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Egyptian
Wonders
An In-Depth 14 - Day Tour of Egypt and the Nile Valley
No hidden costs, no additional tax, we even included
all the tips for your convenience
Our
deluxe tour of Cairo and the Nile gives you an in-depth look at the wonders
of Egypt in 14 days, at the best rates possible with Abu Simbel Temples
. Meet the local, enjoy a home hosted meal.
Handling your own air fare ? please click here . Extend to Alexandria
or to Petra in 17 day or
22 day tour
DAY
1 - USA/CAIRO- Sunday- Weekly- Year Round
Your wide-body jet departs the USA bound for Cairo. Overnight across
the Atlantic.
Sample carriers : British Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss, KLM etc. Egyptair
is the only one that's nonstop and get's you to Cairo in the afternoon
( Day 2 ). Egyptair is the only non-stop flight JFK
Cairo . With an afternoon arrival. Upgrade to business class :$2500. OR
$ 3500 for first class Roundtrip with tax on Egyptair. ( Subject to change
without notice) .
DAY
2 - CAIRO - Monday
(D)
On arrival, our local rep. will escort you to your
comfortable hotel. Our
local representative greets you at the airport and whisks you to your
hotel. Visa may be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport for a limited
number of citizens such as : American, EU , Canadian , EU Singaporean
and Japanese citizens. For Americans , please pay the $ 15 USD fee in
cash upon arrival . You are responsible for having your passport in order
valid at least for 6 month beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo. Our
local rep. meets with a sign that carries your name you after you clear
the passport and customs formalities .
After exiting the terminal, our local representative will escort you (private
vehicle) to the hotel . Dinner
is included upon arrival at the hotel.
DAY
3 - CAIRO - Tuesday (BLD)
Today we see Cairo's major sights: the Egyptian Museum including the"
Mummies room" , King Tut's gold treasure room , Saladin's Citadel,
Sultan Hassan Madrassa , the Alabaster Mosque,and the 12th Century
Khan El Khalili Bazaar district including Muizz Ledeen Allah Street
. Lunch is included at Naguib Mahfouz a true charming local restaurant.
Dinner at La Bodega restaurant in Zamalek .
DAY
4 - CAIRO - Wednesday (BLD)
We tour Old Cairo: the Coptic museum, Church of Abu Sarga, and Ben Ezra
Synagogue, where we will visit the spot at which, tradition says, Moses
was found by the banks of the Nile. Afternoon tour of Abdeen Palace
Museum , El Darb El Ahmar and Hadaik El Azhar ( Read more on the Agha
Khan in Egypt) . Evening Whirling Dervishes performance at Wekalet
El Ghouri. Lunch at Abu El-Sid restaurant , dinner at Zeitouna restaurant
at the Four Seasons Hotel.
DAY
5 - CAIRO- Home Hosted Dinner - Thursday (B)
Morning tour of 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.
This afternoon Cairo is yours to explore (or to shop!) as you like, guidebook
in hand; or ask about our optional tours.
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
6 - DAHSHOUR - Friday (BL)
A half-day tour takes us to Dahshour, the newly-opened pyramid
field south of Cairo: 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 the Mena House.
DAY
7 - LUXOR - KARNAK - Saturday (BLD)
An early flight takes us to Luxor, where we settle in aboard our Nile
cruiser. Following lunch aboard, we visit the great Temple of Luxor,
and the gigantic Great Temple of Amon at Karnak, returning to our
vessel in time for tea. In the evening , your guide will call on you for
a horse drawn carriage ride throughout Luxor and the water front .
DAY
8 - VALLEY OF THE KINGS - Sunday (BLD)
We tour the Valley of the Kings including Tut-Ank-Amon's tomb,
temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari,
and Colossi of Memnon, returning to our Nile cruiser for lunch.
In the evening your guide will call on you for a horse drawn carriage
ride throughout Luxor souks and waterfront
DAY 9 - ESNA - EDFU - Monday (BLD)
We cruise to Esna during the night and pass through the locks.
After breakfast we cruise to Edfu and board horse-drawn carriages
to get to the fine Temple of Horus. In the evening, we have a jolly
galabia party.
DAY
10 - KOM OMBO - ASWAN - Tuesday (BLD)
We explore Kom Ombo's twin Temples of Haroeris, the sun god, and
Sobek, the crocodile god, before cruising south to Aswan. After
lunch aboard, we board a graceful felucca for a cruise among the Nile
islands. Evening Philae Sound and Light show .
DAY
11 - ASWAN- ABU SIMBEL - CAIRO - Wednesday (B)
The mighty Aswan dams and the Nubian Museum are our first goal this morning,
followed by a trip by motor launch to the Philae temples. ( Lunch
Box will be prepared by your chef including bottled water )
The
Island temple 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!
Back on land, we head for the airport , and fly to Abu Simbel .
This is a very full day , expect possible last minute changes and / or
cancellation by Egyptair . This is very common in Egypt.
Abu Simbel maybe the highlight of your Egyptian adventure. Upon arrival
in Abu Simbel , you will find your private air-conditioned vehicle , private
chauffeur and private guide waiting for you .
