|
Luxury
on the Nile
14 day edition, without International
air fare
Including the Red Sea and Sharm El Sheikh
With a resort stay on the Red Sea
. Including a 5 day Ultra Deluxe Nile Cruise
Domestic flights are First or business class . Private Egyptologist
even while on board the Nile Cruise. Private air-conditioned vehicle,
private chauffeur,
we have included even the tips. No Hidden Charges . No Additional
Tax
No hidden charges , no additional tax . Compare
with the Deluxe Dahabiya Version

The ultimate version of an Egyptian adventure. You'll journey in
Egypt in the comfort of business class, enjoy the most luxurious
Nile Cruise accommodation available on this upscale package.
Arrive any day : Subject to availability of air space & Nile
cruise .
Compare
with the 10 day edition , go
fishing on Lake Nasser , extend your stay in Sharm
El Sheikh or in Upper Egypt
, or add a short stay in an
Oases . Compare
with the 24-Days El Amarna Version .
Compare with the
12-day version . Compare
with the Diving edition
- Add Jerusalem
DAY
1 - CAIRO
Arrive any day in Cairo ( click her for the Monday
arrival edition)
Our local rep. greets you and escorts you through the excitement
and hubbub of the terminal, and onward to your hotel. Traditional
sweets await you, with our compliments. Visa
maybe issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport for a limited number of
citizens such as : American, EU , Canadian , EU Singaporean and Japanese
citizens. Guests are to to pay for it upon arrival ( approx : $ 15
- subject to change ) . You are responsible for having your passport
in order valid at least for 6 month beyond the date of your arrival
in Cairo .
After exiting the terminal, our local representative will escort you
to the hotel .
Transfers
in Egypt are always provided to our guests on a private basis , private
air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur . Add
air fare from the USA
DAY
2 - CAIRO (BL)
Private air condition car for your tour today . Private chauffeur
.
After breakfast we drive to the edge of the desert and Giza . On to
Memphis , Sakkara, the Step Pyramid, and the Nobles Mastabas.
Lunch is included at the Mena House , then on the mysterious Sphinx
and the Pyramids of Giza.
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! Tour the first
known "Space Ship " built for the personal use of Cheops
, the mighty Pharaoh to travel in outer space !!!.
DAY
3 - CAIRO (BL)
Private air condition vehicle private guide & a private chauffeur,
Your
exploration of ancient Egypt continues today! We'll start after breakfast
with the Egyptian Museum. Here you'll see the treasures of the ancient
pharaohs: Mummies Hall is included as well as King Tut's Golden
treasure room , more statuary, and precious stones and metals.
Travelers have long come to Cairo just to gaze on these sights alone.
But there's more , after lunch at Naguib Mahfouz we enjoy a walking
tour of the legendary Khan El Khalili ancient bazaar district, a shopper's
dream. We'll go on a treasure hunt .
Time permitting and for guests who wish to see more :
Then
on to The Secret Tomb of the Royal Khedive Tawfik Tomb, the former
ruler of Egypt in the early 19th-century : One of the gems of Cairo
lay hidden for years behind locked gates in a nondescript neighborhood:
the tomb and gardens of Khedive Tawfik.
The Khedive was the viceroy who administered Egypt for the Turkish
sultan. It was Tawfik’s father, Khedive Ismail, who saw to the
construction of the Suez Canal. In the process, he mortgaged the nation,
and threw Egypt into turmoil. Tawfik was installed in his father’s
place. But with foreign bankers pressing on one side, and resentful
nationalist officers on the other, he was ineffectual. British troops
moved into the Suez Canal area to protect their investment—and
didn't leave until 1952, when the monarchy was given the boot.
Tawfik’s mausoleum far outshines his rule. The original family
burial area was enlarged in 1881 and decorated with a splendor not
seen since the times of the Pharaohs. Columns with intricate Islamic-Mameluke
decoration adorn the entrance, while parts of the gold-threaded woven
cover of the holy Kabah of Mecca adorn the walls inside the doorways.
The tomb of Bambah Qadin, in white marble, is impressive, but that
of Tawfik himself is stunning: constructed of ebony, with inlays of
ivory, mother-of-pearl, and precious woods. Elsewhere are the tombs
of other family members, including that of Price Muhammad Ali, who
married a French actress. Even the family library is here.
