Egypt Archives - Travel In Style

Nefertiti’s Egyptian Kingdom

by kathy

June 11th, 2018

An 11-Day Grand Tour Including Tel Al-Amarna

Cairo • Giza • El Minya • Tel Al Amarna • Abu Simnbel Temples
Aswan • Esna • Edfu • Kom Ombo • Deir El Medina

Here’s the best of Egypt in a grand private 11-day tour: a good look at Cairo and a 5-day cruise along the Nile, locally escorted. Choose your own date – Tour starts DAILY in Cairo, year round. The itinerary may need to be reorganized based on the Nile cruise availability at the time of booking. Private Egyptologist even in Abu Simbel, El MInya, Tel Al-Amarna and for all your Nile cruise shore excursions covering: Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, and Deir El Medina Ancient Workers Village.

Tour

DAY 1: CAIRO Tour Starts DAILY in Cairo – Arrive any day of the week
Arrive at Cairo Airport where our local representative will greet you at the airport and whisk you to your hotel. Visa fee is included and will be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport.

VIP Meet & Greet Upon arrival at Cairo Airport
Visa issued locally in Cairo (for a limited number of nationalities) no photos required. Our representative greets you at the airport and whisks you to your hotel. Visa will be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport for a limited number of citizens such as: American, Australian, NZ, EU, Canadian, EU Singaporean and Japanese citizens. You are responsible for having your passport in order valid at least for 6 month beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo. Our local rep. will meet you with a sign that carries your name, and will be waiting for you with the prepaid visa stamps to proceed to the passports control to stamp your passports and then you claim your luggage. After you clear the passport and customs formalities and exit the terminal, our local representative will escort you by private vehicle to the hotel. Welcome fruit basket & Egyptian pastry awaits you in your room with our compliments.

DAY 2: Giza – Dahshour (BL)
After breakfast we drive to Giza and the mysteries of the Pyramids and Sphinx, for interested guests: enjoy the usual photo opportunity riding a camel with the Pyramids and the Sphinx in the background with our compliments, and then we will tour the Museum of the Royal Barge of Cheops. The museum is built over the rectangular pit that housed the Royal Barge for thousands of years, the wooden boat was readied for the king’s daily journey with the sun god, Ra. Discovered in 1954, in a completely dismantled state, the 43-metre (140-foot) cedar boat is a rare window on the Royal boats used by the kings of Ancient Egypt. We are glad to include as well the entrance fee to get inside the Great Pyramid, with our compliments, if interested, please read this first:

The King’s Chamber in the Great Pyramid was not meant to be visited:
Getting to it is challenging, and once you enter, it is very difficult to turn back. The stone passage is only wide enough for one person. You must be in good physical condition, able to climb several flights of stairs, bend double, crouch and duck-walk for short distances. The King’s Chamber itself is the world’s most claustrophobic place, with dim light and heavy, hot, oxygen-poor air. There is no ventilation. If you are at all sensitive to claustrophobia or confinement, or if you have any sort of respiratory condition, for your own safety and the safety of others, you must not enter the pyramid because it is impossible to remove a person or to bring aid to them quickly, lunch is included at the Mena House.

Entrance to the Red Pyramid in Dashour.
By Kurohito [CC BY-SA 3.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons

Depending on the traffic, your guide may start the day with Dahshour then on the Pyramids after lunch. The time capsule treasure of Dahshour is the pyramid field south of Cairo:

Dahshour:
We’ll motor to the edge of Cairo, to Dahshour, the pyramid field south of Cairo. We will visit the great pyramid of Senfru, father of Cheops, and other structures.

The “Discovery” of Dahshour: For almost half a century, the great field of huge pyramids near the desert village of Dahshour, 25 miles south of Cairo, has been off limits to the public. Confined within the perimeter of a military base were many pyramids, including the great 4500-year-old pyramid built by Senfru, father of Cheops. Senfru’s pyramid, the largest in Egypt until his son built Giza’s Great Pyramid, is rhomboidal in shape: it tapers more distinctly on its upper half. All the pyramids were coated in thick plaster at one time. Most have lost these protective, decorative sheaths, but Senfru’s–miraculously–is still in place, we stop at El-Haraniya before we head back to your hotel.

DAY 3: CAIRO (BL)
Your exploration of this ancient city begins today! First stop is the Egyptian Museum, with its treasures of the ancient pharaohs: mummies pavilion, King Tut’s Gold Treasures Pavilion, statuary, precious stones and metals. After lunch a charming local restaurant. We will also stop at the Citadel of Saladin and the Alabaster Mosque followed by a walking tour of Khan El Khalili and Muezzledeenallah ancient bazaar districts.

DAY 4: CAIRO – Tel El Amarna – El Minya (BLD)
After breakfast we head to Cairo railway station to board the train for El-Minya about 245 kilometers south of Cairo (3-4 hours ride). Depending on the season we may use an air-conditioned vehicle. You will be escorted from Cairo by a private Egyptologist for Tel El Amarna and El Minya tour.

Tel Al Amarna (Tel El-Amarna): For Egyptians this provincial El Minya capital marks the divide between Upper and Lower Egypt. This is a special tour to the capital of Nefertiti and Akhenaton kingdom during their bloodless religious revolution to escape from the ever growing power of the church – then of the might Amon-Ra. Lunch box and bottled water, prepared by your hotel in Cairo, is included.

Upon arrival we proceed to Beni Hassan (20 Kilometers south of El Minya) to tour the ancient tombs necropolis, with a commanding view from a superb location overlooking the Nile Valley and the Nile River.
The tombs, which are cut into the cliffs, mostly date from the 11th and 12th dynasties about 2000 years BC. Most of the tombs are unfinished. When Akhenaton died, the whole capital moved back again to Luxor, and the old powerful grip of Amon-Ra Chief god priests. They declared Akhenaton a heretic and all the work on the tombs in Beni Hassan was abandoned.

We can’t guarantee which tomb will be open on any given day, but samples include tombs of Kheti and Amenemhat. After which you can wander among the desolate ruins of Tel El Amarana, the Ancient Capital of the self-exiled Pharaoh Akhenaton and his queen Nefertiti.

Dinner and overnight at a 3 star modest hotel (there are no 4 or 5 stars accommodations in El Minya). Private touring as usual. Depending on your comfort level, driving conditions, traffic etc., we may have to tour Tuna El Gabal Necropolis tomorrow.

Nefertiti Turns Egypt Upside Down!! The first bloodless religious revolution against the established church in Ancient Egypt And the seat of power that rested with the priests in Karnak

DAY 5: El Minya – Cairo (BL)
Depending on your comfort level, driving conditions, traffic etc., we may tour Tuna El Gabal Necropolis yesterday or today. Before we head back to Cairo by train or private air conditioned vehicle and your hotel in Cairo, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Lunch is included today. As always, your private Egyptologist will be with you on the train (First class of course) or your private air-conditioned vehicle for the ride back to Cairo from El Minya.

DAY 6: ASWAN, ABU SIMBEL – Ramses the Great – Master Builder of All Times. Camel Caravan! (BLD)
We fly to Aswan (or Luxor) and connect to Abu Simbel, where your private guide, private air-conditioned vehicle and private chauffeur will be waiting for you.

Ramses the Great’s huge desert temple at Abu Simbel marked the southern border of the pharaoh’s dominions. Rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser by an international effort, it is a marvel of sacred engineering. Twice a year, and only then the sun penetrates to the Holy of Holies, illuminating the stone figures of Ramses and Nefertari. Group tour exploring the two huge temple, admire their ancient aura and artistry.

Fly back to Aswan and board our Nile cruiser in time for a delicious lunch. Complimentary welcome fruit basket awaits you in your cabin. In the afternoon we enjoy a leisurely sail by graceful felucca on the Nile. Only for those who are interested: a short camel caravan to visit a local Nubian Village. Private touring in Abu Simbel, Aswan and your cruise shore excursions.

Abu Simbel.
By GT1976 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

DAY 7: ASWAN – KOM OMBO – On Board Your Nile Cruise (BLD)
First we tour new Nubian Museum then the awesome Aswan dams, and next an ancient granite quarry complete with an unfinished obelisk. Then we go by motor launch to the Island temple of Philae, dedicated to the Ancient Goddess ISIS.

Called Aset by the ancient Egyptians, the goddess was a Madonna in the Mediterranean tradition that stretches far, far back to the primitive Mother Goddess from Anatolia, home to some of the oldest human communities on earth. Isis was the powerful and quick-witted protector of her son Horus, the Sun God. Ancient peoples throughout the Mediterranean regarded Isis and Horus as the perfect Madonna and Child. Another legend says she was also the mother of the fertility god Min who, judging from the depiction of him on temple walls, needed no help from Viagra!

Because of her wisdom and skill at protection, she was admired as a good magician capable of healing the sick and protecting the dead in their journey to the Underworld. Isis is portrayed regally, as a queen seated on a throne (which may be the meaning of her name), often holding her son Horus as a baby. Other images show her with broad, magnificent gilded wings able to protect the world. Isis, the great Mother Goddess. Come explore her mystery in timeless Egypt when you Travel in Style!

Re-embarking on our Nile cruiser, we sail downstream to Kom Ombo to visit its twin temples. Private touring for your cruise shore excursions.

DAY 8: EDFU – on Board Your Nile Cruise (BLD)
We moor in Edfu, climb aboard horse-drawn carriages, and clip-clop through the town to the Temple of Horus, Egypt’s best-preserved temple. Re-embarking. Evening finds us in Luxor. In the evening your guide will call on your for a horse drawn carriage ride throughout Luxor souks and water front. Private Egyptologist for all the Nile cruise shore excursions.

Edfu Temple

DAY 9: LUXOR – On Board Your Nile Cruise (BLD)
We tour today as well the magnificent tombs in the Valley of the Kings, including Tutankaomn’s tomb, and the great temple of Queen Hatshepsut, we stop at the Colossi of Memnon on the way back to our cruise.
Afterward, we’ll continue on Luxor’s west bank to get a totally different perspective on ancient Egyptian life, at the ancient workers’ settlement of Deir el-Medinah. While most of the imposing stone monuments and sites of Egypt honor the lives and after-lives of royalty, Deir el-Medinah gives us unique and surprising insights into the ordinary citizens who constructed and decorated the tombs.

Here we’ll see the excavated homes shared by laborers with their domestic animals. These quarters were surprisingly large, with three good-sized rooms, courtyard, kitchen, and even storage cellars. While ancient Egypt might not have been a workers’ paradise, we’ll see that artisans and builders were highly regarded in their community. We are proud to be the only operator to offer regular visits to this singular ancient settlement in its tour and cruise programs.

DAY 10: LUXOR – CAIRO – Home Hosted Family Dinner (B)
The gigantic Great Temple of Amon at Karnak, and the mighty Temple of Luxor are our goals in the morning, followed by a return flight to Cairo. In the afternoon, wander through the city on your own, or do your last minute shopping.

Complimentary Dinner is included at a local home:
Meet the locals. You may wish to bring token gifts to exchange with the host family (T shirt, small souvenirs of your home town). This evening we’ll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread… right into the homes of some of the people of Cairo! You’ll be invited to a family dinner and, while you enjoy wholesome home-cooked specialties, you’ll learn about and appreciate the outlook, aspirations, and way of life of your hosts. Be assured, as curious as you may be about your new friends, they’re sure to have questions about your own background. Once the ice is broken, you’ll enjoy a lively evening and find that you have more in common than you ever suspected. Of course, if you prefer, you may enjoy a quiet evening with your travel companions, by letting us know your preferences.

DAY 11: CAIRO – Departure (B)
Our representative escorts you to the airport for your homeward flight.

Rates per person in USD:
	Deluxe A	Deluxe B	First Class
Triple Occupancy	US$ 3725.00	US$ 3505.00	US$ 3210.00
Double	US$ 3985.00	US$ 3775.00	US$ 3345.00
Single	US$ 5599.00	US$ 5080.00	US$ 4720.00
For Dec 15 – Jan 3 and Easter, please add 10% supplement to any of the listed rates.

Rates includes:

All domestic airfares in Egypt with tax.
All transfers in Egypt based on private basis, private air-conditioned vehicle and private chauffeur.
Hotel accommodation with tax & service charges, based on your choice as listed.
A complimentary home hosted family dinner in Cairo.
Bottled water (one per person) delivered to your cabin daily while you are on board the cruise.
Tea or coffee/bottled water with each meal while on board the cruise.
Nile Cruise with all meals, one large bottle water (per person) daily while on board the cruise & a welcome fruit basket.
All the shore excursions while on board the Nile cruise with a private Egyptologist, private air-conditioned vehicle and private chauffeur.
Preset menu meals including B = Breakfast, (or cB, Continental Breakfast) L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
All guided sightseeing as per itinerary including all entrance fees, private guide even for Abu Simblel, El Minya and while on cruise shore excursions.
VIP Meet & Greet Service Upon Arrival At Cairo Airport
Visa issued locally in Cairo (for a limited number of nationalities) no photos required. Our representative greets you at the airport and whisks you to your hotel. Visa will be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport for a limited number of citizens such as: American, Australian, NZ, EU, Canadian, EU Singaporean and Japanese citizens. You are responsible for having your passport in order valid at least for 6 months beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo. Our local rep. will meet you with a sign that carries your name, and will be waiting for you with the prepaid visa stamps to proceed to the passports control to stamp your passports and then you claim your luggage. After you clear the passport and customs formalities and exit the terminal, our local representative will escort you by private vehicle to the hotel. Welcome fruit basket & Egyptian pastry awaits you in your room with our compliments.

