Romance of the Near East

A 25 - day Adventure Tour in Egypt and Jordan
From The Red Sea to the Dead Sea

Cairo, Alexandria , the Oases of Egyptian Western Sahara , a Nile Cruise , Petra and even the Dead Sea in Jordan

DAY 1 - CAIRO
Our Cairo staff greets you and escorts you through the excitement and hubbub of the terminal, and onward to your hotel : Ramses Hilton or similar.
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 (BLD)
Private air condition car for your tour today . Private chauffeur .

Your exploration of ancient Cairo and Giza 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.

DAY 3 - LUXOR / DENDERAH (BLD)
Early morning flight to Luxor, all transfers are on a private basis, always with an air conditioned car.

From Luxor Airport 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, and your hotel : Sonesta , Sheraton, or similar

DAY 4 - LUXOR / Nile Cruise (BLD)
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure. Transfer to the cruise around noon.
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 - on board the Nile Cruise (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 6 - EDFU, KOM OMBO, ASWAN- on board the Nile Cruise (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- on board the Nile Cruise (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. 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 - Check-out from the Nile Cruise (B)
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 hotel , then you return from the tour to check-in at the Basma Hotel, or similar. Remainder of the day at leisure. Make sure you retire to bed early tonight, you leave tomorrow for Abu Simbel before sunrise

DAY 9 - ABU SIMBEL / Cairo (BL)
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 Abu Simbel 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 transfer to your hotel . Ramses Hilton, Sonesta or similar.

DAY 10 - CAIRO (BD)
Full day at leisure. Explore Cairo as you wish . Dinner is included at La Bodega restaurant in Zamalek .

DAY 11 - 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 .

DAY 12 - 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 13 - Oases / Cairo /Sharm (B)
Early morning camp style breakfast before sunrise, drive back to Cairo Airport ( 380 Kilometers), fly to Sharm El Sheikh and your hotel : Hilton, Sheraton or similar
Remainder of the day at leisure.

DAY 14 - Sharm El Sheikh (B)
Full day at leisure . Hit the water , or just relax and enjoy your splendid hotel and the beach l.

DAY 15 - 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. ( Available only in deluxe hotels : Complimentary half hour massage)

Please advise us early on , if you prefer to do Mount Sinai / St. Catherine's tour by Jeep versus air conditioned sedan/vehicle

DAY 16 - Sharm El Sheikh (BD)
Snorkel or Dive
The Red Sea just off "Sharm" is replete with fascinating coral and aquatic species unique to this area. You'll spend the full day today exploring these wonders as you snorkel or scuba dive (for which proof of certification is a must ). There's also time to take an afternoon excursion to a nearby Bedouin village ( if you prefer you may ride a camel to the village , look into the life of the Bedouins who have made a way of life in the desert. Evening Bedouin Dinner.

DAY 17 -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 18 - Alexandria & Wadi El Natroun Monasteries (cBL)
Morning departure around 7 AM , heading northeast for the legendary city of Alexandria.
Full day tour of the Catacombs, the Roman Amphitheater, Qayet Bey Fortress 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 new Alexandria Library before heading 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. Time permitting 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 buildings . Reach Cairo early evening and your hotel.

DAY 19 -CAIRO (BL)
Morning at leisure. Lunch is included at Abu El Sid restaurant . Afternoon walking tour of the old bazaar district of Khan El Khalili . Then on to Then on to The Secret Tomb of Khedive Tawfik

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.

DAY 20 - Cairo / Amman (B)
Private air condition car for your transfer. Private chauffeur .
Our Cairo-based staff escorts you to the airport, where you'll board your flight for Amman.
Air fare is included in our rate : Cairo Amman, in economy class, tax included .
Our local rep will meet you upon arrival in Amman and help with the transfer to your hotel in Amman .Complimentary visa is issued upon arrival for American & Japanese passport holders. Passport must be valid at least for 6 month beyond the date of your arrival. SAS Radisson Hotel or similar

DAY 21 - MADABA, KERAK & PETRA (BL)
We drive south along the King's Highway, an ancient caravan route, to Madaba to visit the church containing the oldest known map of the Holy Land. Continuing to Mount Nebo, we enjoy the panoramic view of the Promised Land the way Moses saw it for the first time. Further on, at Kerak, we tour the ruins of its romantic Crusaders' castle of Renaud de Chatillon, one of a line which stretched from Aqaba to Turkey. Lunch is included at a local restaurant . Finally, we arrive to PETRA . Marriott Petra or similar

DAY 22 - PETRA (B)
Today the fabulous Nabatean City of Petra awaits us. Made famous in the Indiana Jones movie "Raiders of the Lost Ark," its ancient temples, tombs and striking Khazneh (Treasury) were hewn right from the pink and violet sandstone. We spend a full day here, and another night.

DAY 23 - WADI RUM & AMMAN (BL)
We board four-wheel-drive vehicles for an expedition to Wadi Rum, the "Valley of the Moon" where T. E. Lawrence ("Lawrence of Arabia") organized Arab resistance to Ottoman rule during World War I. After our visit, we return to Amman. Lunch is included enroute. SAS Radisson hotel or similar

DAY 24 - JERASH, Amman - (BL)
We drive to Jerash, among the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, to tour its temples, theaters, churches and colonnaded streets. From Jerash, we will escort you back to Amman. Lunch is included at a charming local restaurant .

DAY 6 - Amman - The Dead Sea (BL)
Breakfast at the hotel then off to the DEAD SEA / GALILEE
After breakfast, drive down to the lowest spot on Earth and experience floating in the waters of the Dead Sea. Continue northwards to Pella in the Jordan Valley. Visit Um Qais, Gedara of the Bible (Matthew 8:28-34) for a spectacular view of the Sea of Galilee, the Yarmouk River . Return in the late afternoon to Amman.

DAY 25 - Amman , Departure - (B)
After breakfast , transfer back to Queen Alia Airport . Private air condition car for your transfer. Private chauffeur .

This tour starts daily in Cairo , throughout the year. Subject to the availability of air space & the Nile Cruise. The Nile vessels and cruise itineraries are subject to change.

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)

For travel during Easter, Christmas or New Year's, weeks a 10 percent supplement applies.

- For travel during Easter, Christmas or New Year's, weeks a 20 percent supplement applies.

- Please click here for the Five Stars ultra deluxe rates

Rate includes: