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North
Africa Crossing
Including a Nile Cruise - 15- Day version
Egypt
and Libya
Here's
the best way to see the best of North Africa : Egypt, Libya and Nile
Cruise .
Compare with the 19-day edition
. Add
Tunisia ? . Arrive
from Tunisia by road or fly into Tripoli.
Weekly every Monday year round - Add
Dendera and Abydos , add Ghadames
, Tunisia , or Morocco
PRIVATE: Car /Driver and Egyptologist Guide
For all the shore excursions of the Nile cruise
Add
Turkey ? : Around the Mediterranean in one month , add Spain
and Andalusia
Libya
far more than vast sweeps of desert. As you'll see on this tour, Libya
is a country of extraordinary and unexpected variety, so rich that it
was coveted and conquered in turn by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians,
Romans, and Byzantines-all of whom left their mark. During six days
with five overnights, we'll travel to the province known to the Greeks
as Cyrenaica, and see the ruins of Cyrene, Apollonia, Ptolemais and
Gasr. We'll ascend to Jabel Akhdar, where the precious moisture allows
a unique flora and fauna flourish. And we'll follow the route of Rommel's
famed Afrika Korps to where it met its match at Tobruk in World War
II. And then it's onward, to continue your travels through Egypt. The
connections are seamless, thanks to our inside knowledge and local contacts
.
DAY 1 - Libya - Fly Into Tripoli (LD) Weekly on Monday year
round
We'll meet you at Tripoli airport, or if you are already in Tunisia
then we'll meet you at Ras Ajdir, our Libyan personnel will take over
and see to your needs for the rest of the way. Our journey continues
by road to Sabratha, site of a fine Roman city. We'll tour the ruins
and visit the classical museum, and learn about Libya's key position
on ancient trade routes. In the afternoon, we continue on into Tripoli,
the busy capital of Libya, and settle into our lodgings for the next
three nights. You can relax in the evening, or venture out to explore
the modern quarters of the town, or the winding lanes of the old city.
DAY
2 - TRIPOLI (BLD) Tuesday
After breakfast, we'll take you for a drive through town to the Tripoli
Museum, housing treasures of Libyan history from Roman times and earlier.
We'll venture into the Old Town, and along the winding lanes of the
souks, where in age-old fashion, merchants and customers haggle over
local handicrafts and produce, treasures from across the desert, and
practical items from over the seas. We'll see the venerable arch of
the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, the Gurgi Mosque, and the Karamanly
Museum. Afterwards, you'll be free to explore on your own, and possibly
to return to the souks to try your hand at bargaining for some of the
crafts and treasures that you spied earlier.
DAY
3 - LEPTIS MAGNA, SILIN (BLD) Wednesday
We'll spend most of today at Leptis Magna, about 130 kilometers from
Tripoli. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered the best-preserved
Roman city in Africa. The enormous amphitheater and the remains of fine
buildings testify to the city's former importance. After gaining insights
into the old city at the ruins and in the museum, we'll continue to
the delightful and largely intact Roman villa at Silin, with its remarkably
lifelike mosaics and frescoes.
DAY
4 - BENGHAZI, PTOLEMAIS (BLD) Thursday
We'll head off after breakfast to the airport, and board our plane.
It's a flight of under an hour to Benghazi. From there, we'll set out
immediately for the ancient port of Ptolemais, founded by the Hellenic
dynasty of Egypt. We'll view the great cisterns and Mausoleum, and more
artifacts in the museum, where we'll learn about the kingdoms that vied
for Libya in ancient times. Then it's off to the surprisingly fertile
highlands of Jabel Akhdar. In Gasr Libya, we'll see a Byzantine church
with a mosaic floor, and view another mosaic with the only panels known
to show ancient Alexandria. Our stop for the night is El Beyda, where
we'll lodge in the modest and welcoming three-star Gasr El Beyda Hotel.
DAY
5 - CYRENE, APOLLONIA, TOBRUK (BLD) Friday
We set out after breakfast for Cyrene, the Greek city that once rivaled
Athens. Impressive temples to Zeus and Apollo remain Then it's off to
Apollonia, Cyrene's ancient port, with a surviving Byzantine palace,
theater, and baths. Late in the afternoon, we'll reach Tobruk, where
we'll overnight at the comfortable Masira Hotel.
DAY
6 - TOBRUK, ON TO EGYPT and Mersa Matrouh (BL)
Saturday
We've followed in the path of Rommel to reach Tobruk. Today, we'll learn
about the titanic and bloody clash of forces that marked the turning
point of World War II, and pay a moving visit to the cemeteries where
lie the dead from both sides. Rommel's push ended here, but not yours.