Not included:

International airfares to or from Cairo
Tips
Travel Insurance

Sample Hotel & Cruise listing

Deluxe – A

Cairo Hotels: Conrad / Hyatt / Cairo Marriott or similar.
Nile Cruise: M/S Monaco, M/S Mojito, M/S Queen of Hansa or similar

Deluxe – B

Cairo Hotels: Hilton, Sheraton or similar
Nile Cruise: M/S Lady Diana, M/S Florence, MS Princess Sara, or similar

First Class

Cairo Hotels: Oases or similar
Nile Cruise: M/S Nile Dream, M/S Ruby, or similar

Photo credit (top of page): AndreyPopov, bigstock.com

Categories Egypt11

Egypt and Jordan a la Indiana Jones (Luxor)

by kathy

October 23rd, 2017

A Grand 14-day Tour of these Two Gems of the Near East
Egypt and Jordan, including Cairo, Giza,
Dahshour, Petra and a Nile Cruise
Boarding Luxor

On board the Oberoi Zahra Luxurious Nile Cruiser

Indiana Jones himself couldn’t squeeze more adventure into this journey: Cairo and the Pyramids, a cruise on the Nile, the fabled temples and tombs of Luxor and Thebes, the Red Sea and a trek to the mysterious ruins of Petra in Jordan.

Tour

DAY 1: Cairo – Tuesday- Weekly- Year Round
On arrival, our local representative will greet you at the airport and whisk you to your hotel. Visa may be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport.

VIP Meet & Greet Upon arrival at Cairo Airport
Visa issued locally in Cairo (for a limited number of nationalities) no photos required. Our representative greets you at the airport and whisks you to your hotel. Visa will be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport for a limited number of citizens such as: American, Australian, NZ, EU, Canadian, EU Singaporean and Japanese citizens. You are responsible for having your passport in order valid at least for 6 month beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo, our local rep. will meet you with a sign after you have cleared the passports control, claimed your luggage and exited the terminal, then escort you by private vehicle to the hotel. A welcome fruit basket & Egyptian pastry awaits you in your room with our compliments.

DAY 2: CAIRO – Giza – Dahshour – Wednesday (BLD)
After breakfast we drive to Giza and the mysteries of the Pyramids and Sphinx, for interested guests: enjoy the usual photo opportunity riding a camel with the Pyramids and the Sphinx in the background with our compliments, and then we will tour the Museum of the Royal Barge of Cheops. The museum is built over the rectangular pit that housed the Royal Barge for thousands of years, the wooden boat was readied for the king’s daily journey with the sun god, Ra. Discovered in 1954, in a completely dismantled state, the 43-metre (140-foot) cedar boat is a rare window on the Royal boats used by the kings of Ancient Egypt.

We are glad to include as well the entrance fee to get inside the Great Pyramid, with our compliments, if interested, please read this first:

The King’s Chamber in the Great Pyramid was not meant to be visited:
Getting to it is challenging, and once you enter, it is very difficult to turn back. The stone passage is only wide enough for one person. You must be in good physical condition, able to climb several flights of stairs, bend double, crouch and duck-walk for short distances. The King’s Chamber itself is the world’s most claustrophobic place, with dim light and heavy, hot, oxygen-poor air. There is no ventilation. If you are at all sensitive to claustrophobia or confinement, or if you have any sort of respiratory condition, for your own safety and the safety of others, you must not enter the pyramid because it is impossible to remove a person or to bring aid to them quickly, lunch is included at the Mena House.

Depending on the traffic, your guide may start the day with Dahshour then on the Pyramids after lunch.

We’ll motor to the edge of Cairo to Dahshour at the newly-opened pyramid field south of Cairo. We visit the great pyramid of Senfru, father of Cheops, and other structures.

The “Discovery” of Dahshour
For almost half a century, the great field of huge pyramids near the desert village of Dahshour, 25 miles south of Cairo, has been off limits to the public. Confined within the perimeter of a military base were many pyramids, including the great 4500-year-old pyramid built by Senfru, father of Cheops. Senfru’s pyramid, the largest in Egypt until his son built Giza’s Great Pyramid, is rhomboidal in shape: it tapers more distinctly on its upper half. All the pyramids were coated in thick plaster at one time. Most have lost these protective, decorative sheaths, but Senfru’s–miraculously–is still in place.

We stop at El-Haraniya before we head back to your hotel. Dinner is included at La Bodega restaurant or similar.

DAY 3: CAIRO – Thursday (BLD)
Your exploration of the ancient world begins today! First stop is the Egyptian Museum, with its treasures of the ancient pharaohs: mummies, statuary, precious stones and metals. After lunch a charming local restaurant, we’ll also stop at the Citadel of Saladin and the Alabaster Mosque. Followed by a walking tour of Khan El Khalili and Muezzledeenallah ancient bazaar districts. Dinner is included at Abu-El Sid restaurant.

DAY 4: Cairo – Luxor – Friday (BLD)
After an early breakfast, we board a short flight heading for Luxor the mighty ancient capital of the Egyptian Empire. Private transfers at all times, our local rep. will escort you to your hotel where lunch is included. Today we will tour: Luxor Museum, The Ancient Workers Village at Deir El Medineh, and on to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon. Dinner is included at your hotel.

DAY 5: Board Your Nile Cruise – Luxor – Esna – Saturday (BLD)
After breakfast at your hotel, we head to your Nile cruise (or board your Nile cruise in Aswan), our local rep will escort you to your Nile cruise, where a welcome fruit basket awaits you in your cabin with our compliments. Today we visit the gigantic Temple of Amon at Karnak, the pharaohs’ tombs in the Valley of the Kings, later on we cruise to Esna, where we enjoy a shipboard dinner.

DAY 6: EDFU & KOM OMBO – Cruising the Nile – Sunday (BLD)
At dockside, we board horse-drawn carriages for the short clip-clop ride through the town of Edfu to the stupendous Temple of Horus, the best preserved temple on the Nile. Returning to our ship, we set sail for Kom Ombo and its famous twin temples dedicated to the sun and the crocodile god. Complimentary Galabya, maybe to wear it for tonight’s costume party.

DAY 7: ASWAN & PHILAE – On Board Your Nile Cruise – Monday (BLD)
We explore the Temples of Horus and Sobek at Kom Ombo, haggle with peddlers for souvenirs, then re-board our ship for the voyage south to Aswan. In the afternoon, we take a motor launch to the Temples of Philae, rescued from the rising waters behind the High Dam, dedicated to the Ancient Goddess ISIS:

Two millennia ago the Mediterranean world was enthralled by the mystery of Isis: “I, Isis, am all that has been, that is or shall be; no mortal man hath ever seen me unveiled.” Called Aset by the ancient Egyptians, the goddess was a Madonna in the Mediterranean tradition that stretches far, far back to the primitive Mother Goddess from Anatolia, home to some of the oldest human communities on earth. Isis was the powerful and quick-witted protector of her son Horus, the Sun God. Ancient peoples throughout the Mediterranean regarded Isis and Horus as the perfect Madonna and Child. Another legend says she was also the mother of the fertility god Min who, judging from the depiction of him on temple walls, needed no help from Viagra! Isis is portrayed regally, as a queen seated on a throne (which may be the meaning of her name), often holding her son Horus as a baby. Other images show her with broad, magnificent gilded wings able to protect the world. Isis, the great Mother Goddess. Come explore her mystery in timeless Egypt when you Travel in Style!

Today’s cabin amenity: Complimentary Egyptian sweets/pastry tonight.

DAY 8: Disembarkation from Your Nile Cruise – Aswan – Tuesday (B)
After breakfast we check-out and proceed to tour Aswan Dams then a short camel ride (if you prefer riding a horse rather than a camel, please let us know) and on to a nearby Nubian Village for tea with the locals. Followed by a tour of the Nubian Museum before heading back to your hotel. In the evening, we will enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride along the Nile corniche and a leisurely guided walking tour of Aswan’s colorful bazaar.

DAY 9: SHARM EL SHEIK – RED SEA – Wednesday (B)
Now that you’ve seen the best of the Egypt of the Pharaohs, our guides escort you to the airport. You’ll fly over the Sinai Peninsula and land at historic Sharm El Sheik on the Red Sea. You’re at the beach and free to swim, or explore under the waters.

DAY 10: SHARM EL SHEIK – Thursday (B)
Relax! Today is set aside as a strategic mid-journey break. Spend some time in the sun, but don’t miss your chance to snorkel or dive under Red Sea waters for an array of coral and glittering tropical fish.

DAY 11: Sharm El Sheikh – PETRA – Friday (BL)
We’ll fly non-stop Sharm El-Sheikh Amman or via Cairo, our Jordan-based representative waits to greet you. You’ll drive south under a towering ridge of mountains, and arrive at your hotel in Petra for the night. Complimentary Jordanian visa fee (valid only for American, Canadian, Australian, NZ, EU & Japanese citizens. Passports must be valid for at least 6 month upon arrival). Lunch is included enroute.

DAY 12: PETRA – Saturday (BD)
We’ll spend the entire day at Petra, the stunning desert city hewn by the Nabateans from solid cliffs of pink and violet sandstone. Petra was known in the bible as Sela, and rediscovered only in 1812. You’ll feel like Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark as you penetrate into the city through a narrow sandstone gorge, the Siq, and wander among the Temple of the Winged Lion, tombs, Roman theater, and the imposing Treasury.

In the evening we will call on you for a unique experience:
Dine as a local: The Petra Kitchen is a delightful way to round out your Jordan travel experiences. Like any home kitchen, The Petra Kitchen is a relaxed, informal atmosphere where you’ll gather to prepare an evening meal, working alongside local women under the supervision of our chef.

Each evening meal includes soup, cold and hot mezza (appetizers) and salads, and a main course—all typical Jordanian dishes. You will have get an inside glimpse of the secrets behind the famous regional cuisine of the Levant.

The Petra Kitchen offers an evening of learning, fun and a very special dining experience, with each dish gaining the special flavor of a reward well-earned. Great care has been taken to make The Petra Kitchen a truly Jordanian experience—right down to the furnishings, all crafted in Jordan, the tableware, all produced by the Iraq al Amir Women’s Co-operative, and the aprons and table linens, all hand-embroidered by the Jordan River Foundation. Tour experience tonight includes the cuisine course, meal and all non-alcoholic beverages as well as take-home recipes for all dishes prepared that evening.

Ad Deir “The Monastery” in Petra. Photo by Tetiana_GV | Bigstock

DAY 13: PETRA – JERASH – AMMAN – Sunday (BLD)
We drive to Jerash, among the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, to tour its temples, theaters, churches and colonnaded streets. From Jerash, we will escort you back to Amman and your hotel. Lunch is included enroute. Dinner is included at a local restaurant in Amman.

DAY 14: DEPARTURE FOR HOME – Monday (B)
Our local rep. escorts you to the airport of Amman for your flight home. Bon Voyage.

RATES per person in USD
	Ultra Deluxe*	Deluxe	First Class
Triple	US$ 7,200.00	US$ 5,050.00	US$ 4,300.00
Double	US$ 7,350.00	US$ 5,170.00	US$ 4,360.00
Single	US$ 10,005.00	US$ 6,650.00	US$ 5,770.00
* Ultra Deluxe includes flying Business Class within Egypt. Private Egyptologist and guide, including on board the Nile Cruise.

HOTELS
	Ultra Deluxe	Deluxe Hilton Level Hotels	Modest First Class Four Stars Hotels
Cairo Hotels	Suite at the Semiramis InterContinental or Superior Room at Four Seasons Cairo	Cairo Sheraton, Cairo Marriott, Ramses Hilton, Cairo Sonesta, or similar	Novotel El Borg Oases Hotel or similar
Nile Cruise	Suite with a private balcony on board one of the Sonesta All suites Ultra Deluxe Nile Cruises such as the M/S Star Goddess (Mozart Suite), or similar ultra deluxe cruises. For families or parties of 3 sharing in triple then it is a Beethoven Suite.	M/S Monaco, M/S Mojito, M/S Sonesta Moon Goddess or similar	M/S Nile Dream, M/S Ruby
Sharm El Sheikh	Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh	Royal Savoy Sharm El Sheikh Hotel, Marriott Sharm El Sheikh, Sonesta Sharm El Sheikh or similar	Novotel Sharm El Sheikh or similar
Amman	Four Seasons Hotel Amman	Inter.Continental Amman, Grand Hyatt Amman or similar	Imperial Hotel Amman, International Hotel Amman or similar
Petra		Movenpick Petra, Marriott Petra, or similar	Golden Tulip Petra
Luxor		Sonesta St. George Hotel Luxor, Hilton Luxor, Steingenberger Luxor or similar	Pavillon Winter Luxor or similar

Easter, Christmas, New Year’s (Dec 20 – Jan 3): 15 % supplement will apply.
Children Discount: 30% on the adult double rate, child must be younger than 12 years of age, must be traveling with a minimum of 2 adults.

