Luxury Nile Cruise and a private Tour of Egypt Israel and Palestine

This exceptional package includes Egypt in all its variety, from the wonders of the Great Pyramids to a Nile cruise, and even the unspoiled beaches of the Red Sea. As well as the mighty temples at Abu Simbel, Queen Nefertari's Tomb, Denderah Temples, Diving or snorkeling,
and a CAMEL CARAVAN to a Nubian Village . Though small in size, Israel looms large in the imagination of every traveler. See the very best of Israel and Palestine

DAY 1 - USA/CAIRO Sunday - Weekly - Year Round
Your wide-body jet departs the USA bound for Cairo, upgrade to business class
for $ 2300 or First class $ 3500, round-trip including tax, on board Egyptair non stop wide body jet. Click here for
This tour is available without air fare : If you choose to make your own arrangements for international airfare, please deduct $500 per person from the rates. We do welcome bookings from all over the world .
West Coast passengers do not need to fly via NYC , you'll fly non-stop to Europe on BA , LH, AF, etc , then from Europe non-stop to Cairo .

Visa will be issued upon arrival.
As you exit the gate, you will pass through a door or two , down some stairs , then walk for 2-5 minutes , until you pass the duty free shops, at the end of a wide corridor , you will see the security officers. There you will be met by a local representative, who will be holding a sign with the name you prefer to use for the sign .

Our local representative will then take your passport to obtain a stamp from the cashier / bank window and escort you to speak with the passport officer. He will escort you through another last check on your passport as you exit the passport control, into customs area, he will assist you in collecting your luggage and clearing customs . After exiting the terminal, our local representative will escort you (private vehicle) to the hotel

DAY 3 - CAIRO- Sailing on the Nile - Tuesday (cBLD)
Today we see Cairo's major sights: the Egyptian Museum, including the Mummies Room. We'll continue to Royal Manial Palace of former Crown Prince Mohamed Ali , on to the Coptic Museum, and the Church of Abu Sergha, and the Beni Ezra Synagogue. We'll see where,according to the legend, Moses was found along the banks of the Nile. We'll take our lunch at a local restaurant.

Then it is off to The Secret Tomb of Khedive Tawfik

One of the gems of Cairo lay hidden for years behind locked gates in a nondescript neighborhood: the tomb and gardens of Khedive Tawfik.

The Khedive was the viceroy who administered Egypt for the Turkish sultan. It was Tawfik’s father, Khedive Ismail, who saw to the construction of the Suez Canal. In the process, he mortgaged the nation, and threw Egypt into turmoil. Tawfik was installed in his father’s place. But with foreign bankers pressing on one side, and resentful nationalist officers on the other, he was ineffectual. British troops moved into the Suez Canal area to protect their investment—and didn’t leave until 1952, when the monarchy was given the boot.

Tawfik’s mausoleum far outshines his rule. The original family burial area was enlarged in 1881 and decorated with a splendor not seen since the times of the Pharaohs. Columns with intricate Islamic-Mameluke decoration adorn the entrance, while parts of the gold-threaded woven cover of the holy Kabah of Mecca adorn the walls inside the doorways.

The tomb of Bambah Qadin, in white marble, is impressive, but that of Tawfik himself is stunning: constructed of ebony, with inlays of ivory, mother-of-pearl, and precious woods. Elsewhere are the tombs of other family members, including that of Price Muhammad Ali, who married a French actress. Even the family library is here.

With treasures like these, it’s no wonder that the precincts were closed off from public view in uncertain times.

Even today, Tawfik’s Tomb and Gardens are off the beaten track for most visitors, but at Travel in Style, we’re proud to include this little-known treasure house of Egyptian history and art on our regular tours.

Enjoy a 30 minute felucca sailing on the Nile to see Cairo from a different angle before we head back to your hotel.

All tours in Cairo are always on a private basis, private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur and a private Egyptologist.

