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EGYPT:
CRADLE OF THE NILE
A World Heritage Sites Tour of Egypt |
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The
world is indeed indebted to the people of ancient Egypt
for achieving the longest living civilization of the ancient
world - 3300 BC to 30 BC. Many of the Egyptians achievements
in construction and lifestyle are still available to us
over 5000 years later and are a must see for people of
all ages. Our journey through this ancient land not only
offers visits to the pyramids, sphinx and the world famous
Egyptian Museum, but also a look at the achievements of
the medieval Islamic period such as the majestic Al Azhar
Mosque, Salahuddi's citadel, the city of Cairo and the
famous Khan-el-Khalil bazaar. These World Heritage Sites
are visited in a combination of land, train and a four-day
Nile cruise. Few will fail to see the charm of this spectacular
and ancient country; the land where it all began..
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Tour
Summary
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Map |
Day
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Place
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01
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Cairo |
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02
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Cairo / Pyramids |
| 03 |
Cairo
/ Luxor |
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04
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Sherry
Nile Cruise: Luxor / Esna |
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05
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Sherry Nile Cruise: Esna / Edfu |
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06
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Sherry
Nile Cruise: Edfu / Kom Ombo / Aswan |
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07
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Aswan
/ Sleeper Train / Cairo |
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08
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Luxor
/ Cairo |
| 09 |
Cairo |
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UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
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World Heritage Sites in Egypt covered on this tour |
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Memphis and its Necropolis - the Pyramid Fields from Giza
to Dahshur (1979) |
The
capital of the Old Kingdom of Egypt has some extraordinary
funerary monuments, including rock tombs, ornate mastabas,
temples and pyramids. In ancient times, the site was considered
one of the Seven Wonders of the World. |
| Ancient
Thebes with its Necropolis (1979) |
Thebes,
the city of the god Amon, was the capital of Egypt during
the period of the Middle and New Kingdoms. With the temples
and palaces at Karnak and Luxor, and the necropolises
of the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens,
Thebes is a striking testimony to Egyptian civilization
at its height. |
| Nubian
Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae (1979) |
This
outstanding archaeological area contains such magnificent
monuments as the Temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel and
the Sanctuary of Isis at Philae, which were saved from
the rising waters of the Nile thanks to the International
Campaign launched by UNESCO, in 1960 to 1980. |
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Islamic Cairo (1979) |
Tucked
away amid the modern urban area of Cairo lies one of the
world's oldest Islamic cities, with its famous mosques,
madrasas, hammams and fountains. Founded in the 10th century,
it became the new centre of the Islamic world, reaching
its golden age in the 14th century. |
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Saint Catherine Area (Optional)
(2002) |
The
Orthodox Monastery of St Catherine stands at the foot
of the Mount Horeb of the Old Testament, where Moses received
the Tablets of the Law. The mountain is known and revered
by Muslims as Jebel Musa. The entire area is sacred to
three world religions: Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.
The Monastery, founded in the 6th century, is the oldest
Christian monastery still in use for its initial function.
Its walls and buildings are very significant in the study
of Byzantine architecture and the Monastery houses outstanding
collections of early Christian manuscripts and icons.
The rugged mountainous landscape, containing numerous
archaeological and religious sites and monuments, forms
a perfect backdrop for the Monastery. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day
1: Arrive Cairo (EGYPT)
Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome in Arabic. We are warmly received
at Cairo Airport and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Pyramisa Hotel / Shepheard Hotel, Cairo
(2 nights)
Day 2: Cairo / Pyramids
This is a day to go back in time, starting with a visit to
the most famous of the Egyptian sphinxes, the Great Sphinx
of Giza, followed by the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops). Completed
around 2600 BC, this pyramid was 146m (478ft) high and consisted
of over 2 million limestone blocks weighing over 2 tons each.
