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CruiseCenter Presents - The Platinum Tour of Egypt
A 12-day Luxury Tour of Egypt
FROM $2969PP
April 30 to May 11, 2010
Hosted by Conde Nast Top Travel Specialist and CruiseCenter President, Tom Baker.
YOUR MOST UNIQUE TRAVEL OPPORTUNITY FOR 2010! Our custom 12-day Luxury Tour of Cairo and Nile River Cruise on the BEST BOAT ON THE NILE, personally designed and hosted by Tom Baker.
An optional post tour 3-day Extension to Jordan and Petra (one of the “7 Wonders of the World”) is available.
CruiseCenter is thrilled to offer you a one-time, limited participation, Exclusive Ultra-Deluxe
"ALL INCLUSIVE" tour to Egypt April 30-May 11, 2010. This program has been created for us by American Express Egypt and will feature the all-suite 5-Star Premiere Deluxe Nile Cruiser, The Nile Express
Your tour will include a personal meet and greet at the Cairo airport with a Visa stamp ready for your passport, private transfers to your luxury Cairo hotel, 3 nights stay in Cairo at the Deluxe 5-Star Sofitel El Gezirah and Fairmont Towers hotels, all sightseeing per the itinerary below, all meals including a gala dinner at the Oberoi Historic Mena House Hotel, round trip economy class air from Cairo to Luxor and return to Cairo, a 7-day luxury all-suite cruise on the Nile Express, sightseeing in all ports-of-call with a private Egyptologist Guide. The group will be limited to no more than 26 guests per Egyptologist. The highlight will be a tour to the magnificent temple of Abu Simbel at the bottom of Egypt along Lake Nassar. You will be spoiled by our superbly designed tour geared for the luxury traveler seeking exceptional value. We look forward to spoiling you with Egypt’s BEST! We have also arranged for a fantastic post Egypt tour to Jordan and Petra (see details following the Egypt tour description below).
What's Included in your Ultra Deluxe Tour:
- Airport greeting, Egyptian visa stamp, and escorted transfers to the Sofitel El Gezirah Hotel in Cairo
- 2 Night pre-Nile Cruise stay at the 5-star Sofitel EL Gezirah Hotel in Cairo (Nile View Room Category), with 2 dinners (1 at the historic Oberoi Mena House Hotel), daily buffet breakfasts, 1 lunch and daily escorted tours as outlined in the itinerary including an exciting "Desert Safari"
- 1 Night post-Nile Cruise stay at the elegant Fairmont Towers Hotel in Cairo (Fairmont Room Category) including a farewell dinner, lunch, buffet breakfast and all sightseeing as outlined in the itinerary
- 7-night Nile cruise aboard the elegant 5-star Ultra Deluxe- Awarded BEST BOAT on the Nile- THE NILE EXPRESS
- All Junior and Executive Suites on The Nile Express have Nile view, private facilities, individual air conditioning, satellite TV, in-room safe, and mini-bar
- All gourmet onboard meals. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style. Dinners are served with menus and traditional a la carte table service
- Daily private tours as outlined in the above itinerary with expert Egyptologist guides
- All onboard events and entertainment
- Attentive personal service, including the assistance staff of American Express Egypt and CruiseCenter’s own Tom Baker as your onboard Host
- Escorted private transfer from the Fairmont Towers Hotel to the Cairo airport for your return flights to the US
- Daily bottled mineral water on all tours and onboard the Nile Cruise during meal hours
- ALL Tips to all representatives, Egyptologist guides boat personnel and drivers
What's Not Included:
- Roundtrip airfare from the USA to Cairo. Any optional sightseeing tours, pre or post Cairo hotel stays, and the optional Jordan/Petra Tour
- All alcoholic beverages throughout the program
- Some optional sightseeing provided on free days during the Nile Cruise-details on this are provided at time of final documentation
- Some beverages on the Nile Cruise carry a surcharge during non-meal hours like juice and coffee
- Items of a personal nature
Day by Day Itinerary
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Destinations
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Day 1,
April 30th |
Depart the USA for your overnight flight to Cairo, Egypt. Please plan your flights to arrive on May 1, 2010.
