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Egypt Uncovered<br />
Cairo, Nile Cruise & Alexandria<br />
Explore Your World…Discover The Possibilities!<br />
October 8-18, 2012 & March 11-21, 2013<br />
trip grading: easy<br />
The Cradle of Civilization!!<br />
Occupying a focal geographic bridge linking Africa and Asia, contemporary Egypt is the inheritor of a civilization dating back more<br />
than 6,000 years. While best known for its Pyramids and Ancient Civilizations, Egypt has played a central role in Middle East politics<br />
in modern times. Egypt is famous for its ancient civilization and some of the world’s most famous monuments, including the Giza<br />
pyramid complex and the Great Sphinx. The southern city of Luxor contains numerous ancient artifacts, such as the Karnak Temple<br />
and the Valley of the Kings. Egypt has long since been the source of many people’s discoveries and experiences. Whether it’s a desert<br />
adventure, a beach getaway, or the unfolding of history you are interested in, Egypt will be the destination that sparks a burst of<br />
inspiration in your heart and mind. A great story awaits you!<br />
Welcome to Egypt!<br />
2012-2013 OI Travel Collection<br />
Egypt uncovered: Cairo, Nile Cruise & Alexandria<br />
www.<strong>oitravel</strong>.com
At a Glance<br />
Day 1<br />
Day 2-4<br />
Day 5<br />
Day 6<br />
Day 7<br />
Day 8<br />
Day 9<br />
Day 10<br />
Day 11<br />
Arrive Cairo<br />
Cairo<br />
Cairo – Abu Simbel – Aswan<br />
Nile Cruise: Aswan – Kom Ombo<br />
Nile Cruise: Luxor<br />
Luxor – Cairo –Alexandria<br />
Alexandria<br />
Alexandria – Cairo<br />
Departure<br />
Did You Know?<br />
• The Great Pyramid is made up of 2,500,000<br />
stones weighing 2 ½ tons each.<br />
• Doctors in Ancient Egypt were skilled and could<br />
even perform brain surgery.<br />
• Cats were very sacred to the Egyptians. In the<br />
event of a fire, cats would be rescued from the<br />
building before any humans.<br />
• A Pharaoh never let his hair be seen – he would<br />
always wear a crown or a headdress called a<br />
nemes (the striped cloth headdress made famous<br />
by Tutankhamen’s golden mask).<br />
• Both Egyptian men and women wore makeup –<br />
eyepaint was usually green (made from copper)<br />
or black (made from lead). The Egyptians<br />
believed that the makeup had healing power.<br />
Originally the makeup was used as a protection<br />
from the sun – rather than for adornment.<br />
Entrance to One Thousand and One Nights Dinner; Giza; Egypt<br />
2012-2013 OI Travel Collection Egypt Uncovered: Cairo, Nile Cruise & Alexandria WWW.OITRAVEL.COM
Spices; Cairo, Egypt<br />
Detailed Itinerary<br />
Day 1: Arrive Cairo<br />
Welcome to the ancient land of Cairo,<br />
Egypt! The cradle of civilization!<br />
Upon your arrival, you will be met and<br />
transferred to your hotel. After your<br />
long journey, enjoy and evening of rest<br />
and relaxation before a day of exciting<br />
sightseeing tomorrow.<br />
Day 2: Cairo (B, L, D)<br />
Following breakfast, we will be introduced<br />
to our Egyptologist who will provide us with<br />
a wonderful history lesson before embarking<br />
on a tour to some of the most amazing sites<br />
throughout the city.<br />
Our first stop will be the city of Memphis, the<br />
ancient capital of Egypt dating from 3,100 BC,<br />
and the legendary city of Menes, the King who<br />
united Upper and Lower Egypt. Proceed to<br />
its necropolis of Sakkara where we will see the<br />
world-famous Step Pyramid of King Zoser,<br />
the oldest known of Egypt’s 107 pyramids and<br />
the world’s first freestanding stone structure,<br />
which was built by Imhotep, one of the world’s<br />
most famous historical figures. Imhotep is<br />
often recognized as the world’s first doctor,<br />
as well as a priest, sage, poet, and astrologer.<br />
Although the original structure was a burial<br />
chamber 28 meters underground, Imhotep<br />
enlarged it several times to eventually reach<br />
a six tiered rectangle 60 meters high. Sakkara<br />
seems to have been the first area where<br />
limestone was employed, not only for the<br />
