Oberoi Bespoke (Cruise & Land)

Itinerary

• Egypt

  Egypt is a country in North Africa, with the Sinai Peninsula forming a land bridge to Western Asia. Egypt borders the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Israel to the northeast, the Red Sea to the east, Sudan to the south and Libya to the west. Egypt is one of the most populous countries in Africa and the Middle East. The great majority of its estimated 75.4 million live near the banks of the Nile River, where the only arable agricultural land is found. The large areas of the Sahara Desert are sparsely inhabited. About half of Egypt's residents live in Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Aswan. Egypt is famous for its ancient civilization and some of the world's most famous monuments, including the Giza pyramid complex and its Great Sphinx. Luxor contains numerous ancient artifacts, such as the Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Important temples are located on the Nile cities of Edfu and Aswan, with the temple of Abu Simbel on the shore of Lake Nasser in the south.

• Cairo

  Cairo is the capital of Egypt and the hub of the country. Millennia of history have made it one of the most fascinating places in the world. The Egyptian Museum whose 107 halls feature huge statues on the ground floor, and small statues, jewels, Tutankhamon treasures and the mummies on upper floors. Other downtown sights include the Saladin Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, and Khan Khalili bazaar. Nearby Giza is famous for the Pyramids of Egypt, among the largest constructions ever built.

• Nile

  Glide up the Nile at night and explore ancient temples during the day. Edfu (Idfu) is located on the west bank of the River Nile between Esna and Aswan. Of all the temple remains in Egypt, the Temple of Horus at Edfu is the most completely preserved. Kom Ombo was originally an Egyptian city called Nubt, meaning City of Gold. The town's location on the Nile 50 km north of Aswan (Syene) gave it some control over trade routes from Nubia to the Nile Valley, but its main rise to prominence came with the erection of the temple in the 2nd century BC.

• • The Mighty Sphinx
  • Mena House Oberoi Palace

  Day 1: Cairo

  Transfer to/from Cairo Airport in private vehicle with English speaking driver.

  You will be met in the tunnel by an airport representative who will in turn facilitate the visa process ($15 per person - included in tour cost), escort you through customs and immigration, off to baggage claim and finally to passenger pick up. It is here that you will connect with our representative associate who will arrange airport transfer to your hotel.

  Accommodation: Mena House Oberoi Palace

  Mena House Oberoi, in the shadow of the Great Pyramids in Cairo has enchanted guests since 1869. Located in forty acres of jasmine scented gardens, Mena House Oberoi has played host to kings and emperors, Heads of State and celebrities. Its royal history is reflected in luxurious interiors that are embellished with exquisite antiques, handcrafted furniture and rich textiles. A variety of international as well as Egyptian cuisine is on offer at the excellent restaurants and bars in the hotel. This is the perfect place to begin your explorations of Cairo. Located in the Palace, each Standard room offers a choice of either a king-size bed or twin beds and every room has a satellite television, in-room safe and personal bar, and high speed Internet connection.

• • Ancient Egyptian Sphinx of Giza

  Day 2: Cairo

  Enjoy this tour which explores the relics of ages past, and includes visits to ancient Memphis, Saqqara and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Already millennia old by the birth of Christ, the elaborate statues and astonishing scale of these sites will amaze all who visit. This tour also features the famous Sphinx, whose constructor's still remains unknown, but its sheer beauty and allure has mystified the likes of Alexander the Great and Napoleon Bonaparte. This tour includes a private vehicle, a driver, and a highly trained Egyptologist, and entry to either Chephren (Khafre) or Menkaure (Mycerinus) pyramids, as well as the Solar boat. Entrance to the Pyramids come with an additional cost, and be aware that a limited number of people are allowed inside daily, so arrive early so you will not be disappointed.

  Enjoy the city's finest cuisine with a private table at the very best restaurants.

  Accommodation: Mena House Oberoi Palace
• • Nile
  • The Oberoi Zahra

  Day 3: Cairo - Aswan - Nile

  Transfer to/from Cairo Airport in private vehicle with English speaking driver.

  Take your Egypt Air flight from Cairo to Aswan, flights as requests only and subject to change.

  Airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver in Aswan.

  This 1/2 day tour begins with a visit to the impressive Aswan High Dam. The water which was collected behind created Lake Nasser, the world's largest artificial lake. View the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the Goddess Iris, on the island of Agilika, stopping at the “unfinished obelisk,” a practical demonstration of the methods used by ancient craftsmen to create impressive monuments.

