THE TREASURES OF EGYPT

Departures

Our journey to Egypt, the Land of the Pyramids, the Sphinx and of the Pharaohs, will carry us back in time to a 5,000 year old civilization. The Nile, the world's longest river, forms the backbone of this ancient culture and it is around the Nile that most of our journey evolves, from the magnificent museums and monuments of Cairo, to Thebes and the Valley of the Kings and on to the massive temples of Abu Simbel.
Three certain highlights of this exceptional itinerary will be our three night cruise from Aswan to Luxor on the deluxe Royal Viking, one of the finest ships sailing the Nile, staying in the truly classical hotels in Aswan and Luxor and our excursion into the vast Sinai, following, as it were, in the steps of Moses and the twelve tribes of Israel, to the base of Mt Sinai, the traditional site at which Moses saw the Burning Bush and received the Ten Commandments.
To ensure the best possible service and highest quality on this adventure, we will stay in deluxe five star properties (except in the Sinai where we use the best available hostel). Our national guide and our other Egyptian hosts, with whom we have worked for many years, will ensure that you have the best care in the world. On this journey, you will experience the best that Egypt has to offer.

Don't miss this exceptional travel opportunity - call us today to reserve your places!

Itinerary

February 15, Monday: Depart CANADA
Tour members from across Canada gather in Toronto for the overnight flights to Cairo.

February 16, Tuesday: CAIRO
Arriving Cairo in the afternoon, we are met and transfer to the deluxe Ramses Hilton Hotel, our home for the first two nights. Our hotel is ideally located on the banks of the River Nile and within easy reach of famous Cairo attractions. We gather for a light dinner before retiring.
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February 17, Wednesday: CAIRO
Our full day is spent exploring the wonders of ancient Egypt. First stop is Memphis, Egypt's first capital, with its huge statue of Ramses II. We continue to Sakkara where we will find the Step Pyramids, built in 2650 BC. Following lunch at the Oberoi Mena House, we admire Cheop's Great Pyramid, built some 4,000 years ago. Covering 13 acres, it is constructed of limestone and granite from Aswan's quarries. All members can enjoy a camel ride across the desert before we visit the enigmatic Sphinx.
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February 18, Thursday: ABU SIMBEL / ASWAN
Early this morning we fly to Aswan and continue to the colossal temples of Abu Simbel, dedicated to Ramses II. Originally built in 1200 BC, the massive temples were moved to their present site during the construction of the High Dam. Returning to Aswan, transfer to the deluxe Movenpick Elephantine Island Resort, ideally situated on an island in the heart of the Nile. This afternoon we will visit the Nubian Museum, deemed to be one of the most important Egyptian museums.Balance of the afternoon is free.
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February 19, Friday: ASWAN / NILE CRUISE
This morning we visit the High Dam, pride of modern Egypt, Lake Nasser, and the granite quarries where we see the gigantic Unfinished Obelisk. A short motorboat trip brings us to the Temple of Philae. After embarking on our deluxe riverboat, the Royal Viking, we enjoy lunch, followed by an afternoon felucca sail around Kitchener Island. This evening, enjoy dinner and a Nubian folkloric show.
[BLD]

February 20, Saturday: KOM OMBO / EDFU
This morning we sail to Kom Ombo where we visit the Temple of Sobek, the crocodile god and Haroeris, the winged god. This afternoon we cruise to Edfu, enjoying afternoon tea. We then visit the Temple of Horus, an imposing structure built in 237 BC with fine presentations of history laid out in relief along its walls. This evening, enjoy the Captain’s welcome reception and dinner, followed by the lively Galabeya (costume) party.
[BLD]

February 21, Sunday: EDFU / LUXOR
Following some free time in Edfu, we continue to Luxor where we will visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak with their massive courtyards, rows of immense columns and marvellous obelisks of the ancient Pharaohs. Our final evening on board will be highlighted by a special dinner and a Belly Dance Show.
[BLD]

February 22, Monday: LUXOR
This morning we disembark our ship and spend the day in the world’s greatest open-air museum filled with awe-inspiring monuments wherever we turn. Our day spans over 2,000 years of ancient history as we follow the path of the Pharaohs into the Valley of the Kings, the Necropolis of Thebes. Visit the Tomb of Ramses VI, one of the best preserved in all of Egypt, and that of Ramses III, with its fine paintings. Admire the Colossi of Memnon, the restored Temple of Hatschepsut and the Valley of the Queens. This afternoon and evening, enjoy the palatial surroundings of the beautiful Luxor Hilton Hotel, set on the shores of the Nile surrounded by gardens.
[BD]

