NEW YEAR’S ADVENTURE TRIP TO EGYPT
    AND THE TREASURES OF THE NILE

With optional extension to visit Petra, one of the 7 new   wonders of the world and to visit the spas of the Dead Sea
(care for a float anyone…)

                      View of the Sphinx, guarding the Great Pyramids

Join us for our 5th annual journey to witness some of mankind's oldest and most famous treasures. Join us for a journey to witness the secrets of the most awe inspiring river on earth & one of the most fascinating cultures and countries anywhere.

We will spend 3 nights in Cairo to witness the legendary Pyramids and Sphinx, as well as an excursion to visit the ancient city of Alexandria and the ancient capital of Memphis.

We will enjoy a 4 night cruise of the Nile, taking us to several sites of ancient Egypt, including the temple of Philae, the Valley of the Kings, where several legendary Pharaohs have been buried and their tombs can be visited, Valley of the Queens, Luxor and its fabulous temple of Luxor, Aswan and it’s amazing Aswan Dam and Edfu, where we will enjoy a horse and carriage ride to another grand temple.

Upon returning to Cairo we will enjoy an excursion to the Egyptian Museum and the Egyptian shopping bizarre.

Take an optional 3 night extension to visit the incredible wonder of Petra, one of the 7 new wonders of the ancient world, take a thrilling jeep safari ride across the moonlike landscape of Wadi Rum and float in the soothing waters of the Dead Sea and relax in its spas.

Sunday December 26th – Depart New York’s JFK airport on Delta Airlines nonstop service to Cairo at 10pm.  Our allsinglestravel.com trip escort will greet you at JFK prior to boarding the flight and will travel with the group on the flight to Cairo, as well as on all segments of our tour.

Mon, Dec 27, 2010

Ramses Hilton Hotel
Our Delta nonstop flight arrives at 4pm.  We will be met upon arrival at Cairo International airport by our local bilingual representative who will assist our group through customs and transfer us to our Superior First Class hotel. the 5 star Ramses Hilton   Upon arrival at our hotel, we will meet our local Egyptian tour manager dedicated to our group’s travel experience.

Cairo - Arrival Cairo
Category: Superior First Class

Located on the banks of the River Nile, the Ramses Hilton hotel is a stunning destination in the heart of Cairo. Take in views of the Nile and the Pyramids from this Egypt hotel's 36th-floor Windows on the World restaurant. Relax by the outdoor pool with a drink at the poolside bar or enjoy coffee and pastries at the Garden Court Café. The Ramses Hilton hotel boasts a British-style pub, an Indian restaurant, a shopping Galleria and Executive Lounge.  The hotel also has a fitness center and health club

http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/CAIRHTW-Ramses-Hilton/index.do?WT.srch=1

Tue, Dec 28, 2010
Ramses Hilton Hotel

After breakfast, we will enjoy a full day tour starting with a visit to Memphis, served as capital of upper and lower Egypt some 5,000 years ago during the First Dynasty.  Here we will visit the fabulous statue of Ramses II.

We will continue on to the nearby village of Saqqara, site of Djoser’s Step Pyramid.        
Sakkara (Saqqara) is one of the most extensive archaeological sites in Egypt! It was the cemetery for Memphis, the capital of Ancient Egypt, yet it is still one of the virgin archaeological sites, despite the fact that so much has already been found here!   The site is dominated by the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, which goes back to 2700 BC. It is one of the oldest stone structures in the world!

Sakkara is also the site of many tombs from the 1st and 2nd Dynasties. Most are made out of mud bricks, but some tombs are made of limestone, decorated with daily life scenes

                               
Across the Great Court of the Pyramid Complex of Djoser (Zoser) (2667 - 2648 BC), the second king of the 3rd Dynasty, stands the Step Pyramid, located at Saqqara close to modern day Cairo. It is believed to have been created by one man, Imhotep. He has been called Doctor, Sage, Architect, Astronomer and High Priest. During an excavation in 1924-26, a pedestal of a statue of Djoser (Zoser) was found. This complex represents the first major work in stone. That is, unless there are other works that have yet to be found.

