Luxury Nile Cruises, 14 day Luxury Travel to Egypt Adventure | Luxury hotels in Cairo with your Nile Cruise

Luxury on the Nile
17- day : The Red Sea - Sharm El Sheikh ,
The Oases of Western Sahara With one night camping in El Farafra Oases
A resort stay on the Red Sea . Including a 5 day Ultra Deluxe Nile Cruise
Using your own free air miles : Click here

DAY 1 - DEPARTURE ( leave any day- subject to availability )
JFK Passengers : We take off from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, bound for Cairo , tax included. Leave any day ( Subject to availability of air space & Nile cruise). For Boston : Please add:$200 , for Chicago, Miami, Houston : $300. Most West Coast cities : $ 350

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 your name .
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 2 - CAIRO
Our Cairo staff greets you and escorts you through the excitement and hubbub of the terminal, and onward to your hotel. Traditional sweets await you, with our compliments. You'll have time to relax and unwind. Visa fee is included & issued upon arrival. Available only to American, Japanese , Canadian & EU citizens, your passport must be valid for at least 6 month beyond the date of arrival.

Private air condition car for your transfer. Private chauffeur
For Hotel upgrade in Cairo : Four Seasons or the Mena House Palace wing / Pyramid's view ( you may mix & match Cairo stay first stay at Four Seasons and return stay Mena House Palace Wing: please add: $489 for the total of 3 nights per person in double

DAY 3 - CAIRO (aBLD)
Private air condition car for your tour today . Private chauffeur .

Your exploration of ancient Egypt begins today! We'll start after breakfast with the Egyptian Museum. Here you'll see the treasures of the ancient pharaohs: Mummies Hall is included , statuary, and precious stones and metals. Travelers have long come to Cairo just to gaze on these sights alone. But there's more, on we go to the Coptic & Jewish ancient quarter then the Royal Manial Palace of the former Crown Prince Mohamed Ali. After lunch Egyptian-style, we'll motor to the mysterious Sphinx and the Pyramids on the edge of Cairo.

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!

Conclude a memorable day as we host you on a Nile dinner cruise complete with exotic Egyptian entertainment.

DAY 4 - CAIRO El Bahariya Oases (aBLD)
Early morning departure before sunrise to be able to watch the sunrise over the Sahara.
We board a private four wheel vehicle and proceed west on the Sahara Highway, ( 180 Kilometers from Cairo to El Bahariya), visiting Qaser Sleim , Alexander's Tomb & Museum of Golden Mummies . Lunch & Dinner at the hotel : Beshimo Lodge Evening Bedouin folk show

DAY 5 - El Farafra Oases ( White Desert ) (BLD)
After a morning tour of El Bahariya we head for the White Desert ( 180 Kilometers) , on the way we'll stop ay Crystal Mountain to marvel at the different Shapes of Lime Stones , arrive Farafra Oasis , where we will camp for the night. ( In a tent) , dinner will be camp style. This tour may not be suitable for families with children who may not be used to camping, and the lack of hotel amenities. Guests must show proof of insurance before embarking on any camping trip with us regardless of the destination be it Moroccan Sahara, Tunisian Oases or the Egyptian Western Desert or in Sinai. BBQ dinner at the White Desert.

If you prefer to stay at a hotel then we 'll move back to El Farafra Oases and : Badawiya Hotel

DAY 6 - CAIRO (B)
Early morning camp style breakfast before sunrise, drive back to Cairo ( 380 Kilometers).
Remainder of the day at leisure.

DAY 7 - LUXOR (aBLD)
Early morning flight to Luxor, all transfers are on a private basis, always with an air conditioned car. A welcome fruit basket awaits you on board your Nile Cruise. Relax, unpack, and settle into your accommodations on board for the next four nights. You'll tour the charming Luxor Museum. Then we'll set out overland to visit the Great Temple of Amon at Karnak, followed by the mighty Temple of Luxor. We'll return in time for afternoon tea. You'll have a chance to explore your ship before dinner, which tonight features an international buffet. Evening Karnak Sound & Light Show.