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Day 2, May 1st |
Arrive in Cairo where you will be personally met, provided with a visa stamp* in your passport and transferred to your 5-Star Luxury Hotel, The flagship of the Sofitel chain, The Sofitel El Gezirah Hotel in Cairo. Your room is reserved for the night of May 1st. If you arrive in Cairo before 3 p.m. on May 1 and wish to have access to your room before that time, you may wish to reserve a room for the night of April 30. Please ask your CruiseCenter agent for details and rates.
Today, you will have time to relax and enjoy an easy-going day after your long flight. All guests will enjoy a welcome dinner tonight at our lovely hotel and an opportunity to meet your host, Tom Baker, and your
Egyptologist/guide. (D)
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Day 3, May 2nd |
After a buffet breakfast in hotel meet your Egyptologists/guide for a re-cap of your tour and then head off to tour to the historic Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza where we will have an extensive tour before joining a caravan of 4x4 covered jeeps across the desert in a “Desert Safari” to ancient Saqqara (The step pyramid of Zozer),
enjoy a nice lunch at the exclusive Saqqara
Country Club. Tonight you will enjoy an elegant 4-course dinner with entertainment at the historic Mena House Hotel next to the Pyramids of Giza. (BB,L,D) |
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Day 4, May 3rd |
Buffet breakfast in Hotel. Transfer from hotel to airport for flight to Luxor. Upon arrival in Luxor, transfer to your suite onboard your deluxe 5-Star Nile Cruiser,
M/S Nile Express. After embarkation enjoy lunch on board. This afternoon visit the temples of Karnak & Luxor.
In the afternoon we will have an exclusive visit
to the Luxor Museum.
Karnak Temple: Built over a period of two millennia by generations of Pharaohs, the 62 acre Temple of Karnak was dedicated to the God Amun. It could take days to explore all of the numerous pylons, obelisks and smaller temples within.
Luxor Temple: Proceed to the Temple of Luxor, once connected to Karnak via the Avenue of Human-headed Sphinxes, almost 3 kilometers in length.
Luxor Museum: Luxor Museum is located in the Egyptian city of Luxor (ancient Thebes). It stands on the corniche, overlooking the River Nile, in the central part of the city. Inaugurated in 1975, the museum is housed in a small, purpose-built building.
The range of artifacts on display is far more restricted than the country's main collections in the Museum of Antiquities in Cairo; this was, however, deliberate, since the museum prides itself on the quality of the pieces it has, the uncluttered way in which they are displayed, and the clear multilingual labeling used.
Dinner and Overnight on board. (B,L,D)
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Day 5, May 4th |
Breakfast on board. Drive to the West Bank. Visit the Necropolis of Thebes, Valley of Kings, the temple of Queen Hatshepsut & Colossi of Memnon in addition to Tut tomb.
Valley of the Kings: Begin your day with a 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. On the way back to the river Nile, your road passes by the famed Colossi of Memnon, known in Ancient Greek times for their haunting voices at dawn
and then we will visit the Temple of Hatshepsut. Sail to Edfu via Esna & Lunch Buffet. Afternoon Tea on the sundeck. Cocktail Party at the lounge bar. Dinner and Overnight on board. (B,L,D |
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Day 6, May 5th |
Breakfast on board. Edfu Temple: This morning, explore the largest and most completely preserved Pharaonic – albeit Greek-built – temple in Egypt, the extraordinary Temple of Horus at Edfu. Sail to Kom Ombo. Buffet lunch onboard. Free afternoon at leisure. Sail to Aswan and enjoy Afternoon tea.
Dinner and Overnight on board. (B,L,D) |
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Day 7, May 6th |
Breakfast on board. Transfer to Abu Simbel by bus on a tour across the Great Sahara Desert.
Abu Simbel: The two temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel are each fronted by colossal statues up to 20 metres high and are famed as the most impressive monuments remaining of Ancient Egypt in modern times. Recently the temples were threatened by the waters of Lake Nasser, and with the help of a UNESCO campaign they were cut into blocks, raised piece-by-piece, and reassembled in a new position higher up the hillside. Back to Aswan.
Buffet lunch will be served on board.
