Egypt Nile Cruise & Jordan Highlights
11 Days
from
$3,223
to
$3,938
per person*
Highlights:
Egypt
(Cairo, Nile)
,
Jordan
(Petra, Dead Sea)
Trip Start/End:
Cairo
/
Amman
Explore the Pyramids, Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum with its incredible Tutankhamen exhibit, and the bustling bazaars. Then fly to Luxor/Aswan to board your deluxe Nile cruiser, this will be your floating hotel moving from city to city while you explore the river's edge temples and monuments including; the Valley of Kings & Queens and Karnak temple in Luxor, the ancient monuments in Edfu and Kom Ombo, and the High Dam and Philae in Aswan. Combining private tours and transfers with enjoyable group outings, you will experience the absolute best that Egypt has to offer. Fly to Jordan and drive to the ghost city of Petra carved into the sheer sandstone cliffs echoes the Nambatean culture that once controlled the trade routes in the area. NOTE; Travel in Egypt often involves early-morning starts, designed to avoid crowds and the hottest midday hours. It can be hot, especially in June, July and August, but there is virtually no humidity and evening temperatures cool off dramatically. Egypt is a moderate secular state, well used to hosting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. While you will want to avoid revealing clothing, loose shorts and short-sleeved shirts are fine for both genders on board your Nile cruise and while sightseeing.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Cairo
| - Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Airport Assistance and Visa Service
| Le Meridien Pyramids (4.5*) Pyramids View (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Cairo
| - Private - Pyramids, Saqqara, Memphis Tour - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch - Vehicle/Driver
| Le Meridien Pyramids (4.5*) Pyramids View (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Cairo - Luxor - Nile
| - Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Air - Cairo - Luxor [Direct (1 hr)] - Economy
- Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Shared - East Bank - Group Tour
- Cruise entertainment
| Swiss Inn Radamis II Standard Cabin (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Luxor - Nile
| - Shared - West Bank - Group tour
- Cruise entertainment
| Swiss Inn Radamis II Standard Cabin (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Nile
| - Shared - Edfu Horus Temple
- Cruise entertainment
| Swiss Inn Radamis II Standard Cabin (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Nile - Aswan
| - Shared - Kom Ombo Temple
- Shared - High Dam, Philae, Obelisk - Group tour
- Cruise entertainment
| Swiss Inn Radamis II Standard Cabin (B,L,D)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Aswan - Cairo
| - Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Air - Aswan - Cairo [Daily - Direct (1.5 hr)] - Economy
- Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- At Leisure
| Marriott (4.5*) Deluxe (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 8
- Cairo
| - Private - 1/2 d Egyptian Museum Tour - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch - Vehicle/Driver
- Cairo by Night - Vehicle Driver
| Marriott (4.5*) Deluxe (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 9
- Amman - Cairo - Petra
| - Jordanian Tourism tax - Insurance
- Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Air - Cairo - Amman [Direct (1 hr)] - Economy
- Airport Assistance and Visa
- Transfer - Amman - Amman [Airport ] - Vehicle/Driver
- Transfer - Amman - Petra [Petra (3hrs)] - Vehicle/Driver
| Petra Marriott (4*) Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 10
- Petra - Dead Sea
| - Private - City Tour - Vehicle/Driver
- Lunch (included)
- Dead Sea (3 hrs) - Car/Driver
| Jordan Valley Marriott Dead Sea Resort (4.5*) Deluxe (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 11
- Dead Sea - Amman
| - Transfer - Dead Sea - Amman [Amman ] - Vehicle/Driver
| Depart
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
The Mighty Sphinx
Le Meridien Pyramids
Day 1: Cairo
Transfer to/from Cairo Airport in private vehicle with English speaking driver.
You will be met in the tunnel by an airport representative who will in turn facilitate the visa process ($15 per person - included in tour cost), escort you through customs and immigration, off to baggage claim and finally to passenger pick up. It is here that you will connect with our representative associate who will arrange airport transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: Le Meridien Pyramids (4.5*) Le Meridien Pyramids resort is located twenty minutes from Cairo’s city centre, with a spectacular closeness to the Giza Pyramids, one of history’s greatest treasures and one of the Seven Wonders of the world. With 444 rooms, this hotel is the ideal combination of rich foliage blended with sultry sands and timelessness. From dining North American-style over Tex Mex dishes to closing off the night over traditional Arabic shisha, one can attain a true feel for Egypt while still retaining a level of comfort akin to home. Aside from Le Meridien offering resort-style facilities, from outdoor tennis courts kept lit at night to spa treatments, the distance to the city allows the curious traveler to discover the curving streets and bazaars that mark Cairo’s mysterious aura.
Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza
Day 2: Cairo
Enjoy this tour which explores the relics of ages past, and includes visits to ancient Memphis, Saqqara and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Already millennia old by the birth of Christ, the elaborate statues and astonishing scale of these sites will amaze all who visit. This tour also features the famous Sphinx, whose constructor's still remains unknown, but its sheer beauty and allure has mystified the likes of Alexander the Great and Napoleon Bonaparte. This tour includes a private vehicle, a driver, and a highly trained Egyptologist, and entry to either Chephren (Khafre) or Menkaure (Mycerinus) pyramids, as well as the Solar boat. Entrance to the Pyramids come with an additional cost, and be aware that a limited number of people are allowed inside daily, so arrive early so you will not be disappointed.
Enjoy a buffet lunch at a great local restaurant.
Accommodation: Le Meridien Pyramids (4.5*)
Nile
Swiss Inn Nile Cruiser Radamis II
Day 3: Cairo - Luxor - Nile
Transfer to/from Cairo Airport in private vehicle with English speaking driver.
Take your flight from Cairo to Luxor. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.
Airport transfer with a private vehicle and English-speaking driver in Luxor.
Visit the great temples of Karnak and Luxor on the East Bank to marvel at the achievements of one of the earliest civilizations.
Enjoy an evening of entertainment including local music.
Accommodation: Swiss Inn Radamis II Swiss Inn Nile Cruiser Radamis II sails between Luxor and Aswan or vice versa, a distance of 220 kilometers. With an overnight stay in Esna/Edfu and either Luxor or Aswan. Steep yourself in 7000 years of history while enjoying 21st century comfort and timeless Swiss hospitality cruising on the world's longest river, the Nile flows through a wealth of heritage in Upper Egypt.
Hatshepsut Temple
Day 4: Luxor - Nile
Visit the Valley of the Kings, specifically, the recently renovated mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the huge Colossi of Memnon which are all that remain of the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III.
Enjoy an evening of entertainment including local music.
Accommodation: Swiss Inn Radamis II
Temple of Horus
Day 5: Nile
Visit the Nile-side Temple of Horus, the falcon god, built in 230 BC by Ptolemy III.
Enjoy an evening of entertainment including local music.
Accommodation: Swiss Inn Radamis II
Sobek, the crocodile god
Day 6: Nile - Aswan
Visit a unique Greco-Roman temple dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the sun god.
This tour begins with a visit to the impressive Aswan High Dam. The water which was collected behind created Lake Nasser, the world's largest artificial lake. View the Temple of Philae on the island of Agilika, stopping at the “unfinished obelisk,” a practical demonstration of the methods used by ancient craftsmen to create impressive monuments.
Enjoy an evening of entertainment including local music.
Accommodation: Swiss Inn Radamis II
Cairo Marriott Hotel
Day 7: Aswan - Cairo
Airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver in Aswan.
Take your flight from Aswan to Cairo. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and a half.
Transfer to/from Cairo Airport in private vehicle with English speaking driver.
Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
Accommodation: Marriott (4.5*) The recently renovated Cairo Marriott Hotel, situated at the centre of the city, is surrounded by lush gardens and with a 19th century palace in its midst, on the Nile River. The grand hotel’s 1250 rooms are well appointed, with splendid views of the city and the Nile. One may take meals in any of the restaurants or cafes, which are reasonably priced and enjoyable, and feature especially hospitable staff. The city of Cairo is in itself a bustling source of amusement and history, including the Pyramids, though some guests prefer to stay on the hotel grounds and make use of the fitness centre or swimming pools.
Egyptian Museum, home of King Tut
Khan Khalili Bazaar
Day 8: Cairo
Delve into the historical background of Egypt on a half day private tour with a trained Egyptologist guide through the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and its Mummy Room, which houses a priceless treasure of archaeological finds. This location holds the tomb of the King Tut, Egypt's most famous teenage King!
Enjoy a buffet lunch at a great local restaurant.
During this evening tour, enjoy a delicious Egyptian dinner at Naguib Mafouz, located in the heart of the Khan Khalili bazaar in Cairo. Stroll down the newly opened Al Moaz Street and view the largest concentration of medieval architectural treasures from the Islamic world. Also included in this tour is entrance to Beit El Seheimy. Normally, this location would be closed to the public during the evening, but this exclusive tour allows for entrance inside. This tour includes a private vehicle, driver and english speaking guide.
