iExplore Egypt and Jordan Experience

Tour Description

Travelers have been marveling at Egypt's wondrous antiquities for thousands of years - even the ancient Greeks and Romans were awed by them. But today, a visit to Egypt is more than an immersion in past glories. The clamorous present is ever-present: Mud-brick villages sprout TV antennae, stone and glass high-rises tower over ancient monuments and pop music from boom boxes counterpoints the call to prayers.

Set on the ancient crossroads between Arabia and the Mediterranean Sea, Jordan is full of historic sites. Crusaders' forts along old trade routes and ancient cities carved from stone will captivate anyone in search of the past. And while the land might be ancient, Jordan's cities offer the modern conveniences that help make your trip to the past a little less demanding. When you tire of desert ardors, you can relax at a Dead Sea spa or go scuba diving in the Red Sea.

Itinerary

Day 01 - Arrive Cairo, Egypt

Arrive Cairo International Airport. Your local representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel for check-in and overnight.

Conrad Cairo is one of the latest additions to the City's fine collection of hotels. One of the first true five star hotels geared toward the distinguished international business and is considered as one of the best business hotels in the Middle East.

Conrad International Hotel

Day 02 - Cairo

Today you have a full day of touring. Meet your guide in the hotel lobby after breakfast.

Your Egyptologist will escort you on an unforgettable tour of the Great Pyramids of Giza. The only present-day survivors of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, they are among the world's greatest tourist attractions and never lose their ability to inspire and overwhelm visitors. Your tour today includes an opportunity to enter inside one of these fabulous monuments and explore the mysteries of its ancient past for yourself.

No trip to Egypt would be complete without a ride on a "ship of the desert" and so you will have an opportunity to mount your individual camel for a short ride across the sands of Giza to the Sphinx.

Enter the temple of the mysterious Sphinx, an ancient figure shrouded in legend and mystery. Your Egyptologist will enthrall you with the tales told of this fascinating figure.

Experience Egypt's long and rich history in the exciting double tour to the city of Memphis and the necropolis of Sakkara. At vast Sakkara, you will see the famous Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the first freestanding stone structure in the world. Your Egyptologist will guide you to some tombs belonging to the nobles of the past. They show the beauty and excellence of Ancient Egyptian art on their walls and give an insight in the daily life of Ancient Egypt.

At the site of Memphis, you will see the ancient capital that once stood as a flourishing metropolis during the time of the Pharaohs. Lush palm groves and bushes that isolate the site of the old city from modern civilization thickly surround the place.

Return to the hotel and enjoy the balance of your day at leisure.

Breakfast

Conrad International Hotel

 

Day 03 - Cairo- Abu Simbel- Aswan

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Abu Simbel via Aswan. Please note that all flights are subject to change.

Upon arrival in Abu Simbel, board a shuttle bus for short transfer to the temples of Ramses II and his queen Nefertari. Here you will enjoy a narrated tour of Abu Simbel. Abu Simbel is a temple built by Ramesses II (c.1279-1213 B.C.E.) in ancient Nubia, where he wished to demonstrate his power and his divine nature. Four colossal (65 feet/20 meters high) statues of him sit in pairs flanking the entrance. The head and torso of the statue to the left of the entrance fell during ancient times, probably the result of an earthquake.

Return to the airstrip and board your short flight to Aswan.

Upon arrival you will be taken to your Nile cruise boat. On board, you will be welcomed by the reception staff, which will offer you chilled fruit juice while assisting with your check-in.

Exact entertainment schedules during your cruise are adjusted according to the needs of each group and the exact sailing schedule of the boat and, therefore, the day of each feature is subject to change. However, every cruise on the Nile Adventurer will include:

· An authentic folkloric performance by a Nubian troupe.

· Live classical music during afternoon tea while in Luxor.

· A "Galabeyya party" with an opportunity for each guest to dress up in traditional Egyptian costume and dance to Arabic music.

Menus are changed on a seasonal basis to enable the chef to use the freshest ingredients at all times. However, the following is applicable to every cruise:

· Most meals are served in the restaurant. However, at least one barbecue lunch while sailing will be served on deck, weather permitting.

· Afternoon tea includes a range of teas and herbal infusions, fresh coffee and a selection of freshly baked, homemade cake, cookies and finger food

· Mineral water, tea and coffee are included with every meal.

This morning, your Egyptologist guide will escort you to visit the Aswan High Dam, Egypt's contemporary example of building on a monumental scale.

Next, take a short motorboat ride to visit the romantic and majestic Philae Temple on the Island of Agilka.

Continue on to the Granite Quarries, which supplied the ancient Egyptians with most of the hard stone used in pyramids and temples and still hold a huge unfinished obelisk.

