| From
Marrakech to the Nile
A 19-Day
Fantasy Tour of North Africa and the Nile
Start
weekly on Saturday in Marrakech . Explore the two gems of North Africa--Morocco
and Egypt--and spend couple of nights in the Moroccan Sahara,
on this tour to Casablanca, Marrakech, Cairo and Luxor. A bonus: journeys
by train across the Moroccan countryside, and up the Nile! Start in
Morocco , Weekly arrival , year round
compare
with the 10 day , 14
day edition including the Moroccan Sahara
Add Istanbul , or Jordan
and Petra. Cruise THE NILE in the comfort of your PRIVATE
boat The Royal Cleopatra
. Compare
with the 1001 Arabian Nights Tour of Egypt & Jordan a la Indiana Jones
in 17 days
Add
Syria and Jordan . Add
Tunisia in a 21-Day edition .Add
a Dahabiya Yacht cruise on the Nile.
Day
1 - MARRAKECH Saturday (D)
Our local rep will meet you at Marrakech Menara Airport , mystical Marrakech
awaits you . Our staff escorts us to our hotel, where we enjoy a Moroccan-style
welcome dinner.
DAY
2 - MARRAKECH Sunday (BLD)
We board a horse-drawn carriage for a clip-clop tour of this ancient
royal capital, including the Kotoubia, a former royal palace,
and of course the labyrinthine souks (bazaars).
Day
3 - MARRAKECH - Home Hosted Dinner Monday (BD)
Now that you've got your bearings, today is yours to explore the city
on your own. If you prefer, join one of our optional tours (for an additional
fee): one takes you to a nearby Berber village, another takes you into
the souks for a shopping spree.
This evening we'll venture where few ordinary visitors
ever tread . . . right into the homes of some of the people of Marrakech
! 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.
DAY
4 - OURZAZATE Tuesday (BD)
Morning at leisure.
Early afternoon departure to Ouarzazate crossing the Atlas Mountains
and its striking scenery through the Tizi N'Tichka Pass at an  altitude
of more than 2000 meters Before reaching Ouarzazate, visit of the Ait
Ben Haddou Kasbah, a wonderful site now protected by UNESCO, having
served as natural decor to numerous films shooting. It is an area of
crumbling Kasbahs grouped among patches of wheat fields, terraced orchards,
olives and date palms. It ascends a small mountain and is surmounted
by an « Agadir » (grain storage tower) giving it an epic scale. Dinner
at hotel.
DAY
5 - OUARZAZATE / TODRA GORGE / ERFOUD / MERZOUGA Wednesday (BLD)
From Ouarzazate explore the wonderful Road of 1000 Kasbahs in the direction
of Boumalne du Dades through Skoura and El Kelaa Des Mgouna . Upon arrival
in Boumalne we'll drive by impressive Ksours (fortified villages) and
fabulous rock formations and fantastic geological landscape. Continue
on the Road of 1000 Kasbahs towards Tinerghir, a former military outpost
built on terraces above a magnificent palm grove and the way into the
awesome Todra Gorge. The Todra Gorge is a massive fault in the plateau
dividing the High Atlas from the Jebel Sarho with a crystal-clear river
running through it. Lunch is included at the "End of the Earth," in
the awesome gorge, between 300 meter cliffs. Then on to Erfoud crossing
impressive palm groves and oases. On arrival in Erfoud you will then
take chauffeured four-wheel-drive vehicle (Turbo Land Rover) to go to
Merzouga, There will be a bonfire and an entertainment by the
locals during the evening. Dinner and overnight in a Bedouin tent
in the Sahara, offering a magical sight of the sunset over the majestic
dunes.
DAY
6 - MERZOUGA / ERFOUD / MIDELT / FEZ Thursday (BLD)
After breakfast we drive back (private 4 X 4) to Erfoud , where we pick
up a private sedan or air-conditioned motor coach. And on to FEZ You'll
head north via Errachidia and Talghimt pass. Lunch is included at the
foot of Djebel Ayachi in Midelt at Kasbah Asmaa. Continue through the
Middle Atlas Mountains in the direction of Fez. Late afternoon arrival
in Fez for dinner and overnight accommodation at hotel. The
city is yours to explore, guidebook in hand. The Lonely Planet guide
includes all the important things to see, and recommendations for restaurants
in all price ranges, so you'll never be at a loss for advice.
