Egyptian Oases A 16-Day Adventure Valley of the Golden Mummies Mount Sinai , El Bahariya And El Farafra Oases

Compare with the 16 Day Siwa edition
Extra nights in Aswan & Luxor - 19 days Edition
El Bahariya & El Farafra Oases Edition - 22 days , add Mount Sinai

Here are all the splendors of Egypt, from the magnificence of the pharaohs to the glory of Western Sahara, The White Desert , El Bahariya & El Farafra Oases. This itinerary includes a Nile cruise, of course, plus the attractions that most visitors miss. Weekly departure , year round

DAY 1 - CAIRO - Weekly on Tuesday's
Our Cairo staff whisks you through the excitement and hubbub of the terminal, and onward through the desert to your hotel near the fabled Nile. Venture out amid the spice shops, cafes, peddlers from bygone days, modern-day professionals, and an unforgettable array of sights, sounds, and aromas. Visa fee is included & will be issued upon arrival for American, Australians, NZ, Canadian, EU , Mexican , Singaporean & Japanese Citizens.

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- Wednesday (BL)
Today you'll explore the wonders of the Egyptian Museum, with its treasures of the ancient pharaohs: mummies, statuary, and precious stones and metals. Travellers have long come to Cairo just to gaze on these sights, but your day includes much more. You'll see the Solar Boat Museum, and in Giza, on the edge of the desert, you'll view the mysterious Sphinx and the Pyramids. In the evening we return to Giza for the Sound and Light Show ( Bring a jacket or light sweater ).

DAY 3 - CAIRO El Bahariya Oases- Valley of the Golden Mummies - Thursday (BLD)
Early morning departure before sunrise to be able to watch the sunrise over the Sahara.
We board a private air conditioned coach or four wheel vehicle ( depending on the number of guests ) and proceed west on the Sahara Highway, ( 180 Kilometers from Cairo to El Bahariya), visiting Qaser Sleim , Alexander Tomb & Museum of Golden Mummies . Lunch & Dinner at the hotel : Beshimo Lodge Evening Bedouin folk show

DAY 4 - El Farafra Oases ( White Desert ) - Friday (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 return back to El Farafra Oases and : Badawiya Hotel

DAY 5 - CAIRO - Saturday (B)
Early morning camp style breakfast before sunrise, drive back to Cairo ( 380 Kilometers).
Remainder of the day at leisure.

DAY 6 - Medieval CAIRO, Sunday (BL)
Today, we'll get to know more of Cairo, both historic and contemporary. We'll set off for Khan el-Khalili, the labyrinthine bazaar district with its array of spice shops and clothing merchants and purveyors of baskets and brass ware and a thousand other specialties. We'll also stop at the Citadel of Saladin , the Alabaster Mosque, Sultan Hassan Great Mosque, a true master piece. The afternoon is devoted to seeing more of Islamic Cairo's sights: Ibn Touloun Mosque, City of the dead with it's architectural treasures from Medieval Cairo & more contemporary Ottoman Times, Including Khedive's tombs & Qait Bey .

DAY 7 - LUXOR - Nile Cruise - Monday (BLD)
Good morning, Luxor! We'll detrain early, and proceed right to our Nile cruiser for breakfast. While our bags are looked after, we'll set out for the imposing Great Temple of Amon at Karnak and the Temple of Luxor.

DAY 8 - VALLEY OF THE KINGS - Tuesday(BLD)
We'll set out across 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; stop at the Colossi of Memnon before we head back to the boat.

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.

DAY 9 - ESNA, EDFU - Wednesday (BLD)
We'll make our way up the Nile during the night. After breakfast, we'll proceed through the Esna locks, and on to Esna itself. Horse-drawn carriages meet us at riverside to take us to the Temple of Horus, best-preserved in all of Egypt. While we continue our sail up the Nile in the evening, we'll party in Egyptian style. You might well have bought a galabia, the flowing national dress. Now's your chance to wear it!

DAY 10 - KOM OMBO, ASWAN - Thursday (BLD)
Soon after daybreak, 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. All the while, you will have seen feluccas sailing the Nile. Now we'll experience Egypt at its most authentic, as we sail in one of these graceful craft. To really immerse yourself, try your hand at camel riding! We'll take willing passengers on a traditional caravan to enjoy tea with Nubian villagers.