We also examine the Chephren and Mycerinus Pyramids as well
as the Cheops wooden boat. At over 4500 years old, this boat
is the most ancient vessel found in perfect condition anywhere
in the world and is one of the most important archaeological
finds in Egypt. Next we visit Memphis and the Saqqara Step
Pyramid, the world's first great stone structure. Evening,
an ideal opportunity to join in our optional viewing of the
spectacular Sound and Light Show at the foot of the Great Pyramids.
(B)
Day 3: Cairo / Luxor (Flight)
A short flight gets us to Luxor where we are warmly received
and transferred to your boat, home for the next four nights.
Over the next few days we cruise the Nile and visit various
off shore sites.
Overnight: Sherry Nile Cruise / Presidential Nile Cruise (4 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 4: Sherry Nile Cruise Luxor
This afternoon we visit to the Karnak and Luxor Temples. The
ancient Egyptians knew the Temple of Karnak as Ipet-isut. It
is a city of temples built over 2000 years and dedicated to
the Theben triad of Amon, Mut and Khonsu. This derelict place
continues to overshadow many of the wonders of the modern world.
It is the mother of all religious buildings and a place of
pilgrimage for nearly 4,000 years. Luxor Temple was connected
to Karnak Temple by an avenue of sphinxes in ancient times.
Unlike Karnak, Luxor is mainly the work of one pharaoh - Amenhotep
III and was added to by Tutankhamun, Horemheb, Ramses II and
Alexander the Great. During Akhenaten's all religion other
than worship of Aten was rejected and development at Luxor
stopped. When Akhenaten died, the old religions returned, along
with the priests so the temple began to expand again. (B, L,
D)
Day 5: Sherry Nile Cruise Luxor / Esna / Edfu
We begin our day with a visit to the West Bank of Luxor to
explore the Valley of the Kings, a vast City of the Dead where
magnificent tombs were carved into the desert rocks, richly
decorated, and filled with treasures for the afterlife by generations
of pharaohs. Our visit will also includes Queen Hatshepsut
Temple and the Colossi of Memnon. Sail to Esna, cross the lock
then continue onto Edfu. (B, L, D)
Day 6: Sherry Nile Cruise Edfu / Kom Ombo / Aswan
Morning we will be visiting the well-preserved Greek built
Temple of Horus. This temple, built during the reigns of six
generations of Ptolemy's, is not only the best-preserved ancient
temple in Egypt, but also the second largest after Karnak.
Afternoon sail for Kom Ombo to visit the Temple of Kom Ombo,
dedicated to the crocodile-god Sobek. It stands at a bend in
the Nile where in ancient times sacred crocodiles basked in
the sun on the riverbank. (B, L, D)
Day 7: Aswan / Cairo (Train)
Disembark after breakfast. Visits in Aswan include the famous
and monumental Aswan High Dam and the romantic and majestic
Philae Temple on the Island of Agilka. This afternoon, we take
a ride on a felucca, a typical Egyptian sail-boat, around Elephantine
Island. This is also a day for those who may want to take an
optional flight excursion to Abu Simbel* to see the temples
of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. Evening we are transferred
to the railway station at Aswan for our comfortable overnight
train to Cairo or take the optional flight to Cairo with overnight
at the hotel. See** for details.
Overnight: Sleeper Train (1 night) (B, D)
Day 8: Arrive Cairo
We arrive in the morning and are welcomed at Cairo Railways
Station. Our day at Cairo starts with a fascinating tour of
7,000 years of Egyptian history with a visit to the Egyptian
Museum of Antiquities. The Museum houses the world's greatest
collection of Ancient Egyptian artifacts, including 12 rooms
filled with golden treasures from the world-famous tomb of
the boy-king Tutenkhamun. Next we start with the fascinating
part of Islamic Cairo, including the beautiful and graceful
Mohamed Ali Mosque and the ancient Citadel, a spectacular medieval
fortress perched on a hill above the city. Originally built
by Salah El-Din in 1176 to fortify the city against the Crusaders,
the Citadel was modified and enlarged over the centuries by
subsequent rulers and today is a complex of three mosques and
four museums. Our last stop is at the awesome Khan El-Khalili
Bazaar, reputed to be the largest bazaar in the Middle East.