Continue to Giza to see the three great pyramids of Cheops, Chefren and Mykerinos and their guardian Sphinx, which dates from the time of Chefren. The 65 feet high and 187 feet long statue combines the head of a Pharaoh with a lion's body.

Visit the Great Pyramids, built 4,500 years ago, and sneak a peek at the inner burial chambers. Explore the pyramids built by Mycerinus and Chepheren and be awed at the mighty Sphinx, protector of the Pharaohs.
The Great Sphinx, the symbol of Egypt itself.  It is 20 meters high and over 50 meters long. It is a symbiotic creature, part man, and part lion.
           
Following our tour we will return to our hotel for the evening at leisure.

Tonight if you wish, enjoy the optional sound and light spectacular at the Great Pyramids.

Wed, Dec 29, 2010
Ramses Hilton Hotel
After breakfast, morning pick up from our hotel. We will be taken by coach to Alexandria where Cleopatra encountered Caesar and was later crowned. There, too, she met Anthony and, later, her tragic death. Visit the Greco-Roman Museum. Nearby we will see a well-preserved Roman Theater. We continue our visit to Pompey's Pillar and the Catacombs at Kom El Shugafa. Return to Cairo, located 135 miles south from Alexandria.

Thu, Dec 30, 2010

M/S Nile Ruby
After breakfast, we will be transferred to the Cairo airport for the flight to Luxor. On arrival at the Luxor International Airport we will meet our group’s dedicated guide for its cruising experience.

We will be assisted with collecting baggage and escorted to our private coach.

We will be taken directly to the Nile’s East bank see the famous Karnak Temple Complex, featuring the Temple of Karnak built by generations of Pharaohs over a 2,000 year period. Continue along the Avenue of the Sphinxes to the exquisite Temple of Luxor with its grand colonnades. After returning to the ship, afternoon tea is provided with free time for leisure. Dinner and overnight accommodations are provided onboard the ship while docked in Luxor.                                                                                               
The Temple of Luxor, built by kings from the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Dynasties, Luxor Temple has been a center of worship for multiple religions from the time of the Pharaohs through the Christian and Islamic eras.  Everywhere you look here there are treasures—sarcophagi, tomb relics, statues, and gold, gold, gold.


THE FABULOUS TEMPLE OF LUXOR

After visits to the temples we will be transferred to our Nile cruise for the start of our 4 night Deluxe cruise of the Nile.  Over our 4 night /3 day cruise, we will explore some of the most incredible sights, ancient temples and history with the expert guidance of our dedicated cruise group manager.  All meals are included on board the cruise ship.

Lunch & Dinner on board. Overnight in Luxor on the M/S Nile Ruby.

Category : DLX

This exclusive five-star luxury ship is by far the best cruise ship on the River Nile. It was designed by the exacting standards of the most talented Italian engineers, and was built with strict accordance to the rules & regulations of the American Bureau of Shipping.

There are a myriad of luxury features on this classic ship, such as: satellite TV, video system with  feature movies, 3 classic bars, 1 piano bar, laundry service, international telephone, sundeck, hair dresser, private bath in each cabin in addition to a digital safe deposit box in each cabin, gift shop, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, full service restaurant and bar.

The entire ship is built according to the rules and regulations of the American Bureau for Shipping (ABS) including all safety aspects and insurance. Cabins are sound proof and fully air-conditioned. The complete boat has fire alarms, C02 systems for the engine room, sprinkler systems covering all areas, and video surveillance.

Lower Deck : Restaurants (150 seats), kitchen, Laundry, Guide Cabins, Senior Staff Cabins.
Main Deck : Reception, Boutique, Gift Shop, Hairdresser, Guest Cabin.
Upper Deck : Lounge, Bar, Discotheque with special video wall, Guest Cabins.
Sun Deck : Swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Bar.

