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ANCIENT
EGYPT WITH KENYAN SAFARI - 2010
Countries
visited: Egypt & Kenya |
 |
An
artistically designed journey covering the best of ancient
and medieval heritage of Egypt combined with the natural wonders
of Kenya. Start with 5000 years of human achievements enshrined
in the Pyramids, Sphinx, and Luxor Temples to the medieval
marvels of Islamic Cairo with its citadels, mosques, parks
and exotic bazaars. Leaving the hustle and bustle of Egypt
to the world of the animal kingdom in its native environment,
we do the best of Kenya where we see the Big Five and several
other spices combined with the African village life and viewing
the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Our 08-days Kenyan safari
takes us to Samburu Game Resrve, Mount Kenya, Lake Nakuru
and Masai Mara. At the end we have the option to extend this
trip to Zanzibar or see the majestic Victoria Falls.
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Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Depart
home city for Cairo |
|
02
|
Arrive Cairo |
| 03 |
Cairo
/ Pyramids |
|
04
|
Cairo
/ Luxor |
|
05
|
Nile Cruise Luxor |
|
06
|
Nile
Cruise Luxor / Esna / Edfu |
|
07
|
Nile
Cruise Edfu / Kom Ombo / Aswan |
|
08
|
Aswan
/ Cairo |
|
09
|
Cairo |
|
10
|
Cairo
/ Nairobi |
|
11
|
Nairobi
/ Treehotel |
|
12
|
Treehotel
/ Lake Nakuru |
|
13
|
Lake
Nakuru / Masai Mara |
| 14 |
Masai
Mara |
| 15 |
Masai
Mara / Lake Naivasha |
| 16 |
Lake
Naivasha / Amboseli |
| 17 |
Amboseli
/ Tsavo West |
| 18 |
Tsavo
/ Nairobi |
| 19 |
Nairobi
/ Departure |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
| EGYPT
/ KENYA |
|
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
Saint Catherine Area (Optional) (2002) |
The
Orthodox Monastery of St Catherine stands at the foot of Mount
Horeb where, the Old Testament records, 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 of great
significace to studies 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 to the Monastery. |
| Mt
Kenya National Park (1997) |
At 5,199 m, Mount Kenya is the second highest
peak in Africa. It is an ancient extinct volcano, during whose
period of activity (3.1–2.6 million years ago) it is thought
to have risen to 6,500 m. There are 12 remnant glaciers on the
mountain, all receding rapidly, and four secondary peaks that
sit at the head of the U-shaped glacial valleys. With its rugged
glacier-clad summits and forested middle slopes, Mount Kenya
is one of the most impressive landscapes in East Africa. The
evolution and ecology of its afro-alpine flora also provide
an outstanding example of ecological processes. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day
01 WED: Depart Home city for Cairo
Day 02 THU: Arrive Cairo
Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome in Arabic. We are warmly received at
Cairo Airport and transferred to our hotel. Check in starts
from 1400 hrs.
Overnight: Safir Hotel (2 nights)
Day 03 FRI: 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 Solar 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 before retiring for
the day after an indepth insight into one of the wonders of
the world. (B)
Day 04 SAT: Cairo / Aswan (Flight)
A short flight gets us to Aswan where we are warmly received
and transferred to our boat, home for the next four days.
Over the next few days we cruise the Nile and visit various
off shore sites. After lunch we visit the Aswan High Dam and
the romantic and majestic Philae Temple on the Island of Agilka
and the unfinished obelisk. An optional excursion to Abu Simbel
can be arranged in the morning before embarking the ship.
Overnight: Movenpick Radamis II Nile Cruiser (3 nights)
(B, L, D)
Day 05 SUN: Nile Cruise Aswan / Kom Ombo / Esna / Efu
Morning we will 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. After this visit we sail to Edfu
and visit 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.
(B, L, D)
Day 06 MON: Nile Cruise Edfu / Luxor
Morning we sail to the majestic city of Luxor. Afternoon we
visit the East Bank for the historical 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 07 TUE: Luxor
Morning we 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. Afternoon we are transferred to our hotel.
Evening we visit the incredible Sound & Light show.
Overnight: Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor (1 night)
(B)
Day 08 WED: Luxor / Cairo
After our cruise and Luxor experience we are transferred to
the airport for our short flight to Cairo where we are met
and transferred to our hotel. A good opportunity to do some
bazaar hunting this evening.
Overnight: Safir Hotel (2 nights) (B)
Day 09 THU: Cairo
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. PM optional visit
to Al Azhar Park including dinner USD 85 per person (min 2
persons) (B)
Day 10 FRI: Cairo / Nairobi (Kenya)
Day free in Cairo. Check out from hotel at 12noon.
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.
We are transferred to the airport for our flight to Nairobi.
Overnight: On flight (B)
Day 11 SAT: Arrive Nairobi
Karibu! We are warmly received in Africa’s most well
known capital – Nairobi. The Kiswahili language here
is often easily understood as many people mix in English words,
in fact more people in Kenya speak English than in any other
African country.
