EGYPT PHOTO TOUR - SEPTEMBER 18- OCTOBER 4, 2010
WITH EMILY WILSON & JOHN GREENGO
ITINERARY
Day 0 – Saturday, September 18
Depart USA for Egypt
Day 1 – Sunday, September 19
Arrive Cairo International Airport. Group VIP meet & assist with visa and immigration. (You will need purchase Visa at Cairo airport and will be assited with this process as part of the tour’s group arrival package.) Group transfer to hotel. Cairo, Egypt, the Triumphant City, known officially as al-Qāhirah is one of the world's largest urban areas and offers travelers some of the world’s most spectacular historical sites to see. Overnight CAIRO
Day 2 - Monday, September 20
Early Breakfast at hotel, pack a few extra snacks, a full day ahead! We depart by 7:30am –we want to be among the first to see the sights. Which include several examples of different style pyramids, including the Mortuary complex of Sakkara. There will be the option of going inside one of today’s pyramids we visit. We also visit the new Imhotep Museum at Sakkara. Lunch stop at Andrea’s Restaurant, following which we visit the famous Giza Plateau with the Pyramid of Cheops Khufu) and Khafre (Chephren), plus the sphinx. Also included: visit of the Solar boat. The day concludes with a camel ride (for those who wish to participate) and a group photo by the pyramids. (Included).Dinner on own, overnight at the hotel Suggest early sleeping!
B, L CAIRO
Day 3 – Tuesday, September 21
A.M. guided tour of the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. This Museum was established in 1835, with current building built in 1900. There are over 120,000 items inside. Late lunch in the area (Hilton Food Court or similar). Evening at leisure, dinner on own. Pls make it an early night; tomorrow we fly very early am. B,L CAIRO
Day 4 – Wednesday, September 22
Early a.m.check out, we depart on the first flight to Abu Simbel. Abu Simbel is situated in southern Egypt on the Western bank of Lake Nasser. It is an archaeological site, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is comprised of two massive rock temples known as the Nubian Monuments. Optional: Attend the evening’s Sound & Light show. Overnight Abu Simbel. B, D
Day 5 – Thursday, September 23
Early rise, to catch the earliest possible glimpse of the sun’s rays enlightening Abu Simble’s great temples of Ramesses II, a self-dedicated shrine. Ramesses II chose this precise location because for only 2 dates a year (Spring/Fall,) the first rising rays of sun illuminate the innermost sanctuary walls, bringing to life the faces of four seated gods, one of which is Ramesses II himself! When Lake Nasser’s rising waters threatened the temple, it was meticulously disassembled stone-by-stone and exactly rebuilt in 1964 by an international team of experts under guidance of UNESCO. At completion of visit, board flight to Aswan, (considered Nubian) is an important marketplace at the end of the 40 day camel caravan from Sudan into Egypt. Check in to the hotel. Late afternoon you will visit the St.Simon Monastery by Camel ride; followed by the Nubian Village by motor boat. You will end your day tour by a visit to the Nubian Museum. Dinner at the hotel Overnight in Aswan B, D
Day 6 – Friday, September 24
Following a leisurely breakfast at hotel, check out and board your luxurious Nile cruise. This will be “home” for the next three nights. We visit Aswan’s granite quarries and see the 1,250-ton Unfinished Obelisk, This unfinished obelisk is the largest known ancient Obelisk; nearly one third larger than any Egyptian obelisk ever erected. It is an example of the outstanding stone masonry of the ancient Egyptians. Take a short motorboat ride to the exquisite Temple of Philae on the island of Agilika. The Philae Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Osiris, was a place of immense popularity, as pilgrims from all over the ancient world would flock to its spiritual immenseness. Overnight on board, sailing to Kom Ombo. B, L, D CRUISE
