Tour Egypt and Andalusia

A Grand 11-Day tour of the Nile Valley and Spain's Andalusia
Including a Five Day Nile Cruise

Luxor, Aswan, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Madrid, Sevilla, Granada, Toledo
Apr-Oct

For Special Anniversary Honeymoon Wedding Party on board a smaller sailing boat
Please click here

Our five-day Nile cruise is the perfect add-on to a Cairo visit.
Weekly on Sat , Mon , Tue, Wed & Thu. Embarkation Luxor or Aswan . Add an extra night at a legendary hotel in Luxor or Aswan . Cruise in the privacy of your own boat, Charter the Royal Cleopatra.
Click for the full listing of Nile Cruises . On to Spain and Andalusia .
Add a stay at the Bahariya Oases and the White Desert

DAY 1 - CAIRO LUXOR - Monday - Weekly in Cairo : Apr - Oct (LD)
Please advise the name of your hotel in Cairo. Or ask us for assistance with a hotel in Cairo ?
Transfer is included ( private car/driver) from your hotel to the airport.
Domestic air fare between Cairo & the cruise is included. Add $ 150 for upgrade to business class ( subject to availability).

Several boats that do start on different days of the week to accommodate your schedule:
You may start this 5 day sailing Weekly on any Saturday , Monday , Tuesday ,Wednesday .
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.
Flying from Sharm El Sheikh, same rate applies for the Non -Stop flights.
The non-stop flights are not daily. If you need to fly via Cairo : Please add : $ 150 ( Including our handling fee and one transfer in Sharm from your hotel to Sharm El Sheikh Airport connecting to Cairo and on to Luxor

DAY 2 - VALLEY OF THE KINGS - Tuesday (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.

Queen Nefertari's tomb will be closed for urgent repairs. , that's why we are visiting instead the Ancient Worker's village at Deir el Medinah

The Queen for whom the sun shines :
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 brokenhearted 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 closest thing you could ever come to see the original Ancient Egyptian art in all of its glory and finesse.
Because of its fragile nature, only a limited number of visitors are allowed entry each day. We are the only company to include a visit to Nefertari's tomb in our daily program. Because of the limited access we must rise early for our visit, appropriate as Ramses named Nefertari "the one for whom the sun shines." >>

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.

DAY 3 - EDFU & KOM OMBO - Wednesday (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.

DAY 4 - KOM OMBO & ASWAN - Thursday (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.

DAY 5 - ASWAN - Nubian Museum, Camel Caravan, Nubian Village, Cairo - Friday (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 . In Cairo , we meet you at the airport & escort you back to your hotel .

DAY 6 - DAHSOUR - HOME HOSTED MEAL - Saturday (cBLD)
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 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.
Lunch is included at a local restaurant or at your hotel.

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 7 - Cairo / Madrid - Sunday (cB)
After breakfast, we'll proceed to Cairo Airport. Air fare is included in our rate in economy class, Cairo Madrid, tax included. In Madrid , we'll meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel : Florida Norte or similar.

DAY 7 —MADRID, CORDOBA, SEVILLE (BD) Monday
Breakfast at the hotel. Then we meet up to escort you to the coach terminal in Oriente Square in Madrid and set out by 9 a.m., making the most of our time aboard to introduce ourselves to each other and learn more about what lies ahead. Our route takes us into La Mancha, the landscape of romance and adventure where Don Quixote tilted at windmills. We’ll wind across hills and down into irrigated valleys, to Puerto Lápice, a town lost in time, looking much as it did in the seventeenth century. We might even espy the establishment where an innkeeper conferred knighthood upon Don Quixote. Then we’ll pass onward through the region of Valdepeñas, where fine Tempranillo grapes are grown, and cross the Canyon of Despeñaperros, and pass through the town of Bailén on our way to Cordoba. Here we’ll visit the famous Mosque, one of the most notable in the days of Moorish rule. Then we’ll continue onward to Andalusia, where dinner and comfortable beds await us in Seville.

Salida del terminal en Plaza de Oriente , a las 9:00 horas , hacia la tierra manchega, Puerto Lapice , valdepenas y el Desfiladero de Despenaperros , Bailen y Cordoba. Visita de su famosa Mezquita . Continuacion por Ecija y Carmona , hasta Sevilla. Cena y alojamiento.