Overnight: Nairobi Safari Club (1 night) www.nairobisafariclub.com
(B)
Days 12 & 13: SUN-MON: Nairobi / Samburu Game
Reserve
After breakfast, we get in our safari gear and head north
to Samburu Game Reserve where we will spend the next two nights.
Morning and afternoon game drives allow us to explore this
beautiful and game abundant park, home to rarely found species
such as the Beisa Oryx, Grevy's zebra, blue-necked Somali
ostrich and reticulated giraffe. The park is also renowned
for its big cats as the nearby Ewaso Nyiro River attracts
many leopards.
Overnight: Samburu Serena Lodge (2 nights) www.serenahotels.com
(B, L, D)
Day 14 TUE: Samburu / Mt. Kenya
Depart after breakfast and we drive towards the second highest
peak in Africa, Mt. Kenya. Located at 7,200 feet on the slopes
of Mt. Kenya, ringed by a dense rain forest is Mountain Lodge,
a unique “tree-hotel” experience that comes alive
at dusk with an orchestration of sounds of creatures of all
sizes. Mountain Lodge is an adventure within itself, and is
regarded by many as having the most consistent high record
of animal ‘visits’ and sightings in the area.
Mt Kenya National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge (1 night) www.serenahotels.com
(B, L, D)
Day 15 WED: Mt. Kenya / Lake Nakuru
A scenic drive gets us to Lake Nakuru in time for lunch. Visit
the world famous bird sanctuary of Lake Nakuru National Park,
a park renowned also for its conservation effort toward the
black rhino and the thousands of flamingoes which flock to
the lake.
Overnight: Lake Nakuru Lodge (1 night) www.lakenakurulodge.com
(B, L, D)
Days 16 & 17 THU & FRI: Lake Nakuru / Masai
Mara Game Reserve
Today we drive across the Great Rift Valley to reach Kenya's
most famous Game Reserve, The Masai Mara. The next two days
is spent safaring and exploring the rolling hills and plains
viewing for the spot black-maned lions, elephants, leopards,
cheetahs, buffalos along with varied species of hoofed animals.
Overnight: Mara Sopa Lodge (2 nights) www.sopalodges.com
(B, L, D)
Day 18 SAT Masai Mara / Nairobi / Cairo
After breakfast return to Nairobi. Afternoon we will have
a tour of Nairobi city with time allocated for last minute
shopping. Kenya is known for Makone carvings, leather goods,
colourful textile and tribal jewellery. This is followed by
a send off dinner at the world famous Carnivore Restaurant
where all kinds of game meat – roasted on great spits
right in front of you - can be enjoyed. The restaurant also
caters to vegetarians with a vast array of delectable dishes
and salads. We are then transferred to the airport for our
early morning flight back home via Cairo. For those wishing
to add Zanzibar stay or fly down south to see the majestic
Victoria Falls, please contact us for further details. (B,
L, D)
Day 19 SUN: Arrival Cairo
Morning we arrive Cairo and are met and transferred to our
hotel near the airport. Afternoon we visit the Pharonic village
Khan – el Khalil Bazaar where bargains are waiting for
us.
Overnight: Heliopolis (B)
Day 20 MON: Cairo / departure for home city
After an early breakfast at the hotel we are transferred to
the airport for our departure flight – after an awesome
journey of ancient Egypt and the intriguing wildlife of Kenya.
(B)
|
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
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| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ |
Single
Sup US$ |
| Feb
24, 2010 |
5385 |
725 |
| Apr
07, 2010 |
5100 |
460 |
| May
05, 2010 |
5100 |
460 |
| Jul
21, 2010 |
5780 |
815 |
| Oct
27, 2010 |
5635 |
785 |
| Supplement
for departures from other cities FROM US$ 300 |
Optional tours
Day 04 – Abus simbel Excursion US $ 315.00 (includes
airfare Aswan/Abu Simbel/Aswan)
Day 17 – Ballon Safari at Masai Mara US$ 475 per person |
| **
High season surcharge of US $200 applies on these departures
|
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
•
International Airfare ex NYC (add on from other cities available
on request)*
• Accommodation/cruise as mentioned or similar, including
hotel taxes
• Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner)
• All sightseeing and transfers as per the itinerary
• Services of local English speaking guide
• Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the
itinerary
• Domestic and regional airfares Cairo/Aswan, Luxor/Cairo
& Cairo / Nairobi
• Entrance fees for the various game parks in East Africa |
•
Airport taxes
• Insurance and visa fees
• Tips & gratuities to local guides and drivers
• Entrance fees into the Pyramids chambers, Mummies
Room at the Egyptian Museum, Tutankhamun’s Tomb in the
Valley of Kings, Nefertari’s Tomb in the Valley of the
Queens. These may be paid locally |
| Domestic
/ Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price |
NOTE:
Airfare ex NYC included in the tour cost is valued at US$
1300 |
| Estimated
International Airfare(
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US
$ N/A |
| West
Coast |
US
$ N/A |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 07
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 |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 2068678
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 |
|
33
years in small group journeys
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Site
updated Nov 07, 2011
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