10 – Day TASTE  OF EGYPT

Join us for an adventure to ancient Egypt, as well as its modern enjoyments on a Nile River cruise for the ages. Arrive in Cairo, and explore the pyramids and Sphinx of Giza. See the Ramses II statue in Memphis and King Tut’s tomb in Cairo’s Egyptian Museum. (The Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza will replace Cairo’s Egyptian Museum for this itinerary.) In Old Cairo, see the Church of the Virgin Mary (also called the Hanging Church), built in the place where Mary and Jesus were said to find refuge during their flight to Egypt, and visit the Alabaster Mosque. These and more exciting discoveries are to be found as you see Egypt’s incredible monuments to pharaohs and gods of Egyptian history.

10 – Day TASTE OF EGYPT (2021) – Round-trip Cairo

Trip Details – Join us for an adventure to ancient Egypt, as well as its modern enjoyments on a Nile River cruise for the ages. Arrive in Cairo, and explore the pyramids and Sphinx of Giza. See the Ramses II statue in Memphis and King Tut’s tomb in Cairo’s Egyptian Museum. (The Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza will replace Cairo’s Egyptian Museum for this itinerary.) In Old Cairo, see the Church of the Virgin Mary (also called the Hanging Church), built in the place where Mary and Jesus were said to find refuge during their flight to Egypt, and visit the Alabaster Mosque. These and more exciting discoveries are to be found as you see Egypt’s incredible monuments to pharaohs and gods of Egyptian history.

Fly to Luxor to embark on your Nile River cruise. You’ll visit the Luxor Temple, Avenue of the Sphinxes, monument of Karnak, and the Temple of Amun-Ra before enjoying an onboard welcome reception on your ship. Visit the valley of Kings and Valley of Queens, where the pristine tomb of King Tut was found with undisturbed riches and splendor. This incredible cruise on the Nile River takes you to amazing ancient sites, including the twin temples at Kom Ombo, devoted to the crocodile god Sobek-Ra and the falcon god Horus. Ponder the magnitude of the task of building the pyramids with a visit to the granite quarries—where an unfinished obelisk still remains. Visit the Temple of Isis, then take a return flight to Cairo to wander the world’s largest open-air museum, and browse the bustling maze of the endless bazaar in Cairo’s medieval alleys. Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation tour in Cairo, expedition to the Egyptian pyramids, and a Nile River cruise you’ll never forget.  Start your vacation earlier or stay longer with several destination options.

CRUISE AT-A-GLANCE

Itinerary

Days 1, 2, & 3 – Cairo, Egypt:  Welcome to Egypt – Welcome to Cairo, “Mother of the World”

Cairo:  Desert Sands and Secrets of the Sphinx – Guided sightseeing, visit Ramses II, and Alabaster Sphinx in Memphis

CLASSIC – This morning take a close-up look at one of the World’s Seven Wonders and guardian of the great pyramids, the enigmatic Sphinx, and the Great Pyramid of Giza. Cheops, with an original height of 496 feet, is the most colossal pyramid ever built, and of course enjoy the visit to the newly discovered the Sun Boats.
CLASSIC – Drive to Sakkara, a vast desert necropolis built for kings and nobles, and its “Stairway to the Sky,” the oldest of all pyramids. Also admire the special tomb of Mary Loca and the Step Pyramid.
CLASSIC – Guided Excursion to the pyramids this evening features a Sound and Light Show complete with historical stories and secrets of the Sphinx.

Cairo:  Ancient Cairo, a Boy King, and the Christ Child – Visit the Hanging Church and Cairo’s oldest synagogue in Coptic Cairo; visit the Khan el-Kahlili souk

CLASSIC – Enjoy a guided visit to the now-famous Tahrir Square and visit the Egyptian Museum. Peruse King Tutankhamun’s fabulous treasures and many other priceless artifacts of ancient Egypt.
CLASSIC – Drive to walled city of Old Cairo, with Saladin’s 12th-century citadel, and the Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali.
CLASSIC – Drive to “Coptic Cairo” to see the Hanging Church where the Virgin Mary and Jesus sought refuge while in Egypt. Walk to see Cairo’s oldest Jewish synagogue, founded in the 9th century.

