceless treasures, discovered by Howard Carter in the Valley of the Kings in 1922. This evening, there is time on your own to do as you please. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 17 - Cairo – Pyramid excursion
First we will drive to Memphis where we see the limestone Colossus of Ramses II and the giant Alabaster Sphinx. Next we continue to Sakkara where the Step Pyramid heralded the start of the pyramid age. Finally we marvel at one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Great Pyramids of Giza, and the Sphinx, which casts its enigmatic gaze across the sands of the desert. Your evening is at leisure. (Buffet breakfast)

Day 18 - Cairo – Canada
This morning there’s time to bid farewell to this unforgettable country and new-found friends and Tour Director, as the tour comes to an end. Airport transfers are available, conditions apply. (Buffet breakfast)

Cruise ship operating this itinerary:
Cristal or similar.

Note:
Ships or cruise itineraries on the Nile may vary occasionally according to seasonal circumstances, however, visits to sights and highlights will not be affected.

Free airport transfers:
Transfers will be provided for passengers who have advised Trafalgar of their flight details.