A Grand 27 Day Tour of India and Egypt including a Nile Cruise and a Cruise in Kerala

This exceptional package includes Egypt in all its variety
from the wonders of the Great Pyramids to a Nile cruise, and the unspoiled beaches of the Red Sea.
As well as the mighty temples at Abu Simbel, , Denderah Temples, Diving or snorkeling
and a Camel Caravan to a Nubian Village
In India you will cover in two week : Delhi , Agra and Jaipur, the Indian Riviera in Kerala
And include a House Boat Cruise in Kerala

Compare with the 21 -day version

DAY 2 - CAIRO- Sailing on the Nile - Tuesday (BLD)
Today we see Cairo's major sights: the Egyptian Museum, including the Mummies Room. We'll continue to Royal Manial Palace of former Crown Prince Mohamed Ali , on to the Coptic Museum, and the Church of Abu Sergha, and the Beni Ezra Synagogue. We'll see where,according to the legend, Moses was found along the banks of the Nile. We'll take our lunch at a local restaurant.
Enjoy a 30 minute felucca sailing on the Nile to see Cairo from a different angle before we head back to your hotel. Dinner is included at your hotel

DAY 3 - DAHSOUR - Wednesday (cBL)
After breakfast, we'll motor to the edge of Cairo, to the mysterious Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza.

Those who are fit and adventurous enough may wish to penetrate into the heart of the Great Pyramid, to the King's Chamber your ticket is included with our compliments (or the interior of Kephren Pyramid). Taking a camel ride (Included) is entirely your own choice!

Continue to Dahshour, the newly-opened pyramid field south of Cairo. We visit the great pyramid of Senfru, father of Cheops, and other structure:

The "Discovery" of Dahshour:
For almost half a century, the great field of huge pyramids near the desert village of Dahshour, 25 miles south of Cairo, has been off limits to the public. Confined within the perimeter of a military base were many pyramids, including the great 4500-year-old pyramid built by Senfru, father of Cheops. Senfru's pyramid, the largest in Egypt until his son built Giza's Great Pyramid, is rhomboidal in shape: it tapers more distinctly on its upper half. All the pyramids were coated in thick plaster at one time. Most have lost these protective, decorative sheaths, but Senfru's--miraculously--is still in place.
Lunch is included at a local restaurant or at your hotel.

Evening Sound and Light show by the Pyramids.

DAY 4 - The Red Sea resort of Sharm , Thursday (B)
Head for the airport and a short flight to Sharm El Sheikh on the Red Sea. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy this unique desert beach resort. Relax by the cerulean waters, take a camel ride at your option. Hyatt Hotel . Rotana
Sofitel Hotel . Savoy, or similar

DAY 5 - Sharm El Sheikh, Snorkel or Dive- Friday (BD)
The Red Sea just off "Sharm" is replete with fascinating coral and aquatic species unique to this area. You'll spend the full day today exploring these wonders as you snorkel or scuba dive (for which proof of certification is a must ). There's also time to relax, take an optional excursion, or look into the life of the Bedouins who have made a way of life in the desert. Evening Bedouin Dinner.

DAY 6 - LUXOR & Cruise to Denderah -Saturday (cBLD)
An early flight takes us to Luxor,along the Nile in fabled Upper Egypt, where We'll navigate the waters of the Nile to Denderah in a day excursion cruise ( or by car) , to visit the best preserved temple in Egypt, then its back to Luxor for a spectacular sound & light show at Karnak temple. Accommodation on board your Nile Cruise. One large bottle of mineral water in your cabin with our compliments.

DAY 7 - VALLEY OF THE KINGS Sunday (cBLD)
Queen Nefertari's tomb is closed for urgent repairs, so we 'll be touring instead : Ancient Workers Village at Deir El Medineh, as soon as Nefertari is opened again, we will reinstate it in our programs. Today's tour include as well a visit to the Valley of the Kings including Tut-Ank-Amon's tomb , temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari, and Colossi of Memnon, returning to our Nile cruiser for lunch. Following lunch aboard, we visit the great Temple of Luxor, and the gigantic Great Temple of Amon at Karnak, returning to our vessel in time for tea. Complimentary welcome fruit basket in your cabin.