ALL CABINS ARE JUNIOR SUITES  and have large sliding panoramic windows looking out onto the Nile, which can be opened if you desire.  All cabins have safe deposit box, minibar and private bathroom.

rooms on the 5 star Nile Ruby river cruise ship
 

  The sundeck with deck lounge chairs and large outdoor Jacuzzi, atop the 5 star Nile Ruby cruise ship sailing the Nile

 Click the link below for a full photo gallery of the Nile Ruby

 http://www.nilesun.com/Nile%20Cruises_Nile%20Ruby_g.asp
   One of the ship’s lounges

  Main reception area on the ship

Fri, Dec 31, 2010

M/S Nile Ruby

Today we will tour the vast burial city on the Nile's West Bank including Colossi of Memnon, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and Valley of the Kings.

The Valley of the Kings contains many of the tombs of pharaohs from the New Kingdom, including Ramses VI.   Ramses VI's tomb has a magnificent burial chamber with elaborate hieroglyphics that are truly stunning to walk past and admire the artwork of the ancient Egyptians.
Between 1539 and 1078 B.C. nearly all pharaohs were buried in the Valley of the Kings. More than 60 tombs have been found, and archaeologists believe there are more to be discovered.

The Valley of the Queens is located on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes). There are between 75 and 80 tombs in the Valley of the Queens, or Biban al-Harim.  These belong to Queens of the 18th, 19th and 20th Dynasties      
The Tomb of Nefertari (Tomb 66): One of five wives of Ramses II, Nefertari was his favorite and the tomb here has been is said to be one of the most beautiful in Egypt.  The tomb is completely painted with scenes though out.  In most of these, Nefertari, known as 'the most beautiful of them', is accompanied by gods.  She is usually wearing a golden crown with two feathers extended from the back of a vulture and clothed in a white, gossamer gown. Be sure not to miss the side room where one scene depicts the queen worshipping the mummified body of Osiris.  Near the stairs to the burial chamber is another wonderful scene with Nefertiti offering milk to the goddess Hathor

Tonight, enjoy dinner and a fabulous Galabaya party to ring in the New Year. The Galabaya party is a traditional Egyptian party with song, dance and costumes.  Overnight in Edfu on the M/S Nile Ruby.

Sat, Jan 1, 2011

M/S Nile Ruby

Today’s touring features a visit to the Temple of Horus, one of the most complete architectures in Egypt dedicated for God Horus son of Osiris.

The impressive Temple of Horus

After lunch sail to Kom Ombo and visit the Temple shared by the two Gods; Sobek and Haroeris & continue to Aswan. Dinner on board.  Overnight in Aswan on the M/S Nile Ruby.

Sun Jan 2, 2011

Nile Cruise - Edfu / Kom Ombo / Aswan BLD Cruise

This morning’s included touring for all features visits to the Temple dedicated for Isis on Philae Island and the unfinished Obelisk. We will visit the High Dam passing by the Old Dam of Aswan.

The Temple of Philae lies in the midst of an evocative panorama of gigantic rocks where the columns and pillars of the sacred gods rise up to the sky. The Temple of Philae has one of the three best preserved Ptolemic temples, the other two being Edfu and Dendara.
 The temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, is in a beautiful setting which has been landscaped to match its original site.

        

Nubian Monuments Philae

Trajan's Kiosk inside the temple of Philae

Tour by Felucca to view of the Elephantine Island, the Botanical Gardens, and the Agha Khan Mausoleum

We will return to the ship for lunch and the afternoon at leisure to relax onboard, enjoy the sun deck, pool, Jacuzzi and onboard lounges, or to explore Aswan further at your own leisure if you wish, as the ship remains docked in Aswan overnight..

This afternoon, enjoy an optional excursion to the legendary Temple of Abu Simbel.