DAY 11 - CAIRO, Friday (B)
In the morning we check-out form your cabin.
Tour he 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 , 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!

Then to really immerse yourself, try your hand at a complimentary camel riding! We'll take willing passengers on a traditional caravan to enjoy tea with Nubian villagers. Only Travel In Style affords this unique opportunity to meet & interact with local Nubians. We are proud to offer this insight into the Nubian way of life.

We proceed to the airport of Aswan, where we'll board a plane to fly northward to Cairo. We'll be met at the airport, and your hotel .

DAY 12 - Pharaonic Giza , Saturday (cBL)
Today we tour Memphis and Sakkara, including the Step Pyramid of Zoser & Nobles tombs/Mastabas, The Serapeum, Unas, Pyramid of Teti and key Mastabas.
In the afternoon the tour takes us to Dahshour, the pyramid field south of Cairo:only-opened few years back after Sadat signed the peace treaty with Israel, and the Army did let go of this strategically "important" area.

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. We'll tour as well the famous "Bent" Pyramid.

Day 13- Cairo / Sharm El Sheikh:(BD)
Fly to Sharm El Sheikh . Private air condition car always for your transfers. We'll settle you into your hotel
If you prefer to extend your stay in Upper Egypt , please click here

DAY 14 - MOUNT SINAI - St. CATHERINE ( Santa Katarina / Catarina ) Monastery (BB)
Very early breakfast or snacks, then 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. Must bring heavy cloth, it will be cold at the summit of Mt. Sinai .
Our goal is the Monastery of St. Catherine ( closed on Fridays and major holidays, in which case we tour the outer walls only ) , 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. Climb at own risk. Tea / coffee and breakfast will be served in a modest nearby hotel after you climb down.

DAY 15 - MOUNT SINAI - St. CATHERINE ( Santa Katarina / Catarina ) Monastery (BL)
Very early breakfast or snacks, then 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 16 - RETURN HOME - Monday (B)
After breakfast, our Cairo staff will accompany you to the airport, where you'll board your flight to start your journey home.

Click here for more images from the Oases

RATES per person in US$

Rate includes:

* All ground transportation to and from airports and while touring overland .

* Hotel accommodations with tax .

* Cabin on Nile cruise vessel, with all meals & shore Excursions. Cruise embarkation is from Luxor or Aswan.

Your Nile Cruise will always Include :

• Complimentary welcome drink upon arrival on board the Nile Cruise.
  
• Complimentary welcome fruit basket on board the Nile Cruise.
  
• Large bottle of water ( per person ) delivered to you cabin daily while you are on board the Nile Cruise.
  
• Tea or coffee an bottled water with each / every meal while you are on board the Nile Cruise.

* Domestic air in Egypt as per itinerary, in economy class , complimentary upgrade to business class with the  purchase of the deluxe category.

* Sightseeing with guide and entrance fees as indicated .

* Meals as indicated, preset menu (B:Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner) .

* Egyptian visa fee

Not included:

• Abu Simbel Excursion : Airfare, tour, entrance fees and transfers for optional excursion to Abu Simbel
  
• Trip interruption and cancellation insurance (please see our insurance brochure). Personal expenses
• Gratuities
  

Photo Credit Osama Abdel A'al

Dining Room Reservations: Meet other passengers :
YOU will not require any, our dining rooms do accommodate all our guests in one seating, one less thing to worry about while you are on the Nile. Enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere with several different languages being heard at dinner.

Do we get sea sickness while sailing the Nile ?
This is river sailing, so do not expect any waves , no rough seas ! Your Nile cruises is actually a floating hotel that moves from place to place along the Nile. Actual cruising times are short and pleasant.

More Choices :

• Compare with the 16 Day Siwa edition
  

• El Bahariya & El Farafra Oases Edition 15 -days
  

• Extra nights in Aswan & Luxor - 19 days Edition
  

• El Bahariya & El Farafra Oases Edition - 22 days
  

• Add a Cruise on Lake Nasser in Nubia

• Add Mount Sinai