DAY 8 - ESNA & EDFU- Monday (cBLD)
We cruise to Esna during the night and pass through the locks. After breakfast we cruise to Edfu and board horse-drawn carriages to get to the fine Temple of Horus. In the evening, we have a jolly galabia party. A Galabya will be delivered to your cabin with our compliments.

DAY 9 - KOM OMBO & ASWAN , CAMEL CARAVAN -Tuesday (cBLD)
We explore Kom Ombo's twin Temples of Haroeris, the sun god, and Sobek, the crocodile god, before cruising south to Aswan. After lunch aboard, we board a graceful felucca for a cruise among the Nile islands .Then to really immerse yourself, try your hand at a complimentary camel riding! We'll take willing passengers on a traditional caravan to enjoy tea with Nubian villagers. Only Travel In Style & Nubian Nile Cruises afford this unique opportunity to meet & interact with local Nubians. We are proud to offer this insight into the Nubian way of life. Back in your cabin : Complimentary Egyptian pastry & sweets platter.

DAY 10 - ASWAN & ABU SIMBEL/CAIRO Wednesday (cBL)
The mighty Aswan dams are our first goal this morning, followed by a trip by motor launch to the Philae temples , this Island temple , dedicated to the Ancient Goddess ISIS :

The Mystery of Isis : Two millennia ago the Mediterranean world was enthralled by the mystery of Isis:

"I, Isis, am all that has been, that is or shall be; no mortal man hath ever seen me unveiled."

Called Aset by the ancient Egyptians, the goddess was a Madonna in the Mediterranean tradition that stretches far, far back to the primitive Mother Goddess from Anatolia, home to some of the oldest human communities on earth.

Isis was the powerful and quick-witted protector of her son Horus, the Sun God. Ancient peoples throughout the Mediterranean regarded Isis and Horus as the perfect Madonna and Child. Another legend says she was also the mother of the fertility god Min who, judging from the depiction of him on temple walls, needed no help from Viagra!

Because of her wisdom and skill at protection, she was admired as a good magician capable of healing the sick and protecting the dead in their journey to the Underworld.

Isis is portrayed regally, as a queen seated on a throne (which may be the meaning of her name), often holding her son Horus as a baby. Other images show her with broad, magnificent gilded wings able to protect the world.

Isis, the great Mother Goddess. Come explore her mystery in timeless Egypt !

Back on land, we visit an ancient Pharaonic red granite quarry, then we take a short flight to Abu Simbel. ( Lunch box included and large bottle of water) , there we'll marvel at the temples dedicated to Ramses the Great and Queen Neferatri, saved from rising waters of the Nile when the High Dam was built, fly back to Aswan and connect with our returning flight to Cairo and your hotel .

ABU SIMBEL

In the larger temple, colossal figures of Ramses are seated with the gods and attended by his queen and daughters. The smaller temple is dedicated to Queen Nefertari, who appears as Hathor, the goddess of love, joy and fertility, symbolized by the benevolent cow. We explore these fine temples, admiring their ancient aura and artistry, after which we begin our leisurely drive back to Abu Simbel Airport

Jacquie Kennedy & Abu Simbel Temples in Egypt :

All Americans alive during the 1960s remember President John F Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy. Most Americans from that time also remember Abu Simbel, the dramatic, ancient pharaonic temple
threatened by the rising waters blocked by the new Aswan High Dam.

It’s worth remembering that it was Jacquie Kennedy who provided crucial support for the mammoth rescue project. Without her help, Abu Simbel might have been lost. Arrive early in Egypt, extend one day to be able to see Abu Simbel . Read More

DAY 11 - Cairo -Thursday (cB)
Breakfast is included at the hotel . Full day at leisure , explore Cairo on your own .

Dinner is included at a local home:
Meet the locals, you may wish to bring token gifts to exchange with the host family ( T shirt , small souvenirs of your home town):
This evening we'll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread . . . right into the homes of some of the people of Cairo ! You'll be invited to a family dinner, and while you enjoy wholesome home-cooked specialties, you'll learn about and appreciate the outlook, aspirations, and way of life of your hosts. Be assured, as curious as you may be about your new friends, they're sure to have questions about your own background. Once the ice is broken, you'll enjoy a lively evening, and find that you have more in common than you ever suspected. Of course, you may enjoy a quiet evening with your travel companions, by letting us know your preferences.

