Egypt & Nile Cruise!

Including Abu Simbel & Red Sea Resort Stay

November 3-14, 2008

Download Itinerary

This wonderful trip is a repeat of our fun group trip last year in November…a great time to vacation in Egypt!  You’ll see so much of this fascinating country! We will have 3 night stays (4 in Cairo) throughout the trip which makes for a much more pleasant way of traveling.  Also we are traveling at a nice time of year-the weather should be great in Egypt!

So much is included in this trip–from 3 nights on arrival in exotic Cairo, to the famous Abu Simbel (some companies make this optional) and its’ famous temples, to cruising the Nile for 3 nights visiting more sights you have only read about up tell now. Then also spend 3 nights of relaxing, or shopping, or snorkeling to see the beautiful colored fish in the Red Sea; go exploring, take a jeep adventure or partake in the many activities at one of the top beach resorts on the Red Sea.  

            We’ve also included a professional guide/Egyptologist to make your learning experience the best as you get to know this country and it’s great heritage from the ancient world, its’ culture, its’ Pyramids and wonderful temples and learn about its’ customs and traditions.  

            Come join us on a trip that you won’t soon forget, it’s a country like no other……you’ll love it!

Early sign-ups (lots are waiting for this trip) are a must for this great vacation!

Price includes all of the following:

Ø  Roundtrip airport transfers on arrival & departure (restrictions apply)

Ø  All transfers by motorcoach

Ø  All domestic air (3 flights) within Egypt!

o    Cairo to Abu Simbel

o    Abu Simbel to Aswan

o    Hurghada to Cairo

Ø  Services of local English speaking guides/Egyptologist                               

Ø  Accommodations for 10 nights first class hotels/cruise ship

o    4 nights – Cairo Shepheard Hotel, Cairo

o    3 nights - Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor – Presidential Cruise

o    3 nights - Fort Arabesque, Hurghada on the Red Sea

Ø  19 Meals Total (All meals on board our cruise ship)

o    10 Breakfasts

o    5 Lunches

o    4 Dinners (including our farewell dinner)

Ø  Baggage handling and porterage

Ø  Singles Travel Company Representative

Ø  Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor includes also

o    Kom Ombo

o    Edfu

Ø  Sightseeing and activities as listed in itinerary:

o    Philae Temple, the Aswan’s High Dam and the granite quarries

o    In Kom Ombo visit the Temple of Sobek

o    Temple of Horus

o    Karnak Temples

o    Luxor’s West Bank Thebes-see the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens

o    The Pyramids, Spinx, Egyptian Museum and Old Cairo

o    Vist Ben Ezra Synagogue, Al Moallaka Church, Abu Sergah Church, Citadel of Salah El Din

Itinerary

Day 1, Mon. Nov 3                             Depart USA

                We depart on an overnight flight for our exciting vacation to the land of the Pharoahs and pyramids!

Day 2, Tue. Nov 4                               Arrival in Cairo

                Upon arrival in Cairo, Egypt, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to our hotel.  Time to get settled and then depending on your flight arrival time, start exploring before our get together tonight! 

Cairo is a fascinating window into the contemporary as well as Pharaonic, and the heart of the Islamic world for 1400 years. It is also a huge, vibrant city, one of the largest and liveliest cities in Africa and the Middle East. Our welcome get-together will be late afternoon/early evening at the hotel and then dinner is at leisure to get to know your fellow travelers.

Our Hotel:  Cairo Shepheard Hotel.  (3 nights).

The Shepheard Hotel is strategically located in the heart of the Garden City district in downtown Cairo, offering elegant and comfortable accommodation overlooking the River Nile. It's a well-known classical hotel, with a historical background that goes back to the year 1841.The hotel offers a number of restaurants and bars that include Middle and Far East as well as international cuisine.The hotel is within seven kilometers of major Cairo attractions including the Coptic and Egyptian Museums. The bustling Khan el Khalili bazaar is within 10 kilometers and the Pyramids at Giza are 22 kilometers away. Cairo airport is about a 25-minute drive from the hotel.

The 200 air conditioned, traditionally decorated guestrooms feature richly patterned fabrics and dark wood furniture. Room amenities include, satellite television, direct-dial telephones and high-speed Internet access. Guests can take advantage of the gym, sauna and steam room at the fitness center. The front desk is open 24-hours a day and knowledgeable staff are on hand to provide tour advice and local information.

Day 3, Wed. Nov 5                             Cairo    

This morning we experience the fabulous Egyptian Museum.  Regarded as one of the most prominent in the world, it offers visitors remarkable insights into Egypt's ancient history dating back 5,000 years. The priceless antiquities include King Tut-Ankh-Amon's Treasures. It also houses over 120,000 objects, including the mummies of Egyptian pharoahs, sarcophagi, sculptures and furniture.

