


The Ultimate Egypt Experience
DC/MD/VA Adventure Meetup
MARCH 20th-APRIL 3rd, 2009



Cairo, Luxor, Aswan,
Alexandria & Sharm el Sheikh
· Aswan · Alexandria- Diving
· Cairo · The Pyramids
· Sphinx · Siwa Oasis
· Desert Camp · Camel/Jeep Safari
· White Desert · Bedouin Desert Camp
· The Valley of the Kings · Komombo Temple
· Edfu Temple · Abu Simbel
· Felucca Cruise · Red Sea
· Sharm El Sheikh · Hot Air Balloon ride over West Bank
Day 1: Flying/Arrival from JFK to Cairo
Leave Washington, DC to JFK then Fly to Cairo.

Day 2: Cairo
Your trip starts today in Cairo. Arrive in Cairo at the International Airport and be greeted by the tour representative who will assist you through customs and transfer you to your hotel. In the afternoon visit to the Egyptian Museum including the Mummies Room. In the evening we’ll enjoy a welcome dinner at El Azhar Park on a mountain overlooking the Old Cairo.
Meals: Included 1 Dinner
Day 3: Cairo-
Cairo is the 'Mother' of all cities, a massive, sprawling metropolis of some 16 million people. Following breakfast, the day starts with a half-day guided tour to the Great Three Pyramids in Giza, belonged to the Kings of the 4th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom Cheops, Chephren & Mykerionos and the Sphinx, the huge guard of the Funeral Complex with king Chephren face & Lion body. Take an optional camel rides at the Pyramids. Then have lunch at an open Air restaurant in Pyramids Area. In the afternoon we will visit the necropolis of Sakkara and the ancient city of Memphis. Evening: sound and light show at the sphinx
Meals included: 1 breakfast and dinner
Day 4: Cairo- Camping in the White Desert

Today we head to the Bahariya Oasis, we will drive across the dunes towards the black desert, after that we will drive by 4x4 jeep to visit the hot and cold spring in the small Bedouin village El Hez then will visit the crystal mountain and ride the camels to el Agabat area and sand dunes to cross the small and the big valley riding camels towards the white desert to camp overnight.
White Desert, one of the most surreal landscapes you are likely to encounter. Vast wind-eroded chalk monoliths rise from the desert sands - some looking like pinnacles, some like mushrooms and others dome-shaped. Sunset and sunrise are the best times to view these formations, as their colors change through shades of pink and orange. Against the backdrop of the desert this is sure to be an outstanding experience. We sleep ‘under the stars’ tonight, watching countless shooting stars as our Bedouin friends cook us a great meal and share stories by the camp fire.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
Day 5: Cairo to Aswan (sleeper train)
After breakfast visit the El Mushroom Valley, the tents valley then we will drive back to the Oasis for freshen up and continue to Cairo. In the evening we take the night train back to Cairo, with dinner served on board. Our air-conditioned carriage has large, comfortable seats (similar to business class seats on a ‘plane) that recline back at about 45 degrees. A toilet is located at the end of the carriage. A simple dinner and breakfast are served on board.
Meals included: 1 breakfast and Dinner
Day 6: Aswan- Philae- Felucca- Nubian Village
An early start sees us on the road Aswan, one of our favorite places. Despite the fact that it is Egypt’s third-largest city, it has an easy-going, laid-back atmosphere that belies its size our to Philae temple and High Dam. Lunch at Hotel. Felucca sailing around Aswan islands and Nubian Village Tour. In the evening we’ll travel by horse drawn carriage to the Aswan Spices Bazaar. Dinner & Overnight in Aswan.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 7: Luxor- Edfu- Luxor
Check out and drive to Luxor visiting Temple of Sobek and Haroeris in Kom Ombo then temple of Horus in Edfu. Lunch Box during Tour. Dinner and Overnight
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 8: West Bank- Valley of the Kings- Luxor

We will enjoy a Hot Air Balloon ride over the West Bank, Tour to West Bank, Valley of the Kings, Hatsheepsut Temple, Colossi of Memmnon and Ramsum. Lunch at restaurant in the afternoon In the evening you can do a tour by calesche (horse drawn carriage), and watch the sound and light show at Karnak Temple (optional) - it isn't only a simple temple but a complex of many pylons, temples, halls & sanctuaries from the middle kingdom till the Greek-Roman period. Return to hotel and overnight in Luxor. Following breakfast, the day starts out with a donkey ride to the Valley of the Kings and a visit to the temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El Bahari, called "the most splendid of all".
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 9: Luxor- Sharm El Sheikh
Check out and transfer to Luxor Airport. Flight to Sharm el Sheikh. Arrive Sharm and freshen up. Afternoon quad runner and Bedouin lunch. Dinner and Overnight
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 10: Sharm El Sheikh

