Archive for Egypt_multi

From Marrakech to the Nile (14 days)

by kathy
May 9th, 2014

For guests who can afford and want the best
A grand 14 day North African Dream Vacation
including a 5 day Nile Cruise

Approaching the dock at Kom Ombo Temple

Approaching the dock at Kom Ombo Temple
Photo by Ron Guay

Explore the two gems of North Africa – Morocco and Egypt – on this tour, that includes a 5 day Nile Cruise, Cairo, Luxor Aswan, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Casablanca, Marrakech. Departure daily year round.

Tour

DAY 1 – OFF TO MOROCCO! – Choose Your Travel Date – This is a private tour – Year Round
Weekly departure. Board a comfortable Air France, Swiss, Lufthansa, British Airways or Royal Air Maroc jet at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport for your nonstop flight to Casablanca. Airfare add-on is available from your major home town in the USA. From most West Coast cities: SEA, PDX, SFO, SJS, SAN etc., please add: $ 450 USD to the listed rates.

Day 2 – MARRAKECH -year round: Subject to availability
Your international flight arrives in Marrakech. After completing customs and immigration formalities, our local rep. escorts us to our hotel, where we enjoy a complimentary Moroccan-style welcome dinner. Your airport transfers are always on a private basis. Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur. Prefer to add air fare from USA, compare with the 11-day version without a Nile cruise.

DAY 3 – MARRAKECH- Private guide (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, dinner and Moroccan folk show at a Moroccan restaurant.

Day 4 – MARRAKECH (BLD)
This morning you’ll ride through Marrakech in a horse-drawn carriage. One of the special ways of understanding a culture is through its cuisines–not only sampling exotic tastes, but experiencing the preparation of dishes, how they figure in ritual and ceremony, and how they have grown out of the earth and traditions. We’ll proceed to the Ecole Hotelière, Marrakech’s own hospitality and Culinary Academy and training school, for a demonstration of the preparation of pastry-style doughs. We’ll stay for a lunch of salads, tagine of Maghdour kebab, and refreshing fruits.

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. 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 dinner in a quiet restaurant with your travel companions by letting us know your preferences.

Day 5 – BY TRAIN TO CASABLANCA (BL)
“Getting there is half the fun!” We board the train for our return to Casablanca, (your private guide will be with you on board the train), 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. Then off to your hotel in Casablanca Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur, private guide.

Day 6 – CASABLANCA – Cairo (BLD)
After breakfast, we drive to the airport for our Royal Air Maroc or Egyptair flight across North Africa to Egypt. Air fare is included in economy class. Tax Included. Air ticket is issued & delivered in Morocco.

We arrive in Cairo. After exiting the terminal, our local representative will escort you (private vehicle) to the hotel In Morocco & Egypt: all transfers are with a Private air-conditioned vehicle and a private chauffeur. Visas are not required of US and Canadian passport holders for entry into Morocco.

Egyptian 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 month 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 exiting 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 7 – CAIRO- Private Touring (BLD)
Breakfast at leisure at the hotel. Late start to allow to enjoy a relaxed morning.

Then early afternoon: We drive through this mystical ancient city, 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. Lunch is included at Hadaik El-Azhar or Abu El-Sid restaurant.

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). Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur and a private Egyptologist.

DAY 8 – CAIRO- Private Touring (BLD)
Today we visit Cairo’s most famous monuments: the awesome pyramids of Giza, the Valley Temple and the timeless Sphinx. After lunch 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. DAHSOUR – we’ll motor to the edge of Cairo, to Dahshour, the newly-opened pyramid field south of Cairo. We visit the great pyramid of Senfru, father of Cheops, and other structure:

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. Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur and a private Egyptologist.

DAY 9 – Cairo – Aswan (or Luxor) Fly to Board the Nile Cruise (BLD)
We leave the hotel after an early breakfast, on to the airport, always in your private air-conditioned vehicle and with your private chauffeur. Air fare is included in economy class, tax included. Upon arrival we proceed from the airport to the Nile Cruise, where a welcome fruit basket awaits you in your cabin. After a delicious lunch we enjoy a leisurely sail by graceful felucca on the Nile. For those who are interested: a short camel caravan & ride for almost half an hour to visit a local Nubian Village for tea with the locals. In the evening your guide will call on you for a private horse-drawn carriage ride throughout Aswan and the water front.

DAY 10- ASWAN – KOM OMBO (BLD)
First we tour 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. Re-embarking on our Nile cruiser, we sail downstream to Kom Ombo to visit its twin temples.