Day 7 – Saturday, September 25
Following our buffet breakfast, we depart via bus for the Kom Ombo’s temple. Kom Ombo was originally called Nubt, meaning City of Gold. It became a Greek settlement during the Greco-Roman Period. The town's location on the Nile gave it some control over trade routes from Nubia to the Nile Valley. Its main rise to prominence came with the erection of the temple in the 2nd century B.C. dedicated to the two gods Horus and Sobek, the falcon god of light and the crocodile god, respectively. Re-embark and set sail for Edfu. we tour the magnificent complex of the Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the god Horus, the falcon headed god; the second largest temple in Egypt, it houses the famous Nilometer, used to keep records of flood levels on the Nile. Following Edfu, we reboard and set sail for the Esna locks, which we hope we will pass during daylight hours for our viewing pleasure. Late arrival into Luxor where we overnight. Relax aboard! B, L, D CRUISE, LUXOR
Day 8 – Sunday, September 26
Early Breakfast, then depart crossing the Nile to the West Bank's Valley of the Kings, a vast city of the dead where magnificent tombs were carved into the desert rocks. Go into these tombs to see the hieroglyphs and paintings that cover their walls, as vivid as if they had been painted yesterday. In the Valley of the Kings we will see three tombs, and the King Tut Tomb, (if open; can be viewed for an optional fee (apprx $25). Explore the Valley of the Queens and the famed Colossi of Memnon, which, according to legend, used to make a strange "singing" noise at dawn. Visit the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, the most accomplished of Egypt's few female pharaohs.After lunch, explore the graceful Temple of Luxor, completed by Egypt's most renowned pharaoh, Ramses II. Walk along the avenue of sphinxes that once extended a hundred yards, connecting Luxor with the spectacular Temple of Karnak. Karnak was built by generations of pharaohs over a thousand-year period, each one attempting to leave his mark by outdoing his predecessor in scale. Karnak's Great Hypostyle Hall is certain to be a highlight of your family's visit. Considered to be one of the world's greatest architectural achievements, the hall was supported by magnificent sandstone columns with reliefs symbolizing the creation of the world; the columns still stand, occupying an area larger than Notre Dame Cathedral. On your way back you will enjoy with a carriage rid from the temple to the boat. Evening a farewell dinner on board. B, L, D CRUISE, LUXOR
Day 9 – Monday, September 27
Breakfast early followed by early morning visit Danderah Temple (1.15 hour) drive from Luxor. Afternoon check into Luxor hotel, relax as you wish. Optional evening visit Luxor Museum. B LUXOR
Day 10 – Tuesday, September 28
(Optional Hot air balloon ride in Luxor Apprx $150.00) Away from the crowds in the peaceful glow of dawn, your sunrise flight over Egypt's ancient monuments promises to be a highlight of your visit. The flights provides unbeatable views of the early-morning sun rising over the East Bank, illuminating the city of Luxor and surrounding mountains. To the east you can see Karnak Temple greeting the morning sun, while adjacent in the west there's the magnificent Hatshepsut Temple. You'll see the Colossi of Memnon rise from the crop fields and, winds permitting, fly over the Ramesseum for an unrivaled aerial view of the complex. In the distance, the hidden Valley of the Queens rests peacefully in the mountains.
