A wonderful opportunity to explore Egypt with a group of like minded people, escorted by a native of Egypt who has been an 'Aussie' for 30 years.

Gamal Darwish is a recently retired secondary school teacher in Melbourne and now a sports medicine masseur. He is seen here (below) in Sai'ide clothes at a Cairo themed restaurant. This costume is from the central areas of Egypt around Luxor region.

It is an interesting comparative note in that more Egyptian monuments are open for viewing today than when the great Greek historian Herodotus visited the Nile valley in the 2nd century BC.  And of course we all know his famous travel guide book, don't we!?

Many attractions are off the beaten track. The Nile Valley and Delta, where most Egyptians live, makes up less than 10% of Egypt's total land mass. The rest is desert, which offers charms of its own.

 

ITINERARY & INCLUSIONS

24 Days / 23 Nights Starts Cairo 03 January 2011

When comparing our programme to others do note our inclusions, levels of hotels and cruise boat plus hotel positions. This is a content rich itinerary and will have many added opportunities that flow from Gamal's contact with the local people on route.

Egypt & Jordan – Treasure & Pleasure
 

Day 00: Australia to Egypt

Depart home port bound for Cairo.
for Australian clients departure is 03 January.

Day 01:  Cairo (No meals) :

Arrive at Cairo Airport where our representative will meet and assist you through customs and immigration. Once you have claimed your baggage, you will then be transferred to your selected hotel to freshen up (N.B. early check- in is subject to availability). Today you will be transported back to the time of the ancient Egyptians.  Our friendly guide will accompany you to the awe inspiring Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza. Return late afternoon to your Hotel for Overnight.

Day 02: Cairo – El Alamein – Siwa (B L):
Starting early (7am) we drive North-west toward the Mediterranean coastline, to the World War II cemeteries of El Alamein. In 1942 the Allies under Britain’s field Marshal Montgomery halted the German- Italian advance towards the River Nile. Marked as a major victory for the Allies, the battle was not without significant loss of life, with some 11,000 killed and 60,000 wounded. We visit the Commonwealth cemetery and recently erected memorials funded by the Australian and New Zealand governments. Through the arches and beyond the gardens, 7,000 white headstones commemorate the Australian, New Zealand and British soldiers who fought and died. Stopping for a light lunch in Marsa Matrouh we continue onward to Siwa. Evening walk and opportunity for dinner in a typical Siwan style restaurant. Overnight in hotel at Siwa.

Day 03:  Siwa (B L):
This morning we take a leisurely bicycle ride through the verdant date palm groves, visiting the local sights en-route. Our first stop is the Temple of the Oracle, dating back to near 570BC, whose most famous petitioner was Alexander the Great. Alexander visited the Siwa in the spring of 331BC, seeking confirmation from the Oracle that he was the son of Zeus (whom the Greek’s identified with Amun – the sun god and creator of all life in Pharaonic history). We cycle to Cleopatra Spring for a dip in the pool as the spring fed warm water bubbles to the surface. Afternoon at leisure or optional (book/pay locally) sunset dinner, swim and campfire at the ‘Great Saltwater Lake’. Overnight in Siwa.

Day 04: Siwa (B L):
Today we visit Mountain of the Dead and explore Old Shali. Old Shali is the old city abandoned in 1926 after 3 days of rain that literally melted the mud brick city. A hermetic labyrinth of secret corridors, homes, shops, granaries and mosques are all waiting to be explored.
This afternoon we undertake a Desert Safari in 4x4 vehicles through the massive sand dunes of the Great Sand Sea, stopping off at an amazing natural spring fed lake surrounded by miles of sandy desert. We also visit the site of an ancient ocean abundant with marine fossils and finish the day at the hot spring of Bir Wahed for swimming and sunset dinner. Overnight in Siwa Oasis.

Day 05:  Siwa – Marsa Matrouh – Alexandria (B):
An early start, we drive along the north coast to Marsa Matrouh . The city has a large Libyan/Berber population distinctive in custom and dress. We stop for lunch, swim in the Med and have time to explore the Libyan souq (market) before driving onward to Alexandria. Total - 9hrs drive. Overnight in hotel at Alexandria

Day 06: Alexandria – Cairo (B L):
Free Morning in Alexandria, visit Kasr el megawharat if it is open. After lunch, we return by coach to Cairo and check into our hotel for our overnight stay.

