Four Country
Grand Tour
Italy
. Turkey . Greece . Egypt
A
True Grand 19 day Mediterranean Tour with a foray into the Nile Valley
The Nile Cruise Version - This is a private tour and includes a Nile
Cruise
DAY
1 - Athens - The First Wednesday of Each and Every Month - Year Round
All transfers are always on a private basis .
Our Athens representative will meet you at the Airport or Piraeus port
if/when you arrive by boat/ship, assist you through customs and immigration,
and escort you to Athens and your hotel: Stanley or similar, in the
bustling city center. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish.
You're free to stroll, browse for curios and treasures.
Add International air fare and a foray into Petra : Please click here.
DAY 2 - ATHENS (BL) -
Private Tour - Thursday
Private
air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur, private guide.
This morning you'll tour the high points of Athens, most notably the
towering Acropolis and the adjacent museum. You'll visit Syntagma Square,
at the very heart of the city, and see the Parliament, and guards in
colorful traditional outfits. Lunch is included at a charming local
restaurant. Your afternoon is free for further exploring or shopping,
or you could well be drawn to return to the charm of the Plaka. Sample
Hotel : Deluxe : Divani Acropolis or similar . First class :Titania
or similar .
DAY
3 - ATHENS- Local Markets
(BL) Friday
Ride
the new Athens Subway alongside the locals today ( always escorted with
your English speaking Guide) ! We take pride in affording you this experience,
entirely by public transportation, with orientation by our English-speaking
representative. You'll get to tour Athens fascinating vegetable &
fruit markets by subway and/ or taxi. Enjoy lunch at a charming local
restaurant before we head back to the hotel . Markets days/dates are
subject to change, we may have to change your program in Athens to accommodate
such changes.
DAY
4 - ISTANBUL Saturday (B)
Today we fly north and east across the Sea of Marmara and the
deep blue of the Aegean to fabled Athens. International airfares
are included between Istanbul, Athens & Cairo ( economy class ,
tax included ) in the tour rates.) Upon arrival, our staff meets you
and escorts you to your hotel , sample hotels : Deluxe : Hilton. Inter.Continental
or similar .
First Class : Senator , Aygun Plaza or similar , in the Turkish capital.
The rest of the day is yours: Istanbul awaits you ! All Touring and
Transfers in Turkey are always on a private basis
DAY
5 - ISTANBUL - Sunday (BLD )
Breakfast is included at the hotel. Lunch is included at a charming
local restaurant .
Welcome to the City of the Sultans! We visit the top sights in an all-day
tour, including the Blue Mosque, the Byzantine Hippodrome, the Turkish
and Islamic Arts Museum with its collection of priceless oriental carpets,
and legendary Topkapi Palace Museum, the imperial residence of the
sultans for centuries. Including the Harem section of the Palace . Evening
dinner at a local restaurant . All Touring and Transfers in Turkey are
always on a private basis
DAY
6 - ISTANBUL -Monday (BL)
Half
day tour of Hagia Sophia, the greatest church in Christendom for a thousand
years; and a walking tour of the famous "Grand bazaar" ; lunch
is included at a local restaurant.
All Touring and Transfers in Turkey are always on a private basis
DAY
7 - BOSPHORUS - Tuesday (BL)
Istanbul's history was formed by the Bosphorus, the winding strait
that separates Europe and Asia, connecting the Black Sea with the Sea
of Marmara. Now, as in ancient times, it is a maritime vital link between
the countries bordering the Black Sea and those in the rest of the world.
Today we take a leisurely cruise northward along this historic waterway.
Along its shores are ranged palaces great and small-Topkapi, Dolmabahçe,
Beylerbeyi, Küçüksu, Hünkar Iskelesi. Four
great fortresses rise on the hills, reminding us that to control the
Bosphorus was to control the destinies of nations. Our afternoon cruise
(morning cruise for Oct-Apr season) of two continents, crossing from
Europe to Asia and back, includes visits to the Navy's Museum (showing
some magnificent boats used by the Ottoman Sultans), the Bosphorus Bridge,
Çamlica Hill lookout, and stupendous Dolmabahçe Palace.
Lunch
is included at a charming local restaurants .
