Captivating Egypt’s Affordability
By Maria Lisella
Egypt, the oldest tourist destination in the world has been attracting visitors from as far back as the ancient world to view fabulous monuments built to last for eternity, and has cast its captivating spell on modern travelers as well. Egyptian Tourism Minister Zoheir Garrana reports that the number of people visiting Egypt increased more than 25 percent for the period of 2007 to 2008.
JF did an informal survey of the range of products available to agents through tour operators, some of whom specialize in the region or the country. We asked what distinguished one product from another and is it possible or even advisable to to offer “affordable” packages, not cheap or budget, but affordable and what that might mean. One of the major features that contributes to the bottom line is the amount of components that are sold together such as roundtrip international airfare. Most meals are included in the packages cited below, as well as a three, four or even seven-night Nile cruise. The addition of celebrity Egyptologists to accompany tours enhances the programs as does the appeal of adding extensions that can be arranged through the same company, assuring seamless transfers and return home.
Defining Affordable
Diane Panasci, head of Marketing and Product Development at Foreign Independent Tours, reports she has just updated the company’s popular starter trip: the five-night/seven-day Egypt Your Way travel program. “It is an air-inclusive package that includes transfers, accommodations, breakfast daily starting at $1,399 per person double, making it an affordable way to get to and stay in Cairo. Clients can then add a wide array of optional tours including a Nile Cruise, a stop at the Red Sea, Jordan or Kenya.”
FIT has been packaging tours to Egypt for more than 20 years; its portfolio ranges to a 17-day program that combines Egypt and Kenya priced from $3,799 per person with roundtrip airfare from New York. Call 800-248-3487; www.fittours.com
For the last 28 years, STI Voyages in France, member of Sakkara Travel Group, has been operating within the French market. STI Travel USA has been inaugurated as the sole branch of STI Voyages, and is now a full operating company, located in Hackensack, New Jersey, offering full travel services to various and numerous destinations.
Sakkara Travel Group, Mother Company, has been operating since 1972 and currently ranked among the top ten producing travel companies in Egypt as classified by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
The company’s eight-day, air-inclusive Nile Voyager is priced at $999 per person double. The tour is divided between three nights in Cairo, sightseeing in Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Luxor and three nights on a five-sar Nile cruise. Call 800-570-0304; www.sti-travel.com
At Boston-based Esplanade Tours, Jackie Keith says, “The important thing is value for money of course, and the security in knowing that our ground agents are people we have worked with for 40 years, are extremely dependable, yet flexible if the client wants more time in the Egyptian Museum than the Bazaars.” She says, “The last few Egypt itineraries I have done include four or five-star accommodations- not super deluxe, but I think people realize that it is important to stay in recognized properties, in good locations. We have excellent guides, enough staff to really make sure they don’t wander off on their own. Also the food is better and safer from tummy aches if they stay in nice places.” Esplanade Tours has been planning customized and group itineraries since 1954 and has been recommended by National Geographic. Call 800-426-5492, 800-628-4893; E-mail info@esplanadetours.com; www.esplanadetours.com
Ya’lla Tours lists more than 20 distinct itineraries in four hotel categories, from four-star to deluxe. Programs range from two and three- day stopovers to the 13-day Ultimate Egypt, all of which are privately escorted by a licensed Egyptologist and a driver. Touring from Nile cruises is done in small groups with optional private touring available for a supplement. “We offer a wide selection of variations on a theme. There are a handful of sites that most travelers to Egypt want to see – the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple and Abu Simbel,” says Ronen Paldi, president of Ya’lla Tours. “These sites form the foundation of most of our tours and from there we build in extras such as time at the Red Sea or in Alexandria. Because all our overland touring is privately escorted, we are flexible: published itineraries are suggestions as we customize itineraries for a good portion of our travelers.”
For travelers who want just the highlights, Deluxe Tour of Egypt, Taste of Egypt and Jewels of the Nile are recommended. The Glory of Egypt and Wonder of Egypt include time at the Red Sea and on the Sinai Peninsula. Crown of Egypt and Magical Egypt both include time in Alexandria. More specialized itineraries include the 13-day Desert Safari which explores Egypt’s Western Desert with stops at the Siwa and Bahariya oases; and two biblical programs, In the Footsteps of the Exodus and In the Footsteps of the Holy Family. Call 800-644-1595 or visit www.yallatours.com
Marty Seslow, VP of Sales and Marketing at Gate 1 Travel says it is tough to generalize about the popularity of one product over another since the company has planned several programs to Egypt for 2009 that range from eight to 16 days’ duration. Gate 1 sells most of the programs with international airfare included, a salient feature for those looking for a simple sale, and a fairly all-inclusive program.
