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

21 Days / 20 Nights Starts Cairo 04 January 2010

5 Star Hotels!!! At this price!

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

Day 1 (No meals) : Cairo
Early morning arrival at Cairo International airport where you are met by your tour host and transferred to your hotel.  After check in there is time to rest for a few hours before beginning the Tour with a visit ancient capital of 'Upper Egypt' -Memphis and Saqqara.

Overnight at hotel in Cairo.

Day 02 (B) : Cairo
Your day starts with a tour with to the ancient Pyramids of Giza , along with their steadfast guard, the Sphinx. As your vehicle drives (some would say crawls) through the metropolis of Cairo one views a city estimated to contain fourteen million people! The roads are populated with all forms of transport. From an ostentatious large Mercedes with dark tinted windows to a humble day dreaming donkey hauling its master at death defying slow paces along main highways! After returning to the hotel, the remainder of the day is free for your own exploring. 

Day 03 (B) : Cairo - Luxor
This morning we will check out from our hotel and transfer to the domestic terminal at Cairo airport for a short flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon we will tour the monuments of the East Bank of Luxor. Entry is down the avenue of Ram Headed Sphinx to the magnificent Temple of Karnak and eventually onto Luxor Temple. Your evening is free to enjoy this vibrant and fascinating city. Overnight at your hotel in Luxor.

Day 04 (B) :  Luxor
Today, after an early Breakfast, we take a short ferry trip across the Nile to the West Bank of Luxor. A short road journey takes us past the Colossi of Memnon and soon brings us into the area encompassing the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens and El Deer El Bahari.   Following your overdose of antiquities, columns and hieroglyphics, we return Luxor to check on to your 5 star cruise boat for lunch. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the markets, relax in one of the many coffee shops along the Corniche or perhaps even visit the Luxor Museum.  Overnight on board.

Day 05 (B L D) : Nile Cruise
Early morning departure and life along the mighty Nile river begins to expose itself. We are sailing south towards Esna Lock which needs to be negotiated before cruise further south.

There is time to visit Esna Temple. Overnight on board.

Day 06 (B-L-D) : Nile Cruise
This morning you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast while cruising down the Nile. Later  we visit Edfu Temple , the best preserved and second largest temple in Egypt.  We then continue on to the Greco Roman Temple of Kom Ombo dedicated to the two gods Sobek the Crocodile God and Harveris the Sun God. After touring the Temple, we then return to the boat, where you can sit back in comfort and watch Egypt gracefully pass you by as we continue our cruise on to Aswan.

Overnight on board.

Day 07 (B-L-D) : Nile Cruise - Aswan
Your first day in Upper Egypt (Nubia) begins with a visit the High Dam. This is the 1960's engineering project which caused the flooding of the Nile forming Lake Nassar and forcing the relocation of Abu Simbel. Portrayed widely in National Geographic magazines of the era. From here we go on to visit the romantic and majestic Philae Temple before concluding our tour with a visit to the ancient quarries to view the Unfinished Obelisk. Here one really puts into perspective the engineering skills of the early Egyptians. Overnight on board.

Day 08 (B) : Aswan - Abu Simbel - Aswan
Following an early breakfast, we check out from our cruise boat and are transferred to the local airport for the short flight to the Abu Simbel temple site to visit the extraordinary Ramses II temple and that of his wife Nefertari. A fully escorted programme lets you explore this stunning edifice at your leisure. Upon our return to Aswan in the afternoon we are transferred to our Aswan hotel.  After check-in, you can enjoy a gentle sail by Felucca to Elephantine Islands to wander amongst this Egyptian botanical garden. Overnight Hotel.

Day 09 (B) : Aswan - Cairo
Today we will check out early from the hotel and take a morning flight back to Cairo. We begin our day with a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum. Here you will discover the real treasures of the famous Tut Ankh Amon. In fact nearly a whole floor is dedicated to this young king. In addition there is time to explore other aspects of this historical collection of exquisite antiquities especially the 'Mummy' collection! After exploring the Museum   we then move to the area known as the 'Old City', and here one does notice a step back in time as the streets narrow and a 'grid pattern' city layout vanishes. Our visit to the Islamic area of Cairo includes the Citadel of Saladdin which boasts the famous Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali. " Overnight at your hotel in Cairo.
Click here to see photo gallery of market scenes

Day 10 (B) : Cairo - Alexandria
This morning we check out from our hotel and drive north to the famous port city of Alexandria arriving around lunchtime for check-in at our hotel located in the vast grounds and gardens of the original Montaza Royal Palace.  This afternoon we will visit the New Library of Alexandria .

Overnight at your hotel in Alexandria

Day 11 (B) : Alexandria

Today we begin our tour by visiting the Catacombs of kom Ash-Shuqqafa  and after stopping for lunch in a local restaurant we will  continue on to Pompey’s Pillar.
Overnight at your hotel in Alexandria.

