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Great
Egypt
Tour Cairo and Alexandria , Cruise The Nile,
With a foray to the Red Sea and even a cruise on the Nubian Sea, all
in a grand 29 -Day tour of Egypt
We have even included all the tips
This
inclusive tour shows you the true grandeur of Egypt, from the Mediterranean
shores in the north to " Nubia" , " the land of gold
" in the south , with visits to the timeless monuments of cosmopolitan
Cairo and Alexandria , a cruise to the temples along the Nile, and a
voyage to the ancient sites on the vast inland sea of Lake Nasser in
Nubia. Compare with the 17-Day
Edition , Compare
with the 10 Day version . Add Alexandria
, check out the 18-day edition.
Add Denderah
or the 20 Day edition
. Add
a Red Sea Extension .
Abu
Sir Pyramids Fields are closed for now . In some cases they may appear
- in error - on some of our web page
Day
1- CAIRO - Monday-
weekly
, year round
This tour starts weekly in Cairo, on Saturdays,
and Wednesday, year round. Complimentary visa will be issued upon arrival
for citizens of : Australia,NZ, USA, Canada , Japan, Singapore &
EU .
Your passport must be valid at least for 6 month beyond the date of
arrival. Upon arrival, we escort you to your hotel. Welcome local pastries
awaits you in your room.
( More
cruise images)
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 the name you prefer to use for the sign .
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 .
Add Extra Night :
To add Memphis , Sakkara , Coptic Cairo and more, please click here
DAY
2 - OLD CAIRO- Ottoman Cairo Home Hosted Dinner - Tuesday
(BL)
Coptic Cairo :The treasure filled Coptic Museum, churches & Synagogue
are our goal this morning. After which we tour the former Royal palace
of Abdeen, where Sadat welcomed Nixon in the 70's , Nixon was the first
American president to visit Egypt since Roosevelt made a brief visit
during W.W.II
We
enjoy lunch at the famous El Khan restaurant then embark on a walking
tour of the legendary 12th century district of Khan El Khalili including
the Caravanserai: Wekalet el Ghouri & the 15th century Ottoman style
house of Beit El Kritlya ( Gayer Anderson Museum).
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 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 a quiet evening with your travel companions,
by letting us know your preferences.
DAY
3 - The Egyptian Museum /Giza Pyramids - Wednesday
(BL)
Today
we see Cairo's major sights: the Egyptian Museum, including the Mummies
room, Giza Pyramids, the Solar Boat Museum housing the oldest
known Royal Barge that was found next to the Great Pyramid of Cheops,
and was supposed to be ready for the Mighty Pharaoh in his "after
Life" journey !. We tour as well the enigmatic Sphinx.
Evening Sound & Light show at Giza.
DAY
4 - Giza , Memphis , Sakkara and Dahshour
- Thursday (BL)
In the morning, we visit the Ancient Capital of Egypt Northern Kingdom
Memphis and the Royal Necropolis of Sakkara, including the Step Pyramid
of Zoser & Nobles tombs / Mastabas. After lunch at a local
restaurant ,
on to another
half-day tour that takes us to Dahshour, the newly-opened pyramid
field south of Cairo: 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.
DAY
5 - Cairo - Day At Leisure - Friday (BL)
Full day at leisure-Explore Cairo on your own.
DAY
6- ASWAN Saturday (cB)
After an early breakfast, we drive to the airport for the flight to
Aswan, where we escort you to your hotel. For Deluxe : to the
legendary colonial style : Old Cataract
Hotel.
DAY 7- ASWAN Sunday (cB)
Breakfast at the hotel , full day at leisure . or ask us for optional
tours suggestions.
DAY
8 - ASWAN/ NUBIAN CRUISE Monday
(cBLD)
After breakfast, we drive to board our lake Nasser cruiser. Complimentary
welcome fruit basket in ear cabin. After lunch aboard, we visit the
Temple of Kalabsha, originally constructed in Pharaonic style,
but later remodeled in Greco-Roman style and dedicated to the god Mandoulis.
Next we visit Beit el Wali, a work of Pharaoh Ramses the Great,
followed by a stop at Kertassi Kiosk, dedicated to the goddess
Isis. We dine aboard our floating hotel.
DAY
9 - CRUISING Tuesday (BLD)
Lake Nasser, Egypt's great man-made inland sea formed by the waters
held behind the Aswan High Dam. As we head south towards Wadi
el Seboua, you have time to relax on deck, take a dip in the pool,
read up on Egyptian history, and get to know your fellow travelers.
