10 Days/ 9 Nights
This is a chance to experience an Egypt holiday in a
different style than the normal tourist crowd. If you have
some adventure in your soul and enjoy being close to nature,
you will love this trip. On this vacation, you will travel
from Africa to Asia, crossing the Gulf of Suez onto the
Sinai Peninsula where you will camp under the stars. From
examining the ancient ruins of the area including early
bronze age burial chambers, the Old Kingdom Turquoise mines
to climbing Mt. Sinai and snorkeling in the Red Sea you will
have a lifetime of memories of a great experience.
Departures from October through mid-April.
Difficulty: moderate with some climbing
and hiking.
Friday: Depart New York
at 11PM on your non-stop flight to Egypt.
Saturday: Arriving Cairo
be met and assisted through immigration and
customs by our staff. Transfer to the Sonesta hotel.
Evening free.
Sunday: We depart Cairo
early in the morning crossing the Eastern desert to the Suez
Canal. Taking the tunnel under the Suez into Sinai,
the land bridge between Africa and Asia we will proceed
along the coast to Abu Zeneima, stopping along the way to
visit Moses Springs where the Israelites rested after
crossing the Red Sea during Exodus. From here its on
to Serabit El Khadem and our overnight camp. (B,L,D)
Monday: We visit the
ancient Egyptian temple dedicated to the Goddess
Hathor high on the sandstone plateau above a Bedouin
village. Then a visit to the ancestral shrine of
Sheikh Habus on the way to the Forest of Pillars, a rare
geological phenomena, set under the great Limestone plateau
of El Tih. Drive through Wadi Seih to Wadi Maghara
where we camp overnight. (B,L,D)
Tuesday: We visit the
Ancient Egyptian Turquoise mines which are set above an
acacia lined valley. Above the entrances are Old
Kingdom
inscriptions. We depart for Wadi Mukkattab, the
Nabatean trade passage, with inscriptions marking the route
which brings us to Wadi Fieran. It was here that Moses
struck the rock of Horeb and water flowed forth. Here in the
midst of the beauty of South Sinai's largest oasis is the
Convent of Moses. A small church is built from
the remains of the old Archbishops palace. We
overnight at St. Catherines Plaza, at the foot of Mt. Sinai.
(B,L,D)
Wednesday: We leave early
for a climb to see the sunrise from the
summit of Mt. Sinai then visit the magnificent St.
Catherine's monastery, founded by the Emperor Justinian.
It houses one of the worlds most famous collections of early
Christian art. From here we drive along Wadi Safra with an
opportunity to climb sand dunes
surrounded by great sandstone lattice work. We camp
overnight. (B,L,D)
Thursday: We pass the
great pilgrimage landmark, Gebel El Makhroom, before
visiting the Nawamis. These extremely well preserved
burial chambers are from the early Bronze Age. From
here we visit the crusader pilgrimage route which brings us
to the Rock of Inscriptions where Nabatean and early
Christian inscriptions survive side by side. A short
walk brings us to the Date Palm gardens of Ein Khudra.
This oasis is traditionally Hazerot, a resting place for the
children of Israel.
Leaving we drive through Wadi Gazala to Wadi Nakhal to walk
through the
colored canyon. We camp overnight. (B,L,D)
Friday: We drive to the
Gulf of Aqaba and enjoy swimming and snorkeling
in the beautiful clear waters. From here we
drive back to Cairo and
overnight at the Sonesta hotel. (B,L,D)
Saturday: A free day to enjoy
Cairo or an optional tour of the Pyramids at Giza, The
Sphinx and the Egyptian Museum or perhaps Old Cairo with
it's famous churches, synagogues and mosques. O/N Sonesta.
(B)
Sunday: Staff transfers you to
the airport, assists with exit formalities and checking in
for your 9AM international departure.
GROUP TOURS INCLUDE:
Maximum of 16 travelers. Round trip air from JFK (add on air
from other U.S. cities available). All transfers by
air-conditioned vehicle relating to the tour program
starting with arrival to Cairo. Baggage handling of no more
than 2 pieces of luggage per person however baggage and
personal effects are at the owner's risk at all times during
the tour. Hotels (based on double occupancy). Meals as
outlined by B for Breakfast, L for lunch and D for dinner.
Fees for visiting antiquity sites and museums. Services of
an English speaking licensed Egyptologist. Service charges
and taxes. Tips for ground personnel except guide. Travel
Insurance for those departing from the USA or Canada.
Not included are: items of a personal nature such as tips
for guide, entry visa (available at the airport on entry for
USA and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should
check with the nearest Egyptian consulate), phone calls,
laundry, bar bills, beverages during meals, any items not
specifically covered in the included items.
Desert 4 X 4 Adventure TEA-117
Groups: $1995 p.p. (dbl. occ)
Single supplement (hotels only): $232
Group Departures: 2001: Oct. 19, Dec. 14
2002: Jan. 18, Feb. 01, Mch 01, Apr. 19, May 17