DAY 11- EDFU- Esna Temple Tour (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. We go thru Esna Locks, and tour Esna Temple Evening finds us in Luxor.

DAY 12 – LUXOR (BLD)
We tour the magnificent tombs in the Valley of the Kings including King Tut’s Tomb, and Valley of the Queens Deir El Bahari Temple, as well as Colossi of Memnon, the Ramesseum and Madinet Habu. Evening Sound and Light Karnak Temple show (please bring a jacket and flash light).

DAY 13 – LUXOR – CAIRO (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, and your hotel. Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur and a private Egyptologist, even for the Cruise shore excursions.

Day 14 – DEPARTURE (B)
After breakfast, our staff escorts you to the airport for your flight home. Bon Voyage. Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur. Compare with the 11-day version without a Nile cruise.

Rates are per person in USD
Deluxe – A Deluxe – B Deluxe- C
Triple US$ 7790. US$ 6850. US$ 6310.
Double US$ 7830. US$ 7078. US$ 6450.
Single US$ 8929. US$ 8160. US$ 7516.

Holiday Supplement
For Christmas / Holiday Season: Dec 20- Jan 3 and Easter Season (the last 2 weeks in Apr – this may vary from year to year): Please add 15% supplement to any of the listed rates.

Option A: Deluxe Superior

Marrakech in Morocco:

  • Deluxe Superior 5 stars Riad – RIAD KNIZA www.riadkniza.com
  • Deluxe five stars Superior hotel / Riad: JARDINS DE LA KOUTOUBIA www.lesjardinsdelakoutoubia.com

In Cairo, Egypt:

  • Four Seasons Hotel
  • Nile Cruise: All cabins with Private Balconies, on the Sonesta: M/S Moon Goddess. Suite on the M/ S Mojito. Ultra Deluxe
  • Nile Cruise: M/S ToYa, M/S TiYi. M/S Nile Visions (Royal or Presidential suites)
Option B: Deluxe

Deluxe Standard 5 stars hotel: Marrakech In Morocco
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  • KENZI FARAH or similar www.kenzi-hotels.com/anglais
  • Deluxe Standard 5 stars Riad – RIAD TIWALINE – www.riadtiwaline.com

In Cairo, Egypt:

  • Cairo Marriott – Grand Hyatt
  • Nile Cruise: M/S Adonis. M/S Florence. M/S Mojito. M/S Monaco.

Your tour includes:

  • Round-trip international airfare from New York City (JFK) to Casablanca and Cairo in economy class, including tax (Please contact us for add-on fares from your nearest airport to New York).
  • Air fare note: May – Sep: Please add $ 450 high season supplement, this doesn’t apply when you handle your own air fare).  Air tickets tax is included.
  • Domestic airfares within Morocco as well as Egypt, in economy class, including tax.
  • All gratuity and tips in Egypt and Morocco, no hidden charges, no additional tax.
  • First-class day train Marrakech-Casablanca, including tax and service
  • All airport and train station transfers in Morocco and Egypt as described in the tour itinerary, always using a private air-conditioned vehicle, with a private chauffeur.
  • Your hotel room at a carefully-selected deluxe hotels including tax & service
  • Five day Nile cruise include all meals and shore excursions, all cabins are outside, all with large panoramic windows, tax & service charges are included. 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.
  • B = Breakfast, (or aB, American Buffet Breakfast), L = Lunch, D = Dinner and all Egyptian airport taxes.
  • Private Guided sightseeing in Morocco and Cairo, as listed in the itinerary including all entrance fees.
  • Private guide for all the tours in Egypt, except while on board the Nile cruise, you will be part of a 10-15 English speaking group
  • VIP Arrival Hall 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 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. 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 exiting 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.

Not included:

  • Trip interruption and cancellation insurance.
  • Tips
  • International air fare from / to your home country.
  • Personal expenses, including excess baggage or shipping charges, beverages, and personal charges in hotels for laundry, telephone, or other services
  • Optional Excursion
Option C: Modest Deluxe

In Cairo, Egypt:

  • Hilton / Sheraton – or similar
  • Nile Cruise: M/S Adonis. M/S Florence. M/S Lady Diana. M/S Beau Soleil.
Categories Egypt, EgyptNeighboringCountries, Egypt_multi, Morocco

Tour Arabia and the Near East

by kathy
March 24th, 2013

A 14-day Adventure of the Middle East and Arabia.
Touring Palestine, Israel, Egypt and Dubai

RollsEntrance

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, Jerusalem, Palestine, Israel, the Holyland. And Dubai — a true modern rendition of the 1001 Arabian Nights. Tour this Emirate on the Arabian Gulf. A taste of Arabia with a cosmopolitan lifestyle. In Dubai you’ll find year round sunshine and un-crowded, clean sandy beaches.

