Our hotel is considered a city centre location within walking distance of some of Cairo's famous landmarks, including 1 km from the Egyptian Museum and close to the West Bank of the Nile.  It offers a restaurant, a bar/lounge, a coffee shop and room service. Also it has a pool, a health club, a spa tub, a sauna, steam room and offers a fitness facility, high-speed Internet access, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. There are 280 rooms and each room has individually controlled air conditioning, direct dial international telephone, satellite TV, and minibar.

 Day 3, Fri. Nov 5                    Cairo-Egyptian Museum, Pyramids & Sphinx  Tour             
Today we experience the fabulous Egyptian Museum, one of the most prominent in the world, offering remarkable insights into Egypt's ancient history from 5,000 years. The priceless antiquities include King Tut-Ankh-Amon's Treasures and it also includes the mummies of Egyptian pharoahs, sculptures and furniture.

After lunch, we proceed to Cheops' Pyramid and the Sphinx.  Built over 35 centuries ago, the towering pyramid stands majestically on a desert plateau with two smaller pyramids erected to preserve their bodies and treasures for the afterlife. In front of the pyramids lies the Sphinx and it is carved out of a single block of stone. This big cat-like sculpture has been seen by millions of visitors and is one of the most majestic.  It was named by the Greeks because of its physical similarity to a mythical creature with a lion's body and woman's head who devoured passers-by unable to answer her riddle. Carved out of a limestone in front of the Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx is 50 meters long and 22 meters high.

Your tour also includes the bazaars – bargains galore! (B,L)    

 Day 4, Sat. Nov 6                   Cairo//Abu Simbel//Aswan/Kom Ombo (Nile Cruise)          
Today we have an early (!) morning departure transfer to the airport for our flight to Abu Simbel which we have included in our tour package as it is one of the most recognized monuments of ancient Egypt- the site of the magnificent Temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari.  An engineering marvel in the 60’s, the great temple was moved up the hillside to save it from flooding by the waters of Lake Nasser when Aswan’s High Dam was built. 

Later, we return back to the airport for our flight to Aswan, Egypt's sunniest southern city and an ancient frontier town located about 81 miles south of Luxor and it has a distinctively African atmosphere.  Graced with the most perfect setting on the Nile, the pace of life is slow and relaxing as the Nile is at its most beautiful, flowing through amber desert and granite rocks, round emerald islands covered in palm groves and tropical plants.

On arrival in Aswan, we transfer to Presidential Cruise Ship, our floating hotel for the next 3 nights.

 We also visit Aswan’s High Dam, Philae Temple and the granite quarries today.  Aswan’s High Dam was one of the most important achievements of the last century in Egypt as it provides Egypt with water and electricity and secures the country from the risk of the destructive inundation of the River Nile.   As a result of its construction, Lake Nasser was made, and it extends between Egypt and Sudan – making it the worlds’ largest man-made lake.  Because the rising waters caused damage and loss of so many of the Nubian monuments, great efforts were made by the Egyptian Government, aided by UNESCO and other countries, to save the most important monuments.

Tonight we sail to Kom Ombo and enjoy our first dinner on board our cruise ship!  (B,L,D)

Our Cruise Line: Presidential Cruises (3 nights)
Presidential Nile Cruises offer the utmost in comfort, giving you the best possibility to enjoy and discover over 5,000 years of great civilization, the picturesque Egyptian country life, the calm and the grand beauty of the Nile. A modern style and a refined Old-World decoration of leather and wood invites a total relaxation during a voyage that remains the richest in unforgettable memories.

The twin-bed cabins offer quiet, pleasant, and spacious accommodations and each cabin is linked through the reception to international lines, has a 24 hr. "room service" and is equipped with two radio programs. For "night owls", a piano bar provides evening programs, and there is a TV lounge with video tapes and games are at your disposal.                                                                            

Day 5, Sun. Nov 7                   Kom Ombo/Edfu/Esna (Nile Cruise)                        
After breakfast on board, we have a morning visit to the Temple of Sobek with its beautiful murals and exceptional view of the River Nile.  The temple is unique because it is a double temple, dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god, and Horus the falcon-headed god. The two temples are combined in one with each side having its own gateways and chapels. Sobek is associated with the wicked god Seth, the enemy of Horus.  In the Horus myth the allies of Seth made their escape by changing themselves into crocodiles.

                On to Edfu, on the west bank of the River Nile between Esna and Aswan, to visit the Temple of Horus (237 B.C.), one of the most completely preserved in Egypt.

We sail to Esna for overnight.  Tonight, enjoy a very special costume party "native Egyptian and Pharaonic style."  Prizes are awarded for the winners, depending on their creativity and our group had a fun time with this last year! (B,L,D)                                        

 Day 6, Mon. Nov 8                 Esna/Luxor (Nile Cruise)                                                     
Sailing to Luxor, this afternoon we visit the fascinating Luxor and world famous Karnak Temples, a holy city of pylons, hypostyle halls, colossal statues, shrines and obelisks built over centuries.              

