A Grand 12-Day tour with airfare from USA
Nefertari playing Senet.
By Maler der Grabkammer der Nefertari [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
DAY 1 – CAIRO – Saturday- VIP Meet & Greet – Weekly – Year Round
On arrival, our local representative greets you at the airport and whisks you to your comfortable 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 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.
Sample Deluxe Hotels: Ramses Hilton, Cairo Sheraton, Sonesta, Cairo Marriott, Cairo Conrad, Semiramis InterContinental Hotel or similar.
DAY 2 – CAIRO- Sailing on the Nile – Sunday (BLD)
Today we see Cairo’s major sights: the Egyptian Museum, including the Mummies Room. We’ll continue to Royal Manial Palace of former Crown Prince Mohamed Ali (or Abdeen Palace Museum), on to the Coptic Museum, and the Church of Abu Sergha, and the Beni Ezra Synagogue. We’ll see where, according to the legend, Moses was found along the banks of the Nile by the Queen of the Nile and Pharaoh’s wife. We’ll take our lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy a walking tour of the ancient Khan El Khalili Bazaar district, then a brief stop at El Rifai Mosque where the late Shah of Iran is buried, as well as King Farouk Egypt’s last king, before we head back to your hotel. Evening Whirling Dervishes performance at Wekalet El Ghouri. Dinner is included at La Bodega restaurant or similar.
DAY 3 – Giza Pyramids: DAHSOUR – HOME HOSTED MEAL – Monday (BL)
After breakfast, we’ll motor to the edge of Cairo, to the mysterious Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza.
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.
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!
Continue to Dahshour, 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.
Lunch is included at a the Mena House.
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 4 – The Red Sea resort of Sharm, Tuesday (BD)
Head for the airport and a short flight to Sharm El Sheikh on the Red Sea. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy this unique desert beach resort. Relax by the cerulean waters, take a camel ride at your option, and observe in the distance the steady line of ships heading to and from the Suez Canal.
Sunset Camel Caravan or on Horse Back: we go into the Sinai desert in a camel caravan. If you prefer to enjoy 2 hours of horse back riding, please let us know. The camel caravan is fully escorted and guided as well by local Bedouins through the desert and through the mountain passes of El Aat mountain. We stop at the highest point in the valley for a cup of tea with the Bedouin and take in the evening charm of the desert and nature before we head back to your hotel. Dinner is included at a local restaurant.
DAY 5 – Sharm El Sheikh – The Red Sea – Wednesday (BLD)
The Red Sea just off “Sharm” is replete with fascinating coral and aquatic species unique to this area. You’ll enjoy the morning on your own today exploring these wonders as you snorkel or scuba dive (for which proof of certification is a must), then join us for a half day tour to the Pharaoh’s Island, with lunch. Return to your hotel late afternoon.
Saladin’s Castle and Pharaoh’s Island
Just off the Sinai along the northern reaches of the Gulf of Aqaba lies one of the more curious and scenic locales in this part of the world.
The rulers of the Nile might once have held sway over these rocks and sand and water of Pharaoh’s Island (or Coral Island, or Geziret Faroun). More certain is that Crusaders established an outpost here, on the site of a onetime Phoenician port, and erected a castle in 1115 A.D. to protect pilgrims on the way to St. Catherine’s Monastery in the Sinai wilderness. The island did double duty as a base from which to attack Arab traders, which led to its capture by Saladin (or Salah El-Din). The legendary Arab leader strengthened the fortifications, and his name remains attached to the castle. Later, it was a Mameluke and Ottoman outpost.
We’ll have a treasured half-day opportunity to board a boat to visit this rarely seen fortress island. We’ll motor northward from Sharm El Sheikh, following the rocky coast, passing Bedouin travelers on camels, and secluded beaches, with occasional sightings of desert foxes. At Dahab or Nuweiba, we’ll embark for our short crossing to the island.