Click here to see photo gallery of market scenes

Day 07: Cairo - Bahariyya Oasis (B D):
Free morning to just relax until we begin our drive to Bahariyya. Overnight Bahariyya Oasis.

Day 08: Bahryia Oasis - White Desert (B L D)
Bahariyya Oasis - White Desert. We check out Bahariyya - an ancient oasis. Continuing by 4 x 4 vehicles, we visit the Temple of Alexander the Great, Tombs of the Nobles and the Black Desert, as we push towards the White Desert, so named, as the sand resembles snow. The striking White Desert is full of unusual wind-eroded limestone formations and here we will spend the night camping at our remote base in the White Desert.

Day 09: White Desert - Dakhla Oasis (B L):
Continuing by 4 x 4, we drive to Farafra oasis, where we can enjoy a dip in the natural springs. Continuing to Dakhla, a true highlight is the medieval city of Al Qasr. Only recently abandoned, we wander through the eerie high walled city, mosque, school, olive press and court. Many of the houses here have acacia wood lintels above the doorways whose kufic (Islamic script) inscriptions name the builder or occupants of the dwelling. Additionally, the inscriptions trace the family heritage, the oldest dating back to 1518. We continue onto Deir al-Haggar - the Roman Temple dedicated to the Theban Triad. Overnight - Dakhla Oasis.

Day 10:Dakhla Oasis - Kharga Oasis – Luxor (B L):

Leaving Dakhla Oasis, we continue to Kharga to visit the Temple of Hibis and the rambling 4th century necropolis of al-Bagawat. Continue to Luxor on road stop to visit both of Danadarh & Abydos temples, check into hotel in Luxor & Overnight.

Day 11:  Luxor (B)

Your morning is free until we begin our  afternoon tour to the East Bank of Luxor.  Entry is down the avenue of Ram Headed Sphinx to reach the Monumental Temple of Karnak and then continue onto Luxor Temple.  A free evening to enjoy this vibrant and fascinating city.  Overnight at your Hotel.

Day 12:  Luxor – Aswan (B):
After an early morning start you cross over to the West Bank of Luxor where the Valley of the Kings & Queens, Queen Hatshepsut's Temple and the Colossi of Memnon awaits you. In the afternoon we depart by private A/Conditioned mini van for the trip south to Aswan. On arrival in  Aswan we will check-in to our hote for the night.

Day 13: Aswan (B)

Today your tour begins with  a visit to the High Dam and its huge lake before we take a short ferry ride to the romantic and majestic Philae Temple. This evening you have the opportunity to explore the many bazaars and small streets of Aswan or enjoy dinner on one of the many floating restaurants along the Nile.  Overnight at your Hotel.

Day 14 : Aswan – Lake Nasser Cruise (B L D)

This morning you have free time to further explore the city of Aswan at your leisure before we embark on an afternoon excursion on a traditional felucca to visit Elephantine and Kitchener Islands. Dinner and overnigh at your Hotel.

Day 15: Lake Nasser Cruise (B L D)

Enjoy your breakfast while sailing to Kalabsha where you will visit Kalabsha Temple dedicated to the Nubian god Mandulis. Continue to Beit El Wali and visit the temple dedicated to the goddess Hathor then visit the beautiful Kiosk of Kertassi. Back to the ship and sail to Wadi el Seboua. Overnight on board.

Day 16: Lake Nasser Cruise (B L D)

WADI EL SEBOUA  / AMADA
After breakfast you will visit Wadi El Seboua, then take a camel ride or walk to El Dakka and Mehraka. Back to the ship for lunch. You will then continue sailing to Amada. Visit Amada temple, Ed Deir and the Tomb of Pennut then return to the ship. Enjoy your lunch while sailing to Abu Simbel. Overnight on board.

Day 17: Lake Nasser Cruise (B L D)

KASR IBRIM / ABU SIMBEL
Early breakfast while sailing to Kasr Ibrim. View the fortress from the sun deck and continue sailing to Abu Simbel. Once in Abu Simbel you will marvel at the beautiful Abu Simbel Temples of the mighty king Ramses II and his beautiful wife Nefertari. Overnight on board.