Among Gate 1’s most basic products are the eight-day Affordable Egypt starting at $1,599 per person for land and air for instance and the eight or 10-day Egypt for Less, all of which include international airfare, domestic flights within Egypt, two to four nights’ hotel accommodations in Cairo, and three or four nights on a Nile River cruise. “Several tours and transfers are optional and can be added so that the passengers customize the vacation.... not sure if that really qualifies as dressing it up,” says Seslow, “but to do so might include the addition of optional excursions, upgrade of accommodations, or additional destinations including the Red Sea, Jordan or Israel.” Call 800-682-3333; E-mail: info@gate1travel.com; www.gate1travel.com
Indus Travels has prevailed upon one of the world’s most renowned Egyptologists, Dr. Zahi Hawass to accompany participants on a 14-day journey to explore the mysteries of this ancient land. Starting at the Giza Plateau, just outside of Cairo, the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid.
Included on this program is a private lecture and discussion with Dr. Zahi Hawass, accommodations 33 meals as listed on the itinerary plus breakfast daily, meet and greet at Cairo airport by an Indus Travels’ Representative, roundtrip airport transfers, sightseeing tours in private AC Coach, services of an English-speaking Egyptologist during sightseeing tours, a four-night deluxe cruise, all domestic airfare, day trip with lunch to Alexandria, entrance fees at all sightseeing spots. Prices range from $4,290 to $4,690 per person double for land only. Call 866-978-2997; mail@industravels.ca or visit www.industravels.com
According to Goway’s AFRICAExperts General Manager, Moira Smith, “Our passenger numbers to Egypt have increased 38% over last year. Reflecting the value of our programs, we are offering up to six nights’ free accommodations at a deluxe Red Sea Resort to passengers booking our Classic Egypt, Mysteries & Magic of Egypt, Ancient Wonders or Pyramids to Petra tours before December 31, 2008.” Extensions include Israel and Jordan. One of Goway’s biggest sellers is the Mysteries & Magic of Egypt tour, a 15-day trip starting and ending in Cairo with extensive sightseeing, a four-night Nile Cruise, a visit to Alexandria, and starts from $2,089.
The nine-day traditional Classic Egypt tour includes Cairo sightseeing and a four-night Nile Cruise and is priced from $1,181 and offers the flexibility of adding extensions to Abu Simbel, Alexandria, Red Sea beach stays or a visit to Israel and Jordan. Optional add-ons are the five-day Jordan tour starting from $929 or the eight-day Holyland tour.
Back by popular demand is the 15- day Pyramids to Petra tour that starts in Cairo, ends in Amman and includes Cairo, a Nile Cruise, Sinai, Red Sea, Petra and Amman all starting from $2,758. Call 800-245-0920; E-mail info@africaexperts.com; www.AfricaExperts.com
Known for it expertise in the Eastern Mediterranean and especially in Greece, Cloud Tours has been selling tours to Egypt for over 15 years. Says Cally Papas, “We offer two tours to Egypt—the nine-day Majestic Nile tour and the eight-day Nile Fantasy. Both include round-trip airfare from NY, three nights in Cairo and a three-night Nile Cruise. Majestic Nile adds a stop in Abu Simbel. Both tours highlight visits to the Egyptian Museum, the Great Pyramids, the Great Sphinx of Gisa, the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the Temples of Karnak and Luxor. We can extend the tours to Alexandria and Sharm El Sheikh. First-class to Superior Deluxe accommodations are available. Customized packages are also available throughout Egypt. Another option is a seven-day cruise to Egypt and Jordan aboard a mega-yacht.
