Days 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5: Cairo, Egypt
December 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7, 2012

Guests arrive in Cairo, Egypt and are transferred to the luxurious Four Seasons Nile Plaza hotel for five nights; Welcome Cocktail Reception and trip orientation hosted by Tour Director Richard Koegl including an introduction by our exclusive and accompanying Egyptologist.  Giza sightseeing including the Great Pyramids, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and for 5,000 years have outlasted Egypt’s many conquerors and wars; the Sphinx; Solar Boat Museum which houses Pharaoh Cheop’s funerary boat; the Step Pyramid Complex of Djoser in Sakkara built in 2,800 BC and considered the worlds’ oldest stone building.  Cairo sightseeing including the Egyptian Museum which houses the world’s biggest collection of Egyptian antiquities including the Tutankhamen Gallery and the Royal Mummy Rooms; Coptic Cairo – the Babylon Fortress, Hanging Church, Greek Church of St. George and Ben Ezra Synagogue; Islamic Cairo - the Citadel of Salah el Din, the Islamic Museum and El Moeiz Street, Khan el Khalili Bazzars;  full day excursion to Alexandria including the National Museum, the catacombs of Kom el Shugafa, Roman Amphitheater, the new Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and a stop at the site where the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood.  Four Seasons Nile Plaza – Nile View Rooms.

Day 6: Luxor – Embarkation Sun Boat III
December 8, 2012

Regularly scheduled morning flight to Luxor and embarkation on the Sun Boat III; Luxor sightseeing including the Luxor Museum, a small but significant museum that houses unique and rare objects from Luxor and the temple of Aten at Karnak; the Valley of the Kings and Queens where magnificent tombs were carved into the desert rocks and filled with treasures for the afterlife by generations of Pharaohs; Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon; Welcome Captain’s Cocktail Reception aboard the Sun Boat III.  Overnight in port in Luxor.  Sun Boat III – Nile Deck Cabins.

Day 7: Luxor / Abydos / Qena
December 9, 2012

This morning we cruise northwards on the Nile to Nagaa Hammadi passing by Qena.  This part of the cruise is very much off the beaten track and passes through some of the most beautiful scenery along the Nile, far away from the crowds or other cruise boats.  After lunch on board we visit Abydos, a temple that stands apart from other sites in Egypt as it was the center of a holy city dedicated to Osiris, Lord of the Netherworld.  It was also the burial-place for pre-dynastic kings & pharaohs dating back to the fourth millennium BC.   Overnight in Qena port.  Sun Boat III – Nile Deck Cabins.

Day 8: Qena / Denderah / Luxor
December 10, 2012

This morning we visit the Ptolemaic Temple of Hathor in Denderah, dedicated to the goddess of pleasure and love.  Though the temple construction indicates the decline of a purely Egyptian style of art, the wonderfully preserved complex is unlike any other.  While the necropolis includes Early Dynastic tombs and evidence that Cheops and later Pharaohs built there, the temple complex as it stands today was built by the Ptolemies and the Romans.  Lunch is served on board while cruising back to Luxor.  Visit Luxor Temple which was built by the New Kingdom Pharaoh Amenophis III on the site of an older sanctuary.  Ramses II, Tutankhamen, Alexander the Great and various Romans added to the Luxor Temple over the centuries.  Fronting the entrance is the enormous 1st Pylon, about 72 feet high, in front of which are colossal statues of Ramses II and one pink granite obelisk. The obelisk’s twin now stands in the Place de la Concorde in Paris.  Overnight in Luxor port.  Sun Boat III – Nile Deck Cabins.

Day 9:  Luxor / Esna
December 11, 2012

After breakfast visit Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex in the world and built over more than a thousand years by generations of Pharaohs.  The great Hypostyle Hall is a staggering forest of giant stone pillars, covering an area larger than the whole of Notre Dame Cathedral. Lunch is served on board while sailing to Esna.  This afternoon visit the Greco-Roman Temple of Khnum at Esna. The beautifully preserved Great Hypostyle Hall was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius.  It was excavated from the silt that had accumulated through centuries of annual Nile floods and is about nine meters below present-day street level.  Later afternoon the Executive Chef of the Sun Boat III will give a cooking lesson on board highlighting Egyptian specialties.  Tonight is our “Egyptian Night” costume party and lavish buffet dinner followed by oriental music and dancing.  Overnight in Esna port.  Sun Boat III – Nile Deck Cabins.

Day 10: Esna / Edfu / Kom Ombo
December 12, 2012

Enjoy breakfast on board while sailing to Edfu. This morning we explore the largest and most completely preserved Pharaonic – albeit Greek-built – temple in Egypt, the extraordinary Temple of Horus at Edfu.  It is the second largest temple in Egypt after Karnak  and is dedicated to the falcon god Horus. The inscriptions on its walls provide important information on language, myth and religion during the Greco-Roman period in ancient Egypt.  The afternoon is at leisure on board as we sail south.  Overnight Kom Ombo port.  Sun Boat III – Nile Deck Cabins.

Day 11: Kom Ombo / Aswan
December 13, 2012

After breakfast 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.  Lunch is served on board while sailing to Aswan.PM:  Late afternoon and weather permitting, we take a ride on a felucca, a typical Egyptian sail boat, around Elephantine Island, Lord Kitchener’s Botanical Gardens, and the Agha Khan Mausoleum.  Overnight in Aswan port.  Sun Boat III – Nile Deck Cabins.