For guests booking Suites on board the cruise :
Our guests , receive special consideration . When you reserve your Suite , we will provide you with a private valet to take care of your personal and touring needs, and a private guide / Egyptologist to answer any questions you may have about the wonders around you.

Just for fun, we'll even engage a local fortune - teller , knowledgeable in the mystic secrets of ancient Egypt, to read the future in your palm or your coffee grounds!

DAY 8 - LUXOR/ EDFU (BLD)
We'll cross the Nile to view an array of ancient splendors: the tomb chambers of the Valley of the Kings; the imposing tomb-temple of Queen Hatshepsut in the Valley of the Queens . On to the Colossi of Memnon. On to Edfu. Horse-drawn carriages meet us at riverside to take us through Edfu to the Temple of Horus, best-preserved in all of Egypt. Later, we'll cruise to Esna. Relax on deck or on your private terrace, and gaze at timeless Egypt. In the evening, we'll celebrate in Egyptian style, dressed in galabias ( A Galabia will be delivered to your cabin with our compliments), the galabia is the flowing national costume.
While you are on board the cruise, afternoon tea will be served daily on deck.

DAY 9 - EDFU, KOM OMBO, ASWAN (BLD)
At EDFU: Horse-drawn carriages meet us at riverside to take us to the Temple of Horus, best-preserved in all of Egypt. After our visit, we'll re-embark, and enjoy lunch while we proceed upriver. We'll disembark at Kom Ombo to explore the twin temples of Haroeris, the sun god, and Sobek, the crocodile god, then continue our voyage to Aswan, while we party after dinner.
Complimentary "Egyptian sweets" platter will be delivered to your cabin today with our compliments.

DAY 10 - ASWAN (BLD)
After breakfast, we'll visit the dams at Aswan, including the High Dam, a modern wonder in this ancient land. At the ancient granite quarry, we'll see an obelisk left unfinished, then board a launch to visit the Temples of Philae, rescued from rising waters. Our farewell dinner is a buffet of Egyptian specialties, followed by a show featuring oriental performers, including, of course, a belly dancer.

DAY 11 -CAMEL CARAVAN/SAILING BOATS (BLD)
After breakfast on board, we'll have the opportunity to experience Egypt at its most authentic, as we sail the Nile in a graceful Felucca, the age-old sailing vessel of the river. If you wish, try your hand at camel riding! We'll take a traditional caravan to enjoy tea with Nubian villagers. Check-out from the suite is after breakfast. Luggage will be sent to the Old Cataract (Not booked yet), then you return from the tour to check-in at the OLD Cataract. Afternoon High Tea included on the famous terrace over looking the Nile, where Agatha Christi wrote "Death On the Nile " Remainder of the day at leisure. Make sure you retire to bed early tonight, you leave tomorrow for Abu Simbel before sunrise

DAY 12 - ABU SIMBEL (BLD)
Very early breakfast. Abu Simbel We've planned our visit to Abu Simbel to be a highlight of your Egyptian adventure. Rising before dawn, we drive along the shore of Lake Nasser, watching the sky lighten and the sacred sun rise above the horizon. We reach the great temples while the air is clean, clear and cool, and the sun's light still golden;just right for photographs.
In the larger temple, colossal figures of Ramses are seated with the gods and attended by his queen and daughters.
The smaller temple is dedicated to Queen Nefertari, who appears as Hathor, the goddess of love, joy and fertility, symbolized by the benevolent cow. We explore these fine temple by ourselves in the quiet of the morning, admiring their ancient aura and artistry, after which retire to a comfortable hotel for refreshments. Just as planeloads of visitors arrive to throng the temples we begin our leisurely drive back along the shore to Aswan, arriving in time for a late lunch. (Depending on flight confirmation lunch will be served either in Abu Simbel, Aswan Airport or Cairo).

Back in Aswan we connect by air to Cairo, at Cairo airport, our local rep will assist with the connection to fly to Sharm El Sheikh .Private air condition car always for your transfers. We'll settle you into your Luxury hotel in Sharm : Sonesta , Hyatt, The Ritz Hotel or similar.