Participants will experience a harmonious balance between conventional cruising and private yachting along with an exciting voyage of discover, unraveling the wonders of the Red Sea. Weekly departures every Friday from Hurghada for this seven-day cruise with the following ports of call: Sharm el Sheikh, Ras Mohamed, Aqaba, Taba, Safaga with shore excursions offered to Santa Caterina Monaster, Petra, Luxor where participants can enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the Red Sea. Call 800-223-7880; 718-721-3808; E-mail info@cloudtours.com
While no one would confuse Travel Egypt with a budget company, Terry McKendree, president of the firm offers some tips for agents. “We are not a budget company and we find that upscale travelers are still our main source of business.”
That said, he suggests agents review the company’s Incredible Egypt tour, which is a good introduction to the Nile Valley for budget-minded travelers. It’s a real bargain as the hotels are upscale and the group sizes are kept small. Programs are guaranteed to operate with even one traveler, but never more than 16 in one group. “Another wonderful tour, a little more upscale, is our Nile Treasures and last, our Fantastic Egypt, which includes Alexandria, and is a very popular program,” he adds.
Travel Egypt distinguishes itself by reserving superior or deluxe rooms (never standard) in upscale hotels, Egyptologists (many with multiple degrees, such as Egyptology and Art History), and new transportation vehicles (all 2008 or 2009 models) with the smallest vehicle being a mini-van, adds McKendree.
The new website has reservations forms at the conclusion of each tour outline. Visit any of the following sites: www.travelegypt.com; www.egyptadventures.com; www.nilecruising.com
Homeric Tours’ most popular package is the eight-day Egyptian Escape that includes a three-night stay in Cairo, a three-night Nile Cruise visiting Aswan and Luxor, a full-day tour of Cairo, all shore excursions, transfers and the services of an English-speaking guide, priced from $1,939.
The 13-day Nile Explorer package features Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel and Lake Nasser. Three nights in Cairo, sightseeing tours of Cairo, Abu Simbel, Aswan and Luxor, a four-night deluxe Nile Cruise plus a four-night Lake Nasser cruise, both components include all meals and shore excursions. Prices including transatlantic airfare start at $3,449.
With any package, travelers can add and extension to a nearby destination within Egypt or to the countries of Jordan and Greece. A three-night stay at a Red Sea Resort – in either Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada – starts at $479 with airfare, accommodations, breakfast and transfers.
A four-night extension to Jordan’s Amman and Petra with airfare, hotel, breakfast & dinner, and three sightseeing tours begin at $929. Call 800-223-5570; E-mail info@homerictours.com; www.homerictours.com
And for Independent Travelers...
Travel Bound offers a la carte options in Egypt as it does all over the world, allowing agents to stack up the components their clients really want to create customized programs. Agents can put together a combination of hotel, Nile cruise, other add-on sightseeing and roundtrip transfers to customize a land package for independent travel clients.
Pricing for a three night cruise from Aswan to Luxor starts at $374 per person double; $443 for a four-night cruise in the opposite direction and a seven night cruise that begins and ends in Aswan or Luxor starts from $614. Hotels range from five-stars to four and begin as low as $30 at the Isis Island in Aswan to $116 at the Sofitel El Gezirah in Cairo.
Travel Bound has added a number of new excursions ranging in price from $35 to $129 per person. From Cairo for instance, there is a full-day tour to Alexandria for $116 per person, from Sharm El Sheikh, two new programs include trips to the Ras Mohamed National Park and St. Catherine Monastery.
Private transfers to all major cities are also listed costing from $12 to $80 depending on city and airport. To access new promotions, agents need only click the upper left corner homepage when surfing the site. Visit www.booktravelbound.com
For more information, contact the Egyptian Tourist Authority, 212- 332-2570; fax 212-956-6439; E-mail info.us@egypt.travel; www.egypt travel.com
August 20008 Feature
Egypt Gains Marketshare Each Year
Egypt has once again succeeded in expanding the tourism industry, bringing in more tourists who stay longer and come back more frequently. According to the Egyptian Tourism Authority, the country saw more than a 22% increase in visitors to Egypt in 2007.
Homeric Tours’ vacations to Egypt are tailored for the American traveler, with a variety of itineraries, using only deluxe and luxury hotels and cruise ships. Each has been selected to meet clients’ needs. The awe-inspiring civilization of Egypt, housing the expansive Sahara Desert, the Pyramids of Giza, the monuments of Luxor, the Nile River is among Homeric’s best selling vacations.
