|
Affordable
Luxury on the Nile
A true Egyptian Adventure Tour : 16- day Tour Including :
The Oases of Western Sahara With one night camping in El Farafra Oases
A
resort stay on the Red Sea at Sharm El Sheikh . Including a 5 Nile Cruise
DAY
1 - CAIRO
Our Cairo staff 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. You'll have time to relax and unwind.
Visa fee is included & issued upon arrival. Available only to American,
Japanese , Canadian, Singaporean & EU citizens, your passport must
be valid for at least 6 month beyond the date of arrival.
Private
air condition car for your transfer. Private chauffeur
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
DAY
2 - CAIRO (BL)
Private air condition car for your tour today . Private chauffeur
.
Your
exploration of ancient Egypt begins today! We'll start after breakfast
with the Egyptian Museum. Here you'll see the treasures of the ancient
pharaohs: Mummies Hall is included , statuary, and precious stones
and metals. Travelers have long come to Cairo just to gaze on these
sights alone. But there's more, on we go to the Coptic & Jewish
ancient quarter then the Royal Manial Palace of the former Crown
Prince Mohamed Ali. After lunch Egyptian-style, we'll motor to the mysterious
Sphinx and the Pyramids on the edge of Cairo.
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!
Photo Credit
Osama Abdel A'al - Click here for more images from
the Oases
DAY
3 - CAIRO El Bahariya Oases (BLD)
Early morning departure before sunrise to be able to watch the sunrise
over the Sahara.
We board a private four wheel vehicle and proceed west on the Sahara
Highway, ( 180 Kilometers from Cairo to El Bahariya), visiting Qaser
Sleim , Alexander's Tomb & Museum of Golden Mummies . Lunch &
Dinner at the hotel Beshimo Lodge Evening Bedouin folk show
DAY
4 - El Farafra Oases ( White Desert ) (BLD)
After a morning tour of El Bahariya we head for the White Desert ( 180
Kilometers) , on the way we'll stop ay Crystal Mountain to marvel at
the different Shapes of Lime Stones , arrive Farafra Oasis , where we
will camp for the night. ( In a tent) , dinner will be camp style. This
tour may not be suitable for families with children who may not be used
to camping, and the lack of hotel amenities. Guests must show proof
of insurance before embarking on any camping trip with us regardless
of the destination be it Moroccan Sahara, Tunisian Oases or the Egyptian
Western Desert or in Sinai. BBQ dinner at the White Desert.
If
you prefer to stay at a hotel then we 'll move back to El Farafra Oases
and : Badawiya Hotel
DAY
5 - CAIRO (B)
Early morning camp style breakfast before sunrise, drive back to Cairo
( 380 Kilometers).
Remainder of the day at leisure.
DAY
6 - LUXOR (BLD)
Early morning flight to Luxor, 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.
DAY
7-
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 , 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
8 - 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
9 - 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 : 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!
Our farewell dinner is a buffet of Egyptian specialties, followed by
a show featuring oriental performers, including, of course, a belly
dancer.
DAY
10 -CAMEL CARAVAN/SAILING BOATS (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 (Not booked yet), then you return from the tour to
check-in at the OLD Cataract. Afternoon High Tea included on the famous
terrace over looking the Nile, where Agatha Christi wrote "Death On
the Nile " Remainder of the day at leisure. Make sure you retire to
bed early tonight, you leave tomorrow for Abu Simbel before sunrise
DAY
11 - ABU SIMBEL (BLD)
Very early breakfast. Abu Simbel We've planned our visit to Abu Simbel
to be a highlight of your Egyptian adventure. Rising before dawn, we
drive along the shore of Lake Nasser, watching the sky lighten and the
sacred sun rise above the horizon. We reach the great temples while
the air is clean, clear and cool, and the sun's light still golden;just
right for photographs.
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 by ourselves in the quiet
of the morning, admiring their ancient aura and artistry, after which
retire to a comfortable hotel for refreshments. Just as planeloads of
visitors arrive to throng the temples we begin our leisurely drive back
along the shore to Aswan, arriving in time for a late lunch. (Depending
on flight confirmation lunch will be served either in Abu Simbel, Aswan
Airport or Cairo).
Back
in Aswan we connect by air to Cairo, at Cairo airport, 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
hotel.
DAY
12 - Sharm El Sheikh (aB)
Full day at leisure . Hit
the water , or just relax and enjoy your hotel facilities.
DAY 13 - Sharm El Sheikh (aB)
Full day at leisure ,
venture into the nearby Bedouin village to see how the local people
live-as you like.
DAY
14 - 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.
Please
advise us early on , if you prefer to do Mount Sinai / St. Catherine's
tour by Jeep versus air conditioned sedan / van.
DAY
15 -CAIRO - (B)
Fly to Cairo and your hotel , 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
16 - 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, either direct on Egyptair, or via Athens on Olympic Airways.
Salaam and Bon Voyage!
This
tour starts daily , throughout the year. Subject to the availability
of air space & the Nile Cruise.
Please
note that the Nile vessels and cruise itineraries are subject to
change.