  Accommodation: Oberoi Zahra

  The Oberoi Zahra, Luxury Nile Cruiser continues the Oberoi Hotels & Resorts’ tradition of offering the highest standards of hospitality and is amongst the most spacious accommodation on the Nile. The subtle and elegant interior of the Luxury Cabins and Luxury Suites is complemented by expansive views of the river framed by large windows within the cabins and the en suite bathrooms. The Oberoi Zahra is the only boat on the Nile with a full-service spa. It sails on a seven-day itinerary from Luxor to Aswan (and vice versa), allowing guests the opportunity to leisurely discover five thousand years of Egyptian culture.

• • Temple of Hathor

  Day 4: Aswan - Nile

  You can enjoy an optional excursion from the Oberoi Zahra Nile cruiser to Abu Simbel for a guided tour of the Temple of Ramesess II and Temple of Hathor. (Not included in tour price).

  Enjoy a sound and light show at the Philae Aswan, where the ancient world is brought back to life.

  Accommodation: Oberoi Zahra
• • Kom Ombo Temple
  • Feluccas on the Nile

  Day 5: Nile - Aswan

  Visit a unique Greco-Roman temple dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the sun god. The Temple in Kom Ombo (also known simply as Kom Ombo Temple) dates from about 180 BC, during a period known as the Ptolemaic era, and had some additions built on to it during Roman times. It stands right on the bank of the Nile between Edfu and Aswan. The temple is unusual in that it is a double temple, with one side dedicated to the god Haroesis and the other side to Sobek. The design is almost perfectly symmetrical, with two side-by-side sanctuaries and two parallel passageways leading through the outer parts of the temple. The right side is dedicated to Sobek-Re (the crocodile god combined with the sun god Re), along with his wife (a form of Hathor) and their son Khonsu-Hor. Sobek is associated with Seth, the enemy of Horus. In the myth of Horus and Osiris, Seth and his followers changed themselves into crocodiles to escape. The ancient Egyptians believed that by honouring the fearsome crocodile as a god, they would be safe from attacks. The left side is dedicated to Haroeris, the "Good Doctor" (a form of the falcon-headed god Horus the Elder) along with his consort Ta-Sent-Nefer, the "Good Sister" (another form of Hathor).

  Enjoy a Nile adventure as you sail aboard a traditional, non-motorized felucca around Kitchener's Island, the Aga Khan Mausoleum and botanical gardens.

  Accommodation: Oberoi Zahra
• • Temple of Horus

  Day 6: Nile

  Visit the Nile-side Temple of Horus, the falcon god, built in 230 BC by Ptolemy III. The Temple of Horus in Edfu (also known as the Temple of Edfu) is considered the best-preserved cult temple in Egypt. This is partly because it was built later than most: in the Ptolemaic era from 237 to 57 BC. Despite its later date, it reflects traditional pharaonic architecture and so provides an excellent idea of how all the temples once looked. Edfu is also very large: the second largest in Egypt after Karnak Temple.

  Accommodation: Oberoi Zahra
• • Karnak Temple
  • Amenhotep III and Sobek, Luxor Museum

  Day 7: Luxor - Nile

  Enjoy a private tour with a qualified Egyptologist guide exploring the East Bank of Luxor. Visit the most impressive temples of Karnak and Luxor, while learning about ancient Egyptian history from your own personal guide. Start your day with a visit to the Temples of Karnak. Walk along the Avenue of Sphinx to enter the complex as your guide explains how the massive facade was constructed. Continue to Luxor Temple which was once joined to the Temples of Karnak by a two-kilometre long Avenue of Sphinx, a portion of which marks the entrance to the temple. Your private guide will offer interpretation and guide you through the most important parts of the temples.

  On this private tour, a trained Egyptologist will describe the many sculptures, mosaic's and antiquities on display in the famous Luxor Museum, prepare for truly Egyptian experience. This elegant modern museum boasts a fabulous collection of artifacts from Thebes including pottery, jewelry, furniture and other artifacts from the ancient city. A recent addition to the exhibits is the cache of 22 magnificent New Kingdom statues, found in 1989 buried beneath Luxor Temple.

  Accommodation: Oberoi Zahra
• • Colossus of Memnon

  Day 8: Luxor - Nile

  Transfer to the West Bank and explore the West Bank of the ancient Thebes. Visit the Valley of the Kings to see the royal tombs of King Tutankhamun and Ramses, the sixth. This is followed by a visit to the Temple of Madinat Habu and a stop at the Colossus of Memnon.