The Abu Simbel excursion includes a flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel of approx 50 mins. (escorted by a local Egyptian guide), followed by a short bus ride of approx. 10 mins. (again, escorted by the same local Egyptian guide) and then visiting Abu Simbel.  The visit starts with a brief guided tour followed by ample free time to explore the site at your leisure and to purchase souvenirs or snacks if you wish.  After your visit, you will be taken back to the airport by bus and then flown back to Aswan where you will be taken to the ship.
You will not miss the included tour of the day which is the sailing excursion on the Felucca boat.  Based on the available flight times from Aswan to Abu Simbel that day, The excursion to optional excursion to Abu Simbel will be run either before or after the included excursion on the Felucca sail boat.
Below are the details of the site.
Abu Simbel is an archaeological site comprising two massive rock temples in Nubia, southern Egypt on the western bank of Lake Nasser about 290 km southwest of Aswan. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Nubian Monuments",[1] which run from Abu Simbel downriver to Philae (near Aswan).
The twin temples were originally carved out of the mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC, as a lasting monument to himself and his queen Nefertari, to commemorate his alleged victory at the Battle of Kadesh, and to intimidate his Nubian neighbors. However, the complex was relocated in its entirety in the 1960s, on an artificial hill made from a domed structure, high above the Aswan High Dam reservoir.
The relocation of the temples was necessary to avoid their being submerged during the creation of Lake Nasser, the massive artificial water reservoir formed after the building of the Aswan High Dam on the Nile River. Abu Simbel remains one of Egypt's top tourist attractions

Not only are the two temples at Abu Simbel among the most magnificent monuments in the world but their removal and reconstruction was an historic event in itself. When the temples (280 km from Aswan) were threatened by submersion in Lake Nasser, due to the construction of the High Dam, the Egyptian Government secured the support of UNESCO and launched a world wide appeal. During the salvage operation which began in 1964 and continued until 1968, the two temples were dismantled and raised over 60 meters up the sandstone cliff where they had been built more than 3,000 years before. Here they were reassembled, in the exact same relationship to each other and the sun, and covered with an artificial mountain. Most of the joins in the stone have now been filled by antiquity experts, but inside the temples it is still possible to see where the blocks were cut. You can also go inside the man made dome and see an exhibition of photographs showing the different stages of the massive removal project.

The actual interior of the temple is inside the cliff in the form of a man-made cave cut out of the living rock (. The Sacred Cave). It consists of an amazing series of halls and rooms extending back a total of 185 feet from the entrance.  You will find that exploring these halls is quite an awesome experience.

ABU SIMBEL IN THE AFTERNOON LIGHT SKY

Click the link below to read more about Abu Simbel.

http://witcombe.sbc.edu/sacredplaces/abusimbel.html

The cost of the optional Abu Simbel tour including the round trip flight between Aswan and Abu Simbel, the round trip bus transfer from the Abu Simbel airport to the site and back and the brief tour of the site, followed by free time to explore the site at your leisure and the transportation to the ship following the return flight from Abu Simbel to Aswan is $290 + taxes of $34.  It is an excursion that don’t want to miss and one that will be a memorable highlight of your trip.

Dinner on board. Overnight in Aswan on the M/S Nile Ruby.

Mon, Jan 3, 2011

After breakfast, we disembark our ship and transfer to Aswan airport for our flight to Cairo, upon arrival Cairo we will be met by our local representative and assisted with collecting our baggage; our tour manager will take us directly to
visit the Egyptian Museum for a guided tour including the elaborate tomb of legendary King Tut & then on to the Khan Khalili Bazaar for shopping.

We will then be taken to Al Azhar Park for our included farewell dinner. After dinner we will be transferred to Cairo airport for the final departure flight back to New York departing at 11:55pm and arriving Tuesday morning in NY –JFK at 5:05am

Optional Petra/Dead Sea Jordan Extension

 
For those passenger wishing to extend your trip to visit the incredible sights of Petra, one of the 7 new ancient wonders of the World, plus enjoy a jeep safari over the moonlike landscapes of Wadi Rum and enjoy a soothing float in the Dead Sea’s therapeutic waters and its spas, along with 3 nights’ accommodations at 5 star Marriott chain hotels, you will depart with your allsinglestravel trip escort at 11:15pm on your short 90 minute flight to Amman Jordan, arriving at 12:45am (transfer from the farewell dinner to the airport is included )

Upon arrival, we will be met and assisted by our local dedicated Jordanian tour manager that will attend to our group’s needs for the next 3 days and nights.  We will be transferred to the 5 star deluxe Marriott hotel Amman.