DAY 8 — SEVILLE (B, L) Tuesday
We’ll stay all day in Seville, where the Moors have left their mark in whitewashed houses, tile roofs, graceful archways, and a warren of intimate lanes with surprises at every turn. Our visit will take us to the monumental and stunning tower of La Giralda, the Cathedral that once echoed with daily calls to prayer, and the Palace of the Alcazar, with its delicately carved stonework and gardens that still delight the senses. Your afternoon is free to wander the alleyways of Seville on your own, and perhaps to stop in and sample the tapas at an inviting establishment.

Desayuno , almuerzo y alojamiento. Por la manana se realizara la visita monumental y panoramica. Tarde libre.

DAY 9 —SEVILLE, GRANADA (B, L) Wednesday
We say adiós to Seville this morning, and embark across Andalusia, the spectacular ridge of the Sierra Nevada forming a backdrop to our journey, coated in snow well into springtime. With all the spectacular vistas along the way, we’ll be in Granada before we know it. We’ll visit the Palace of the Alhambra, which inspired caliphs, conquerors, and writers as noted as Washington Irving, with its magnificent rooms and intricately decorated Moorish archways. We’ll stroll through its fabled Generalife gardens, of course, and there will be time to wander and shop on your own before you retire to your lodgings.

Deasyuno y salida , para llegar a Granada , maravillosamente asentada en las faldas de Sierra Nevada . Visita de los monumentos arabes del Palacio de la Alhambra y los Jardines del Generalife. Almuerzo y alojamiento.

DAY 10 —GRANADA, TOLEDO, MADRID (B) Thursday
Our northward route takes us back through central Spain, to the historic city of Toledo, where fine steel making is a tradition and a craft, where Jews and Muslims and Christians all flourished in the Golden Age of Moorish Spain. Notable sights will include the Cathedral, of course, with masterpieces by El Greco; and the Alcázar, a fortress site from Roman times right into this century. Afternoon will see us back aboard the coach, on our way to Madrid. And your hotel : Florida Norte or similar

Desayuno y salida hacia Toledo. Almuerzo y visita de esta monumental ciudad . Por la tarde , salida hacia Madrid y su hotel, alojamiento.

DAY 11—Departure , MADRID (B) Friday
After breakfast , we escort you back to the Airport . Hasta Luego. Bon Voyage.

.
Alcazar Toledo

RATES per person in USD for the

Inclusions:

• Nile Cruise shore excursions, entrance fees, the service of an English Speaking guide.
• Welcome fruit basket upon check-in on board the Nile Cruise .
• One large bottle of water per person daily while on board the Nile cruise
• All outside Nile Cruise cabins, including all tax & service charges.
• All meals while on board the Nile Cruise : B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner. Afternoon tea daily onboard.
• For Cairo and Spain meals , please check every day listing , meals are preset menu :
  B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
• All transfers as listed, all by air conditioned sedan/mini-coach .
• Domestic air fare between Cairo & the cruise, economy class , tax included. Add $ 150 for upgrade to business class ( subject to availability)
• Air fare Cairo Madrid , one way , economy class, tax included.
• One small bottle of water per person with each meal, while on board the Nile cruise
• Five day Nile cruise with all shore excursions and all meals.
• Complimentary Galabya for the costume party while on board the cruise.
• Hotel accommodation as listed , or similar, with tax, and service charge.
• Guided sightseeing in Cairo and Spain as per itinerary , including all entrance fees .

Rate doesn't include :

• Tips
• Any charge of personal nature such as phone calls, laundry etc.
• Any International air fare
• Trip cancellation insurance

Notes :

• For a PRIVATE: CAR/DRIVER & GUIDE for all the shore excursions for the duration of the cruise , please add :$ 250 per person.

• Children discount :
  10 % on the adult double rate. ( 9 years of age or younger), must be raveling with an adult. No children discount on triple or single rates.
  
• Baby Sitting : Available upon request : $10 per child / per hour
  
• Aswan Abu Simbel Aswan with entrance fees in Abu Simbel & transfers :$225

Boarding the cruise is from either Luxor or Aswan, depending on the availability at the time of booking.  

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.

Do we get sea sickness while sailing the Nile ?
This is river sailing, so do not expect any waves , no rough seas ! Your Nile cruises is actually a floating hotel that moves from place to place along the Nile. Actual cruising times are short and pleasant.

What to Pack:
Most of the year look forward to warm, even hot weather in Luxor & Aswan, morning & evenings are cooler. For Shore excursions, we suggest comfortable cotton & natural fabric lightweight clothing. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Clothing on Board:
Lightweight comfortable & casual clothing. Swimsuits, sun hat. Dining room dress code is casual for breakfast & lunch, but smart casual for dinner. All ships are fully air conditioned