Option 1- Diving at Ras Mohammed (best diving spot in Sharm) including equipment and lunch
Option 2- St Catherine’s Monastery visit for non-divers
Night dive and dinner overnight
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 11: Sharm El Sheikh
Option 1- 2nd day diving in Sharm El Sheikh
Option 2- Sea trip for those not diving
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 12: Cairo
Morning drive to Cairo, (at noon stop in Suez for lunch at sea food restaurant and continue to cairo. Afternoon arrival in Cairo. Overnight in Cairo
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 13: Alexandria

Breakfast, check out and drive to Alexandria wreck diving in Alexandria (2 dives) including equipments and lunch. Non- Divers tour to Greco Roman Museum, Catacombs and Pompeii Pillar. Lunch at sea food restaurant. Dinner at hotel in Alexandria.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Day 14: Montazah
Tour Montazah, Gardens, Roman Ampitheater, Jewelry Museum, drive back to Cairo. Farewell Gala Party on Nile Maxim with Belly Dance.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 15: Cairo – Fly Home
Our trip ends today, after breakfast. Check-out time is usually around 12.00 noon however you are free to leave at any time.
Meals included: 1 breakfast
COST: (Includes Land & Air and most meals) Price per person sharing a double room of the following estimated Net Air & Land package: $3300.00 (Non-Divers double occupancy) $3650.00 (Divers- double occupancy) Single Supplement $800 Deposit : $300 due ASAP to hold your spot DEPOSIT & CANCELLATIONS:
First Deposit of $300 due ASAP to secure your spot 2nd Deposit of $600 due no later than Oct 15th, 2008 3rd Deposit of $600 due no later than Nov 15th, 2008 4th Deposit of $750 due no later than Dec 15th, 2008 Final Payment of $1080 due by Jan 15th, 2008 Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
Save 5% and pay entire amount by check by Dec 1st! Contact Organizer for details
Optional Excursions
Hot Air Balloon ride over the West Bank $187.50
Night Dive at Sharm el Sheikh $140.00
(See below for more information on optional excursions)
THE PRICE OF THE ABOVE PACKAGE INCLUDES:
Air Transportation: Round trip airfare JFK/CAI/JFK based on Q class of service on EGYPT Airlines.
Transfer & Porterage: Roundtrip transfers between airports and hotels. Porterage of one average sized pieces of luggage per person only.
Accommodations: 3 star or higher hotel or camping (2 nights)
MEALS: Breakfast daily at hotels, 9 lunches and 9 dinners
SIGHTSEEING: Sightseeing in deluxe private air-conditioned motorcoach, services of a licensed English-speaking guide, all entrance fees as per the attached itinerary.
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Passport & insurance fees; tips to guides, drivers and hotel personnel; costs for items not on table d’hôte menus; any other items of a personal nature such as gratuities, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
Air Taxes & Fuel Surcharge of approximately $288.00 - these are subject to change, depending upon exchange rate and will be made available within a month of departure. These will need to be paid within a month of departure.
INSURANCE:
Baggage/Trip Cancellation/Trip Delay/Medical insurance is required.
· Should any member of the group wish to purchase this coverage, we recommend you collect the premium at time of deposit. Proof of this payment will be required if a pre-existing medical condition is involved in the claim.
· Any and all insurance payments accepted between time of initial deposit and final payment will not qualify for the coverage of pre-existing medical conditions.
· Any and all additional passengers' insurance payment must accompany the final invoice payment due 45 days prior to travel.
· Within 45 days of departure, insurance payments may only be applied to new participants to in the group.
Travel Insurance Approximately $167
CANCELLATIONS:
Initial Deposit is non-refundable (that goes to secure your airprice)
Sorry No Refunds within 60 days of departure. Any Cancellations within 90-61 days of departure will incur a $350 fee. (not including any fees for paypal or eventbrite)Absolutely no refunds of airfare within 90 days of departure.
No Substitutions within 45 days of departure, Any substitutions within 60-46 days of departure may be subject to an additional $100 fee.
Please Note:
Active Adventure
This trip is an Adventure. That means a moderate level of activity every day, from hiking the desert, riding a camel or diving in the Red Sea.
If you love adventure then you’ll enjoy camping under the stars, sleeping on a felucca, travelling by overnight train as well as hotel accommodations.
Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride
For you early birds try an exhilarating 6am Hot Air Balloon Ride over the West Bank of Luxor, where you can see most of the monuments of Thebes. Keep your cameras ready so you can enjoy every unique opportunity to view the magnificent panorama of Luxor from high above.