With treasures like these, it’s no wonder that the precincts
were closed off from public view in uncertain times. Even today, Tawfik’s
Tomb and Gardens are off the beaten track for most visitors, but at
Travel in Style, we’re proud to include this little-known treasure
house of Egyptian history and art on our regular tours, after
which we bring you back to the hotel.

DAY
4 - LUXOR (BLD)
Early morning flight to Luxor, ( or
Aswan) all transfers are on a private basis, always with an air
conditioned car. A welcome fruit basket awaits you on board your Nile
Cruise. Relax, unpack, and settle into your accommodations on board
for the next four nights. You'll tour the charming Luxor Museum. Then
we'll set out overland to visit the Great Temple of Amon at Karnak,
followed by the mighty Temple of Luxor. We'll return in time for afternoon
tea. You'll have a chance to explore your ship before dinner, which
tonight features an international buffet. Evening Karnak Sound & Light
Show.
DAY
5 - LUXOR/ EDFU (BLD)
We'll cross the Nile to view an array of ancient splendors: the
tomb chambers of the Valley of the Kings; the imposing tomb-temple
of Queen Hatshepsut in the Valley of the Queens 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.
As
soon as Nefertari is opened again, we will reinstate it in our programs.
On
to the Colossi of Memnon. On to Edfu. Horse-drawn carriages meet us
at riverside to take us through Edfu to the Temple of Horus, best-preserved
in all of Egypt. Later, we'll cruise to Esna. Relax on deck or on
your private terrace, and gaze at timeless Egypt. In the evening,
we'll celebrate in Egyptian style, dressed in galabias ( A Galabia
will be delivered to your cabin with our compliments), the galabia
is the flowing national costume.
While you are on board the cruise, afternoon tea will be served daily
on deck.
DAY
6 - EDFU, KOM OMBO, ASWAN (BLD)
At EDFU: Horse-drawn carriages meet us at riverside to take us to
the Temple of Horus, best-preserved in all of Egypt. After our visit,
we'll re-embark, and enjoy lunch while we proceed upriver. We'll disembark
at Kom Ombo to explore the twin temples of Haroeris, the sun god,
and Sobek, the crocodile god, then continue our voyage to Aswan, while
we party after dinner.
Complimentary "Egyptian sweets" platter will be delivered
to your cabin today with our compliments.
DAY
7 - ASWAN (BLD)
After breakfast, we'll visit the dams at Aswan, including the High
Dam, a modern wonder in this ancient land. At the ancient granite
quarry, we'll see an obelisk left unfinished, then board a launch
to visit the Temples of Philae, rescued from rising waters
, dedicated to the Ancient Goddess ISIS . Our
farewell dinner is a buffet of Egyptian specialties, followed by a
show featuring oriental performers, including, of course, a belly
dancer.
DAY
8 -CAMEL CARAVAN/SAILING BOATS - Disembark - Aswan (BLD)
After breakfast on board, we'll have the opportunity to experience
Egypt at its most authentic, as we sail the Nile in a graceful Felucca,
the age-old sailing vessel of the river. If you wish, try your hand
at camel riding! We'll take a traditional caravan to enjoy tea with
Nubian villagers. Check-out from the suite is after breakfast. Luggage
will be sent to the Old Cataract (subject to availability as it reopens
in 2010, for now we use Mövenpick Aswan ), then you return from
the tour to check-in at the hotel . Remainder of the day at leisure.
Dinner is included at the hotel.
DAY
9 - ABU SIMBEL - Ramses the Great - Master Builder of all Times
(B. Lunch Box)
Very early breakfast. Lunch box will prepared by your cruise chef.
Take a short flight to the great temples of Abu Simbel . Your private
air-conditioned vehicle, and private Egyptologist will be waiting
for you at Abu Simbel Airport .
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. We explore these fine temple , admiring their ancient aura and
artistry . Then we fly back to to Cairo, where , our local rep will
assist with the connection to fly to Sharm El Sheikh .Private
air condition car always for your transfers. We'll settle you into
your Luxury hotel in Sharm : Four Seasons , Hyatt, The Ritz Hotel
or similar. If you prefer to
stay longer in Upper Egypt please click here , or
even a longer stay for 17 days .