DAY
10 - WADI EL SEBOUA, DAKKA & AMADA Wednesday (BLD)
Our first port of call is at the Temple of Wadi el Seboua, dedicated
by the mighty Ramses the Great to two of ancient Egypt's most powerful
gods. Our next stop is Dakka Temple, followed by a visit to Amada
and the tomb of Penout, the powerful viceroy of Nubia, one of ancient
Egypt's richest regions. Known as the "Land of Gold," Nubia
was famous for the stream of gold, ivory, precious stones and minerals
which made their way from Africa to Egypt via the Nubian Nile. We dock
at Kasr Ibrim, where we dock for the night.
DAY
11 - KASR IBRIM & ABU SIMBEL Thursday (BLD)
As the sun brightens the lake shore we gaze at the citadel of Kasr Ibrim,
a once-mighty fortress which time and weather have rendered fragile,
the only structure of its kind still extant in Nubia. We learn about
the history of Nubia and this fortress, then, after lunch, set sail
for Abu Simbel. Arriving at the great temple, we have time to explore
its colossal facade and surroundings before enjoying dinner and spectacular
sound-and light show with the temple as our backdrop.
DAY
12 - ABU SIMBEL & ASWAN Friday (BD)
Get up early today to enjoy the extraordinary vision of the temple of
Abu Simbel at dawn, when the sacred sunlight penetrates deep
into its holy of holies as its architect intended. The morning sun bathes
the ruddy stone in golden light, providing perfect conditions for photography.
We fly to Aswan, transfer to your hotel, enjoy the local
souks or the water front.
DAY
13- NILE CRUISE Saturday (cBLD)
Morning visit to Aswan dam, the unfinished Obelisk, and
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!
before heading for our Nile Cruiser in time for lunch, complimentary
fruit basket & bottle of mineral water (awaits you in your cabin),
afternoon sailing on the Nile by felucca. A mini Camel Caravan short
ride to a Nubian Village for a visit with the locals!!. Evening Nubian
Folklore show on board.
DAY
14: KOM OMBO Sunday (BLD)
Morning sailing and departure for Kom Ombo, visit its twin temple
then continue to Edfu. Afternoon tea served on deck. Complimentary
galabya will be delivered to your cabin, you may wish to try it on for
the costume party on board.
DAY
15: EDFU & ESNA /LUXOR Monday (cBLD)
We dock in Edfu, climb aboard horse-drawn carriages, and clip-clop
through the town to the temple of Horus, Egypt's best preserved.
Re-embarking, we cruise to Esna. Evening finds us in Luxor.
Complimentary Egyptian sweets & pastry.
DAY
16 : LUXOR, Tuesday (BLD)
Crossing the Nile, to the West Bank we tour the magnificent tombs in
the Valley of the Kings including King Tut's Tomb, and the great
temple of Queen Hatshepsut , and the Colossi of Memnon As well
as the hidden ancient "Workers village "
or Deir El Medinah, 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.
Then
on to visit the new & old "Qurna" or Gurnah" : In
Ancient times as well as in a more recent history, the locals populated
the West Bank and lived in series of villages near the tombs they built
for their kings & queens. The largest of these villages is Gurnah
or Qurna , these villages continue to grow in population in spite of
the damage caused to the nearby tombs, the house are an example of the
traditional Egyptian rural homes, the houses are usually built of mud
break mixed with straw, the New Gurnah was designed by the famous Hassan
Fathy , author of " Architecture for the Poor", we conclude
the afternoon by a visit to the nearby Nobles Tombs , can not guarantee
which ones will be open as they are rotated , but you may visit : tomb
of Rekhmire , Senoufer , or Ramose .
Evening Sound & Light show at Karnak.
DAY
17 : LUXOR - Wednesday (B)
The gigantic Great Temple of Amon at Karnak, and the mighty Temple
of Luxor are our goals in the morning, after which we check in at
your hotel. Deluxe : Sonesta St. George or the Old Winter Palace. First
: Sofitel , Hilton Sheraton or similar . Afternoon complimentary guided
tour of the Luxor Museum.
DAY
18 : Denderah Abydos - Full Day - Thursday (BL)
We
drive inland to tour Denderah & Abydos Temples. Among the best preserved
in Egypt. This temple as a sight to hold. Indiana Jones would have felt
at home, with the massive stones & underground passages :
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 van 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, and return to Luxor late in the afternoon
.