You'll continue to the border of Egypt, where our Libyan personnel will
bid you goodbye, and entrust you to your Egyptian hosts. On to Mersa
Matrouh and overnight at a modest 4 stars hotel. ( Always with private
facilities)
DAY
7 - EL ALAMEIN / Alexandria (BL) Sunday
We'll cross into another era of history today, as we motor westward
through the dunes along the Mediterranean coast, following the route
of Field Marshall Montgomery to El Alamein. Here we'll visit the fields
of battle where Rommel's advance on Cairo was finally halted. We'll
visit the museum. Lunch included at el Alamein, before we head to Alexandria
and your hotel
We'll
retrace the desert route to Alexandria (the portion never completed
by Rommel), As the gateway to Egypt, the Nile and Africa,
DAY
8- ALEXANDRIA / Cairo (BLD) Monday
Alexandria has been contested by armies and navies ever since. In 1798,
Lord Nelson defeated Napoleonıs navy just east of Alexandria.
In 1807 the British occupied the city. In 1941, General Erwin Rommel's
Afrika Korps stormed across North Africa all the way to El Alamein,
only 70 miles west of Alexandria. Rommel was driven back in desperate
fighting by British forces under the command of Field Marshal Bernard
Montgomery, yet another of the many generals to have struggled for control
of this strategic land.
Lunch and Dinner are included today.
Conqueror
of the Mediterranean Coast - Alexander the Great
In 332 BC, Egypt was laboring under Persian military control when
Alexander the Great arrived to drive out the invaders without the shedding
of a drop of blood. The Persian governor surrendered and the conquering
hero was hailed as a liberator and given Egypt's double crown symbolizing
control of Upper and Lower Egypt. Alexander reinstated Egypt's traditional
government and founded the city of
Alexandria
at the countryıs most important crossroads: where
the Nile meets the Mediterranean. . Today, we'll get to known Alexandria
in depth, as we visit the Greco-Roman Museum, the Roman Amphitheater,
the Koum El Shougafa Tombs, the fortress of Kayet Bey, and the Museum
of the Crown Jewels. After lunch in an Alexandrine restaurant, on to
: Qayet Bey Fortress housing recovered items from the
French Fleet & Napoleons Flag Ship " L'Orient", sunk by
the British & Admiral Nelson, east of Alexandria.
Qayet
Bey Fort was
built on the same site of the ancient wonder of the world : the famous
Alexandria Light House. A brief stop at " El Selsela" the
site of the Underwater reserve where Cleopatra Place was discovered,
as well as Caesar Kiosk. Lunch at a local restaurant. Visit the Crown
Jewels Museum, then its off to the new site for the Alexandria Library
before heading back to your hotel.
We
'll visit the new museum in Alexandria , the building was originally
built in 1926 for the US consulate in Alexandria and is a masterpiece
in 1920's architecture & Mediterranean style buildings on to Cairo
late evening and your hotel.
DAY
9 - Cairo & Giza (cBL) Tuesday
We
start with the best of Cairo: the Egyptian Museum, including King
Tut's Treasure rooms as well as thge Mummies Hall . Finally, we
wander through the alleys of Khan el-Khalili bazaar in search
of souvenirs. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.
In
the afternoon, we visit the majestic pyramids of Giza, the Valley
Temple , the less known treasure : The oldest wooden boat known
to have survived from the Ancient World: The Cheops Solar Boat Museuym
and the timeless Sphinx.
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 l! 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 dinner in a quiet restaurant with your travel companions, by letting
us know your preferences.
DAY 10 - CAIRO LUXOR- Nile Cruise - Wednesday (BLD)
A
very early breakfast ( around 4 AM ) and flight to Luxor or Aswan.
Transfer is always included ( private car/driver) from your hotel to
the airport.
Domestic air fare between Cairo & the cruise is included, tickets
are issued in Cairo . Free upgrade to business class ( subject to availability
at the time we recive your booking ).
Transfer
is included from Luxor Airport to the Cruise.
Check in on your luxury cruiser at noon. After lunch, we visit the great
temples of Luxor and Karnak, then return to our Nile cruiser in time
for afternoon tea.
PRIVATE: Car /Driver and Egyptologist Guide for all the
shore excursions on board the Nile cruise
DAY
11 - VALLEY OF THE KINGS - Thursday (cBLD)
We tour today as well the magnificent tombs in the Valley of the
Kings, including Tut-Ankh-Amon's tomb, and the great temple of Queen
Hatshepsut, we stop at the Colossi of Memnon on the way back
to our cruise. Then it's on to Queen Hatshepsut's Temple and the Colossi
of Memnon.
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.
PRIVATE:
Car /Driver and Egyptologist Guide for all the shore excursions
on board the Nile cruise
DAY
12 - EDFU & KOM OMBO- Frirday (cBLD)
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.
PRIVATE:
Car /Driver and Egyptologist Guide for all the shore excursions
on board the Nile cruise
DAY
13 - KOM OMBO & ASWAN - Saturday (cBLD)
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, returning to our ship in time for tea.
PRIVATE:
Car /Driver and Egyptologist Guide for all the shore excursions
on board the Nile cruise
DAY
14 - ASWAN / Cairo - Sunday :
Nubian Museum, Camel Caravan, Nubian Village, Wednesday (cB)
After
breakfast we check out, visit the awesome Aswan dams, and next
an ancient granite quarry complete with an unfinished obelisk, the Nubian
Museum ,then board a motor launch to visit the 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!