DAY 13 , DAY 14 - Sharm El Sheikh (aBD)
Full days at leisure . Hit the water , or venture into the nearby Bedouin village to see how the local people live-as you like. Dinner is included daily on a complimentary basis at the hotel.

DAY 15 - MOUNT SINAI - St. CATHERINE ( Santa Katarina / Catarina ) Monastery & Dahab (BL)
Relax! This is one more day in "Paradise", enjoy the beach the Egyptian sun and maybe fishing , snorkeling or diving in the Red Sea. Or join us on a complimentary tour to Mount Sinai then in the cool before sunrise, we drive into the wilderness of Sinai, through which Moses led his people to the Promised Land. Our goal is the Monastery of St. Catherine, built on the site of the burning bush at the base of Mount Sinai. We tour the monastery, rich in history,icons and sacred paintings, returning to Sharm late in the evening. You must be in good physical condition if you wish to consider climbing Mt. Sinai. The climb is not recommended for those affected by heights

Please advise us early on , if you prefer to do Mount Sinai / St. Catherine's tour by Jeep versus air conditioned sedan / van.

DAY 16 -CAIRO - HOME HOSTED FAMILY DINNER (aBD)
Fly to Cairo remainder of the day in Cairo, at leisure.
You'll have one more opportunity to experience the excitement of this great city and, of course, do some last-minute shopping.
This evening we'll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread . . . right into the homes of some of the people of Cairo ! 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 dinner in a quiet restaurant with your travel companions, by letting us know your preferences. You may wish to bring token gifts to exchange with the host family ( T shirt , small souvenirs of your home town).

DAY 17 - DEPARTURE (aB)
Private air condition car for your transfer. Private chauffeur .Our Cairo-based staff escorts you to the airport, where you'll begin your journey home, either direct on Egyptair, or via Athens on Olympic Airways. Salaam and Bon Voyage!

This tour leaves daily from JFK , throughout the year. Subject to the availability of air space & the Nile Cruise.

Please note that the Nile vessels and cruise itineraries are subject to change.
Click here for more info on these luxurious cruises: Radamis II , or the new Movenpick Royal Lotus ( Swiss Management) , Sonesta Moon Goddess , Sonesta Star Goddess

- For travel during Easter, Christmas or New Year's, weeks a 10 percent supplement applies.

- For London or Brussels passengers please deduct $350 from the listed rates.
- For Milan & Rome Please deduct $ 500

Air transportation within Egypt as mentioned in itinerary, in business class, when available on board subject to according to aircraft configuration.
All tips throughout the trip
All ground transportation, including airport greeting.
Deluxe hotel accommodations,including tax based on: Marriott, Four Seasons , Mena House ( New Wing) or The Grand Hyatt downtown overlooking the Nile. or Le Meridien Pyramids. And based on the price/category of your choosing above.
For Mena House Palace wing /Pyramid's view , please add: $409 for the total of 3 nights per person in double.
( But 3-4 stars hotels for the oases as listed & one night camping)
In Sharm El Sheikh: Savoy , Inter.continental, Hyatt,The Ritz, or similar hotels
Luxury Nile cruise, with all meals, a welcome fruit basket, an Egyptian sweets platter, complimentary bottle of water for each guest , delivered to your cabin daily while on board the cruise.
All shore excursions, aboard, the ultra luxury ,Radamis, Kempinski Ganna, Sonesta, Diamond , or the M/S Liberty , according to availability.
For guests booking Suites on board the cruise :
Our guests , receive special consideration . When you reserve your Suite , we will provide you with a private valet to take care of your personal and touring needs, and a private guide / Egyptologist to answer any questions you may have about the wonders around you.

