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Egypt,
Morocco & Tunisia
21 Days- Tour starts weekly on Sundays
We'll take you through North Africa, The Ancient Nile Kingdoms of the
mighty Pharaohs, Cairo , Giza, enjoy a 5 day Nile Cruise, then
its off to Carthage, capital of the legendary Hannibal, but there's
much more to this tour. You'll also Continue west on across North Africa
to Morocco. Marrakech, Fez & Casablanca
visit ancient cities, desert oases, curious troglodyte dwellings, Islamic
splendors, and Roman ruins in Africa !
Compare
with the : 25 day edition including Alexandria
DAY
1 - CAIRO Sunday
Our representative greets you at the airport and whisks you to your
hotel. Visa fee is included and will be issued upon arrival at Cairo
Airport for : American, British, Canadian & Japanese citizens. You
are responsible for having your passport in order valid at least for
6 month beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo.
DAY
2 - CAIRO Monday (BL)
On your first full day in Egypt we show you the Egyptian Museum,
the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Citadel of Saladin,
and the Mohammed Ali Mosque, made of alabaster. Lunch is included
at a local restaurant
DAY
3 - ASWAN, Camel Caravan! Tuesday (BLD)
We fly to Aswan and board our Nile cruiser in time for a delicious
lunch. Complimentary welcome fruit basket awaits you in ear cabin. In
the afternoon we enjoy a leisurely sail by graceful felucca on the Nile.
Only for those who are interested: a short camel caravan & ride
for almost half an hour to visit a local Nubian Village.
DAY
4 - ASWAN & KOM OMBO Wed. (BLD)
First we tour new Nubian Museum then the awesome Aswan dams,
and next an ancient granite quarry complete with an unfinished obelisk.
Then we go by motor launch to the island temples of Philae. Re-embarking
on our Nile cruiser, we sail downstream to Kom Ombo to visit
its twin temples.
DAY
5 - EDFU & ESNA Thursday (BLD)
We moor in Edfu, climb aboard horse-drawn carriages, and clip-clop
through the town to the Temple of Horus, Egypt's best-preserved
temple. Re-embarking, we cruise to Esna and its great temple
dedicated to Khnum, the creator-god. Afternoon tea is served
on deck. Evening finds us in Luxor.
DAY
6 - LUXOR - The Workers Village , the first known workers strike in
history Friday (BLD)
We tour the magnificent tombs in the Valley of the Kings and
the great temple of Queen Hatshepsut, we stop at the Colossi of Memnon
before we l
continue on Luxor's west bank to get a totally different perspective
on ancient Egyptian life, at the ancient workers' settlement of Deir
el-Medinah.
While most of the imposing stone monuments and sites of Egypt honor
the lives and after-lives of royalty, Deir el-Medinah gives us unique
and surprising insights into the ordinary citizens who constructed and
decorated the tombs.
Here
we'll see the excavated homes shared by laborers with their domestic
animals. These quarters were surprisingly large, with three good-sized
rooms, courtyard, kitchen, and even storage cellars. While ancient Egypt
might not have been a workers' paradise, we'll see that artisans and
builders were highly regarded in their community. We are proud to be
the only operator to offer regular visits to this singular ancient settlement
in its tour and cruise programs.
Back
to your cruise in time for lunch. Afternoon tea is served on deck. The
gigantic Great Temple of Amon at Karnak, and the mighty Temple
of Luxor are our goals in the afternoon
DAY
7 - LUXOR & CAIRO Saturday (B)
Breakfast, check-out and a return flight to Cairo. In the afternoon,
wander through the city on your own, or do your last-minute shopping.
DAY 8 - TUNIS - Sunday (D)
Board your flight heading west for Tunis.
Our local staff will meet you upon arrival at Tunis Carthage International
Airport. You'll be assisted with the formalities, and escorted to the
fine Hotel El Hana International. There will be time to relax and recuperate
from your journey, and enjoy the excellent facilities. If you wish,
you can adventure into the center of Tunis to start your exploration
of the winding alleys of the souk, filled with treasures of beaten brass
and basketry and carpets, and merchants who will welcome you with traditional
mint tea. Dinner will be at your hotel.
DAY 9 - HAMMAMET, SOUSSE, MONASTIR,
EL DJEM, SFAX - Monday (BLD)
After a leisurely breakfast, we'll set off to explore! Our first stop
is Hammamet, a cosmopolitan port where sun-worshippers from all over
happily coexist with fishermen and traditional ways. We'll stop at the
port of El Kantaoui, and then proceed back into time to venerable Sousse,
once the Phoenician City called Hadrumatum. We'll stroll through the
medina, the old quarter, cooled by sea breezes, and visit the museum
as well as the Ribat, a stronghold of the warriors of Islam. Then we'll
continue to Monastir, where we'll stop for lunch, and visit its own
notable ribat, as well as the Bourguiba Mosque, dedicated to the hero
of Tunisia's independence. Lunch will be served at a comfortable four-star
hotel. In El Djem, we'll marvel at an ancient amphitheater, before continuing
to stop for the night in four-star lodgings in the bustling coastal
city of Sfax.
