EGYPT DELUXE WITH NILE CRUISE

Of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, only one still exists today . . . the Pyramids. There they stand, just outside the enormity of Cairo, Africa’s largest city. And that is just the beginning of your incredible journey. A true crossroad of many ancient civilizations, Egypt is known today around the world as the land of the Sphinx and pyramids, and the cultural center of the Islamic world. On this tour, you will explore Egypt’s ancient temples, from the mysterious Sphinx to the inspiring Temple of Kom Ombo. Sail the Nile River on a 5-star deluxe “floating hotel”, visit the unforgettable Temple of Luxor and the treasure-filled tombs of the Valley of the Kings. Spend an afternoon at leisure in Cairo. Named the “Mother of the World” by its 16 million inhabitants, Cairo is a great city of contrasts: ancient and modern, and not to be missed!

Exclusively for Women

• Round-trip regularly scheduled air transportation on above Egypt Air flights from JFK to Cairo. Fuel surcharges included (valid at time of printing).
• Three additional flights within Egypt: roundtrip Aswan/Abu Simbel/Cairo and one-way Luxor/Cairo.
• Roundtrip Airport/Hotel/Ship transfers in Egypt based on the group air schedules.
• Hotel accommodations for 4 nights in Cairo at the 4-star Sonesta Cairo Hotel (2 nights pre- and 2 nights post-cruise), plus 1 night on Isis Island, including full breakfast daily, all taxes and service charges.
• Three-night Nile River cruise on the 5-star Monaco, featuring outside staterooms and lower bed(s).
• Eight Breakfasts, Four Lunches and Three Dinners (three meals daily aboard ship).
• All cruise tours led by experienced Egyptologists.
• Deluxe air-conditioned motor coach or private car transportation.
• Half-day Giza Pyramids and Sphinx tour, inlcuding the Sound & Light Show.
• Visit to the famed temples at Abu Simbel.

Not Included:

• Airport transportation outside of our main group transfer each way.
• Other meals – 4 lunches, 5 dinners and cocktails – and all Beverages aboard ship – water, coffee, soft drinks and cocktails are extra expense (refer to the codes B, L, D in the itinerary to see what’s included).
• Personal incidentals.
• Optional activities not included in the itinerary.
• Tips to the bus drivers and tour guides.
• U.S. Airport taxes, government fees and September 11th security fee.

Egypt Entry Requirements:

*** Valid passport required. U.S. citizens do not need Inoculations***
You must present a passport, valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay. Passports should be in good condition and not damaged in any way. On arrival in Cairo, you will be required to purchase an Egypt tourist Visa at the airport for $15 USD (bring exact change, cash only). A full passport page is needed. Anyone with prior Visa difficulties should obtain it prior to arrival.
A multiple-entry Egypt Visa is required if taking the Jordan extension ($15 USD/each entry/cash only. A Jordan Visa is required, and it can be obtained on arrival in Amman for $16.50 USD cash only. For citizens of other countries, please check your specific entry requirements.

Note on Luggage Restriction: Inter-Egypt flights have a luggage restriction of 44 lbs per person. The airline will impose a surcharge for exceeding this limit on each flight.

Our Accommodations

Sonesta Hotel & Casino, Cairo
Deluxe hotel with 257 rooms, located in Heliopolis. The hotel offers A/C rooms, TV, hair dryer, mini bar, bar & restaurant, outdoor pool, health club. Facilities include: 4 restaurants, lounge, night club, bar, Spa & fitness center, casino, and shops

Pyramisa Isis Island Hotel, Aswan
Exotic resort in the middle of the Nile on an island near the center of Aswan. 28 acres of landscaped gardens with magnificent views of the Nile, mountains and Aswan city. Pyramisa Resort is a few minutes sailing to Agha Khan Mausoleum and downtown shopping area. Facilities include: outdoor pool, 5 floors/5 lifts, Boutique, Golf, Gym, Large sized lobby, Laundry facilities, Porterage 24 hours, Room service 24 hours, Sauna, Shops, Tennis.

M/S Monaco
Built in Egypt in 2003, the Monaco is a modernly designed, comfortable 5-star deluxe Nile Cruise boat. Length: 236 ft -  Width: 74 ft - Height: 43 ft. Features: 5 Decks with 68 Cabins (22 m2), 65 Junior suites and 3 Presidential suites. Onboard Entertainment: Welcome drink (non-alcoholic), Belly dancer show, Gallabiya party (final night gala), nightly entertainment, one sitting restaurant (140 seats), International cuisine, Lounge and discotheque, Piano bar, Boutique and Gift shop, Beauty shop, Laundry service, Sundeck, Swimming pool, 2 Jacuzzis, Medical service, 24-hour cabin service, and Spa (gymnasium, massages, and sauna).