Luxor is a city in Upper (southern) Egypt and the capital of the Al Uqsur governorate with a population of about 200,000. It is the site of the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes and it is known as the "world's greatest open air museum" because the ruins of the temple complexes at Karnak and Luxor are within the modern city. The number and preservation of the monuments in the Luxor area are unlike anywhere else in the world.   Immediately opposite, across the Nile River, lie the monuments, temples and tombs on the West Bank Necropolis, which include the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens.

Overnight is on board our cruise ship in Luxor.  (B,L,D)                                                                                        

 Day 7, Tues. Nov 9                 Luxor/Hurghada                                                             
We disembark our cruise ship this morning be begin the next portion of our Egyptian journey!

We cross the Nile to Luxor's West Bank -- "Thebes."  Sightseeing includes the Valley of the Kings where some 64 of Egypt's Pharaohs had their palatial resting places hewed into the sheer rock; the Valley of the Queens, the still mind-boggling Deir el Bahari, an architectural tour de force built against the sheer Theban cliff range; and the colossi of Memnon.

We then depart by road to Hurghada, a popular Red Sea tourist resort city, for 3 nights of relaxation, fun and activities! This evening enjoy dinner with friends from the group and start exploring this active town. (B)

Our Hotel: Marriott Hurghada Beach Resort (3 nights)
Our hotel is located on the shore of the Red Sea with its own private beach and has many amenities that ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay. Safety measurements include electronic door lock, life safety systems, smoke detector and sprinklers.

Resort amenities include two swimming pools, disco, health club, two lighted tennis courts, and two air-conditioned squash courts. There is an Italian restaurant, patio cafe, pool bar/grill, a main restaurant, and room service 24 hours a day. All rooms feature high-speed Internet access, bottled water (fee), minibars, coffeemakers, irons/ ironing boards, hairdryers, bathroom amenities, safes, and individual climate control. All rooms and suites are overlooking the crystal blue water of the Red Sea.

 Hurghada, a popular Red Sea resort and tourist destination, is our home for 3 nights of relaxation, fun and activities! 

Day 8, Wed. Nov 10               Hurghada at Leisure                                                                              The entire day is at leisure to relax, explore, or partake in the many activities of this area. Your host will help coordinate activities together if you wish or the choice is yours of how you spend your day.  Enjoy!

Hurghada was founded in the early 20th century, and until a few years ago, remained a small fishing village. It has now gone on to become one of the foremost tourist resorts of the Red Sea coast.  Many activities are available from horse and camel riding, desert safaris and nearby antiquities attractions and it includes an international center for aquatic sports. If it takes place in or on the water you can do it here: windsurfing, sailing, deep-sea fishing, swimming, but, above all, snorkeling and diving (instructors and rentals are available at the dive centers). The unique underwater gardens offshore are some of the finest in the world, justifiably famous amongst divers. The warm waters here are ideal for many varieties of rare fish and coral reefs, which may also be observed through glass bottom boats. While in Hurghada, don't miss the museum and aquarium, with their complete collections of flora and fauna of the Red Sea. (B)

 Day 9, Thur. Nov 11              Hurghada at Leisure                                                                                After our breakfast the entire day is at leisure to do as much or as little as you want to with the group! Go snorkeling or perhaps take a day trip to Giftun Island for snorkeling and a fish barbecue, or view the Red Sea from a submarine! Day-trips or safaris to explore the Red Sea or mountains by camel or jeep are available-explore, shop, or relax, it’s your choice! (B)

Day 10, Fri. Nov 12                Fly Hurghada To Cairo                                                        
This morning we transfer to Hurghada Airport for our short flight to Cairo, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to the Safir El Dokki Hotel for our 2 night stay in Cairo. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in Cairo exploring! (B)                                

Day 11, Sat. Nov 13               Cairo-Old Cairo & Khan El Khalili Bazaar                        
After breakfast, we drive through Old Cairo to visit the ancient Ben Ezra Synagogue, Egypt's oldest synagogue; Al Moallaka Church, better known as the "Hanging Church", and the Abu Sergah Church dating back to the beginning of the 5th Century. Then proceed to the Citadel of Salah El Din. Built in 1183 AD, it houses many important monuments, including the great Mohammed Ali Mosque, constructed in 1830 AD. The tour also includes a visit to Khan El Khalili, one of Cairo’s most famous bazaars dating back to the late 14^th century. 

Tonight our group farewell dinner is at the famous and entertaining Le Pacha Floating restaurant and ….yes, it is time to think about heading home after our wonderful Egyptian vacation.  (B,L,D)

 Day 12, Sun. Nov 14               Depart Cairo                                                                  
Last minute good-byes to the group and new friends as you’re transferred (if you have purchased transfers) to Cairo International Airport in time for your departure flights home!    (B)

 
Egypt & The Nile…………you’ll love this trip!

