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ANCIENT
EGYPT WITH TANZANIAN SAFARI- 2008
Countries
visited: Egypt & Tanzania |
 |
The
best of ancient civilisation combined with the best of
nature and the animals that habitat
it.
An artistically designed tour package that covers the best
of Egypt & Tanzania in one journey. We go from over 5000
years of human achievements enshrined in the Pyramids, Sphinx,
and Luxor Temples. Then it is off to Islamic Cairo with its
citadels, mosques, parks and exotic bazaars. We leave the
hustle and bustle of Egypt to the world of the animal kingdom
in its native environment at the most well known game parks
in the world - Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara and Tarangire.
The tour offers en excellent opportunity to After this tour
of 18 days, we will have completed a journey with the experiences
of the ancient world in Egypt and the natural heritage of
the animal kingdom in Tanzania.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Depart
North America 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
/ Kilimanjaro Airport |
|
11
|
Kilimanjaro
Airport / Tarangire |
|
12
|
Tarangire
/ Ngorongoro Crater |
|
13
|
Ngorongoro Crater |
| 14 |
Ngorongoro Crater / Serengeti |
| 15 |
Serengeti |
| 16 |
Serengeti |
| 17 |
Lake Manyara |
| 18 |
Departure |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
| EGYPT |
|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Ngorongoro
Conservation Area (1979) |
A
large permanent concentration of wild animals can be found
in the huge and perfect crater of Ngorongoro. Nearby, the
crater of Empakaai, filled by a deep lake, and the active
volcano of Oldonyo Lenga can be seen. Excavations carried
out in the Olduvai Gorge, not far from there, have resulted
in the discovery of one of our more distant ancestors, Homo
habilis. Laitoli Site, which also lies within the area, is
one of the main localities of early hominid footprints, dating
back 3.6 million years. |
| Serengeti
National Park (1981) |
The
vast plains of the Serengeti comprise 1.5 million ha of savannah.
The annual migration to permanent water holes of vast herds
of herbivores (wildebeest, gazelles and zebras), followed
by their predators, is one of the most impressive natural
events in the world. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day 01 (FRI):
Depart North America for Cairo
Day 02 (SAT): Arrive Cairo
Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome in Arabic. We are warmly received
at Cairo Airport and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Pyramisa Hotel (2 nights)
Day 03 (SUN): Cairo / Pyramids (drive)
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 Gizah, 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 04 (MON): Cairo / Luxor (Flight)
A short flight gets us to Luxor where we are warmly received and transferred
to the boat, home for the next four nights. Over the next few days we cruise
the Nile and visit various off-shore sites.
Overnight: M/S Sherry Boat Cruise (4 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 05 (TUE): Nile Cruise Luxor
This afternoon we visit the Karnak and Luxor Temples. The ancient Egyptians knew
the Temple of Karnak as Ipet-isut. Luxor 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 reign, all religion other than worship of Aten, was
rejected and the 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 06 (WED): 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 on to Edfu.
(B, L, D)
Day 07 (THU): 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 08 (FRI): 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 sailboat, 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.
Overnight: Sleeper Train (1 night) (B, D)
Day 09 (SAT): Arrive Cairo
We arrive in the morning and are welcomed at Cairo Railway Station. Our day 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 are off to 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 (1 night) (B)
Day 10 (SUN): Cairo / Kilimanjaro Airport (flight)
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. After breakfast we have the whole day free to enjoy the
colorful bazaars of Cairo. Late in the afternoon we go to the airport for our
flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha.
(B)
Day 11 (MON): Kilimanjaro Airport / Tarangire (drive)
Karibu! - Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, after disembarking
from the aircraft, we clear customs and immigration formalities. We are welcomed
and assisted by our tour representative. Transfer to a restaurant in Arusha town.
After a pre-safari briefing, we drive to Tarangire National Park. It is vast
numbers of the ancient baobab trees that first captures our eye. Rest of the
day is at leisure and in preparation for the big African safari to come.