Agha Khan Mausoleum: Sail by felucca around Kitchener’s Island and the Agha Khan Mausoleum.
Afternoon tea.
Dinner and Overnight on board. (B,L,D)
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Day 8, May 7th |
Breakfast on board. High Dam: This morning, your Egyptologist guide will escort you to visit the Aswan High Dam, Egypt’s contemporary example of building on a monumental scale.
High Dam: This morning, your Egyptologist guide will escort you to visit the Aswan High Dam, Egypt’s contemporary example of building on a monumental scale that forever changed the face of Upper Egypt and Nubia by creating the massive Lake Nasser.
The Nubian Museum: In Aswan, is deemed to be one of the most important Egyptian museums. It is filled with ancient Nubian and Egyptian artifacts masterfully displayed.
Philae Temple: Take a short motorboat ride to visit the romantic and majestic Philae Temple on the Island of Agilka.
Lunch: Buffet lunch will be served on board. Free afternoon at leisure. Afternoon tea. Dinner and Overnight on board (B,L,D)
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Day 9, May 8th |
Breakfast on board. Sail to Kom Ombo. Lunch: Buffet lunch will be served on board. Kom Ombo Temple: 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.
Special Mother's Day Dinner and Overnight on board. (B,L,D) |
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Day 10, May
9th |
Breakfast on board. Sail to Luxor. Visit the magnificent and less visited Denderah Temple. Lunch: Buffet lunch will be served on board. Free afternoon at leisure. Dinner: Dinner and Overnight on board. (B,L,D) |
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Day 11, May 10th |
Breakfast on board and disembarkation. Meet your tour coordinator and transfer to Luxor airport from where we will fly back to Cairo. Upon arrival, we will head to the famous Cairo Museum, including a visit to the exclusive Mummy Room. After lunch at an Arabesque Restaurant, we will go to see the Citadel of Mohammed Ali, have a shopping stop at the fabled Khan Al’ Khali Bazaar, and check into our luxurious Fairmont Towers Hotel. Tonight we toast our fellow travelers and bid our hosts goodbye with a farewell dinner at the hotel. (BB,L,D) |
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Day 12, May 11th |
Today the tour ends. Transfer to the Cairo International Airport for your international flight home. (BB) |
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NOTE: Itinerary and features subject to modification without prior notice.
*All guests will be met and provided with a Visa stamp pending any changes from the airport officials. If there is a change, you will be notified about purchasing your own stamp before arrival.
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OPTIONAL JORDON EXTENSION |
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Day 12, May 11th |
Fly from Cairo to Amman where you will be met upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport and transferred to the Marriott Amman hotel for an overnight stay in a modern room while enjoying ancient capital of Jordan. |
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Day
13, May 12th |
Transfer via the desert for full day visit to ancient Petra for an escorted a private tour into the “rose-red” city (by horseback and foot) which begins at the “Siq”, a winding canyon road. At the end of the passage you will see Petra’s most beautiful monument, the Treasury, carved out of solid rock from the side of a mountain. This is considered on the 7 Wonders of the World. Then discover soaring temples, royal tombs, a theatre, and more. Overnight at the elegant 5-star Marriott Petra hotel in a standard room. (BB) |
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Day 14, May 13th |
Transfer back to Amman via the desert highway to Queen Alia International Airport for your air departure to Cairo and your flight back to the US. Most flights to the U.S. depart in the late evening or after midnight. To rest comfortably, you may wish to arrange for a hotel room. Ask your CruiseCenter agent for details and rates. (BB) |
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NOTE: Itinerary and features subject to modification without prior notice. |
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12-Day EXCLUSIVE & ALL-INCLUSIVE Cruise Tour Pricing
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Cabin Category |
Retail Rate |
Your Rate |
Deluxe Junior Suite (291 sq. ft.) |
$5,699.00pp |
$2,969.00pp |
Executive Suite (431 sq. ft) |
$5,399.00pp |
$3,359.00pp |
Single Supplement - Junior Suite (291 sq. ft.) |
$6,679.00pp |
$4,169.00pp |
Single Supplement - Executive Suite (431 sq. ft) |
$5,809.00pp |
$4,569.00pp |
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NOTE: Itinerary is subject to modification according to sailing conditions without prior notice. Slight Changes might occur due to unforeseen circumstances i.e navigational and security restrictions.
