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Download our The Galapagos Islands 2012 brochure, featuring incredible wildlife adventures in Darwin’s Islands aboard the tall ship Mary Anne. Or request a print copy to be sent by mail.
In the Wake of Cleopatra
Sailing by Dahabiya to the Temples of the Nile
![In the Wake of Cleopatra route-map](javascript:routeMap("/images/trips/africa/egypt/wakecleo-map.jpg");)
Trip Details at-a-Glance
| Cost From: | $5595 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 1 lunch and 3 dinners |
| Activity: | Small Boat & Yacht Cruising, Walking, Archaeology, Cultural Adventures |
| Trip Level: |
Cultural exploration and walking tours, 5-day cruise
explain
|
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
Egypt Price Reduction!
We’ve reduced the prices on all February-March 2012 departures. Save up to $1400 per cabin ($700 per person)!
The River Nile by sail! This is a traveler’s dream journey—exploring the Nile by dahabiya, a royal two-masted yacht that holds just 12 passengers. On our leisurely cruise from Luxor to Aswan, we discover the great monuments of ancient Egypt that line this legendary river valley, as well as fascinating out-of-the-way sites little visited by other travelers, including villages where we meet the local people and experience a timeless way of life. Our sailboat harkens back to a nostalgic and elegant era of travel, yet has all the modern comforts. The great sites of Cairo, the Valley of the Kings, 
and the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel—they’re all a part of this ultimate traveler’s odyssey amid the eternal 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 celebrated Valley of the Kings and King Tut’s tomb, 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 the main river but also the maze of small channels, allowing us to visit lesser-known sites and enjoy riverside barbecues 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, carved into towering cliff faces in the 12th century BC. Our final day is in Cairo, exploring fascinating Coptic sites including the old Fortress of Babylon. Depart on Day 12, or join our Alexandria or Petra & Dead Sea Extension (see page 28).
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
Feb 15-26, 2012 Ahmed Ali
Mar 14-25, 2012 Mohamed Ossama
Dec 19-30, 2012 Ahmed Ali
Jan 16-27, 2013 Mohamed Ossama
Tour Costs
We’ve reduced the prices on all February-March 2012 departures. Save up to $1400 per cabin ($700 per person)!
Reduced Pricing! February-March 2012
$5595 (10-12 members)
$5895 (8-9 members)
$6595 (6-7 members)
Single Supplement (hotels only): $790—was $1180!
Single Supplement (boat only): $995 (limited availability)
December 2012 departure
$6695 (10-12 members)
$6995 (8-9 members)
$7395 (6-7 members)
Single Supplement (hotels only): $1180
Single Supplement (boat only): $995 limited availability
Internal airfare: $510 (Cairo/Luxor; Aswan/Abu Simbel/Cairo—subject to change)
Forced single supplement (hotel and boat): $1290
Lazuli III Suite cabin upgrade: $500 for the cabin (Lazuli III has two suites)
more on pricing
Extension Costs
Jordan: Petra and The Dead Sea Extension
from: $2695
Alexandria Extension
from: $895
Tour Cost Includes:
- Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
- Accommodations
- All meals included except 1 lunch and 3 dinners
- Land transportation, baggage handling, and airport transfers as noted in the Full Trip Brochure
Tour Cost Does Not Include:
International airfare, visas, any meals not specified after each itinerary day in the Full Trip Brochure, 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
Originally built as a royal hunting lodge for Khedive Ismail, ruler of Egypt from 1863 to 1879, the Mena House was bought and converted into a hotel ...
Click here for full description and more photos
Sonesta St. George
Day 4 (1 night), Luxor, Egypt
Overlooking the Nile on its East Bank in Luxor, the Sonesta St. George’s sweeping terrace is a relaxing place to watch feluccas as the sun ...
Click here for full description and more photos
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 120-foot Lazuli III is the perfect vessel for observing ...
Click here for full description and more photos
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 ...
Click here for full description and more photos
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 ...
Click here for a full bio and list of all upcoming trips
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 ...
Click here for a full bio and list of all upcoming trips
Optional Extensions
If you would like to continue your adventure, we offer the following extensions:
Egypt
Alexandria Extension
Crossroads of the Ancient World
Archaeology, Cultural Adventures
3 days
-
Level 1
Jordan
Jordan: Petra and The Dead Sea Extension
Ancient Desert Fortresses, Lost Cities, the Fabled Dead Sea
Archaeology, Cultural Adventures
7 days
-
Level 2
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