Day 4 – Cairo-Luxor (Embarkation):  Fly 300 miles up the Nile Valley to Luxor – The World’s Greatest Open-Air Museum – onboard welcome reception – embark on your Nile River cruise

CLASSIC – See the stunning monuments of Luxor and Karnak, ancient cities whose combined populations swelled to more than one million. Walk among the pillars of the colossal Temple of Amun Ra and along the Avenue of the Sphinxes for an experience you will treasure for a lifetime.

Consider an Optional Guided Excursion to enjoy the sound and light show in Karnak Temple.

Day 5 – Luxor-Edfu:  Royal Resting Places of Kings and Queens

CLASSIC – Venture to the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens on the west bank of the Nile where generations of pharaohs and nobles were entombed in cliffside crypts. See where 62 royal tombs have thus far been discovered, of which one was virtually intact—the splendid tomb of Tutankhamun discovered in 1922.
CLASSIC – Visit Deir El-Bahri, Queen Hatshepsut’s monumental rock temple. Stop for pictures at the two Colossi of Memnon guarding the valleys.

Enjoy a Galabya party on board as you overnight in EDFU

Days 6, 7, & 8 – Edfu-Kom Ombo-Aswan:   Egyptian Gods of the River and Sky

CLASSIC – This morning visit the Temple of Horus with its menacing black stone statue of the falcon god.
CLASSIC – Enjoy beautiful Kom Ombo for a short walk to its bluff-top twin temples. The right side is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek-Ra, the left side is dedicated to the falcon god Horus. Enjoy a leisurely sail to Aswan

DISCOVERY – Enjoy an exclusive lecture on this ancient civilization by your Egyptologist.

Aswan:  Temples from Above and Islands Below – Sail by felucca to Kitchener Island; visit the Botanical Gardens

Consider a Guided Optional Excursion with a flight over the huge-massive sandstone temples of Abu Simbel.

CLASSIC – Board a Felucca (traditional wooden sailing boat) and cross the blue waters of the Nile. En route, see the ancient water measurement system, “Nilometer,” on the Nile’s Elephantine Island. Visit Kitchener Island’s lush Botanical Gardens and the splendid Aga Khan Mausoleum on the left bank.

Join an Optional Excursion to the Sound and Light show in Philae Temple.

Tonight, enjoy live entertainment onboard.

Aswan (Disembarkation)-Cairo:  Work in Progress and the Goddess Isis

CLASSIC – Join a Guided Sightseeing Excursion at to explore the Granite Quarries that supplied ancient Egypt with its hard stones for the pyramids in Giza. See the famous unfinished obelisk, still remaining in the quarry.
CLASSIC – Visit the gigantic Aswan High Dam, completed in 1970. Board a motor launch to the island of Agilika between the two dams. Visit the Temple Of Isis, which was dismantled from the submerged island of Philae and reassembled here.

Board your flight back to Cairo later today, and consider attending an Optional Dinner Cruise on the Nile to celebrate your Egyptian adventure.

Day 9 & 10 – Cairo:  Amazing Palaces and Marketplace Mazes

CLASSIC – Enjoy a special tour of the world’s widest open-air museum to admire palaces and mosques. Browse the maze of shops in the vast labyrinths of the Khan al Khali Souk bazaar and Medieval alleyways.
CLASSIC – Take in a full view of Cairo from the Nile River—on board a traditional wooden sailing vessel.
CLASSIC – Discover Cairo by night on an orientation tour in the old city.

Cairo:  Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.  Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.  Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

SHIP DETAILS – THE MS FARAH

In Arabic, Farah means Happiness and Joy. In this spirit, you’ll sail on one of Egypt’s most elite ships on the Nile. Cruise in style and comfort, while enjoying the mysterious and magnificent sights and experiences only found in the Egyptian landscapes. The MS Farah ship offers 60 Deluxe Cabins and 2 Royal Suites that feature style and comfort with oversized windows that are virtually wall-sized. Avalon insists on the best view and the best crew to treat you like royalty while exploring the treasures of the pharaohs on this Nile River cruise! Exploring the Nile River is an elegant, first-class experience with a touch of mystery combined with an old world spirit of adventure, and state-of-the-art comfort, of course! This cruise carries you into the exotic world of pharaohs, explorers, and legends, while introducing you to locals who share the traditions of generations. Relax with the onboard features, and a caring crew who create an exceptional experience in comfort, customer service, and classic adventure.

