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

22 Days / 21 Nights Starts Cairo 18 September 2012

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's Oasis to Jordan's Petra
 
N.B. Departure date from Australia on

Singapore Airlines bound for Cairo is 17 September.

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 freshen up before beginning your Tour with a visit to the ancient capital of 'Upper Egypt' -Memphis and Saqqara including the famous Step Pyramid of Zosser.

Day 02 (B) : Cairo
Your day starts with a tour with to the ancient Pyramids of Giza , along with their steadfast guardian, 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. 

N.B.  Optional visit to Sound and Light show at the Pyramids this evening.

Day 03 (B) : Cairo

Today you will be able enjoy the legendary treasures of the Egyptian Museum and view some of the most exquisite artefacts and statues from Ancient history.  Later you will have a half hour walking tour in Tahrir square close to the Museum and the site of the 25 January revolution. The afternoon will include a visit to the Islamic areas of Cairo including the Citadel of Saladdin - boasting the famous Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali.  From here we continue on to 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, more commonly known as the Hanging Church. Finally we visit the Church of St Sergius which is said to have been the resting place for the Holy Family in biblical times. Overnight at your Hotel. .   

Day 04 (B) :  Cairo

Today, you can enjoy a walking tour of Old Cairo and then explore all the nooks and crannies of the famous Khan el Khalili Bazaar. Late afternoon return to your hotel.

Click here to see photo gallery of market scenes

Day 05 (B- L) : Cairo - Luxor
This morning we transfer to Cairo airport for the short flight to Luxor. After a leisurely check-in at your hotel, our tour of the East Bank of Luxor will begin with a stroll along the Avenue of Ram Headed Sphinx enroute to the magnificent Temple of Karnak and finally the Luxor Temple before returning to your hotel.

Day 06 (B): Luxor

After an early morning start, we cross over to the West Bank of Luxor for a breathtaking tour of the Valleys of the Kings and Queens of Ancient Egypt, including entry to Queen Hatshepsut's Temple and a viewing of the Colossi of Memnon. Tonight you are encouraged to explore Luxor bazaars and restaurants on your own.

N.B.  Optional early morning Hot Air Balloon ride over the West Bank

Day 07 (B-L-D) :Luxor - Nile Cruise

Late morning check out from our hotel and transfer to our Nile cruise boat. Following check-in, lunch will be served on board.  The remainder of the day is then free for you to either explore Luxor at your leisure or simply relax on the upper deck of the Cruise boat before enjoying your banquet style dinner aboard ship.

Day 08 (B-L-D) : Nile Cruise - Esna

Today during lunch the boat will depart Luxor and proceed towards Esna, passing through the Esna lock and then continuing on to Edfu for our overnight stop aboard the ship.. 

Day 09 (B-L-D) : Nile Cruise - Kom Ombo
Morning tour to Edfu Temple by horse and carriage.  Continue sailing towards Kom Ombo, visit the Greco Roman Temple of Kom Ombo dedicated to the two gods - Sobek, the Crocodile God and Harveris, the Sun God. Continue sailing to Aswan and arrive late afternoon. Overnight on board..

Day 10 (B-L-D) : Nile Cruise - Aswan
This morning we begin our tour with a visit to the High Dam and the famous Lake Nasser. We will then take a short ferry ride to the romantic and majestic Philae Temple. Later in the afternoon we will travel by traditional felucca to visit Elephantine and Kitchener Island’s. Tonight you can explore the many bazaars and streets of Aswan at your leisure. Overnight on board.

Day 11 (B) : Aswan - Abu Simbel - Aswan - Cairo

Early morning check out from your Cruise boat and transfer to Aswan airport  for your short flight to Abu Simbel to visit the Ramses II Temple.  Here you will be able to spend almost two hours exploring every feature of this magnificent Temple before returning to Abu Simbel airport for your flight to Cairo via Aswan. . On your arrival in Cairo, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel for an evening at leisure..

