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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!
*EgyptAir Flight Schedule from New York JFK to Cairo CAI: |
| MS 986 |
NOV 20 |
JFK/CAI |
6:30 PM |
12:20 PM +1 |
| MS 985 |
NOV 29 |
CAI/JFK |
10:15 AM |
3:15 PM |
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
& Casino (2 nights pre- and 2 nights post-cruise), plus 1 night
at the Iberotel in Aswan, 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.
(about $92.00)
NY Extensions to this Trip
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 $20 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.
Click here for more information on visas and passports, and to download visa kits.
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
Iberotel, Aswan
Iberotel Aswan has an excellent location with magnificent views of the Nile and is ideal for those fascinated by the marvels and mysteries of ancient Egypt. This five-star property lies in the heart of what was the ancient frontier of Pharaonic Egypt, from where the stones to build the Pyramids came. You can still see traces of these 3,000 year old quarries in the cliffs and by the roadsides today. It is here too that the Greek philosopher Eratosthenes used measurements to prove that the Earth was not flat. Hotel facilities include
an exquisite Nile Cafe overlooking the majestic Nile, a superb 7th floor panoramic a la carte restaurant
and bar, a pool, laundry service and a hair salon. Internet services, 24 hour reception and 24 hour room service facilities are provided for your convenience as well as ATM cash machines in the lobby. There’s even a cinema, theatre, bowling alley and a pub.
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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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 – 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, November 29 - Thursday, December 2
Includes: 3 nights hotel accommodations with breakfast, roundtrip airport to hotel transfers, and sightseeing as described.
Accommodations
Grand Hyatt Hotel, Amman 1
night
Grand Hyatt Amman Hotel is a 5 star
luxury hotel located in the diplomatic district Jabal Amman. Amman city centre is only two kilometres
away. Facilities at the Amman Hotel include a health centre, spa and a variety of specialty restaurants. Grand Hyatt Amman hotel in Jordan is just 30 minutes from Amman's airport, Queen Alia International Airport (AMIA).
 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.
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, November 29 to Friday, December 3
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.
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Trips designed by women for women