Egyptian Oasis Adventure A 15-Day Tour of the Egyptian Oases El Bahariya , El Farafra Oases and even a cruise in Nubia on Lake Nasser

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 (BLD)
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 . Evening dinner and folk show

DAY 7 - Abu Simbel / NUBIAN CRUISE - Monday (cBLD)
After an early breakfast, we drive to the airport for the flight to Abu Simbel or Aswan, where we board our lake cruiser. Complimentary welcome fruit basket in ear cabin. After lunch aboard, we head for Abu Simbel. Arriving at the great temple, we have time to explore its colossal facade and surroundings before enjoying a welcome cocktail on board followed by dinner and spectacular sound-and light show with the temple as our backdrop.
Lake Nasser, Egypt's great man-made inland sea formed by the waters held behind the Aswan High Dam. On board the cruise you'll have time to relax on deck, take a dip in the pool, read up on Egyptian history, and get to know your fellow travelers.

DAY 8 - LAKE NASSER CRUISING / Kasr Ibrim - Tuesday (BLD)
For guests that may enjoy the sunrises over the mighty temples of Ramses the Great may wish to get up early today to enjoy the extraordinary vision of the temple of Abu Simbel at dawn, when the sacred sunlight penetrates deep into its holy of holies as its architect intended. The morning sun bathes the ruddy stone in golden light, providing perfect conditions for photography.

As the sun brightens the lake shore we enjoy lunch as we sail to Kasr Ibrim . One of the very few Nubian sites that are yet in their original location.
We gaze at the citadel of Kasr Ibrim, a once-mighty fortress which time and weather have rendered fragile, the only structure of its kind still extant in Nubia. We learn about the history of Nubia and this fortress, from the comfort of the sun-deck, to protect the site, we are not allowed to enter, yet you 'll have a fantastic view, we dock at Kasr Ibrim for the night.

DAY 9 - WADI EL SEBOUA, DAKKA & AMADA Wednesday (BLD)
Our first port of call is at Amada Temple and the tomb of Penout, the powerful viceroy of Nubia, one of ancient Egypt's richest regions. Known as the "Land of Gold," Nubia was famous for the stream of gold, ivory, precious stones and minerals which made their way from Africa to Egypt via the Nubian Nile.
After lunch we proceed to the Temple of Wadi el Seboua, dedicated by the mighty Ramses the Great to two of ancient Egypt's most powerful gods. Our next stop is Dakka Temple dedicated to God Thot of divine wisdom, lord of time and science, on to Aswan

DAY 10 - Aswan -Tropic of Cancer - Thursday (BLD)
Celebrate the crossing of of the Tropic of Cancer .
Morning visit to the Temple of Kalabsha, originally constructed in Pharaonic style, but later remodeled in Greco-Roman style and dedicated to the god Mandoulis. Next we visit Beit el Wali, a work of Pharaoh Ramses the Great, followed by a stop at Kertassi Kiosk, dedicated to the goddess Isis. We dine aboard our floating hotel.

DAY 11 - ASWAN / LUXOR - Friday (BD)
Disembarkation after breakfast . We fly to Luxor , ( all domestic air fare is included ) and connect to Luxor and your hotel. Deluxe : Sonesta St. George or the Old Winter Palace. First : Sofitel , Hilton Sheraton or similar , Afternoon complimentary guided tour of the Luxor Museum.Then on to visit the new & old "Qurna" or Gurnah" : In Ancient times as well as in a more recent history, the locals populated the West Bank and lived in series of villages near the tombs they built for their kings & queens. The largest of these villages is Gurnah or Qurna , these villages continue to grow in population in spite of the damage caused to the nearby tombs, the house are an example of the traditional Egyptian rural homes, the houses are usually built of mud break mixed with straw, the New Gurnah was designed by the famous Hassan Fathy , author of " Architecture for the Poor", we conclude the afternoon by a visit to the nearby Nobles Tombs , can not guarantee which ones will be open as they are rotated , but you may visit : tomb of Rekhmire , Senoufer , or Ramose .
Evening Sound & Light show at Karnak. Dinner is included at your hotel.

DAY 12 - CAIRO, Saturday (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 13 - Pharaonic Giza , Sunday (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 14- CAIRO - Home Hosted Dinner - Monday (cBL)
The Culture of Cairo

Today we’ll explore deep into the heart of Cairo, and get to know its daily rhythms, its spirituality, its history, and its modern diversions. We’ll start early, with a visit to a local market, with an immense variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables on offer, both familiar and exotic.

You’ll see that shopping in Cairo goes far beyond a supermarket experience. Be prepared for whispers, gestures, shouting, and controlled chaos. It’s all part of the bargaining process, engaged in by women in traditional modest garb as well as others in Western dress.

Then it’s on to The Blue Mosque , before we head to the Museum of Islamic Art, with its tapestries, textiles, swords and other objects exemplifying one of the world’s great decorative traditions. We’ll continue to the Gayer-Anderson House, a serene and classic domestic oasis, right down to its central fountain and exquisite furnishings. Our visit is also a journey into a vanished way of life—the residence is actually two traditional medieval Cairo houses restored by an English physician to a former king. We’ll stop for lunch at a restaurant where Cairenes go, then visit the Bab an-Nasr, the Gate of Victory in Cairo’s old walls. You’ll even see graffiti that survives from soldiers of Napoleon and of the British Empire, among the many who passed this way.

Complimentary Dinner is included at a local home:
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 evening we'll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread . . . right into the homes of some of the people of Cairo l! 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 a quiet evening with your travel companions, by letting us know your preferences.

DAY 15 - RETURN HOME - Tuesday (B)
After breakfast, our Cairo staff will accompany you to the airport, where you'll board your flight to start your journey home.

RATES per person in US$

Rate includes:

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

* Hotel accommodations with tax .

* Cabin on Lake Nasser cruise vessel, with all meals & shore Excursions. Cruise embarkation is from Abu Simbel or Aswan.

Your Lake Nasser 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:

• Tips
  
• Trip interruption and cancellation insurance (please see our insurance brochure). Personal expenses
• Gratuities
  

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
  
  
• Add Syria