Tour
Morocco , Tunis and Egypt
with Alexandria and
a Nile Cruise
A
True North African Adventure : All in 25 Days from the land of the Kasbah
to Chartage then on to the Nile Kingdom . We'll take you through Carthage,
capital of the legendary Hannibal, but there's much more to this tour.
You'll also Continue on across North Africa to Morocco. Marrakech, Fez
& Casablanca, visit ancient cities, desert oases, curious troglodyte
dwellings, Islamic Arabian splendors, a Roman amphitheater, a medieval
synagogue, and unspoiled beaches.
Compare with the 21 day version.
Combine
with 9 day version or combine
with Morocco.
DAY 1 - TUNIS - Sunday- Weekly - Year
Round (D)
Our local rep. 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 2 - 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 is included at a local hotel's restaurant.
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 3 - 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 4 - 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! ( Cost 10 Tunisian Dinars
).
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 Abou Nawas Tozeur , Ramla or similar .
DAY 5 - 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.
Dinner at te Dar Chariet .
DAY 6 - 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 or similar ) .
DAY 7 - 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 your dinner.
DAY 8 - 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
9 - 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
10 - MARRAKECH - Tuesday (B)
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, and perhaps an elegant restaurant for dinner--it's all up
to you.
DAY
11 - MARRAKECH - Wednesday (B)
Today you have another opportunity to exlpore Marrakech on your own
or join one of our locally arranged optional tours, take out your guidebook
and explore Morocco's former Imperial capital.
DAY
12 - 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
13 - 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
14 - CASABLANCA CAIRO- Saturday (BL)
"Getting there is half the fun!" We board the train for our return to
Casablanca, cruising through the lovely countryside past green
fields, fruit-laden orchards, traditional villages and modern towns,
with the lofty Atlas Mountains soaring in the distance. Our tour
escort points out interesting features, and fills us in on Moroccan
life and culture. After arriving in Casablanca, we visit the majestic
new Grand Mosque of King Hassan II, second only to the Great
Mosque at Mecca in size. We continue on a panoramic tour of the city
and its souks. After dinner, we drive to the airport for our Royal Air
Maroc night flight across North Africa to Egypt.
Day
15 - CAIRO Sunday (aB)
We
arrive in Cairo with the dawn,Complimentary visa issued upon arrival
at Cairo Airport, valid only for American & Japanese citizens. Passports
must be valid for 6 month at least at time of arrival.
We
drive through the awakening city to our hotel for breakfast and a bracing
cup of coffee or tea. Refreshed, we visit the Citadel of Saladin
and its Alabaster Mosque, enjoying spectacular views of the city below.
We descend from the Citadel into Khan el-Khalili, the bazaar
district, in search of Egyptian treasures. The rest of the day is yours:
find a little local restaurant for lunch,go museum-hopping, take a nap,
or stroll along the Nile, as you like.
DAY
16- CAIRO -Monday (cBL)
Today,
we'll explore the wonders of the Egyptian Museum, with its treasures
of the ancient pharaohs: mummies, statuary, precious stones and metals.
Travellers have long come to Cairo just to gaze on these sights, but
our day has just started. We'll motor to the edge of Cairo, to the mysterious
Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza. Then it's onward to the Citadel of
Saladin and the Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali. Lunch will be served
at a local restaurant.
DAY
17-Alexandria -Tuesday (cBL)
We
enjoy a very early breakfast, before we head fro Alexandrai around 8
AM, do not be late , we have a lot to cover. Private air conditioned
vehicle .
Full
day tour of the Greco Roman Museum, the Catacombs, the Roman Amphitheater,
Qayet Bey Fortress housing recovered items from the French Fleet &
Napoleons Flag Ship " L'Orient", sunk by the British &
Admiral Nelson, east of Alexandria.
In
Alexandria a brief stop at : Qayet Bey Fortress :
built on the same site of the ancient wonder of the world : the famous
Alexandria Light House. A brief stop at " El Selsela" the
site of the Underwater reserve where Cleopatra Place was discovered,
as well as Caesar Kiosk. Lunch at a local restaurant. Visit the Alexandria
Library before heading to Wadi El Natroun monastery almost midway to
Cairo , where early Coptic Christians retreated here to escape the Roman
persecution in the 4th century AD. The Egyptian Pope of Alexandria is
always chosen from the Monks of wadi El Natroun. Reach Cairo early evening
and your hotel.
Time
permitting we 'll visit the new museum in Alexandria , the building
was originally built in 1926 for the US consulate in Alexandria and
is a masterpiece in 1920's architecture & Mediterranean style buildings.
Octavious visiting Alexander the Great's Tomb in Alexandria just
after he defeated
Cleopatra & Marc Anthony. He left his coat as a token of respect
to Alexander the Great.