outer casing of the pyramid, but also to cover<br />
interior walls.<br />
Following lunch, our Egyptologist will escort<br />
us on a fascinating tour to the 4,500-year<br />
old Pyramids built for Pharaohs Cheops,<br />
Chephren and Mycerinus on the Giza Plateau<br />
in which the Great Pyramid being the only<br />
survivor of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient<br />
World”. Just to the east of the 2nd pyramid lies<br />
the legendary Sphinx, whose human face is<br />
thought to represent that of Chephren, acting<br />
as the guardian of the Pharaoh’s enormous<br />
funerary monument.<br />
We will return to the hotel for a brief respite<br />
before gathering this evening for a Welcome<br />
Reception, followed by dinner and an exciting<br />
cultural folkloric show.<br />
Day 3: Cairo (B,L)<br />
Our Egyptologist will escort us today on a<br />
fascinating tour of 7,000 years of Egyptian<br />
history with a visit to the Egyptian Museum<br />
of Antiquities. Open since 1902, the Museum<br />
exhibits over 120,000 objects in its 107 halls,<br />
comprising the world’s greatest collection<br />
of Ancient Egyptian artifacts. Two grand<br />
halls containing countless artifacts and one<br />
room reserved for the golden treasures, all<br />
from the world-famous tomb of the boyking<br />
Tutankhamun, will astound and delight<br />
you. More than 2 million people flock to this<br />
magnificent site each year.<br />
2012-2013 OI Travel Collection Egypt Uncovered: Cairo, Nile Cruise & Alexandria WWW.OITRAVEL.COM
The Citadel; Cairo, Egypt<br />
We will enter the Mummies Room, a specially<br />
built area dedicated to the well-preserved<br />
mummies of 11 Royal Kings and Queens of<br />
Ancient Egypt, including the Great Ramses II,<br />
Egypt’s longest ruling pharaoh.<br />
We will enjoy lunch this afternoon at Al Azhar<br />
Park overlooking Islamic Cairo. Located in the<br />
heart of old historic Cairo and commanding<br />
stunning panoramic views of the world’s most<br />
intriguing city, Al-Azhar Park offers every<br />
visitor a glimpse into the captivating past. Lush<br />
green landscaped gardens are an enjoyable<br />
sojourn away from the city’s major tourist<br />
attractions. Embracing valuable history, the<br />
park is home to the newly discovered Ayyubid<br />
wall, constructed by Salah El Din more than<br />
800 years ago.<br />
After lunch, we will take a fascinating tour<br />
of Islamic Cairo, starting with the ancient<br />
Citadel, a spectacular medieval fortress<br />
perched on a hill above the city. Originally<br />
built by Salah El-Din in 1176 to fortify the<br />
city against the Crusaders, it has never been<br />
without a military garrison. The Citadel was<br />
modified and enlarged over the centuries by<br />
subsequent rulers, most notably Muhammad<br />
Ali Pasha, one of the great builders of Modern<br />
Egypt, who was responsible for considerable<br />
alteration and building within the Citadel.<br />
Today, it is a complex of four mosques and<br />
four museums, including the beautiful and<br />
Mohamad Mosque – Chandelier;<br />
Cairo, Egypt<br />
graceful Mohamed Ali Mosque. Built from<br />
1830 to 1857, the mosque also became the<br />
site of the great Ottoman ruler’s tomb. From<br />
the arcaded courtyard, enjoy a magnificent<br />
view across the city to the pyramids in Giza.<br />
Just in the shadows of the Citadel is the<br />
Mosque of Sultan Hassan. Built in 1356 AD<br />
as a mosque and religious school for all sects,<br />
it was designed so that each of the four main<br />
Sunni sects could have their own ‘madrasa’ or<br />
school within while also sharing the mosque.<br />
This evening, you are in for a special treat! We<br />
will be transferred to the Giza Plateau for the<br />
incredible spectacle of a Sound & Light Show<br />
at the foot of the Great Pyramids. Narrated by<br />
the enigmatic Sphinx, the show will lead us on<br />
a fascinating tour through the history of the<br />
Pyramids. A truly unforgettable experience!<br />
Following the show, we will return to our hotel<br />
for an evening and dinner at leisure.<br />
Day 4: Cairo (B, L)<br />