Inclusions:

All transfers in Egypt and Jordan always on a private basis.
All domestic flights within Egypt, and Cairo Amman flight in economy class, tax included. (For Ultra Deluxe it is in Business Class)
Air-conditioned hotel accommodations with tax and service charges
Sightseeing with professional guide and entrance fees as indicated
Meals as indicated, with pre-set menu (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Nile cruise with all shore excursions and meals.
Large bottle of water (per person), delivered daily to your cabin on board the Nile cruise.
Small bottle of water (per person) with each meal, while you are on board the Nile Cruise.
Tea or coffee with each meal while you are on board the Nile cruise
VIP Meet & Greet At Cairo Airport
Our representative greets you at the airport and whisks you to your hotel. Visa will be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport (photos are not required).
Egyptian Visa will be issued for a limited number of citizens such as: American, Australian, NZ, EU, Canadian, EU Singaporean and Japanese citizens.You are responsible for having your passport in order valid at least for 6 month beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo.
Visa for Jordan. Limited to specific nationalities such as: Australian, NZ, USA, Canada, EU, Japan and others (please check with us if needed at the time of booking).
For your convenience: Wi-Fi internet access and mineral water with soft drinks are available in Jordan on board of all the vehicle for our VIP guests

Not included:

Tips.
Personal expenses and beverages.
Additional meals and services.
International air fare between your home country and Egypt / Jordan.
Trip interruption and cancellation insurance.

Categories EgyptNeighboringCountries, IndianaJones_multi, Jordan

The Grand Maghreb and the Near East (16 Days)

by kathy

February 2nd, 2015

Tour Jerusalem, Marrakech and the Nile
All in 16 Days: Tour Starts Daily. Year Round
This is a private tour. Choose your own travel date

The Siesta by Frederick Arthur Bridgman.

Explore the two gems of North Africa – Morocco and Egypt – then on to explore the splendors of Israel and Palestine, on this 16-day tour. Visit Casablanca, Marrakech, Cairo, Jerusalem and Luxor!

Tour

DAY 1 – MARRAKECH – Daily Arrival – This is a private tour – Choose your own date
Our staff escorts you to the airport for your flight to Marrakech. Air fare from Paris to Marrakech is included in our rates. Our international flight arrives in Casablanca. After completing customs and immigration formalities, we connect with our flight which takes us south to mystical Marrakech. Our staff escorts us to our hotel. Welcome mint tea & Moroccan sweets.

DAY 2 – MARRAKECH (BLD)
We board a horse-drawn carriage for a clip-clop tour of this ancient royal capital, including the Kotoubia, a former royal palace, and of course the labyrinthine souks (bazaars). Lunch is included at a charming local restaurant.

A complimentary Dinner is included at a local home:
Meet the locals. You may wish to bring token gifts to exchange with the host family (T shirt, small souvenirs of your home town). This evening we’ll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread… right into the homes of some of the people of Marrakech! You’ll be invited to a family dinner, and while you enjoy wholesome home-cooked specialties, you’ll learn about and appreciate the outlook, aspirations, and way of life of your hosts. Of course, if you prefer, you may enjoy a quiet evening with your travel companions – just let us know your preferences.

DAY 3 – OURIKA VALLEY, THE POTTERS VILLAGE OF TAFZA (BLD)
This morning, we’ll head 30 kilometers outside of Marrakech to the lush valley of the Ourika River, which winds down from the peaks of the High Atlas, through clusters of mud-walled houses. Our visit coincides with one of the regular market days, and we’ll walk among the stands of butchers and vegetable-sellers, merchants of cereals and olive oil, itinerant blacksmiths and sellers of patent medicines and herbal remedies. A barber sets up shop with nothing more than a scissors, hand clipper, and stiff wooden chair, an open-air eatery offers hot food freshly prepared on a brazier. We’ll continue to Tafza to see how vases and lamp bases are made in home workshops, and to view quartz and amethyst and other minerals of the region. We’ll be received for tea in the customary local manner. We’ll meet up with local villagers at a well, help to draw water, and join in preparing a Berber meal of soup, tanurt (bread), and tajine (meat and vegetables cooked in a clay pot). Our hosts are modest local persons who will appreciate offerings of useful small items, such as pencils or notebooks, or even small treats, such as candy. We’ll return to Marrakech through the stunning scenery of the valley. Dinner is included at a local Moroccan dinner with folk show.

http://youtu.be/b-RMLRPhzKI
Ourika Valley – A Day Trip from Marrakech, Morocco. Video by cookingwithalia.

Henna party (For ladies only):
One of the “insiders” excursions into Moroccan culture, a chance to attend a henna party, the painting of hands and body with this natural red dye is a symbol of joy at weddings and regarded as a way to enhance one’s beauty, if interested in attending a Henna party, please let’s know in advance.

Young woman’s hand with artistic henna design.
© Catwoman | Bigstock

Day 4 – BY TRAIN TO CASABLANCA (BLD)
“Getting there is half the fun!” We board the train for our return to Casablanca, cruising through the lovely countryside past green fields, fruit-laden orchards, traditional villages and modern towns, with the lofty Atlas Mountains soaring in the distance. Our tour escort points out interesting features, and fills us in on Moroccan life and culture. After arriving in Casablanca, we visit the majestic new Grand Mosque of King Hassan II, second only to the Great Mosque at Mecca in size. We continue on a panoramic tour of the city and its souks. After dinner, we drive to the airport for our Royal Air Maroc night flight across North Africa to Egypt, air fare is included in our rate.

Day 5 – CAIRO (BD)
We arrive in Cairo with the dawn. Complimentary visa issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport, valid only for American, Canadian, Australian, NZ, EU & Japanese citizens. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months at time of arrival.

We drive through the awakening city to our hotel for breakfast and a bracing cup of coffee or tea. Refreshed, we visit the Citadel of Saladin and its Alabaster Mosque, enjoying spectacular views of the city below. We descend from the Citadel into Khan el-Khalili, the bazaar district, in search of Egyptian treasures. The rest of the day is yours: find a little local restaurant for lunch, go museum-hopping, take a nap, or stroll along the Nile, as you like. Dinner at the hotel.

Visa will be issued upon arrival, for a limited number of nationalities: such as American, Australian, Canadian, EU, Japanese, and NZ. Please pay the $ 15 fee in cash upon arrival (only in USD$ or Euros). Photos are not required, passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of arrival. You are responsible for your passport being valid and in order. After exiting the terminal, our local representative will escort you (private vehicle) to the hotel.

DAY 6 – CAIRO (BLD)
Today we visit Cairo’s most famous monuments: the awesome pyramids of Giza, the Valley Temple and the timeless Sphinx. After lunch at the Mena House we drive to Dahshour, the newly opened pyramid field south of Cairo, where we visit several ancient structures, including the great pyramid built by Senfru, father of Cheops. Camel ride is included, it is more of a photo op with the Pyramids in the background, as you have a very full day. Dinner cruise on board the Hyatt Yacht.

Pyramids and stone walls surrounding the workmen’s tombs at Deir el Medina.
West Bank of the Nile at Luxor. © BasPhoto | Bigstock

DAY 7 – LUXOR (BL)
Very early morning flight to Luxor, upon arrival: proceed to cross the Nile and explore the city that was the Pharaohs capital for more than 20 centuries: Start with the Ramesseum, Medinet Habu and the Ancient Workers Village at Deir El Medineh, the first known “Workers Village” these were the true creative heroes who built the temples & tombs for the mighty Pharaohs of the Nile Kingdom.

Deir El Medinah is on Luxor’s west bank. Here you get a totally different perspective on ancient Egyptian life at the ancient workers’ settlement. While most of the imposing stone monuments and sites of Egypt honor the lives and after-lives of royalty, Deir el-Medinah gives us unique and surprising insights into the ordinary citizens who constructed and decorated the tombs.

Of course there is more: We visit the Valley of the Kings (including King Tut’s Tomb), Valley of the Queens including Queen Hatshepsut Deir El Bahari Temple and the Colossi of Memnon.

Lunch is included at Al-Moudira, or return to your hotel for lunch. Afternoon horse drawn carriage ride through the local village and souks, stop for a tour at the small yet charming Luxor Museum. For your tours: Private air-conditioned vehicle. Private Egyptologist.

DAY 8 – LUXOR/ Cairo (B)
This morning tour the stupendous Great Temple of Amon at Karnak, and visit the Sacred Lake and red granite quarry with its huge unfinished obelisk. We tour as well the great temple of Amon Ra, on our way to the airport for our flight back to Cairo and your hotel, all tours and transfers are on a private basis. Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur, private guide for the tours.

DAY 9 – CAIRO – Home Hosted Dinner -(BL)
The world-famous Egyptian Museum, which holds the treasures of Tutankhamon, is our first stop today, after which we wander the narrow streets of Old Cairo (once a Roman fort). We go on to the Jewish Quarter, then the Coptic Christian Quarter, stopping at the churches of Abu Serghius and Al Molaka, the Coptic Museum, and the Ben Ezra synagogue. Lunch is included at Hadaik Al-Azhar or similar.

Meet the locals – Complimentary Family dinner:
This evening we’ll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread… right into the homes of some of the people of Cairo and Egypt, of course, if you prefer, you may enjoy a quiet evening with your travel companions – just let us know your preferences.

DAY 10 – On Desert Safari for the Day – Fayoum Oases – And you thought the Pyramids were old (BL)
We leave Cairo by sunrise (private air conditioned car/driver/guide). Full day Fayoum Oases including: Hawara Pyramid, El Lahoun Pyramid, Ruins of Karanis, and drive by Lake Qarun. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

The wilds of the desert begin right on the outskirts of Cairo, and continue for hundreds of miles to the east and west, through sands, rock, mountains, oases, and a surprising variety of scenery and inhabitants.

Join us for a day ranging across the desert like modern nomads. In place of camels, we’ll travel in comfortable, reliable four-by-four Toyota Land Cruisers. Your guide and drivers will meet you at your hotel, and soon you’ll leave bustling Cairo behind as you undertake the drive toward the Oasis of El Fayoum, 150 kilometers to the southwest. Hard as it is to believe, a great inland sea once covered these sands. It was a holy reserve of sacred crocodiles, symbolized by the god Sobek.

We’ll visit the temple of Kom Oshim, drive over ancient lake beds, and alongside the waters of today’s Fayoum Lake to reach the fishermen’s village of Chak Chouk. There we’ll stop for a lunch of fish caught fresh that morning. There will be time to wander the village lanes and discreetly watch the everyday activities of baking flatbread, irrigating crops from the lake’s waters, and bringing in the catch. We’ll also include the craft and pottery museum where the best works of local artisans are on display.

Then it’s into our four-by-fours again, for an off-road adventure! We’ll head alongside and across desert washes, between dunes, and over ancient lake beds for 35 kilometers to the Valley of the Whales (In Arabic: Wadi-El-Hitan). Incredibly, these great mammals once thrived – almost forty million years ago – in waters surrounded by sands. We’ll stop and gaze in amazement at their fossilized remains alongside smaller sea creatures that remain in stone. This valley was discovered in 1936, by the German geologist George Schweinfurth in the northwestern corner of Wadi El-Rayan.

The valley provides evidence of one of the major changes in this mammal evolution has been declared by the UNESCO to be a World Heritage Site. It is believed that these land based whales once had feet that may have helped them somewhat while ashore. A team from the University of Michigan discovered in the late 80’s that these Zeuglodon whales did have rudimentary feet, this was a startling discovery, suggesting that whales of Wadi -El-Hitan had recently started living in water as well, these whales were not related to any of the whales we have today, rather a more slender body and may grow up to 75 feet long. Several skeletons of whales are exposed in the sand. George Schweinfurth named this extinct specie the Zeuglodon Isis Whales.

In the evening, you’ll return to your hotel in Cairo. Land transportation in air-conditioned four-wheel-drive Toyota Land Cruiser with the services of driver and English-speaking driver. Lunch is included

DAY 11 – TEL AVIV – JERUSALEM (B)
Air fare is included Cairo to Tel Aviv in economy class, tax included. Our local rep. meets you at the airport, assists with arrival formalities, and escorts you to your Jerusalem hotel. When you choose your own date, we may have to change tours / sites visits around to accommodate religious holidays and Sabbath. Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur, private guide for the tours.