Day 12: Aswan
December 14, 2012

This morning we visit the Aswan High Dam, Egypt’s contemporary example of building on a monumental scale.  Later we take a short motorboat ride to visit the romantic and majestic Philae Temple on the Island of Agilka. Nearby is the Unfinished Obelisk.  After lunch on board there is time to wander through the Aswan Spice Market, located a pleasant walk from the shores of the Nile.  Tonight on board we enjoy a Cocktail Reception and gala dinner hosted by the Boat Manager.  Overnight in Aswan port.  Sun Boat III – Nile Deck Cabins.

Day 13: Disembarkation Aswan / Abu Simbel / Cairo
December 15, 2012

Disembark the Sun Boat III and transfer to Aswan airport for a regularly scheduled flight to Abu Simbel, an UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising two massive rock temples on the western bank of Lake Nasser.  The twin temples took about twenty years to build and were completed around year 24 of the reign of Ramses II (1265 BC).  After visiting the site we re-board a regularly scheduled flight to Cairo.  This evening we enjoy a Farewell Cocktail Reception and Dinner hosted by Tour Director Richard Koegl.  Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers – Standard Rooms.

Day 14: Departure Cairo
December 16, 2012

US$7,240.00* per person land cost based on minimum 10 participants in shared accommodation (and a maximum of 20 guests).

US$320.00 per person domestic air flights in economy class Cairo / Luxor; Aswan / Abu Simbel / Cairo.  NOTE: Due to the instability and fluctuation of fuel costs, fuel surcharges and rates on domestic air flights are subject to increase until ticket issuance. 

US$2,540.00* per person Single Supplement.

Trip Cancellation Insurance: Call Kathii Benn for a quote.

*This published tour fee is based on the current exchange rates between the USD and local currencies.  As rates of exchange fluctuate every effort will be made to keep the tour fee as is.  However if rates change beyond our control we reserve the right to add a surcharge to the tour fee.  We will assess this prior to departure and before final payment is due.

Tour Fee Includes:

Six nights accommodation in superior deluxe hotels with priority rooms as indicated and available; seven nights aboard the Sun Boat III in Nile Deck Cabins as available; 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 9 dinners; Welcome Cocktail Reception at the Four Seasons Nile Plaza; Farewell Cocktail Reception and dinner at the Fairmont Heliopolis Towers Cairo; all sightseeing, entrance fees and transfers on published tour dates by private air-conditioned motorcoach / minivan / car / where available; private and exclusive accompanying English-speaking Egyptologist throughout the itinerary; bottled water during transfers and during all sightseeing; baggage handling, taxes, service charges and gratuities to all local guides, representatives, drivers, and the staff and crew aboard Sun Boat III; services of Professional Tour Director Richard Koegl; Oasis pre-departure information. 

Not Included:

International airfare to / from Cairo, Egypt; domestic airfare as noted in Tour Fees; tourist entry visa for Egypt; non-medical / accident / baggage / cancellation insurance – all highly recommended; anything other than mentioned in inclusions;  any items of a personal nature including alcoholic beverages, room service, etc.

CAIRO
Four Seasons Nile Plaza

The sophisticated, contemporary Four Seasons Nile Plaza rises from the legendary Corniche along the banks of the Nile.  With commanding views of the river and the Citadel, eight dining venues to choose from, extensive health club and spa facilities and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, this property provides every amenity imaginable.  All 366 rooms and suites are generously sized with bright interiors, natural wood details and comfortable furnishings.  The Beauty and Wellness Spa is the perfect place to relax, offering a comprehensive range of massage services and all-natural spa treatments that promote renewal.  Guestroom amenities include an entertainment center with satellite TV and DVD, multi-line telephones, in-room safety deposit box, and high-speed wired and WiFi internet access.  Ensuite bathrooms include a deep soaking tub and a separate shower.

Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers

With its location just minutes from Cairo International Airport, Heliopolis is one of the city’s prime residential areas and home to Egypt’s diplomatic and presidential offices.  The Fairmont is conveniently situated on the main road leading to central Cairo and to all other districts of the city including Egypt’s most ancient and popular tourist attractions.  The hotel has 835 guestrooms, 15 innovative dining outlets, a full-equipped health club, 3 swimming pools and a beauty salon.   Guestrooms amenities include an in-room safe, minibar, satellite TV, wired and WiFi high-speed internet access and luxurious ensuite bathrooms.

Sun Boat III

Perfect for a spectacular and intimate journey along the River Nile, the stylish Sun Boat III is a truly elegant vessel with the discreet ambience of an exclusive club.  Designed to be smaller than the average Nile cruiser to ensure a more personalized service, the Sun Boat III has its own private docks in Luxor and Aswan, ensuring extra security and privacy.  The quality of service, special entertainment, on-board facilities, and spectacularly prepared local cuisine ensure an experience like no other.  For guaranteed relaxation there is a no smoking policy throughout all internal areas of the boat and cell phones cannot be used in the public areas.

The top deck has a plunge pool and several private, open-air cabanas which allow the perfect place to relax and watch the daily life of Egyptians along the Nile.  There is internet access throughout the boat and a multi-lingual library, games area, laundry facilities and a souvenir and gift shop.

Besides four suites, there are 14 Luxury Cabins either on the Nile or Promenade Deck.  Cabins are fully air-conditioned and designed in contemporary, light and airy fabrics.  All have ensuite facilities, satellite television, in-house movies, direct dial international phone, an in-room safe and mini-bar.