When you return to your cruise, a relaxing afternoon tea will be served in the lounge.

Tonight your Boat Manager, who will introduce you to the boat staff and review on-board facilities and your cruise program for the next few days, will greet you. Complimentary Egyptian wine and local beer will be served, together with a selection of canapés followed by a gourmet dinner.

Overnight on board in Aswan.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

M/S Sun Ray or M/S Mirage 1 or M/S TiYi or M/S Royal Ruby

Day 04 - Aswan- Kom Ombo- Edfu- Esna

Enjoy the breakfast buffet on board, while you cruise to Kom Ombo.

Visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile-god Sobek. The temple stands at a bend in the Nile where in ancient times sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank.

Return to your boat for lunch on board, while you cruise to Edfu.

This afternoon, explore the largest and most completely preserved Pharaonic - albeit Greek-built - temple in Egypt, the extraordinary Temple of Horus at Edfu.

Afternoon tea will be served while you cruise to Esna.

Tonight's dinner on board will be an "Egyptian Night" costume party for all guests, with a chance to dress up in traditional Egyptian "galabeyyas". Dinner will be a lavish buffet of Egyptian specialties, followed by oriental music and dancing for everyone.

Overnight on board in Esna.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

M/S Sun Ray or M/S Mirage 1 or M/S TiYi or M/S Royal Ruby

Day 05 - Esna- Luxor

Set sail very early this morning for Luxor and enjoy the breakfast buffet along the way.

Visit to the West Bank of Luxor to explore the Valley of the Kings, a vast "City of the Dead" where magnificent tombs were carved into the desert rocks, decorated richly and filled with treasures for the afterlife by generations of Pharaohs. You will also have the chance to visit at least one tomb in the Valley of the Queens.

Rising out of the desert plain in a series of terraces is the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, ancient Egypt's only female Pharaoh. It merges with the sheer limestone cliffs that surround it, as if nature herself had built this extraordinary monument.

On the way back to the Nile River, your road passes by the famed Colossi of Memnon, known in Ancient Greek times for their haunting voices at dawn.

Return to the boat for lunch.

This afternoon your Egyptologist will guide you on a tour of the East Bank of Luxor, starting with the strikingly graceful Temple of Luxor dedicated to the god Amun.

Proceed to the Temple of Karnak, built over more than a thousand years by generations of Pharaohs. The great "Hypostyle Hall" is an incredible forest of giant pillars, covering an area larger than the whole of Notre Dame Cathedral.

Return to your cruise for afternoon tea on board.

Tonight's farewell dinner will be a formal gala dinner, with white-gloved waiters serving gourmet cuisine.

Overnight on board in Luxor.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

M/S Sun Ray or M/S Mirage 1 or M/S TiYi or M/S Royal Ruby

Day 06 - Luxor- Cairo

Enjoy a final breakfast onboard, followed by cruise disembarkation. You will then be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cairo.

Upon arrival in Cairo, you are met and transferred to your hotel for check-in and balance of your day at leisure.

Breakfast

Conrad International Hotel

 

Day 07 - Cairo

Your Egyptologist will escort you today on a fascinating tour of 7,000 years of Egyptian history with a visit to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. The museum houses the world's greatest collection of Ancient Egyptian artifacts, including 12 rooms filled with golden treasures from the world-famous tomb of the boy-king Tutankhamen.

Your Egyptologist will then guide you today round the highlights of Coptic Cairo. There you will find the remains of the old Fortress of Babylon, built at the time of the Romans in Egypt to protect the country from invading enemies.

The walls of the fortress enclose the Church of St. Sergius, which is built on a crypt considered to be one of the resting places of the Holy Family during their flight to Egypt 2,000 years ago. You will also see the "Hanging Church", supported by only one column, boasting incredible paintings inside.

Visit the Synagogue of Ben Ezra, from the time of the once thriving Jewish community in Egypt under the leadership of Rabbi Ben Ezra. Inside were discovered the so-called "Geniza Documents", which showed an unparalleled source of information about life of the Jews in Egypt's past.

You will also enter the Coptic Museum, which displays a wonderful collection of medieval statues, bells, bone carvings, frescoes, icons and colorful textiles.

Take a fascinating tour of Islamic Cairo, including the beautiful and graceful Mohamed Ali Mosque and the ancient Citadel; a spectacular medieval fortress perched on a hill above the city. Originally built by Salah El-Din in 1176 to fortify the city against the Crusaders, the Citadel was modified and enlarged over the centuries by subsequent rulers and today is a complex of three mosques and four museums.