DAY 10 - SFAX, DJERBA, GABES, MATMATA
- Tuesday (BLD)
Our busy day starts with a drive to the coastal city of Gabes, a Roman
outpost of old and a traditional market center where, for centuries,
goods from across the sea and across the desert have changed hands.
We'll visit the oasis, where palm groves and gardens flourish. We'll
then cross to Djerba, an island where Ulysses once encountered the legendary
Lotus-Eaters. You'll have time to explore the old quarters, including
the synagogue of Hara Sghira, Hara Kebira with its modern Jewish community,
and Guellala, with its craft stalls, and to see the waterfront and fishing
fleet, and the lively town of Houmt Souk.
After a lunch stop, we'll cross back to the mainland. Our route takes
us through terrain of increasingly sparse grasses and shrubs, into the
desert to Matmata.
We'll stop to look in on a community of miniature underground houses,
where the earliest settlers sheltered from the extremes of the desert
above -- as do the Berbers of today. We'll settle in to comfortable
lodgings and dinner at a four-star hotel.
DAY 11 - MATMATA, KEBILI, DOUZ, TOZEUR - Wednesday (BLD)
We'll enjoy a full day of desert adventure, today.
First we'll visit the village of Kebili, largest of a cluster of oases,
islands of life in a harsh landscape, then proceed to Douz, fabled as
the Gateway to the Sahara. There, a special treats waits, the opportunity
to sample a caravan trek! This close encounter with a camel is entirely
at your option! Afterwards, we set off across the Chott El Djerid, a
great dry salt lake, for Tozeur. Here, we'll wonder at the ancient irrigation
works, and visit the zoo. Our lodgings for the next two nights will
be at the comfortable, four-star Hotel Ramla.
DAY 12 - TOZEUR, NEFTA - Thursday
(BLD)
We'll learn more about oases this morning. Despite the dryness of its
surface, great aquifers underlie the Sahara. Where they spill their
riches out in springs, they create the green havens of Tunisia's oases.
We'll see a dramatic example, as we explore the irrigated fields around
Tozeur and motor overland to the great palm groves at Nefta. Nefta is
also an important religious center, with notable mosques, and a town
of craftsmen, especially basket weavers. We'll return to Tozeur for
lunch at our hotel, after which you're free until dinner. You can choose
to enjoy the unique desert resort comforts at your hotel. Or, you might
decide to wander the streets of Tozeur, look in on daily life, admire
the classic North African houses built around patios on terraces above
a river fed by springs, and shop for baskets and capes of camel hair.
DAY 13 - TOZEUR, GAFSA, SBEITLA, KAIROUAN,
TUNIS - Friday (BLD)
We'll delve more into Tunisia's rich and varied past today, as we motor
overland through pleasant, rolling coastal lands. At Gafsa, we'll see
the Roman pools of Capsa, the ancient crossroads between desert oases
and the cultivated coastal lands. We'll wonder at the Roman ruins of
Suffetula, as well as the great mosque. Later in the day, we'll reach
Kairouan, an ancient, holy, and vibrant city noted for its historic
mosques and centers of learning. We'll lunch at the five-star Hotel
La Kasbah. Kairouan also is noted for its souk, and the crafting of
carpets and leather goods. Of course, there will be time to check out
these wares, before we depart to Tunis, where a night's rest and dinner
await us once again at the Hotel El Hana.
DAY 14 - TUNIS, CARTHAGE, SIDI BOU SAID
- Saturday (BLD)
On our last full day, we'll marvel at the ruins of Carthage, a true
metropolis of the ancient world, as evidenced by its theater, circus,
baths, port installations, and extensive urban plan. We'll lunch at
a fine local restaurant, then speed forward in time to the middle ages,
as we visit the picture-perfect Moorish village of Sidi Bou Said. With
its whitewashed walls and narrow laneways, it's the perfect setting
as we stop for traditional mint tea. Back in Tunis, we'll stop at the
Bardo Museum, to view the most extensive Roman mosaics in the world.
We'll then head for the Medina, the old quarter of the city, with its
warrens of shops filled with wares ranging from humdrum to exotic. After
a break to freshen up, we'll meet up at our hotel for our farewell dinner.
DAY 15 - Morocco - Sunday (B)
After breakfast, our local personnel will escort you to the international
airport, where you'll board your flight to Marrakech ( Via Casablanca).
Upon arrival we escort you to your hotel. Mint Tea & welcome local
pastries & fruit awaits you at your hotel room.
DAY 16 - MARRAKECH - Monday (B)
OWN ACTIVITIES. You design your own program.
There is much to see in this great city which Winston Churchill called
"the most beautiful place in the world at sunset." Grab your
guidebook and explore! The top sights include the stately Koutoubia
Minaret, the hidden tombs of the Saadian dynasty, the Menara
pavilion and gardens, the ruins of sprawling Badi Palace,
the Bahia Palace Museum, the Ben Yousef medersa, and the
Koubba (chapel) of el-Ba'adiyn. If you'd like an orientation
tour (optional at extra cost), just contact our local representative,
who will be happy to make your reservation.