Just for fun, we'll even engage a local fortune - teller , knowledgeable in the mystic secrets of ancient Egypt, to read the future in your palm or your coffee grounds!
Sightseeing with guide and entrance fees to archaeological sites.
Meals as indicated, with preset menu (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner), American breakfast (aB) in Cairo
Visa fee upon arrival in Cairo (applicable to Japan, US, UK, and Canadian passport holders with six months of remaining validity)

Not included:

Trip interruption and cancellation insurance (We'll be glad to mail you the insurance brochure)
Personal expenses, including excess baggage or shipping charges, beverages, and personal charges in hotels for laundry, telephone, or other services
Optional Excursion
Hot air balloon adventure over the Valley of the Kings, 60 to 90 minutes flying time, weather permitting, $300 per person.

CRUISE NOTES AND TIPS

Dining room reservations are not required. Our cruise vessels have a single seating, simplifying life on board.
Days are warm, and sometimes hot, in Luxor and Aswan, while evenings and mornings can be cooler.
Comfortable walking shoes and clothing of natural fabrics are suitable for shore excursions.
On board, dress is relaxed for breakfast and lunch, smart casual for dinner. Take a sun hat and, of course, a swimsuit.
All ships are fully air-conditioned. Typical amenities (which vary from vessel to vessel; inquire for details) include large view windows; in-cabin minibar, hair dryers and safes; and pools, boutiques, and dance lounges.
This program is available on Private Basis for 2 guests : private, car/driver/guide, As well as a PRIVATE guide on board the NILE Cruise supplement is $250 per person in double. Minimum 2 guests.
This supplement doesn't apply when you book a suite.

Honeymoon by the Pyramids

Gourmet Cuisine on board the boats we use:
As you might expect , special attention is given to cuisine on board. Celebrity chefs craft their works of art in the best tradition of luxury cruising. Their freshness, flavor, and artful presentation exceed that of most luxury hotels and guarantee memorable dining experience every day.

Beside spacious restaurants, on board facilities include lounges with dancing every evening, large swimming pools, sun decks, a variety of bars and lounges, and shops.

Suites on board the cruise :
Our guests , receive special consideration . When you reserve your Suite , we will provide you with a private valet to take care of your personal and touring needs, and a private guide / Egyptologist to answer any questions you may have about the wonders around you.

Just for fun, we'll even engage a local fortune - teller , knowledgeable in the mystic secrets of ancient Egypt, to read the future in your palm or your coffee grounds!

Egyptian Westeren Sahara Oases, Camping in the Western Egyptian Sahara

Nile Cruise Listing

Though the Nile is timeless, life is short. You may only cruise the Nile once. Make it the voyage of a lifetime aboard one of the ultra-luxury vessels

The Physically Challenged Passengers in Egypt

Egypt presents challenges to the traveler in a wheelchair, but we are determined to make it possible for everyone to enjoy Egypt's wonders.

Here's what the wheelchair traveler may expect:

1. Airport arrival in Cairo may not be as smooth as at some more handicapped-ready airports, but it presents no big problems.

2. A number of five-star hotels in Cairo are well prepared to accommodate visitors in wheelchairs.

3. Most museums are not well prepared to receive wheelchair travelers, so their visits may be limited to certain exhibits, for example, those on the ground floor.

4. Some outdoor sights, such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and some temples along the Nile, are more or less readily accessible. Your Egyptian guides will display ingenuity in overcoming small barriers to access so that you can enjoy these wonders. It may be necessary in some places for the traveler to be carried by guides up or down steps or steep ramps to allow wheelchair access.

5. Unfortunately, some sights are inaccessible to wheelchairs, such as most of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings (including that of Tutankhamon).

6. At Luxor a suitable ramp connects the Nile cruise boat dock to street level. There are a few small steps which can be negotiated by wheelchair with the crew's help (our crew members are always available to help). At Aswan there is no ramp, but rather two flights of 20 steps each. Travelers will need to be carried between street and boat levels by our crew.

7. The gangway of some of the Nile cruise vessel is wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs, but the angle of ascent may be steep and the guest may have to be carried aboard. Onboard, most of the ship do not have an elevator, but wheelchair travelers can be accommodated in a wheelchair-friendly cabin on the same deck as the reception and dining rooms.

The Great Pyramid of Cheops . . . Are You Up to the Adventure?

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.

The decision is up to you.