February 23, Tuesday: LUXOR / ST CATHERINES
This morning, we transfer to the airport and fly into the heart of the Sinai, landing close to Moses Mount. On arrival we transfer to the first class St Catherine’s Monastery Hostel, while moderate by the standards of this tour it offers by far the best accommodations in the region. Those wishing to make the very difficult climb up Mt Sinai can take an optional overnight excursion departing the hotel late this evening.
[BLD]

February 24, Wednesday: ST CATHERINES / CAIRO
Located at the base of Mt Sinai (Moses Mount) and guarding its approach, the ancient fortified Monastery of St Catherines was built in the 6th century by Emperor Justin. The monastery, built on the traditional site of the Burning Bush and marking the location where Moses received the Ten Commandments, has sheltered Christian pilgrims throughout its long history. Those who take the optional climb will join us on arrival. We will see the main chapel with its mosaics and icons and other areas that may be available to us. Following our visit we board our private coach for the drive across the desert and the Suez Canal that will take us back to Cairo. Our final three nights will be spent at the deluxe Conrad Hilton Hotel, located in the heart of the city by the Nile River.
[BLD]

February 25, Thursday: CAIRO
Explore the museums and churches of the Christian Quarter of Old Cairo this morning. See the relics of early Christianity found at the Coptic Museum, visit Abu Serga Church where Jesus, Joseph and Mary are believed to have stayed, and the El Mouallaga Church, built during the 1st century AD. We shall also hunt for bargains in the amazing bazaars of Khan el Khalili, a maze of shops in which we can discover everything that Egypt has to offer. This evening we will be taken to the Oberoi Kandahar Restaurant for our Farewell Dinner.
[BD]

February 26, Friday: CAIRO
The morning is devoted to visiting the extensive Egyptian Museum, housing the world's greatest collection of antiquities from the time of the Pharaohs. Later we will continue our exploration, seeing Saladin’s 12th century Citadel, the City of the Dead and the striking Alabaster Mosque. Balance of the afternoon is at leisure.
[BD]

February 27, Saturday: Return to CANADA
Our journey to the Land of the Pharaohs draws to a close as we board our very early morning flights bound for Canada.
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------- OPTIONAL POST-TOUR EXTENSION: JORDAN --------
February 27 - March 4, 2010 : Members can extend their tour with a side trip to Jordan. Click here for details.

OUR RIVER BOAT

° Our Nile voyage will be on the deluxe Royal Viking, one of the newest and most elegant river boats in Egypt. Fully air conditioned throughout, our floating resort features a spacious single seating dining room, large lounge and a top deck that features an open sitting area, a snack bar and a small swimming pool. There are just 65 spacious outside cabins (24 sq. meters), each with twin beds, private bathroom with shower, colour TV with in-room movies and picture window viewing of life along the Nile. During the cruise, all meals, gratuities and shore excursions are included.

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Tour Costs (CDN$/person)

Prices from other cities are available on request.

Prices are based on airfares, taxes, fees and exchange rates effective May 2009 and are subject to change. Tour price is based on sharing twin-bedded rooms and a minimum of 20 participants.

CT Rating FOUR: Egypt while one of the world¡¦s oldest tourist destination can prove difficult for both seasoned and novice travellers. Visitors must be prepared for considerable walking over rough surfaces, difficult local environment, extreme temperatures (hot & cold) and culture shock during this tour. Members must also take extra precautions with their diets (both food and drink) while travelling in Egypt.

Your tour price and deposit includes the cost of comprehensive insurance ($195 - 285 pp) for passengers under 86 years of age at time of travel. Cancellations of any booking prior to November 16, 2009 will be subject to an Administration Fee of $50pp ¡V this fee will not be covered by our insurance. Insurance coverage will begin on the above date and will cover penalties from that date forward. Contact our office for full details. Final payment is due December 11, 2009.

Inclusive Features

To enroll on this tour simply complete our online enrollment form or alternatively complete the enrollment form found at the back of our brochure and return it with your deposit of $900 per person to Craig Travel's office.