Tour

DAY 1 – HELLO ARABIA: Friday, Weekly Year Round (B)
DUBAI: We will land in this charming Emirate on the Arabian Gulf. A taste of Arabia with a cosmopolitan lifestyle. In Dubai you’ll find year round sunshine and un-crowded, clean sandy beaches.

In this Emirate you will find a very warm & welcoming team & society awaits you in Dubai. While shopping may not be high on your list, you wil find Dubai’s tax free markets means bargains galore. Attractive traditional Middle Eastern gifts – coffee pots, rugs, silverware, jewelry, brass, and one of the world’s greatest gold trading centers offering unbeatable value. Hong Kong is no longer able to compete with Dubai with the wide selection of low – priced international brand name products – audio equipment, VCRs, cameras, watches, fashions, perfumes and more. And do not forget about the award-winning Dubai Duty Free at the airport. Upon arrival, our local rep will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The Jumeirah Beach Hotel, The Ritz Carlton Hotel or similar.

Arriving at Dubai Inetranational Airort you’ll be delighted to discover Travel in Style’s VIP Red Carpet welcome procedures: you are met by our English-speaking representative who escorts you from your plane to a comfortable air-conditioned lounge where you can freshen up and recover from your flight. While you relax, our representative completes your Immigration procedures, collects your luggage, clears it through Customs, and transfers it to your private, air-conditioned vehicle. Escorted from the lounge to your vehicle, your private chauffeur transfers you to your hotel, assisting with your luggage when you arrive. Red Carpet Treatment: that’s the Travel in Style difference.

DAY 2 – DUBAI: Saturday (BLD)
Private Half Day Dubai City Tour:
Sample the historic sites and vibrant cosmopolitan life of Dubai on this comprehensive tour. The Tour begins in Jumeira, the picturesque palace and residential area of Dubai, also home to the famous Jumeira Mosque. The next stop is Sheikh Saeed House (former residence of ruling family). The Tour then continues to Al Bastakiya, the old part of Dubai, to reach the museum located in Al Fahidi Fort. All guests board the Abra (water taxi) to cross the Creek to the spice souk. Before savoring the sights and sounds of the fish, fruit and vegetable market, there is time to shop in the most famous landmark of Dubai – the Gold souk. Lunch is included at a charming local restaurant. We will have a brief stop at Ski Dubai (guest who wish to ski will purchase tickets on own locally).

Evening Dhow Cruise Dinner:
For a fabulous relaxing evening join our fully fitted Arabian dhow for an evening’s cruise on the Creek. Enjoy a sumptuous feast of Arabic and Western cuisine while gently gliding past illuminated souks, banks and palaces.

Yummybeach

DAY 3 – Desert Safari with dinner in the Arabian Desert – DUBAI: Sunday (BD)
Half Day Desert Safari (4 Wheel Drive):
Morning at leisure, enjoy beach activities. This tour departs in the afternoon across the desert of Dubai with several photo-stops during an exciting dune drive to the first destination a camel farm. The drive continues across the desert.
We stop to watch the beautiful sunset before reaching our campsite where for our lady guests you have the opportunity to do camel riding, and for the ladies try out a henna design on hands or feet. Henna hand painting (temporary tattoo) is a wedding night tradition.

After working up an appetite enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner and a shisha (the most famous Arabic Water pipe). We conclude the evening with a true 1001 Arabian Nights tradition and With a belly dancer performing her dance around the campfire before we head back to your hotel in Dubai or Sharja.

DAY 4 – DUBAI – Departure for Cairo – VIP Meet & Greet Service at Cairo Airport: Monday (B)
Our local rep. escorts you to the airport for your flight for Cairo. Air fare is included one way to Cairo in business class, tax included.

Our local representative greets you at the airport and whisks you to your hotel. VIP Meet & Greet Service at Cairo Airport. Visa fee is included and will be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport for Australian, NZ, American, EU, Canadian & 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 will be issued upon arrival. As you exit the gate, you will pass through a door or two, down some stairs, then walk for 2-5 minutes until you pass the duty free shops. At the end of a wide corridor you will see the security officers. There you will be met by a local representative who will be holding a sign with your name.

