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Egypt & the Nile River
February 13 - March 1, 2008

Itinerary

February 14th & 15th: Welcome to Egypt. Upon our late arrival into Cairo airport, we will be met and transferred to our hotel.
(Breakfast)
Overnight: Om Kolthoom Hotel (2 nights)

The capital of Egypt, Cairo covers about 83 square miles on the east bank of the Nile River in northeastern Egypt. It includes densely populated suburbs that surround the historic city center. About 15 million people live in greater Cairo. A political and cultural center of the Arab world, Cairo is home to the headquarters of the Arab League. Cairo lies in the Nile Valley at the southern edge of the Nile Delta. The Nile River divides into two channels just north of the city. Huge deserts lie east and west of the city. Some famous reminders of ancient Egypt, including pyramids and the Great Sphinx, stand on the Giza plateau west of Cairo.

February 16th: Our third day in Cairo, we will be picked up and transferred tour our hotel where our tour begins. The rest of the day is a continuation of exploring Cairo!
(Breakfast)
Overnight: Inter-Continental Pyramids Park or similar (2 nights)

February 17th: begins with a visit to the famous Cheops' pyramids -- one of the Seven Wonders of the World -- and the Sphinx, the great god-lion sentinel. Built over 35 centuries ago, the towering pyramids (one built by Cheops' son Kephren and the other by Mycerinus) were erected to preserve their bodies and treasures for the afterlife. After lunch, travel to Memphis and see the magnificent Alabaster Sphinx and the mammoth statue of Ramses. Afterwards, proceed to the Necropolis of Sakkara and see the famous Step Pyramid and the Walls of Cobras.
(Breakfast & Lunch)

February 18th: Today we are transferred to the airport for our flight to Luxor where we will be met and escorted to our Nile Cruise ship, our floating hotel for the next 7 days as we cruise the legendary River Nile. After lunch, we will visit Luxor and Karnak Temples, a holy city of pylons, hypostyle halls, colossal statues and obelisks built over many centuries and dedicated to the God Amon-Ra, his consort Mut, and their son Khonsu.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Nile Cruise Ship: Esadora; Royal Ruby, Serenade or similar (6 nights)

Note: Cruise schedule is at the discretion of the cruise line and may be altered. Final daily itinerary is posted on the ship lobby bulletin board.

February 19th: Today, sail cross to Luxor's West Bank to explore the astonishing New Kingdom city of "Thebes". Time to visit the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, the stupendous Deir El Bahari mortuary, the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, built against the backdrop of a looming cliff face and the Colossi of Memnon, two huge seated statues of Amenhotep III.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

February 20th: A relaxing day sailing to Edfu passing through the Esna lock is today's itinerary.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

February 21st: This morning we cross the Nile to Luxor's West Bank and explore the astonishing and extensive New Kingdom city of "Thebes". Sightseeing includes the Valley of the Kings where some 64 of Egypt's Pharaohs have their palatial resting places hewn into the sheer rock; the Valley of the Queens, the stupendous Deir El Bahari mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an architectural tour-de-force built against the backdrop of a looming cliff face and the Colossi of Memnon, two huge seated statues of Amenhotep III. In the afternoon, sail to Edfu via Esna.
(Breakfast, lunch & dinner)

February 22ndt: This morning an exhilarating carriage ride takes us through Edfu to the Falcon God Horus, Egypt's best-preserved temple. Later continue sailing to Aswan passing by Kom Ombo Temple.
(Breakfast, lunch & dinner)

February 23rd: Today begin our tour with a visit to the Temple of Isis The last temple in Egypt that was used as a place of worship and rituals. The temple has since been relocated to the neighboring island of Agilqiya. Afterwards, visit the Unfinished Obelisk and the High Dam. Equipped to provide hydroelectric power, the dam was designed to control flooding and stores water for times of drought. After lunch, board local feluccas, replicas of ancient Nile Sailboats, for a leisurely cruise around Aswan's Islands.
(Breakfast, lunch & dinner)

February 24th: While sailing to Kom Ombo, visit the Greco-Roman style Temple of Sobek, the crocodile God. Next, continue sailing to Edfu for overnight.
(Breakfast, lunch & dinner)

February 25th: Arrive Luxor in the afternoon. Remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or to explore the city on one's own. Located in Upper Egypt, Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes, was the capital of ancient Egypt. Luxor is a city located in Upper Egypt, in the province of Qena. It was the ancient city of Thebes - the capital of Ancient Egypt. The early Arab travelers, who admired Luxor for the numerous monuments and ruins scattered around the city, gave it its name. In Arabic Luxor means "the palaces".
(Breakfast, lunch & dinner)

February 26th: Transfer to the airport for our flight back to Cairo. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Overnight: Inter-Continental Pyramids Park or similar (5 nights)
(Breakfast)

February 27th: Today continue exploring the city of Cairo. Visit the Citadel of El Din, one of the most notable existing examples of Muslim military architecture. After admiring the skilful masonry work of the Citadel, stop at the great Mohammed Ali Mosque, visible throughout all of Cairo. Next, tour Old Cairo churches and Ben Ezra synagogue. The Synagogue of Ben Ezra was originally named El-Shamieen Church, and is situated behind the "hanging church". It is recorded that it once had an old copy of the Old Testament which was believed to be written by Ezra the Prophet (Al-Azir).
(Breakfast)

February 28th: Located 130 kms southwest of Cairo, Al Fayyum is an oasis and a distinctive region in character between the main Nile Valley and other desert oasis. Its fields are watered by a channel of the Nile, the Bahr Yussef, as it drains into a desert depression to the west of the Nile Valley. Today, depart Cairo for a day excursion to Al Fayyum Oasis where you will expore the Pyramid of Amenmhet III and Senusert II. Travel back to Cairo and our hotel at the end of the tour.
(Breakfast & lunch)

February 29th: Day at leisure.
(Breakfast)

March 1st: Today we are transferred to Cairo Airport for our onward flight.
(Breakfast)

$2965.00 CAD

~ Per person sharing twin/double accommodation ~
Single supplement: Please inquire

Deposit required: $500.00 CAD
Final Payment due: December 3rd, 2007

Inclusions in above land only prices:

  • 2 nights accommodation at the Om Kolthoom Hotel
  • All transfers as listed in the itinerary, including flights within Eygpt.
  • Fully escorted by Gail Matier of Rhapsodie Tours
  • Hotel accommodations listed in the itinerary.
  • Entrances fees to sites and monuments listed in the itinerary.
  • English Speaking local guides
  • Baggage handling, where available
  • Meals as indicated on itinerary. Lunch and dinner will be local restaurants.
  • Travel bags and neck pillows

Exclusions in above land only prices:

  • All International airfares and departure taxes
  • Personal items
  • Meals unless listed in itinerary
  • Tips & Gratuities
  • Early check-in & late check out of rooms (standard check-in time is 2pm and check out 10am)
  • Personal Insurance
  • Visa/passport handling fee