Accommodation: Marriott (4.5*)
Petra
Petra Marriott
Day 9: Amman - Cairo - Petra
A Jordanian Tourism tax will be paid on your behalf to cover public liability insurance on equipment such as Jeeps, camels and horses.
Transfer to/from Cairo Airport in private vehicle with English speaking driver.
Take your flight from Cairo to Amman. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.
You will be met by an airport representative , then it is off to baggage claim and finally to passenger pick up. It is here that you will connect with our Kensington associate who will arrange airport transfer to your hotel.
Airport meet and assist/transfer in Amman with a private vehicle and English speaking driver.
Avail of a transfer to Petra with a private vehicle and driver.
Accommodation: Petra Marriott (4*) Enjoy one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the ancient Nabatean city of Petra carved from the rock over a thousand years ago. Embracing traditional hospitality and overlooking Jordan's timeless wonder, the Petra Marriott Hotel offers anticipatory & traditional service designed to exceed all expectations.
Dead Sea Sunset
Al Khazneh or The Treasury
Jordan Valley Marriott Dead Sea Resort & Spa
Day 10: Petra - Dead Sea
Petra is the treasure of the ancient world, and the rock-carved rose-red city is full of mysterious charm. Indeed, it was "designed to strike wonder into all who entered it". Petra is the legacy of the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled in southern Jordan more than 2,000 years ago. Admired then for its refined culture, massive architecture and ingenious complex of dams and water channels, this remarkable city of grand buildings carved into massive cliffs evokes wonder to this day.
Enjoy a private transfer from Petra to the Dead Sea. The transfer time is approximately 3hrs in duration.
Accommodation: Jordan Valley Marriott Dead Sea Resort (4.5*) The Jordan Valley Marriott Dead Sea Resort & Spa, Jordan's hospitality ambassador of life's healing grounds is surrounded by rugged purple mountains that subtly change in color as the day unfolds. This is where the spirit of Jordan fills the air and the pulse of history resonates in culture with an endless celebration of life and traditions. The Resort offers anticipatory and warm service that revives the soul, as well as a self contained blend of modern décor and generous space. Service is unparalleled, anticipating every need and the culinary delights are a pleasure to enjoy. The "Spa" is an integral part of the resort. It offers a retreat for guests to unwind, relax and rejuvenate and is designed to offer guests a unique experience and to help rebalance the body, mind and spirit. The treatments are specially prepared to invigorate the body and soul. In addition, the Jordan Valley Marriott Resort & Spa is proud to be the first hotel in the Middle East to switch to solar panel energy for hot water.
Amman
Day 11: Dead Sea - Amman
Avail of a private transfer between the Dead Sea and Amman.
Accommodation: Depart Depart from Amman international airport - end of itinerary.
Accommodations
Le Meridien Pyramids
Deluxe Standard Room at Le Meridien Pyramids
Le Meridien Pyramids (4.5*) - Cairo
Le Meridien Pyramids resort is located twenty minutes from Cairo’s city centre, with a spectacular closeness to the Giza Pyramids, one of history’s greatest treasures and one of the Seven Wonders of the world. With 444 rooms, this hotel is the ideal combination of rich foliage blended with sultry sands and timelessness. From dining North American-style over Tex Mex dishes to closing off the night over traditional Arabic shisha, one can attain a true feel for Egypt while still retaining a level of comfort akin to home. Aside from Le Meridien offering resort-style facilities, from outdoor tennis courts kept lit at night to spa treatments, the distance to the city allows the curious traveler to discover the curving streets and bazaars that mark Cairo’s mysterious aura.
Swiss Inn Nile Cruiser Radamis II
Swiss Inn Radamis II - Nile
Swiss Inn Nile Cruiser Radamis II sails between Luxor and Aswan or vice versa, a distance of 220 kilometers. With an overnight stay in Esna/Edfu and either Luxor or Aswan. Steep yourself in 7000 years of history while enjoying 21st century comfort and timeless Swiss hospitality cruising on the world's longest river, the Nile flows through a wealth of heritage in Upper Egypt.
Cairo Marriott Hotel
Marriott (4.5*) - Cairo
The recently renovated Cairo Marriott Hotel, situated at the centre of the city, is surrounded by lush gardens and with a 19th century palace in its midst, on the Nile River. The grand hotel’s 1250 rooms are well appointed, with splendid views of the city and the Nile. One may take meals in any of the restaurants or cafes, which are reasonably priced and enjoyable, and feature especially hospitable staff. The city of Cairo is in itself a bustling source of amusement and history, including the Pyramids, though some guests prefer to stay on the hotel grounds and make use of the fitness centre or swimming pools.