Our local representative will then take your passport to obtain a stamp from the cashier / bank window and escort you to speak with the passport officer. He will escort you through another last check on your passport as you exit the passport control, into customs area, he will assist you in collecting your luggage and clearing customs. After exiting 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.

Sample hotel: Deluxe: Intercontinental Hotel or similar. First Class: Ramses Hilton or similar.

DAY 5 – CAIRO: Tuesday (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. Lunch is included at the Mena House or Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant. Then it’s on to Giza and the mysteries of the Pyramids and Sphinx.

Dinner cruise with folk dance is included on board the Hyatt dinner cruise or similar.

DAY 6 – ASWAN- Board Your Nile Cruise: Wednesday (BLD)
After and early breakfast we fly to Aswan in Aswan, where we settle you into your cabin on your Nile steamer. Welcome drink served upon arrival. A complimentary fruit basket awaits you in your deluxe cabin We’ll visit the enormous dams at Aswan, then board a launch on Lake Nasser to visit the Temples of Philae, rescued from rising waters.

DAY 7 – KOM OMBO- On Board Your Nile Cruise: Thursday (BLD)
We cruise northward down the Nile today, at a stately pace, disembarking for a visit to Kom Ombo, the twin temple dedicated to the crocodile river god, Sobek. We’ll also see Haroeris, the solar disk.

DAY 8 – EDFU and LUXOR- On Board Your Luxury Nile Cruise: Friday (BLD)
Horse-drawn carriages or vans meet us at riverside to take us through Edfu to the Temple of Horus, best-preserved in all of Egypt. Then we’ll continue beside the Nile to take in an array of ancient splendors: the Valley of the Kings; the imposing tomb-temple of Queen Hatshepsut; and, back in Luxor, the Great Temple of Amon at Karnak.

DAY 9 – Luxor / Cairo: Saturday (BD)
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 Delta and back to Cairo and the J. W. Marriott Hotel or similar. Dinner is included at the hotel.

DAY 10 – Cairo / Tel Aviv / Jerusalem: Sunday (B)
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Tel Aviv, air fare is included in our rate one way in economy class, tax included. Transfers are always on a private basis, private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur, in Dubai, Egypt and Israel. Upon landing in Tel Aviv, proceed to Jerusalem and your hotel.

Monday, Day 11 – Old City of Jerusalem, Bethlehem (BL)
Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur, private guide. Enter the Old City, walking through the reconstructed Jewish Quarter. Visit the newly excavated Cardo and continue to the Western Wall, the only remaining portion of the Second Temple. Walk along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and through the colorful bazaars. Continue via Ramat Eshkol to Bethlehem, birthplace of King David. Visit Rachel’s Tomb and the Church of the Nativity, site of Jesus’ birth. Return to Jerusalem.

Breakfast is included at the hotel, lunch is included at a local restaurant.

Tuesday, Day 12 – Megiddo, Nazareth, Tiberias (BL)
Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur, private guide. Depart Jerusalem and drive to Nazareth to see the Church of the Annunciation. Drive to the Sea of Galilee and ride the waters to Tabgha. Visit Cana. Continue to Tiberias for a short tour. Visit Capernaum, on the Sea Of Galilee, to see the ruins of the Synagogue and Church of St. Peter. Stop at the renewed baptismal site on the Jordan River. Overnight in Jerusalem. Breakfast is included at the hotel, lunch is included at a local restaurant.

Wednesday, Day 13 – Jerusalem (B)
Full day on your own in Jerusalem to explore this Ancient city.

Thursday, Day 14 – Departure (B)
Private air condition car for your transfer. Private chauffeur. Our local rep. staff escorts you to the airport, where you’ll begin your journey home. Salaam and Bon Voyage!


RATES per person in USD

Deluxe
First Class
Triple
US$ 6010.
US$ 5305.
Double
US$ 6250.
US$ 5410.
Single
US$ 7127.
US$ 6170.

For Easter week, Christmas, New Year’s:
please note that a 10 % supplement will apply.

Sample Deluxe Hotels Dubai:
Sheraton Jumeirah Dubai. Hilton Jumeirah Dubai, or similar. For an upgrade to Le Meridien Mina Seyahi, please add: $450 USD per person in double.

Sample First Class four stars hotels in Dubai: Novotel Dubai, Dubai four point Sheraton, Qamardeen hotel Dubai.


