DESERT SAFARI
9 days / 8 nights
This is a chance to experience an Egypt holiday in a different style than the normal tourist crowd. If you have some adventure in your soul and enjoy being close to nature, you will love this trip.
On this vacation, you will travel from Africa to Asia, crossing the Gulf of Suez onto the Sinai Peninsula where you will camp under the stars. From examining the ancient ruins of the area including early bronze age burial chambers, the Old Kingdom Turquoise mines to climbing Mt. Sinai and snorkeling in the Red Sea you will have a lifetime of memories of a great experience.
Departures from October through May.
Difficulty: Moderate with some climbing and hiking. NO children under the age of 12.
The Program:
Day 01: (Saturday) Arriving Cairo be met and assisted through immigration and customs by our staff. Transfer to the historic Shepheard Hotel, right on the Nile in the heart of Cairo. Evening free. Overnight Cairo.
VISAS: All travelers to Egypt must have a visa. Citizens of most countries can obtain one on arrival. Please let us know what passport you are traveling with and we will confirm whether you can get your’s on arrival.
Day 02: (Sunday) We depart Cairo early in the morning by air-conditioned van crossing the Eastern desert to the Suez Canal. Taking the tunnel under the Suez into Sinai, the land bridge between Africa and Asia we will proceed along the coast to Abu Zeneima, stopping along the way to visit Moses Springs where the Israelites rested after crossing the Red Sea during Exodus. From here its on to Serabit El Khadem and our overnight camp. (B,L,D)
Day 03: (Monday) We visit the ancient Egyptian temple dedicated to the Goddess Hathor high on the sandstone plateau above a Bedouin village. Then a visit to the ancestral shrine of Sheikh Habus on the way to the Forest of Pillars, a rare geological phenomena, set under the great Limestone plateau of El Tih. Drive through Wadi Seih to Wadi Maghara where we camp overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 04: (Tuesday) We visit the Ancient Egyptian Turquoise mines which are set above an acacia lined valley. Above the entrances are Old Kingdom inscriptions. We depart for Wadi Mukkattab, the Nabatean trade passage, with inscriptions marking the route which brings us to Wadi Feiran. It was here that Moses struck the rock of Horeb and water flowed forth. Here in the midst of the beauty of South Sinai's largest oasis is the Convent of Moses. A small church is built from the remains of the old Archbishops palace. We overnight at St. Catherine's Plaza, at the foot of Mt. Sinai. (B,L,D)
Day 05: (Wednesday) We leave early for a climb to see the sunrise from the summit of Mt. Sinai then visit the magnificent St. Catherine's Monastery, founded by the Emperor Justinian. It houses one of the worlds most famous collections of early Christian art. From here we drive along Wadi Safra with an opportunity to climb sand dunes surrounded by great sandstone lattice work. We camp overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 06: (Thursday) We pass the great pilgrimage landmark, Gebel El Makhroom, before visiting the Nawamis. These extremely well preserved burial chambers are from the early Bronze Age. From here we visit the crusader pilgrimage route which brings us to the Rock of Inscriptions where Nabatean and early Christian inscriptions survive side by side. A short walk brings us to the Date Palm gardens of Ein Khudra. This oasis is traditionally Hazerot, a resting place for the children of Israel. Leaving we drive through Wadi Gazala to Wadi Nakhal to walk through the colored canyon. We camp overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 07: (Friday) We drive to the Gulf of Aqaba and enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the beautiful clear waters. From here we drive back to Cairo and overnight at the Historic Shepheard Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 08: (Saturday) A free day to enjoy Cairo or an optional tour of the Pyramids at Giza, The Sphinx and the Egyptian museum or perhaps Old Cairo with it's famous churches, synagogues and mosques. Overnight Cairo (B)
Day 09: (Sunday) Staff transfers you to the airport, assists with exit formalities and checking in for your international departure.
Tour Includes: Transfers by air-conditioned vehicle related to the tour starting with arrival in Cairo. Baggage handing of no more than 2 pieces of luggage per person, however, baggage and personal effects are at the owner's risk at all times during the tour. Hotels (based on double occupancy). Meals as outline by B for breakfast, L for lunch, and D for dinner. Fees for visiting antiquity sites and museums. Tours with the services of an English speaking guide. Service charges and taxes.
NOT included are: Items of a personal nature such as entry visa, tips, telephone, laundry, drinks with meals, anything not specifically mentioned as included.
Tour Cost:
Minimum of two travelers to operate
Maximum of 16 travelers on one tour
(October through April) $1200 per person, double occupancy at hotels.
Single supplement: +$195 hotels only
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