Day 18: Lake Nasser Cruise - Cairo – Amman – Petra (B)

This morning is free until midday when you  transfer to Abu Simbel Airport to catch your flight to Cairo. On your arrival in Cairo you will be met by our local representatives and transferred to the International terminal for your connecting flight to Amman. On arrival at Amman you will be assisted through customs and transferred by coach along the Kings Highway to Petra. Overnight in Petra.

Day 19: Petra (B):
After breakfast, we will spend all day at Petra. Overnight in Petra.

Day 20:  Mount Nebo, Dead Sea (B, D) 

Early start, after breakfast we will visit Madaba and Madaba’s church. Mount Nebo then continue to Dead Sea. Check in the hotel and afternoon free time and a swim or float on the water of the lowest sea in the world. You can not drown if you want to!!! Dinner and overnight

Day 21: Dead Sea – Amman – Cairo (B)

Proceed to QA International Airport back to Cairo, arrive and transfer to your hotel, check in, free evening and overnight at your hotel.

Day 22: Cairo (B)

Today our friendly guide will accompany you to Sakkara to see the first pyramid ever built - the Step Pyramid of Zosser and many other tombs depending on which are open for inspection on that day. Later you will visit the world famous Egyptian Museum, where you can wander at leisure and gaze in awe at some of the most exquisite, ancient artifacts and statues in the world.  Overnight at your hotel.

Day 23:  Cairo (B)
Today you will see the Islamic areas of Cairo including the Citadel of Saladdin - boasting the famous Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali.  Then onto the Coptic area of Cairo where the Romans constructed the fortress of Babylon which is built over the ruins of two towers of the fortress the church of St Mary or more commonly known as the Hanging Church, followed by St Sergius which is said to be the resting place for the holy family continue to tour Khan El Khalili bazaars and transfer to hotel, Overnight at your Hotel.

Day 24 (B) : Departure

Transfer to Cairo airport for your onward, or homeward connections.

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Tour Costs:

AUD$8990 per person in twin/double accommodation.
Single supplement: AUD$1600

Airline, Airport and fuel taxes $500
Deposit: 10% AUD$900 per person (to be included with your Booking form)

The tour group is limited to 22 persons.

Variations upon a theme..

For land only costs to fit with other travel arrangements please contact us.
You may be joining from another state, other travels, or another country. All nationalities welcome - the group will be escorted in English.

Egypt and Jordan Includes:

Tour Cost Includes:

Return airfares from Australia - land only price available for those joining from other countries, or using frequent flyer points.

05 night accommodation in Cairo at Menahouse Oberoi hotel (Garden view Standard Room) (First, Second & Third Stay).

03 Nights accommodation in Siwa at Shali Lodge Hotel.

01 Night accommodation in Alexandria at Helnan Palestine hotel.

01 Night accommodation in Bahryia Oasis at Palm village hotel.

01 Night camping in the white desert.

01 Night accommodation in Dakhla oasis at Badawia Hotel.

02 Nights accommodation in Luxor at Steignberger Nile palace Luxor.

02 Nights accommodation at Movenpick   Aswan hotel Aswan

04 nights Lake Nasser Nile cruise from Aswan to Abu Simbel M/S Omar Khayam cruise boat.

02 Night accommodation at Crown Plaza Petra

01 Night accommodation in Dead Sea at dead sea spa hotel.

Domestic flight ticket from Abu Simbel / Cairo.

International Flight  ticket Cairo / Amman / Cairo.

Free collective Visa in Jordan.

All transfers as per the above mentioned itinerary.

All entrance fees for the above mentioned sightseeing.

English speaking tour guide during sightseeing. 

Not Included:
Airline taxes and surcharges. These can vary (currently $500) and the exact amount is only known when the airline ticket is issued.

Any costs associated with obtaining a visa to enter either country.  

Other Costs:

No doubt you have all heard about the famous 'baksheesh' (tipping) in Egypt. This is endemic and has existed since the time of the Pharaohs. Gamal will operate a 'tipping kitty' which will minimise the impact of this 'condition'.

For all Enquiries please contact Paul either by Phone on  +61 (0)3 9500-8355 or by Email  Click to email

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