STATEROOMS & SUITES – Amenities –

~~ Deluxe Stateroom – 239 sq. ft. – Includes:  LCD TV / Private safe box / Panoramic Window / Mini coffee bar / Internet / Hairdryer / Pillow menu Private Bathroom w/Tub / Individual A/C system

~~ Royal Suite – 430 sq. ft. – Includes:  LCD TV / Private safe box / Panoramic window / Mini Coffee bar / Pillow menu / Individual A/C system Private Bathroom w/Tub / Hairdryer / Internet

CAIRO HOTELS

MARRIOTT MENA HOUSE – First Class – 6 Pyramids Rd PO Box 12556, Giza, Cairo, Egypt

Deluxe – Marvel at the wondrous beauty of the ancient Pyramids from the magical setting of this luxurious 523-room hotel which is just a 5 minute drive away from the Giza Pyramid Complex and Great Sphinx. Originally a hunting lodge, this historic property has played host to Monarchs, dignitaries, and celebrities for over 130 years and its interiors of today reflect this rich history with original works of art and antiques. Upscale air-conditioned guestrooms offer a taste of modern luxury with indulgent bedding, marble bathrooms, coffee/tea making facilities, and in-room safes. There is a large outdoor swimming pool (heated during the winter months), a 24-hour gym, and a spa. Dining options include seven restaurants and bars offering everything from relaxed Italian cuisine to delicious oriental and Indian specialties. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout.

Hotel Amenities:  Gift Shop/ATM / Pool/Hot Tub / Spa/Beauty Salon / Currency Exchange / Free Internet/WIFI / Business Center / Laundry Fitness Room / Concierge Desk / Ice Machine / Restaurant/ Luggage Storage

Room Amenities:  Mini-bar w/Coffee Station / Alarm Clock / Local Newspaper / Disabled Access / Air Conditioning / Hair Dryer/Toiletries Wake-Up Calls / Room Service / Cable/Satellite/Pay-Per-View TV / Iron/Ironing Board / Phone w/Voicemail / Window Opens / In-Room Safe Non-smoking Rooms / Desk

HILTON HELIOPOLIS – First Class – El-Orouba Qism El-Nozha Cairo Gov, Cairo, Egypt

The Hilton Heliopolis is conveniently located in Heliopolis, a prestigious modern neighborhood that is home to diplomats and politicians. This 589-room resort style hotel has lush outdoor gardens and offers easy access to all of Cairo’s mysterious wonders and historical gems with free Wi-Fi available throughout the property. Spacious air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with an iron and ironing board, tea/coffee making facilities, and an in-room safe. Dining options are limitless with a choice of 18 different restaurants and bars serving cuisines from all corners of the world ranging from light snacks at the pool bar to Middle Eastern delicacies served with live entertainment. Leisure amenities include a wellness spa, beauty salon, two outdoor swimming pools (one heated), a fitness center, and outdoor tennis/squash courts.

Hotel Amenities:  Gift Shop/ATM / Pool/Hot Tub / Currency Exchange / Free Internet/WIFI / Laundry / Luggage Storage / Concierge Desk     Ice Machine / Restaurant / Business Center / Fitness Room / Spa/Beauty Salon

Room Amenities:  Alarm Clock / Wake-Up Calls / Cable/Satellite/Pay-Per-View TV / Phone w/Voice Mail / Air Conditioning / Disabled Access In-Room Safe / Mini-bar w/Coffee Station / Desk / Iron/Ironing Board / Window Opens / Non-smoking Rooms / Room Service / Local Newspaper Hair Dryer/Toiletries

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

No matter what you’re into: food, history, art, music, or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.  When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you’ll have in your destination, so you’ll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the absolute best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges from $50 to Over $150

LUXOR – TEMPLE OF KARNAK SOUND & LIGHT SPECTACULAR

Ancient Thebes comes to life in an unforgettable way as pharaohs rise to tell their stories and the pillars and statues of Karnak are transformed during a fantastic sound and light show.

Call TravelKatz to get on board this amazing Nile River Cruise.  Visit the inner-most exotic area of the world as you cruise this mighty river.  Continue visiting ports along the way.  352-277-7300 or [email protected] is how you contact us.  Do that now!  Don’t forget Travel Insurance!