DAY 12 – JERUSALEM (tours are subject to change in Jerusalem subject to the weekend and religious holidays) (B)
We start our explorations of Jerusalem, holy city to Christians, Jews and Muslims, with a drive to the Mount of Olives, which offers panoramic views. We visit the Church of Pater Noster and the Chapel of the Ascension on our way to the Garden of Gethsemane. From the Garden, we enter Jerusalem’s walls to the Old City for a visit to the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock. We follow in Jesus’ footsteps along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur, private guide for the tours.

DAY 13 – JERUSALEM (B)
Now that you’ve had a tour of the city, set out on your own to discover its charms: the narrow bazaar streets of the Old City, the cheerful cafés of New Jerusalem, and the broad boulevards surrounding the modern city.

DAY 14 – JERUSALEM & BETHLEHEM (B)
We start our tour at the scale model of Jerusalem as it appeared in Herod’s time, then go on to the Shrine of the Book to see the sacred Dead Sea Scrolls. Then it’s on to Ein Kerem and Bethlehem for a visit to the Church of the Nativity, stopping at the Shepherds’ Field on the way back to Jerusalem. Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur, private guide for the tours.

DAY 15 – BETHANY, DEAD SEA & MASADA (B)
We drive to Bethany and the site of the Good Samaritan’s inn, then continue through the Judean Hills down to the Dead Sea, below sea level. At Qumran, we see the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. We go on to the verdant oasis of Ein Gedi, and return to Jerusalem passing by fabled Jericho, the oldest city in the world. Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur, private guide for the tours.

Day 16 – DEPARTURE (B)
After breakfast, our staff escorts you to the airport. Bon Voyage. This tour starts in Marrakech weekly, year round.

RATES per person in USD
	Deluxe Hotels	First Class
Triple	US$ 8410.	US$ 7412.
Double	US$ 8580.	US$ 7590.
Single	US$ 9801.	US$ 9186.

Your tour includes:

Regional airfare from Casablanca / Cairo / Tel Aviv, including tax in economy class with tax.
Domestic airfares within Egypt and Morocco as well as Cairo Tel Aviv, all in economy class, including tax
First-class day train Marrakech-Casablanca and sleeper train Cairo-Luxor, including tax and service
All airport and train station transfers in Morocco and Egypt as described in the tour itinerary, always on a private basis
Your hotel room at a carefully-selected deluxe, first class, whichever you prefer, including tax & service. Egypt: we use Hilton/ Sheraton/Meridien/ Sonesta for Deluxe or for First Class: Shepherd’s or similar
B = Breakfast, (or aB, American Buffet Breakfast), L = Lunch, D = Dinner and all Egyptian airport taxes.
Private guided sightseeing as listed in the itinerary including all entrance fees. US, Australian, EU, Canadian, NZ, and Japanese passport holders need a visa to enter Egypt. You will obtain a visa at the airport upon arrival in Cairo With our compliments, as long as you have an American or Japanese passport that is valid for at least 6 month. Visas are not required of US and Canadian passport holders for entry into Morocco.

What’s not included:

Insurance of any kind.
Tips.
International air fare from/ to your home country

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE ON LUGGAGE: When flying between North Africa cities and Tel Aviv you will be allowed only one piece of luggage to be checked in plus one for the carry on.

Sample Hotels (or similar):

Jerusalem Hotel

Quiet European elegance, comfort, and affordability meet in the Jerusalem Gold Hotel to create a hidden sanctuary amid the overwhelming blaze of history, diversity, and faith that is Jerusalem.

The Jerusalem Gold Hotel along with a world renowned architect has designed a haven of tranquility and warmth set into the very hub of local and national transportation in Jerusalem, thus allowing guests to enjoy the seemingly impossible combination of calm and serenity, with the ultimate accessibility.

Jerusalem is one of the most popular and cherished cities in the world. The Jerusalem Gold hotel is an up scale hotel, situated a mere 25 minutes from the Israel’s International Airport. The Jerusalem Gold Hotel is located at the gateway to Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel, touching the heart of the city center, at 234 Jaffa Street. The 11 story, hotel stands across from “Binyaney Hauma”, Israel’s International Convention Center, and is adjoining the new modern Egged Central Bus station with its contemporary shopping mall.

The Jerusalem Gold Hotel is walking distance from the city center and right near the central bus station, from which you can find transportation to every city in Israel.

Pray at the West Wall, visit the Old City of Jerusalem, the City of David, the Israel National Museum, the Knesset- Israeli Parliament, the famous Mahane Yehuda Shuk, the Rose Gardens, and so much more.

Whether you are a tourist, or on a business trip rest assured that the staff at the Jerusalem Gold Hotel will offer you a unique lodging experience with genuine hospitality.

Guest Rooms
The hotel has 196 elegant rooms, rooms for handicapped, (Brail numbers on all doors) including 24 Jr. Suites. Every room has sound-proof window frames, equipped with, television, internet, E-mail, video games, mini fridge, safety deposit boxes (laptop size), telephone with international line, bathroom with a bath, Air-conditioning, elegant Mahogany furniture, etc.

Categories EgyptMorocco_multi, EgyptNeighboringCountries

Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh Resort

by kathy

December 5th, 2014

The luxury Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh resort is ideally situated on the Sinai Peninsula, offering the warmth of summer to every visitor all year round. As one of the best Sharm El Sheikh hotels, the Hyatt Regency offers outstanding views and access to three private beach coves, and one of the most spectacular diving sites in the Sinai Peninsula, the Gardens Bay. In addition to the rich variety of diving and water sports, there is an amazing array of eccentric, exciting and captivating things to do in Sharm El Sheikh.

Located close to important religious and historic landmarks, hotel guests will be able to enjoy the treasures of Egypt’s waters and land. The religious and historic sites, coral reefs, aquatic life and Ras Mohamed Nature Reserve offer fulfilling experiences for all guests, while adventure seekers can find thrills on jeep safaris, camel expeditions, quad bikes, mountain treks and even Bedouin–style tented dinners. Golf enthusiasts will be able to enjoy a round or two in Sharm El Sheikh’s 18-hole course, while divers can discover the treasures of diving in Sharm El Sheikh.

After an invigorating swim in one of the many pools found in the botanical gardens, guests can stretch out on a sun lounger, drink in the warm Egyptian sunshine and make the perfect start to the day. For those who live in big cities, Hyatt Regency Sharm el Sheikh will truly be a breath of pure fresh air, and an ideal respite from the hustle and bustle on The South coast of The Sinai.

Combining sun, air and water, Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh is a unique, luxury Egyptian hotel, providing natural stress relief. The spa offers a variety of pampering treatments, where all guests will experience pure relaxation.

Come and discover Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh Resort today.

Hotel Features

432 Rooms & Suites
Presidential & Royal Villas
Regency Club® Rooms & Lounge
Private Balcony or Terrace in all rooms
Resort Centre for Information, Activities and Local Tours
Souk at the Hyatt Hotel Shops
Oasis Kids’ Club
Private Transportation Available
12 Restaurants offering global cuisine
Souk at the Hyatt with live Bedouin entertainment
Outdoor Poolside and Beachside Dining
2 Lounges/Bars with amazing views
Club Olympus Fitness Centre & Spa
Outdoor Pools
Water Sports Centre
Golf
Grand Ballroom
2 Meeting Rooms & 1 Boardroom
Advanced conference facilities
Diving Center On Site

Rooms

The luxury Sharm El Sheikh hotel offers 432 large and comfortable guestrooms, suites and villas offering stunning Red Sea views and all the comforts of modern living to satisfy guests with different wishes.

View

Enjoy a spectacular view of the Red Sea from a furnished balcony or terrace. Southern Mediterranean decor complements a spacious room featuring one king or two twin beds offering the softest Egyptian cotton linens, generous work area with high-speed Internet access, and marble bath with soaking tub, walk-in shower and deluxe bath amenities enriched with Dead Sea minerals.

Deluxe

Premier views of the Red Sea from a furnished private balcony welcome you to a 38-sq.-metre room offering elegant Mediterranean-inspired decor. Pampering amenities include either a king-size bed or two twin beds with the softest Egyptian cotton linens, generous work area with high-speed Internet access, and spacious marble bath featuring soaking tub, walk-in shower and deluxe bath amenities enriched with Dead Sea minerals.

Regency Club

Stunning sea views from a private balcony welcome you to a 38-sq.-metre room offering Mediterranean decor and rich amenities, including either a king-size bed or two twin beds, high-speed Internet and marble bath with soaking tub, walk-in shower and deluxe bath amenities. Includes access to a Club House offering secluded beach, gardens, a private swimming pool and whirl pool. The private Club lounge serves Continental breakfast, evening cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

Suite

Experience the luxury of an 80-sq.-metre villa suite offering stunning views of the Red Sea from two furnished balconies. Mediterranean-inspired decor features a large living area, two baths, king bedroom and work area with high-speed Internet. Includes access to a Club House offering secluded beach, gardens, a private swimming pool and whirl pool. The private Club lounge serves Continental breakfast, evening cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

The Regency Executive Suite features a a 124 -sq.-metre villa suite offering stunning views of the Red Sea from a 26 sq. metre terrace. The Diplomatic Suite includes a 164 square metres suite offering stunning views of the Red sea from a 26 square metres terrace. Mediterranean inspired décor features a large living area, three bathrooms, a kitchenette, and two bedrooms.

Villa

The Villa features a spectacular beachfront setting on the Red Sea that welcomes you to a 307 square metre, two level retreat featuring a ground level that opens onto a 114 square metre private verandah. Lavish decoration includes an outdoor dining area on the verandah, guest living room, dining room, writing desk and guest toilet, fully equipped kitchen with service door and twin guest room and bathroom, with shower and bath. Upstairs features include a master bedroom covering 54 square metres with a king-size bed, living room with writing desk, master bathroom with step-in Jacuzzi, two vanity tables and walk-in wardrobe, guest bedroom of 47 square metres and bathroom and toilet. Guests can enjoy all Regency Club privileges including usage of private beach, swimming pool, whirl pool and lounge. In addition to a private chef for serving breakfast at the villa and a dedicated butler. Guests are offered free limousine transfers from and to the airport.

Activities

The Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh offers activities for guests of all backgrounds and interests. Those longing for some well-earned relaxation can bask in the golden sunshine on a private beach, gaze at the stunning sea views from spacious guestrooms and villas, or indulge in some spa therapy.

Those travelling with the family can simply let the kids enjoy themselves at Camp Hyatt, or bring them along to the cascading pools, lush botanical gardens, and range of restaurants and bars. Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh is located on an aqua oasis in Gardens Bay, so also provides access to one of the world’s best dive sites.

An onsite award-winning PADI National Geographic diving centre and water sports centre offers a complete range of courses, with diving and snorkelling activities for all ages and levels of experience.

Sharm El Sheikh also offers a range of fun, out of the ordinary things to do for visitors including Camel expeditions, marine nature reserves and dive sites, biblical sites, casinos, raceway and desert safaris.

Dining

Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh hosts the best bars and restaurants in Sharm El Sheikh.

Based in a traditional setting with indoor and outdoor dining, Sala Thai serves the best Thai cuisine in Sharm El Sheikh. For those wanting to make the most of the Red Sea views, The Beach House, which is set on a rocky bluff, offers exquisite sea food.

Sample a variety of fresh, seasonal specialties at Café Fresco, which presents a different theme every night. Designed as an ancient, Arabesque marketplace, Souk restaurant is replete with shops, food stalls and a stage for live performances. Cascades poolside restaurant offers succulent grilled dishes, light salads and homemade ice creams during the day while the atmosphere during dinner is romantic and tranquil.

The Resorts upbeat bars and lounges include Stars Music Bar, capturing the view of the setting sun over the Red Sea and creating memorable evenings. The Azure Lounge, which features a floor-to-ceiling picture window overlooking the Red Sea, is the focal point of an encapsulating lobby.

Meetings and Events

With the largest and most technologically advanced convention facilities in the region, Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh Resort is a top choice for meeting and incentive planners. They offer two conference rooms, one boardroom, a grand ballroom and outdoor meeting facilities.

Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh Resort is also the perfect venue for your next event. Whether it’s a fun-filled theme party, conference or banquet, the Sharm El Sheikh conference hotel offers you all the event planning resources you need to plan the perfect gathering – from site selection and décor to menu design, audiovisual arrays, and live entertainment.

Categories Egypt, Egypt Resort, Hotel

The Best of Egypt and Jordan (17 Days)

by kathy

August 14th, 2014

With a Nile Cruise and Camping in Wadi Rum
Abu Simbel Mighty Nubian Temples & Jerash
All in 17 Days

Abu Simbel Temples.
By Grosty (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

The best way to see the best of these two gems of the Near East in 17 days. See the top sights in Egypt (Cairo, Giza and a 5-day cruise along the Nile) and Jordan, Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum (including camping), Jerash, and the Dead Sea.

