ANCIENT EGYPT WITH KENYAN SAFARI - 2010
A cultural tour of Egypt and a Safari in Kenya

An artistically designed journey covering the best of ancient and medieval heritage of Egypt combined with the natural wonders of Kenya. Start with 5000 years of human achievements enshrined in the Pyramids, Sphinx, and Luxor Temples to the medieval marvels of Islamic Cairo with its citadels, mosques, parks and exotic bazaars. Leaving the hustle and bustle of Egypt to the world of the animal kingdom in its native environment, we do the best of Kenya where we see the Big Five and several other spices combined with the African village life and viewing the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro. Our 08-days Kenyan safari takes us to Samburu Game Resrve, Mount Kenya, Lake Nakuru and Masai Mara. At the end we have the option to extend this trip to Zanzibar or see the majestic Victoria Falls.

Day 01 WED: Depart Home city for Cairo

Day 02 THU: Arrive Cairo
Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome in Arabic. We are warmly received at Cairo Airport and transferred to our hotel. Check in starts from 1400 hrs.
Overnight: Safir Hotel (2 nights)

Day 03 FRI: Cairo Pyramids
This is a day to go back in time, starting with a visit to the most famous of the Egyptian sphinxes, the Great Sphinx of Giza, followed by the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops). Completed around 2600 BC, this pyramid was 146m (478ft) high and consisted of over 2 million limestone blocks weighing over 2 tons each. We also examine the Chephren and Mycerinus Pyramids as well as the Cheops wooden Solar boat. At over 4500 years old, this boat is the most ancient vessel found in perfect condition anywhere in the world and is one of the most important archaeological finds in Egypt. Next we visit Memphis and the Saqqara Step Pyramid, the world's first great stone structure before retiring for the day after an indepth insight into one of the wonders of the world. (B)

Day 04 SAT: Cairo / Aswan (Flight)
A short flight gets us to Aswan where we are warmly received and transferred to our boat, home for the next four days. Over the next few days we cruise the Nile and visit various off shore sites. After lunch we visit the Aswan High Dam and the romantic and majestic Philae Temple on the Island of Agilka and the unfinished obelisk. An optional excursion to Abu Simbel can be arranged in the morning before embarking the ship.
Overnight: Movenpick Radamis II Nile Cruiser (3 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 05 SUN: Nile Cruise Aswan / Kom Ombo / Esna / Efu
Morning we will for Kom Ombo to visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile-god Sobek. It stands at a bend in the Nile where in ancient times sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank. After this visit we sail to Edfu and visit the well-preserved Greek built Temple of Horus. This temple, built during the reigns of six generations of Ptolemy’s, is not only the best-preserved ancient temple in Egypt, but also the second largest after Karnak. (B, L, D)

Day 06 MON: Nile Cruise Edfu / Luxor
Morning we sail to the majestic city of Luxor. Afternoon we visit the East Bank for the historical Karnak and Luxor Temples. The ancient Egyptians knew the Temple of Karnak as Ipet-isut. It is a city of temples built over 2000 years and dedicated to the Theben triad of Amon, Mut and Khonsu. This derelict place continues to overshadow many of the wonders of the modern world. It is the mother of all religious buildings and a place of pilgrimage for nearly 4,000 years. Luxor Temple was connected to Karnak Temple by an avenue of sphinxes in ancient times. Unlike Karnak, Luxor is mainly the work of one pharaoh - Amenhotep III and was added to by Tutankhamun, Horemheb, Ramses II and Alexander the Great. During Akhenaten’s all religion other than worship of Aten was rejected and development at Luxor stopped. When Akhenaten died, the old religions returned, along with the priests so the temple began to expand again. (B, L, D)

Day 07 TUE: Luxor
Morning we the West Bank of Luxor to explore the Valley of the Kings, a vast City of the Dead where magnificent tombs were carved into the desert rocks, richly decorated, and filled with treasures for the afterlife by generations of pharaohs. Our visit will also includes Queen Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon. Afternoon we are transferred to our hotel. Evening we visit the incredible Sound & Light show.
Overnight: Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor (1 night) (B)

Day 08 WED: Luxor / Cairo
After our cruise and Luxor experience we are transferred to the airport for our short flight to Cairo where we are met and transferred to our hotel. A good opportunity to do some bazaar hunting this evening.
Overnight: Safir Hotel (2 nights) (B)

Day 09 THU: Cairo
Our day at Cairo starts with a fascinating tour of 7,000 years of Egyptian history with a visit to the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. The Museum houses the world's greatest collection of Ancient Egyptian artifacts, including 12 rooms filled with golden treasures from the world-famous tomb of the boy-king Tutenkhamun. Next we start with the fascinating part of Islamic Cairo, including the beautiful and graceful Mohamed Ali Mosque and the ancient Citadel, a spectacular medieval fortress perched on a hill above the city. Originally built by Salah El-Din in 1176 to fortify the city against the Crusaders, the Citadel was modified and enlarged over the centuries by subsequent rulers and today is a complex of three mosques and four museums. Our last stop is at the awesome Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, reputed to be the largest bazaar in the Middle East. Originally founded as a watering stop for caravanserai in the 14th century, the bazaar has now grown to vast proportions. PM optional visit to Al Azhar Park including dinner USD 85 per person (min 2 persons) (B)