DAY
10 - Sharm El Sheikh (B)
Full days at leisure . Hit
the water , or venture into the nearby Bedouin village to see how
the local people live-as you like.
DAY
11 -Saladin's Citadel - Pharaoh's Island - Sharm El Sheikh (B)
Half day tour to the Pharaoh's Island, with lunch. Return to your
hotel late afternoon.
DAY
12 - MOUNT SINAI - St. CATHERINE ( Santa Katarina / Catarina ) Monastery
(BL)
Relax! This is one more day in "Paradise", enjoy the beach
the Egyptian sun and maybe fishing , snorkeling or diving in the Red
Sea. Or join us on a complimentary tour to Mount Sinai then
in the cool before sunrise, we drive into the wilderness of Sinai,
through which Moses led his people to the Promised Land. Our goal
is the Monastery of St. Catherine, built on the site of the
burning bush at the base of Mount Sinai. We tour the monastery,
rich in history,icons and sacred paintings, returning to Sharm
late in the evening. You must be in good physical condition if you
wish to consider climbing Mt. Sinai. The climb is not recommended
for those affected by heights.
DAY
13 -CAIRO - HOME HOSTED FAMILY DINNER (BD)
Fly to Cairo remainder of the day in Cairo, at leisure.
You'll have one more opportunity to experience the excitement of this
great city and, of course, do some last-minute shopping.
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 dinner in a quiet restaurant 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
14 - DEPARTURE (B)
Private air condition car for your transfer. Private chauffeur .Our
Cairo-based staff escorts you to the airport, where you'll begin your
journey home . Salaam and Bon Voyage!
This
tour starts daily in Cairo , throughout the year. Subject to the availability
of the Nile Cruise. Please note that the Nile vessels and cruise
itineraries are subject to change.
Add
one more night or , add
air fare from the USA
Rates
per person, in deluxe accommodations, in US$:
| Hotel
Accommodation |
Category
A
Deluxe Hotels
Hyatt , Conrad , Marriott
or similar |
Category
B
Four Seasons Hotel
and / or Mena House
( Palace Wing)
or similar |
| Cruise
Accommodation |
Outside
Cabin |
Sonesta Moon Goddess
Nile Cruises
All Cabins with private balconies
|
|
Sharing in Triple occupancy |
US$
4560 |
US$
5420 |
|
Double occupancy |
US$
4630 |
US$
5510 |
| Single
occupancy |
US$ 5705 |
US$ 6863 |
For
travel at Easter, Christmas or New Year's, a 15 percent supplement
applies.
Add
one more night or , add
air fare from the USA
Rate
includes:
- Gratuities
to all drivers , guides, crew on board
Not
included:
- Trip
interruption and cancellation insurance
- Personal
expenses, including excess baggage or shipping charges, beverages,
and personal charges in hotels for laundry, telephone, or other
services
- Visa
maybe issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport for a limited number
of citizens such as : American, EU , Canadian , EU Singaporean
and Japanese citizens. Guests are to to pay for it upon arrival
( approx : $ 15 - subject to change ) . You are responsible for
having your passport in order valid at least for 6 month beyond
the date of your arrival in Cairo .
After exiting the terminal, our local representative will escort
you to the hotel .
CRUISE
NOTES AND TIPS
- Dining
room reservations are not required. Our cruise vessels have a
single seating, simplifying life on board.
- Days
are warm, and sometimes hot, in Luxor and Aswan, while evenings
and mornings can be cooler.
- Comfortable
walking shoes and clothing of natural fabrics are suitable for
shore excursions.
- On
board, dress is relaxed for breakfast and lunch, smart casual
for dinner. Take a sun hat and, of course, a swimsuit.
- All
ships are fully air-conditioned. Typical amenities (which vary
from vessel to vessel; inquire for details) include large view
windows; in-cabin minibar, hair dryers and safes; and pools, boutiques,
and dance lounges.
-
-
-
-
-
-
Add
a short stay in an
Oases .
-
-
-
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.
|