Luxury
on the Nile
19 - day : With an extended foray into the Egyptian Sahara
The Red Sea - Sharm El Sheikh . The Oases
of Western Sahara With one night camping in El Farafra Oases And a 5
day Ultra Deluxe Nile Cruise. Visit
Egypt's Western Desert Oases and El Djarrah Cave that
was discovered in 1873, and then forgotten for more than 100 years.
Even today, few visitors are privileged to penetrate its depths to admire
its stalactites and ancient rock art
Compare with the Three weeks
edition , Using
your own free air miles :
Click here
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, and even have the option of floating
over the legendary Valley of the Kings in a hot air balloon, on
this upscale package. Leave any day ( Subject to availability
of air space & Nile cruise) . Compare
with the 10 day , extended stay in Upper
Egypt ,
go fishing on Lake Nasser
. Add
Jerusalem . Compare
with the 24-Days El Amarna Version.
DAY
1 - DEPARTURE ( leave any day- subject to availability )
JFK Passengers : We take off from New York's John
F. Kennedy International Airport, bound for Cairo , tax included. Leave
any day ( Subject to availability of air space & Nile cruise).
For Boston : Please
add:$250 , for Chicago, Miami, Houston : $300. Most West Coast cities
: $ 350
Egyptair Business Class Upgrade : $ 2500 or First class $ 3500,
round-trip including tax, on board Egyptair non stop Boeing . (Air fare
is always subject to change) .
This upgrades apply only from JFK
DAY
2 - 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 , Singaporean , Canadian & 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
For Hotel upgrade in Cairo : Four Seasons or the Mena House Palace wing
/ Pyramid's view ( you may mix & match Cairo stay first stay at
Four Seasons and return stay Mena House Palace Wing: please add: $489
for the total of 3 nights per person in double
DAY
3 - CAIRO (aBLD)
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!
Conclude a memorable day as we host you on a Nile dinner cruise complete
with exotic Egyptian entertainment.
Photo Credit Osama Abdel A'al - Click here for more
images from the Oases
DAY
4 - 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 or similar . Evening Bedouin folk
show .
Day
5 – Bahariya Oasis, El Djarrah Cave (Breakfast.
Lunch. Dinner )
Today we’ll journey to El Djarrah, and a cave that was discovered
in 1873, and then forgotten for more than 100 years. Even today, few
visitors are privileged to penetrate its depths to admire its stalactites
and ancient rock art, as you’ll note by the guest book. Make sure
that your presence is noted!
DAY
6 - 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
A
note about meals in the Sahara
Please note that some meals will be served in local desert style. For
your Egyptian breakfast, expect orange juice, tea and coffee, marmalade,
a selection of two cheeses, beans, and eggs.
A picnic lunch will typically include either tuna, sausage, sardines
or beef with a green salad or a salad of cheese, tomato and fruit.
For dinner, expect a beef or chicken main coarse, with vegetable and
rice or pasta.
Please inform your hosts in advance of dietary requests.
DAY
7 - CAIRO (B)
Early morning camp style breakfast before sunrise, drive back to Cairo
( 380 Kilometers).
Remainder of the day at leisure.
DAY
8 - LUXOR (aBLD)
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. Evening Karnak Sound & Light
Show.
DAY
9 - 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
10 - 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
11 - 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
12 -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
13 - ABU SIMBEL - Ramses the Great - Master Builder of All Times (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
Luxury hotel in Sharm : Sonesta , Hyatt, The Ritz Hotel or similar.
DAY 14 - Sharm El Sheikh (BD)
Full days at leisure . Hit the water , or venture into the nearby
Bedouin village to see how the local people live-as you like. Dinner
is included daily on a complimentary basis at the hotel.
DAY
15 - Sharm El Sheikh (BD)
Full days at leisure . Hit the water , or venture into the nearby
Bedouin village to see how the local people live-as you like. Dinner
is included daily on a complimentary basis at the hotel.
DAY
16 - MOUNT SINAI - St. CATHERINE ( Santa Katarina / Catarina ) Monastery
& Dahab (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 / vehicle.