Proceed to the fascinating Khan El-Khalili Bazaar - reputed to be the largest bazaar in the Middle East. Originally founded as a watering stop for caravanserai in the 14th century, the bazaar has now grown to vast proportions.

As you wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets you will find workshops and stalls selling all manner of things from woodwork, glassware and leather goods to perfumes, fabrics and Pharaonic curiosities.

Breakfast

Conrad International Hotel

 

Day 08 - Cairo- Amman, Jordan

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and then you will be transferred to Cairo International Airport to check-in for your flight (non included) to Amman, Jordan.

When you arrive at Queen Alia International Airport, a professional iExplore representative, who will assist you with visas, luggage, and customs, will welcome you.

Amman, known during antiquity as Philadelphia, is Jordan's capital and largest city with a population of 1,430,000, lays just a short drive from the Syrian and Israeli borders. It is about 45 miles/70 kilometers northeast of Jerusalem.

The area has been continuously inhabited since 6,000 BC, though few ancient buildings remain. This modern and bustling city was not much more than a village when it became the seat of government in the 1920s and since then it has grown dramatically.

Transfer to your hotel for check-in and enjoy the balance of your day at leisure.

Amman Marriott Hotel is a renowned five star hotel located in one of the capital's busiest centers, Shmeissani, with easy access to all historical sites and points of interest and a short distance of 30 minutes from Queen Alia International Airport.

Breakfast

Marriott Hotel Amman

 

Day 09 - Amman- Jerash- Amman

After breakfast, enjoy a full day sightseeing beginning with a city tour of Amman. Start the day by visiting the Citadel, the Archaeological Museum, the Roman Theater, the Folklore Museum, walk down town through the bazaars and the Gold market, then on to visit Darat al Funun.

Next, drive to Jerash where you will enjoy lunch at the Green Valley Restaurant.

After lunch visit the site of Jerash. Located north of Amman in the biblical land of Gilead lies this city sheltered in a fertile and well-watered valley. At its height, Jerash was home to over 25,000 people. Theaters and temples were continuously added as the city thrived under the Roman Empire. In 330 AD Emperor Constantine announced that Christianity would be the new religion of the Roman Empire's eastern half and Jerash fell into the newly formed Byzantine segment. A spate of building ensued, some temples were transformed to churches and many new churches were erected with mosaic floors similar to those found at Madaba. The massive ruins are spread over a large area divided and crisscrossed by colonnaded streets whose pavements still show the grooves of chariot wheels. The south theater, the biggest of Jerash three amphitheaters, is used for performances of international music and dance groups at the annual summer Jerash Festivals. The city is so well preserved that one feels it was just recently inhabited. A journey through Jerash brings history to life. Return to Amman for overnight.

Breakfast, Lunch

Marriott Hotel Amman

 

Day 10 - Amman- Petra

After breakfast, checkout of the hotel and then depart Amman for a full day excursion along the Kings' Highway and on to Petra for overnight.

Drive to Mount Nebo, the mountain where Moses was allowed to see the Holy Land... and not allowed to enter it. Nowadays the mountain is a memorial site. Here is the "Church of Moses", built by the first Christians. Ever since the first days of Christianity this mountain has been a holy place and a destination for pilgrimage. Like Moses, you can have a great view over Jordan, the Dead Sea and Israel. When the weather is clear, you should even be able to see Jerusalem, which is about 60 kilometers away.

Continue on to Madaba. South of Amman proudly stands the "City of Mosaics" Madaba, perched on an archaeological site with more than 4,000 years of history buried beneath it. The quality and quantity of mosaic flooring has made Madaba one of the most prominent cities in the world for mosaics. St. George's Church houses the world famous mosaic floor depicting a large mosaic map of Palestine. Centrally located on this mosaic floor is a detailed map of Jerusalem as it was during the sixth century AD. At the Church of the Apostles, at the southern entrance of the city, is a mosaic floor attributed to the craftsman Salamanios, depicting the sea, with the central figure of a woman encircled with a selection of creatures, vegetation and an inscription.

Enjoy lunch at Kings Castle Restaurant at Kerak, after a visit to the Crusaders Castle of Kerak.

Kerak lays 120 kilometers south of Amman and was the last stop on the Kings' Way to Petra. Already capital of the Moab reign, Kerak was chosen by the Crusaders to build their stronghold because it was built over a promontory overlooking 360° the valley, it was mid-way between Jerusalem and Shobak, another Crusader castle.

Built by Payen le Bouteiller starting from 1142, it could compete with Syria's Crac des Chevalier.