DAY
19 - LUXOR (B)
Friday . Breakfast at the hotel. Full day at leisure.
DAY
20 - LUXOR / SHARM EL SHEIK (B)
Saturday .
After breakfast We fly over the Sinai peninsula to Sharm El Sheik,
and head for the beach!
DAY
21 - SHARM EL SHEIK Sunday (B)
Relax! This is your day to absorb all that you've seen and experienced
so far, not to mention the bright Egyptian sun and sparkling sea.
DAY
22 - SHARM EL SHEIK Monday (B)
Breakfast at the hotel - Full day at leisure. Or ask us for help with
an optional tour, or diving.
DAY
23 - SHARM EL SHEIK - Tuesday (B)
Breakfast at the hotel - Full day at leisure. Or ask us for help with
an optional tour, or diving.
DAY
24 - SHARM EL SHEIK - Wednesday (B)
Breakfast at the hotel - Full day at leisure. Or ask us for help with
an optional tour, or diving.
DAY
25 - CAIRO/ Alexandria - Thursday (BD)
Fly back to Cairo, from Cairo Airport we go on to
Alexandria by private air conditioned car / van and chauffeur , dinner
is included at your hotel , subject to availability : First Class :
the Cecil Hotel with the old world charm. Deluxe : Hilton , Sheraton
or Palestine Montazah Hotel.
DAY
26 - Alexandria - Friday (cBL)
Full day tour of the Greco Roman Museum, the Catacombs, the Roman Amphitheater,
Qayet Bey Fortress housing recovered items from the French Fleet &
Napoleons Flag Ship " L'Orient", sunk by the British &
Admiral Nelson, east of Alexandria.
In
Alexandria a brief stop at : 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 we head back to the hotel .
DAY
27 - Alexandria & Wadi El Natroun Monasteries / Cairo - Saturday
(cBL)
After breakfast
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 building
we head to
Wadi El Natroun monastery almost midway to Cairo , where early Coptic
Christians retreated here to escape the Roman persecution in the 4th
century AD. The Egyptian Pope of Alexandria is always chosen from the
Monks of wadi El Natroun .
Lunch box
Reach Cairo in late afternoon .
DAY
28- Cairo Sunday (B)
Full
day at leisure, own activities.
DAY
29 - DEPARTURE Monday (B)
Our staff escorts you to the airport for your flight home.
RATES
are per person
|
Deluxe |
First
Class |
| Triple |
US$
5460.00 |
US$
5100.00 |
| Double |
US$
5535.00 |
US$
5280.00 |
| Single |
US$
7430.00 |
US$
6700.00 |
| Cairo
Hotel |
Grand
Hyatt
Conrad
Inter.Continental
or similar |
Hilton,
Sheraton
Sofitel |
| Aswan
|
Old
Cataract
Movenpick Elephantine |
Basma
|
| Nile
Cruise |
Mojito,
Monaco, Monte Carlo, Beau Soleil , Florence |
Nile
Dream Ruby
Presidential Nile Cruises |
| Lake
Nasser
Cruise |
Eugenie
Prince Abbas
Kasr Ibrim |
Nubian
Sea |
For
Christmas, New Year ( Dec 20 - Jan 3) , Easter ( 2 weeks) , please
add:30% supplement to any of the rates .
Private Guide on board the Nile and Lake Nasser CRUISES : Supplement
$300 per person.
Ultra
Deluxe Nile Cruises:
Please add 20 % to the Deluxe rate
The ultra deluxe Queen TiYi , MS Oberoi Philae , M/S Nile
Vision( suites with private balconies ) , M/S
Senator ( all suites with private balconies ) , Moon
Goddess ( all suites with private balconies ) , Amarco
( All Suites )
Rates
include:
- All
transfers in Egypt, always on a private basis .
- Tips
to drivers, guides, porters, and the crew on board the cruises.
- Guided
sightseeing as listed including all entrance fees.
- Hotel
and cruise accommodations as per itinerary including al taxes .
- All
shore excursions on board the cruise as listed, including all entrance
fees.
- 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 Lake Nasser & the Nile
Cruise.
- Tea
or coffee an bottled water with each / every meal while you are on
board the Lake Nasser & the Nile
Cruise.
-
Meals as listed including cB = Continental Breakfast, L = Lunch, D
= Dinner.
- Domestic
airfare within Egypt "Y" economy class.
- Complimentary
visa will be issued upon arrival for citizens of Australia, USA, Canada
, Japan, Singaporean & EU . Your passport must be valid at least
for 6 month beyond the date of arrival.