Tour

DAY 1: CAIRO Tour Starts Wednesday – Weekly Year Round
On arrival our local representative will greet you at the airport and whisk you to your hotel. Visa may be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport.

VIP Meet & Greet
Upon arrival at Cairo Airport, visa issued locally in Cairo (for a limited number of nationalities), no photos required. Our representative will greet you at the airport and whisk you to your hotel. Visa will be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport for a limited number of citizens such as: American, Australian, NZ, EU, Canadian, EU Singaporean and Japanese citizens. You are responsible for having your passport in order and valid for at least for 6 months beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo. Our will local rep. meet you with a sign that carries your name, and will be waiting with the prepaid visa stamps to proceed to the passports control to stamp your passports, then you claim your luggage. After you clear the passport and customs formalities and exit the terminal, our local representative will escort you (private vehicle) to the hotel. Welcome fruit basket & Egyptian pastry awaits you in your room with our compliments.

DAY 2: CAIRO (BLD) – Thursday
On your first full day in Egypt we will show you the Egyptian Museum, including the Mummies Room, and King Tut’s Gold Treasure room and then on to the Islamic Art Museum, Saladin’s Citadel, the Alabaster Mosque. Lunch is included at Naguib Mahfouz or Hadaik el-Azhar, followed by a walking tour of Khan El Khalili and Muezzledeenallah districts. Dinner is included at La Bodega restaurant.

DAY 3: CAIRO – GIZA (BLD) – Friday
Breakfast is always included at the hotel. Today we drive to the edge of the desert to admire the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and Cheops Royal Barge Museum. Lunch is included at the Mena House. In the afternoon we tour Memphis, Sakkara and the small yet charming Imhotep Museum, of course we include the Step Pyramid and Nobles Tombs, and stop at el Harania, before heading back to the hotel. Dinner is included Abu El Sid restaurant.

DAY 4: LUXOR! Board your Nile Cruise (BLD) – Saturday
We fly to LUXOR (or Aswan), in Luxor we proceed to cross the Nile to the West Bank. We tour today as the magnificent tombs in the Valley of the Kings including Tut-Ank-Amon’s tomb and the great temple of Queen Hatshepsut, we stop at the Colossi of Memnon on the way back to our cruise. and board our Nile cruiser in time for a delicious lunch. Complimentary welcome fruit basket awaits you in your cabin.The gigantic Great Temple of Amon at Karnak, and the mighty Temple of Luxor are our goals in the afternoon. We’ll return in time for the afternoon tea served on deck. You’ll have a chance to explore your ship before dinner.

First class Nile Cruise: M/S Nile Dream, M/S Granada or similar
Deluxe: M/S Mojito or M/S Radamis II or similar
Ultra Deluxe: Sonesta Moon Goddess – Aswan to Luxor- 04 Nights/05 Days, in which case will amend draft to be boarding the cruise Tuesday from Aswan (we will e.mail you the program accordingly, need to start in Cairo: Saturday to board the cruise Tuesday)

DAY 5: LUXOR, EDFU (BLD) – Sunday
We sail to Esna to go through the locks, and on to Edfu where we dock for the night. In the evening, we’ll celebrate in Egyptian style, dressed in galabias, the flowing national costume. A galabya will be delivered to your cabin with our compliments.

DAY 6: EDFU, KOM OMBO (BLD) – Monday
We moor in Edfu, climb aboard horse-drawn carriages, and clip-clop through the town to the Temple of Horus, Egypt’s best-preserved temple. Re-embarking on our Nile cruiser, we enjoy lunch as we sail further south upriver. We disembark downstream at Kom Ombo to visit the twin temples of Haroeris, the sun god, and Sobek, the crocodile god, then continue our voyage to Aswan, while we party after dinner with music and dance.

DAY 7: CAMEL CARAVAN, NUBIAN VILLAGE, ASWAN (BLD) – Tuesday
First we tour Aswan dams, then on to the new Nubian Museum. From there we will proceed to the awesome Aswan dams, and next an ancient granite quarry complete with an unfinished obelisk. Then we go by motor launch to the Island temple of Philae, dedicated to the Ancient Goddess ISIS: “I, Isis, am all that has been, that is or shall be; no mortal man hath ever seen me unveiled.”

Isis was the powerful and quick-witted protector of her son Horus, the Sun God. Ancient peoples throughout the Mediterranean regarded Isis and Horus as the perfect Madonna and Child. Another legend says she was also the mother of the fertility god Min who, judging from the depiction of him on temple walls, needed no help from Viagra!

In the afternoon we enjoy a leisurely sail by graceful felucca on the Nile. For those who are interested: a short camel caravan & ride is included to visit a local Nubian Village. Our farewell dinner this evening is a buffet of Egyptian specialties, followed by a show featuring oriental performers, including of course a belly dancer.

DAY 8: ASWAN, Abu Simbel – CAIRO (BL) – Wednesday
Breakfast is always included. We’ve planned our visit to Abu Simbel to be a highlight of your Egyptian adventure. Rising before dawn, we drive along the shore of Lake Nasser, watching the sky lighten and the sacred sun rise above the horizon. We reach the great temples while the air is clean, clear and cool, and the sun’s light still golden; just right for photographs. Due to strict security measures, we are required to follow a Tourist police escort whenever we go through any desert highway, even when we go along Lake Nasser, departure time may be changed based on Tourist Police escort request.

In Abu Simbel, we explore Ramses the Great larger temple, colossal figures of Ramses are seated with the gods and attended by his queen and daughters. The smaller temple is dedicated to Queen Nefertari, who appears as Hathor, the goddess of love, joy and fertility, symbolized by the benevolent cow. We explore these fine temples, admiring their ancient aura and artistry, after which retire to a comfortable hotel for refreshments and our lunch box.

Fly back to Aswan and connect to Cairo, air fare is included in our rate, economy class, tax included. In Cairo, we escort you back to your hotel.

A complimentary Dinner is included at a local home:
Meet the locals. You may wish to bring token gifts to exchange with the host family (T shirt, small souvenirs of your home town).
This evening we’ll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread… right into the homes of some of the people of Cairo! You’ll be invited to a family dinner, and while you enjoy wholesome home-cooked specialties, you’ll learn about and appreciate the outlook, aspirations, and way of life of your hosts. Be assured, as curious as you may be about your new friends, they’re sure to have questions about your own background. Once the ice is broken, you’ll enjoy a lively evening, and find that you have more in common than you ever suspected. Of course, if you prefer, you may enjoy a quiet evening with your travel companions. Just let us know your preferences.

DAY 9: AMMAN – JORDAN (B) – Thursday
After breakfast, our local rep. escorts you to the airport for your flight to Jordan (air ticket included in our rate, in economy class with tax). All transfers are always included and are provided on a private basis. We’ll pick you up from Queen Alia Airport, proceed to Amman for check-in and overnight at your hotel.

DAY 10: MADABA, KERAK – PETRA (BL) – Friday
We drive south along the King’s Highway, an ancient caravan route, to Madaba to visit the church containing the oldest known map of the Holy Land. Continuing to Mount Nebo, we enjoy the panoramic view of the Promised Land the way Moses saw it for the first time. Further on, at Kerak, we tour the ruins of its romantic Crusaders’ castle of Renaud de Chatillon, one of a line which stretched from Aqaba to Turkey. Finally, we arrive to PETRA. Lunch is included enroute. Sample Deluxe Hotels: Marriott Petra and Mövenpick Petra.

DAY 11: PETRA (BD) – Saturday
Today the fabulous Nabatean City of Petra awaits us. Made famous in the Indiana Jones movie “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” its ancient temples, tombs and striking Khazneh (Treasury) were hewn right from the pink and violet sandstone. We spend a full day here, and another night.

This evening, we will enjoy:
The Petra Kitchen is a delightful way to round out your Jordan travel experiences. Like any home kitchen, The Petra Kitchen is a relaxed, informal atmosphere where you’ll gather to prepare an evening meal, working alongside local women under the supervision of our chef.

Each evening meal includes soup, cold and hot mezza and salads, and a main course—all typical Jordanian dishes. You will have get an inside glimpse of the secrets behind the famous regional cuisine of the Levant.

The rate includes the cuisine course, meal and all non-alcoholic beverages as well as take-home recipes for all dishes prepared that evening.

DAY 12: Wadi Rum – Luxury Camping (BLD) – Sunday
Breakfast is included at the hotel. We board four-wheel-drive vehicles for an expedition to Wadi Rum, the “Valley of the Moon” where T. E. Lawrence (“Lawrence of Arabia”) organized Arab resistance to Ottoman rule during World War I. Lunch box is included. After our visit we head to one of the local camp sites, It is essential to take several layers of clothes, including warm layers, this is desert weather, so there is a great drop and / or increase in temperatures with sunrise / sunset, After our visit we head to one of the local camp sites. It is essential to take several layers of clothes, including warm layers, as this is desert weather, so there is a great drop and / or increase in temperatures with sunrise / sunset.

Sample camp site: the Luxury Camping: Sun City Camp (Wadi Rum) , or the RSCN Rummana Campsite at the Dana Nature Reserve. Dinner is included camp style. Your guide will always be available on hand, and will be escorting you at all times. Tours are always on a private basis. Private air-conditioned vehicle. Private Chauffeur and private guide.

DAY 13: WADI RUM – Dead Sea Resort (BL) – Monday
Breakfast is included at the hotel. We head northwards to Pella in the Jordan Valley. Visit Um Qais, Gedara of the Bible (Matthew 8:28-34) for a spectacular view of the Sea of Galilee, the Yarmouk River. Lunch is included enroute in one of the local restaurants, then head to the Dead Sea resort area and overnight. Sample Hotels: First Class: Dead Sea Hotel or similar. deluxe: Mövenpick Dead Sea or similar. Ultra Deluxe: Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea or similar.

DAY 14: JERASH (BL) – Tuesday
We drive to Jerash, among the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, to tour its temples, theaters, churches and colonnaded streets. Lunch is included as well today in one of the local restaurants before we head back to the Dead Sea.

DAY 15 & 16: The Dead Sea (B) – Monday & Tuesday
Breakfast at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure, as you enjoy the lowest geological spot on Earth and maybe experience floating in the waters of the Dead Sea.

DAY 17: The Dead Sea – Amman Airport, Departure (B) – Wednesday
After breakfast, transfer back to Queen Alia Airport. Private air condition car for your transfer. Private chauffeur. Salam and Bon Voyage!

Private Tour RATES per person in USD
Private Tour Rate	Triple	Double	Single
First Class hotels Golden Tulip Hotel Level- Economy class regional air fare	$ 5060.	$ 5181.	$ 6160.
Deluxe Hotels Meridien, Hilton, Sheraton: Level Hotels Economy class regional air fare	$ 5680.	$ 5774.	$ 6858.
Ultra Deluxe Hotels Four Seasons Level Hotels Standard Room, but in Cairo it is Nile View Room. Business class regional air fare	$ 7560.	$ 7690.	$ 8570.

For Easter Holiday as well as Christmas/New Years: Please add %15 supplement to the rates.
Children Discount : 30 % on the adult double rate, child must be younger than 12 years of age, must be traveling with a minimum of 2 adults.

Your locally escorted tour includes:

All airport / hotel/cruise transfers, on a private basis as per itinerary.
Air fare between Cairo and Amman in ” Y” economy class, tax included. But business class for Ultra Deluxe.
Accommodation with breakfast and tax.
Pre-set menu meals as listed: “L” = lunch, “D” = dinner (as indicated in the itinerary).
Services of local professional guides.
Admission fees to museums and sites as detailed in the itinerary.
Domestic air tickets within Egypt “Y” economy class with tax. But business class for Ultra Deluxe.
Nile Cruise with all meals and shore excursions.
- Cruise shore excursions: You will be part of a group: 10-15 English speaking guests.
- While on board the cruise:
  - Bottled water (one per person) delivered to your cabin daily while you are on board the cruise.
  - Tea or coffee /bottled water with each meal while on board the cruise.
  - Complimentary welcome fruit basket awaits you in your cabin.
  - Complimentary galabya on board the cruise for the costume party.
VIP Meet & Greet At Cairo Airport. Our representative greets you at the airport and whisks you to your hotel. Visa will be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport (photos are not required).
Egyptian Visa will be issued for a limited number of citizens such as: American, Australian, NZ, EU, Canadian, EU Singaporean and Japanese citizens. You are responsible for having your passport in order and valid for at least for 6 months beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo. Our local rep. meets with a sign that carries your name, and will be waiting for you with the prepaid visa stamps to proceed to the passports control to stamp your passports, then you claim your luggage. After you clear the passport and customs formalities and exit the terminal, our local representative will escort you (private vehicle) to the hotel. Welcome fruit basket & Egyptian pastry awaits you in your room in Cairo upon arrival with our compliments.
In Jordan: For your convenience: Wi-Fi internet access and mineral water with soft drinks are available in Jordan on board of all the vehicle for our VIP guests.
Visa for Jordan, will be issued upon arrival at Amman Airport ( all visas regulations are subject to change without notice)

The tour does not include:

International airfare from / to your home country.
Travel Insurance.
tips.
Personal expenditures (beverages, laundry, special meals, etc.)