Hotel
Room amenity : Complimentary
Turkish Lokoom pastries
Day
8 - "Imperial Constantinople in the Belle Epoque" - Wednesday
(late 19th century), the exotic romance of the "Paris of the
East:" (BL)
Morning walking tour : We start with our guide in Karaköy where
the foreign bankers and shipping companies had their headquarters, then
take the Tünel up to istiklal Caddesi; stop in the whirling dervish
tekke, and walk past the various old embassy buildings (now consulates),
and point out the architecture. Stop for tea (included) at the
famous Pera Palace Hotel.
Walk at least as far as Galatasaray Square, and have lunch in
the Çicek Pasaji (Flower Passage); then walk up to Taksim Square and
be picked up for the afternoon tour. In the afternoon the tour visit
Yildiz Palace
Park and the Ihlamur Kasri, a mini-palace south of Yildiz, and finish
up with a visit to the Military History Museum in Harbiye in time to
hear the "Mehter," or Ottoman military band (mid-afternoon).
DAY
9 - CAIRO Thursday (B)
Fly further south across the Mediterranean to Cairo .(air fare is included
in economy class in our rate , tax included ). In Cairo , our staff
meets you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel.
Our local rep. will meet you at Cairo Airport after you clear the customs
and passports formalities.
Egyptian visa may be issued upon arrival for a limited number of nationalities
such as for American, Australian, NZ, EU , Canadian & Japanese citizens
etc. , your passport must be valid at least for 6 month beyond the date
of arrival
. After exiting the terminal, our local representative will escort you
(private vehicle) to the hotel : Deluxe : Grand Hyatt . Cairo Marriott
. Ramses Hilton. Sonesta or similar. First Class : Shepheard's , Oases
or similar .
DAY
10 - CAIRO (BLD) - Friday
On your first full day in Egypt we show you the Egyptian Museum,
including the "Mummies Room" , King Tut's gold treasures
room , then we drive to the edge of the Sahara and stand in awe in front
of the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, we tour as well
Cheops Royal Barge Museum . Lunch is included at Mena House . Dinner
is included at La Bodega restaurant or Abu El-Sid restaurant ( pre-set
menu).
DAY
11 - LUXOR ! Board your Nile Cruise (BLD) - Saturday
We fly to LUXOR ( or Aswan) ,
in Luxor we proceed to cross the Nile to the West Bank :
We tour today as the magnificent tombs in the Valley of the Kings
including Tut-Ank-Amon's tomb and the great temple of Queen Hatshepsut,
we stop at the Colossi of Memnon on the way back to our cruise.
and board our Nile cruiser in time for a delicious lunch. Complimentary
welcome fruit basket awaits you in your cabin .The gigantic Great
Temple of Amon at Karnak, and the mighty Temple of Luxor
are our goals in the afternoon. We'll return in time for the afternoon
tea served on deck. You'll have a chance to explore your ship before
dinner. In the evening , your guide will call on you for a horse-drawn
carriage ride throughout Luxor souks and water front.
DAY
12 - LUXOR , EDFU (BLD) Sunday
We
sail to Esna to go through the locks , and on to Edfu where we
dock for the night. In the evening , we'll celebrate in Egyptian style,
dressed in galabias, the flowing national costume, a galabya will
be delivered to your cabin with our compliments)
DAY
13 - EDFU, KOM OMBO (BLD) Monday
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. Re-embarking on our Nile cruiser, we enjoy lunch
as we sail further south upriver .
We disembark downstream at Kom Ombo to visit its twin temples
of Haroeris, the sun god, and Sobek, the crocodile god, the continue
our voyage to Aswan, while we party after dinner with music& dance.
DAY
14 - CAMEL CARAVAN, NUBIAN VILLAGE , ASWAN (BLD) Tuesday
First we tour Aswan dams, then on to the new Nubian Museum then the
awesome Aswan dams, and next an ancient granite quarry complete
with an unfinished obelisk. Then we go by motor launch to the Island
temple of Philae , dedicated to the Ancient Goddess 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!
In the afternoon we enjoy a leisurely sail by graceful felucca on the
Nile.
For those who are interested : a short camel caravan & ride is included
to visit a local Nubian Village. Our
farewell dinner this evening is a buffet of Egyptian specialties, followed
by a show featuring oriental performers, including of course a belly
dancer.
