EXPEDITION IN EGYPT

23
DAYS

Our expedition covers the more spectacular regions of Egypt . Our first exploration is in the western white desert, with plenty of oases. The oases of this region are depressions in the desert comprising springs, wells and trees, reflecting the beauty, charm and diversity of nature, of its surrounding desert, green valleys, water wells, high plateaus and therapeutic sulfur-rich springs, both cold and hot. Some of the more important oases in our exploration will be Dakhla, Farafrah and Siwa. The region is rich in monuments dating from pre-historic settlements through Pharaonic, Greek, Roman, Coptic, & Islamic monuments. Monuments of great importance are the Hibis Temple , dating back to the 26th Dynasty and dedicated to the Holy Triad (Amun Ra'-Mut-Khonsu) and the Cemetery Of Al- Bagawat which contains 263 tombs in the pattern of domed chambers. In the center of the cemetery is a church dating back to the 11 th century AD and regarded as one of the oldest churches in Egypt .  There have been found many tombs with mummified remains; images of cobras bearing sun disks; the four children of Horus covered with gold, numerous artifacts, including statues of women in mourning, earrings, necklaces with amulets, a variety of pottery vessels from food trays to wine jars, and coins, the most fascinating of which bears an image of Cleopatra VII.  You will see a Temple constructed by Alexander the Great and also Alamein where General Rommel campaigned in the Second World War. From the Oases region we will start our exploration in the heart of the Sinai Peninsula to v isit Monte Moses to see the sunrise and the Sinai Mountains , then the Santa Catalina Monastery and the rock of the sacred writers. Travel through the desert to visit the region of the Nabateans, the first scribes of the Christian era who inhabited the Sinai desert.  Then, we reach the coastal village of Nuweiba , passing by Wadi Ghazala. Driving into Wadi Watir takes us to the colored canyon, reaching a point where one is forced to leave ones car and continue on foot. Passing under and over boulders, through narrow canyons barely fitting one person, we reach the other side of the canyon. The afternoon is free to enjoy the Red Sea beaches. After this fabulous expedition we will reach Cairo , visiting the more famous museums and the spectacular variety of pyramids, among them those of Giza , and the Sphinx. One day will be available to stroll through this fabulous city where great religions and civilizations merge. From Cairo you will enjoy a 5-day cruise through the Nile River , from Aswan to Luxor . This voyage will transport you to a different age and people, including visits to the Horus Temple in Edfu, the Necropolis of Tebas, the Temple of  Queen Hatchepsut , the Colossuses of Memnón, Mut, Junsu Temples and the magnificent Abu Simbel . After returning to Cairo , our last visit will be Memphis and Sakkara , and the mosque of Mohammed Ali located in Saladino.

Enjoy fabulous cities where great religions and civilizations merge!!!

Adventures: Back-packing , desert camp, discover great religions and civilizations, explore the Sinai desert, swimming in the Red Sea; camel-back riding; bird watching, trekking, climbing, snorkeling, sailing in the Nile River, stroll through Cairo City.