Day 10 FRI: Cairo / Nairobi (Kenya)
Day free in Cairo. Check out from hotel at 12noon.
Today we bid farewell to Egypt, best described as a heritage site to the whole world, having gained an educational, historical an enlightening cultural experience never to be forgotten.
We are transferred to the airport for our flight to Nairobi.
Overnight: On flight (B)

Day 11 SAT: Arrive Nairobi
Karibu! We are warmly received in Africa’s most well known capital – Nairobi. The Kiswahili language here is often easily understood as many people mix in English words, in fact more people in Kenya speak English than in any other African country.
Overnight: Nairobi Safari Club (1 night) www.nairobisafariclub.com (B)

Days 12 & 13: SUN-MON: Nairobi / Samburu Game Reserve
After breakfast, we get in our safari gear and head north to Samburu Game Reserve where we will spend the next two nights. Morning and afternoon game drives allow us to explore this beautiful and game abundant park, home to rarely found species such as the Beisa Oryx, Grevy's zebra, blue-necked Somali ostrich and reticulated giraffe. The park is also renowned for its big cats as the nearby Ewaso Nyiro River attracts many leopards.
Overnight: Samburu Serena Lodge (2 nights) www.serenahotels.com (B, L, D)

Day 14 TUE: Samburu / Mt. Kenya
Depart after breakfast and we drive towards the second highest peak in Africa, Mt. Kenya. Located at 7,200 feet on the slopes of Mt. Kenya, ringed by a dense rain forest is Mountain Lodge, a unique “tree-hotel” experience that comes alive at dusk with an orchestration of sounds of creatures of all sizes. Mountain Lodge is an adventure within itself, and is regarded by many as having the most consistent high record of animal ‘visits’ and sightings in the area. Mt Kenya National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Overnight: Mountain Lodge (1 night) www.serenahotels.com (B, L, D)

Day 15 WED: Mt. Kenya / Lake Nakuru
A scenic drive gets us to Lake Nakuru in time for lunch. Visit the world famous bird sanctuary of Lake Nakuru National Park, a park renowned also for its conservation effort toward the black rhino and the thousands of flamingoes which flock to the lake.
Overnight: Lake Nakuru Lodge (1 night) www.lakenakurulodge.com (B, L, D)

Days 16 & 17 THU & FRI: Lake Nakuru / Masai Mara Game Reserve
Today we drive across the Great Rift Valley to reach Kenya's most famous Game Reserve, The Masai Mara. The next two days is spent safaring and exploring the rolling hills and plains viewing for the spot black-maned lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, buffalos along with varied species of hoofed animals.
Overnight: Mara Sopa Lodge (2 nights) www.sopalodges.com (B, L, D)

Day 18 SAT Masai Mara / Nairobi / Cairo
After breakfast return to Nairobi. Afternoon we will have a tour of Nairobi city with time allocated for last minute shopping. Kenya is known for Makone carvings, leather goods, colourful textile and tribal jewellery. This is followed by a send off dinner at the world famous Carnivore Restaurant where all kinds of game meat – roasted on great spits right in front of you - can be enjoyed. The restaurant also caters to vegetarians with a vast array of delectable dishes and salads. We are then transferred to the airport for our early morning flight back home via Cairo. For those wishing to add Zanzibar stay or fly down south to see the majestic Victoria Falls, please contact us for further details. (B, L, D)

Day 19 SUN: Arrival Cairo
Morning we arrive Cairo and are met and transferred to our hotel near the airport. Afternoon we visit the Pharonic village Khan – el Khalil Bazaar where bargains are waiting for us.
Overnight: Heliopolis (B)

Day 20 MON: Cairo / departure for home city
After an early breakfast at the hotel we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight – after an awesome journey of ancient Egypt and the intriguing wildlife of Kenya. (B)

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Departure Dates

2010 English Speaking Departures Feb 24, Apr 07, May 05, Jul 21, Oct 27 For 2011 departure dates please click here

Inclusions

Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include International Airfare ex NYC (add on from other cities available on request)* Airport taxes Accommodation/cruise as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes Insurance and visa fees Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner) Tips & gratuities to local guides and drivers All sightseeing and transfers as per the itinerary Entrance fees into the Pyramids chambers, Mummies Room at the Egyptian Museum, Tutankhamun’s Tomb in the Valley of Kings, Nefertari’s Tomb in the Valley of the Queens. These may be paid locally Services of local English speaking guide   Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary   Domestic and regional airfares Cairo/Aswan, Luxor/Cairo & Cairo / Nairobi   Entrance fees for the various game parks in East Africa

Tour Price

We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.

Departures Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement Feb 24, 2010 US $ 5385 US $ 725 Apr 07, 2010 US $ 5100 US $ 460 May 05, 2010 US $ 5100 US $ 460 Jul 21, 2010 US $ 5780 US $ 815 Oct 27, 2010 US $ 5635 US $ 785 Supplement for departures from other cities FROM US$ 300 Note: Airfare ex NYC included in the tour cost is valued at US$ 1300 Optional tours Day 04 – Abu Simbel Excursion US $ 315.00 (includes airfare Aswan/Abu Simbel /Aswan) Day 17 – Balloon Safari at Masai Mara US$ 475 per person

Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is included in this tour

NOTE: Airfare ex NYC included in the tour cost is valued at US$ 1300

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 07 participants.

Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.