One package is the Egyptian Escape – and eight day package, including a three-night stay in Cairo and a three-night Nile Cruise visiting Aswan and Luxor. Also included are a full-day tour of Cairo, all shore excursions on cruise, transfers and the services of an English-speaking guide. Prices start at $1,939 per person double.
The 13-day Nile Voyager package features Egypt’s most fascinating destinations – Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and more. Four nights in Cairo, two full days of sightseeing, a six-night deluxe Nile Cruise including all meals and shore excursions and a full-day sightseeing tour of Abu Simbel, including airfare, are just some of the included features. Prices start at $2,999 per person double. A three-night stay at a beautiful Red Sea Resort – in either Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada – starts at $479. Included are airfare, accommodations, breakfast and transfers. A four-night extension to Jordan’s Amman and Petra begins at $929. Call 800-223-5570; E-mail info@homerictours.com
Indus Travels has recently introduced a new collection of tours featured in a brochure dedicated to Egypt, Dubai and Morocco. According to Praveen Syal, clients demanded the inclusion of Egypt. “Egypt contains some of the best remains of ancient civilizations and wonders of the world along with first class scuba diving, stunning desert landscapes and total relaxation while sailing down the Nile, he added. Among the luxury programs to Egypt are Essential Egypt, an eight-day program priced from $876 per person double for land arrangements only; to an 11-day Land of the Pharaohs program priced from $1,386 to a 14-day program, Best of Egypt priced at $1,352. All programs include accommodations, airport transfers, daily buffet breakfast, all meals aboard the four-night Nile cruise, transportation in private air conditioned cars, domestic airfares, the services of English speaking private guides who are Egyptologists, sightseeing and entrance to monuments. Call 866-978-2997; E-mail mail@industravels.ca; www.industravels.ca
Ya’lla Tours USA’s “In the Footsteps of the Exodus“is a five-day, escorted tour of Cairo and Mt. Sinai. The tour operates throughout the year and begins any day in Cairo. Prices cover land arrangements only. Two days of touring in Cairo include visits to the pyramids at Giza, the Sphinx, Memphis, Sakara, Dahshour, Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, Medieval Cairo and Khan el Khalili Bazaar. On day four, passengers are transferred overland from Cairo to St. Catherine on the Sinai Peninsula. Touring there includes St. Catherine Monastery and a predawn climb up Mt. Sinai to watch the sunrise from the summit. The tour is priced from $795 per person double including accommodations, breakfast daily, one dinner, two lunches, and four days of privately escorted touring, private transfers, entrance fees and hotel taxes. Call 800-644-1595; visit www.yallatours.com
Egyptian Waterways
Avalon Waterways is embarking on its most aggressive growth to date in 2009, offering more than 25 vacations in Europe, China, Egypt and the Galàpagos, as well berthing two new ships.
“Traveling on the waterways that weave together the history and lore of villages and countries is not only one of the trendiest means of travel, it’s also the most scenic and experiential way to vacation,” said Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways. “Small-ship cruising provides travelers big benefits including a more intimate experience, the proximity of attractions and hassle-free, all-inclusive style. Guests don’t have to worry about hidden fees and currency increases.”
Avalon’s nine-day Egyptian Splendor is a voyage through the Kingdom of the Pharaohs. In Cairo, visitors will see King Tutankhamun’s treasures, visit the Sphinx and see the Great Pyramids of Giza. Clients take a flight to Aswan for a four-night Nile River cruise to Luxor. Travelers will visit the Aswan Dam, Temple of Isis, Valley of Kings and Valley of Queens and Luxor Temple and visit Edfu to the Temple of Horus, local bazaars and stunning Karnak. Priced from $1,911 (cruise/land-only, including intra-tour flights). Call 877-380-1535; www.avalonwaterways.com
Elegant Cruises & Tours, a niche cruise line specializing in culturally focused travel, is pleased to announce its new 2009 itineraries for the 104-passenger M.S. Andrea and the 62-passenger M.S. Monet.
With the Andrea roaming the waterways of Europe and Antarctica; and the Monet positioned in the Adriatic and Red Sea, Elegant Cruises & Tours continues its long tradition of introducing travelers to delightful new destinations each cruise season. From the splendor of Europe’s grand cities to the lush natural charm of her coastal islands; from the icy waters of the Antarctic Peninsula to the inviting warmth of the Mediterranean, Elegant Cruises and Tours offers cruisers 90 diverse ports of call in 2009.