DAY 12 - Cairo Fayoum -Friday (cBL)
On Desert Safari for the Day - Fayoum Oases - And you thought the Pyramids were old

The wilds of the desert begin right on the outskirts of Cairo, and continue for hundreds of miles to the east and west, through sands, rock, mountains, oases, and a surprising variety of scenery and inhabitants.

Join us for a day ranging across the desert like modern nomads. In place of camels, we’ll travel in comfortable, reliable four-by-four Toyota Land Cruisers. Your guide and drivers will meet you at your hotel, and soon you’ll leave bustling Cairo behind as you undertake the drive toward the Oasis of El Fayoum, 150 kilometers to the southwest. Hard as it is to believe, a great inland sea once covered these sands. It was a holy reserve of sacred crocodiles, symbolized by the god Sobek.

We’ll visit the temple of Kom Oshim, drive over ancient lake beds, and alongside the waters of today’s Fayoum Lake to reach the fishermen’s village of Chak Chouk. There we’ll stop for a lunch of fish caught fresh that morning. There will be time to wander the village lanes and discreetly watch the everyday activities of baking flatbread, irrigating crops from the lake’s waters, and bringing in the catch. We’ll also include the craft and pottery museum where the best works of local artisans are on display.

Then it’s into our four-by-fours again, for an off-road adventure! We’ll head alongside and across desert washes, between dunes, and over ancient lake beds for 35 kilometers to the Valley of the Whales ( In Arabic : Wadi-El-Hitan) . Incredibly, these great mammals once thrived - almost forty million years ago- in waters surrounded by sands. We’ll stop and gaze in amazement at their fossilized remains alongside smaller sea creatures that remain in stone.
This valley was discovered in 1936 , by the German geologist George Schweinfurth in the northwestern corner of Wadi El-Rayan.

The valley provides evidence of one of the major changes in this mammal evolution has been declared by the UNESCO to be a World Heritage Site. It is believed that these land based whales once had feet that may have helped them somewhat while ashore . A team from the University of Michigan discovered in the late 80's that these Zeuglodon whales did have rudimentary feet , this was a startling discovery , suggesting that whales of Wadi -El-Hitan had recently started living in water as well , these whales were not related to any of the whales we have today , rather a more slender body and may grow up to 75 feet long. Several skeletons of whales are exposed in the sand. George Schweinfurth named this extinct specie the Zeuglodon Isis Whales .

In the evening, you’ll return to your hotel in Cairo. Land transportation in air-conditioned four-wheel-drive Toyota Land Cruiser with the services of driver and English-speaking driver. Lunch is included

DAY 13 - Departure for Delhi , India - Saturday (cB)
Our staff escorts you to the airport for your flight to India, air itinerary are always subject to change without notice. Air fare is included in economy class Egypt/ India in economy class, tax included.

The Adventure begins and 1001 Indian Nights : Delhi * Agra * Jaipur * Delhi
Arrive at New Delhi’s International Airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a three night stay. The drive from the airport introduces Delhi as a spacious, tree-lined city with a number of beautiful parks.

In India : An English Speaking Escort will always be with you for the entire tour staying at the different hotels as the group

Day 14 - Delhi
The morning is at leisure. In the afternoon take a tour of Delhi including visits to Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India, and Humayun’s tomb, built by the widow of the second Mughal Emperor in the Indo-Persian style. See the imposing India Gate, Parliament buildings and Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President’s residence. (B)

Day 15 – Delhi to Agra
Travel by road this morning to Agra (approximate 4 ½ hours) and check-in to your hotel for an overnight stay. Visit the Taj Mahal (closed on Fridays), arriving at the gates by horse drawn carriage. The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away and transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants. Built in the mid 17th century by Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world. The Taj appears amazingly perfect from almost any angle, and close-up, the marble inlay work is astounding. You will have ample time to view this outstanding piece of architecture. Continue on to Agra Fort, once the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire. This evening try your hand at bargaining at the marble & leather factories. (B)

Day 16– Agra to Fatehpur Sikri to Jaipur
You will be driven to Jaipur today (approximate 6 hours) stopping en-route to visit Fatehpur Sikri, the deserted red sandstone city, built by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. It was abandoned soon after when the wells dried up and it remains today in much the same condition that it was over 300 years ago.
On arrival in Jaipur, the ‘Pink City’ of palaces and monuments, proceed to your hotel for a two night stay. (B)

Day 17 - Jaipur
Sightseeing today includes an elephant ride up to the Amber Fort, then time to stroll through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. See Hawa Mahal, also known as the Palace of the Winds, whose elaborately carved façade captured cooling breezes and concealed from view the ladies of the court watching the activity in the streets below. Visit the City Palace gardens and courtyards, and explore the collections of costumes, armoury and rare manuscripts in its museum. Walk to the adjacent Astronomical Observatory, built in 1726 and still in use, and shop in the local bazaar. (B)

Day 18– Jaipur to Delhi
Return to Delhi by road (approximate 5 hours) and transfer to your hotel . (B).