In the larger Ramses the Great 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, admiring their ancient aura and artistry,
then we head back to Abu Simbel Airport , fly back to Aswan and connect
to your flight back to Cairo and overnight .
DAY
12 - Giza , Memphis , Sakkara - Thursday (BLD)
In the morning, we visit the majestic pyramids of Giza , Cheops
Royal Barge Musuem and the timeless Sphinx. The afternoon is for
Memphis and Sakkara, including the Step Pyramid of Zoser , Imhotep small
yet charming museum and Nobles tombs/Mastabas. Lunch is included at a
charming local restaurant . In
the evening, we return to the Pyramids for an awe-inspiring sound-and-light
show. Dinner is included tonight at your hotel
DAY
13 - CAIRO - Friday - The Culture of Cairo (BLD)
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 Museum of Islamic Art ( closed for renovation) ,
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.
Combine with Andalusia , Spain.
Dinner is included on board the Hyatt Dinner Cruise
DAY
14 - DEPARTURE - Saturday (cB)
Our staff escorts you to the airport for your flight home.
Bon Voyage.
RATES per
person in US$
From
New York |
Deluxe-A
Grand Hyatt
or similar |
Deluxe-B
Hilton
or similar
|
First
Class
Hotels
Oases or similar |
| Triple |
US$
5395 |
US$
5190 |
US$
4830 |
| Double |
US$
5489 |
US$
5250 |
US$
4986 |
| Single |
US$
6815 |
US$
6519 |
US$
6110 |
Air
Fare Supplement Notes :
-
Our airline partners for departures from New York are : Lufthansa ,
British Airways, Air France, Egyptair and Olympic Airways.
- From
San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Seattle-Tacoma, Phoenix, Denver
and Dallas-Fort Worth please add an additional $450; from Chicago or
Washington, DC's Dulles International Airport, please ad an additional
$350.
- Air
Fare High Season:
In
addition, for any departures from May 1 through end of Sep ,
Dec 20 - Jan 2 please add $500 high-season airfare surcharge to the
rates shown above. This air fare supplement doesn't apply when
you handle your own airfare.
YOUR
TOUR INCLUDES:
-
International airfare
from New York, US departure tax. ( When you handle ear own air fare,
please deduct $500)
-
Egyptian domestic airfares as described in the itinerary in economy
class .
- All
airport transfers and taxes in Egypt.
- Hotel
accommodations (including taxes).
- Set-menu
(table d'hote) meals as indicated in the itinerary above.
- A
Nile cruise with all shore excursions and meals.
- Guided
sightseeing by air-conditioned motor coach, including all admissions
fees. In Abu Simbel your tour is on a private basis ( private air-conditioned
vehicle , private chauffeur and private guide )
- 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 and bottled water with each / every meal while you are on
board the Nile Cruise.
- All
tips to your drivers, porters, guides and all the crew on board the
cruise .
Compare
with the extension to Alexandria.
Or Jordan
Sample
deluxe cruises: M/S Adonis , M/S
Monaco , M/S Mojito / M/S Monte Carlo, Lady
Diana ( subject to
availability).
Upgrade : 20 % Supplement applies:
M/S Tuya , M/S TIYI , M/S
Royal Lotus , M/S Royal Lilly , M/S Radamis II ( Movenpick ), M/S
Nile Vision , M/S
Moon Goddess , M/S Amarco . (
subject to availability).
.
Not
included:
- Expenses
of personal nature, such as phone calls, laundry , beverages, etc
- Travel
Insurance
- Visa
maybe issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport for a limited number of citizens
such as : American, EU , Canadian , EU Singaporean and Japanese citizens.
For Americans , please pay the $ 15 USD fee in cash upon arrival . You
are responsible for having your passport in order valid at least for
6 month beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo. Our local rep. meets
with a sign that carries your name you after you clear the passport
and customs formalities.
More
Choices :
Tha
Agha Khan in Egypt :
Darb
Al-Ahmar, one of the
poorest parts of Cairo, is the site for various AKDN social programmes
- including restoration of the decayed housing stock - which are designed
to help revitalise the historic district. Al-Azhar park, undertaken
by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, has proven to be a powerful catalyst
for urban renewal in the neighbouring district of Darb al-Ahmar -- one
of the poorest districts in Cairo. Other AKDN agencies are now working
on social programmes in the neighbourhood, including microfinance, education,
civil society strengthening and health.
Darb
Al-Ahmar Social Programmes
Less than two centuries ago, Darb Al-Ahmar was one of the wealthiest
neighborhoods in Historic Cairo. Today, however, the 92,000 inhabitants
of the district are among the poorest. While featuring one of the richest
concentrations of Islamic architecture in the world, the district also
suffers from a lack of adequate basic infrastructure and services such
as water and sanitation. When the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC)
made a baseline study in 2003, the housing stock was crumbling, piles
of trash lined the streets, the historic monuments had come under increasing
stress, the neighborhood retained an unsavory reputation and hope among
its inhabitants for improvements in the quality of life had dimmed.