For an unbeatable view of Luxor and the Nile River, take a flight in a Hot Air Balloon over the West Bank. Enjoy the sites of the West Bank from the air, away from the daytime crowds in the peaceful glow of dawn. Departing from your Luxor hotel you will cross the Nile River to the West Bank before sunrise where your balloon awaits.
After a safety briefing and introduction to your ground crew and pilot, you will climb into the balloon's basket and get ready for lift off. To the East you can see Karnak Temple greeting the morning sun, and sitting adjacent in the West the magnificent Hatshepsut Temple. See the Colossi of Memnon rise from the the midst of crop fields, and winds permitting, fly over the Ramesseum for an unrivaled aerial view of the complex. In the distance the hidden Valley of the Queens rests peacefully in the mountains while below the farming villages begin to wake and begin the day. Your Hot Air Balloon Flight will last approximately 30-45 minutes and will have you back to your hotel in time for breakfast
Red Sea & Mediterranean Sea Diving
Red Sea Diving-
Sharm el Sheikh is known for its crystal clear waters, magnificent corals, exotic underwater flora and rare tropical fish. Located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula it has become one of the most popular dive locations in Egypt.
Mediterranean Sea Diving-
For all wrecks lover, Alexandria offers you wrecks of ships and cities dating back to 300 BC. Most of the underwater monuments are located in Abu Keer Gulf where whole cities still exist, including a huge sphynx. Cleopatra Palace: is located inside the Western Port of Alexandria. You will enjoy seeing Cleopatra's royal districts, the statue of Mark Anthony and other monuments. Moreover another spot for diving is the debris of Cleopatra's sun boat and the wreckage of a 2nd World War plane that exists inside Cleopatra's palace and Cleopatra's city: This city dates back to 300 BC, and was build by Alexander the Great. It is a complete underwater city with palaces, monuments and even shipwrecks.
In order to scuba dive you must have passed your open water class at least one month prior to departure.
Desert Travel & Climate
Many days begin early. This is particularly true in the summer months when we try to stay out of the midday heat, but may also apply to other times of the year. Your Tour Leader will keep you fully informed.
In the Western Desert there are several long, dusty, travelling days. Accommodation during this time is either 'under the stars' or very basic. Toilet facilities are primitive. Please be prepared for this. Note that temperatures can change dramatically, particularly in spring (Apr/May). During these periods bring warm gear for cooler nights.
What to Bring:
Spring nights may be cool in the desert, so bring a light jacket and warm clothing for camping. Don’t forget your bathing suit, sunscreen, etc
We will provide tents, sleeping bags, camping gear, t-shirts/hats, and dive gear. Please let us know your wet suit size at least 60 days out.
Disclaimer:
This itinerary is subject to change if any security issues arise
See refund policy above
You must have trip insurance and provide proof, DAN coverage is not sufficient for the entire trip so you will need to purchase additional coverage.
You must provide proof of dive certification
Security Update:
If any incidents occur that could affect our itinerary, we will revise to insure the safety of all the travelers and guides.
If anyone has any concerns please be assured that our current itinerary keeps us in well-known Safe regions up and down the Nile but not too far East and not too far South. Also this is why we have limited our camping to the White Desert and Sharm el Sheikh.
Your favorite 3 Redheaded Meetup Organizers
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Airport Taxes increased this month to $320.
Don't forget these must be paid at least one month prior to departure in order to receive your tickets on time.
For Airport taxes- current rate is between $350-422, will have a better picture of specific cost by end of month.
Also any scuba divers need to pay the extra for scuba diving ASAP to reserve their gear.
New Mummy found:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090108/lf_nm_life/us_egypt_mummy
Update: January 6, 2009
The State Dept has not issued any travel warnings or alerts for Egypt. Our tour operators report business as usual in Egypt.
Security Update:
If any incidents occur that could affect our itinerary, we will revise to insure the safety of all the travelers and guides.
If anyone has any concerns please be assured that our current itinerary keeps us in well-known Safe regions up and down the Nile but not too far West and not too far South. Also this is why we have limited our camping to the White Desert and Sharm el Sheikh. Again if you have any questions just us know.