Splendors of Egypt & The Nile (Cairo to Cairo)

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip motorcoach transfers to and from a local international airport (will not be offered if group air is from Harrisburg International Airport)*
• Roundtrip airfare between a local international airport and Cairo, Egypt
• Roundtrip transfers - airport/hotel
• Four nights hotel accommodations
• 7 nights aboard the S.S. SPHINX®
• Services of an experienced Egyptologist & Cruise/Tour Manager
• Meals: 11 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
• All onboard meals and entertainment
• Unlimited beverages onboard, including house wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, tea and coffee with lunch and dinner
• Gratuities for onboard and onshore personnel 
• All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
• Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager

Highlights

• Egyptian Musuem
• Temple of Karnak
• Temple of Luxor
• Colossi of Memnon
• Queen Hatshepsut Temple
• Valley of the Kings
• Kom Ombo Temple
• Aswan
• Giza
• Ancient Memphis

Itinerary

Friday, October 11, 2024: Depart for Egypt

Transfer by motorcoach from Central PA to a local international airport for an overnight flight to Cairo, Egypt

Saturday, October 12, 2024: Arrive in Cairo, Egypt

Meet your Uniworld representative and transfer to your hotel to begin your journey in Egypt. Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza (or similar)

Sunday, October 13, 2024: Cairo - Luxor

The ancient quarter of Cairo is intense- the colors, the sounds, the density of people- and it's likely been this way for thousands of years. Your local expert will show you a 12-century citadel, the beautiful Alabaster Masque and an unsurpassed collection of priceless artifacts, including the treasures once buried with King Tutankhamen. (Breakfast)

Featured Excursion:
Citadel Of Salah al-Din, Alabaster Mosque and Egyptian Museum
Note: Photography of any kind is forbidden inside the museum, including digital cameras, cell phones and camcorders.

Monday, October 14, 2024: Cairo – Luxor (Embarkation) - Cruising the Nile River, Dendera

Take an early morning flight to Luxor. Prepare to be amazed at the legendary Temple of Karnak, an astounding site with gigantic columns, board avenues lined with stone sphinxes and halls of truly epic proportions. You will embark the magnificent S.S. Sphinx® in Luxor. This evening you will revel in a Welcome Reception and dinner onboard. Before dinner, representing different Egyptian districts, a local band of dancers will perform a Whirling Dervish show. (Breakfast, lunch, Dinner)

Note: Flights between Cairo and Luxor depart early in the morning to take advantage of favorable weather and traffic conditions.

Featured Excursion:
Temple at Karnak

Tuesday, October 15, 2024: Dendera, Cruising the Nile River – Luxor

Both the Temple of Karnak and the Tempe of Luxor stands on the site of ancient Thebes, the once flourishing capital of Egypt’s New Kingdom. It was built over hundreds of years and even in ruins it is still an extraordinary place. You will also visit the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to the goddess of love and beauty. You will then have free time before visiting the Temple of Luxor. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Featured Excursions:
Temple of Hathor
Temple of Luxor

Wednesday, October 16, 2024: Luxor – Kom Ombo

Today you will visit the gigantic twin statues known as the Colossi of Memnon. That is just the beginning, you will visit the temple of one of Egypt’s rare female pharaohs as well as the Valley of the Kings, used as a royal burial place for nearly 500 years and where the mummified remains of Tutankhamen are on display. You will return to the ship and set sail for Kom Ombo. After dinner onboard, guests will enjoy a Galabeya Party with music, dancing and singing by crew members. Guests are encouraged to bring their own Galabeya clothing. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Featured Excursion:
Colossi of Memnon, Hatshepsut Temple and Valley of the Kings

Thursday, October 17, 2024: Kom Ombo – Aswan

After visiting a temple dedicated to a crocodile god with 300 mummified crocs found in the local area, hop aboard a small boat for a bird watching excursion along the Nile. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Featured Excursions:
Kom Ombo Temple
Bird-watching boat ride

Friday, October 18, 2024: Aswan

Today will be filled with wonders from start to finish. You will visit a marvel of modern engineering – the Aswan High Dam – as well as the Unfinished Obelisk and the beautiful Philae Temple complex, which was moved from one island to another. You will then take a ride in a felucca – a traditional wind-powered Egyptian sailboat (weather conditions permitting). Later relax over an afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel, Aswan, a famous hotel depicted in Agatha Christie’s novel Death on the Nile. After dinner onboard, you will be treated to an enchanting Nubian show featuring traditionally attired performers, live music and dancing. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Note: Guests are welcome to climb around the Unfinished Obelisk, but please note the climb is physically demanding.

