WHY IT RATES: Tourism to Egypt is beginning to rebound as tour operators and cruise companies plan new itineraries in the region. -Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Senior Writer
Lindblad Expeditions has announced its return to Egypt with a remarkable 13-day journey.
Passage Through Egypt combines explorations of Cairo and stays at the exclusive Nile Ritz-Carlton and historic Mena House, with a six-night cruise on the Nile aboard the elegant and intimately sized, 42-guest Oberoi Philae.
From a visit to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, to the sites along the Nile including Abu Simbel and Giza, guests will witness the astonishingly vivid monuments, art and objects the ancient Egyptians created, all while learning about life in both ancient and modern Egypt.
Traveling via private aircraft for all internal flights and accompanied by an outstanding team of Egyptologist guides versed in the fields of culture, art, history, and archaeology-many who have worked with Lindblad for years-guests will experience a journey of the highest standards.
"I am so pleased to announce the resumption of our program in 2018," stated Sven Lindblad, CEO of Lindblad Expeditions. "I first traveled to Egypt with my father in 1961, when he was researching his first expedition there. The journey was epic, and the experience was indelible."
"Things are very much on the upswing, and there is a pervasive optimism there about the future. And the resplendent antiquities remain," added Lindblad.
The program has been specially crafted to showcase Egypt's many facets and offers privileged access to some of the most remarkable sites. Guests will also be accompanied by a Lindblad Certified Photo Instructor, who will help guests build their skills and take your best photographs of the iconic sites.
Highlights include:
In Cairo, see the treasures of Tutankhamon and explore Old Cairo, known for its Coptic churches. Stroll winding streets that lead to the thousand-year-old Ben Ezra Synagogue and explore some of its greatest Islamic architecture and art, including the Ottoman-era Muhammad Ali Mosque, the elegant Ibn Tulun Mosque and one of Cairo's jewels: the Gayer-Anderson Museum.
In Luxor, visit Karnak Temple where, for 2,000 years, 30 pharaohs added their own monuments and shrines. Explore Luxor Temple, guarded by massive statues of Ramses II, the Valley of the Kings and see the tombs of the greatest pharaohs including Tutankhamon and Seti I (which require special permits). Also by special permit, visit one of the most remarkable tombs of all: that of Nefertari, located in the Valley of the Queens.
Visit the Temple of Khnum at Esna, one of the last temples built during the dynastic area; sail to Edfu Temple and see one of the best-preserved monuments of the Ancient World: the temple of Horus, the falcon god and Kom Ombo, built during the Ptolemaic era. It is unique in being dedicated to two gods-hawk-headed Haroeris and crocodile-headed Sobek.
In Aswan, visit the island temple of Philae, the fine Nubian Museum and drink high tea at the legendary Old Cataract Hotel before sailing on a felucca.
In Abu Simbel, visit the two great temples built by Ramses II, disassembled and moved, block by massive block, to higher ground when the Nile was dammed at Aswan.
At Giza, explore Saqqara with the Step Pyramid of the pharaoh Zoser, a revolutionary design that initiated the art of pyramid-building. Then spend the afternoon exploring the Pyramids and Sphinx. Go inside the Great Pyramid, following the narrow passageway of the Grand Gallery to the burial chamber of Cheops. See the Solar Boat, built about 2500 B.C.-and ride a camel if you wish.
The Cairo sojourn will begin in the heart of the city at the Nile Ritz-Carlton, in a beautifully appointed room overlooking the Nile. After returning to Cairo from Upper Egypt, guests will stay at the historic Mena House, stunningly sited at the foot of the Giza Plateau, with rooms featuring Pyramid views from their balconies.
A Nile cruise is the centerpiece of the journey, and few if any ship can match the elegance of the Oberoi Philae.
Built originally for 100 guests, she was completely remodeled to accommodate just 42 and offers the finest and most exclusive accommodations on the Nile.
Her 22 cabins, including four suites, are large and comfortable, and the ship's nearly floor-to-ceiling windows offer idyllic views of the Nile and the passing scenery.
The top deck features a swimming pool and an al fresco restaurant, with a stylish enclosed restaurant downstairs, as well.
A spa and a professional wellness specialist add an extra level of amenity and comfort. The lounge is the venue for talks and recaps, and there are a number of other public spaces to relax, read and enjoy the views.
Departures are October 28 and November 25, 2018; and January 20 and March 17, 2019.
Rates begin at $8,480 per person in a category 1 cabin based on double occupancy. Guests can also choose to enhance their experience with an optional five-day, post-voyage extension to Jordan.
For reservations or additional information on Lindblad Expeditions' voyages to some of the most beautiful and fascinating places on Earth, visit Expeditions.com, call 1-800-397-3348 or contact your travel agent.
SOURCE: Lindblad Expeditions press release.
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