DAY
17 - Sharm El Sheikh - Bedouin dinner (BD)
Full day at leisure . Hit the water , or venture into the nearby
Bedouin village to see how the local people live-as you like. Bedouin
Dinner is included in the desert with a camel ride, if you rather ride
in a car , please let us know in advance
DAY
18 -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
19 - DEPARTURE (aB)
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 leaves daily from JFK , 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.
Click here for more info on these luxurious cruises: Radamis ( Swiss
Management) ,Moon Goddess
Why
book with us ?
RATES
per person, in deluxe accommodations, in US$: JFK
Please click here for
4 stars first class accommodation
| Hotel
Accommodation |
Concierge
Level Room |
Concierge
Level Room |
| Cruise
Accommodation |
Outside
Cabin |
Junior
Suite
personal Butler
And a private guide |
| Sharing
in Triple occupancy |
US$
5870.00 |
US$
6220.00 |
| Double
occupancy |
US$
5940.00 |
US$
6510.00 |
|
Single occupancy
|
US$ 7115.00 |
US$ 8055.00 |
AIRFARE
NOTES
- Our
airline partners for departures from New York are British Airways,
Egyptair and Olympic Airways , Lufthansa, Swiss International.
Air fare add -on from San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles,
Seattle-Tacoma, and Dallas-Fort Worth for an additional $350; from
Chicago or Washington, DC's Dulles International Airport, for an
additional $300.
In addition, for any departures from June 1 through end of Sep
, please add $300 high-season airfare surcharge to the rates
shown above. This air fare supplement doesn't apply when you
handle your own airfare.
- If
you choose to make your own arrangements for international airfare,
please deduct $600 per person from the rates.
Other
Notes :
For travel during Easter, Christmas or New Year's, weeks a 20 percent
supplement applies.
Rate
includes:
- Air
transportation within Egypt as mentioned in itinerary, in business
class, when available on board subject to according to aircraft
configuration.
- All
tips throughout the trip for : Porters, cruise crew , drivers, housekeepers.
- All
ground transportation, including airport greeting.
- Deluxe
hotel accommodations, including tax based on: Marriott, Mena
House ( New Wing) or The Grand Hyatt downtown overlooking the Nile.
For Mena House Palace wing /Pyramid's view , please add: $489 for
the total of 3 nights per person in double. In Sharm El Sheikh:
The Hyatt,Marriott , Sofitel , Savoy , Sonesta or similar hotels.
-
( But 3-4 stars hotels for the oases as listed & one night camping)
- In
Sharm El Sheikh: Savoy , Inter.continental, Hyatt,The Ritz, or similar
hotels
- Luxury
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 these deluxe Nile cruises : the
Mojito , Monaco
, M/S Royal Lotus , M/S Mojito ,
M/S Queen TiYi , Movenpick Radamis,
Sonesta
Moon Goddess, and Sonesta Star Goddess , according to availability.
-
For
guests booking Suites on board the cruise :
Our guests , receive special consideration . When you reserve
your Suite , we will provide you with a private valet to take
care of your personal and touring needs, and a private guide /
Egyptologist to answer any questions you may have about the wonders
around you.
Just
for fun, we'll even engage a local fortune - teller , knowledgeable
in the mystic secrets of ancient Egypt, to read the future in
your palm or your coffee grounds!
- Sightseeing
with guide and entrance fees to archaeological sites.
- 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.
-
-
-
-
-
Add
a short stay in an
Oases .
-
-
-
On
board the ultra deluxe Movenpick Nile Cruises
Radamis & Royal Lotus
On
board the ultra deluxe Radamis II -Movenpick Nile Cruise
Not
included:
What
to Pack:
Most of the year look forward to warm, even hot weather in Cairo,
Luxor & Aswan, morning & evenings are cooler. During winter
... very rare do we get rain, if so, very brief showers. No need for
real rain wear/gear.
Before sunrise, after sun-set, you'll need a light jacket, or light
sweater.
For
Nile cruise shore excursions, we suggest comfortable cotton &
natural fabric lightweight clothing. Comfortable walking shoes are
essential for all tours in Cairo or Upper Egypt.
Tips:
While tipping is never required, clients do ask what is appropriate
when service has been to their satisfaction.
We suggest US$2 per person for the driver who provides your transfer,
and $5 per person for the guide on a half- or $10 for the full-day
tour (per person).