Day 19 - Delhi
Take a morning tour of Old Delhi, beginning with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. See the Red Fort and continue on to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques. It was the last architectural extravaganza of the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, built in 1656 AD, and large enough to hold as many as 25,000 devotees. The afternoon is free for shopping or leisure. (B)

Day 20 - Delhi -Cochin - ( Kochi Airport) Kerala
Arrive Cochin. You will be met on arrival at Cochin airport and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. Cochin has prospered as a busy port city and commercial centre, trading in spices, coffee and timber. The involvement of the Portuguese, Dutch and British over the years is evident in its architecture. (B)

Day 21– Cochin to Munnar
On a morning city tour visit the waterfront to see the Chinese fishing nets, the Mattancherry Palace with its Ramayana murals (closed on Fridays), the Jewish Synagogue (closed on Friday, Saturday and Jewish Holidays) which was built in 1568, and St Francis Church which is the believed to be the oldest European built church in India and for some years held the remains of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. Travel by road to the hill station of Munnar this afternoon, an idyllic haven of crisp mountain air, and tea and spice plantations. Stay overnight in Munnar. (B)

Day 22– Munnar to Thekkady
Visit a tea estate then travel on to Thekkady and the Periyar National Park. Take a boat safari on the park’s picturesque lake to view the wildlife. Herds of elephant, sambar and wild pigs wander down to the lakeside, and monitor lizards can be seen basking in the sun on rocky outcrops along the shore. You may even spot a tiger! Stay overnight in Thekkady. (B)

Day 23– Thekkady to Kumarakom
Drive on to Kumarakom located on the shores of the enchanting Vembanad Lake. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the scenic setting and pretty township. Stay overnight in Kumarakom. (B)

Day 24 - Kumarakom to houseboat
Early morning is the best time to view the abundant bird life in the lake sanctuary. The morning is at leisure before transferring to the dock for a sojourn in a kettuvallam, the traditional houseboats of Kerala. Cruise the palm-fringed backwaters in comfort and style, with an onboard chef at your service preparing local cuisine. (BD)

Day 25– Houseboat to Mararikulam
After breakfast disembark the houseboat and be driven to the sleepy fishing village of Mararikukam, checking in to the Marari Beach Resort. Set amongst coconut groves , the resort cottages have a charming local flavour . Relax for two nights in idyllic surrounds. (B)

Day 26 - Mararikulam
Today is at leisure in the resort; time perhaps for a massage in the resort’s fully equipped Ayurvedic spa, or a swim in the pool or the ocean. (B)

Day 27– Mararikulam to Cochin - End of tour
Your tour concludes after breakfast. Hotel check-out is 12 noon and drive 30 Kilometers for the transfer to Cochin airport, always in a private air-conditioned vehicle and private chauffeur (B)

RATES per person in USD

Deluxe Nile Cruises :
Monaco , Monte Carlo , Mojito , Beau Soleil , Florence. Solitaire . Renaissance , Adonis, Queen of Hansa , Princess Sara or similar

Upgrade to the Ultra Deluxe Nile Cruises:
Moon Goddess , or M/S Philae ( all state   rooms are Junior Suites do offer private balconies)
The Ultra Deluxe" Queen TiYi
Supplement : 10 % applies to be added to the deluxe rate

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES :

• Egypt and India domestic airfares ( economy class ) as described in the itinerary, tax included .
  
  
• All airport transfers and taxes .
  
  
• Hotel accommodations (including taxes).
  
  
• And set-menu (table d'hôte) meals as indicated in the itinerary above.
  
  
• Nile cruise with all shore excursions and meals .Complimentary welcome drink upon arrival on board the Nile Cruise .Complimentary welcome fruit basket on board the Nile Cruise. Large bottle of water ( per person ) delivered to you cabin daily while you are on board the Nile Cruise.Tea or coffee an bottled water with each / every meal while you are on board the Nile Cruise.
  