After Salah-Eddin conquered it, it was amply rebuilt and enlarged. A steep drop of the terrain naturally protects the south and north sides and a ditch surrounded the castle. Today's access is in the north wall. Living rooms, storage rooms, courts, stairs and turrets are still largely visible and give an idea of how mighty this fortification was in its heydays. Never inhabited by a court, but mainly a defensive stronghold, the different utilities are still clearly identifiable.

Proceed to Petra for hotel check-in and dinner this evening.

Overlooking the dramatic Petra valley, the Petra Marriott Hotel combines the warmest Arabian hospitality with the splendor of an ancient city carved into rose-red cliffs. The hotel is a haven for comfort and luxury. The spacious rooms, most of which have spectacular views of the valley, feature mini-bar, safe, hair dryer, individual climate control and satellite TV. There are several culinary choices.

At Dushara, start your day with an elaborate breakfast buffet or enjoy Middle Eastern specialties for lunch or dinner. Feast on homemade pizza and pasta at L'Affresco, the Italian restaurant.

For relaxation, the hotel offers many amenities. Swim in the outdoor pool and enjoy the breathtaking views. Rejuvenate your body during a Turkish bath, sauna or massage.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Marriott Hotel Petra

 

Day 11 - Petra- Amman

After breakfast, check out from hotel. Your luggage will be stored at your vehicle. Begin your full day tour of Petra.

Start the visit with a horse ride from the main gate of Petra to the entrance of the old city and then walk on foot along to visit the rose-red city of Petra.

Nabetean Arabs built the ancient city of Petra from 800 BC to 100 AD. In this era Petra was a fortress carved out of craggy rocks in an area, which was virtually inaccessible.

In the first and second century, after the Romans took over, the city reached the peak of its fame.

Petra covers an area of about 100 square kilometers, where over 800 monuments can be found. When shipping slowly displaced caravan routes, the city's importance gradually dwindled; it fell into disuse and was lost to the world until 1812, when it was re-discovered by the Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt. Nowadays Petra is Jordan's number one tourist attraction, known as the "rose-red city half as old as time". The Khazneh (the Treasury,) starred in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Enjoy a buffet lunch inside Petra at the Basin Restaurant.

Return to your vehicle and drive to Amman via the Desert Highway. Check-in to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure in Amman.

Breakfast, Lunch

Marriott Hotel Amman

Day 12 - Depart Amman

You will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight.

Breakfast

Departures

Depart any day! Contact an iExplore Adventure Consultant for details. Please note: this program is based around the Nile cruise from Aswan which departs on Friday, Monday or Wednesday each week.

Pricing Information

2011 Prices:

April 1 to 8; May 11 to June 10 and September 19 to October 31:

$3,695 per person double occupancy.

$3,400 per person double occupancy, based on four people traveling together.

$1,309 single room supplement.

April 9 to May 10:

$3,779 per person double occupancy.

$3,489 per person double occupancy, based on four people traveling together.

$1,389 single room supplement.

June 11 to September 18:

$3,629 per person double occupancy.

$3,339 per person double occupancy, based on four people traveling together.

$1,249 single room supplement.

Prices for your dates of travel may vary- please contact iExplore for an exact quote. Quoted prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of September, 2010. iExplore reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. iExplore is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any package.

Egypt Inclusions:

· Meet & Greet services at the Cairo International Airport with assistance at Passport Control

· Four nights at the Conrad International Hotel in a standard Nile view room based on bed & buffet breakfast and taxes

· Three night cruise on full board basis including all sightseeing as per cruise program

· Meals as indicated

· All excursions mentioned in the program including entrance fees.

· Domestic flights Cairo/Abu Simbel/Aswan and Luxor/Cairo.

· All sightseeing tours in Luxor and Aswan as per the itinerary.

· Professional English-speaking Egyptologist

Jordan Inclusions:

· Meeting and assistance at airport upon arrival, and assistance at airport upon departure

· 4 nights accommodation at Marriott Hotels in a standard room on a bed and breakfast basis

· All transfers and excursions in private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver

· Mineral water on board the vehicle at all times and during tours

· English-speaking guide for sightseeing as indicated

· Meals as indicated (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

· Entrance fees to sights indicated

· Jordan's airport departure tax (currently US$7.50 per person)

· Short horse ride at Petra during the first visit of the site

· Porterage at airports and hotels

Exclusions:

· All international airfare, airport departure and taxes

· Entry visa to Egypt (currently US$ 17.00 per person)

· Entry visa to Jordan (currently US$15.00 per person)

· Items of a personal nature, any item not specified in the inclusions

· Any transfers not mentioned in the attached detailed itinerary

· Any sightseeing not mentioned in the attached detailed itinerary

· Travel Insurance

· Gratuities

· Holiday surcharges

· Horse carriage in Petra

All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.

Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.

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