Note: In the event of a substitution, the ship will be similar or better, such as the M/S Mojito.

Day 1 – Saturday, January 23: Depart the USA on overnight flights to Cairo
Board your international flight to Cairo and begin your journey back in time to this charming, ancient land. If connecting to our flights, be sure to allow a minimum of 3 hours for check-in, both coming and going.

           
Day 2 – Sunday, January 24: Welcome to Egypt!
Arrival in the Land of the Pharaohs! In Cairo, you will be met by your Tour Host who will assist you in obtaining your Visa at the airport, and then transferring you to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure to rest. Then plan to meet up with other club members for an early dinner on your own, followed by our departure for the Evening Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids.

Day 3 – Monday, January 25: Cairo
After breakfast at the hotel, we visit the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities which includes the world’s largest collection of Pharaonic artifacts and the treasures of Tutankhamen’s tomb. Then drive to Old Cairo to visit Al Moallaka Church (Hanging Church) and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Following a stop for lunch, we do an afternoon visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza with an Egyptologist, near the ancient city of Memphis. The largest pyramid served as a tomb for the Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu. These three Pyramids are the last surviving of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. See the Sphinx, the best-known monument in the world, which dates back over 4,500 years to the Old Kingdom. On our return we stop at Khan El Khalili, the world’s largest 13th century covered oriental bazaar. Your evening is at leisure. (B, L)

Day 4 – Tuesday, January 26: Cairo / Abu Simbel, Aswan
This morning we return to the Cairo airport for your flight to Abu Simbel via Aswan. Here you will visit the famed temples of Ramses II. The first, and largest of the temples, is dedicated to the sun god Ra-Harakhte, while the second is dedicated to his favorite wife, Nefertari. When you arrive at Abu Simbel, a bus will drive you to the temple entrance where local Egyptologists will be available to give you a brief narrative history of the temples. Enjoy free time to explore and take photographs before returning to the airport for your flight to Aswan and our hotel on Isis Island. Your evening is at leisure. (B)

Day 5 – Wednesday, January 27: Aswan / Kom Ombo / Edfu

After breakfast, you will be transferred to board our Nile River Boat, your floating hotel for the next 4 nights. All meals are included during your Nile Cruise. All cabins are outside staterooms with luxury amenities. Today you will visit the High Dam, the Old Dam, the Granite Quarries with the Unfinished Obelisk and the Temple of Philae. After lunch, we sail to Kom Ombo to see the Ptolemaic Temple shared by the gods Sobek and Haroeis. The temples are divided by an imaginary line, each with its own chapel. Then we sail to Edfu. Note: Edfu stop is subject to river conditions. (B, L, D)

Day 6 – Thursday, January 28: Sailing the Nile - Edfu / Luxor

This morning we travel by horse-drawn carriage to one of the best-preserved major temples in Egypt, the 2,000-year-old Temple of Horus. This temple to the falcon-god is considered the best-preserved temple in Ancient Egypt, and the second largest after the Temple of Karnak. We sail to Esna, passing through Esna Lock, and continue sailing towards Luxor for the night. (B, L, D)

Day 7 – Friday, January 29: Sailing the Nile - Luxor

Today we visit the West Bank of the Nile to explore the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon. Back onboard the ship, your final evening includes a traditional Gallabiya party. This is a farewell gala where guests are encouraged to dress for fun, either in an Egyptian-style costume or to bring from home a few festive touches to add to their wardrobe. This is an enjoyable last night for all. (B, L, D)

Day 8 – Saturday, January 30: Luxor / Cairo

After breakfast, we visit Karnak and the Luxor Temples, in a centuries-old city of pylons, hypostyle halls, colossal statues, shrines and obelisks. Following disembarkation from the ship, you will be transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo. Your evening is at leisure. (B)

Day 9 – Sunday, January 31: Cairo
Today is at leisure to explore Cairo on your own, do some last minute shopping, or enjoy an optional day trip to Alexandria. (B)

Alexandria Tour – After an early breakfast, start your full day excursion to Alexandria via air-conditioned private vehicle. You will be accompanied by an English speaking Egyptologist. Visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shugafa and Qait Bay Fort. Stop for lunch and then proceed to the National Museum and the Alexandria Library “Bibliotheca Alexandrina”. Return to Cairo later in the day. Cost with Lunch is $159. Note: this tour requires a minimum of 2 persons.