This morning, we explore Coptic and Old<br />
Cairo. The area known as Old Cairo is among<br />
the most important locations visited by the<br />
Holy Family on their journey through Egypt,<br />
and one where the spiritual impact of their<br />
presence is still most felt. The family took<br />
refuge from an angry district Governor in<br />
a cave, now the crypt of St Sergius Church,<br />
Pyramids; Giza, Egypt<br />
which is open to visitors. The church itself lies<br />
within the walls of the old Fortress of Babylon,<br />
built at the time of the Romans to protect the<br />
area from invading enemies. Here you can see<br />
the magnificent medieval Coptic Hanging<br />
Church, with its foundations amazingly<br />
standing on the walls of the fortress.<br />
Our tour includes a visit to the newly<br />
refurbished Coptic Museum. This beautifully<br />
put together museum was first completed<br />
in 1908, using land belonging to the Coptic<br />
Church in Egypt. It displays a wonderful<br />
collection of sculpture dating from Pre-<br />
Christian times up until the 5th Century AD,<br />
as well as bone carvings, frescoes, icons, relics,<br />
and colorful textiles.<br />
Next on the journey is a stop at the Synagogue<br />
of Ben Ezra, from the time of the once thriving<br />
Jewish community in Egypt. Here the famous<br />
“Geniza Documents” were discovered,<br />
religious and legal papers from 11th to<br />
13th centuries, hailed as a treasure trove of<br />
information about Jews in Egypt’s past. There<br />
is a Jewish heritage library in the synagogue.<br />
This afternoon, enjoy a 5-star lunch of<br />
traditional oriental dishes at the Arabian-style<br />
Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant. Named after<br />
the Nobel-prize-winning Egyptian author, the<br />
restaurant lies in the very heart of the Khan El-<br />
Khalili Bazaar, and is steeped in atmosphere<br />
and history.<br />
2012-2013 OI Travel Collection Egypt Uncovered: Cairo, Nile Cruise & Alexandria WWW.OITRAVEL.COM
Spices; Egypt<br />
Following lunch, proceed to the fascinating<br />
Khan El-Khalili Bazaar. Reputedly the largest<br />
bazaar in the Middle East, the Khan El-Khalili<br />
Bazaar was originally founded as a watering<br />
stop for caravanserai in the 14th century.<br />
Since this time, the bazaar has now grown<br />
to vast proportions. As you wander through<br />
the labyrinth of narrow streets, you will find<br />
workshops and stalls selling all manner of<br />
craftsmanship from woodwork, glassware<br />
and leather goods to perfumes, fabrics and<br />
Pharaonic curiosities. Remember to bargain<br />
hard!<br />
This evening is to enjoy and explore at your<br />
leisure. Cairo has plenty of exciting things<br />
to do and see, so there is no shortage of fun<br />
things for you to do!<br />
Day 5: Cairo –Abu Simbel–Aswan<br />
(B, L, D)<br />
Following breakfast, we will check out of our<br />
hotel and be transferred to the Cairo Domestic<br />
airport for our flight to Abu Simbel where we<br />
will visit the famed temples of Ra-Harakhte<br />
and Hathor. Built by the Great Ramses II,<br />
Egypt’s longest ruling pharaoh, the façade of<br />
this temple is one of the most recognizable<br />
images in the country. Actually consisting<br />
of two temples carved from the Sandstone<br />
Mountains at Abu Simbel, the better known<br />
is the Great Temple of Ra-Harakhte, fronted<br />
by the four colossal statues of Ramses II, each<br />
measuring over 20 meters high. The lesser<br />
known of the two is the beautiful Temple of<br />
Hathor, dedicated to Ramses’ favorite wife<br />
Queen Nefertari. When the creation of Lake<br />
Nasser threatened their existence, a massive<br />
project to move the temple was organized<br />
and undertaken by UNESCO. After cutting<br />
the temple into blocks, which were then<br />
raised piece-by-piece, the monument was<br />
reassembled at its current location where it<br />
stands majestically on the banks of<br />
Lake Nasser.<br />
At the conclusion of our tour, we will return<br />
to the airport to continue our flight to Aswan.<br />
Upon arrival, we will be transferred to our<br />