DAY 4 - DAHSOUR - HOME HOSTED MEAL Wednesday (cBL)
After breakfast, we'll motor to the edge of Cairo, to the mysterious Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza.

Those who are fit and adventurous enough may wish to penetrate into the heart of the Great Pyramid, to the King's Chamber your ticket is included with our compliments (or the interior of Kephren Pyramid). Taking a camel ride (Included) is entirely your own choice!

Continue to Dahshour, the newly-opened pyramid field south of Cairo. We visit the great pyramid of Senfru, father of Cheops, and other structure:

The "Discovery" of Dahshour:
For almost half a century, the great field of huge pyramids near the desert village of Dahshour, 25 miles south of Cairo, has been off limits to the public. Confined within the perimeter of a military base were many pyramids, including the great 4500-year-old pyramid built by Senfru, father of Cheops. Senfru's pyramid, the largest in Egypt until his son built Giza's Great Pyramid, is rhomboidal in shape: it tapers more distinctly on its upper half. All the pyramids were coated in thick plaster at one time. Most have lost these protective, decorative sheaths, but Senfru's--miraculously--is still in place.
Lunch is included at a local restaurant or at your hotel.

Dinner is included at a local home:
Meet the locals, you may wish to bring token gifts to exchange with the host family ( T shirt , small souvenirs of your home town):
This evening we'll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread . . . right into the homes of some of the people of Cairo l! You'll be invited to a family dinner, and while you enjoy wholesome home-cooked specialties, you'll learn about and appreciate the outlook, aspirations, and way of life of your hosts. Be assured, as curious as you may be about your new friends, they're sure to have questions about your own background. Once the ice is broken, you'll enjoy a lively evening, and find that you have more in common than you ever suspected. Of course, you may enjoy a quiet evening with your travel companions, by letting us know your preferences.

All tours in Cairo are always on a private basis, private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur and a private Egyptologist.

DAY 5 - The Red Sea resort of Sharm , Thursday (cBD)
Head for the airport and a short flight to Sharm El Sheikh on the Red Sea. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy this unique desert beach resort. Relax by the cerulean waters, take a camel ride at your option. in Sharm for an additional $100 for the 2 nights per person in double to be added to the deluxe hotel)
Deluxe : Hyatt Sharm El Sheikh or the Four Seasons ( standard room) , or the Savoy or similar
Breakfast & dinner included

DAY 6 - Sharm El Sheikh, Snorkel or Dive- Friday (cBD)
The Red Sea just off "Sharm" is replete with fascinating coral and aquatic species unique to this area. You'll spend the full day today exploring these wonders as you snorkel or scuba dive (for which proof of certification is a must ). There's also time to relax, take an optional excursion, or look into the life of the Bedouins who have made a way of life in the desert. Evening Bedouin Dinner.

DAY 7 - LUXOR & Cruise to Denderah -Saturday (cBLD)
An early flight takes us to Luxor,along the Nile in fabled Upper Egypt, where We'll navigate the waters of the Nile to Denderah in a day excursion cruise ( or by car) , to visit the best preserved temple in Egypt, then its back to Luxor for a spectacular sound & light show at Karnak temple. Accommodation on board your Nile Cruise. One large bottle of mineral water in your cabin with our compliments.

Please note that Queen Nefertari's tomb is closed for urgent repairs, so we 'll be touring instead : Ancient Workers Village at Deir El Medineh, as soon as Nefertari is opened again, we will reinstate it in our programs.

Today's tour include as well a visit to the Valley of the Kings including Tut-Ank-Amon's tomb , temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari, and Colossi of Memnon, returning to our Nile cruiser for lunch. Following lunch aboard, we visit the great Temple of Luxor, and the gigantic Great Temple of Amon at Karnak, returning to our vessel in time for tea. Complimentary welcome fruit basket in your cabin.