After lunch, we proceed to Cheops' Pyramid and the Sphinx.  Built over 35 centuries ago, the towering pyramid stands majestically on a desert plateau with two slightly smaller pyramids erected to preserve their bodies and treasures for the afterlife. The Pyramids are the last surviving member of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramid of Giza. There are in fact three main pyramids in Giza and each Pyramid is a tomb to a different King of Egypt.

In front of the pyramids lies the Sphinx and it is carved out of a single block of stone. This enormous cat-like sculpture has been seen by millions of visitors; and, of all of Egypt's monuments, it is the most majestic.  It was named as such by the Greeks, because of its physical similarity to a mythical creature with a lion's body and woman's head who devoured passers-by unable to answer her riddle. Carved out of a limestone outcropping in front of the Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx is 50 meters long and 22 meters high.

Your tour also includes the bazaars – bargains galore! (B,L)    

Day 4, Thur. Nov 6                            Cairo

Drive through Old Cairo, which is the oldest part of the city, and is the original site of Roman built Babylon. This part of Cairo has been inhabited for more than 2000 years. It is the center of the Coptic Christian community and where you'll find most of Egypt's churches. Roman remains and old cobbled streets make this area very interesting for the historians. Greater Cairo encompasses various historic towns and modern districts into one of the most populous cities in the world.

We’ll visit the ancient Ben Ezra Synagogue- Egypt's oldest synagogue; Al Moallaka Church, better known as the "Hanging Church"- which is the center of Coptic worship, and the Abu Sergah Church dating back to the beginning of the 5th Century. Then visit the Citadel of Salah El Din. Built in 1183 AD, it houses many important monuments, including the great Mohammed Ali Mosque, built in 1830 AD.  (B,L)  

Day 5, Fri. Nov 7                                Cairo - Abu Simbel - Aswan – Kom Ombo (Nile Cruise)

                Today we have an early (!) morning departure to the airport to check in for our flight to Abu Simbel, one of the most recognized monuments of ancient Egypt with its’ two temples built for the pharaoh Ramesses II; it  has been attracting visitors since Victorian times. An engineering marvel in the 60’s, the temples had to be dismantled and physically moved 60 meters up a cliff where they were reassembled in the exact same relation to each other and the sun.

After visiting the Temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, we return back to the airport for our flight to Aswan.  Aswan, Egypt's sunniest southern city and an ancient frontier town located about 81 miles south of Luxor, has a distinctively African atmosphere.  Small enough to walk around and graced with the most beautiful setting on the Nile, the pace of life is slow and relaxing. In Aswan the Nile is at its most beautiful, flowing through amber desert and granite rocks, round emerald islands covered in palm groves and tropical plants.

On arrival in Aswan, we transfer to Presidential Cruise Ship, our floating hotel for the next 3 nights.

We also visit Aswan’s High Dam, Philae Temple and the granite quarries today.   Aswan’s High Dam was one of the most important achievements of the last century in Egypt.  It provides Egypt with water and electricity, and secures the country from the risk of the destructive inundation of the River Nile.   As a result of its construction, a great lake was formed, Lake Nasser, which extends between Egypt and Sudan – the worlds largest man-made lake!  This lake also has an immense fish population.  Because raising the water caused the damage, and loss, of so many of the Nubian monuments, great efforts were made by the Egyptian Government, aided by UNESCO and other countries, to save the most important monuments.

Tonight we sail to Kom Ombo and enjoy our first dinner on board our cruise ship!  (B/L/D)

Our Cruise Line: Presidential Cruises

Presidential Nile Cruises has done everything to give you the utmost in comfort and to ensure the best conditions for entertainment, giving you the possibility to enjoy and discover over 5,000 years of great civilization, the picturesque Egyptian country life, the calm and the grand beauty of the Nile. A modern style and a refined Old-World decoration of leather and wood, invite total relaxation during a voyage that remains the richest in unforgettable memories.

For guest appreciating their comfort, twin-bed cabins offer a quiet, pleasant, and spacious "shelter". Each cabin is linked through the reception to international lines, has a 24 hr. "room service" and is equipped with two radio programs.

For "night owls", a piano bar, also open at noon, provides in the evening a variety of animation programs.  For your entertainment a TV lounge with a selection of video tapes and games are at your disposal.

Day 6, Sat. Nov 8                                Kom Ombo-Edfu-Esna (Nile Cruise)

                After breakfast on board, we have a morning visit to the Temple of Sobek with its beautiful murals and exceptional view of the River Nile.  The temple is unique because it is a double temple, dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god, and Horus the falcon-headed god. The two temples are combined in one with each side having its own gateways and chapels. Sobek is associated with the wicked god Seth, the enemy of Horus.  In the Horus myth the allies of Seth made their escape by changing themselves into crocodiles.