The search continues for Alexander the Great's Tomb.
DAY
18 - CAIRO - Wednesday (B)
You'll make your own program for today in Cairo. Perhaps you'll do some
shopping at the fabulous Khan El-Khalili bazaar, or return to the fabulous
Pyramids, or take an optional tour, or spend the day with new friends.
DAY 19-Cairo -Friday (cBD)
Today Cairo is yours to explore on your own, or just relax. In the evening,
it's all aboard! We'll settle you into your private wood-panelled sleeping
compartment on the train bound along the banks of the Nile. You'll enjoy
dinner on board , as the lights of villages reflect in the river.
DAY
20 -Nile Cruise /Camel Caravan-Saturday (cBLD)
After breakfast on board, the train arrives in Aswan, where we'll settle
you into your cabin on a Nile steamer. During the train ride, you will
have seen feluccas sailing the Nile. Now we'll experience Egypt at its
most authentic, as we sail in one of these graceful craft. Then, to
really immerse yourself, try your hand at camel riding! We'll take willing
passengers on a traditional caravan to enjoy tea with Nubian villagers.
Only Travel in Style affords this unique opportunity to meet and interact
with local people. We are proud to offer this insight into the Nubian
way of life.
DAY 21 - ASWAN, KOM OMBO - Sunday- (BLD)
After breakfast on board, 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 on
Lake Nasser to visit the Temples of Philae, rescued from rising waters.
Back aboard our cruiser, we'll sail northward down the Nile at a stately
pace, disembarking for a visit to Kom Ombo, the twin temple dedicated
to the crocodile river god, Sobek.
DAY 22 - EDFU, ESNA - Monday - (BLD)
Horse-drawn carriages or vans 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, and by evening, we'll be in fabled Luxor.
DAY 23 - LUXOR - Tuesday- (BLD)
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 24 - LUXOR , CAIRO Family Home Hosted Dinner - Wednesday-
(BD)
Check out from our cabins. We head back to the airport & the flight
back to Cairo and your hotel.
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 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 dinner in a quiet restaurant with your travel companions, by letting
us know your preferences.
DAY 25 - DEPARTURE FOR HOME - (B)
After breakfast, our staff will see you to the airport and assist
you with all the formalities before you board your flight for home.
You'll arrive the same day.
Bon Voyage!
Rates
per person in us $
| |
Deluxe* |
First Class
|
|
In Triple occupancy |
US$
5160 .
|
US$
4561 .
|
|
In Double occupancy |
US$
5198 .
|
US$
4598.
|
|
In Single occupancy |
US$
6170 .
|
US$
5140 .
|
*
Deluxe applies to hotels in Morocco and Egypt as well as in city of
Tunis but 4 stars as well as 3 stars in
the smaller towns/cities outside of Tunis.
Prices
include:
-
Round-trip transportation between airport and hotels.
- Air
fare Tunis/Marrakech/Cairo . Tax included.
- Hotel
Accommodations as mentioned in itinerary, in comfortable three or
five and four-star (first-class) hotels, with private facilities.
- Nile
cruise in Egypt as per itinerary including all meals and shore excurison.
With a complimentary welcome drink
- 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.
- First-class
train transportation in Morocco & Egypt as per itinerary .
- Domestic
air fare within Egypt
- Lonely
Planet guidebook to Egypt, Tunis, Morocco.
- 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.
- 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
-
Airport taxes.
The
Mediterranean resorts of Europe are wonderful, but they can be crowded
and expensive. So where do discerning Europeans go to find the perfect
laid-back, affordable Mediterranean vacation? Why, they go to Tunisia,
of course!
The
clear blue water, the shimmering sun, the white sand beaches are all
the same in Tunisia, the southern shore of the Mediterranean, just
across the sea from Sicily and Sardinia. The prices are lower, the
pace is more relaxed, and the cuisine and service in this former French
colony are French-inspired. (Everyone speaks French as well as Arabic,
and many people in hotels, restaurants and other tourist spots speak
some English, too.)
Tunisia's
history has always been linked to Europe's. Hannibal of Carthage crossed
from Tunisia to Europe with 30,000 men and a few dozen elephants and
humbled the Roman legions. Rome ultimately triumphed, however, and
Tunisia became the Roman province of Africa. Today the picturesque
ruins of great
Roman cities are spread throughout the Tunisian countryside.
Be
sure to see Tunisia's African side as well: its legacy of Umayyad,
Abbasid and Ottoman culture and cuisine, its picture-perfect desert
oases shaded by date palms, its markets filled with handicrafts and
exotic spices.
Want
a Mediterranean vacation like the Europeans
enjoy? Go to Tunisia!.
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