Rate includes:

  • Nile cruise, with all meals, a welcome fruit basket, complimentary bottle of water for each guest delivered to your cabin daily while on board the cruise. As well as bottled water and tea or coffee with each meal while on board the cruise
  • All shore excursions, aboard, your Nile cruise.
    Sample First class: M/S Nile Dream, M/S Ruby.
    Sample Deluxe: these luxury Nile cruises: M/S Amarco, Monaco, M/S Royal Lotus M/S Mojito, Movenpick M/S Radamis II, Sonesta, Queen of Hansa, or the M/S Princess Sara, subject to availability.
  • All transfers, always on a private basis: private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur.
  • International air fares: one way Dubai to Cairo in business class, tax included.
  • International air fares: one way Cairo to Tel Aviv in economy class, tax included.
  • As well as all flight within Egypt all 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)
  • UAE: Emirates visa fee (valid only for American, Canadian, Australian, NZ, Korean, Singaporean & Japanese citizens. Passports must be valid for at least 6 month upon arrival).
  • Dubai VIP Meet & Greet Service at the Airport:
    Arriving at Dubai Inetranational Airort you’ll be delighted to discover Travel in Style’s VIP Red Carpet welcome procedures: you are met by our English-speaking representative who escorts you from your plane to a comfortable air-conditioned lounge where you can freshen up and recover from your flight. While you relax, our representative completes your Immigration procedures, collects your luggage, clears it through Customs, and transfers it to your private, air-conditioned vehicle. Escorted from the lounge to your vehicle, your private chauffeur transfers you to your hotel, assisting with your luggage when you arrive. Red Carpet Treatment: that’s the Travel in Style difference.
  • VIP Meet & Greet Service at Cairo Airport upon arrival.
  • Egypt’s Visa fee is included and will be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport for a limited number of nationalities such as Australian, NZ, American, EU, Canadian & 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.


Not included:

  • Personal expenses and beverages
  • Additional meals and services
  • Visa for Israel, if needed, please check with the consulate nearest you.
  • Trip interruption and cancellation insurance
  • International air fare from/to your home country
  • Tips

Hospitality Trumps Bottom Line at Emirates – April 2010

Dust cloud over Europe! Passengers stranded worldwide, usually without assistance from their airlines, except…

In keeping with its core values and traditional hospitality, Emirates Airlines stepped forward to ensure that each and every one of thousands of passengers delayed in Dubai and elsewhere received three meals a day and accommodations.

The cost to Emirates is well over $2 million a day in addition to its lost passenger revenue. But to passengers who would have been left out in the cold by other airlines, the value is priceless.

Maybe it’s time for guests to consider travel with airlines that really care.

Categories Dubai, Egypt, Egypt_multi, Israel, Palestine

The Best of the Near East (14 Days)

by kathy
November 14th, 2012

The Highlights of the Levant and the Near East
Egypt, Jordan, Palestine and Israel
A 14 –Day Adventure tour

Come and tour the 1001 Arabian Nights of the Near East. You will start with the throbbing capital of Egypt exploring key sites both within the city and nearby. Then it’s on to the old –new land of Luxor, the Ancient Capital of the first United Kingdom. Egypt was originally divided into two kingdoms, that was united by Ahmos I creating a United Kingdom in the Nile Valley.

Tour

DAY 1 – Monday – Weekly – Year Round – CAIRO – VIP Meet & Greet Service
Our representative greets you at Cairo airport and whisks you to your hotel. VIP Meet & Greet Service. 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, 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. A welcome fruit basket & Egyptian pastries await you in your room with our compliments.

DAY 2 –Tuesday Tour CAIRO – Tour Coptic Cairo – Home Hosted Dinner (BL)
We start with the best of Cairo: the Egyptian Museum, Manial Palace of the former Crown Prince Mohamed Ali, Citadel of Saladin and its Alabaster Mosque. After lunch, 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. Finally, we wander through the alleys of Khan el –Khalili bazaar in search of souvenirs.

DAY 3 – Wednesday CAIRO (BL)
In the morning, we visit the majestic pyramids of Giza, the Valley Temple and the timeless Sphinx. Those who are fit and adventurous enough may wish to penetrate into the heart of the Great Pyramid, to the King’s Chamber. Your ticket is included with our compliments (or the interior of Kephren Pyramid). Taking a camel ride (included) is entirely your own choice!

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.

DAY 4 – Thursday: LUXOR – CAIRO (BL)
We enjoy an early breakfast before we head for the airport and fly to Luxor, upon arrival your private guide will be waiting for you and then we we cross the Nile to visit the Valley of the Kings and the Colossi of Memnon. After lunch in Luxor, we tour the Great Temple of Amon at Karnak, and visit the Sacred Lake. We have a quick look at the great temple of Amon Ra at Luxor on our way to the airport for our flight back to Cairo, and our hotel.

