In the Wake of Cleopatra
Sailing by Dahabiya to the Temples of the Nile
Trip Details at-a-Glance
| Cost From: | $6295 see pricing |
|---|---|
| Length: | 12 days |
| Arrive: | Cairo, Egypt |
| Depart: | Cairo, Egypt |
| Lodging: | 6 nights 5-star hotels, 5 nights aboard yacht with air-conditioned cabins describe |
| Meals: | All meals included except 2 lunches and 3 dinners |
| Activity: | Small Boat & Yacht Cruising, Walking, Archaeology, Cultural Adventures |
| Trip Level: |
Cultural exploration and walking tours
|
Highlights
- Sail aboard a 12-passenger dahabiya for an intimate exploration of the Nile
- Discover magnificent temples from Luxor to Aswan
- Explore the Valley of the Kings, the Great Pyramids at Giza
- Grand Nile-side temples at Abu Simbel
- Expert Egyptologist Trip Leader
Would take this trip all over again! Sailing the Nile was priceless.Ruth M.—Kernersville, NC
Choosing the Right Trip
We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
Email Area Manager
References
We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.
Email Area ManagerDeparture Notes
Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.
Resources
Special Photo Expedition Departure
Please note we are offering a special In the Wake of Cleopatra Photo Expedition, with Dan Heller, December 22, 2010-January 2, 2011.
The River Nile by sail! This is a traveler’s dream journey—exploring by dahabiya, the traditional two-masted yacht of the Nile, which holds just 12 passengers. Navigating under sail, we discover the great monuments of ancient Egypt that line this legendary river valley from Luxor to Aswan, as well as fascinating out-of-the-way sites little visited by other travelers. Ours is a cultural and historical Nile experience, including behind the scenes visits to isolated villages where we meet the local people. Our sailboat harkens back to a nostalgic and elegant era of travel, yet has all of the modern comforts. The great sites of Cairo and the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel round out this ultimate traveler’s odyssey amid the wonder that is ancient Egypt.
Itinerary at a Glance
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
Days 1-3
Cairo and the Great Pyramids
The Great Pyramids at Giza epitomize the mystery of ancient Egypt. We explore these wondrous tombs, then visit the lion-headed Sphinx, ancient Memphis, and the necropolis at Sakkara. At the Egyptian Museum, we find the fascinating treasures of young King Tutankhamen, including his famous mask of solid gold.
Day 4
Luxor / Karnak Temple
Flying to Luxor, we visit stupendous Karnak, with its forest of stone columns, and the graceful Luxor Temple on the banks of the Nile.
Days 5-9
Valley of the Kings / Sailing the Nile
After exploring the Valley of the Kings, we board our private dahabiya (meaning “golden boat,” as they were once the preserve of the royals) to sail the Nile and visit famed temples including Edfu and Kom Ombo. Dahabiyas have a shallow draft, so they can navigate not only on the main river but also the maze of small channels, allowing us to visit lesser-known sites and enjoy barbecues and picnics at beautiful spots, as well as an island mooring for a village visit.
Days 10-12
Aswan / Abu Simbel / Cairo
We disembark at Aswan and fly to Abu Simbel to see the colossal Nile-side temples of Ramses, built in the 12th century BC. Our final day is in Cairo, exploring the Coptic sites. Depart on Day 12, or join our Alexandria or Petra & Dead Sea Extension (see page 30).
For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure
Optional Extensions
If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:
- Jordan: Petra and The Dead Sea Extension (7 days)
- Alexandria Extension (3 days)
What the Trip is Like
The trip is rated Level 1+, Easiest. It is an overland touring trip with day walks exploring the fascinating ruins and wonderful towns in this ancient and modern civilization. Please note that we have several early morning starts, especially on days with air travel.
Departures & Leaders
Oct 13-24, 2010 Mohamed Ossama
Feb 16-27, 2011 Mohamed Ossama
Mar 16-27, 2011 Ahmed Ali
Nov 23-Dec 4, 2011 Ahmed Ali
Dec 21, 2011-Jan 1, 2012 Mohamed Ossama
Jan 18-29, 2012 Mohamed Ossama
Feb 15-26, 2012 Ahmed Ali
Mar 14-25, 2012 Mohamed Ossama
Apr 4-15, 2012 Ahmed Ali
*Special Holiday Departures:
Dec 2011-Jan 2012, call for details
Special Photo Expedition
with Dan Heller & Trip Leader Ahmed Ali
Dec 22, 2010-Jan 2, 2011
Tour Costs
Prices are for 2011
$6295 (11-12 members)
$6495 (8-10 members)
$6995 (6-7 members)
Single supplement (hotel only): $1180
Single supplement (boat only): $995
Internal airfare: $510 (subject to change)
Lazuli III Suites: $500 cabin upgrade (2 suites)
*Special Holiday departures: from $6695
Special Photo Expedition: from $6395
Extension Costs
Jordan: Petra and The Dead Sea Extension
from: $2695
Alexandria Extension
from: $790
more on pricing
Tour Cost Includes:
- expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
- accommodations
- meals as indicated in the Full Trip Brochure, including welcome and farewell dinners; bottled water
- land transportation, airport transfers as noted in the Full Trip Brochure, and baggage handling
Tour Cost Does Not Include:
International airfare, visas, meals not specified at the end of each itinerary day, travel insurance, airfare or airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff, additional hotel nights that may be necessitated by airline schedule changes or other factors, cost of medical immunizations (if any), and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic and other beverages, laundry, etc.), camera fees at certain sites (approx. $2.50 per site).Mena House Oberoi
Days 1 to 3 (3 nights), Giza, Egypt
People love this place for a compelling reason—it’s literally right across from the Pyramids. When you look out your hotel room window, ...
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Sonesta St. George
Day 4 (1 night), Luxor, Egypt
We enjoy a new standard of luxury at the Sonesta St. George on the East Bank of Luxor, a relaxing location to watch feluccas as the sun sets on the ...
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Lazuli III
Days 5 to 9 (5 nights), Nile River, Egypt
A traditional Nile sailboat of the style built at the end of the 19th century, the Lazuli III is the perfect vessel for observing life ...
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Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
Days 10 to 11 (2 nights), Cairo, Egypt
Located on the Nile at its widest point and within walking distance to the famous Egyptian Museum, the Nile Plaza offers beautiful guest rooms and ...
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Extension Accommodations
If you would like to view the accommodations offered with our extensions options:
- Jordan: Petra and The Dead Sea Extension (7 days)
- Alexandria Extension (3 days)
Note: Listed above are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
Our Trip Leaders
Here are the Trip Leaders scheduled for this journey (please note that leader assignments are subject to change).
Ahmed Ali, born and raised in Cairo, graduated from Cairo University in 1989 with a BA in Ancient Near East History and Biblical Studies. He went on to receive an additional degree in Ancient Egyptian History and Archaeology from Helwan University. Ahmed loves the profession of Trip Leader because ...
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Mohamed Ossama was born in Cairo, where he resides today with his wife and daughter. He attended Helwan University, graduating with a specialty in Egyptology, and has been an Egyptologist guide since 1995. Mohamed is closely associated with St. Olaf College in Minnesota and its intensive ...
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Client Comments
Would take this trip all over again! Sailing the Nile was priceless.Ruth M., Kernersville, NC
The small boat is perfect for the Nile.Janna L., Santa Cruz, CA
The trip was a glorious combo of mind-boggling temples, sailing on the Nile, and lovely hotels, all with an interesting fun group.Mary D., Cloverdale, CA
I am still in shock and awe! It was truly a trip of a lifetime.Jane K., Portland, OR