                Continue on to Edfu, located on the west bank of the River Nile between Esna and Aswan, to visit the Temple of Horus (237 B.C.).  Of all the temple remains in Egypt, the Temple of Horus at Edfu is the most completely preserved. Built from sandstone blocks, the huge Ptolemaic temple was constructed over the site of a smaller New Kingdom temple.

Sail to Esna for overnight.  Tonight, enjoy a very special costume party "native Egyptian and Pharaonic style."   Prizes are awarded for the winners, depending on their creativity and our group had a fun time with this last year! (B,L,D) 

Day 7, Sun. Nov 9                               Esna-Luxor (Nile Cruise)

                Sailing to Luxor, this afternoon we visit the fascinating Luxor and world famous Karnak Temples, a holy city of pylons, hypostyle halls, colossal statues, shrines and obelisks built over centuries and dedicated to the God Amon-Ra, his consort Mut, and their son Khonsu.           

Luxor is a city in Upper (southern) Egypt and the capital of the Al Uqsur governorate with a  population of approximately 200,000. It is the site of the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes and it is known as the "world's greatest open air museum" because the ruins of the temple complexes at Karnak and Luxor are within the modern city. The number and preservation of the monuments in the Luxor area are unlike anywhere else in the world.   Immediately opposite, across the Nile River, lie the monuments, temples and tombs on the West Bank Necropolis, which include the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens.

Overnight is on board our cruise ship in Luxor.  (B,L,D)   

Day 8, Mon. Nov 10                           Luxor- Hurghada

We disembark our cruise ship this morning be begin the next portion of our Egyptian journey!

We cross the Nile to Luxor's West Bank -- "Thebes."  Sightseeing includes the Valley of the Kings where some 64 of Egypt's Pharaohs had their palatial resting places hewed into the sheer rock; the Valley of the Queens, the still mind-boggling Deir el Bahari, an architectural tour de force built against the sheer Theban cliff range; and the colossi of Memnon.

We then head to Hurghada, a popular Red Sea resort city and tourist destination, for 3 nights of relaxation, fun and activities! Transfer to Fort Arabesque hotel.  This evening enjoy a leisurely dinner with friends from the group and to begin to explore this active town. (B)

Hotel:  Fort Arabesque (3 nights)

The Fort Arabesque hotel is in idyllic, peaceful surroundings and is ideal for those seeking a beach holiday away from the crowds. The hotel is set in landscaped gardens leading to the 500m stretch of sandy beach. The perfect place for soaking up the sun and enjoying the wonderful marine life which is right on your doorstep.

Hurghada, a popular Red Sea resort and tourist destination, is our home for 3 nights of relaxation, fun and activities!

Day 9, Tue.  Nov 11                           Hurghada

The entire day is at leisure to relax or explore or partake in the many activities of this area. Your host will help coordinate activities together if you wish or the choice is yours of how you spend your day.  Enjoy!

Hurghada was founded in the early 20th century, and until a few years ago, remained a small fishing village. But today, it has gone on to become the foremost tourist resort of the Red Sea coast and an international center for aquatic sports. If it takes place in or on the water you can do it here: windsurfing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, swimming, but, above all, snorkeling and diving*. The unique underwater gardens offshore are some of the finest in the world, justifiably famous amongst divers. The warm waters here are ideal for many varieties of rare fish and coral reefs, which may also be observed through glass bottom boats. While in Hurghada, don't miss the museum and aquarium, with their complete collections of flora and fauna of the Red Sea. (B)

*Divers will find everything they have dreamed of to challenge their skills and imagination.

Non divers can enjoy snorkeling, swimming and other water activities or even learn to dive from internationally certified instructors.  Equipment rentals are available at Dive centers.

Day 10,  Wed. Nov 12                        Hurghada

After our buffet breakfast the entire day is again at leisure to do as much or as little as you want to with the group! Perhaps take a day trip to Giftun Island for snorkeling and a fish barbecue, or view the Red Sea from a submarine! When you're not in the sea you can shop in the boutiques, relax in the luxury holiday villages or visit the Roman Mons Porphyrites (mountain of porphyry) remains at nearby Gebel Abu Dukhan (Father of Smoke). Day-trips or safaris to explore the Red Sea or mountains by camel or jeep are also available. (B)

Day 11,Thur. Nov 13                         Hurghada-Cairo

This morning we transfer to Hurgada Airport for our short flight to Cairo, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to the Shepheard hotel. Enjoy our groups farewell dinner tonight….yes, it is time to think about heading home after our wonderful Egyptian vacation.  (B,D)

Day 12 Fri. Nov 14

Egypt & The Nile…………you’ll love this trip!