DAY
7 - FEZ Friday (B)
Oldest of Morocco's four Imperial Cities, Fez is endlessly fascinating,
and today it's yours. You may wish to tour ( on your own ) : Top sights
include the medina (old city), the 15-century Borj Nord Arms
Museum, the gateway of the royal palace, the fortifications
of the Kasbah, the 9th-century Karaouine Mosque and University,
the medersas (theological seminaries) of Bou Inania and Attarine,
the shrine of the city's founder Moulay Idris II, the Nejjarine
Fountain, the monumental gateway of Bab Boujelloud, the old
harem gardens, Dar Batha Museum, and the artisans'
guilds in the souks.
Day
8- BY TRAIN TO CASABLANCA Saturday (BLD)
"Getting there is half the fun!" We board the train for our return to
Casablanca, cruising through the lovely countryside past green
fields, fruit-laden orchards, traditional villages and modern towns,
with the lofty Atlas Mountains soaring in the distance. Our tour
escort points out interesting features, and fills us in on Moroccan
life and culture. After arriving in Casablanca, we visit the majestic
new Grand Mosque of King Hassan II, second only to the Great
Mosque at Mecca in size. We continue on a panoramic tour of the city
and its souks. After dinner, we drive to the airport for our Royal Air
Maroc night flight across North Africa to Egypt.
Day
9 - CAIRO Sunday (BD)
We arrive in Cairo with the dawn,Complimentary
visa issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport, valid only for American,
Australian, NZ, EU & Japanese citizens. Passports must be valid
for 6 month at least at time of arrival.
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
We
drive through the awakening city to our hotel for breakfast and a bracing
cup of coffee or tea. Breakfast is included at your hotel. Room is booked
and ready for you to check-in. Remainder of the day at leisure. Evening
welcome dinner and folklore show , including a belly dancer .
Day
10 - Cairo -Monday (BLD)
Refreshed, we visit the Egyptian Museum. The Royal Palace Museum
of Abddin.
On to the Citadel of Saladin and its Alabaster Mosque, enjoying
spectacular views of the city below. We descend from the Citadel into
Khan el-Khalili, the bazaar district, in search of Egyptian treasures.
The Lunch is included at a charming local restaurant . Dinner is included
at the hotel.
DAY
11 - CAIRO -Tuesday (aBLD)
Today we visit Cairo's most famous monuments: the awesome pyramids of
Giza, the Valley Temple and the timeless Sphinx.
After lunch we drive to Dahshour, the newly opened pyramid field
south of Cairo, where we visit several ancient structures, including
the great pyramid built by Senfru, father of Cheops. In the evening,
we board our first-class sleeper train for the journey to Luxor.
Dinner is served at your hotel
DAY
12 - CAIRO - Wednesday (BLD)
Today we visit Cairo's most famous monuments: the awesome pyramids of
Giza, the Valley Temple and the timeless Sphinx.
After lunch we drive to Dahshour, the newly opened pyramid field
south of Cairo, where we visit several ancient structures, including
the great pyramid built by Senfru, father of Cheops. DAHSOUR -
we'll motor to the edge of Cairo, 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 home to 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 afternoon 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 lunch , 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 afternoon
, and find that you have more in common than you ever suspected. Of
course, you may enjoy a quiet lunch in a local restaurant- of our choosing
- with your travel companions, by letting us know your preferences.
DAY
13 - Cairo Aswan- Board Your Nile Cruise - Thursday (aBLD)
We leave our hotel after an early breakfast heading for Cairo Airport,
and your flight to Luxor and your
Nile cruiser.
Tour of Kalabsha Temple dedicated to the ancient god Mandulis,
and the goddess Isis . Built during the reign of the Roman Emperor
Augustus , the small rock-cut temple of Beit El Wali, built
by Ramses the Great , and the small yet charming Kiosk of
Qertassi.