  
• Guided sightseeing by air-conditioned motor coach, including all admissions fees.
  
  
• Egyptian : Visa fee issued upon arrival for American, Australian, NZ,EU , Korean, Singaporean & Japanese citizens, passport must be valid for at least 6 month beyond the date of arrival.
  
• In India : An English Speaking Escort will always be with you for the entire tour staying at the different hotels as the group

For on-the-spot service in Europe , We are glad to introduce . . .
Our Person in Europe :
Mrs. Wafaa Moawad : GM : International Travel Service (ITS)

For carefree travel in Italy . . . or booking one of these tours while you are in Europe :

For your travel in Italy, or plan your wedding and Honeymoon in Italy :

Because International Travel Service (ITS) is right there, they’ll handle what others can’t, from airport transfers arranged in advance to private tours in Rome and Venice, to coach seats in all of Italy. They'll make every arrangement from their European office throughout your journey.

For understanding service right wherever you are . . .
When you’re booking a Mediterranean cruise or a North African tour from Europe, you prefer to deal with somebody who not only speaks English, but also knows where you’re coming from. That’s our European agent. She’ll work out all the details in real time.

For trusted payment options . . .
You have the option of booking online through ITS popular Web site, or picking up the phone and arranging payment in your own time zone, without concerns about online transactions.

For expert arrangements as you travel . . .
Decided you’d like to stay longer in Venice? Extend your trip to Morocco or Tunisia? Starting your trip in Europe? We’ve always been there to help. Now, you don’t have to stay up late to speak to somebody live or wait for a reply. Our Person in Europe will get to it right away.

Before you go or even when you’re underway, feel free to call on ITS / International Travel Service in Europe:

Mrs. Wafaa Moawad
Managing Director
International Travel Services / representative of Travel in Style
Piazza Falcone Borsellino No.1
Forli 47100
Italy
Tel.: 0039 0543 65110
Fax.: 0039 0543550073
Direct / Cell : 0039 3358 19093
its@its-spa.com or
wafaa@its-spa.com

More Choices:

 

 

• The Private Royal Tour of India : A 22-day Fantasy tour including Kerala , the Indian Riviera . Tour India the Way the Maharajas Did . Compare with the 15-day version .
  

• India in a Week Tour. Private tour of India .
  
  
• Romancing the Taj . Group Tour of India .
  
  
• The Best of Egypt and India , including A Grand 27 Day Tour of India and Egypt including a Nile Cruise and a Cruise in Kerala . Compare with the 21 day version .
  

• Compare with India Royals and Tigers : in 15 Days
  
  

 

	Web www.nubiannilecruises.com

 

The Great Pyramid of Cheops . . . Are You Up to the Adventure?

A journey into the heart of the Great Pyramid is a real-life Indiana Jones adventure. But it can also be a taxing and frightening one.

You'll follow claustrophobic passages cut into the heart of the pyramid, feel the pull of the mass of stone directly above. For better or worse, you have placed yourself in the hands of the engineering expertise of the ancients.

As you continue along the unventilated passages, the oxygen becomes depleted, the air becomes noticeably warmer and more pungent. The ascent of steep stairways consumes more energy than you imagined, and you find yourself short of breath. Lighting is dim, every footstep must be carefully calculated. Low passageways repeatedly oblige you to advance while bent down, and your muscles protest. Where walls disappear into the dark above, you feel wedged into a shaft. Despite warnings, and your own resolve, claustrophobic feelings are hard to suppress.

Finally, you behold the King's Chamber at the heart of the Great Pyramid. The effort to reach it has made the reward more exhilarating than you imagined. If only you can face the return.

Is the King's Chamber for you? If you're not used to bending and regular exercise, you might find the challenge beyond your capabilities. Turning back is more difficult the farther you go, and the experience could leave you aching for days afterwards.

Be realistic about yourself, your abilities, and your disposition. And remember that there are many other rewarding sights and adventures at Giza, without the physical challenge and risks of the King's Chamber.

The decision is up to you.

India's Golden Triangle
An eight day tour of India: Delhi . Agra . Fatehpur Sikri. Jaipur. And includes Yoga Session, with optional Wellness and Indian spa session & treatment. Add Mashobra in a 12-Day Honeymoon Dream Vacation