Categories Egypt, EgyptJordan_multi, IndianaJones_multi, Jordan

Mövenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna

by kathy

July 10th, 2014

Travel in Style is happy to present this “Little Venice on The Red Sea” for our honeymooners and guests who are looking for the best when searching for a romantic vacation escapade by the sea.

Pure relaxation at the Red Sea

The Mövenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna is nestled on a peninsula, with its own exclusive beachfront with spectacular views of the Red Sea. These ideal surroundings, combined with the resort’s extensive facilities, all make for a perfect stay.

This environmentally friendly resort has it all: ultimate pampering at Angsana Spa, challenging rounds of golf at the nearby course, and world-class kitesurfing locations. Discover a fascinating underwater world while diving or snorkeling. Or simply enjoy pure relaxation and well-being for every member of the family.

Rooms

Suite at the Movenpick Resort & Spa There are 554 spacious rooms and suites spread out over eight clusters giving a feeling of privacy and comfort at all times. All rooms offer modern conveniences and fabulous views over the lush gardens, the lagoons or the sea. The recently reinvented Standard, Superior and Deluxe rooms feature a unique design with the bed centered in the middle of the spacious room. Family rooms offer extra space and comfort for every member of the family and our Suites are a perfect retreat to enjoy space and exquisite comfort in a perfect location. Rooms with connecting doors, non-smoking rooms and rooms for disabled guests are available upon request.

Restaurants

Movenpick Resort & Spa restaurant Be spoiled with a wide variety of culinary delights: sumptuous buffets at Palavrion Restaurant, or oriental and seafood specialties at El Sayadin Restaurant directly on the beach. Alternatively, you can enjoy a fine dining experience at il limone Mediterranean Restaurant or try exotic dishes at the Bua Khao Thai Restaurant.

The Oasis and Lagoon pool restaurants and bars welcome you during the day. In the evening, international musicians will entertain you in various locations throughout the resort, or just enjoy a relaxing drink at Galley Bar or the Piazza.

Meetings

Movenpick Resort & Spa meeting facilities Three state-of-the-art conference rooms cater for up to 400 guests with a professional team on hand to assist with planning and execution of any conference and meeting. Creative gastronomy combined with an idyllic location ensures a wide range of meeting possibilities.

Things to do

Movenpick Resort & Spa swimming pool The resort spans over 350,000 sqm with over 2 km of private beach and is the ideal “playground” for all sports and leisure activities for the young and adults.

Four swimming pools are spread out over the entire resort and a wide variety of sports and leisure facilities will keep you busy at your own pace: from diving to Golf, fun activities for the kids, kitesurfing to pure relaxation at Angsana Spa – this resort has got it all. El Gouna, with its picturesque downtown and the stylish yacht marina, is the perfect place to go out and simply enjoy the sunny side of life.

Mövenpick Feddya Dahabiya
A UNIQUE WAY TO CRUISE THE NILE

The Mövenpick Feddya Dahabiya is a boutique sailboat sailing the river Nile between Luxor and Aswan, offering fantastic shore excursions to explore the ancient Egyptian wonders. With only four suites onboard the Feddya, it is the closest experience to having your own private yacht – an exclusive and new concept for cruising the river Nile.

Categories Egypt, Egypt Resort, Hotel

M/S Amarco: Honeymoon Special

by kathy

May 23rd, 2014

Ultra Luxury on the Nile

For all of our newlyweds on their honeymoon

Imagine cruising the fabled Nile in ultimate luxury… Rockefeller did it. Mark Twain did it. More recently, First Lady Laura Bush, former First Lady Barbara Bush and pop music legend Lionel Richie did it. They all cruised on Egypt’s timeless Nile in luxury.

The Amarco is available in combination with several of our Tour/Cruise packages. The 233-foot-long, 43-foot-wide Amarco provides the ultimate luxury in Nile cruising. Every fully air-conditioned state-room has a minibar, TV and video system, telephone, safe deposit box, and private bath with hair dryer and luxury amenities.

Onboard facilities include spacious restaurants serving the best Egyptian and international cuisine. Lounges with dancing every evening. Large swimming pools, gym, spa, massage parlor, steam rooms and Jacuzzi. There are also sun decks, a variety of bars and lounges, boutiques, and gift shops. All cabins have an oversized bathtub.

Free Upgrade to a Suite (subject to availability)
A souvenir photo album for your cruise photos
One private candlelit welcome dinner in your stateroom
Free 30 minute massage
A souvenir Papyrus wedding certificate written in Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphic and/or Arabic, English, French, Japanese Spanish etc. based on your preference

Mondays from Luxor: Eight Days Cruise
Mondays from Luxor: Five Days Cruise
Fridays from Aswan: Four Days Cruise

Guest Rooms and Suites

Discover spacious accommodations, modern facilities, comfortable stylish interiors, and unparalleled service that all capture the essence of hospitality at its finest.

Highlight

Spacious & stylish guest rooms
Luxury revive bedding
Exclusive in room Technology

General Room Amenities

Individual climate control
Mini bar
Safety deposit box
Panoramic, sound proof windows
Sprinkler
Direct dial telephone
Luxury bedding-down comforters, custom duvets, cotton rich linens

Bathroom Amenities

Bathrobe & sleepers
Bath tub
Hair dryer
Separate tub and shower

Restaurant and Lounges

Reservations are not required. Our dining rooms will accommodate all our guests in one seating — one less thing to worry about while you are traveling on the Nile. Enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere with several different languages being heard at dinner.

Dinner a la carte is served onboard the M/S Amarco 3 times a week on Saturday, Tuesday & Thursday.

Highlight

Main restaurant offering local and international menu selections
Breakfast & lunch served in a buffet style
Dinner either ” A la Carte” or set menu
Kid’s menu & vegetarian are on request
Get the pleasure of nouvelle cuisine style

Lounge & Bars

Main large Lounge with dance floor
Billiard bar
Pool bar

Dress Code

Casual for breakfast & lunch
Formal for dinner

Spa

Indulge yourself, boost your energy, and pamper yourself with a fantastic range of massages.

Highlight

Sauna
Massage
Gym

A full massage menu available, appointment is required.

Categories Egypt

Great Nile Cities Cruise (Aswan)

by kathy

May 23rd, 2014

Boarding Aswan

The temples glowed in the soft light at sunset. Photo by Ron Guay.

This 15-day tour shows you the best of Cairo, as well as the Nile’s other great cities: Luxor, Thebes, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan on a four-day Nile cruise. Includes a day break on the beach in Sharm at the end of the tour.

Tour

DAY 1 – NEW YORK – JFK /CAIRO – Every Thursday – Weekly – Year Round
Your comfortable wide-body jet departs the USA for Cairo. For most West Coast cities, please note the “see add on air fare” listed below. West coast customers do not need to fly via NYC.

DAY 2 – CAIRO Friday
Our local Cairo rep. greets you and escorts you through the excitement and hubbub of the Heliopolis area and onward to your hotel. Sample hotels (or similar): Deluxe: Hilton, Sheraton, J. W. Marriott or similar. First: Shepheard’s, Oasis, Novotel.

Visa may be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport. VIP Arrival Hall At Cairo Airport, no photos required.
Our representative greets you at the airport and whisks you to your hotel. Visa will be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport for a limited number of citizens such as: American, Australian, NZ, EU, Canadian, EU Singaporean and Japanese citizens. You are responsible for having your passport in order valid at least for 6 months beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo. Our local rep. meets with a sign that carries your name, and will be waiting for you with the prepaid visa stamps to proceed to the passports control to stamp your passports, then you claim your luggage. After you clear the passport and customs formalities and exit the terminal, our local representative will escort you (private vehicle) to the hotel. Welcome fruit basket & Egyptian pastry awaits you in your room with our compliments.

DAY 3 – CAIRO- GIZA -Saturday (BL)
Our full-day tour of the great metropolis includes the most spellbinding sights: the Pyramids at Giza, the mighty Sphinx, The Mighty Pharaoh Cheops own Royal Yacht Museum, the treasure-filled Egyptian Museum with the Mummies Pavillion and King Tut’s Gold Treasure Pavillion included. Lunch is included at the Mena House We return to Giza by sunset for the Sound & Light show, you may wish to bring a jacket with you. Dinner is included back at the hotel.

DAY 4 – ALEXANDRIA – Wadi Natrun Monastery Sunday (BLD)
Today, we’ll get to known Alexandria in depth, as we visit the Museum, the Roman Amphitheater, the Koum El Shougafa Tombs, and the fortress of Kayet Bey. After lunch in an Alexandrine restaurant, we’ll make a brief stop at the new Alexandria Library before we travel to Cairo through the Western Desert to stop at Wadi El Natroun monastery, where early Coptic Christians retreated to escape Roman persecution in the 4th century AD. The Egyptian Pope of Alexandria is always chosen from the Monks of wadi El Natroun. Reach Cairo early evening where dinner awaits you at the hotel.

DAY 5 – CAIRO – Ottoman Cairo, Home Hosted Dinner – Monday (BLD)
We continue our explorations with a half-day tour through medieval Khan el-Khalili, the bazaar district, to admire the ancient streets, houses and mosques. We tour as well the Caravanserai of Wekalet El Ghouri, Beit El Kritlya /Gayer Anderson old Ottoman Houses (Built 15th century). The afternoon is devoted to: the former Royal palace of Abdeen & Manial Palace, the Palace of Egypt’s last Crown Prince.

Complimentary Dinner is included at a local home:
Meet the locals: This evening we’ll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread… right into the homes of some of the people of Cairo! You’ll be invited to a family dinner, and while you enjoy wholesome home-cooked specialties, you’ll learn about and appreciate the outlook, aspirations, and way of life of your hosts. Be assured, as curious as you may be about your new friends, they’re sure to have questions about your own background. Once the ice is broken, you’ll enjoy a lively evening, and find that you have more in common than you ever suspected. Of course, if you prefer, you may enjoy a quiet evening with your travel companions by letting us know your preferences. You may wish to bring token gifts to exchange with the host family (T shirt, small souvenirs of your home town).

DAY 6 – Cairo – Aswan Abu Simbel (or Luxor) Tuesday (BL)
We take a flight to Aswan and after a brief stop your flight continues to Abu Simbel, where your private air-conditioned vehicle awaits you and your private guide. In the larger temple, colossal figures of Ramses are seated with the gods and attended by his queen and daughters. The smaller temple is dedicated to Queen Nefertari, who appears as Hathor, the goddess of love, joy and fertility, symbolized by the benevolent cow. We explore these fine temple, admiring their ancient aura and artistry, after which retire to a comfortable hotel for refreshments. Just as planeloads of visitors arrive to throng the temples we fly back to Aswan, arriving in time for a late lunch. For guests interested, please join us on a complimentary short camel ride to a nearby Nubian village for tea with the locals. Deluxe: Aswan Movenpick or the Cataract Hotel. For Nile View Room at the Cataract please add: $ 150 per person in double. For First class: Basma Hotel or similar

DAY 7 – Board your Nile Cruise – Wednesday (BLD)
After breakfast we check out of our hotel, followed by visit to the Nubian Museum, and on to board your the Nile Cruise: Deluxe M/S Lady Diana, M/S Monaco or similar, first class:M/S Nile Dream, M/S Ruby or similar, complimentary welcome fruit basket. After lunch on board we head out to tour Aswan Dams, enjoy a Felucca sailing among the Nile rocky islands, followed by a trip by motor launch to the Island temple of Philae, dedicated to the Ancient Goddess ISIS.

DAY 8 – Kom Ombo – EDFU – On Board Your Nile Cruise – Thursday (BLD)
We sail very early in the morning, off to Kom Ombo to explore the twin temples of Haroeris, the sun god, and Sobek, the crocodile god, at Kom Ombo, then re board our ship for the voyage north to Edfu, where we board horse-drawn carriages for the short ride through the town to the stupendous Temple of Horus, the best preserved temple on the Nile. Returning to our ship, we set sail for Luxor. In the evening there’s a galabia party. Complimentary galabya will be delivered to your cabin. If you’ve tried our flowing Egyptian garment (the galabya), tonight’s the night to try it on!