Category: DLX
The Amman Marriott Hotel has very easy access to all business and tourist areas of Amman and Jordan. Accommodation in Amman could not be any better with our newly renovated rooms that guarantee a good night's sleep. The Amman Marriott Hotel is Amman's preferred choice for business & social gatherings through legendary service. The qualified staff and hotel facilities combined, translates into more comfort for each guest. Stay at the Amman Marriott Hotel and take pleasure in the true Jordanian hospitality.

Tue, Jan 4, 2011

After breakfast, enjoy your full-day tour of the Red Rose City of Petra. You will begin the 1st part of your unforgettable trip on horseback and then continue on foot through the deep and narrow passages till you reach the Treasury, the enormous building literally carved into the rock face of the mountainside. The Nabateans carved this capital from the living rock of the surrounding mountains in Petra. Among the other monuments that will be seen today are the Pharaoh's Castle, the Triumphal arch, the Amphitheater and the Monastery.
The giant red mountains and vast mausoleums of a departed race have nothing in common with modern civilization, and ask nothing of it except to be appreciated at their true value - as one of the greatest wonders ever wrought by Nature and Man.

Although much has been written about Petra, nothing really prepares you for this amazing place. It has to be seen to be believed.

Petra the world wonder, is without doubt Jordan’s most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction. It is a vast, unique city, carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled here more than 2000 years ago, turning it into an important junction for the silk, spice and other trade routes that linked China, India and southern Arabia with Egypt, Syria, Greece and Rome.

The Treasury or 'Al-Khazneh'.

Entrance to the city is through the Siq, a narrow gorge, over 1 kilometre in length, which is flanked on either side by soaring, 80 metres high cliffs. Just walking through the Siq is an experience in itself. The colours and formations of the rocks are dazzling. As you reach the end of the Siq you will catch your first glimpse of Al-Khazneh (Treasury).

This is an awe-inspiring experience. A massive façade, 30m wide and 43m high, carved out of the sheer, dusky pink, rock-face and dwarfing everything around it. It was carved in the early 1st century as the tomb of an important Nabataean king and represents the engineering genius of these ancient people.

View of the dramatic Treasury building with the mountain landscape beside her.  The Treasury was literally carved into the rock face of the mountain over 2000 years ago and is today a truly awe inspiring sight to see!

Lunch is included at Basin Restaurant.

After our full day tour we will be transferred to our 5 star hotel, the Petra Marriott.

Embracing traditional hospitality and overlooking Jordan's timeless wonder, the Petra Marriott Hotel offers
anticipatory & traditional service designed to exceed all expectations.

Wed, Jan. 5th, 2011

After breakfast, we will drive to little Petra (Al-Beidah) where the ruins of this ancient village date back some 9000 years. It is one of the oldest archaeological sites in the Middle East. Continue your tour to Wadi Rum, a vast, silent
landscape of ancient, pastel-colored riverbeds, the largest and the most magnificent of Jordan's deserts.

Take a 2 hour 4X4 vehicle ride into the oasis with its awesome moon-like landscape, crisscrossed with countless valleys of stunning beauty. A Bedouin style lunch is included in your program. 

Continue your trip to the lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea, which is 400 meters below sea level. At the Dead Sea beach and pool you will have a chance to swim in the buoyant waters, or cover yourself in mud, which is said to restore your health and beauty in therapeutic fashion.

We will be transferred to our 5 star hotel, the Jordan Valley Marriott Dead Sea Resort.

The Jordan Valley Marriott Dead Sea Resort & Spa, Jordan's hospitality ambassador of life's healing grounds is surrounded
by rugged purple mountains that subtly change in color as the day unfolds. This is where the spirit of Jordan fills the air and
the pulse of history resonates in culture with an endless celebration of life and traditions. The Resort offers anticipatory and
warm service that revives the soul, as well as a self contained blend of modern décor and generous space.