The Monet kicks-off her 2009 season in the Red Sea, exploring the Gulf of Aqaba and introducing guests to the ancient Christian monasteries and relics of the vast Egyptian desert, and visiting Petra and Amman. The Monet then repositions to Venice, home port for her classic spring and summer voyages through the Adriatic. Sailing round-trip from Venice, passengers will visit the culturally rich cities, enchanting islands dotting the Dalmatian coast and lesser known ports of Croatia and Slovenia.
Call 800-683-6767; E-mail info@elegantcruises.com; www.elegantcruises.com
Maiden Voyages
AFRICAExperts by Goway has expanded its Africa portfolio linking it to the Middle East. A new 18-day "Treasures of Africa" Kenya & Egypt Holiday of a Lifetime escorted tour that includes icons such as Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Cairo, Alexandria, Abu Simbel and Nile Cruise.
New itineraries to Israel and Jordan in conjunction with Egypt include the 15-day "Pyramids to Petra" tour starting at $2,198, 5-day "Jordan" tour (Amman & Petra) from $717, nine-day "Highlights of Egypt & Israel" from $1,407 or eight-day "Holyland Tour" from $1,186; three-day Stopover packages to Dubai and Abu Dhabi start at $269. Call 800-387-8850; E-mail info@goway.com; or visit www.goway.com
Uniworld will debut its newest, company-owned ship, the 42-suite River Tosca in April 2009 to the Nile. "We are experiencing a very strong demand in this region. We believe the River Tosca will fit in extremely well with Uniworld's existing European product line, and we are delighted to offer our loyal guests a new level of luxury when cruising on the Nile," said Guy Young, president of Uniworld. Call 800-733-7820; www.uniworld.com
Travel Agent Fam for 2009
Travel Egypt has organized a 10-night fam trip departing Jan. 5, 2009. Among the highlights are visits to Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and Alexandria. The peak season departure originates from New York, and includes a four-day five-star deluxe Nile cruise, all meals (throughout the journey), tips for ground personnel and a bonus of 20% commissions on all bookings after you go on the fam. Space is limited and this is the only Travel Egypt fam scheduled for 2009. Agents pay $1,495 (plus air ticket taxes); companions pay $,1,695. Call 877-778-3497; www.travelegypt.com/jan09fam.htm
For more information, contact the Egyptian Tourist Authority, 212- 332-2570; fax 212-956-6439; E-mail info.us@egypt.travel; www.egypt travel.com
April 2008 Feature
Egypt’s Promising Future is Now
By Maria Lisella
Say the word Egypt and images of the Sphinx, the Pyramids, the Nile River predictably arise. Say it again and anyone who knows a little bit about this country would add the word discovery because no matter how the modern world fast forwards, Egypt is continually peeling another layer of civilization that illuminates yet another formidable piece of ancient and human history. And with each discovery, the tourism product is further enhanced.
Recently, the Egyptian Culture Minister Farouk Hosni announced the discovery of an almost intact Neolithic settlement and the remnants of a Greco-Roman village in Faiyum (sometimes spelled Fayoum) about 56 miles southwest of Cairo. Popular among Egyptians, vacationers and lately among European travelers, Faiyum is a 692-square mile depression that was once a lush paradise during prehistoric times and is said to have been the very first agricultural site in the world. Here fences were erected and guarded warehouses built. But agriculture is not the Fayoums only claim for being first. The Greek mummy portraits found in the Fayoum are said to be the world’s first true-life portraits, and examples can be found in area museums.
Underscoring Egypt’s perpetual lure, tourism authorities reported almost a 20% increaase in the number of American visitors or 272,000 in 2007 while more than 11 million worldwide tourists visited, representing a 19.5% increase over 2006, according to Omayma El Hussein, Deputy Director of the Egyptian Tourist Authority in New York.
Among the newest attractions are the Western desert, Oasis, & Marsa Alam, a resort area 175 miles south of Hurghada and the Red Sea Coast. Marsa Alam. Situated near the Tropic of Cancer, where the Arabian Desert meets the Al Dakhla Oasis lies in Egypt's great Western Desert.