Overnight: Tarangire Sopa Lodge (1 night) (L, D)
Day 12 (TUE): Tarangire / Ngorongoro Crater (drive)
Early morning we start with our first game experience. Tarangire not only has
big game but is also a focus for over 350 species of birds. After the safari
we head for Gibbs Farm which is located in the slopes of Ngorongoro and is famous
for its coffee farms. We visit the farms and also see the historical buildings
which started during the British colonial era. We then continue for Ngorongoro
to our lodge located on the rim of the crater. The crater covers over 102 square
miles (250 square kilometres) of land and is the home of the rare black rhino,
prides of lion, elephant, cheetah and great herds of buffalo, antelope and wildebeest.
Overnight: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge (2 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 13 (WED): Ngorongoro Crater
Breakfast at the lodge. Today we will descend 2000 feet (0ver 600 metres) to
the floor of the crater for a half day crater tour. Explore the forest areas
that are inhabited by monkey and elephant, the lake area, where we may see the
flamingos and the open savannah where the lions hunt for food.
(B, L, D)
Day 14 (THU): Ngorongoro Crater / Serengeti (drive)
After breakfast drive to Olduvai Gorge, site of Louis and Mary Leakey’s
renowned archaeological discoveries. Their findings include some of the man’s
earliest known ancestral remains. Continue to Serengeti National Park with a
picnic lunch en route. This enormous park supports every variety of animals imaginable,
from large predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah to the smaller herbivores
they prey on.
Overnight: Serengeti Sopa Lodge (3 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 15 & 16 (FRI & SAT): Serengeti
Breakfast at the lodge. Morning and afternoon game drives. More than two million
wildebeest, Thompson’s gazelle and zebra gather during the migration, attracting
a great deal of attention from their predators such as lion, hyena, cheetah and
leopard.
(B, L, D)
Day 17 (SUN): Lake Manyara
After breakfast we depart for Lake Manyara National Park. Lunch at the lodge,
followed by an afternoon game drive in this park famous for its prolific bird-life
and other inhabitants such as hippos, monkeys, tree climbing lions.
Overnight: Lake Manyara Serena Lodge (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 18 (MON): Depart
After breakfast, drive back to Arusha for lunch. After lunch transfer to Kilimanjaro
Airport for your scheduled flight back home. You may extend your journey to visit
the Stone Town and Beach resort city of Zanzibar. Please call for details. 1.800.663.0844
/ 1.604.264.7378 (B,
L) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
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|
Departure Dates |
|
2008
Jan 11, Apr 04*, May 09*,
Jun 27, Aug 15,
Oct 17, Nov 07 & Dec 19**
|
| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ / CA$ |
Single
Sup US$ / CA$ |
| 2008 |
from
4455 |
795 |
*
Special Discount of US$ 150 / CA$ 150 (Apr 04 & May
09 departures)
** High season surcharge of US$ 490 / CA$ 490 applies on
these departures
|
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
- Accommodation
and cruise as mentioned or similar
- Meals
as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch,
D=Dinner)
- All
game drives and transfers by jeeps
- Services of local English speaking guides
- Entrance fees at all Museums, Parks & Sites
- Domestic air tickets: Cairo / Luxor
- Train tickets: Aswan / Cairo
|
- International
airfares (see Note
below)
- Insurance (Trip Cancellation & Medical
Insurances are highly recommended)
- Entrance
fees to the special chambers inside the Pyramids, Tout
Ankh Amoun Tomb in the Valley of Kings, Mummies room
at the Egyptian Museum, visit to the Solar Boat Museum.
Entrance fees to the outside chambers, where applicable,
are included.
|
| Domestic
/ Regional Airfare INCLUDED in Tour Price |
NOTE:
International airfares ranges from ex East Coast to Egypt & Tanzania combined
at $ 1450 plus taxes (approx $ 300). West Coast supplement is $ 250. |
| Estimated
International Airfare(
not included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US $ / CA $
N/A |
| West
Coast |
US $ / CA $
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
|
| 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 |
|
30
years in small group journeys
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Site
updated April 04, 2008
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