DAY 9 – Valley of the Kings and more – On Board Your Nile Cruise – Friday (BLD)
After breakfast we tour the Valley of the Kings including King Tut’s Tomb and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari. Followed by the Colossi of Memnon, the Ramesseum and Medinet Habu, returning to our ship for lunch. The afternoon is for Deir el Medina the Ancient Workers Village, where the first known “Sit-down” Strike against the Pharaoh took place, it’s said that the “Palace” did back down and made good on the back pay, in sesame oil! Deir El Medinah is on Luxor’s west bank you get a totally different perspective on ancient Egyptian life, at the ancient workers’ settlement of Deir el-Medinah. While most of the imposing stone monuments and sites of Egypt honor the lives and after-lives of royalty, Deir el-Medinah gives us unique and surprising insights into the ordinary citizens who constructed and decorated the tombs. Here we’ll see the excavated homes shared by laborers with their domestic animals. You’ll be back on board in time for tea. Following lunch aboard, we are off to the stupendous Great Temple of Amon at Karnak and the smaller – but still immense – Temple of Luxor. In the evening your guide will call on you for a horse drawn carriage ride of Luxor town and the local scene, then head to Karnak Temples for an evening Sound & Light show, (a jacket is a must).

DAY 10 – Disembarkation – Luxor / Sharm El Sheikh – Saturday (BD)
After breakfast, check-out and off to the airport and fly to Sharm El Sheikh. Transfers are always on a private basis. Hotels (or similar): Deluxe: Hyatt. Renaissance Sonesta. Savoy. Rotana. Marriott. First: Hilton. Novotel or similar. Dinner is included at the hotel tonight.

DAY 11- Sharm El Sheikh – Sunday (BD)
Breakfast is always included daily. Relax! These are your days to absorb all that you’ve seen and experienced so far, not to mention the bright Egyptian sun and sparkling Red Sea. Evening Dinner with the Bedouins on the edge of the Sahara, with Bedouin Music.

DAY 12- SHARM EL SHEIK – Monday (BD)
AAAH, another full day at leisure, enjoy Sharm El Sheikh as you wish, Sunset half an hour camel caravan or horseback ride along the beach or into the Sahara. Dinner is included at a charming local restaurant.

DAY 13 – MOUNT SINAI – St. CATHERINE Monastery – Tuesday (BLD)
Relax! This is one more day in “Paradise”, enjoy the beach the Egyptian sun and maybe fishing, snorkeling or diving in the Red Sea. Or join us on a complimentary tour to Mount Sinai then in the cool before sunrise, we drive into the wilderness of Sinai, through which Moses led his people to the Promised Land. Our goal is the Monastery of St. Catherine, built on the site of the burning bush at the base of Mount Sinai. We tour the monastery, rich in history,icons and sacred paintings, returning to Sharm late in the evening. You must be in good physical condition if you wish to consider climbing Mt. Sinai. The climb is not recommended for those affected by heights. Dinner is included at the hotel.

DAY 14 – SHARM EL SHEIK/CAIRO – Wednesday (BD)
One more day on the beach before we head back to Cairo for maybe a last minute shopping at Kahn El Khalili, dinner is included at the hotel.

DAY 15 – CAIRO/USA Thursday (B)
After breakfast, our staff escorts you to the airport for your flight home.

RATES per person in USD $
	Deluxe	First Class
Triple	US$ 4580.	US$ 4145.
Double	US$ 4620.	US$ 4295.
Single	US$ 5730.	US$ 5490.

Christmas, New Years, & Easter: From December 20 to January 3 inclusive; and Easter Season (2 weeks), please add 20 % per person.
The Great Nile Cities Cruise departs weekly from New York (ask us for add-on from other major cities in the USA)
Air Fare PEAK SEASON SUPPLEMENT: For departures May – Sep; Air fare supplement: $350. This supplement doesn’t apply when you handle your own airfare.

Hotel Choices

Cairo Deluxe Hotels: City Stars Inter.continental. Nile Hilton, J. W. Marriott Cairo Conrad or Grand Hyatt. Sofitel, Meridien Pyramids, or similar
Sample Deluxe hotels in Sharm: Rotana, Savoy, Hyatt / Marriott, Sonesta, Rotana
Cairo First Class Hotels Four Stars: Shepherds’ Hotel. Oases, or similar

Rates include

International airfares from New York to Cairo and return, in economy class, tax included.
All airfares, transfers and airport taxes in Egypt (Including Abu Simbel).
Set-menu meals including B = Breakfast, (or cB, Continental Breakfast), L = Lunch, D = Dinner as indicated in the tour itinerary above.
Hotel accommodation with all tax & service charges.
Nile cruise with all meals & shore excursions.
Guided sightseeing, all as listed, including all entrance fees, and the service of an English speaking guide.
Complimentary welcome drink upon arrival on board the Nile Cruise.
Complimentary welcome fruit basket on board the Nile Cruise.
Large bottle of water (per person) delivered to you cabin daily while you are on board the Nile Cruise.
Tea or coffee an bottled water with each / every meal while you are on board the Nile Cruise.
Guided sightseeing by air-conditioned motor coach, including all admissions fees.
VIP Meet & Greet At Cairo Airport
Our representative greets you at the airport and whisks you to your hotel. Visa will be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport (photos are not required). Egyptian Visa will be issued for a limited number of citizens such as: American, Australian, NZ, EU, Canadian, EU Singaporean and Japanese citizens. You are responsible for having your passport in order valid at least for 6 months beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo. Our local rep. meets with a sign that carries your name, and will be waiting for you with the prepaid visa stamps to proceed to the passports control to stamp your passports, then you claim your luggage. After you clear the passport and customs formalities and exiting the terminal, our local representative will escort you (private vehicle) to the hotel. Welcome fruit basket & Egyptian pastry awaits you in your room in Cairo upon arrival with our compliments.

DRESS CODE:
All of our Nile cruise vessels are fully air conditioned. Onboard dress is casual except at dinner, when smart casual is the rule. Lightweight cotton and other natural fiber clothing is best, with swimsuits and sun hats for the sundeck and pool. Bring a light sweater or light jacket for cool mornings and evenings, but most days are warm to hot, with very little rain. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for shore excursions.

Not included:

Airport taxes
Trip interruption and cancellation insurance
Personal expenses, including excess baggage or shipping charges, beverages, and personal charges in hotels for laundry, telephone, or other services
Gratuities

Categories Egypt, Egypt11

Luxury on the Nile (Luxor)

by kathy

May 13th, 2014

A Grand 10 Days tour of Egypt
including a 5 day Luxury Nile Cruise

Board in Luxor

Figures from Mark Twain to tycoons to heads of state have journeyed to Egypt for the adventure. Treasures and sights unfold at a stately pace: ancient columned temples, tombs containing inestimable riches, green fields irrigated by life-giving waters, looming desert ridges. Of course, there are excursions before and after to the mysterious Sphinx and to the venerable and modern wonders of Aswan.

Enjoy the ultimate version of this Egyptian adventure. You’ll journey to Egypt in the comfort of business class, enjoy the most luxurious steamer accommodation available, and even have the option of floating over the legendary Valley of the Kings in a hot air balloon, on this upscale package. Leave any day (Subject to availability of the Nile cruise). We have even included all the tips. No hidden charges. No additional taxes.

Tour

DAY 1 – CAIRO – Choose your own dates – daily arrival (subject to availability)
Our local Cairo rep. greets you and escorts you through the excitement and hubbub of the terminal, and onward to your hotel. Traditional sweets await you, with our compliments. Visa for Egypt maybe issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport for a limited number of citizens such as: American, EU, Canadian, EU Singaporean and Japanese citizens. Guests are to pay for it upon arrival (approx: $ 15 – subject to change). You are responsible for having your passport in order valid at least for 6 months beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo. After exiting the terminal, our local representative will escort you to the hotel. Private air condition car for your transfer. Private chauffeur.

DAY 2 – CAIRO (BLD)
Private air condition car for your tour today. Private chauffeur and Private Egyptologist. Your exploration of ancient Egypt begins today! We’ll start after breakfast with the Egyptian Museum. Here you’ll see the treasures of the ancient pharaohs: mummies, statuary, and precious stones and metals. Travelers have long come to Cairo just to gaze on these sights alone. But there’s more, we’ll motor to the mysterious Sphinx and the Pyramids on the edge of Cairo. Taking a camel ride is entirely your own choice! Lunch is included at the Mena House. Dinner is included at La Bodega restaurant.

DAY 3 – LUXOR! (BLD)
We fly to LUXOR. Flight is in business class. Upon arrival at Luxor Airport we proceed to tour the gigantic Great Temple of Amon at Karnak, and the mighty Temple of Luxor, then board your Nile cruiser in time for a delicious lunch. Complimentary welcome fruit basket awaits you in your cabin. After lunch we’ll tour Medinet Habu, the Ramesseum and the Ancient Workers Village at Deir El Medineh, the first known “Workers Village”. These were the true creative heroes who built the temples & tombs for the mighty Pharaohs of the Nile Kingdom.

Deir El Medinah is on Luxor’s west bank you get a totally different perspective on ancient Egyptian life, at the ancient workers’ settlement of Deir el-Medinah. While most of the imposing stone monuments and sites of Egypt honor the lives and after-lives of royalty, Deir el-Medinah gives us unique and surprising insights into the ordinary citizens who constructed and decorated the tombs.

Then it is off to tour the magnificent tombs in the Valley of the Kings including Tut-Ank-Amon’s tomb and the great temple of Queen Hatshepsut, we stop at the Colossi of Memnon before we tour the charming Luxor Museum. In the evening your guide will call on your for a horse-drawn carriage ride to tour Luxor souks and water front. The order of sites/tours may change depending on the cruise ship confirmed, yet you will not miss any site/item listed here.

DAY 4 – LUXOR, We Include Esna Temple Tour – EDFU (BLD)
We sail to Esna and tour its temple, while the cruise ship goes through the locks, and on to Edfu where we dock for the night. In the evening, we’ll celebrate in Egyptian style, dressed in galabias, the flowing national costume (a galabya will be delivered to your cabin with our compliments). Afternoon tea will be served daily on deck on board the Nile cruise.

DAY 5 – EDFU, KOM OMBO (BLD)
We moor in Edfu, climb aboard horse-drawn carriages, and clip-clop through the town to the Temple of Horus, Egypt’s best-preserved temple. Re-embarking on our Nile cruiser, we enjoy lunch as we sail further south upriver. We disembark downstream at Kom Ombo to visit its twin temples of Haroeris, the sun god, and Sobek, the crocodile god, the continue our voyage to Aswan, while we party after dinner with music & dance.

DAY 6 – CAMEL CARAVAN, NUBIAN VILLAGE, ASWAN (BLD)
First we tour Aswan dams, then on to the new Nubian Museum then the awesome Aswan dams, and next an ancient granite quarry complete with an unfinished obelisk. Then we go by motor launch to the island temples of Philae.
In the afternoon we enjoy a leisurely sail by graceful felucca on the Nile. For those who are interested: a short camel caravan & ride is included (almost a half hour ride) to visit a local Nubian Village.

Our farewell dinner this evening is a buffet of Egyptian specialties, followed by a show featuring oriental performers, including, of course, a belly dancer.

DAY 7 – ABU SIMBEL (B. Lunch Box)
Fly to Abu Simbel (economy class). Your private air conditioned car, your private guide and private chauffeur will be waiting for you at Abu Simbel airport. Ramses the Great’s huge desert temple at Abu Simbel marked the southern border of the pharaoh’s dominions. Rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser by an international effort, it is a marvel of sacred engineering. Twice a year‹and only then the sun penetrates to the Holy of Holies, illuminating the stone figures of Ramses and Nefertari. We explore the huge temple, admire its ancient aura and artistry, then retire to a comfortable hotel for refreshments and to enjoy your lunch box. Then fly back to Aswan, and your hotel: the Aswan Mövenpick, or Old Cataract (closed now for renovations).

DAY 8 – CAIRO (BD)
We head back to the airport to catch our flight to Cairo (business class). Private air condition car for your transfer. Private chauffeur. In the evening, we will enjoy dinner at Zeituni at the Four Seasons Hotel.

DAY 9 – CAIRO (B)
One more day in Cairo, at leisure. You’ll have one more opportunity to experience the excitement of this great city and, of course, do some last-minute shopping.

DAY 10 – DEPARTURE (aB)
Private air condition car for your transfer. Private chauffeur. Our Cairo local rep. escorts you to the airport, where you’ll begin your journey home. Bon Voyage!