Return
to the Nile Cruise in time for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon we
enjoy a leisurely sail by graceful felucca on the Nile. For those
who are interested: a short camel caravan & ride for almost half
an hour to visit a local Nubian Village for tea with the locals.
DAY
14 - ASWAN & KOM OMBO -
On Board Your Nile Cruise -
Friday (BLD)
First we tour the awesome Aswan dams, and next an ancient granite
quarry complete with an unfinished obelisk. Then we go by motor launch
to the island temples of Philae. Re-embarking on our Nile cruiser,
we sail downstream to Kom Ombo to visit its twin temples.
DAY
15- EDFU -
On Board Your Nile Cruise -Saturday
(BLD)
We moor in Edfu, climb aboard horse-drawn carriages, and clip-clop
through the town to the Temple of Horus, Egypt's best-preserved
temple. Evening finds us in Luxor.
DAY
16 - LUXOR -
On Board Your Nile Cruise -
Sunday (BLD)
We tour the magnificent tombs in the Valley of the Kings including
King Tut's Tomb , and Valley of the Queens.
DAY
17 - Disembark from your Nile Cruise : LUXOR & CAIRO -Monday
(B)
The gigantic Great Temple of Amon at Karnak, and the mighty Temple
of Luxor are our goals in the morning, followed by a return flight
to Cairo, and your hotel
DAY
18 - CAIRO Tuesday (B)
Full day at leisure in Cairo. Wander through the city on your
own, or do your last-minute shopping.
Day
19 - DEPARTURE Wednesday(B)
After breakfast, our staff escorts you to the airport for your flight
to Casablanca, and on to New York.
Bon
Voyage.
This
tour departs from New York on these dates (departures guaranteed):
RATES per
person in USD
|
Deluxe |
First
Class |
| Triple |
US$
6860 |
US$
6090 |
| Double |
US$
6998 |
US$
6130 |
| Single |
US$
7760 |
US$
7020 |
For
Dec 20-Jan 5 & Easter ( 2 Weeks Season) : Please add 10 % Supplement
Your
tour includes:
- Round-trip
international airfare from New York City (JFK) to Casablanca and Cairo
, including tax (Please contact us for add-on fares from your nearest
airport to New York).
Air fare note : May - Sep : please add $300 high season supplement
( this doesn't apply when yo handle your own air fare) Click
here for a 10 day edition WITHOUT air fare from/to USA.
For most west coast cities : Please add $350 for the airfare add on
( this docent apply when you handle your own air fare ). Please deduct
$500 when you handle your own air fare from / to JFK
For Miami, Houston, Chicago, Dallas, D.C.: Please add :$250 for the
airfare add on ( this docent apply when you handle your own air fare
).
-
Domestic airfares in Morocco and Egypt as per itinerary , in economy
class , including tax
-
First-class day train Marrakech-Casablanca .
- All
airport and train station transfers in Morocco as described in the
tour itinerary
-
Your hotel room at a carefully-selected deluxe, first class or tourist
class hotel, whichever you prefer, including tax & service
- Five
day Nile cruise include all meals and shore excursions, all cabins
are outside, all with large panoramic windows, tax & service charges
are included. Bottled water ( one per person) delivered to your cabin
daily while you are on board the cruise. Tea or coffee /bottled water
with each meal while on board the cruise.
- B
= Breakfast, (or aB, American Buffet Breakfast),
L = Lunch, D = Dinner
and all Egyptian airport taxes.And a home hosted dinner in Marrakech
- Guided
sightseeing as listed in the itinerary including all entrance fees.
- EU,
Canadian,Australian, NZ US and Japanese passport holders need a visa
to enter Egypt. You will obtain a visa at the airport upon arrival
in Cairo With our compliments, as long as your passport is valid for
at least 6 month . Visas are not required for the listed nationalities
for entry into Morocco.
- VERY
IMPORTANT NOTE ON LUGGAGE: When flying from JFK on Royal Air Maroc
all the way , then 2 pieces of luggage are allowed to be checked.