Once ashore, we’ll wander through the precincts of the reconstructed castle, with its courtyard, storerooms, galleys, and dining rooms, and appreciate the natural harbor that made this such a coveted outpost. And we’ll take in the unusual offshore vista of the breathtaking azure waters of the Gulf, backdropped by the grandeur of the mountains of Sinai and a cloudless sky.
Then, at your option, you can don scuba or snorkeling gear for a close encounter with the world-famous underwater life of coastal Sinai: corals, reefs, and schools of fish in every gradation of the rainbow, before we return to our lodgings at Sharm El Sheikh.
Later in the day, you’ll have the option to accept our invitation to a complimentary oriental dance workshop, where you’ll discover that “belly dancing” is not just a spectacle, but an art form with a long tradition. Women will have an opportunity to practice the sinuous and graceful movements, while men will learn, perhaps unexpectedly, that they have a leading role.
Evening bedouin theme dinner.
DAY 6 – Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor – Queen Nefertari’s Restored Tomb. Our Guests Private Visit – Thursday (BL)
An early flight takes us to Luxor (or Aswan), along the Nile in fabled Upper Egypt, the flight is non-stop or via Cairo, land at Luxor Airport, where at the airport, our local rep. will be waiting for you with a sign in your name, from the airport we proceed to the West Bank:
Queen Nefertari’s Tomb (visit may be moved to another date based on the approved permit and time provided by the Egyptian Antiquity Authority). Long before Cleopatra humbled the ruler of Rome, an Egyptian queen held power over the heart and soul of Ramses, Egypt’s greatest pharaoh. In the 12th century BC, a broken-hearted Ramses built a grand funerary tomb for Queen Nefertari, “the Beautiful one,” in the Valley of the Queens. It’s been exquisitely restored with the aid of an American endowment, and is among the rarest sights in all Egypt: the only great tomb ever built by a pharaoh for his late queen. Artistically, it is the equivalent of Tutankhamon’s tomb. Because of its fragile nature, it is no longer open to the public, access is very limited to a few guests with permits, and ours is the only tour to visit it as part of a normal itinerary. Because of the limited access we must rise early for our flight and our visit, appropriate as Ramses named Nefertari “the one for whom the sun shines.”
The romantic story of Nefertari and Ramses is best told by the great temples at Abu Simbel (south of Aswan in Nubia). On one, Ramsis is seated with the gods and attended by his queen and daughters. The other is dedicated to Queen Nefertari, who appears as Hathor, the goddess of love, joy and fertility, symbolized by the benevolent cow. Nefertari thus precedes Cleopatra, Helen, Roxelana, and the Elizabeths of Russia and England as one of the world’s great queens. Your visit to Abu Simbel may be considered the highlight of your Egyptian adventure. As you fly over and along the shore of Lake Nasser, watching the sky lighten and the sacred sun rise above the horizon. We try to book early morning flights to reach the temple while the air is clean, clear and cool, and the sun’s light still golden—just right for photographs. We explore the huge temple, admire its ancient aura and artistry, then retire to a comfortable hotel for refreshments. 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.
PLEASE NOTE: Abu Simbel Temples tour (when listed in any of our tour program) starts from Aswan not Luxor, we list the info as part of Queen Nefertari’s story here. At the end of the day, return to your hotel in Luxor, dinner is included at a charming local restaurant.
DAY 7 – LUXOR – Denderah the best preserved temple in Egypt – Friday (BLD)
After an early we drive inland to tour Denderah Temple, tour is in an air-conditioned vehicle, with a chauffeur of course as well as an English speaking guide / Egyptologist. Dendera Temple is among the best preserved in Egypt. This temple is a sight to behold. Indiana Jones would have felt at home among the massive stones and underground passages. We tour as well Abydos Temple complex before we head back to Luxor (lunch box is included, always with bottled water of course).