Day 5 – Friday – Cairo – Amman – Petra: (BL)
Fly to Amman, on to Petra: air ticket is included in our rate in economy class, tax included. Our local rep. meets you at the airport and assist with your visa, issued on a complimentary basis for American, Australian, NZ, EU, Canadian, Korean, Singaporean & Japanese citizens, your passport must be valid and in order. From the airport in Amman: We proceed in your private air –conditioned vehicle and with your private English speaking guide to Petra, lunch is included enroute, finally we reach your hotel, check –in and overnight in Petra.

Day 6 – Saturday – Petra: (BL)
A full day tour of Jordan’s most famous site, the rose –red city of Petra. Venture through the Siq (the gorge between two towering mountains) until you reach the treasury which, like the most of the structures at Petra, is carved into the rose –red Nubian sandstone. In the afternoon, drive back to Amman and your hotel.

DAY 7 – Sunday Amman – Tel Aviv (BL)
After breakfast, our local rep. escorts you to the border for your drive to Tel Aviv and your hotel and overnight. Please make sure that you have your passport in order, valid for at least 6 month beyond your arrival date and with visa (if needed for Israel). Change of vehicles at the border, and on to Tel Aviv and your hotel, lunch is included enroute.

Day 8 – MONDAY – Tel Aviv – Beersheva – Arad – Massada – Jerusalem (BL)
Leave Tel Aviv – via Ashdod – Ashkelon – Beersheba. A short visit to the Negev capital. Continue via Arad to Massada. Ascend by cable car to the fortress, which was the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots in their war against the Romans. Visit the excavations, Herod’s palaces, the synagogue, bathhouse, etc. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Roman camps and the Dead Sea. Descend for a possible “float” in the in the salty water of the world’s lowest place. Via Ein Gedi and Kalya, proceed to Jerusalem for overnight. Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

Video by UNESCO

Day 9 – TUESDAY – Jerusalem – sightseeing of the new city (BL)
Drive to Mt. Scopus for a panoramic view of Jerusalem. On to the Garden of Gethsemane and Church of the Agony. Drive to Mt. Zion for a visit to the tomb of King David, the Room of the Last Supper and Dormition Abbey. Sightseeing in the new city including the Israel Museum’s Shrine of the Book with the famous Dead Sea scrolls, new Supreme Court bldg. Mt. Herzl. Then visit the model of the Herodian city of Jerusalem dating back to the time of the Second Temple. Afternoon visit of the Hadassah medical center in the synagogue with Marc Chagall stained glass windows, then via Ein Karem (the birth place of John the Baptist). Return to Hotel. Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

Day 10 – WEDNESDAY – Jerusalem – (Old City) – Bethlehem (BL)
Walk through one of the Gates to the walled Old City: the renewed Jewish Quarter; the Western Wall, the “Tunnel”, the Temple area; the colorful bazaars; Via Dolorosa, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Continue to Bethlehem to visit Rachel’s Tomb and the Church of the Nativity and return to Jerusalem for overnight. Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

Day 11 – THURSDAY – Jericho – Tiberias – Galilee (BL)
Leave Jerusalem, driving via Bethany to Jericho*, the oldest city in the world. Visit the excavations and then continue northward via Jordan Valley and the new settlements to Beit Shean. After a short visit proceed to Tiberias, the old center of Jewish learning. Drive along the shores of the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum to visit the ruins of the ancient synagogue. Continue to a Kibbutz hotel for overnight. Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

Day 12 – FRIDAY – Upper Galilee and Golan Heights – Nazareth (BL)
Drive to the Golan Heights. Visit the former Syrian fortifications, Birkat Ram, and the Druze villages, Via Banias, source of the Jordan River. Proceed via Kiryat Shmone and the Hula Valley to Safed, city of the Kabala, to visit synagogue and the artists’ colony and then to Nazareth to visit the Christian Holy Sites. Return to the Kibbutz hotel for overnight. Breakfast at the hotel. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

Day 13 – SATURDAY – Acre – Haifa – Tel Aviv (B)
After Breakfast drive west to Acre for a visit of the old, famous Crusader stronghold and medieval fortifications. Continue to Haifa, sightseeing tour of Haifa, including the Bahai Shrine, Persian Garden and Mount Carmel for a panoramic view of the city. Proceed southwards to Caesarea to visit the Roman theater and the Crusader fortress. Continue south for a short city tour of Tel Aviv –Jaffa and to hotel for overnight. Breakfast

DAY 14 – Sunday DEPARTURE (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. We’ll escort you to the airport to catch your homeward –bound flight. Salam! For crossing back into Jordan, please add: $ 150 per person for the private transfer to the border, change of cars, and then a Jordanian sedan will meet you at the border and continue on to Amman or Petra.