DAY
15 - ASWAN , CAIRO (BL) Wednesday
Board our return flight to Cairo. In the afternoon, wander through
the city on your own, or do your last-minute shopping. Lunch is included
at your hotel
A
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
16 - Cairo / Rome - Thursday (B)
After breakfast, our staff escorts you to the airport for your flight
to Rome , air fare is included in our rate in economy class , tax included
, ticket issued and delivered in Cairo .
Whatever
it is about Rome that intrigues you, fascinates you, tempts you, or
entertains you, you'll find it exactly, because your visit will be tailored
exactly to your desires. Fascinated by the tastes of Roman cuisine?
Your private guide will suggest the best restaurants. Drawn to the masterpieces
of Michelangelo? We'll whisk you to the Vatican at the best time. Have
your heart set on Italian footwear or daring designs in clothing? Talk
it over with your guide-in your own language-and find out where to shop.
You'll arrive today at Rome's Fiumicino Airport, where your Roman host
will be waiting to greet you in your preferred language, be it Spanish,
Japanese, French, or English. After introductions, you'll be escorted
in a private car to the hotel you've selected. You'll have a chance
to discuss what you'll be doing over the next few days. Your host will
make sure that you're settled in for the evening, after which you'll
have a chance to make your own acquaintance with the Eternal City.
All
Touring and Transfers in Rome are always on a private basis
DAY
17 - Friday - IMPERIAL ROME WALKING TOUR-
All Touring and Transfers in Rome are always on a private basis
(B)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, until your guide calls for
you to begin your walking visit to glorious Rome of the empire. In just
a few hours, you'll pass through centuries of history. You'll take in
the Colosseum, completed in 72 A.D. by Emperor Vespasian, once the site
of gladiatorial bouts and chariot races, and so solidly constructed
that it still is largely intact. You'll continue to the Forum, the main
public square of the ancient city, site of markets, public ceremonies,
and religious rituals. You'll take in the Monument to the Unknown Soldier
in the Piazza Venezia, and journey back across centuries again to the
Piazza del Campidoglio, the masterpiece city hall square designed by
Michelangelo. And you'll appreciate unforgettable hilltop views of all
of Rome. Spend your afternoon as you choose. Your host will be pleased
to call a taxi to take you to your hotel, or recommend a restaurant
for lunch. Rome offers an endless array of temptations, and your only
problem will be choosing among them: a stroll on the Via del Corso,
shopping on the Via Condotti, browsing the Via delle Carrozze and the
Via della Croce. Of course, there's nothing as Roman as stopping for
a cappuccino at the Antico Caffè Greco in the heart of the Via Condotti.
Indulge yourself! For dinner, we can recommend typically Roman restaurants
near the Forum, the Colosseum, or in other parts of Rome. Your host
will be happy to discuss your preferences and write down some suggestions,
with full directions.
DAY
18 - Saturday - TREASURES OF THE VATICAN-
All Touring and Transfers in Rome are always on a private basis
(B)
Your Roman host will once again call for you after breakfast at your
lodgings, to take you on a walking visit (or, as an option, by private
car) to Rome's universal masterpieces of religious art and architecture.
You'll travel together to the Vatican, and on the way, discuss the background
of this unique city-state as patron of the arts, temporal power, and
beacon of faith for millions worldwide. Your morning-and more, for there's
so much to see-will be devoted to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's
Basilica. Count on four hours for the visit. Of course, you'll see the
absolute musts for anyone visiting the Holy See, including Michelangelo's
ceiling frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, his Last Judgment over the altar,
and masterpieces by Raphael. You'll continue to St. Peter's Basilica,
the greatest church in the world by any measure, to view its grandeur
as a whole, and its individual treasures, from the Pietà by Michelangelo
to the Papal altar and Throne of St. Peter by Bernini. Afterward, a
horse-drawn carriage will convey you into the heart of Rome, to view
monuments and treasures from all eras, including Castle Sant'Angelo
and the Pantheon of the ancient empire, and the beloved Fontana de Trevi
and the Piazza di Spagna of more recent times. Once again, the remainder
of the day will be yours to spend as you choose, shopping or enjoying
the cuisine and street life of one of the world's most lively cities,
with recommendations by your guide.
DAY
19 - Sunday - DEPARTURE .
