Mena House Oberoi
Garden Section Room







Egyptian food has a
powerful Turkish
influence since Turkey
invaded Egypt for
over 300 years







The Step Pyramid of
Zoser found in Sakarra,
is one of the first
pyramids that were
built, many architects
took ideas from it when
building the Great
Pyramids in Giza







Abu Simbel took
twenty years to
build, finally being
completed in the
year 1264 B.C.
under the rule of
Ramesses the Great







The Temple of Isis in
Philae was the last used
temple in Egypt for
worship and ritual


Hidden Gems of Egypt
Alexandria, Lake Nasser
& Sahara Desert

 

Explore the sands of time where tumultuous love affairs reigned, battles were won and lost, and gilded mummies hid their faces against a backdrop of ancient ruins. This is a journey on roads less traveled - set sail aboard an elegant ship along coasts only accesible within the past 15 years and go to rarely visited secluded oases. A mysterious land where pyramids dominate and statues of gods and pharaohs tower from the Sahara Desert and Cairo, to the largest artificial lake in the world, and the massive monuments of Abu Simbel and Aswan - Egypt's past continues to unleash secrets that stir the hearts of scholars, poets and adventurers.

Days 1/2 - New York/Cairo/Alexandria
Arrive Cairo and transfer to your luxury motor coach arriving in Alexandria where your lovely hotel has a commanding view of the Mediterranean Sea. Next morning, tour this 'shining pearl,' including the Greco Roman Museum, Roman Amphitheather, Montazah Palace and Pompey's Pillar. After lunch overlooking the harbor, explore the new Alexandria Library housing astounding ancient documents. SHERATON MONTAZAH HOTEL (Meals Aloft, D; B,L)

Days 3/4 - Siwa Oasis/Western Sahara Desert
A coastal drive leads to El Alamein, which played a major role in the outcome of WWII; visit military sites, a war museum, the German ossuary on Tel el-Easa Hill and the Italian mausoleum. Motor amidst bizarre sand formations before bursting onto a golden oasis of date palms set around a salt-lake. One of the least polluted places on earth Siwa Oasis harbors incomparable plants and a community with its own unique culture. Next day, stand in the shadow of Alexander the Great at the Oracle of Amun. Locals say spirits throughout the centuries haunt the Mountain of the Dead (Gebel al-Mawta); every inch is covered in tombs. Walk the ghostly ruins of Shali (old village). A sand castle fantasy, your eco-friendly lodge is an electricity-free luxury resort situated beside the lake where Roman Springs create the pool, and dinner is enjoyed under the night sky. ADRERE AMELLAL ECO-LODGE. (B,L,D Daily)

Day 5 - Bahariya Oasis/Western Sahara Desert
An exciting off-road trip with picnic lunch gives you a glimpse into primitive desert life. The Bahariya Oasis has the least technological resources in the country and relies on agricultural crops of guavas, mangos, dates, olives and wines for economic survival. Climb the surrounding black 'dunes' created by volcanic residue and seemingly dropped like cookie dough from the sky. Visit an archaeological excavation begun only 15 years ago named the Valley of the Golden Mummies; a four mle strip is estimated to have almost 10,000 pristine mummies covered with thin layers of gold and wearing gypsum masks. Your day ends with a restorative soak in thermal springs. Sleep under the stars at a desert campground or retire to modern amenities of a hotel. BAHARIYA CAMPGROUND OR PALM HOTEL. (B,L,D)

Days 6/7/8 - Cairo
The heart of Egypt for more than 1,000 years, drive to Cairo and check into your legendary hotel in the shadows of the pyramids. Next day, go through the countryside on your way to Memphis to see the Alabaster Sphinx and the reclining statue of Ramses II. Continue on to the necropolis of Sakarra, home to 14 pyramids including one of the world's oldest - the step pyramid of Zoser - and its accompanying tombs. After an Egyptian grilled lunch, visit the bent and red pyramids at Dashur. Relish your dinner tonight at the elegant Rubayyat Restaurant. Your last day is spent at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza, also known as Cheops, and the Sphinx, a symbol of strength and wisdom. Dinner tonight is at a resident's home. MENA HOUSE OBEROI GARDEN SECTION ROOMS. (B,L; B,L,D; B,L)

Days 9/10/11 - Abu Simbel/Lake Nasser Cruise
Fly to Abu Simbel to discover massive stone figures dedicated to Ramses II and his legendary wife. Experience its allure at night during a Sound and Light show before transferring to Lake Nasser to board your spacious ship reprising a 1920's Middle Eastern atmosphere with an ancient marble Turkish bath. A spectacular sunrise greets you from the temple before beginning three days gliding across the waters of Lake Nasser. The Kasr Ibrim Fort once ruled atop a high bluff - now it's almost level with the water due to the creation of the Aswan Dam. Explore Penout's tomb, the temples of Amada and Derr, and those that were relocated by UNESCO for their preservation: Wadi Seboua, Dakkah and Maharraqah. M.S. KASR IBRIM. (B,L,D Daily)

Days 12/13 - Aswan/Cairo/New York
Tour ancient temples built to celebrate victories over the Nubians, Ethiopians, Asiatics and Libyans, and those dedicated to the gods. Arrive Aswan and disembark to continue your adventure on land beginning with the Aswan High Dam constructed to create a water reservoir to prevent famine during severe droughts. The Unfinished Obelisk has provided insights into age-old construction methods. Go by small boat to the Temple of Isis at Philae on the island of Agilkia. Afterwards, fly to Cairo and your accommodations built around an archaic palace. Take in historic military settings and revered spiritual places residing in Coptic Cairo (old Cairo), built on top the Roman fortress known today as 'Babylon.' Share your favorite trip memories over a Farewell Dinner at Le Pacha Restaurant. Next morning, board your flight home. MARRIOT CAIRO. (B,L,D; B, Meals Aloft)

Pre-Extension to Jordan
Become enraptured with the romance of the desert on an adventure to Jordan. Your unforgettable journey ends at a resort overlooking the Dead Sea - the lowest point on earth. Traverse wildly unusual landscapes covered with pastel-hued sands, unique rock formations and the ruins of past civilizations. Experience the beautiful city of Amman, impressive fortresses and castles, the significant archeological ruins at Jerashm and mysterious Petra.

Post-Extensions to Luxor
On the site of the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes, Luxor is known as the 'world's greatest open air museum.' Explore massive temples, monuments and tombs. Imagine people throughout the centuries building, worshipping and paying their respects to pharaohs, Kings and Queens on the banks of the legendary Nile. Your luxury hotel, the Al Moudira, is designed by incorporating vintage artifacts from old Egyptian buildings and handicrafts from local artisans.

Your Journey Includes:

  • Roundtrip air transportation between New York and Cairo. Domestic flights within Egypt and Jordan per itinerary.
  • Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
  • 4-days/3-nights Lake Nasser cruise aboard a deluxe cruise ship.
  • Professional Egyptologist with a minimum of 10 travelers.
  • Breakfast daily, Fairwell Dinner and other meals per itinerary.
  • Sightseeing by motor coach.
  • All applicable taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
  • Water, coffee and tea with all meals and complimentary bottled water on motor coach.
  • Complimentary backpack, baggage tags and passport wallets.

For reservations or more information, please contact:
Classic Escapes, Inc. at (800) 627-1244