5-star deluxe Nile cruise liner for a 3-day<br />
cruise along the famous and historic Nile<br />
River aboard the luxurious “Sanctuary<br />
Nile Adventurer”.<br />
The Sanctuary Nile Adventurer cruise liner<br />
features a variety of cultural entertainment<br />
and delectable cuisine. Today, we will take<br />
a short motorboat ride to visit the romantic<br />
and majestic Philae Temple on the Island of<br />
Agilka. The Philae Temple was dedicated to<br />
the Goddess Isis. Located in Upper Egypt, it<br />
is situated in one of the most idyllic settings in<br />
Egypt, although this is more from necessity<br />
than by natural design and is a magnificent<br />
example of the intermingling of Egypt’s rich<br />
history.<br />
Next on our stop is a visit to the Granite<br />
Quarries, which supplied the ancient<br />
Egyptians with most of the hard stone used in<br />
pyramids and temples, and still holds a huge<br />
unfinished obelisk.<br />
Hieroglyphics; Abu Simbel, Egypt<br />
Return to the boat and enjoy afternoon tea<br />
served in the lounge with a trio of authentic<br />
Egyptian musicians. Continue a relaxing<br />
afternoon sailing along the Nile taking in the<br />
wonderful sites.<br />
Tonight, we will enjoy an evening cocktail<br />
reception where we will be greeted by our<br />
Boat Manager who will introduce us to the<br />
boat staff and review on-board facilities and<br />
our cruise program for the next few days.<br />
Enjoy Egyptian wine and local beer, together<br />
with a selection of delicious canapés before<br />
having a wonderful gourmet dinner on board.<br />
Day 6: Nile Cruise: Aswan – Kom<br />
Ombo (B, L, D)<br />
Enjoy breakfast on board as we cruise to<br />
the Kom Ombo Temple. Dedicated to the<br />
crocodile-god Sobek, The Kom Ombo<br />
Temple stands at a bend in the Nile where<br />
in ancient times sacred crocodiles basked in<br />
the sun on the riverbank. Built during the<br />
Ptolemaic period, it stands on a rock rising out<br />
of the sands. It is unusual in that it is in fact two<br />
temples – one devoted to the crocodile-god,<br />
Sobek, and the other to Haroeris, the falconheaded<br />
god (Horus the Great). The whole site<br />
is laid out along two parallel axes. Our tour<br />
will be accompanied by a lecture and slide<br />
show presented by our Egyptologist guide.<br />
We will return to the boat to have lunch on<br />
board while we cruise to Edfu Temple.<br />
2012-2013 OI Travel Collection Egypt Uncovered: Cairo, Nile Cruise & Alexandria WWW.OITRAVEL.COM
This afternoon, explore the largest and most<br />
completely preserved Pharaonic, albeit Greekbuilt,<br />
temple in Egypt . . . the extraordinary<br />
Temple of Horus at Edfu. Dedicated to Horus,<br />
the falcon headed god, it was built during<br />
the reigns of six Ptolemies. It is not only the<br />
best preserved ancient temple in Egypt, but<br />
the second largest after Karnak, and it was<br />
believed that the temple was built on the site<br />
of the great battle between Horus and Seth.<br />
Before we reach Edfu, afternoon tea will be<br />
served. We will also get the unique experience<br />
of an Egyptian cooking lesson for a special<br />
“Appetizer, Main Dish, and Dessert” by the<br />
boat’s Egyptian chef.<br />
Tonight’s dinner on board will be a special<br />
“Egyptian Night” costume party for all<br />
guests, with a chance to dress up in traditional<br />
Egyptian “galabeyas”. Dinner will be a lavish<br />
buffet of Egyptian specialties, followed by<br />
oriental music and dancing for everyone.<br />
Kom Ombo; Egypt<br />
Day 7: Nile Cruise: Luxor<br />
(B, L, D)<br />
Luxor has often been called the world’s<br />
greatest open air museum, as indeed it is and<br />
much more. The number and preservation<br />
of the monuments in the Luxor area are<br />
unparalleled anywhere else in the world.<br />
Today, our visit takes us to the famed Valley of<br />
the Kings & Queens. For five hundred years, it<br />
was the burial place of Egypt’s New Kingdom<br />
rulers. Sixty-two tombs and twenty unfinished<br />
pits have been found here, seven of them in<br />
the large West Valley of the Kings, the rest<br />