Rest of day free for photography or relaxing. Luxor B LUXOR
Day 11 – Wednesday, September 29
Breakfast then depart Luxor in a.m. for Cairo. Please wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes as upon arrival to Cairo you will begin a tour of walking Historical Cairo. We’ll travel down to the Street of the Tentmakers, through the Bab El Zuwayla with its enormous gates to the medieval city of al-Qahira, the Fatimid city. We’ll lunch in a local restaurant, and after touring the medieval bazaar and finish up with coffee/tea and/or shisha at Fishawys. Late afternoon transfer to the hotel and Check in. Overnight in Cairo. Dinner (on own) B, L CAIRO
Day 12 – Thursday, September 30
After an early breakfast, we’re off to into the Sahara Desert, bound for Bahariya Oasis. Visit the Valley of Golden Mummies Museum, where a cache of gold encased mummies was discovered! Visit the temples of Amasis and Alexander the Great, as well as the tomb of Benantui. Overnight in Bahariya. Bahariya Oasis (B, D)
Day 13 – Friday, October 1
Today is a travel day for a Safari tour using 4x4 wheels to visit the White and Black Deserts, plus Mushroom Valley where we arrive in time for sunset over the extraordinary photo shots. Dinner at the hotel. Bahariya B D
Day 14 – Saturday, October2
Early morning departure from Bahariya , we drive back leisurely to Cairo, stopping for photographs along the way. Overnight in Cairo B
Day 15 – Friday, October 3
Leisurely Breakfast. Then we take the bus to wind our way up Moqqatam Mountain to see a 30,000 seat Coptic Church carved into the mountain noting its exquisite carvings around the outside. Then to the Association for the Protection of the Environment in “Garbage City” (http://www.ape.org.eg/cat.html) where we’ll see first hand the work of the men, women and children of this world famous recycling center. We will also have the chance to purchase their beautiful recycled paper products and woven cloth goods. The late afternoon or early evening will include a special event: private home hospitality or Felucca dinner. This is TBA based upon availability, weather and travelers departure times. B, D CAIRO
Day 16 – Friday, October 4
Breakfast at the hotel (for those not leaving on early am flights,) check out and group transfer to Cairo International Airport for departure flight to U.S. or other optional add-on destinations (Jordan).
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Trip price: $5595 per person
(Based on a Minimum group size-10 passengers, double occupancy.) *Note: Groups of less than 10 passengers will have a small group surcharge. I.E. Group size 8 pax double occupancy, add apprx $1000 per person. Groups small than 8 pax surcharge may vary.
INCLUDED:
Tour price based on a double occupancy and a minimum group size of 10 passengers. Single rooms have a single supplement. Single supplement is an add’l $ 1000.00 pp. Domestic Egypt airfare, Group transfers to and from airports, Airport taxes, English speaking tour guide. Escort: Emily M. Wilson. Photographic instructor: John Greengo. Local escort Barbara Fudge, as needed. Meals (no beverages) indicated on itinerary in bold (B-L-D), plus all meals on cruise (no beverages), all land transportation and entrance fees as indicated in bold. NOTE: All tips including porters, drivers, guides, and cruise boat have been included, except when you have meals on own.(Note: Should you feel the Egyptian guides and service people have been exceptional, you may tip additionally, as desired.)
NOT INCLUDED:
International airfares, visa costs, optional tours, Laundry, hotel incidentals such as movies, room service, all beverages including alcoholic beverages or Mini-bar, phone, fax, internet fees and excess baggage charges. Also not included: fees to bring photographic equipment into sites, museums or locations; travel insurance (It is highly recommend that you purchase travel/tour cancellation insurance!) extra costs due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control.
NOTE: Tour specifics, such as sequence of itinerary or daily events are approximate and subject to change, as local schedules change or the local guide or escort deems necessary. There can be additional costs increases and tour price variances caused by devaluation of USD$ values/exchanges. Further, tour prices are subject to Egyptian price increases, and not guaranteed until final payment is received, from entire group.
Deposits & Payments: $550.00 ASAP to reserve your place on this tour. All deposits are non-refundable. All payments must be made by cashier’s check, personal check, or credit card through the Art Wolfe website. Remainder of tour costs (i.e. final payment) DUE: June 15, 2010-, or before.
Cancellation Policy: In case of cancellation, the following penalties apply: (a) from 90 to 76 days prior to departure –30% of tour price (b) from 75 to 65 days prior — 75% (c) from 64days onward — no refund. All cancellations have to be in writing and valid as of the day of receipt in our office.
PLEASE advise any dietary restrictions, including diabetic or vegan. Remember, Egyptians often eat their lunch at 4pm and dinner after 9 pm. Always suggested that you take extra breakfast or snacks with you for later munching.