Egypt Cruise Tour Payment Schedule:
- A $600 per person deposit paid by check is due at time of booking
- Final payment is due on January 20, 2010. Payable by credit card or check
- Please refer to Cruise Tour cancellation policies below.
Optional Pre and Post hotel night stays are available at the Sofitel El Gezirah or Fairmont Towers and must be arranged through CruiseCenter no later than 30 days prior to your US departure date
- $140 per person double occupancy for each additional night required
- $225 per person for single occupancy for each additional night required
Egypt Cruise Tour Cancellation Policies:
- Cancellations after booking -- $300 per person penalty (50% of deposit amount)
- Cancellations 90 days prior to departure -- penalty is 50% of total package price
- Cancellations 60 days prior to departure -- penalty is 100% of total package price (no refund)
Pre and Post hotel night Cancellation Policies:
- Cancellations 60 days prior to departure will incur a $50 per person penalty
A minimum of 30 participants is required for this tour to operate. Cancellation penalties will be waived if tour does not operate. Itinerary subject to change without notice.
- $1050 per person Double Occupancy
- $1545 per person Single Occupancy
Package price based on minimum 10 passengers participating. Tour may operate with fewer passengers at higher rate. Ask for details.
Package price include:
- Roundtrip economy class flights from Cairo to Amman
- Meet and assist upon arrival and departure
- All transfers in air conditioned small bus with an English speaking driver
- English speaking guide on touring days
- Entrance Fees to Petra
- Short Horse ride at Petra
- Accommodation and Buffet Breakfast basis at 5 Star hotels
- All Tips
- Bottled water throughout
Not Included:
- Visa & departure tax
- Lunches en route
- Any item not listed above
Optional Jordan Land Tour Payment Policies:
- A $200 per person deposit paid by check is due at time of booking
- Final payment is due on January 20, 2010. Payable by credit card or check
- Please refer to Optional Tour cancellation policies below.
Optional Tour Cancellation Policies:
- Cancellations after booking -- $100 per person penalty (50% of deposit amount)
- Cancellations 90 days prior to departure -- penalty is 50% of total optional tour price
- Cancellations 60 days prior to departure -- penalty is 100% of total optional tour price (no refund)
See Your Luxurious Hotels in Cairo!
The Luxurious Sofitel El Gezirah Hotel in Cairo
The NEW 5-Star Fairmont Towers Hotel
The All-Suite Ultra Deluxe Nile Express-"Awarded -The BEST BOAT on the Nile 2009/10"
The All-Suite Ultra Deluxe Nile Express-"Awarded -The BEST BOAT on the Nile 2009 and 2010. Built in 2007, the Nile Express is a spacious 5 stars luxury 35-Suite cruiser. It is a unique vessel on the Nile, constructed and operated according to the latest technology and safety standards, including an ultraviolet water purification system. All meals are prepared by a former Ritz Carlton chef and are of the finest quality.
This luxury yacht is 236 feet long and 5-decks high but caters to only 70 maximum guests in spacious luxury. There is one crew member for every guest onboard this elegant vessel. Other boats of this size carry up to 150 guests. Your luxury yacht carries half her potential capacity. The Nile Express has preferred in-town docking in the Nile ports for your convenience.
Its custom interior design is by Gimenes Collections from Spain and has 35 Suites in total. 1 Imperial Suite measuring 646 square feet, 2 Royal Suites measuring 560 square feet, 22 Executive Suites measuring 431 square feet and 10 Junior Suites measuring 291 square feet. All Suites are luxuriously decorated, equipped with plasma TV, FREE wireless internet for those who bring their personal laptops, mini bar and safe box.
Enjoy the in-house Spa facilities with complementary fruits, healthy cocktails, newspapers & magazines or lay down by the pool tanning with the gentle sun. You can also relax in the lounge, salon or bars, where folkloric and fancy Egyptian dress parties, belly dance shows, games, gala parties, and dancing music are held.
Overview
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