DAY 9 - ESNA & EDFU- Monday (cBLD)
We cruise to Esna during the night and pass through the locks. After breakfast we cruise to Edfu and board horse-drawn carriages to get to the fine Temple of Horus. In the evening, we have a jolly galabia party. A Galabya will be delivered to your cabin with our compliments.

DAY 10 - KOM OMBO & ASWAN , CAMEL CARAVAN -Tuesday (cBLD)
We explore Kom Ombo's twin Temples of Haroeris, the sun god, and Sobek, the crocodile god, before cruising south to Aswan. After lunch aboard, we board a graceful felucca for a cruise among the Nile islands .Then to really immerse yourself, try your hand at a complimentary camel riding! We'll take willing passengers on a traditional caravan to enjoy tea with Nubian villagers. Only Travel In Style & Nubian Nile Cruises afford this unique opportunity to meet & interact with local Nubians. We are proud to offer this insight into the Nubian way of life. Back in your cabin : Complimentary Egyptian pastry & sweets platter.

DAY 11 - ASWAN & ABU SIMBEL /CAIRO Wednesday (cBD)
The mighty Aswan dams are our first goal this morning, followed by a trip by motor launch to the Philae temples. this Island temple , dedicated to the Ancient Goddess ISIS .

Back on land, we head for the airport and a short flight to Abu Simbel. Tour in Abu Simbel is on a private basis, private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur and a private Egyptologist.

There we'll marvel at the temples dedicated to Ramses the Great and Queen Neferatri, saved from rising waters of the Nile when the High Dam was built, fly back to Aswan and connect with our returning flight to Cairo . Dinner at the hotel in Cairo : J. W. Marriott , Sonesta or the Grand Hyatt

DAY 12 - Cairo -Thursday (cB)
Full day at leisure , explore Cairo on your own or ask us for help with one of the optional tours.
Maybe for last minute shopping.

After breakfast at the hotel , we'll escort you to Cairo Airport for your flight to Tel Aviv.
Our rate includes the air fare Cairo Tel Aviv in economy class, tax included .
Our staff meets you at Tel Aviv airport, assists with arrival formalities, and escorts you to your Jerusalem hotel.
All transfers are always on a private basis, private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur

We start our explorations of Jerusalem, holy city to Christians, Jews and Muslims, with a drive to the Mount of Olives, which offers panoramic views. We visit the Church of Pater Noster and the Chapel of the Ascension on our way to the Garden of Gethsemane. From the Garden, we enter Jerusalem's walls to the Old City for a visit to the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock. We follow in Jesus' footsteps along the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
In Israel and Palestine : All tours are always on a private basis, private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur, private guide.

Now that you've had a tour of the city, set out on your own to discover its charms: the narrow bazaar streets of the Old City, the cheerful cafés of New Jerusalem, and the broad boulevards surrounding the modern city.
For our moslem guests, a visit to El-Aqsa Masjid will be included today with our compliments
In Israel and Palestine : All tours are always on a private basis, private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur, private guide.

We start our tour at the scale model of Jerusalem as it appeared in Herod's time, then go on to the Shrine of the Book to see the sacred Dead Sea Scrolls. Then it's on to Ein Kerem and Bethlehem for a visit to the Church of the Nativity, stopping at the Shepherds' Field on the way back to Jerusalem.

In Israel and Palestine : All tours are always on a private basis, private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur, private guide

We drive to Bethany and the site of the Good Samaritan's inn, then continue through the Judean Hills down to the Dead Sea, below sea level. At Qumran, we see the caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. We go on to the verdant oasis of Ein Gedi, and to Masada, where we ascend the natural fortress by cable car. We return to Jerusalem passing by fabled Jericho, the oldest city in the world.

In Israel and Palestine : All tours are always on a private basis, private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur, private guide

We drive north to Nazareth to see the Church of the Annunciation, built to shelter the grotto where Mary received the message that she would bear Jesus. Passing by Cana of Galilee, we reach Tiberias, on the Sea of Galilee. We sail aboard the Lido to Tabgha, on the opposite shore, returning to Tiberias for the night.