Originally founded as a watering stop for caravanserai in the
14th century, the bazaar has now grown to vast proportions.
Overnight: Pyramisa Hotel / Shepheard Hotel (1 night)
(B)
Day 9: Depart Cairo
Today we bid farewell to Egypt, best described as a heritage
site to the whole world, having gained an educational, historical
an enlightening cultural experience never to be forgotten.
(B)
Optional Excursion -
Abu Simbel's Excursion
1) * ABU SIMBEL's EXCURSION FROM ASWAN (Day 7)
This day trip is by air from Aswan and includes a guided
tour of the Abu Simbel temples and all the transfers required
(airport / ship / airport) at Aswan. This temple was built
in ancient Nubia by Ramses II to demonstrate his power
as well as his divine nature. Four colossal (20 meters
/ 65 feet high) statues of him sit in pairs flanking the
entrance. This excursion is taken immediately after arrival
in Aswan on Day 7.
Optional Extension -
St. Catherine’s Extension
1) ST CATHERINE’s FROM CAIRO - 4 day extension
This specially priced extension can only be taken with
Egypt: Cradle of the Nile Cruise program and may be taken
immediately before or after the main tour.
Day 01: Cairo / St Catherine's
We enjoy an interesting drive through the Sinai desert
crossing the Suez Canal to reach St Catherine's.
Overnight: Wadi El Rha Hotel (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 02: St Catherine's
An early morning climb to visit the St. Catherine's Monastery
constructed by order of the Emperor Justinian in the area
of what is believed to be Moses' Burning Bush. Explore
the biblical Mountain of Moses, the site at which he received
the Ten Commandments. (B, D)
Day 03: St Catherine's / Cairo
Morning free till we start with our return journey across
the Sinai which will remind us of the landscape in Biblical
Times before reaching Cairo.
Overnight: Pyramisa Hotel / Shepheard Hotel (1 night) (B)
Day 04: Cairo / departure
We are transferred for our departure journey. (B)
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B
= Breakfast
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L
= Lunch
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D
= Dinner
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Departure Dates |
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2008 /
2009
Departs Daily
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| Prices |
Departure |
Tour
Price US$ / CA$ |
Single
Sup US$ / CA$ |
| Up
to Sep 28, 2008 |
1295 |
345 |
| From
Sep 29, 2008 – Sep 21, 2009 |
1480 |
315 |
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*
Day 07 ABU SIMBEL's EXCURSION
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315 |
n/a |
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** Day 07 ASWAN / CAIRO BY AIR
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Instead
of the overnight train take a flight at $ 160 per person
includes airfare, transfers
and overnight hotel. Single Supplement $ 35 |
ST.
CATHERINE’s EXTENSION
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Tour
Price US$ / CA$ |
Single
Sup US$ / CA$ |
| Up
to Sep 28, 2008 |
615 |
195 |
| From
Sep 29, 2008 – Sep 21, 2009 |
695 |
195 |
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| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
•
Hotel Accommodation/Cruise as mentioned or similar, including
hotel taxes
• Meal Plan as mentioned
(B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner)
• All sightseeing and transfers
• Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites
• Local English speaking guides
• Visa Support as required |
• International
Airfare / Departure Taxes
• Insurance / Visas
• Drinks / Beverages with meals
• Tips / gratuities
• Entrance into the Great Pyramids, the visit to the Solar Boat in the
Pyramids area, entrance into the Mummies Room at the Egyptian Museum, entrance
into Tout Ankh Amoun Tomb in the Valley of Kings.
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| Domestic
/ Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price |
| Cairo
/ Luxor & Aswan / Cairo |
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1200 |
| West
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1400 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of N/A
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
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Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
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| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
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30
years in small group journeys
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Site
updated April 04, 2008
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