DENDERAH IN A DAY: We’ll travel to Denderah to visit the Temple of Hathor, one of the best-preserved in all of Egypt, and also one of the most important. In the ancient beliefs, Hathor was the consort of the god of daylight, ruler of the west, and protector or the underworld. In the manner of wise desert wayfarers, we’ll leave before dawn to take advantage of cool temperatures. Our air-conditioned vehicle will take us through timeless Nile side villages, where life revolves around the irrigation and harvest of crops. Finally, we’ll reach the temple precincts. We’ll take note of the unusually deep tombs, and pass under the celebrated Zodiac, in a chapel dedicated to Osiris. (Denderah is the traditional site of his rebirth.) Our full day will also include a visit to Abydos, traditional home of Osiris, god of the underworld, and a stopping point on the journey of wayfaring souls. We’ll enjoy a box lunch with bottled water included, then its back to Luxor and your hotel. By sunset get ready for the transfer to Karnak for a spectacular sound & light show at Karnak temple, after which return to your hotel for dinner (included at the hotel).
DAY 8 – VALLEY OF THE KINGS – Nile Cruise – Saturday (BLD)
After breakfast at the hotel, check-out. Proceed to explore the city that was the Pharaohs capital for 20 centuries. Start with 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.
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.
Today’s tour include as well a visit to the Valley of the Kings including Tut-Ank-Amon’s tomb, for guests who are interested: Please be our guests for a 10-15 minutes camel ride from the Valley of the Kings, you you’ll then change your mode of transportation and continue in your deluxe air-conditioned vehicle and on to the temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari, and Colossi of Memnon, returning to our Nile cruiser for lunch. Following lunch, we visit the great Temple of Luxor, and the gigantic Great Temple of Amon at Karnak, returning to our vessel in time for tea. Complimentary welcome fruit basket in your cabin. In the evening your guide will call on you for a horse drawn carriage ride throughout Luxor souks, bazaars and water front.
DAY 9 – ESNA – EDFU On Board Your Nile Cruise – Sunday (BLD)
We sail to Esna to go through the locks, while the boat is going through the locks, our guests will get to drive to Esna village by a Private air conditioned car/driver/guide Egyptologist for your private tour today of Esna Temple. The temple was buried for centuries and discovered in the late 1930’s. It is dedicated to the ancient Egyptian god Khnum and was buried and covered with about ten meters of earth with the village of Esna built on top which protected the temple below the ground. It is partially excavated to avoid collapsing the neighboring, more contemporary building above ground (Esna town). The Temple is smack in the middle of the town square, you ‘ll go thru a very lively tourist-oriented market, which fills a couple of streets leading inland from the corniche. The Temple was one of the stops among several pilgrimage points for the devout. Ritual: The Temple of Esna conveys a sense of the importance which the Ancient Egyptians placed upon their places of worship. All Egyptians who entered the confines of an Egyptian temple were required “to comply with the strict rules regarding ritual purity.”[9] According to inscriptions carved on the walls of the Temple of Esna, those who entered this temple were expected to fastidiously cut their fingernails and toenails, remove other body hair, wash their hands with natron (a natural occurring salt), “be dressed in linen (they were forbidden from wearing wool), and not to have had sexual intercourse for several days.”
We will tour Esna Temple while your cruise is going thru Esna Locks: Two barrage bridges straddle the Nile at this point: one built by the British in 1906, and the “Electricity Bridge” built in the 1990s..
Head back to your cruise 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 10 – KOM OMBO – ASWAN, CAMEL CARAVAN – on Board Your Nile Cruise – Monday (BLD)
We explore Kom Ombo’s twin Temples of Haroeris, the sun god, and Sobek, the crocodile god, before cruising south to Aswan. After lunch aboard, we board a graceful felucca for a cruise among the Nile islands. Then to really immerse yourself, try your hand at a complimentary camel riding! We’ll take willing passengers on a traditional caravan to enjoy tea with Nubian villagers. Only Travel In Style affords this unique opportunity to meet and interact with local Nubians. We are proud to offer this insight into the Nubian way of life. Back in your cabin: Complimentary Egyptian pastry & sweets platter. In the evening your guide will call on you for a horse-drawn carriage ride thorough Aswan souks and waterfront.