in the East Valley of the Kings. Today’s visit<br />
takes us to the West Bank of Luxor to explore<br />
the Valley of the Kings, a vast City of the Dead,<br />
where magnificent tombs were carved into the<br />
desert rocks, decorated richly, and filled with<br />
treasures for the afterlife by generations of<br />
Pharaohs. We will also have the chance to visit<br />
at least one tomb in the Valley of the Queens.<br />
Next, we proceed to the Hatshepsut Temple.<br />
Maatkare Hatshepsut or Hatchepsut was the<br />
fifth Pharaoh of the 18th dynasty of Ancient<br />
Egypt. She is generally regarded by modern<br />
Egyptologists as one of the most successful<br />
pharaohs, ruling longer than any female<br />
ruler of an indigenous dynasty. Rising out<br />
of the desert plain in a series of terraces, the<br />
Temple of Queen Hatshepsut merges with<br />
the sheer limestone cliffs that surround it, as<br />
if nature herself had built this extraordinary<br />
monument.<br />
On our return trip to the river Nile, we will pass<br />
by the famed Colossi of Memnon, known in<br />
Ancient Greek times for their haunting voices<br />
at dawn. Stop for a brief photo opportunity to<br />
capture this magical moment before returning<br />
to our boat for a leisurely lunch.<br />
Following lunch, our Egyptologist will guide<br />
us on a tour of the East Bank of Luxor, starting<br />
with the strikingly graceful Temple of Luxor<br />
dedicated to the god Amon. The temple of<br />
Luxor is close to the Nile and parallel with the<br />
riverbank. King Amenhotep III, who reigned<br />
from 1390-53 BC, built this beautiful temple<br />
and dedicated it to Amon-Re, king of the gods,<br />
his consort Mut, and their son Khons. This<br />
temple has been in almost continuous use<br />
as a place of worship right up to the present<br />
day. It was completed by Tutankhamun<br />
and Horemheb and added to by Ramses II.<br />
Towards the rear is a granite shrine dedicated<br />
to Alexander the Great.<br />
2012-2013 OI Travel Collection Egypt Uncovered: Cairo, Nile Cruise & Alexandria WWW.OITRAVEL.COM
Next, proceed to the Temple of Karnak.<br />
Known as Ipet-Sout (“most esteemed of<br />
places”) by the ancient Egyptians, it is a<br />
city of temples built over 2000 years ago by<br />
generations of Pharaohs and dedicated to<br />
the Theben triad of Amun, Mut and Khonsu.<br />
Karnak can be divided into four areas. To the<br />
north, a large enclosure is home to a temple<br />
for the god Montu, another enclosure is<br />
dedicated to the goddess Ma’at, and there<br />
are numerous smaller buildings of stone and<br />
mudbrick. The Temple of Amen-Ra, Karnak’s<br />
principal building, is the largest religious<br />
structure ever built. The great “Hypostyle<br />
Hall” is an incredible forest of giant pillars,<br />
covering an area larger than the whole of<br />
Notre Dame Cathedral.<br />
After this exhilarating walk through history,<br />
we will return to the cruise for afternoon<br />
tea on board. This evening, enjoy a final<br />
farewell gala dinner with white-gloved waiters<br />
serving gourmet cuisine followed by the<br />
entertainment of an Egyptian belly dancer<br />
accompanied by a whirling dervish show!<br />
(Note: Jacket required for this evening’s<br />
dinner!)<br />
Day 8: Luxor – Cairo – Alexandria<br />
(B, L)<br />
We will enjoy breakfast on board the cruise<br />
before checking out and being transferred to<br />
the Luxor Airport for our return flight to Cairo.<br />
Upon arrival in Cairo, we will be transferred to<br />
the city of Alexandria. We will check into our<br />
hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.<br />
Described as “The Pearl of the Mediterranean”,<br />
Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt<br />
and boasts an atmosphere that is more<br />
Mediterranean than Middle Eastern; its<br />
ambiance and cultural heritage distance it<br />
from the rest of the country although it is only<br />
225 km from Cairo.<br />
Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC,<br />
Alexandria became the capital of Greco-<br />
Roman Egypt; its status as a beacon of<br />