Day 10 – Monday, February 1: Cairo / USA
After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

For those taking an extension, see following itineraries.

EXTENSION TO JORDAN

Monday, February 1 to Thursday, February 4
Add $800 Double / $1,400 Single Per Person

Includes: 3 nights hotel accommodations with breakfast, roundtrip airport to hotel transfers, and sightseeing as described.

Accommodations

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Petra – 1 night
Set against a breathtaking view of the Petra Mountains, the Crowne Plaza Petra facilities include a heated outdoor swimming pool and terrace bar, Jacuzzi, sauna and tennis court, 3 Restaurants, lobby bar, evening cocktail lounge with dance floor, and 2000 year old "Nabatean Tomb" Cave Bar.

Landmark Hotel, Amman – 1 night
The Land mark offers 260 of the largest rooms in Jordan with panoramic views of Amman. All rooms are fully equipped with a range of amenities including free internet access, LCD televisions, DVD players, and Nespresso coffee machines. The Fitness Club offers a wide range of fitness machines alongside a jacuzzi and sauna, as well as beauty and spa treatments. Guests who prefer outdoor activities can take advantage of the tennis court and running track. The hotel’s outdoor pool is a sanctuary surrounded by local citrus trees where guests can lounge on their choice of terrace.

Sonesta Hotel & Casino, Cairo – I night
 Upon return from Jordan, your last night is back in Cairo at the Sonesta Hotel.

Itinerary Highlights

The soul-stirring, rose-red city of Petra is a Jordanian national treasure and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Petra was an ancient Nabataean capital and was settled by these industrious Arab traders more than 2,000 years ago. Your tour includes a full day visit to the many sites, including Petra’s most impressive monument Al Khazneh (The Treasury), the curved Roman Theater (seating 3,000), the Courts, Qasr Bint Plantation, Temple of the Winged Lion and more. Horse carriage ride included. Drive to Jerash to visit its theaters, temples, churches, colonnaded streets, and Ajloun Castle.

EXTENSION TO JERUSALEM

Monday, February 1 to Friday, February 5
Add $1,600 Double / $2,400 Single Per Person

Includes: 4 nights hotel accommodations with breakfast, roundtrip airport to hotel transfers, and sightseeing as described.

Accommodations

Dan Panorama Hotel – 4 nights

Stay at the Dan Panorama Jerusalem and you are in a prime location in the heart of the capital. It’s a short stroll along historic landmarks to the ancient walls, holy sites and exotic markets of the Old City. Modern Jerusalem is on the doorstep and stores, business centers, theaters and museums are close by. With its dignified Jerusalem-stone exterior, welcoming ambiance, and excellent service, the Dan Panorama Jerusalem is a distinctive blend of attentive, caring hospitality with warm Israeli undertones. Facilities include: Concierge, Laundry & Dry Cleaning, Car Rental, Gift shop, Dikla Dairy Resturant - a la carte, Lobby Lounge areas, Bar and Espresso Bar, Roof-top swimming pool, New fitness room with modern equipment, Tennis, and Horseback riding.

Itinerary Highlights

Your guided visit includes: Walk the Jewish Quarter and the Western Wall. Tour Via Dolorosa and walk on the way of the cross to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Visit Bethlehem, the Dead Sea, Masada, Tiberias, Yardenit, Nazareth, and the Church of the Annunciation. Continue to Bait Shean to explore the ruins.

Suggestions on What to Pack for Egypt, Jordan and Jerusalem:  Sunscreen, insect repellant, sunglasses, rimmed hat, stomach medicine, comfortable walking shoes, dust mask and allergy medicine if needed for this type of environment, and rain jacket. Pack lightweight comfortable clothing, layered for temperatures ranging from mid 70s to high 90s. Ladies need a scarf for visiting  Mosques and any other holy places.  

*Itineraries subject to minor change. Should there be a change in hotel, one of equal or better quality will be substituted. Fuel surcharges are included in trip prices where airfare is part of the tour; however these charges are subject to change before ticketing. Not included: airport taxes, government fees and September 11th Security Fee. Prices are per person based on double occupancy.

The Women's Travel Club (USA), Inc.
Phone: 800-480-4448 . Fax: 1-360-935-5080
E-Mail: info@womenstravelclub.com

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The Club donates generously to women's and girls' charities