In Israel and Palestine : All tours are always on a private basis, private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur, private guide

Acre, the medieval fortress-city, was visited by Caesar, Richard the Lion-Hearted, and Napoleon. We follow in their footsteps along its ancient streets. Continuing our journey, we seethe Baha'i Shrine and its Persian Gardens in Haifa, and the Roman amphitheater and Crusaders' fortress in Caesarea. Then traveling along Tel Aviv's bustling streets, we make our way to Jaffa (Joppa) to see its ancient port and the artists' colony which has grown up around it. We spend the night in Tel Aviv.

In Israel and Palestine : All tours are always on a private basis, private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur, private guide

DAY 20 - TEL AVIV -Departure Friday (cB)
Our local rep. escorts you to Tel Aviv airport for your flight back to the USA .

In Israel and Palestine : All transfers are always on a private basis, private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur

The Ultra Deluxe all suites M/S Amarco , accommodation : Presidential or Royal suite

Our airline partners for departures from New York are Egyptair, British Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss , KLM : Dallas-Fort Worth , Chicago, DC, Denver, Miami, : an additional $300; from most West Coast cities : an additional $350.

In addition, for any departures from May 1 through Sep , Dec 20 - Jan 4 : please add $350 high-season airfare surcharge to the rates shown above. This air fare supplement doesn't apply when you handle your own airfare.
If you choose to make your own arrangements for international airfare, please deduct $500 per person from the rates.

Not included:

Airport taxes
Trip interruption and cancellation insurance (please see our insurance brochure)
Personal expenses, including excess baggage or shipping charges, beverages, and personal charges in hotels for laundry, telephone, or other services
Gratuities
Optional Excursion

CRUISE THE NILE IN LUXURY...

Mark Twain did it. Rockefeller did it. More recently, First Ladies Barbara Bush and Laura Bush, and pop music legend Lionel Richie did it:

Barbar Bush and Laura Bush on the Nile

cruise Egypt's timeless Nile in luxury.

Only a few Nile cruisers qualify as the most luxurious vessels on the Nile. In order to meet the requirements of Nubian Nile Cruises, they must be the newest and best, with up-to-the-minute facilities and all possible luxury services such as deluxe staterooms with private bath
(shower and/or bathtub), 20-inch satellite TV, large picture window, minibar, individual climate control, electronic entry system and security deposit boxes, hair dryer and direct-dial telephone.

The service onboard, under the watchful control of companies renowned worldwide for excellence, must be flawless and exceed guests’ expectations, and also reflect the warm traditional hospitality of the Egyptian people.

Few vessels qualify. Here they are:

A journey into the heart of the Great Pyramid is a real-life Indiana Jones adventure. But it can also be a taxing and frightening one.

You'll follow claustrophobic passages cut into the heart of the pyramid, feel the pull of the mass of stone directly above. For better or worse, you have placed yourself in the hands of the engineering expertise of the ancients.

As you continue along the unventilated passages, the oxygen becomes depleted, the air becomes noticeably warmer and more pungent. The ascent of steep stairways consumes more energy than you imagined, and you find yourself short of breath. Lighting is dim, every footstep must be carefully calculated. Low passageways repeatedly oblige you to advance while bent down, and your muscles protest. Where walls disappear into the dark above, you feel wedged into a shaft. Despite warnings, and your own resolve, claustrophobic feelings are hard to suppress.

Finally, you behold the King's Chamber at the heart of the Great Pyramid. The effort to reach it has made the reward more exhilarating than you imagined. If only you can face the return.

Is the King's Chamber for you? If you're not used to bending and regular exercise, you might find the challenge beyond your capabilities. Turning back is more difficult the farther you go, and the experience could leave you aching for days afterwards.

Be realistic about yourself, your abilities, and your disposition. And remember that there are many other rewarding sights and adventures at Giza, without the physical challenge and risks of the King's Chamber.