Day 12 (B-L): Cairo – El Alamein – Siwa

Today we have a 7.00am start as we drive North-west toward the Mediterranean coastline and the World War II cemeteries at 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. From Alamein we will stop for a light lunch in Marsa Matrouh and then continue onward to Siwa. Evening walk and opportunity for dinner in a typical Siwan style restaurant.  Overnight in hotel at Siwa.          

Day 13 (B-L): Siwa

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 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 at Siwa.

    

Day 14 (B-L): Siwa

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 a swim and sunset dinner. Overnight at Siwa Oasis.

 

Day 15 (B-L): Siwa - Marsa Matrouth - Alexandria

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 souk (market) before driving onward to Alexandria. Total - 9hrs drive. Overnight in hotel at Alexandria.    

Day 16 (B-L):  Alexandria

Morning sightseeing in Alexandria to visit the famouse libraray of Alexandria, the catacomb. And many other sights, Lunch during the tour, overnight in hotel at Alexandria.    

Day 17 (B):  Alexandria - Cairo - Amman
We return by coach to Cairo then go directly to the International terminal for your flight to Amman. On arrival at Amman you will be assisted through customs and transferred to your hotel and overnight.

Day 18 (B):  Amman - Jerash - Petra

After breakfast, drive by coach to Petra, in the road visit Jerash, which was known as the city of a 1,000 Pillars. You will also visit the Triple Arched Gate, the Huge Hippodrome, The Theatre, and the only Roman Forum surrounded by 63  Ionic columns. Continue to Petra, arrive Petra and overnight at your hotel.

Day 19 (B):  Petra

Today you will need your best walking boots when we start our tour into The Rose Red City of the Edomites, and later the Nabateans, who carved a breathtaking empire out of the solid mountain rock. Hidden a canyon, Petra reveals the ruins of the Nabatean, Roman and Christian Centre of Worship. The tomb of Aaron, the brother of Moses, is located nearby, as well as Wadi Mousa, " the Spring of Moses". To discover this ancient attraction you will take a horse back ride through the Siq, the only access to this city carved out of the Rose Colored Rock, you will visit the Treasury, Theatre Tombs, Hall of Justice and Palaces. back to the hotel & overnight.

Day 20 (B-D):  Madaba - Mount Nebo - Dead Sea

After an early breakfast, we will travel on to visit Madaba and Madaba’s church as well as Mount Nebo before we continue on to the Dead Sea. After check- in at our hotel you are free to spend the afternoon swimming or floating in the water of the lowest sea in the world. You cannot drown even if you tried due to the incredible salt content of the water. Tonight we will dine as a group at the hotel.     

Day 21 (B): Dead Sea - Amman - Cairo

Today we transfer to Queen Alia International Airport for our short return flight to Cairo. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel and can enjoy an evening at your leisure..     

         

Day 22 (B):  Departure Day 

Mid morning transfer from your hotel to Cairo International airport in time for departure at 1.00 pm on Flight SQ 493 bound for Singapore and Melbourne.

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Tour Costs:

AUD$7500 per person in twin/double accommodation.
Single supplement: AUD$1160
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.

Above Tour Cost includes:

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

02 Nights accommodation in Luxor at Steignberger Nile palace Luxor (standard Room).

04 nights Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan M/S TU YA – M/S TU YI - M/S Festival or similar. 

03 Nights accommodation in Siwa at Palm Village hotel. 

02 Night accommodation in Alexandria at Helnan Palestine hotel or similar.

01 night accommodation in Amman at Marriott Amman hotel.

02 Night accommodation in Petra at Movenpick hotel (Standard room)

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

Domestic flight ticket from Cairo / Luxor – Aswan / Abu Simbel / Aswan / Cairo.

International Flight ticket Cairo / Amman / Cairo.

International Flight ticket  Melbourne/Singapore/Cairo/Singapore/Melbourne

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 Egypt & Jordan.

Above Cost Excludes:

All taxes and fuel surcharges applicable to Singapore Airlines Flights (approx. $500)

Visa entry to Egypt

Tipping.

Any personal expenses such as drinks, laundry ETC...

Any optional trips or unmentioned items above.

 

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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