Rates per person in US:
Tourist class
(3 stars hotels)
First class
(4 stars hotels)
Deluxe
(5 stars hotels)
Triple
$ 4450
$ 5035
$ 6060
Double
$ 4584
$ 5154
$ 6191
Single
$ 6050
$ 6759
$ 7440

Prices include:

  • All ground transportation, including service between airport and hotels
  • Meals as indicated, with preset menu (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
  • Guided sightseeing with professional guide and all admission fees
  • Hotel accommodations, including tax and service charges
  • Air fare Cairo Amman in economy class, tax included
  • Domestic air & sleeper train tickets in Egypt. Economy class, tax included
  • Visa fee for Jordan for American, Australian, NZ, EU, Canadian, Korean, Singaporean & Japanese citizens, your passport must be valid
  • Visa for Egypt 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, then you claim your luggage. After you clear the passport and customs formalities and exiting the terminal, our local representative will escort you  by private vehicle to the hotel. Welcome fruit basket & Egyptian pastries await you in your room with our compliments.

Not included:

  • Trip interruption and cancellation insurance
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Visa for Israel ( if /when needed)
Categories Egypt, Egypt_multi, IndianaJones_multi, Israel, Jordan, Multi, Palestine

Highlights of Egypt, Palestine and Israel (12 Days)

by kathy
November 1st, 2012

A 12-Day Adventure Tour

Weekly on Wednesdays in Cairo, year round. Here’s the best way to see the best of Egypt, Israel and Palestine. Cairo, Luxor, Tel Aviv, Beersheva, Arad, Massada, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho, Tiberias, Galilee, Upper Galilee and Golan Heights, Nazareth, Acre, Haifa, Tel Aviv. Add Petra, Jordan. Compare with the 8 day edition.

Tour the highlights of Egypt in only 5 days. You’ll start with the throbbing capital of Egypt, and an exploration of the key sites both within the city and nearby. Then it’s on to the old-new land of Luxor, the Ancient Capital of the first United Kingdom (Egypt was originally divided into two kingdoms, that got united by Ahmos I) thus creating a United Kingdom in the Nile Valley.

Tour

DAY 1 – Wednesday – VIP Meet & Greet Service – CAIRO
Our local rep. meets you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel, VIP Meet & Greet Service at Cairo Airport.
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. 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.

DAY 2 -Thursday CAIRO- Home Hosted Dinner: (BL)
We start with the best of Cairo: the Egyptian Museum, Manial Palace of the former Crown Prince Mohamed Ali, Citadel of Saladin and its Alabaster Mosque. After lunch, 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. Finally, we wander through the alleys of Khan el-Khalili bazaar in search of souvenirs.

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, you may enjoy a quiet evening with your travel companions, by letting us know your preferences.

DAY 3 – Friday- CAIRO: (BLD)
In the morning, we visit the majestic pyramids of Giza, the Valley Temple and the timeless Sphinx. Those who are fit and adventurous enough may wish to penetrate into the heart of the Great Pyramid, to the King’s Chamber your ticket is included with our compliments (or the interior of Kephren Pyramid). Taking a camel ride (Included) is entirely your own choice!

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. In the evening, we board a flight to Luxor, transfers are always included, in Luxor, dinner is included at your hotel.

DAY 4 – Saturday – LUXOR: (BLD)
Breakfast is included at your hotel, after which we cross the Nile to visit the Valley of the Kings and the Colossi of Memnon. After lunch in Luxor, we tour the Great Temple of Amon at Karnak, and visit the Sacred Lake. We have a quick look at the great temple of Amon Ra at Luxor on our way to the airport for our flight back to Cairo, and your hotel, where dinner awaits you.

DAY 5 – Sunday Cairo / Tel Aviv: (B)
After breakfast, our staff escorts you to the airport for your flight to Tel Aviv. Upon arrival to airport meet our representative and transfer to hotel in Tel Aviv for your hotel and overnight. Please make sure that you have your passport in order and with visa ( if needed for Israel).

