May 21-June 6, 2007This tour is for both first-timers and second-timers to Egypt! All of the must-see sights, plus some additional new discoveries.
Monday May 21, 2007 Depart Canada Meet at the Ottawa Voyageur bus station to take the bus to Montreal 's Trudeau (formerly Dorval) airport to board your overnight transatlantic flight to Cairo . Tuesday May 22, 2007, Arrive in Cairo Arrive at your hotel in Cairo. Upon your arrival you will be greeted with a welcome drink and given an orientation of the property and its many lovely amenities. Take advantage of fun shopping, dining, and relaxing by the poolside. Those keen to get their first taste of Egyptian dance may choose to go on their own to visit the Parisianna Club, owned by Oriental dancer Lucy. Overnight in Cairo. [D] Wednesday May 23, 2007, Cairo Those who are still adjusting to the time change may choose to rest by the pool at your hotel and take in some of the Egyptian sun. You can start early to grab a taxi and enjoy a full day of free time to exploring Cairo on their own. Among the Cairo sites not to be missed is the Egyptian Museum, home to some of the most fascinating artifacts you will ever see. It is easy to spend the whole day at the museum or at other Cairo sites, so take your time to savour the experience. Others may choose to spend the day shopping at Khan El Khalili. Khan el Khalili is one of the earliest and greatest markets in the Middle East, built in the14th century AD and containing many stores that exhibit wonderful collections of jewelry, wooden products engraved with mother-of pearl, perfumes and many more exiting souvenirs. Practice your bargaining skills with your choice of the many costume suppliers that are located here (Mostafa Afifi, Mahmoud Gaffar, and Yasser to name a few). You can bring your custom orders to them, or buy some of the lovely treasures right off the rack. For those who are interested in making an appointment with some exclusive costume designers such as Pharonics, Madame Abla or Eman, you can visit later in the day (pre-booked appointments required). Costume shoppers should be prepared to spend several hours; this is a process that just cannot be rushed. At 18:30 we will be transferred for a Dinner cruise on the Nile (including 2-hour show). Cruise through the modern metropolis of Cairo while reflecting on the glorious civilization that flourished along the banks of this river 4,000 years ago. Overnight in Cairo. [B, D] Thursday May 24, 2007, Cairo/Aswan After breakfast, tour Old Cairo, including the Hanging church, Citadel of Saladin & Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali situated on a spur of the Muqattam Hills. Enjoy your afternoons at leisure for shopping or exploring before you transfer to the airport for your quick flight to Aswan . Dinner and overnight onboard luxury 5-star cruise ship in Aswan. [B, D] Friday May 25, 2007, Aswan For those are interested to add the special tour to Abu Simbel, (which is optional and must be booked in advance) you will depart this morning for your flight to Abu Simbel . This special tour takes you to one of the most spectacular monuments in Egyptian history. With its mighty statures of Ramses himself, the Great Temple of Ramses II is truly magnificent. Overlooking the expanse of Lake Nasser , it presents a truly unique example of the power and beauty of Egyptian culture. For those who do NOT take the tour to Abu Simbel, enjoy some leisure time onboard your cruise, or take in the sights of Aswan on your own. You'll enjoy lunch on board the ship as we set sail for Edfu where you will visit and visit the Temple of Edfu , dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. At every port, your Egyptologist guides will amaze you with their expertise and informative dialogue about the history of each magnificent site you will visit with them. You may like to visit El Souk this evening. Our special entertainment tonight is a Nubian dance show on the Corniche in Aswan. Overnight on board cruise ship in Aswan. [B, L, D] Saturday May 26, 2007, Aswan / Edfu Before lunch onboard, you may choose to take a dip in the ship's pool, or start early enjoying some free time exploring Aswan. Aswan is Egypt's southernmost city which has long been Egypt's gateway to Africa. It was a prosperous market city on the crossroads of the ancient caravan routes. Starting at 13:00 enjoy a guided tour of Aswan including Temple of Philae and the Unfinished Obelisk. Afterwards, you'll enjoy the unique experience of sailing in an Egyptian Felucca sailing boat on the Nile . Stop in at Garb Aswan to visit the Nubian villages for lunch and perhaps the unique experience of a camel ride. You'll float around Elephantine Island, pass lovely botanical gardens and have a fabulous view of the famous Agha Khan mausoleum, which is now a national monument. The famous Gawziyya Khariyya Maazin and her family of musicians will join you on your cruise and will be available for dance lessons and entertainment. Dinner and overnight onboard ship in Aswan. [B, L, D] Sunday May 27, 2007, Esna / Luxor After breakfast, visit temple dedicated to the god Khnum, "the Great Potter," creator of people, sculpting them from clay. Then, have a quick visit to the covered market, where one can purchase locally woven fabrics. Afterwards, board your ship to cross through the Lock of Esna which is a very interesting experience. Lunch onboard as we continue to Luxor this afternoon. Lunch onboard as we continue to Luxor this afternoon. In Luxor you will see the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El-Bahari, Valley of Kings, and Karnak & Luxor Temples. This evening, you can rest, or choose to explore the shopping and sights of Luxor with a Calesh (horse drawn carriage) ride. Overnight on board cruise ship in Luxor. [B, L, D] Monday May 28, 2007, Luxor / Safaga Transfer your baggage from the ship to the bus this morning before we visit the Temple of Dendera (depending on availability of tourist convoy - to be confirmed). Even though most of the monuments at this site were built during the Greek-Roman Period, the origins of the temple can be dated at least to the time of Pepi I of the 6th Dynasty. Within the complex walls can be found: the temple of the goddess Hathor, the goddess of love, music, wine and procreation; two birth houses; a Coptic Basilica; a sanatorium; a sacred lake, and a temple to Isis. In the afternoon, enjoy the scenery that passes by as your bus takes you to Safaga. We will visit Mons Claudianus is at the foot of Jebel Fatira and see what remains of the Roman Penal Colony, where Quartzy diorite (a high quality granite) was mined as building materials for the Roman Empire. Then, dip into the hot springs, which where used in a complex underground heating system for the sweating baths. Dinner and overnight in Safaga. [B, D] Tuesday May 29, 2007, Safaga Whole day at leisure exploring the town, resting on the pristine black sand beach, diving near the coral reefs, or bathing in the curative hot springs which make Safaga a famous healing destination. Dinner and evening entertainment at your hotel or on your own as you choose. Overnight at your hotel in Safaga. [B, D] Wednesday May 30, 2007, Safaga Day at leisure in Safaga. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Safaga. [B, D] Thursday May 31, 2007, Safaga Day at leisure in Safaga. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Safaga. [B, D] Friday June 1, 2007, Safaga / Zaafarana Get an early start this morning to transfer to Zaafarana. Free time on the Red Sea coast in Zaafarana. Dinner and overnight in Zaafarana. [B, D] Saturday June 2, 2007, Eastern Desert / Cairo An early start this morning to visit the Eastern Desert Monasteries. St. Anthony's in the Eastern Desert is significant as the world's oldest functioning monastery founded in honour of the Saint and is given credit for founding monasticism. Paul 's The Monastery of St. Paul (Deir Anba Bula) dates around the fifth century and has also been called the Monastery of the Tigers (Deir al-Numur), likeyl because of its location in the wilderness. Upon your evening arrival you will be transferred to your hotel in Cairo. This evening is at your leisure to relax or go out on your own to see a dance show. [B, D] Sunday June 3, 2007, Cairo A full day comprehensive tour begins at 08:30 after breakfast, when you'll board your luxury motor coach to begin a magical day starting with upon the Sphinx at Giza with its unsolved mysteries. Later on, you will stand in awe you discover the Pyramids at Giza, featuring the great pyramid of Cheops, perhaps the most famous of all Egyptian tourist sites, and the only remaining wonder of the ancient world. Tonight you may choose to visit one of Cairo's many clubs or hotels to see a dancer or just take in some of the Cairo nightlife. Overnight in Cairo [B, D] Monday June 4, 2007, Cairo (optional Alexandria excursion) After breakfast at 07:00, you may join the optional tour to Alexandria for $100 Cdn per person, including lunch. You'll board your luxury motor coach to begin a magical day. Today you'll stand in awe you look upon Alexandria, the second largest city in Egypt , Alexandria, known as The "Pearl of the Mediterranean", has an atmosphere that is more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern; its ambience and cultural heritage distance it from the rest of the country although it is actually only 225 km from Cairo. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria became the capital of Greco-Roman Egypt. Visit Fort Qaitbey (The Citadel of Qaitbey), explore the Alexandria National Museum and the Catacombs of Kom El Shugafa. After lunch, visit the Bibliotheca Alexandria, built on the believed site of the old Library of Alexandria, the worlds first library, before returning to Cairo in the early evening. For those NOT participating in the Alexandria option, enjoy the day at your leisure, perhaps grabbing a taxi to return to Khan El Khalili one last time, or visit some of the many shops near your hotel. Those who have fulfilled all their shopping need may instead choose to or just relax by the poolside at your hotel. Those hungry for more dancing may want to book a private dance class (arrange in advance) this afternoon with one of Cairo's many dance teachers. Overnight at hotel in Cairo. [B, D] Tuesday June 5, 2007, Cairo Shopaholics may wish to rush back on their own to Khan El Khalili for more souvenir hunting, picking up costume orders, or discovering the music shops of Mohamed Ali street. Or, you may choose to use the free time to explore more Cairo sights, return to the Egyptian museum, or just relax and take in a last bit of sun by the pool. Choose between the comfort of your hotel for dinner, or are free to discover one of Cairo's many restaurants for dinner tonight. In the evening you may choose between cramming in your last chance of Cairo nightlife, or pack your luggage and rest early; you fly home tomorrow. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Cairo. [B, D] Note: Those lucky travellers who are staying on for the extension will depart for Fayoum today! See the June 5-21 itinerary here! Wednesday June 6, 2007, Cairo-Home : This morning you will transfer to Cairo airport for final departure home. [B] The above itinerary includes:
Excluded:
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Site: Jocelyne Khan. Updated
02/17/2009
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