Itinerary

Available: Download Itinerary Now (PDF) (Acrobat Reader required - allow up to 20 seconds for file to download completely)

Price

Early deposits are a must as this is a popular time to visit Egypt   $1998.00  Land only, per person, based on double occupancy. (Includes the 3 air flights within the itinerary  and famous Abu Simbel!) $ 495 .00  Want a room & cabin to yourself?  Add this price to above double rate. Very limited availability!!! Air Flights  We can assist with air flights in and out of Cairo or you can check online for some great fares. Please provide your flight information as soon as you book it so we can try and coordinate others to be on your flight. Airport Transfers  Roundtrip airport transfers are included on the days of the tour only.  The transfers are based on group departures so there may be a little wait at the airport on either end. On arrival, you will be transferred to our hotel in Cairo; on departure, you will be transferred from our hotel in Cairo to the airport. (Additional charge for transfers on non-tour days). Travel Insurance is highly recommended and an informational packet will be sent to you with your deposit receipt. Please consider the purchase of travel insurance carefully as it is well worth it if you need it while traveling in Egypt. Price does not include items of a personal nature, airfare, passport or Egyptian visa, meals not specified in itinerary, tips to drivers, guides, and cruise ship personnel, phone calls, airport transfers on non-tour days, etc. Passports are required for U.S.citizens to enter Egypt and your passport must not expire up to 6 months after the trip date.  Non-U.S. citizens-check with your respective consulate for passport and visa requirements for your entry into Egypt. A Visa is required for U.S. citizens to enter Egypt (as well as a valid U.S. passport).  You can do this with an online visa service or obtain the Visa at the airport. To obtain your visa at the airport:  The visa is a stamp (like a postage stamp) that you buy (approx. $20-25 U.S.) from the visa office located right before the immigration booth at the Cairo airport. Stick the stamp on any empty page on your passport, then stand in line to get your passport stamped by the immigration office. Health Requirements:  Currently there are no required immunizations/shots needed for this trip but you should check with your medical provider for any recommended immunizations or precautions for travel to Egypt.  You can also check the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/travel or call them at (404) 639-3534.

Fine Print—Egypt and Nile Cruise, November 3-14, 2008

Your payment for a reservation on this trip constitutes consent and acknowledgement of all the provisions in this Fine Print listed below and in the Singles Travel Company General Terms and Conditions.  Please make sure you read both of these important pieces of information and call us with any questions.  Any increase in the price of the tour by our tour operator due to fuel surcharges or further devaluation of the dollar, will be passed on to the traveler.  

Payments- preferred payment by check or credit cards are accepted.  Make checks payable to Travel Advisors of Los Gatos.

Deposit of $200.00 is due with your reservation. Early deposits are a must! Final payment is due 75 days prior to departure date.

Cancellation Fees and Refunds     All cancellations must be in writing.  You’ll receive a full refund of your deposit minus a $50 administrative fee if you cancel 91 days or more from the departure date of the trip.  No refunds at 90 days prior or within 90 days of departure date or on unused portions of the tour.  Cancellation fees also apply to additional accommodations reserved prior to and after the tour booked with the tour operator of the trip.   After airline tickets are issued, airline cancellations are per the airline’s policy.

Travel insurance is highly recommended in case you have to cancel due to illness.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Note: Cruise schedule and shore excursions are at the discretion of the cruise line, and may be altered or changed.  Our local Egyptian tour operator staff will advise you of your daily activity schedule along with pick-up times. Internal Air and Cruise schedule are at the discretion of the Airline and cruise line, and may be altered or changed. Prepare yourself for slight delays, changes (especially in regards to local flights), and traffic congestion. Refer to the Ship Lobby Bulletin Board for the final daily cruise itinerary schedule.

Some Interesting Facts Regarding Egypt:

OFFICIAL NAME: Arab Republic of Egypt         CAPITAL: Cairo - Pop: 15,892,400 (Metro Area), 7,937,700 (city proper)

POPULATION: 76,117,421 (July 2004)            AREA: 386,660 square miles

LOCATION: In northern Africa; east of Libya, north of Sudan, west of the Red Sea, and south of the Mediterranean Sea

LANGUAGE: Arabic is the official language. English and French are widely spoken

RELIGION: Islam is the predominant religion. All types of Christianity are also represented

CURRENCY: The Egyptian Pound (L.E.) = 100 piastres (pt). Bank notes are issued in denominations of: 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 1. Piastres coins: 25, 10, 5. Local banks deal with foreign currency and travelers checks. Exchange rates determined by the Swiss Stock Exchange

TIME: GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from May to September).  Egypt observes daylight saving time during the summer months.

ELECTRICITY: 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz

Download full Terms and Conditions (PDF)

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