Petra Marriott
Petra Marriott (4*) - Petra
Enjoy one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the ancient Nabatean city of Petra carved from the rock over a thousand years ago. Embracing traditional hospitality and overlooking Jordan's timeless wonder, the Petra Marriott Hotel offers anticipatory & traditional service designed to exceed all expectations.
Jordan Valley Marriott Dead Sea Resort & Spa
Bedroom
Jordan Valley Marriott Dead Sea Resort (4.5*) - Dead Sea
The Jordan Valley Marriott Dead Sea Resort & Spa, Jordan's hospitality ambassador of life's healing grounds is surrounded by rugged purple mountains that subtly change in color as the day unfolds. This is where the spirit of Jordan fills the air and the pulse of history resonates in culture with an endless celebration of life and traditions. The Resort offers anticipatory and warm service that revives the soul, as well as a self contained blend of modern décor and generous space. Service is unparalleled, anticipating every need and the culinary delights are a pleasure to enjoy. The "Spa" is an integral part of the resort. It offers a retreat for guests to unwind, relax and rejuvenate and is designed to offer guests a unique experience and to help rebalance the body, mind and spirit. The treatments are specially prepared to invigorate the body and soul. In addition, the Jordan Valley Marriott Resort & Spa is proud to be the first hotel in the Middle East to switch to solar panel energy for hot water.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Egypt
VISA/PASSPORT
A passport and visa are required for both US and Canadian citizens. Tourists can obtain a renewable thirty-day tourist visa on arrival at an Egyptian airport for a $15 fee, payable in U.S. dollars. Visitors arriving overland and/or those who previously experienced difficulty with their visa status in Egypt should obtain a visa prior to arrival. Processing generally takes 5 working days and is approximately US$30.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Egypt for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Proof of yellow fever immunization is required if arriving from an infected area. Evidence of an AIDS test is required for everyone staying over thirty days, for the purpose of studying or working in Egypt. All passengers arriving in Egypt now undergo certain measures at the Cairo International Airport as a precaution due to the 2009-H1N1 virus. The passengers’ passports are examined and they are screened at immigration via infrared cameras. HEALTH Health insurance is required. Medical facilities are poor quality and not widespread. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/egypt.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Cairo (El Qahira).
Government: Republic.
Language: Arabic is the official language. English and French are widely spoken.
Religion: About 90% of the population follows Islam; the majority of the rest is Christian. All types of Christianity are represented, especially the Coptic Christian Church. There is also a small Jewish minority.
Time: GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Friday in April to last Thursday in September).
Electricity: Most areas 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Certain rural parts still use 110 to 380 volts AC.
Telephone: Country code +20.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming exist with many international mobile phone companies. Coverage is limited to Cairo, Alexandria and along the north coast line of the Red Sea from Suez to Sharm el-Sheikh and the major towns along the Nile.
Internet: There are Internet cafes in the main cities, including Cairo, Alexandria, Dahab and Luxor. Tourists can also access the Internet in hotels.
Travel tips of Jordan
VISA/PASSPORT
A passport and a visa are required for both US and Canadian citizens. Jordan issues visas to Americans for a fee at most international ports of entry and at most international land border crossings upon arrival. Processing generally takes 2-3 working days along with a visa processing fee of approximately $50 a for single-entry visa, $70 for a double-entry visa and $130 for a multiple-entry visa. However, visas are not issued upon arrival at the land border crossing between Israel and Jordan known as the King Hussein Bridge crossing. (On the Israeli side, this crossing is known as the Allenby Bridge.) U.S. citizens must already be in possession of a valid visa to Jordan or have a special entry permit from the Jordanian Ministry of Interior to enter Jordan at this crossing. Proof of yellow fever immunization is required if arriving from an infected area. Some HIV/AIDS entry restrictions exist for visitors to and foreign residents of Jordan. Jordan does not permit entry or residency for foreign nationals with HIV/AIDS. Travelers known to have HIV are denied entry at ports of entry, including land border crossings.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Jordan for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is required. Medical facilities are poor quality and not widespread. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/jordan.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Amman.
Government: Constitutional Monarchy since 1952.
Language: Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken. French, German, Italian and Spanish are also spoken in many tourist areas.
Religion: Over 92% Sunni Muslim, with 2% Shi’a and Druze Muslim. A significant Greek Orthodox Christian minority (6%) resides mainly in the villages around the hill city of Madaba.
Time: GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 between March and October - dates vary).
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are mostly used but newer buildings may have three-pin plugs.
Telephone: Country code +962.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with many international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good.
Internet: There are Internet cafes throughout the country.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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