  Today you will venture on a half day tour to the Dendarah Temple with a private vehicle, driver and trained Egyptologist. 169 km north of Luxor is the remains of Egypt's most famous and ancient cities, Dendarah. Here stands the Dendarah Temple dedicated to Hathor, the Goddess of love, fertility, and beauty.

  Accommodation: Oberoi Zahra
• • Deir El Madina Craftmens Village

  Day 9: Luxor - Nile

  Visit the West Bank. This private tour includes visits to the Tombs of the Nobles, Temple of Hatchepsut and Deir El Madina, the site of a very special workman’s village, whose craftsmen built and decorated the tombs of the Pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings.

  Accommodation: Oberoi Zahra
• • Luxor Temple II

  Day 10: Luxor - Cairo

  Airport transfer with a private vehicle and English-speaking driver in Luxor.

  Take your early morning flight from Luxor to Cairo. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.

  Transfer to/from Cairo Airport in private vehicle with English speaking driver.

  Accommodation: Mena House Oberoi Palace
• • Interior of Saladin citadel

  Day 11: Cairo

  This full day tour includes a private tour with your trained Egyptologist guide through the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and its Mummy Room, which houses priceless archaeological finds including the treasures of Tutankhamun and the Greco/Roman period. In the afternoon visit Saladin Citadel, a spectacular medieval fortress built by the renowned leader himself and dating back from the 12th century. Here you will explore the mosque and tomb of the Ottoman ruler Mohamed Ali, whom laid the foundation for the modern nation of Egypt. Later, on a walking tour, you will get to stroll through the fabled Khan Khalili bazaar, absorbing the sights, scents, exotic treats and energy of this ancient yet vibrant meeting place.

  Enjoy the city's finest cuisine with a private table at the very best restaurants.

  Accommodation: Mena House Oberoi Palace

• Day 12: Cairo

  Transfer to/from Cairo Airport in private vehicle with English speaking driver.

  Accommodation: Depart

  Depart from Cairo international airport - end of itinerary.

Accommodation

• Fun Facts

  Hieroglyphic was the earliest script form of the Ancient Egyptian. Each hieroglyph represents a common object in ancient Egypt including a person, an object or an idea. The decipherment of Egyptian hieroglyphs was made possible by discovery of the Rosetta Stone, found in 1799 by Napoleonic troops fighting in Egypt. The famous stone currently resides in the British Museum.

• Collectibles

  The cosmetics and perfume industry had its genesis in Ancient Egypt. Perfumes were thought to have some power of purification from death or disease and to cleanse the impure. Perfumes were so essential to the lives of the ancients that they were buried with the dead for use in the afterlife. Some of these vials were true works of art such as the ones found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. The Egyptians kept their perfumes in vessels made of rich materials including gold, hard stones, coloured glasses or alabaster. These perfume vials remain the ultimate Egyptian souvenir to this day.

• Wildlife Encounters

  Camels are well suited to desert life and the conditions of Upper Egypt because of a number of the animal's adaptations. They have broad, flat, thick-soled cloven hoofs that do not sink into the sand, they have the ability to go without drinking for several days—or longer if juicy plants are available, and they have valvular nostrils lined with hairs for protection against flying sand.

• • Mena House Oberoi Palace
  • Pyramid View Room

  Mena House Oberoi Palace

  Mena House Oberoi, in the shadow of the Great Pyramids in Cairo has enchanted guests since 1869. Located in forty acres of jasmine scented gardens, Mena House Oberoi has played host to kings and emperors, Heads of State and celebrities. Its royal history is reflected in luxurious interiors that are embellished with exquisite antiques, handcrafted furniture and rich textiles. A variety of international as well as Egyptian cuisine is on offer at the excellent restaurants and bars in the hotel. This is the perfect place to begin your explorations of Cairo. Located in the Palace, each Standard room offers a choice of either a king-size bed or twin beds and every room has a satellite television, in-room safe and personal bar, and high speed Internet connection.

  • More information
• • The Oberoi Zahra

  Oberoi Zahra

  The Oberoi Zahra, Luxury Nile Cruiser continues the Oberoi Hotels & Resorts’ tradition of offering the highest standards of hospitality and is amongst the most spacious accommodation on the Nile. The subtle and elegant interior of the Luxury Cabins and Luxury Suites is complemented by expansive views of the river framed by large windows within the cabins and the en suite bathrooms. The Oberoi Zahra is the only boat on the Nile with a full-service spa. It sails on a seven-day itinerary from Luxor to Aswan (and vice versa), allowing guests the opportunity to leisurely discover five thousand years of Egyptian culture.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Tours, Transfers, Flights, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

• Request a Quote