culture is symbolized by Pharos, the legendry<br />
lighthouse that was one of the Seven Wonders<br />
of the World. The setting for the stormy<br />
relationship between Cleopatra and Mark<br />
Alexandria Museum; Alexandria, Egypt<br />
Antony, Alexandria was also the center of<br />
learning in the ancient world, but ancient<br />
Alexandria declined, and when Napoleon<br />
landed, he found a sparsely populated<br />
fishing village.<br />
Since the 19th century, Alexandria has played a<br />
new role as a focus for Egypt’s commercial and<br />
maritime expansion. This Alexandria has been<br />
immortalized by writers such as E.M. Forster<br />
and Cavafy. Generations of immigrants from<br />
Greece, Italy and the Levant settled here and<br />
made the city synonymous with commerce,<br />
cosmopolitanism and bohemian culture.<br />
Lawrence Durrell described it as “The capital<br />
city of Asiatic Europe, if such a thing<br />
could exist”.<br />
Day 9: Alexandria (B, L)<br />
After breakfast, we will embark on a tour of<br />
the ancient city of Alexandria. Our first stop<br />
will be the Catacombs of Kom El Shugafa,<br />
the largest Roman burial site discovered in<br />
Egypt to date, consisting of three tiers of<br />
tombs and chambers cut into the bedrock to<br />
a depth of about 35 meters. Constructed in<br />
the 2nd century AD as a single-family crypt,<br />
these tombs represent the last existing major<br />
construction for the sake of the old Egyptian<br />
religion. They were later expanded to hold<br />
more than 300 individual tombs. There is<br />
even a banquet hall where grieving relatives<br />
paid their last respects with a funereal feast.<br />
Though the motifs are pure ancient Egyptian,<br />
the architects and artists were schooled in the<br />
Greco-Roman style, resulting in an amazingly<br />
integrated art quite unlike anything else in<br />
the world.<br />
Next, we proceed to the Bibliotheca<br />
Alexandria. The Alexandria Library &<br />
Museum is not only a library, but also an<br />
integrated cultural complex with libraries,<br />
museums, exhibition areas, educational<br />
centers, and an international conference<br />
center. It is built on the believed site of the<br />
old Library of Alexandria, built by Ptolemy I.<br />
It was the largest of all antiquity, frequented<br />
by scholars from all over the Mediterranean<br />
from the 4th Century BC until its eventual<br />
destruction by fire seven hundred years later.<br />
Enjoy today’s lunch at a local restaurant<br />
overlooking the Mediterranean before moving<br />
on to visit the Roman Amphitheater. The only<br />
Roman amphitheater in Egypt was discovered<br />
quite recently, during the foundation digging<br />
for a new apartment building. The wellpreserved<br />
theater once stood with thirteen<br />
semi-circular tiers of white marble imported<br />
from Europe. It contains galleries, sections<br />
of mosaic-flooring and marble seats for up to<br />
800 spectators. At one point, it may have even<br />
been roofed over to serve as an Odeon for<br />
musical performances and some inscriptions<br />
suggest that it was sometimes also used for<br />
wrestling contests.<br />
2012-2013 OI Travel Collection Egypt Uncovered: Cairo, Nile Cruise & Alexandria WWW.OITRAVEL.COM
Local man and a camel; Giza, Egypt<br />
We will return to our hotel for an evening at<br />
leisure. Take time to relax or venture out to<br />
explore more of the city’s restaurants and<br />
unique places at your own pace.<br />
Day 10: Alexandria – Cairo<br />
(B, L, D)<br />
This morning, after breakfast, we will check<br />
out of the hotel and depart for our return<br />
drive to Cairo. En route, we will stop for a<br />
visit to Wadi Natroun. This desert valley<br />
has been famous for hundreds of years for<br />
its huge concentration of Coptic Christian<br />
monasteries, which grew in commemoration<br />
of the Holy Family’s passage through the<br />
same valley. There were once more than 50<br />
monasteries, built around a central church.<br />
Now only four monasteries remain, but some<br />
of these boast magnificent wall paintings and<br />