New Star: Port Ghalib
Located on the southern coast Red Sea coast of Egypt is the new marina of Port Ghalib, set close to the airport, is expected to be one of the largest in the Middle East when completed.
Port Ghalib is a new premier virgin resort destination on the Red Sea coast of Egypt with many attractions and activities (including but not limited to: Aqua activities, conventions, sports, and adventures) It is located about 180 miles south of Hurghada with a breathtaking Marina. There are two direct flights from Cairo every week.
Located along the Southern Red Sea Coast of Egypt, Port Ghalib is an integrated development that spans about 10 miles of pristine beachfront, with magnificent panoramic views of rugged desert mountains and turquoise blue water. The area offers a virgin site of breath-taking natural beauty, with its rolling hills, sand dunes, wadis, natural flora and fauna, un-spoilt desert terrain, and of course, world-famous underwater coral reefs of the Red Sea. Port Ghalib represents a new generation of environmentally sensitive resorts. Designed and master-planned by some of the World's leading companies, Port Ghalib includes nine uniquely themed villages featuring; an international marina, 23 distinctive hotels, golf course, yacht club, residential and luxury properties, retail outlets, entertainment facilities and services. (www.discoverportghalib.com)
Eventually, plans call for Port Ghalib to be comprised of nine villages, featuring: 23 hotels, a conference center, an international marina, 18-hole golf course, yacht club, shops, residential luxury properties and entertainment facilities.
Port Ghalib already attracts a mix of tourists from family vacationers to yachtsmen, mariners, sports enthusiasts, golfers, tennis players, and fitness tourists, as well as the business traveler, eco-tourist, and adventure seeker. “Port Ghalib will attract these individuals through its uniquely beautiful coral reefs, its desert oasis, its mountains with fauna and flora, and the ancient monuments in the local area and adjacent Nile Valley,” said Hussein.
First Arrivals
Among the first to arrive is Sun International, which recently opened a luxury resort comprised of three properties, The Palace, The Sahara Sun Sands and The Sahara Sun Oasis. Each has its own distinctive style.
The Palace is a magnificent 309-room, five-star deluxe hotel designed around the original old Citadel and the architecture is strongly Egyptian with Middle Eastern influences.
The five-star Sahara Sun Oasis Hotel and 5-Star Sahara Sun Sands Hotel are linked by common public facilities. The Sahara Sun Oasis’ 292-rooms are architecturally modeled on the storybook caravanserai and the Sahara Sun Sands’ 347-rooms are inspired by the Nubian Desert villages.
The resort boasts 12th century architectural design features, Arabian gardens, and a secluded private beach with an offshore coral wall. A major feature of the resort is one of the largest man-made saltwater swimming lagoons in the world.
The Red Sea setting of the international Marina at Port Ghalib is fringed to the West by soaring desert-mountains and to the East by exquisite coral reefs and a unique marine eco-system. The Marina is designed around a natural inlet and the unrivaled location has transformed the area into a superb world-class yachting destination with a berthing capacity of more than 1,000 yachts. Some of the world’s most spectacular dive sites are within easy reach of Port Ghalib. The southern Red Sea is renowned for its reefs that are home to both hard and soft corals and an unrivalled variety of marine life including sharks, dolphins and turtles.
The following tour operators have added Sun International’s recently opened luxury Port Ghalib resort to their portfolios:
African Travel: 800-421-8907, www.africantravelinc.com; Big Five Tours & Expeditions: 800-244-3483, www.bigfive.com; Sunny Land Tours: 800-783-7839, www.egypthotdeals.com; Isram World: 800-223-7460, www.isram.com.