RATES per person, in deluxe accommodations, in US$

Hotels: Ramses Hilton or similar

And accommodation in an outside cabin on board the Cruise: M/S Monaco, M/S Mojito, or similar (subject to availability)

RATES per person, in deluxe accommodations, in US$:
Triple occupancy:	US$ 3850.
Double:	US$ 3940.
Single:	US$ 4985.
(Please add 15 % for Easter (2 weeks period), and Dec 20-Jan 3 Peak Holiday Season)

RATES per person, in deluxe accommodations, in US$

Hotels or similar: Cairo Conrad. InterContinental Hotels Cairo. Cairo Sheraton. Cairo Marriott or similar

And accommodation in on board the Cruise: Movenpick Royal Lilly, Movenpick Royal Lotus, Sonesta M/S Moon Goddess, or similar (subject to availability)

RATES per person, in deluxe accommodations, in US$:
Triple occupancy:	US$ 4490.
Double:	US$ 4410.
Single:	US$ 5645.
(Please add 15 % for Easter (2 week period), and Dec 20-Jan 3 Peak Holiday Season)

RATES per person, in deluxe accommodations, in US$

Nile View Room at the Four Seasons Cairo and the Oberoi Hotel in Aswan or Garden view room at the Sofitel Cataract or similar Hotels.

And accommodation in a Suite on board the Cruise: Mozart Suite on the Sonesta Star Goddess or similar (subject to availability)

RATES per person, in deluxe accommodations, in US$:
Triple occupancy:	US$ 5680.
Double:	US$ 5750.
Single:	US$ 6900.
(Please add 15 % for Easter (2 week period), and Dec 20-Jan 3 Peak Holiday Season)

Rate includes:

VIP Meet & Greet At Cairo Airport
Our representative greets you at the airport and whisks you to your hotel. Visa will be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport (photos are not required).
Egyptian Visa will be issued for a limited number of citizens such as: American, Australian, NZ, EU, Canadian, EU Singaporean and Japanese citizens. You are responsible for having your passport in order valid at least for 6 months beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo. Our local rep. meets with a sign that carries your name and will be waiting for you with the prepaid visa stamps to proceed to the passports control to stamp your passports and then you claim your luggage. After you clear the passport and customs formalities and exit the terminal, our local representative will escort you (private vehicle) to the hotel. Welcome fruit basket & Egyptian pastry awaits you in your room in Cairo upon arrival with our compliments.
Air transportation in Egypt, domestic flights in Egypt in business class, except for Abu Simbel, available only in economy class.
All airport/cruise/hotel transfers, including airport greeting. Always on a private basis, private air-conditioned vehicle and private chauffeur.
All guided sightseeing in Cairo and Abu Simbel on a private basis, private air-conditioned vehicle and private chauffeur, private Egyptologist, while on board the cruise you are part of a 10-15 English speaking group.
Deluxe hotel accommodations, including tax based on your choice from the rates listed above.
Nile cruise, with all meals and shore excursions, based on your choice from the rates listed above.
Meals as indicated, with preset menu (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Private air conditioned vehicle for all Cairo touring and transfers.
Complimentary welcome drink upon arrival on board the Nile Cruise.
Complimentary welcome fruit basket on board the Nile Cruise.
Large bottle of water (per person) delivered to you cabin daily while you are on board the Nile Cruise.
Tea or coffee an bottled water with each / every meal while you are on board the Nile Cruise.
We have even included all the Tips. No Hidden Charges No Additional Taxes.

Not included:

International air fare and tax.
Trip interruption and cancellation insurance
Personal expenses, including excess baggage or shipping charges, beverages, and personal charges in hotels for laundry, telephone, or other services

CRUISE NOTES AND TIPS

Days are warm, and sometimes hot, in Luxor and Aswan, while evenings and mornings can be cooler.
Comfortable walking shoes and clothing of natural fabrics are suitable for shore excursions.
On board, dress is relaxed for breakfast and lunch, smart casual for dinner. Take a sun hat and, of course, a swimsuit.
All ships are fully air-conditioned. Typical amenities (which vary from vessel to vessel; inquire for details) include large view windows; in-cabin minibar, hair dryers and safes; and pools, boutiques, and dance lounges.

Categories Egypt

Beyond the Veil (Luxor)

by kathy

May 12th, 2014

Women Of the Nile – The Power of ISIS
Insights for Women Travelers

A grand 10 – Day Adventure, locally escorted

Egyptian women’s roles in home and society are changing dramatically. They welcome new educational and career opportunities, but want to preserve traditions and family values. Come with us to meet Egypt’s women, see how they live, share meals with them, and go beyond misconceptions – beyond the veil. We’ll meet artisans and learn their crafts, travel through striking landscapes, and explore the deep history, art, culture and society of the Nile Delta and old Cairo Coptic biblical quarter from a woman’s point of view.

Tour

DAY 1 – CAIRO- The First Thursday of each and every month
On arrival, our local representative will greet you at the airport and whisk you to your hotel. Visa may be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport.

DAY 2 – CAIRO – Friday (BLD)
We start with the best of Cairo: the Egyptian Museum including King Tut’s “Gold Treasures Pavilion” as well as the “Royal Mummies” Pavilion, Citadel of Saladin and its Alabaster Mosque, where you will participate in a “Q & A” presentation on “Women in Egypt”, covering “Women’s Rights in Egypt”, “Women in Politics” and more.

After lunch at a charming local restaurant, we wander through the alleys of the 12-century district of Khan el-Khalili with it’s Caravanserai, Medieval Trade Centers, and bazaar shops that changed little since 12-13 century. You ‘ll have some time to wander on your own maybe in search of souvenirs.

Finally we walk the narrow streets of Old Cairo, once a Roman fort, later the Jewish Quarter, then the Coptic Christian Quarter. We visit the Coptic churches of Abu Serghius and Al Molaka, the Coptic Museum, and Ben Ezra synagogue. While we are at one of the churches or the Coptic Museum we’ll discuss how the Nile Delta environment and local Egyptian tradition has affected women in the Nile Valley regardless of their religion.

In the evening, we will attend a local performance at Wekalet Al-Ghoury before we head back to your hotel for dinner.

DAY 3 – Luxor – (or Aswan) – Saturday (BLD)
After an early breakfast we fly to Luxor, where we’ll settle you into your Nile Cruise. Morning tour of one of the local girls school – you may wish to bring with you a small gift of school supplies, pencils, notebooks etc. to give to the children. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. Then off to tour the gigantic Great Temple of Amon at Karnak, and the mighty Temple of Luxor. In the evening your guide will call on you for a horse-drawn carriage ride throughout Luxor with tea at one of the local cafes.

DAY 4- Luxor – Aboard Your Nile Cruise- Sunday (BLD)
Cruise is from Aswan or Luxor, we’ll confirm the availability at the time of booking. Crossing the Nile, we tour the magnificent tombs in the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens,we tour as well the great temple of Queen Hatshepsut in the Valley of the Queens, then on to the Ancient Workers Village at Deir El Medineh, the first known “Workers Village” these were the true creative heroes who built the temples & tombs for the mighty Pharaohs of the Nile Kingdom.

Brief stop at Colossi of Memnon before we head back to the cruise. Evening Sound and Light show at Karnak, please bring a jacket.

DAY 5- ESNA EDFU – On Board Your Nile Cruise – Monday (BLD)
We cruise by Esna to Edfu, where we board horse-drawn carriages for the ride to the Temple of Horus. Returning to our ship, we set sail for Kom Ombo. In the evening, there’s a jolly galabia party aboard.

DAY 6 – ASWAN – KOM OMBO- On Board Your Nile Cruise -Tuesday (BLD)
We explore the twin Temples of Haroeris and Sobek at Kom Ombo, then sail south to Aswan. After lunch we board a graceful felucca and cruise among the islands with a tour of the Island temple of Philae, returning to our ship in time for tea.

DAY 7 – Aswan- Camel Caravan – On Board Your Nile Cruise -Wednesday (B)
Check-out after breakfast. Tour of Kalabsha Temple dedicated to the ancient god Mandulis, and the goddess Isis. Built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Augustus, the small rock-cut temple of Beit El Wali, built by Ramses the Great, and the small yet charming Kiosk of Qertassi.

For the Deluxe category, subject to availability, check-in at the Movenpick in Aswan or Old Cataract (supplement $ 85 per person for Old Cataract); and Basma hotel for First & Tourist class category.

Afternoon tour of the Nubian Museum, then a short camel caravan & ride to visit a local Nubian Village for tea with the local women in their homes.

DAY 8 -Abu Simbel / Cairo Thursday (BL)
Breakfast is included at the hotel. Lunch Box will be prepared by your chef, with bottled water, of course, included.

Abu Simbel: We’ve planned our visit to Abu Simbel to be a highlight of your Egyptian adventure. Rising before dawn, we drive along the shore of Lake Nasser, watching the sky lighten and the sacred sun rise above the horizon. We reach the great temples while the air is clean, clear and cool, and the sun’s light still golden‹just right for photographs. In the larger temple, colossal figures of Ramsis are seated with the gods and attended by his queen and daughters. The smaller temple is dedicated to Queen Nefertari, who appears as Hathor, the goddess of love, joy and fertility, symbolized by the benevolent cow. We explore these fine temple by ourselves in the quiet of the morning, admiring their ancient aura and artistry, after which retire to a comfortable hotel for refreshments. Just as planeloads of visitors arrive to throng the temples we begin our leisurely drive back along the shore to Aswan Airport. Fly back to Cairo and your hotel.

DAY 9 – CAIRO -MEET AMERICAN and EUROPEAN WOMEN IN CAIRO – Friday (BLD)
In the morning, we visit the majestic pyramids of Giza, the Valley Temple and the timeless Sphinx. After lunch we drive to Dahshour, the newly opened pyramid field south of Cairo. We visit several ancient structures, including the great pyramid built by Senfru, father of Cheops.

On our way back to Cairo, we stop at the village of Harania, after a brief tour we’ll have a group discussion, that will include an American or a European woman/women who settled in Cairo to share their own insight on/about the Egyptian Society & Egyptian Women. These guests will join you for lunch at a charming local restaurant.

Dinner is included at a local home:
Meet the locals: This evening we’ll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread… right into the homes of some of the people of Cairo! You’ll be invited to a family dinner, and while you enjoy wholesome home-cooked specialties, you’ll learn about and appreciate the outlook, aspirations, and way of life of your hosts. Be assured, as curious as you may be about your new friends, they’re sure to have questions about your own background. Once the ice is broken, you’ll enjoy a lively evening, and find that you have more in common than you ever suspected. Of course, if you prefer, you may enjoy a quiet evening with your travel companions by letting us know your preferences. You may wish to bring token gifts to exchange with the host family (T shirt, small souvenirs of your home town).

DAY 10 Departure Saturday (B)
Our representative escorts you to the airport for your homeward flight. Bon Voyage!

RATES per person in USD $
	Deluxe Five Stars Hotels	First Class Four Stars Hotels
Triple	US$ 3345.	US$ 2950.
Double	US$ 3495.	US$ 3000.
Single	US$ 4305.	US$ 3910.

The rates include:

All airfares within Egypt in economy class tax included.
All transfers within Egypt on private basis.
Preset menu meals including B = Breakfast, (or cB, Continental Breakfast) L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Guided sightseeing as per itinerary including all entrance fees.
Hotel as listed, including all tax & service charges.
All Nile cruise shore excursions, entrance fees, the service of an English Speaking guide.
Welcome fruit basket upon check-in on board your Nile cruise and a welcome drink upon arrival on board
Large bottle of water per person per day delivered to your cabin.
All outside cabins, including all tax & service charges.
All meals while on board the Nile cruise: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Afternoon tea is served daily onboard your Nile cruise
One small bottle of water per person with each meal
Tea or coffee with each meal on board the cruise
VIP Meet & Greet At Cairo Airport
Our representative greets you at the airport and whisks you to your hotel. Visa will be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport (photos are not required). Egyptian Visa will be issued for a limited number of citizens such as: American, Australian, NZ, EU, Canadian, EU Singaporean and Japanese citizens. You are responsible for having your passport in order valid at least for 6 months beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo. Our local rep. will meet you with a sign that carries your name, and will be waiting for you with the prepaid visa stamps to proceed to the passports control to stamp your passports and then you claim your luggage. After you clear the passport and customs formalities and exit the terminal, our local representative will escort you by private vehicle to the hotel. Welcome fruit basket & Egyptian pastry awaits you in your room with our compliments.

Not included:

Personal expenses and beverages.
Gratuities
International airfares to or from your home country
Additional meals, drinks and services
Trip interruption and cancellation insurance.

Categories Egypt

Archive for Egypt

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A Grand 10 Days tour of Egypt including a 5 day Luxury Nile Cruise

Board in Luxor

Women Of the Nile – The Power of ISIS Insights for Women Travelers

A grand 10 – Day Adventure, locally escorted

A Grand 14-day Tour of these Two Gems of the Near East
Egypt and Jordan, including Cairo, Giza,
Dahshour, Petra and a Nile Cruise
Boarding Luxor

With a Nile Cruise and Camping in Wadi Rum
Abu Simbel Mighty Nubian Temples & Jerash
All in 17 Days

A Grand 10 Days tour of Egypt
including a 5 day Luxury Nile Cruise

Women Of the Nile – The Power of ISIS
Insights for Women Travelers