INTINERARY

Day 01: Flight from San Juan to Miami / New York ( USA ) and/or from Miami / New York to Cairo .
Day 02: Arrival in Cairo airport, reception and transfer to the hotel and lodging.
Day 03: Leave Cairo in a 4x4 vehicle to Alamein on the desert road that leads to Alexandria . You will see the area where Rommel was defeated in the Second World War.  Visit the Museum of the Second World War and the cemetery of fallen soldiers.  Then continue to Marsa Matroh, a neighboring coastal city of Libya . Night at camping.
Day 04: Marsa Matroh - Siwa.  Arrival, visit the Temple constructed by Alexander the Great who invaded Egypt in 332 B.C., visit the Gabal the Mauta, fields of olive trees and palms. Visit the primitive market in Siwa. Night at camping. 
Day 05: Siwa - Bahria Oasis. Leave early in the morning to the Bahria oasis, at the remains of the Setra Lake (a salt-water lake) where there are remains of tombs of the Roman era, then continue to Bahria Oasis. Night at camping next to Ghaba.
Day 06: Bahri. On the way to the White Desert by 4X4 vehicle, we will cross the town of Bahria Oasis in order to reach the springs, and mummies discovered few years ago. Then, we continue on the desert to enjoy the spectacular landscape.
Day 07: White Desert . Continue to Farafra Oasis to visit the rock sculpture by natural water sources. In the same day continue to Dakhla Oasis. Night at the camp in the desert before arriving at the Dakhla Oasis.
Day 08: Dakhla to Hipis, visit to the Muzuaka Temple .  In Bagawat a visit to the Hipis Temple dating from Roman times. Muzauaka is particularly well-conserved. The Bagawat tombs belong to the early ages of Christianity in Egypt .
Day 09: Dakhla Oasis. From Dakar Oasis return through the White Desert , and night of camping on the way.
Day 10: After breakfast we leave to the fishing town of Abou Zeniema at 340-km, where we head off road for 45-km to the area of Sarabit El Khadem. We pass by an ancient mining city, colorful mountains and heaps of sand dunes to finally reach the mountain of Sarabit . We park our cars and start our climb to the summit of the mountain to reach the ancient Egyptian temple of Hathor , we tour the Temple and later on visit the ancient Turquoise Mines. Upon our descent we reach the site of our Bedouin camp (in the area of Sarabit El Khadem ). Dinner and overnight.
Day 11: We start our crossing through the heart of the Sinai to reach The Forest of Pillars, 30-km off road, which resemble pillars rising up out of the desert.  Driving on we reach the palm groves of the deserted oasis of Wadi Firan. We will visit the Monastery of Nuns and proceed to St. Catherine. Dinner and overnight camping.
Day 12: Rising at 12 pm midnight , we start our trip to Mount Moses . Upon reaching the area, we start our climb of 2,285 meters up the mountain. You will enjoy the sunrise from one of the highest summits of Sinai. Upon our descent, we visit St. Catherine's Monastery, head towards the Nuweiba coastal village, passing by Wadi Ghazala. We check into our hotel, dinner and overnight.
Day 13: Driving to Wadi Watir takes us to the colored canyon, reaching a point where one is forced to leave the car and continue on foot. Passing under and over boulders, through narrow canyons barely wide enough for one person, we reach the other side of the canyon, to be met by our cars to escort us to our beach resort. The afternoon free to enjoy the Red Sea beaches. Dinner and overnight hotel.
Day 14: The day is spent on the beach. In the early afternoon we start heading towards Cairo , 470-km. Upon arrival we check in our hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Day 15: Cairo . Breakfast in the hotel and complete day visits to the Egyptian Museum , Pyramids and Sphinx. 
Day 16: A day for strolling in Cairo City . Day 17: Cairo - Luxor . Breakfast and transfer to the airport for flight by commercial airline to Luxor . Upon arrival, embark on the cruise ship; lunch on board; in the evening visiting the temples of Karnak and Luxor . Dinner and lodging.
Day 18: Luxor - Edfu. Breakfast in the morning and visits to the Valley of the Kings , the Temple of the queen Hatshepsut and the Colossuses of Memnon.  Lunch and sail to Esna to cross the dam and continue to Edfu. Dinner and lodging.
Day 19: Edfu - Kom Ombo. After breakfast, visit the temple of Horus in Edfu. Return to the boat and sail to Kom Ombo. After lunch and up to the evening, a visit to the temples of Heroeris and Sobek. Return to the boat and sail to Aswan . Dinner and lodging on board.
Day 20: Aswan . After breakfast visits to the great dam, the unfinished obelisk and the temple of Philae . Lunch and an evening stroll in a felucca around the Elephantine Island . A visit to Abu Simble by bus.
Day 21: Aswan  to Cairo . After breakfast, a flight to Cairo . At arrival transfer to the hotel and lodging.
Day 22: Cairo . Visits to Memphsis and Sakkara , and in the evening to the mosque of Mohammed Ali located in Saladino. Night in Cairo .
Day 23: Cairo . Breakfast and transfer to the airport for homeward flight.

TERRESTRIAL TOUR ONLY: $ (DOES NOT INCLUDE AIR TICKET)

Trip Date (Air Fare Included)

Code

Miami

Code

Puerto Rico/Dom. Rep.

     

 

Includes 3-star hotels in Cairo , desert camps, ground transportation in all-terrain vehicles, all breakfasts, lunches and dinners.

Note: An adventure trip that involves sleeping in desert camps, taking showers in the oases of the region, and helping prepare food.  Includes domestic airfare from Cairo-Luxor, Aswan-Cairo. Five days/ 4 nights Nile Cruise. 3-star hotels. Light and Sound in the Pyramids, Dance Del Vientre Show and trip to Abu Simbel .