Ramses the Great Temples at Abu Simbel
RATES
per person, in 4 star , first class hotels / cruise accommodations,
in US$:
Start in Cairo any day of the week ( subject to cruise availability)
| Hotel
Accommodation :
All 4 stars . Modest First class hotels |
Helnan
Shepheard's Hotel
Oases Hotel, or similar in Cairo |
| Cruise
Accommodation |
Always
an outside Cabin |
| Sharing
in Triple occupancy |
US$
3280.00 |
Double
occupancy |
US$
3350.00 |
| Single
occupancy |
US$ 4205.00 |
For travel during Easter, Christmas or New Year's, weeks a 15 percent
supplement applies.
Rate
includes:
- Air
transportation within Egypt as mentioned in itinerary, in economy
class.
- All
ground transportation, including airport greeting.
- Four
stars , first class hotel accommodations,including tax based
& one night camping( if you do not wish to camp in a tent
we 'll simply drive back to the oases to overnight in the hotel)
- First
class 4 stars Nile cruise,
with all meals, a welcome fruit basket, an Egyptian sweets platter,
complimentary bottle of water for each guest , delivered to your
cabin daily while on board the cruise.
- All
shore excursions aboard, the Nile Cruise.
- All
Sightseeing with guide and entrance fees to archaeological sites
as listed in the itinerary .
- Meals
as indicated, with preset menu (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D
= Dinner), American breakfast (aB) in Cairo
- Visa
fee upon arrival in Cairo (applicable to Australian, NZ , EU,
Mexican , S. African, S. Korean Singaporean, Japan, US, , and Canadian
passport holders) ,
your passport must be valid and in order.
Honeymoon
/ Anniversary Special : Free in Cairo and /or while cruising the Nile
:
Zaffa:
Before the sunset , we have arranged for a welcome Zaffa (procession
that will resemble an Arabian/Egyptian wedding party) with a troupe
of dancers and musicians dressed with the Egyptian typical clothes,
welcoming guests by singing and dancing Egyptian Folklore).
Or
Repeat your vows in one of Cairo historical churches:
For guests who are interested in repeating their vows in one of Cairo
churches:
Priest will be ready from the church according
to your request (church) for the wedding vows. ( donation to the church
will be expected - that 's at your discretion) . After the ceremony,
Champagnes will be served to the new couple & guests.
Complimentary
transfers in an air-conditioned sedan , are included between the hotel
& the church , if you prefer a stretch limo supplement will apply.
Not
included:
- International Air Fare.
- 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
- Optional
Excursion
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.
- This
program is available on Private Basis for 2 guests : private, car/driver/guide,
As well as a PRIVATE guide on board the NILE Cruise supplement
is $250 per person in double. Minimum 2 guests.
This supplement doesn't apply when you book a suite.
Nefertiti
Turns Egypt Upside Down!!
The
first bloodless religious revolution against the established church
in Ancient Egypt
And the seat of power that rested with the priests in Karnak
Nefertiti
Turns Egypt Upside Down!! 1350 BC - Queen Nefertiti is reported to
have led her Egyptian subjects on a wild spree of idol-smashing, temple-destruction,
and forced migration, all part of a campaign of religious reformation.
"From
now on, there will be only one Deity, and that Deity is Aten, the
Sun Disc," she has commanded.
Reliable
sources in the Nile Valley report that all temples to gods other than
Aten have been closed, and that a hefty fine will be imposed on anyone
caught with an outlawed statuette.
Idols
are to be smashed immediately, and the shards turned over to the priests
of Aten.
"The
capital of Egypt will now be at Tel El Amarna," reads a decree widely
circulated in cuneiform on clay tablets.
"All priests are to settle within one hour's journey of the new Temple
to Aten. All bidders on public works contracts will likewise have
their head offices within the same specified distance."
Egyptian
leaders in exile have disputed the motives behind the upheaval. "It's
just a ploy to concentrate power and wealth in her hands and those
of her husband, Ikhnaton," stated one defrocked priest.
"Everybody knows that Nefertiti has risen to her position on qualities
that have nothing to do with religion.
She
isn't called Incarnation of Beauty for nothing," he added, referring
to the literal meaning of her name. The source asked not to be identified,
fearing reprisals. Tel El Amarna, Nile Valley, 2004 - from Paul Glassman,
special correspondent "Wow," commented Joe Shiner, an agro-businesman
from Des Moines, as he toured the main temple at Tel El Amarna. "It's
one thing to hear that Nefertiti was a real beauty. But it's quite
another to visit in person and learn the real story." "Until I came
here, I didn't know that she was behind the idea of having only one
god-even before the Hebrews and Christians and followers of Mohammed.
"And
now that I see her picture, I can understand why people followed her.
This is not what I expected . . . not at all!" Mr. Shiner gestured
as he spoke to a temple painting of a well-endowed Nefertiti in a
chariot, wearing only a see-through cloak and thong-style panties.
"If
she was my queen, I'd follow her to the end of the . . . "
Mr. Shiner's comments were interrupted by the approach of his wife.
Disclaimer:
The facts presented are as accurate as can be ascertained from the
archeological record. Mr. Joe Shiner is a composite of the satisfied
clients of Travel in Style.
|
