MIDDLE EAST, NORTH AFRICA AND ETHIOPIA - Setur

GIZAlibyaHIGHLIGHTSmediterraneanseasiwaAlexandriabahariyyahoasisEGYPTkhargasudanabu simbelcairoriver nilecairo Our guides will unpeel the layers ofhistory and legend in vibrant Cairo with itsancient citadels, museums and bazaars, hometo the majestic Sphinx and the last remainingWonder of the Ancient World, the GreatPyramids of Giza.luxor Mysterious Luxor is the world’sgreatest open air museum, a city wheremodern life is entwined with remnants ofthe ancient world and home to the Temple ofKarnak. It is also the gateway to the Valley ofthe Kings, site of Tutankhamun’s tomb.aswan Aswan, blessed with the mostbeautiful setting on the Nile, is characterisedby its distinctively African atmosphere. Here,the pace of life is slow, a place to enjoy aleisurely stroll along the Corniche or explorethe colourful souks, headily scented withspices and perfumes.red sea The Red Sea resorts offer superbsandy beaches and great diving experiences.WE RECOMMENDCruising to Dendarah Escape fromthe crowds and sail past beautiful Nilescenery enroute to Dendarah to explore thelakenassersharm el sheikhhurghadaluxorASWANjordanSAUDIARABIAwonderfully preserved Greco-Roman templeof the Goddess Hathor. From a quiet vantagepoint, enjoy the panoramic view of the riverand glimpse a way of life that has changedlittle in centuries.Memphis and Sakkara Sakkara served asthe necropolis to the ancient capital Memphis,and features numerous pyramids includingthe stepped pyramid of Zoser, the oldest stonestructure in the world, dating from 2650BC.Evidence of Memphis’ former glory remains insitu: one of Ramses II’s two colossi lies there,now accumbent, and the beautiful sphinxcarved from a single piece of alabaster.Ancient Thebes Now known as Luxor,Ancient Thebes was the capital of the NewKingdom. Our Egyptologists will take youon a journey of discovery through its twotremendous temple complexes dedicated tothe Theban Triad, taking in the obelisks, GreatHypostyle Hall and sacred lake of the Templeof Karnak. An avenue of sphinxes leads to thespectacular many-columned Temple of Luxor.Low Season 8 nights from £2,948 per personHigh Season 8 nights from £3,558 per personPrices include international flights.BEST TIME TO BE HEREWinter (October to April) forcultural journeys, when theweather is warm and dry –summer can be very hot inland.May to September is also idealfor the Red Sea. Watch out forchilly winter nights in Cairoand the dusty khamsin windsfrom March to May.EXTENSION SUGGESTIONSiwa Desert Safari Takea desert safari throughcosmopolitan Alexandriaen route to the oasis of Siwa,the most westerly of thefive major oases of Egypt.Alexandria, the ‘Pearl ofthe Mediterranean’, holdstreasures such as the Citadelof Bey, nearby Pompey’s Pillarand the eerie Catacombs ofKom el-Shuga. Papyrus scrolls,ancient perfume bottles andpainted mummy cases areshowcased at the NationalMuseum. Visit the famousintegrated cultural complex,Bibliotheca Alexandrina.Drive into the desert to ElAlamein, scene of one ofthe decisive battles of WorldWar II and the Allied WarCemetery. Explore fascinatinglandscapes and learn aboutthe unique desert culture withyour expert guide. Follow inthe footsteps of Alexander theGreat to visit the 2,700 yearold Temple of Amun; the ElGabel tombs on the Mount ofthe Dead await, complete withmummies from 250 BC.call 0845 0700 619 to speak to an expert or visit www.abercrombiekent.co.ukegypt P11