Adventures Abroad Splendour Of The Nile Various Dates TOUR CODE: OAEG 12 Days

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WELCOME TO EGYPT

A country of mythological proportion and one whose ancient civilization dates back as far as any that the world has seen, Egypt is a land of mystical beauty and incomparable legacy. We tour the world-famous historic highlights, like the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, now symbols of the country's mystery and glory, the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, which allows incredible opportunities for close-up exploration inside pyramid tombs, the colossal, 1,500-year-old Karnak Temple, with its tremendous pylon gateway near the Avenue of 1,000 Sphinxes that originally ran all the way to Luxor temple, and the bounties of the world's longest river; the Nile. Donkey-rides on stony pathways, camel treks through the desert and street tours by horse-drawn carriage add an element of authenticity to the experience as we explore the ancient past and contemporary faces of this first-rate destination.

ITINERARY IN BRIEF

Day 1 • Arrival in Cairo and transfer to our hotel in Giza.

Day 2 • We visit Memphis and Saqqara, the two most important sites in all of Egypt. Onto the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, the foremost Pharaonic monuments symbolizing Egypt's glory and mystery. Climb inside a pyramid!

Day 3 • Visit the famous Museum of Egyptian Antiquities and Coptic Cairo, the centre of Christianity in Cairo.

Day 4 • Fly to Aswan. Evening Sound and Light Show at Philae Temple, grandly situated on an island.

Day 5 • Morning excursion to Abu Simbel—the imposing rock temples of Rameses II and his queen Nefartari. Later travel by small boat across the River Nile; enjoy a camel ride to the early Christian Monastery of St Simeon. Stroll through botanical gardens on Kitchener's Island.

Days 6-8 • Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor with a visit to Edfu, a Greek-built temple dedicated to the god Horus. Visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, and Karnak Temple.

Day 9 • A morning excursion to the Valley of the Queens and workers' village.

Day 10 • Cross the River Nile to the West Bank and travel by donkey into the Valley of the Kings where we tour several tombs. Proceed to the funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Tea at a local home before returning to Luxor.

Day 11 • Fly to Cairo—we venture deep into the heart of Islamic Cairo and tour the Citadel, begun by Saladin in the 12th century.

Day 12 • Departure from Cairo.

INCLUSIONS

Accommodation
Internal transportation
Breakfasts and dinners daily
All meals on cruise
Sightseeing and entrance fees
Tips for hotel, porters, drivers
Transfers (Land/Air)
Services of a Tour Leader

EXCLUSIONS

Lunches and some dinners
Drinks
Items of a personal nature
Air departure taxes/fuel surcharges
Visa fees (if applicable)
Transfers (if early/late)
Transfers (if Land Only)
Tour Leader gratuities

OUT FACTOR

Though homosexuality is not explicitly outlawed in Egypt, most of the population agrees that it is not acceptable. That said, many gay tourists travel to Egypt and there is an underground “scene” just about everywhere. As an obvious visitor, you are likely to get plenty of commercial offers—"Want to try Egyptian banana?"—though such offers are best left alone, as authorities take a dim view of such things. As a “gay group,” we are unlikely to attract any unusual or negative attention, provided we remember where we are and respect local sensibilities.

TOUR CODE: OAEG

NUMBER OF DAYS: 12

TOUR BEGINS/ENDS
Cairo / Cairo

TOUR DATES
01 Nov 2009 - 12 Nov 2009
07 Feb 2010 - 18 Feb 2010
07 Nov 2010 - 18 Nov 2010

LAND PRICING
3269 CAD Per Person, Twin Share
452 CAD Optional Single Supplement

Call or e-mail for airfare quotes from your city.

GROUP SIZE
Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader.

STAFF & SUPPORT
Tour Leader, driver(s), and local step-on guides at various locations.

ACCOMMODATION
Hotel accommodation used on tour is on average, 4-star (some 5-star). Most properties have outdoor swimming pools. Single rooms are limited and possibly smaller than twins. The cruise vessel is very comfortable with full air-conditioning, twin-berth, outside cabins with en suite bath/toilet.

TRANSPORT & TRAVEL CONDITIONS
Over two weeks we travel by bus, felucca sailboat, luxury cruise boat, horse carriage, plane, donkey, and camel. Distances covered are not great and roads are good. The tour is not strenuous though it is busy; you must be steady on your feet and be able to endure some heat and some extensive archaeological sites.

WEATHER/SEASONALITY
The most popular time for Egypt is fall/winter/early spring when temperatures are much more comfortable than the period May-September.

PLEASE NOTE

This itinerary is correct at time of publishing. For a more detailed itinerary, download a PDF here. We reserve the right to make changes as necessary due to reasons beyond our control. For booking terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Terms

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