All Touring and Transfers in Rome are always on a private basis
(B)
Your host will call for you after breakfast to arrange your onward travel
from Rome. Are you continuing by rail? You'll be escorted to Rome's
Termini station. Otherwise, you'll be accompanied to Fiumicino Airport
to catch your flight.
Rates per person in USD $ :
| |
Deluxe
|
First
Class |
Modest
Tourist Class
Hotels |
| Triple |
US$
12,950 |
US$
11,098 |
US$
9,965 |
| Double |
US$
12,995 |
US$
11,205 |
US$
10,050 |
| Single |
US$
14,200 |
US$
13,190 |
US$
11,976 |
- Children
Discount : 10 Years of age and younger : 25 % discount when sharing
with 2 adults .
Yet for infants up to 2 years of age : Discount : %75 when sharing
with 2 adults .
- Dec 20 - Jan
3: Please add : 15 % supplement to any of the rates.
Rates
include:
-
Hotel accommodation in including tax, service charge and continental
breakfast daily.
- Private
guided sightseeing tours and entrance fees as per itinerary, locally
escorted in each country.
- All
airport transfers are on a private , meet, greet and assist service.
- Air
fare between Istanbul, Athens , Cairo and Rome in economy class ,
tax included .
- Domestic
air fare within Turkey as well as within Egypt." Y " Class
- Lonely
Planet Guide book for Turkey, Rome , Greece & Egypt.
- Meals
as listed : BLD = Breakfast/lunch/dinner
- Italian
airport taxes
- Nile
Cruise with all meals & shore excursions, with a private air-conditioned
vehicle, private chauffeur and private Egyptologist .
- 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.
- Complimentary
welcome fruit basket awaits you in your cabin on the Nile cruise .
- Complimentary
galabya on board the Nile cruise for the costume party.
Sample
Hotels in Rome ( or similar) :
Three-star hotels include the Palladium Palace, Isa, Visconti Palace,
and similar establishments.
Four-star hotels include the Capo D'Africa and Sofitel Roma.
Four-star deluxe hotels include the InterContinental De La Ville
or comparable hotels.
Rates
do not include:
- Airfare
from/ To USA. (please contact us for the best airfares, or use your
frequent flyer tickets.)
- Any
sort of insurance .
- Tips
- Visa
fee for Turkey and Egypt : payable in cash upon arrival, or contact
the nearest consulate.
Please
read our Terms & Conditions. By sending your deposit, you confirm
that you have read and have accepted these conditions.
| |
Deluxe
Hotel & Cruise |
First
Class Hotels
First Class Nile Cruise |
| Ashkelon |
Dan
Gardens Hotel |
Dan
Gardens Hotel |
| Amman
|
Four
Seasons ( Supplement applies)
Sheraton Amman
Grand Hyatt
SAS Radisson |
Bristo
Hotel Amman
Amman West Hotel
Golden Tulip Hotel |
| Athens |
Divani
Palace
(Upgrade to King George or Grand Bretagne Supplement applies) |
Electra
Palace / Stanley |
| Cairo
|
Hilton
/ Sheraton/ Hyatt
Movenpick |
Shepheard's
/ Oases
Novotel |
Dead
Sea
( Jordan) |
Marriott
Jordan Dead Sea
Kempinski Ashtar Dead Sea Resort
Movenpick Resort Dead Sea |
|
| Istanbul
|
Hyatt
, Conrad , Divan |
Aygun
Plaza , Richmond, Arena |
| Aswan |
Mövenpick Aswan .
New Cataract Hotel
(upgrade to Old Cataract : $150 per per person night Nile View )
|
Basma
|
| Jerusalem
|
American
Colony Hotel |
Notre
Dame Hotel |
| Luxor
|
Sonesta
Luxor Hotel
Luxor Hilton Hotel
Luxor New Winter Palace Hotel
Sheraton Hotel Luxor
Sonesta Luxor
(upgrade to Old Winter : $150 P. Person P. Night ) |
Novotel
|
| Nile
Cruise |
Monaco
/ Monte Carlo / TiYi / Nile Vision / Mojito |
Nile
Dream / Ruby /
Presidential Nile Cruise |
| Tel
Aviv |
Dan
Panorama . King David ( Supplement applies |
Metropolitan
Hotel |
| Tiberias |
|
Nof
Ginnosar Kibbutz |
|