Not
included:
Dining
Room Reservations: Meet other passengers :
YOU will not require any, our dining rooms do accommodate all our guests
in one seating, one less thing to worry about while you are on the Nile.
Enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere with several different languages being
heard at dinner.
Compare
with the 10 Day version . Add Alexandria
, check out the 18-day edition.
Add Denderah
or the 20 Day edition
. Add
a Red Sea Extension
Sample
Deluxe ships on Lake Nasser :
The
Ships
The
M.S. Kasr Ibrim was named after the ancient citadel on Lake
Nasser, the only Nubian monument that still exists in its original location.
The Kasr Ibrim citadel, standing on a high bluff overlooking the river
valley, was adapted to suit the needs of its diverse occupants throughout
the ages. Likewise, the M.S. Kasr Ibrim provides an epic setting for
international travelers, while commemorating the citadel as an enduring
link with Egypt's distant past.
Relax in the ship's spacious lounge areas, its restaurant or bars. On
deck you will find a shaded area, a mosaic-lined swimming pool and deckchairs
to make the most of idle luxury. Kasr Ibrim's facilities also include
a sauna, steam bath, exercise equipment, state-of-the-art water filtration
systems, and is fully air-conditioned.
Service is thoughtful and friendly; the cuisine is superb. Each day
we anchor beside one of Lake Nasser's historic sites, where a launch
will take you ashore to explore.
Cabins
M.S.
Kasr Ibrim was launched in September 1997. The ship is 79 meters long,
with just 55 cabins for maximal comfort, and 10 luxurious suites. The
interior décor reflects the Art Deco style of the 1920's.
The ship fifty-five spacious cabins measure 22.75 m2, each with an ensuite
bathroom (bath, shower, washbasin, w.c. and hairdryer). There are seven
29 m2 junior suites; two 59 m2 Royal suites and one 140 m2 Imperial
suite (all ten suites have bathrooms with jacuzzi, shower, washbasin,
w.c. and hairdryer).
The
Executive Deck has 12 twin-bedded cabins, each with a private balcony
(total space 22.75 m2). The Executive Deck cabins (400 numbers) are
available at an additional surcharge per cabin and per night.
The
Upper Deck has 18 twin-bedded cabins each with a private balcony (total
space 22.75 m2). A guaranteed allocation to one of the Upper Deck cabins
(300 numbers) is available at an additional surcharge per cabin and
per night.
The
Main Deck has 18 twin-bedded cabins each with a private balcony (total
space 22.75 m).
The
Lower Deck has 7 twin bedded cabins without balconies (22.75 m); these
can also be used for triple occupancy.
M.S.
Eugenie
The
Eugenie was proudly named to evoke an historic event in Egypt's recent
past: the grand opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, attended by the crown
heads of Europe including the Empress Eugenie of France. The completion
of the Suez Canal marked Egypt’s passage into modernity, and a
new era of international trade and interaction.
Likewise the Eugenie, the first ship to sail Lake Nasser, launched a
new era of tourism, offering travelers fresh vistas of Egypt’s
natural beauty and archeological treasures. Lake Nasser extended the
boundaries of Egypt’s touristic possibilities, while the Eugenie
reminds us of this ancient country’s endless capacity for renewal.
The
M.S. Eugenie was constructed in 1993 in the style of a turn-of-the-century
Nile steamship. It is 74 meters long, with just 52 cabins for maximal
comfort, and two luxurious suites. Each cabin has an ensuite bathroom
with shower, washbasin, w.c. and hairdryer.
The Eugenie’s facilities include a sauna, steam bath, exercise
equipment, sun decks, a swimming pool, air-conditioning and state-of-the-art
water filtration systems.
The
Upper Deck has 22 twin-bedded cabins each with a private balcony (total
space: 21m2). Cabins 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310,
311 and 315 are ‘executive cabins’ available at an additional
surcharge per cabin and per night.
The Main Deck has 20 twin bedded cabins, also with private balcony (21m2)
and two single bedded cabins, also with private balconies (cabins 201,
202).
The Lower Deck has 8 twin bedded cabins without balconies (21m2); these
can also be used for triple occupancy.
Sailing
( Subject to change )
Aswan
/ Kalabsha to Wadi El Seboua 11 hours
Wadi El Seboua to Amada 4 hours
Amada to Kasr Ibrim 2.5 hours
Kasr Ibrim to Abu Simbel 4 hours
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