other examples of beautiful Coptic artwork.<br />
We will enjoy a quick lunch along the way.<br />
Upon arrival into Cairo, we will check into our<br />
hotel and take a brief respite. This evening,<br />
we will enjoy a fantastic Farewell Dinner as<br />
we celebrate our last evening in this ancient<br />
Top: Workers Tombs; Egypt<br />
Bottom: Market; Cairo, Egypt<br />
land. Dinner will be complete with delectable<br />
authentic cuisine and cultural entertainment<br />
that is sure to delight!<br />
Day 11: Departure (B)<br />
Today, you will check out of your hotel and be<br />
transferred to the Cairo International Airport<br />
for your return flight home.<br />
Bon Voyage!!<br />
2012-2013 OI Travel Collection Egypt Uncovered: Cairo, Nile Cruise & Alexandria WWW.OITRAVEL.COM
Accommodations<br />
Oberoi Mena House Hotel<br />
The Mena House Oberoi is one of the most unique hotels in Cairo, with its own<br />
rich and colourful history. Surrounded by 40 acres of verdant green gardens, this<br />
palatial hotel is located in the shadows of the Great Pyramids of Giza in Cairo.<br />
The royal history of the hotel is reflected in luxurious interiors that are embellished<br />
with exquisite antiques, handcrafted furniture, original work of arts and magnificent<br />
antiques that are rarely found in luxury hotels. Mena House Oberoi has played host<br />
to kings and emperors, Heads of State and celebrities.<br />
The Mena House Oberoi, located 700 meters from these wonders of the ancient<br />
world, offers unmatched views of the pyramids. You can gaze upon the magnificence<br />
of the pyramids from your rooms at sunrise and sunset. After dinner at one of the<br />
many restaurants, you can return to see them lit up for your private viewing pleasure.<br />
Regarded as one of the leading luxury hotels in Cairo, the hotel combines the<br />
magical charm of a bygone era with unrivalled service fit for royalty. Your interlude<br />
at the hotel promises to be a journey of discovery, exploring Cairo’s ancient treasures<br />
and unraveling the many mysteries of Egypt’s past.<br />
Sanctuary M.S. Nile Adventurer<br />
A cruise on the Nile should be a magical and enchanting experience. And with<br />
the Sanctuary M.S. Nile Adventurer, it becomes exactly that. The exquisite style<br />
of the boat takes its inspiration from thousands of years of both Phaoronic and<br />
modern Egyptian culture and heritage. Elegant yet cozy, sophisticated yet homey,<br />
the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer will cocoon you in warm splendor as you sail down<br />
the Nile on your mystical journey.<br />
The Sanctuary Nile Adventurer is a floating paradise with 32 beautifully designed<br />
cabins. The two presidential suites, two deluxe cabins and 28 standard cabins<br />
have all been created with guests’ comfort in mind. Spacious rooms and modern<br />
state of the art bathrooms are the hallmarks of each cabin. All cabins are fully airconditioned<br />
with individual control, and have Nile view plus private bathroom<br />
with bathtub, shower and hairdryer, mini bar and LCD television with satellite.<br />
Launched in 1990 and last renovated in 2009, the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer has<br />
an upper sun deck with swimming pool, a shaded deck with an outdoor bar and<br />
a lounge bar terrace. The restaurant is spacious and seats 75. In addition, there<br />
is a library and games room with computer and internet access. Along with a<br />
gymnasium and a massage room, there is also a gift shop and laundry services. For<br />
guests wishing to relax there is room service, in addition to a sun deck snack bar.<br />
2012-2013 OI Travel Collection Egypt Uncovered: Cairo, Nile Cruise & Alexandria WWW.OITRAVEL.COM
Accommodations<br />
Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano<br />
Edging the Mediterranean in a setting of legendary glamour, discover an intimate<br />
enclave within the stately Grand Plaza shopping and residential complex. Indulge<br />
in classically elegant accommodations, European spa treatments and terraced<br />
restaurants with fresh sea breezes.<br />