DAY
17 - MARRAKECH - Home Hosted Dinner - Tuesday (BD)
Why not devote today to Marrakech's fabulous medieval souk (bazaar)?
Penetrating the labyrinthine souk, you'll see some of the age-old guilds
at work, including the dyers and tanners. Save an hour--and bring your
camera--for famous Djemaa el-Fna square with its fun circus atmosphere
of itinerant dancers, jugglers, acrobats, storytellers, soothsayers,
snake charmers, medicine men and public scribes. Find a cozy bistro
for lunch.
A
complimentary 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 Marrakech 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 dinner in a quiet restaurant with your travel companions, by letting
us know your preferences.
DAY
18 - MARRAKECH TO CASABLANCA BY TRAIN - Wednesday (B)
Today you board the Marrakech Express bound for Casablanca! (train
ticket/first class is included ,issued & delivered in Morocco).
Roll across the beautiful Moroccan countryside, admiring the towering
Atlas Mountains in the distance, and the timeless scenes of North
African village and town life right beside the rails. When you arrive
in Casablanca, our staff meets your train and embank on a panoramic
tour of the city including the great mosque of Hassan II before
escorting you to your hotel. Once you're settled in, take out your guidebook
and explore Morocco's commercial capital.
DAY 19 - CASABLANCA TO FEZ - Thursday
(B)
After breakfast, board your first-class train to Fez (train ticket
included) , another of Morocco's four royal cities. When you arrive
in Fez, our staff will escort you to your hotel, and the city is yours
to explore, guidebook in hand. The Lonely Planet guide includes all
the important things to see, and recommendations for restaurants in
all price ranges, so you'll never be at a loss for advice.
DAY
20 - FEZ - Friday (B)
Oldest of Morocco's four Imperial Cities, Fez is endlessly fascinating,
and today we have included in our rate a full day covering the
top sights include the medina (old city), the 15-century Borj
Nord Arms Museum, the gateway of the royal palace, the fortifications
of the Kasbah, the 9th-century Karaouine Mosque and University,
the medersas (theological seminaries) of Bou Inania and Attarine,
the shrine of the city's founder Moulay Idris II, the Nejjarine
Fountain, the monumental gateway of Bab Boujelloud, the old
harem gardens, Dar Batha Museum, and the artisans'
guilds in the souks.
DAY
21 - DEPARTURE - Saturday (B)
Our staff escorts you to the airport for your flight back homeward.
Sample Cabin
on the Ultra Deluxe Moon Goddess Nile Cruise
Rates per person in us $
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Deluxe* |
First Class
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|
In Triple occupancy |
US$3760
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US$3551
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|
In Double occupancy
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US$3863
|
US$3658
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|
In Single occupancy
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US$4370
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US$4040
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* Deluxe applies
to hotels in Egypt ,Morocco as well as in Tunis but 4 stars as well
as 3 stars in the smaller towns/cities outside of Tunis
Inclusions:
-
Round-trip transportation between airport and hotels .
- Air
fare Cairo/ Tunis/Marrakech. Tax included.
- Hotel
Accommodations as mentioned in itinerary, in comfortable three or
four-star (first-class) hotels, with private facilities.
- Five
days Nile Cruise including
all shore excursions and all meals.
- Meals
as indicated from preset menu (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner).
-
Guided sightseeing as indicated in air-conditioned coach, including
all admission fees.
Please note that in Tunisia, touring & guiding will be in French
and English
- One-way
first-class train transportation Marrakech-Casablanca and Casablanca-Fez,
or vice-versa.
- Lonely
Planet guidebook to Tunis, Morocco, Egypt .
- Egyptian
Visa fee , visa will be issued upon arrival at Cairo Airport for :
American, Australian, NZ, EU , Canadian & Japanese citizens. You
are responsible for having your passport in order valid at least for
6 month beyond the date of your arrival in Cairo.
- A
complimentary home hosted family dinner in Marrakech
- Bottled
water ( one per person) delivered to your cabin daily while you are
on board the Nile cruise.
- Tea
or coffee /bottled water with each meal while on board the Nile cruise.
Not
Included:
- International
air transportation from/to your home country
- Optional
excursions,
- Any
meal not specifically mentioned beverages, and personal expenses.
- Gratuities
for local personnel.
- Travel
insurance (please ask for the flyer).
-
Airport taxes.
Tunisia/Morocco/Egypt/ Nile
Cruise : 25 day edition including Alexandria
Jacquie
Kennedy & Abu Simbel Temples in Egypt :
All Americans alive during the 1960s remember President John F Kennedy
and First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy. Most Americans from that
time also remember Abu Simbel, the dramatic, ancient pharaonic temple
threatened by the rising waters blocked by the new Aswan High Dam.
It’s
worth remembering that it was Jacquie Kennedy who provided crucial
support for the mammoth rescue project. Without her help, Abu Simbel
might have been lost. Arrive early in Egypt, extend one day to be
able to see Abu Simbel .
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