For West cost customers, who may fly British Airways into Casablanca,
they will be allowed one piece of luggage to be checked in on board
the ROYAL AIR MAROC flight between Casablanca & Cairo.
Hotels
and Nile Cruises :
Marrakech
In Morocco
Option A : Deluxe
Deluxe Standard 5 stars hotel :
KENZI FARAH or similar www.kenzi-hotels.com/anglais
Deluxe Standard 5 stars Riad - RIAD
TIWALINE - www.riadtiwaline.com
In
Egypt : Cairo : Sofitel / Hilton / Sheraton / Grand Hyatt / Conrad/
Inter.Continnetal
Nile Cruise : M/S Adonis . M/S Florence . M/S Mojito . M/S Monaco .
M/S Monte Carlo .
M/S Beau Soleil. M/S Diamond.
Option B : Deluxe Superior
( Supplement applies
Deluxe Superior ( 10 % supplement applies
to the deluxe rate listed above)
Marrakech
in Morocco :
Deluxe Superior 5 stars Riad - RIAD KNIZA www.riadkniza.com
Deluxe five stars Superior
hotel / Riad : JARDINS DE LA KOUTOUBIA www.lesjardinsdelakoutoubia.com
In
Egypt : Cairo : Four Seasons Hotel
Nile Cruise :
All Suites - All with Private Balconies :
- M/S
Moon Goddess .
- M/S
Philae .
- M/S
Senator ( the only intimate size luxury cruises on the Nile : 17 suites
with private balconies )
Ultra Deluxe Nile Cruise : M/S Queen TiYi. M/S Nile Visions ( Royal
& Presidential suite do have private balconies )
- Trip
interruption and cancellation insurance (please see the insurance
brochure/ we'll be glad to mail to you) .
- Personal
expenses, including excess baggage or shipping charges, beverages,
and personal charges in hotels for laundry, telephone, or other
services
- Gratuities
- Optional
Excursion
- Hot
air balloon adventure over the Valley of the Kings in Luxor Egypt
, 60 to 90 minutes flying time, weather permitting, $300 per person.
CRUISE on the Nile , the ultimate in LUXURY cruising ...
Mark
Twain did it. Rockefeller did it. More recently, First Ladies
Barbara Bush and Laura Bush, and pop music legend Lionel Richie
did it:
cruise Egypt's timeless Nile in luxury.
Only
a few Nile cruisers qualify as the most luxurious vessels on the
Nile. In order to meet the requirements of Nubian Nile Cruises,
they must be the newest and best, with up-to-the-minute facilities
and all possible luxury services such as deluxe staterooms with
private bath
(shower and/or bathtub), 20-inch satellite TV, large picture
window, mini bar, individual climate control, electronic entry
system and security deposit boxes, hair dryer and direct-dial
telephone.
The
service onboard, under the watchful control of companies renowned
worldwide for excellence, must be flawless and exceed guests’
expectations, and also reflect the warm traditional hospitality
of the Egyptian people.
Few
vessels qualify.
Amarco
The brand-new, ultra-luxurious Amarco, launched in late 2003,
has 51 staterooms, all with large picture windows and Internet
access. Four junior suites (well equipped for handicapped passengers),
two Presidential suites and two Royal suites accommodate special
guests.
The
Amarco is the only vessel on the Nile with a true mini-gym (not
just an exercise room), and a mini-spa with two saunas, two massage
rooms and steam rooms. Two elevators take guests (especially those
who find stairs difficult) between decks.
Clients
of Travel In Style.com receive special consideration on these
luxury cruises. If you reserve your Presidential or Royal Suite
through Travel In Style.com , we will provide you with a private
valet to take care of your personal and touring needs, and a private
guide and Egyptologist to answer any questions you may have about
the wonders around you. Two
guests in each suite will be entitled to a 30-minute massage.
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! These special services are not
available to other
passengers, even those who reserve Presidential Suites by other
means.
You must reserve through Travel In Style.com to enjoy them.
Though
the Nile is timeless, life is short. You may only cruise the Nile
once. Make it the voyage of a lifetime aboard one of the ultra-luxury
vessels available in North America through Travel in Style,
Inc. (www.travelinstyle.com).
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