Day 6 – MONDAY – Tel Aviv – Beersheva – Arad – Massada – Jerusalem: (B)
Leave Tel Aviv – via Ashdod – Ashkelon – Beersheba. A short visit to the Negev capital. Continue via Arad to Massada. Ascend by cable car to the fortress, which was the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots in their war against the Romans. Visit the excavations, Herod’s palaces, the synagogue, bathhouse, etc. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Roman camps and the Dead Sea. Descend for a possible “float” in the in the salty water of the world’s lowest place. Via Ein Gedi & Kalya, proceed to Jerusalem for overnight.

Day 7 – TUESDAY – Jerusalem: sightseeing of the new city (B)
Drive to Mt. Scopus for a panoramic view of Jerusalem. On to the Garden of Gethsemane and Church of the Agony. Drive to Mt. Zion for a visit to the tomb of King David, the Room of the Last Supper and Dormition Abbey. Sightseeing in the new city including the Israel Museum’s Shrine of the Book with the famous Dead Sea scrolls, new Supreme Court bldg. Mt. Herzl and Yad Vashem (the memorial to the six million Jews who were killed in the Holocaust). Then visit the model of the Herodian city of Jerusalem dating back to the time of the Second Temple. Afternoon visit of the Hadassah medical center in the synagogue with Marc Chagall stained glass windows, then via Ein Karem (the birth place of John the Baptist). Return to Hotel.

Day 8 – WEDNESDAY – Jerusalem – (Old City) – Bethlehem: (B)
Walk through one of the Gates to the walled Old City: the renewed Jewish Quarter; the Western Wall, the Temple area; the colorful bazaars; Via Dolorosa, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Continue to Bethlehem* to visit Rachel’s Tomb and the Church of the Nativity and return to Jerusalem for overnight.

Day 9 – THURSDAY – Jericho* – Tiberias – Galilee: (BD)
Leave Jerusalem, driving via Bethany to Jericho*, the oldest city in the world. Visit the excavations and then continue northward via Jordan Valley and the new settlements to Beit Shean. After a short visit proceed to Tiberias, the old center of Jewish learning. Drive along the shores of the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum to visit the ruins of the ancient synagogue. Continue to a Kibbutz hotel for overnight. Breakfast & Dinner

Day 10 – FRIDAY – Upper Galilee and Golan Heights – Nazareth: (BD)
Drive to the Golan Heights. Visit the former Syrian fortifications, Birkat Ram, and the Druze villages, Via Banias, source of the Jordan River. Proceed via Kiryat Shmone and the Hula Valley to Safed, city of the Kabala, to visit synagogue and the artists’ colony and then to Nazareth to visit the Christian Holy Sites. Return to the Kibbutz hotel for overnight. Breakfast & Dinner

Day 11 – SATURDAY – Acre – Haifa – Tel Aviv: (B)
After Breakfast drive west to Acre for a visit of the old, famous Crusader stronghold and medieval fortifications. Continue to Haifa, sightseeing tour of Haifa, including the Bahai Shrine, Persian Garden and Mount Carmel for a panoramic view of the city. Proceed southwards to Caesarea to visit the Roman theater and the Crusader fortress. Continue south for a short city tour of Tel Aviv-Jaffa and to hotel for overnight.

DAY 12 – Sunday DEPARTURE: (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. We’ll escort you to the airport to catch your homeward-bound flight. Salam. For crossing into Jordan, please add: $ 150 per person for the private transfer to the border, change of cars, and then a Jordanian sedan will meet you at the border and continue on to Amman or Petra.

Rates per person in US:
First class
(4 stars hotels)		 Deluxe
(5 stars hotels)
Triple $ 3635 $ 4160
Double $ 3754 $ 4291
Single $ 4559 $ 5140
High-season supplement: Please add 20 % to the above rates during Christmas – New Year, Dec 20- Jan 2. Bon Voyage.

Prices include:

  • All ground transportation, including service between airport and hotels
  • Meals as indicated, with preset menu (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
  • All tips / Gratuities to drivers, guides etc.
  • Guided sightseeing with professional guide and all admission fees
  • Hotel accommodations, including tax and service charges
  • Air fare Cairo Tel Aviv in economy class, tax included
  • Domestic air within Egypt. Economy class, tax included
  • VIP Meet & Greet Service at Cairo Airport.
  • Egyptian visa will be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport for a limited number of nationalities such as: American, Australian, NZ, EU, Canadian, Singaporean and Japanese citizens. Photos are not required. You are responsible for having your passport in order valid at least for 6 month beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo, for other nationalities please contact the Egyptian Consulate nearest you.

Not included:

  • Trip interruption and cancellation insurance.
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Beverages
  • Visa for Israel (if/when needed)
Categories Egypt, Egypt_multi, Israel, Palestine