Thu, Jan 6, 2011

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy your free day to relax, float in the waters of the Dead Sea, or use the facilities of
the hotel spa, where you can indulge in the therapeutic secrets of the Dead Sea. In the early evening you will be
transferred to the Amman airport for your flight home departing at 11:55pm.

Delta flight 033 / AMMJFK / 11:55 pm - 5:30 am (Next day)

OUR NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAY TOUR OF EGYPT AND THE NILE DEC. 26-JAN 3 INCLUDES

• ROUND TRIP AIR ON DELTA AIRLINES NONSTOP BETWEEN NEW YORK JFK AIRPORT AND CAIRO
• 3 NIGHTS SUPERIOR FIRST CLASS HOTEL AT THE RAMSES HILTON HOTEL WITH BREAKFAST DAILY INCLUDED
• TOURS OF MEMPHIS, SAQQARA,  ALEXANDRIA, THE GREAT PYRAMIDS AT GIZA AND THE LEGENDARY SPHINX
• 4 NIGHT DELUXE 5 STAR NILE RIVER CRUISE WITH ALL MEALS, DAILY TOURS AND THE FABULOUS NEW YEAR’S EVE GALABAYA PARTY INCLUDED
• TOUR OF THE EGYPTIAN MUSEUM
• VISIT TO THE EGYPTIAN BAZARRE
• FAREWELL DINNER IN CAIRO
• SERVICES OF A LOCAL BI-LINGUAL TOUR MANAGER
• SERVICES OF AN ALLSINGLESTRAVEL.COM TRIP ESCORT ON ALL TRIP SEGMENTS
• FREE ROOMMATE MATCHING BASED ON AGE, SEX AND SMOKING OR NON SMOKING

TRIP COST $2989 + $89 TAXES
OPTIONAL SINGLE SUPPLEMENT FOR THOSE NOT WISHING AN ASSIGNED ROOMMATE: $599

PASSENGERS WISHING TO PROVIDE THEIR OWN AIR MAY DEDUCT $989 INCLUDING TAXES

________________________________________________________________________________

OUR OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO PETRA, WADI RUM AND THE DEAD SEA INCLUDES

• ONE WAY AIR FROM CAIRO TO AMMAN JORDAN

• 3 NIGHTS 5 STAR ACCOMMODATIONS AT MARRIOTT HOTELS IN AMMAN, PETRA AND THE DEAD SEA VALLEY WITH BREAKFAST DAILY

• FULL DAY GUIDED TOUR OF THE ANCIENT RUINS OF PETRA – ONE OF THE 7 NEW WONDERS OF THE WORLD WITH LUNCH INCLUDED

• FULL DAY TOUR INCLUDING JEEP SAFARI OF MOONLIKE LANDSCAPE AT WADI RUM AND FLOAT IN DEAD SEA WITH LUNCH INCLUDED

•  RETURN FLIGHT ON DELTA AIRLINES FROM AMMAN JORDAN NONSTOP TO NEW YORK JFK

• SERVICES OF A LOCAL BI-LINGUAL TOUR MANAGER

• SERVICES OF AN ALLSINGLESTRAVEL.COM TRIP ESCORT

• FREE ROOMMATE MATCHING

OPTIONAL 3 NIGHT EXTENSION COST: $1099

OPTIONAL SINGLE SUPPLEMENT FOR THOSE NOT WISHING A ROOMMATE ASSIGNED ON THE 3 NIGHT PETRA/DEAD SEA JORDAN EXTENSION: $300

• Optional extension passenger maximum is 12 passengers; Optional extension passenger minimum is 10 passengers.

__________________________________________________________________________

A trip deposit of $200 is required within 3 days of making your reservation. Please specify if you are booking with or without the optional 3 night Petra/Dead Sea Jordan extension Deposits are refundable if cancelled by August 20th and non refundable thereafter.  Balance payments are due Sept. 7th and are non refundable.
Travel Insurance is available upon request.  Ask for pricing and coverage details