Day 12 (B): Alexandria - Sharm el Sheikh

Transfer to Cairo Airport from Alexandra, for flight to Sharm el Sheikh.  On arrival at Sharm el Sheikh airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Sharm el  Sheikh itself is situated at the southern tip of the Sinai peninsula and is the gateway to diving in the Red Sea. The beach area is lined with resort hotels and is very popular as a holiday destination from Europeans.  Charter flights arrive directly from European cities as Sharm is known as a 'Winter Sun' destination - remember we are in the northern hemisphere. Although there will be other tourists around, this is the low season and compared to a visit during the northern summer period this time is less crowded. Although warm it is not HOT HOT - fry eggs on the car roof type HOT.

Day 13 (B-D) : Sharm el Sheikh
Free Days (Optional Diving/Snorkeling or Excursion to Mount Sinai and St. Catherine.
Note: It is possible to climb Mt Sinai (Biblical site where Moses received Ten Commandments), but this requires a very early start. The reason - one plans to be at the summit for sunrise!! Also, as this is the northern winter and you will travel into an area with mountains reaching 2,000 meters this excursion will have its chilly highlights!

Click here to view photo gallery for Mt Sinai and St Catherines Monastery

Day 14 (B-D) : Sharm el Sheikh

Day 15 (B) : Sharm el Sheikh - Jordan (Amman)

This morning we check out from our hotel and take an early flight from Sharm ek Sheikh to Amman, Jordan.  On arrival at Amman International airport and following customs and immigration formalities, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight at your hotel in Amman.

Day 16 (B): Amman - Jerash - Petra

Morning transfer north to visit Jerash. Return to Amman for a panoramic city tour (no stops) and continue to visit the Kerak castle. Arrival to the hotel in Petra for overnight.

Day 17 (B): Petra

A full day to explore the ruins of  Petra.

Day 18 (B): Kerak - Madaba - Mount Nebo - Dead Sea.

An early departure and you drive up to the Kings highway and your first visit is the Crusader Castle Kerak. From there you continue along this road through rugged scenery to Madaba and Mount Nebo. Continue the Dead Sea and check into Hotel.

Overnight.

Day 19 ( B): Dead Sea - Cairo

Following breakfast this morning, we will transfer to Jordan’s Queen Alia International Airport for our short flight back to Cairo.  Once customs & immigration formalities have been completed, we will check in Hotel in Cairo.  You may be offered the Pyramid and Sphinx Sound and Light Show as an option or you can have a free day.

Overnight in Cairo 

Day 20 (B)
We will start the day with a visit to the Coptic area of Cairo where the Romans constructed the fortress of Babylon, built in turn over the ruins of two towers of the   Church of St Mary or more commonly know as the Hanging Church. We then visit St Sergio’s which is said to be the resting place for the holy family, then will be in our way to the famous Khan El Khalili Bazzar where you can spend time bargaining for exotic local wares and/or just sitting around in one of the many cafes taking in the colorful sights and sounds of the streets. Later we will continue on to our hotel.

Tonight the whole group can enjoy a Farewell dinner cruise on the Nile including a very impressive floorshow.  Overnight at your hotel in Cairo

Day 21 (B) : Departure

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

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Tour Costs:

AUD$7990 per person in twin/double accommodation.
Single supplement: AUD$1700
Deposit: AUD$600 per person (to be included with your Booking form)

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.

Airport / Hotel / Airport Meet , Assist and Transfers

Private transportation by A/C Bus and entrance fees for sightseeing 

03 Nights at Mena House or Le Meridien Pyramids hotel in Cairo (1st Stay)

02 Nights at  Marriott Hotels or Hyatt Cairo (2nd & 3rd Stays) in Cairo on B.B basis  

02 Nights at Helnan Palestine Hotel in Alexandria on B.B basis

01 night at Le Meridien Luxor on B.B basis

01 night at Movenpick Aswan hotel or Basma Hotel on B.B basis

04 Nights on Five Stars deluxe Nile Cruise on F.B basis

Cruise Sightseeing  

03  Nights at Novotel/Marriott / Movenpick Hotel in Sharm on H.B basis

Farewell Dinner on the Nile cruse in Cairo

01 Night at 5* Hotel in Amman including breakfast

02 Nights at 4* Stars Hotel in Petra on B.B Basis

01 night at Four Star Hotel in The Dead Sea on H.B Basis

Day Tour in Petra

Full time Escort and English Speaking Guide Egypt/Jordan

Domestic Flight ticket Alexandria / Sharm El Sheikh / Cairo

Domestic flight ticket Aswan / Abu Simbel / Aswan

International flight ticket from Sharm to Amman  

International flight ticket from Amman \ Cairo  

Not Included:
Airline taxes and surcharges. These can vary 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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