Wonders of Egypt

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip transfers to the Newark International Airport
• Roundtrip airfare - Newark International Airport to Cairo, Egypt
• Roundtrip transfers - airport/hotel
• Six night hotel accommodations
• Four nights aboard the Movenpik Royal Lily
• Sightseeing as stated in itinerary by luxury coach
• Services of a professional AAA Member Choice Vacations driver/guide
• Meals:10 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 7 Dinners
• All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
• Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager

Highlights

• Cairo
• Museum of Egyptian Antiquities 
• Luxor
• Temple of Karnak
• Valley of the Kings
• Deluxe 4-Night Nile River Cruise
• Queen Hatshepsut Temple
• Kom Ombo
• Aswan
• Philae Temple
• Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
• Giza
• Pyramids
• Sphinx

Itinerary

February 13, 2025: Overnight Flight to Egypt 

Motorcoach from Central PA to the Newark International Airport for an overnight flight to Cairo, Egypt.

February 14, 2025: Cairo, Egypt

Begin your journey in Cairo, a modern megalopolis with an intriguing past. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner at your hotel.  Hotel: Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino, Cairo (Dinner)

February 15, 2025: Cairo

Get a glimpse into ancient Egypt’s Pharaohs, power struggles, and dynasties during an introductory talk before navigating Cairo’s famous traffic on your way to the remarkable collections of the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities before returning to the hotel for an evening at leisure (Breakfast)

February 16, 2025: Cairo

The day is yours to experience the energy of Cairo’s buzzing streets. Wander a maze of stalls at the market, relax at a local café, or maybe even spend time in one of the city’s many museums. Perhaps you will join a full-day exploration of Alexandria, Egypt’s second-largest city. The 3.5-hour drive north takes you to the shores of the Mediterranean. Here you’ll discover Alexandria’s Hellenic roots and Greco-Roman architecture, set in unique harmony with the ultramodern facade of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Or you may choose to join a local guide for a tour of Sakkara and Djoser’s Step Pyramid. (Breakfast)

February 17, 2025: Cairo - Luxor - Board Cruise Ship

Depart your hotel before dawn (as early as 3:00am) for your flight to Luxor home to the expansive Karnak Temple. Wander through this 4,000-year-old complex of pylons and obelisks, often of near-mythic proportions. This afternoon, board your cruise ship for a voyage on the Nile River. Relax aboard, taking in the views from the sundeck. In the early evening, opt to join a visit to Luxor temple, all lit up and boasting fascinating plays of light and shadow, ending at a local café for a taste of mint tea before returning to the ship for a late dinner.  Ship: Movenpik Royal Lily (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

**There is limited space on each cabin category on the ship. All cabins and singles are on a first come first serve basis. There is no guarantee of a specific category type or cabin number.  Due to cabin configuration, triple and child accommodations are not available. 

February 18, 2025: Luxor - Valley of the Kings - Edfu

Venture thousands of years into the past. As the sun rises, cross the Nile for a day in ancient Thebes. Explore the Valley of the Kings,*** including the world-renowned tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI. Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut as well as the Colossi of Memnon before returning to the ship for a late lunch. This afternoon, take in the views of the fertile banks of the Nile as you sail down the river towards Edfu. Join a culinary demonstration and learn about the staples of Egyptian cuisine from your chef. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

***Visiting the Valley of the Kings requires walking on sand and mostly unpaved paths. In addition, visiting the tombs requires navigating through multiple steep staircases and/or ramps with limited help from handrails

February 19, 2025: Edfu - Kom Ombo - Aswan

Beat the heat with an early morning visit to the well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu. Peruse the endless carvings of scenes depicting the power and grandeur of the pharaohs. Later this morning, participate in an informative talk covering Egypt from past to present. After lunch, set sail for Kom Ombo and explore the unique double temple before continuing to Aswan, the Nubian City. This evening, dress up and join the fun during a traditional galabeya party after dinner on board. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

February 20, 2025: Aswan

Board a motorboat towards the sanctuary island dedicated to the goddess Isis. Philae Temple (UNESCO) is among the architectural wonders rescued from the rising waters of the Nile during the construction of the High Dam. Then, learn about Aswan’s ancient trade of granite extraction and carving techniques during a visit to an ancient quarry and its unfinished obelisk. The afternoon is yours to explore more of Aswan. Perhaps you’ll visit the fascinating artifacts at the Nubian Archeological Museum. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

February 21, 2025: Aswan - Disembark Cruise Ship

Disembark the ship this morning and sail to the lush oasis of Kitchener Island where you embark on a stroll through the botanical gardens. Aboard a felucca (wooden sailboat), take in the views of the tall sand dunes on the western shore of the Nile before arriving at your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps you’ll stroll along the Corniche, Aswan’s waterfront promenade before regrouping for dinner at your hotel. Hotel: Movenpick Resort, Aswan (Breakfast, Dinner)