This stunner of a hotel combines modern luxury with classic style and a beautiful<br />
waterfront setting. All of the 118 rooms and suites have balconies facing the skyline<br />
or the Mediterranean. If you prefer ocean - and are partial to modern Lebanese<br />
cuisine - ask for a window table at opulent Byblos. It’s one of eight dining and<br />
drinking establishments in the hotel, including outdoor lounge Bleu.<br />
Pyramids; Giza, Egypt<br />
Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence<br />
A gracious sanctuary of Four Seasons hospitality and service, with impressive<br />
views of the Great Pyramids over the old-growth canopy of Cairo’s ancient<br />
Zoological and Botanical Gardens. The Hotel is at the center of the First<br />
Residence apartments and shops overlooking the Nile River.<br />
Treat yourself to fantastic views of the Nile River, Al Orman Botanical Gardens<br />
and The Great Pyramids when you stay at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First<br />
Residence. The hotel is ideally located in the financial district of the city and<br />
provides leisure travelers the benefit of convenient shopping. Rooms have a<br />
rich wooden decor with open views. Have a great time dining at Lai Thai, Aura,<br />
Seasons or the poolside bar and grill restaurants. The Tea Lounge as well as the<br />
Library Bar provide for a great place for meeting up. And if you are too tired, the<br />
staff will happily offer their services right up to your room.<br />
2012-2013 OI Travel Collection Egypt Uncovered: Cairo, Nile Cruise & Alexandria WWW.OITRAVEL.COM
LAND ONLY PACKAGE: Starting from $8,162.00*<br />
General Inclusions<br />
• Seven (7) nights’ accommodations based<br />
on double occupancy and three (3) nights’<br />
accommodation based on double occupancy on<br />
the Nile Adventurer in ROH cabins including full<br />
bard in Nile view rooms. Additional supplemental<br />
fee of $2,034.00 for single occupancy.<br />
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast,<br />
L=Lunch, D=Dinner)<br />
•<br />
•<br />
All transfers and tours as specified in itinerary<br />
All sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary<br />
with services of a private English speaking guide<br />
throughout the trip and an English speaking<br />
Egyptologist in Cairo, on the Nile Cruise and in<br />
Alexandria<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Sightseeing and entrance fees as indicated<br />
Special welcome and farewell dinner including<br />
local beer & wine<br />
• Beverages with all specified lunches including tea,<br />
coffee, soft drinks juices and mineral water<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Mineral bottled water on vehicle while sightseeing<br />
Porterage and handling of maximum two (2)<br />
pieces of luggage per person<br />
• Domestic Airfare CAI-ASW/LXR-CAI<br />
Nile River; Egypt<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Gratuities for all included meals, drivers, guides and cruise staff<br />
Services of an experienced Occasions, Inc. Tour Manager<br />
throughout entire program<br />
General Exlusions<br />
• Beverages, unless otherwise indicated<br />
• International flights<br />
• International airport departure taxes<br />
• Optional Tours, Extensions & Activities<br />
• Fees for passport, visas, immunizations<br />
• Country airport departure taxes<br />
• Personal tips and gratuities (i.e. airport skycap, hotel<br />
bellman, etc.)<br />
• Personal expenses such as telephone calls, laundry services,<br />
hotel in-room movies, etc.<br />
• Personal travel insurance<br />
• Cost of hospitalization and evacuation, if necessary<br />
• Other services not mentioned in the itinerary<br />
Optional Cruise Upgrade<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Main Deck Cabin Upgrade (Double Occupancy) $96.00*<br />
Main Deck Cabin Upgrade (Single Occupancy) $146.00*<br />
Bridge Deck Cabin Upgrade (Double Occupancy) $146.00*<br />
Bridge Deck Cabin Upgrade (Single Occupancy) $219.00*<br />
*Prices are in US$ and are subject to change.<br />
2012-2013 OI Travel Collection Egypt Uncovered: Cairo, Nile Cruise & Alexandria WWW.OITRAVEL.COM