- Departure dates 2008: Dec 23
- Departure dates 2009: Jan 2, Jan 6, Jan 16, Jan 20, Feb 17
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Cairo, Egypt
Arrive in Cairo, and transfer to centrally located deluxe hotel for overnight accommodations.
Day 2: Cairo/ Ein El Sokhna-Embarkation
Following breakfast, enjoy an orientation tour of Cairo before transferring to Ein El Sokhna on the Gulf of Suez and embarkation of the ship. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 3: Ein El Sokhna/Monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul
Among the oldest monasteries in Egypt, the Monasteries of St. Anthony and St. Paul, honor two saints who are considered founders of the monastic way of life. A full-day excursion is planned to these to monasteries, located in the Arab Desert between the Nile to the Red Sea. Shortly after St. Anthony's death in 356, his followers established a monastery approximately one mile from the cave where he lived. Today, St. Anthony is a self-sufficient village with gardens, a mill, bakery and five churches. The Monastery of St. Paul is located on the site of the cave where St. Paul is said to have lived. Probably founded in the fifth century, it was destroyed several times before its reconstruction in 1701. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 4: Cruising the Red Sea to Safaga
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we cruise south through the Gulf of Suez into the Red Sea. We finally arrive at Safaga in the late afternoon. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 5: Safaga and Luxor
Disembark this morning for the great temples at Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes. Travel into the mountains and across the arid desert, watching as the land become green in the flood plain of the Nile. Following lunch, visit the magnificent Karnak Temple complex, completed under Ramses II and dedicated to the Egyptian sun god. Walk along the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes into the Great Court. A ceremonial path once lined with sphinxes leads to the Luxor Temple, built by Amenhotep III and Ramses II to serve as the ritual center of the most important festival in Thebes. Tonight have dinner and spend the night at a deluxe hotel near the site. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 6: Luxor to Safaga
Cross to the west bank of the Nile to visit one of the world's most important archaeological sites, the Necropolis at Luxor. You will also explore the Valley of the Queens, which includes the tomb of Nefertiti and the Temple of Hatshepsut. See the Valley of the Kings, where some 65 tombs including Tutankhamen's have been excavated. With your expert guide, also visit the Colossi of Memnon. Return to Safaga late in the afternoon and board the MS Monet, which departs during the dinner hour for Sharm El Sheikh, on the southern tip of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 7: Monasteries of St. Catherine's and Seven Nuns
After breakfast, disembark for an excursion to The Monastery of the Seven Nuns, located at the desert oasis of Wadi Feiran. Visit the fourth-century monastery and the Church of the Prophet Moses, and enjoy the palm-shaded oasis. St. Catherine's Monastery has been a major pilgrimage site since the sixth century, when the Emperor Justinian had a structure built around what was thought to be Moses' Burning Bush. A great granite fortress, the Monastery has withstood attacks over the centuries and protected the artistic treasures within: precious mosaics, icons, oil paintings and a major collection of illuminated manuscripts. This evening, we visit a traditional Bedouin camp to learn about their pastoral way of life. Feast on Arabian specialties and enjoy a demonstration of belly dancing. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 8: Sharm El Sheikh
Travel by motor coach to Ras Mohammed National Marine Park. A beautiful, natural area that is considered the jewel of the Red Sea, it is excellent reef diving and snorkeling. There is also much to enjoy without getting your feet wet, from the beaches, surrounding desert and the majestic mangrove forest that protects indigenous wildlife. There will be opportunities for swimming, snorkeling and beachcombing before returning to the ship for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the resort atmosphere of Sharm El Sheikh. This evening, join the captain and crew for the farewell cocktail party and dinner. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 9: Disembark Aqaba, Jordan - Wadi Rum
Disembark and travel by motor coach to Wadi Rum for a jeep excursion. In addition to its spectacular desert scenery, Wadi Rum is a Bedouin village where the British officer known as Lawrence of Arabia based his operations during the Arab Revolt in the early 20th century. Then continue on to your deluxe hotel in Petra for check-in, dinner on your own and overnight accommodations. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 10: Petra
We enter the ancient city of Petra on horseback. Built from 800 B.C. to 100 A.D., Petra was a fortified, self-governing city until it was conquered by the Romans. As shipping displaced caravan routes the city declined, but over 800 fascinating monuments remain from earlier times in this city. Have lunch at the Basin Restaurant inside Petra, and more time at this site, which many consider the most impressive in the region. Return to your hotel for dinner on your own. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 11: Petra to Amman
Drive north this morning along one of the world's oldest trade routes, where you will first visit the crusader castle of Kerak. Continue your journey to Madaba, the "City of Mosaics." See the famed mosaics at St. George's Church and the Church of the Apostles. As you get closer to Amman, stop at the Byzantine Church of Mount Nebo. Arrive in Amman late this afternoon. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 12: Amman
Tour Amman's Roman ruins on Citadel Hill, 2nd-century theater and bazaar before heading to the Greco-Roman archaeological site of Jerash. Return to Amman and enjoy a festive farewell dinner. Includes: (B), (D).
Day 13: Return Home
Following breakfast at the hotel, depart for the airport and your return flight home. Includes: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices based on a 3% cash discount.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Egypt
Jordan
Sightseeing
Cultural Journey
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