February 22, 2025: Aswan - Fly to Cairo 

Pre sunrise, consider an optional tour to Abu Simbel (not included in the price of the tour)**** for a visit of the extraordinary temples of Ramses II, relocated here during the construction of the High Dam. If you’re not participating in the optional tour, you will transfer to the Aswan airport this morning for your return to Cairo. Walk along el-Moez Street, admiring the elegant Islamic architecture of Historic Cairo (UNESCO) and enjoy some free time to shop in the world-famous souk of Khan el Khalili. Peruse colorful trinkets, hand-painted crafts, polished pendants, and more Hotel: Intercontinental Citystars, Cairo (Breakfast)

****Due to flight schedules, the Abu Simbel option must be purchased at time of booking

February 23, 2025: Cairo & Giza

Fulfill a lifelong dream and head to nearby Giza (UNESCO). Embark on an in-depth visit to the Pyramids of Giza, one of the 7 ancient wonders of the world. Marvel at the iconic Great Sphinx, one of the world’s oldest and largest monuments. Then, it’s your choice! Meet with a local archeologist to learn about the most recent findings in Egyptology and how they influence the active digs on the Giza plateau -OR- channel your inner explorer and venture inside the largest Pyramid of Giza via the Robber’s Tunnel, winding through the inner chamber.**** Join your fellow travelers this evening for a farewell dinner at your hotel.(Breakfast, Lunch Dinner)

****Visiting the Great Pyramid of Pharaoh Cheops in Giza requires agility as you will have to climb up steep, narrow steps (approximately 1 - 1 1/2 feet tall) on the sides of the Pyramid without the help of handrails.  To access the inner chamber, you will need to crouch and at times crawl up the narrow shaft with minimal help of handrails.  This activity is not suitable for people suffering from claustrophobia.

February 24, 2025: Depart for USA

Your epic adventure comes to a close today.  Return home with a new understanding of this mythical land.  After breakfast, transfer to the Cairo International Airport for your flight home and transportation back to Central PA. (Breakfast)

Tour 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.  Your itinerary includes many activities that require walking on uneven terrain and sand. Visiting tombs, temples and pyramids requires climbing and descending steep staircases and/or ramps with limited help from handrails. Some of these visits may not be suitable for people suffering from claustrophobia. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean accessing locations that restrict motor coaches, especially in historic areas. This trip is not a fit for travelers who require mobility assistance devices. 

Hotels and itinerary are subject to change at any time without notification and/or compensation.  Museum visits and shopping may be affected by observances of religious or local holidays.

General Information

Travel Documents

An 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.  Passport numbers are required in advance.  Please provide your passport information at the time of booking.

An Egyptian visa is required for this tour and costs approximately 25 US Dollars (subject to change).  You must obtain your own visa upon your arrival in Egypt.  Visas can be obtained at the airport, and payment should be made in cash.  Rates are subject to change at any time based on governing authority.

Each guest is responsible for proper medical documentation and inoculations that may be required and/or recommended to participate on this tour.  Please see your Travel Advisor for additional information. 

The Egyptian Government charges a camera and/or video fee of approximately 18 US Dollars for taking photos inside inside any enclosed sites such as tombs.  Your Tour Manager can assist you with obtaining the necessary permission on site. There is an additional cost to enter special tombs and sites in the Valley of the Kings and at the Pyramids of Giza.  Entrance fees to many sites and to some special tombs/sites are covered in the price of the tour (King Tutankhamun and King Ramses VI tombs in the Valley of the Kings and to the Great Pyramid of Giza in Cairo) but other tombs/sites will be at your expense.  Rates are subject to change at any time based on governing authority.  Your Tour Manager will collect these fees at the beginning of the tour day and pay the government accordingly. 

As travel policies are rapidly changing as a result of COVID-19, final requirements will be communicated prior to departure. 

Payment

A deposit of $898 per person will confirm your reservation.  Final Payment is due to AAA by September 2, 2024.

Cancellation/Penalties

Deposit date to day of departure $25 per person, plus...

From August 14 - November 14, 2024                     $898 per person, plus any additional suppliers' fees
From November 15 - December 14, 2024               50% per person, plus any additional suppliers' fees
From December 15 2024 - January 13, 2025           85% per person, plus any additional suppliers' fees
After January 13, 2025                                              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 the names to the airline(s) 30 days prior to departure.  Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed.  Some flights may contain code share agreements.

For inter-flights between Luxor and Aswan, you should expect early morning departures from your hotel due to early morning flight schedules.  You should expect early morning departures on the days the Valley of the Kings and Pyramids of Giza are featured.

Insurance

For your protection, AAA recommends travel insurance.  Pre-existing 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 advisor.  AAA recommends Allianz.

Clothing/Climate

Temperatures in Egypt during this time average between the 60s and 70s with cooler mornings and evenings.  Pack for a variety of temperatures.  Most of the tour is casual, including aboard the cruise ship; however, in Egypt, people tend to dress up for dinner in the nicer restaurants.  Comfortable, yet sturdy walking shoes are recommended.  Be sure to bring plenty of sun protection including a hat and sunscreen. Linen fabric is recommended to stay cool. It is recommended to bring mosquito spray that contains up to 30 percent DEET. 

Baggage

One suitcase per person will be allowed.  You may also bring a carry-on 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 needed assistance.

GRP625

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