Since
2003, AKTC and its partners have created a number of social programmes
in Al Darb Al-Ahmar, each of them designed to address a development
challenge. Hundreds of families have benefited from improvements to
the water supply network, including the replacement of lead junctures.
Repair of the electrical systems began in 2007. Parts of the sewage
network have been upgraded and expanded into alleys previously not served
by these facilities. New drainage works are preventing the pooling of
water, thereby reducing the potential for water-borne disease. Environmental
programmes have stressed general environmental awareness as well as
focusing specifically on environmentally friendly solid waste disposal
practices. A programme to remove the trash and rubble that is strewn
across many roofs in the area and replace them with vegetable gardens
was undertaken. Another project installed water supply cisterns on roofs,
addressing a chronic lack of water and water pressure. In addition,
to tackle the lack of heating in 25 percent of the area’s homes,
a pilot project for affordable solar water heating systems was started.
Health
A health clinic set up by AKTC in 2006 now sees over 8000 patients year,
a majority of them for antenatal and neo-natal care. The clinic also
ran over 80 health awareness courses covering topics related to better
nutrition, teenage health, reproductive health and the well being of
the elderly. A Listening and Psychological Guidance Unit was established.
Early
Childhood Development
The Early Childhood Development programme in Egypt focuses on improving
quality within existing childcare and kindergarten services, while also
encouraging new ECD services for parents and children as needed in communities.
The goal is to promote the early stage of growth so that children are
physically and emotionally healthy, safe and secure, ready to learn
and equipped with the necessary social skills to interact with peers
and adults.
The
Programme, drawing from the Aga Khan Foundation’s breadth of knowledge
on the subject, started with the training of teachers. Regular awareness-raising
sessions were held with parents of the area to introduce them to child-centered
teaching methods. Art and cultural workshops were offered in a wide
range of creative areas. Literacy courses enrolled students in literacy
and government preparatory classes.
Employment
Eleven apartment buildings were fully rehabilitated in 2007 (bringing
the total to 70 since 2003), including structural rehabilitation and
the installation of private sanitation, water supplies and ventilation.
Mediation meetings helped residents and landlords resolve conflicts
and residents establish legal occupancy. Almost 50 percent of all applicants
for housing rehabilitation agreed to contribute to costs, even if they
did not own their properties (a dramatic change in attitudes from 2003).
Over
350 people found jobs through an employment programme; the number of
employers showing interest in the programme rose from 104 in 2006 to
371 in 2007. Over 360 trainees learned a variety of new skills, including
Microsoft applications, secretarial skills, accounting, leather production,
tent-making and jewellery fabrication. The vocational training programme
graduated 24 people in plumbing and basic carpentry courses. In addition,
nearly 1000 neighbourhood people received career counselling.
AKTC’s
operations of neighbouring Azhar Park and the continuing restoration
of historic monuments in the neighbourhood have provided training for
over 1000 people in the neighbourhood. Over 40 percent of the Project’s
staff are residents of the neighbourhood – a figure that has steadily
risen as residents have gained skills. In 2007, the Egyptian Ministry
of Religious Trusts designated another landmark building in the district
as a future vocational training center (to be established following
restoration by AKTC).
The
microfinance programme, established in 2005, offers loans in Darb al-Ahmar
and has expanded beyond Cairo to the rural areas of the Aswan Governorate.
For more information, please see the economic development page.
Om
Habibeh Foundation (Aswan)
The Om Habibeh Foundation is an Egyptian, not-for-profit organisation
of long-standing, established by the Aga Khan’s late step-grandmother,
Om Habibeh, the Begum Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan. It has been contributing
to, and supporting, a number of institutions in the Aswan area involved
in healthcare, education and income generation for disadvantaged communities.
The Foundation is drawing on the support and technical expertise of
the agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network to advance several
initiatives.
In
2006, Om Habibeh Foundation began implementing a long-term development
programme in the Aswan Governorate. OHF focuses on early childhood education,
improved nursing education and services, and the strengthening of civil
society organisations. Education activities included working with nine
kindergartens and daycare centres; piloting summer camps for children
as a way to increase interest in early childhood development and encourage
enrolment; training 25 teachers and governorate-level supervisors on
effective teaching principles and methods; and conducting meetings where
mothers were encouraged to establish links with kindergarten/daycare
teachers.
Nursing
Education and Services
A six-year nursing programme in Aswan has been operating since July
2005. It operates in all five districts of the Aswan Governorate and
collaborates with public nursing colleges and government-run hospitals,
primary health centres and maternal and child-care centres. The nursing
programme aims to improve the status and image of the nursing profession;
strengthen the quality of nursing education at the diploma and higher
education levels; and upgrade the level of nursing services and patient
care available in hospitals. Intensive training in nursing practices,
English and computers, as well as leadership skills development, has
been provided to 90 nurses, nursing teachers and nursing leaders, of
which 30 have been sent to the Aga Khan University School of Nursing
in Karachi for further training. With support from the World Health
Organization, a model nursing skills laboratory has also been established
as a learning resource centre.
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