Be
our guest if you wish on a complimentary short camel caravan to a near
by Nubian Village for tea with the locals, returning to Aswan Airport
.Transfer is included ( private car/driver) back to Aswan airport
Domestic air fare is included as well back to Cairo, free upgrade to
business class subject to availability at the the time we receive your
booking . In Cairo , we meet you at the airport & escort you back
to your hotel .
PRIVATE:
Car /Driver and Egyptologist Guide for all the shore excursions
on board the Nile cruise
DAY
15 - RETURN HOME (B) Monday
After breakfast, our Cairo staff will accompany you to the airport,
where you'll board your flight to start your journey home. This tour
departs weekly .
The
Ancient Egyptian God of Fertility
Photo Credit Osama Abdel A'al - Click here for more images from
the Oases
RATES per
person in USD
| Sharing
in : |
|
Category
B Hotels
Sample
Deluxe Nile Cruises:
M/S Florence Diamond
, Beau Soleil,
Presidential Nile Cruise
|
| Triple Occupancy
room |
US$4995 |
US$4930 |
| Double Occupancy |
US$5060
|
US$5075 |
| Single Occupancy
|
US$5675 |
US$5425 |
International
airfare is not included from / to your home country
Christmas / New Year / Easter : please add 20 % to any of the rates
Please
add 20 % supplement to the deluxe rates for the ultra deluxe :
Queen
Ti-Yi
, Nile Vision , the
all suites M/S Amarco ,
or the all suites with private balconies Nile Cruise : M/S
Liberty , or
Moon Goddess ( all state rooms do offer private balconies)
-
On Board the Nile Cruise :
PRIVATE: Car /Driver and Egyptologist Guide for all the
shore excursions on board the Nile cruise
Category
A class hotels :
Five-star Hyatt . Conrad . Semiramis Inter.Continental in Cairo
Five-star Corinthia
Bab Africa in Tripoli (www.corinthiahotels.com)
Alexandria : Sheraton, Hilton, Palestine Montazah Hotel
Siwa Oases Egypt:Hilton
Borg El Arab or Safari Paradise Siwa
Category
B class hotels :
Novotel / Maadi / Oases in Cairo
Yosser Hotel in Tripoli (newly renovated, near old town and Tripoli
Museum)
Alexandria
: Sheraton, Hilton, Palestine Montazah Hotel
Siwa
Oases Egypt:Hilton
Borg El Arab or Safari Paradise Siwa
In
Libya, surprises are the order of the day! An invitation to a refreshing
glass of mint tea while you browse in a shop . . . an encounter with
a humble desert dweller . . . a gust of wind and a swirl of sand, followed
by perfect stillness, and vistas under an endless blue sky.
You'll find sometimes that your tour schedule will be switched to accommodate
changes in conditions. You might even start with your last day and proceed
resolutely to the first! Your hotels will have facilities that match
their ratings, and idiosyncrasies in service on the upside and downside,
but always with a warm welcome.
It's all part of the experience and privilege of going where few have
gone. Be flexible and ready for surprises. If that's not you, don't
worry, we offer myriad options elsewhere tailored to your requirements
and expectations.
Rate
Includes:
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Hotel
accommodation with tax as listed , and continental breakfast daily
-
All
transfers in Egypt & Libya .
-
Guided
sightseeing including all entrance fees as per itinerary , always
by air conditioned sedan/van or mini bus ( 15 - 24 seater) .
-
Pre
set meals as listed including B = Breakfast,
(or cB, Continental Breakfast), L
= Lunch, D = Dinner
-
Cairo
& Libya and travel guide books.
-
Egyptian
Visa:
Will be issued on a complimentary basis for American, Australian,
NZ, Western European, Canadian , Singaporean & Japanese citizens,
your passport must be valid at least for 6 month beyond the date
of arrival.
-
All
Nile Cruise shore excursions, entrance fees, the service of a private
English Speaking guide.
-
Private
air conditioned vehicle, of course with your own chauffeur, for
all the Nile cruise shore excursions, on private basis.
-
Welcome
fruit basket upon check-in on board the Nile Cruise . One large
bottle of water per person daily while on board the cruise. Tea
or coffee with each meal on board the cruise
-
All
outside cabins, including all tax & service charges.
-
All
meals: B = Breakfast, L
= Lunch, D = Dinner. Afternoon tea daily
onboard.
-
All
transfers as listed, all by air conditioned car/van .
-
Domestic air fare between Cairo & the Nile cruise, tax included.
Add $ 150 for upgrade to business class ( subject to availability)
-
One
small bottle of water per person with each meal on board the Nile
Cruise
-
Visa
for Libya , issued upon arrival in Libya , American, Canadian, EU,
Japanese nationalities, your passport must be valid for 6 month
beyond the date of arrival. No Israeli visa stamps.
We must receive 60 days at least in advance prior to your trip :
a legible scanned copies of your passport ( information page )
Not
Included :
Tripoli
hotels ( Five Stars ) :
Corinthia ( Bab Africa ) ( Five star Superior)
Al Mahari - Al Kabir - Bab Al Bahr
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