For a cruise on the Nile or Lake Nasser, consider giving $7 per person
per day, which may be left at the reception desk at the end of the
cruise for the tipping pool for the entire crew.
DRESS
CODE:
Our entire Nile cruise vessels are fully air conditioned. Onboard
dress is casual except at dinner, when smart casual is the rule. Lightweight
cotton and other natural fiber clothing are best, with swimsuits and
sun hats for the sundeck and pool. Bring a light sweater or light
jacket for cool mornings and evenings, but most days are warm to hot,
with very little rain. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for
shore excursions.
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.
Nile
Cruise Listing
Bahariya
Oases - Bahareya Oasis - Qasr El Bawty Hotel :
Set
in a depression covering over 2000 sq. km., Bahareya Oasis is surrounded
by black hills made up of ferruginous quartzite and dolerite. Most
of the villages and cultivated land can be viewed from the top of
the 50-meter high Jebel Al-Mi'ysrah (the English Mountain). In addition
to the massive dunes of the region, Bahareya Oasis is famed for
being the home of the Golden Mummies.
Being the closest oasis to Cairo, Bahareya gives you the opportunity
to explore archeological sites from the Pharaonic, Roman, and Christian
periods, and experience the magic the desert offers.
The oasis was a major agricultural center during the Pharaonic era,
and has been famous for its wine as far back as the Middle Kingdom.
There are a number of hot and cold springs in the area, and wildlife
is plentiful.
Bawiti, the modern capital, is the largest village of the oasis.
Its picturesque hillside quarter overlooks lush palm groves irrigated
by Ain Al Bishmo, a natural rock hewn spring dating back to Roman
times.
The neighboring village of El Qasr was built on the remains of a
26th dynasty temple. Nearby at Qaret Helwah, you can still see tombs
with paintings dating back to the same period.
Recently the town has been receiving considerable press coverage
due to the find of possibly the largest necropolis of mummies from
the Greco- Roman era.
Qasr El Bawity ecolodge is set in the middle of a lush palm grove
in the heart of El Bawity, the modern capital of Bahareya Oasis.
Built and decorated in the traditional style of the oasis, the lodge
proudly offers you 24 rooms and four suites, that are large, comfortable,
and simply but elegantly furnished.Eco-friendly construction techniques
of ancient Egypt were revived specifically for the building of the
lodge. Each stone was handpicked from nearby mountains, and neither
metal nor concrete was used in the construction. To maintain historically
accurate architecture and design, only materials and craftspeople
indigenous to the oasis were employed in the construction.
Qasr El Bawity?s close proximity to the Black Desert, White Desert,
and archeological sites of the area, provides you with easy access
to enjoy a wide range of activities and excursions. Explore on your
own, or take advantage of some of the professionally guided tours
offered through the lodge. After
your fun-filled day of exploration and discovery, enjoy a refreshing
swim in the crystal clear waters of our spring-fed swimming pool,
or enjoy a relaxing night swim under the stars in our on-site hot
spring. The
lodge?s traditional Bedouin and Egyptian cuisines, served in the
adjoining restaurant El Qasr, is a gastronomical delight you?re
sure to enjoy.The restaurant is particularly regarded for its soups
and tagins. Qasr
El Bawity ecolodge fuses elements of comfort and elegance, and the
warmth of its interior is balanced harmoniously with its mountain-like
exterior, enabling you to enjoy a blend of luxury and tradition
in a way that pays tribute to the natural beauty of the region.
Built
and decorated in the traditional style of the oasis, the lodge proudly
offers you 24 large rooms and 4 suites. All rooms are large, comfortable,
simply and elegantly furnished, and include private bathrooms.
The
Rooms:
To further ensure your comfort, all rooms are built with walls made
of natural rock over half a meter thick. This eco-friendly design
keeps the rooms warm in the winter and cool in the summer.Being
located on top of a tall hill, all of the terraces have spectacular
views of the lush palm groves and surrounding mountains.
Swimming
Pool and Hot Spring
After
your fun-filled day of exploration and discovery, enjoy a refreshing
swim in the crystal clear waters of our spring-fed swimming pool,
or enjoy a relaxing night swim under the stars in our on-site hot
sprin
|