DAY 11 – ASWAN – ABU SIMBEL – CAIRO – Tuesday (B. Lunch Box.)
Breakfast and check-out. Lunch Box will be prepared by your chef on board, bottled water included.
The mighty Aswan dams are our first goal this morning, followed by a trip by motor launch to the Island temple of Philae, dedicated to the Ancient Goddess ISIS.
The Mystery of 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!
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!
Back on land, we visit an ancient Pharaonic red granite quarry, then Nubian Museum before we take a short flight to Abu Simbel. There your private guide, private chauffeur and private air-conditioned vehicle will be waiting for you: we’ll marvel at the temples dedicated to Ramses the Great and Queen Neferatri, saved from rising waters of the Nile when the High Dam was built,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. Fly back to Aswan and connect with our returning flight to Cairo and your hotel.
DAY 12 – Departure – Wednesday (B)
Our local rep. escorts you to the airport for your flight home. Bon Voyage!
| Rates per person in USD $ | |||
| Deluxe Hotels Deluxe Nile Cruise |
First Class Hotels and Nile Cruise |
Tourist Class In Cairo El Borg Novotel Hotel or similar |
|
| Triple | US$ 7098. | US$ 6575. | US$ 6025. |
| Double | US$ 7116. | US$ 6655. | US$ 6105. |
| Single | US$ 8811. | US$ 8300. | US$ 7850. |
If you prefer a boutique style hotel in Cairo, please click here for more details on “Le Riad” 17 suites hotel in the heart of old “Fatimid” Medieval Cairo, please let’s know your preference at the time of booking, as the hotel offers only 17 suites, it is always in high demand and space is subject to availability.
DEPARTURE NOTES:
- For departures during Christmas, New Year’s or Easter weeks, please add 20 % to the rates above.
- Please note that the Nile vessels and cruise itineraries are subject to change.
Upgrade to these ultra deluxe Nile cruise:
- Supplement: 20 % to be added to the Deluxe rate
- Mövenpick M/S Royal Lilly, M/S Royal Lotus, M/S Radamis II. The Sonesta M/S Star Goddess, Sonesta M/S Moon Goddess all cabins with private balconies
Hotel Choices
- Cairo Deluxe Hotels: Inter.continental.Cairo Marriott, Cairo Conrad. Sheraton. Ramses Hilton, or similar
- First Class Hotels: Cairo: Shepherds’ Hotel. Oases, Novotel El Borg or similar
Your Tour Includes:
- Egyptian domestic airfares as described in the itinerary, economy class, with tax included.
- All airport transfers and taxes in Egypt.
- Hotel accommodations (including taxes).
- And set-menu (table d’hôte) meals as indicated in the itinerary above.
- Nile cruise with all shore excursions and meals.
- 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 and bottled water with each / every meal while you are on board the Nile Cruise.
- Guided sightseeing (including admissions fees) as described in the itinerary.
- Private guided touring in Egypt, except while on board the cruise, you are part of a 10-15 English speaking group.
- Meals as shown: (cB = continental breakfast; L = set-menu lunch; D = set-menu dinner)
- Hotel and Nile Cruise accommodations, including hotel tax and service charges
- Nile Cruise in Egypt including all meals and group tour for the shore executions you are part of a 10-15 English speaking group.
- Queen Nefertari’s Restored Tomb. Our Guests Private Visit
Queen Nefertari’s Tomb – Long before Cleopatra humbled the ruler of Rome, an Egyptian queen held power over the heart and soul of Ramses, Egypt’s greatest pharaoh. In the 12th century BC, a broken-hearted Ramses built a grand funerary tomb for Queen Nefertari, “the Beautiful one,” in the Valley of the Queens. - 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. 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
Not included:
- Tips.
- Trip interruption and cancellation insurance.
- 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
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