Featured Excursions:
Aswan High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk and Temple of Isis
Boat ride in traditional Nile River felucca and afternoon tea at Old Cataract Hotel Aswan

Saturday, October 19, 2024 – Aswan – Edfu

Spend the day at leisure and or join us for an optional excursion to see the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel (additional fee).
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Sunday, October 20, 2024 – Esna - Luxor

Today, you will learn how the Temple of Esna was buried under debris for many centuries and is one of the last great Egyptian temples ever built.  Your Egyptologist guide will share fascinating insights about the cultural site and show you the façade bearing the last know hieroglyphic inscriptions ever recorded in Egypt. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Featured Excursion:
Temple of Khnum

Monday, October 21, 2024: Luxor (Disembarkation) - Cairo

Disembark the ship in Luxor and transfer to the airport for your early morning return flight to Cairo, Check-in to your hotel where you will have time to relax before dinner. Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza or the Nile Ritz-Carlton or similar (Breakfast, Dinner)

Tuesday, October 22, 2024: Cairo

Today will be full of memories as we venture to Ancient Memphis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a number of amazing monuments to see- including the Great Sphinx. You will have a thrilling opportunity to view the pyramids from an-up close perspective, the only way to fully appreciate their remarkable size and grandeur. (Breakfast)

Featured Excursion:
Ancient Memphis sites, including the Pyramids of Giza with small pyramid entry, the Great Sphinx and Sakkara 

Wednesday, October 23, 2024: Depart for USA

After breakfast, transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home and transportation back to Central PA.
(Breakfast)

Ship schedule and order of sightseeing may change throughout the itinerary. Tour to port of destination by
motorcoach and substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to the impact of water levels,
closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors.

Hotels and itinerary are subject to change at any time without notification and/or compensation.

Activity Level 3: 

This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and
more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs, or on uneven walking
surfaces, should be expected. Visiting some locations require descending steep staircase and/or ramps with
limited help from handrails.

General Information

Travel Documents

Original, signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least one blank visa page for visa stamp(s) is required for this tour.

As of the writing of this brochure, an Egyptian Tourist Visa is required. An e-visa if offered by the Arab Republic of Egypt and can be requested online. Availability, pricing and processing time are subject to change. The cost of the visa is approximately $30 USD per person (subject to change) and should be requested at least 7 days prior to departure. Guest may also be able to obtain a visa at the Cairo Airport, however the fee is payable in USD cash only. Obtaining the required travel documentation is the sole responsibility of the guest. Please see your Travel Advisor for additional information and assistance. 

Payment

Deposit of 10% per person will confirm your reservation. Final payment is due to AAA by  May 31, 2024.
 

Cancellation/Penalities

Deposit date to day of departure: $25 per person, plus cancellation fees listed below
From Deposit date –June 13, 2024         $200 per person, plus any additional supplier’s fees
From June 14 – July 13, 2024                  20% of gross fare per person, plus any additional suppliers’ fees
From July 14 – August 12, 2024              35% of gross fare per person, plus any additional suppliers’ fees
From August 13 – September 11, 2024  50% of gross fare per person, plus any additional suppliers’ fees
After September 11, 2024                        NON-REFUNDABLE

* Airfare is non-refundable after final payment.

FLIGHT

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airline 30 days prior to departure. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Some flights schedules may contain code share agreements.

Your internal flights between Cairo and Luxor, you should expect early morning departures. 

INSURANCE

For your protection AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends Allianz.

CLOTHING/CLIMATE

Average temperatures in Egypt in October is in the 80s. Pack for a variety of temperatures. Casual clothes that can be layered work best. Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Be sure to bring a hat or scarf and plenty of sun protection. Dressing modestly is recommended as a show of respect for the culture and customs of the Egyptian people. In particular, women should ensure that shoulders are covered and legs are concealed at least to the knee on all shore excursions throughout this itinerary.

BAGGAGE

One suitcase per person will be allowed. You may also bring a small carry-on bag and a personal bag small enough to fit under your seat. Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by the airlines or airport.

TRAVEL ASSISTANCE

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing the needed assistance.

GRP2824

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