 Some Interesting Facts Regarding Egypt:

OFFICIAL NAME: Arab Republic of Egypt         CAPITAL: Cairo - Pop: 15,892,400 (Metro Area), 7,937,700 (city proper)

POPULATION: 76,117,421 (July 2004)                AREA: 386,660 square miles           ELECTRICITY: 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz

LOCATION: In northern Africa; east of Libya, north of Sudan, west of the Red Sea, and south of the Mediterranean Sea

LANGUAGE: Arabic is the official language. English and French are widely spoken

RELIGION: Islam is the predominant religion. All types of Christianity are also represented

CURRENCY: The Egyptian Pound (L.E.) = 100 piastres (pt). Bank notes are issued in denominations of: 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 1. Piastres coins: 25, 10, 5. Local banks deal with foreign currency and travelers checks.

TIME: GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from May to September).  Egypt observes daylight saving time during the summer months.

HIGHEST MOUNTAIN: Mount Saint Catherine, 8,652 feet, LONGEST RIVER: Nile, world’s longest river, 4,160 miles; part crossing Egypt, from Sudan to Mediterranean, 650 miles, LARGEST LAKE: Lake Nasser (an artificial lake), about 2,300 square miles.

 Price—Early deposits are a must as this is one of our most popular trips & times to visit Egypt. 

$2199.00         Land/cruise, per person, double occupancy. (Includes 3 air flights within the itinerary & famous Abu Simbel!)

$  550.00         Want a room & cabin to yourself?  Add this price to above double rate. (Very limited availability!!!)

 Pre & Post Tour Hotel Prices per night: $80 per person based on double; $125 for a room to yourself (Includes room, breakfast & taxes). Transfers are $45 each way for non tour days.

 Air Flights  We can assist with air flights in and out of Cairo or you can check online for some great fares. Last year many flew on the same flight that we coordinated, so we’ll try and coordinate flights again.  

 Airport Transfers  Roundtrip airport transfers to/from the airport for your international flights on day of tour only-

$25 each way ($50 roundtrip).  We need your flight info for transfers!

 Travel Insurance is highly recommended and information is available on request. Please consider the purchase of travel insurance carefully as it is well worth it if you need it while traveling in Egypt.

 Price does not include items of a personal nature, airfare, airport transfers, passport or Egyptian visa, meals not specified in itinerary, tips to drivers, guides, and cruise ship personnel, and phone calls, etc.

 Passports are required for U.S. citizens to enter Egypt and your passport must not expire within 6 months after the trip date.  Non-U.S. citizens-check with your respective consulate for passport and visa requirements for your entry into Egypt.

A Visa is required for U.S. citizens to enter Egypt (and passport).  You can do this with an online visa service or obtain the visa at the Cairo airport. For U.S. citizens to obtain your visa at the Cairo airport-it is easy:  The visa is a stamp (like a postage stamp) that you buy (approx. $20-25 U.S.) from the visa office located right before the immigration booth at the Cairo airport. Stick the stamp on any empty page on your passport and go to the line to get your passport stamped by the immigration office.

 Health Requirements:  Currently there are no required immunizations/shots needed for this trip but you must check with your medical provider for any recommended immunizations or precautions for travel to Egypt.  You can also check the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/travel or call them at (404) 639-3534.

Activity Level: Please be aware this is an adventure and active trip; there will be a lot of walking, an early morning flight, convenience facilities not always at your level of expectation, and schedules that are regulated by the local tour operators/cruise lines and government so you need to be flexible and be able to accommodate to your wonderful surroundings easily.

 Fine Print—Egypt, Nile Cruise and Red Sea Adventure, November 3-14, 2010

Your payment for a reservation on this trip constitutes consent and acknowledgement of all the provisions in this Fine Print listed below and in the Singles Travel Company General Terms and Conditions.  Please make sure you read both of these important pieces of information and call us with any questions.  Any increase in the price of the tour by our tour operator due to fuel surcharges or further devaluation of the dollar, will be passed on to the traveler.  

Payments preferred by check or credit cards are accepted.  Make checks payable to Travel Advisors of Los Gatos.

Deposit of $200.00 is due with your reservation. Early deposits are a must! Final payment is due 75 days prior to departure.

Cancellation Fees and Refunds     All cancellations must be in writing.  You’ll receive a full refund of your deposit minus a $50 administrative fee if you cancel 91 days or more from the departure date of the trip.  No refunds at 90 days prior or within 90 days of departure date or on unused portions of the tour.  Cancellation fees also apply to additional accommodations reserved pre and post trip.  After airline tickets are issued, airline cancellations are per the airline’s policy.

Travel/Trip Cancellation insurance is highly recommended- consider the purchase it carefully as it covers a lot of important and unforeseeable issues that may arise before or during your trip-i.e. illness with you or a family member prior to or during your trip, lost luggage, medical problems that may arise on tour, and it includes important assistance while you are overseas.

Important Information from our Tour Operator:  Our local Egyptian tour operator staff will advise you of your daily activity schedule along with pick-up times. Internal air and cruise schedules are at the discretion of the airline and cruise line, and may be altered or changed. Be prepared for slight delays, changes (especially in regards to local flights), and traffic congestion. Refer to the Ship Lobby Bulletin Board for the final daily cruise itinerary schedule.