Hotel Update
Le Meridien Dahab Resort
Located in the Sinai, Le Meridien Dahab Resort overlooks the Gulf of Aqaba, just a one-hour drive from Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport. The hotel's leisure facilities include a choice of five swimming pools, children’s club, dive and windsurfing centers, Jacuzzi, Steam and Sauna, landscaped gardens and tennis court. St. Catherine's monastery, the Sinai Oasis and Mount Moses, Ras Mohammed national park and blue hotel (diving spot) are only few miles away. Visit www.lemeridien.com
Four Seasons Hotel in Alexandria
The new Four Seasons Hotel San Stefano in Alexandria, claims to have all the glamour of Cleopatra’s ancient Mediterranean home boasting the largest decorated rooms in Alexandria some with private balconies with views of the turquoise sea or the glittering city. Guests will be spoiled with the nine restaurants and access to the Spa and Fitness Center. Visit www.fourseasons.com
For more information, visit the Egyptian Tourist Authority’s Travel Trade Specialist website for leads on fam trips, seminars. Visit www.trade.egypt.travel
November 2007 Feature
Touring Egypt and Neighbors
Because of its geographic proximity to Israel and Jordan, consumers often opt for pre and post-excursions. “Egypt seems to have taken off for many travelers wanting that 'deluxe vacation' at a reasonable cost to an exotic and interesting destination,” said Christy Fraser, product and marketing manager, Africa for Goway Travel.
“Consumers see that Egypt offers an affordable vacation permitting them to visit cities such as Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Red Sea resorts - to name just a few. Visits to Israel and Jordan are also popular choices. The colorful bazaars, fascinating history, amazing monuments and holy cities make for a memorable travel experience.”
One of Goway's biggest sellers this year is their Mysteries & Magic of Egypt tour. This 15-day trip starting and ending in Cairo includes extensive sightseeing in this captivating city, a seven-night Nile Cruise and a visit to an oasis starting from $1,718 per person double. A bonus offer of up to six free nights accommodation in a deluxe resort in the Red Sea town of Ein Sokhna is available.
The traditional Classic Egypt tour includes Cairo sightseeing and four-night Nile Cruise. This nine-day tour is priced from $1,136 per person double and offers extensions to Abu Simbel, Alexandria, Red Sea beach stays or a visit to Israel and Jordan. Easy add-ons are the five-day Jordan tour starting from $717 or the eight-day Holyland tour to Israel starting from $1,187 per person double.
Some of the new programs being offered this year are the nine-day Highlights of Egypt and Israel tour that starts in Cairo and ends in Jerusalem and includes Cairo, Luxor, the Dead Sea, Massada, Qumran and Jerusalem starting from $1,407 per person double. Another of the newly introduced tours is the 15-day Pyramids to Petra tour that starts in Cairo, ends in Amman and includes Cairo, Nile Cruise, Sinai, Red Sea, Petra and Amman starting from $2,198 per person double.
Call 800-245-0920; E-mail info@africaexperts.com; www.AFRICAExperts.com.
Another Canada-based operator, Indus Travels concentrates on designing tours that introduce travelers to some of the world’s most compelling and complex cultures and environments. While most tour operators specialize in packaged group tours, Indus’ itineraries cater to travelers looking for a highly personalized, flexible travel experience. Most tours are private and can be customized to clients’ interests, so they can spend as long as they like at sights and places they want to visit.
Says Praveen Syal “We have included the best possible accommodations in Cairo – the Marriott and Meena House -- both old palaces converted to modern hotels. Even the Nile Cruise we have is the best available – Sonesta St. George.”
Additionally, Indus combines Egypt tours and Dubai and Jordan. Beside India, Indus provides custom-designed travel to Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Dubai. The 13-day trip includes Cairo, a cruise on the Nile river, Luxor - the Valley of the Kings, Kom Ombo, Sinai - St. Catherine as well as an excursion to Alexandria from Cairo. Valid through April, 2008, the programs start at $2,895 per person double with supplements for Christmas ($450 per person), and $250 per person during the Easter Holidays.
The remainder of the trip is divided between Abu Smbel, Aswan and the Nile Cruise that visits Edfu, Esn, Luxor before returning to Cairo for departure. Call 866-978-2997; www.industravels.com
Agents earn 20% commission when they book their clients on a private tour with Travel Egypt. Another specialist operator, Travel Egypt announced its newest eight-day luxury tour of Egypt that features deluxe hotels, the top cruise vessel on the Nile, superior transportation and is fully escorted by Egypt’s top Egyptologists.
From the moment clients arrive, before even reaching the immigration desk, the Travel Egypt staff meets and assists guests. Travelers stay at the Four Seasons Nile Plaza in a Nile view Deluxe room and after a day of sightseeing can avail themselves of a treatment at the Daniela Steiner Beauty and Wellness Spa at the Four Seasons. This company also uses the St. George I for the Nile cruise as it is one of the newest boats on the river; guests stay in a Presidential Suite.
The ship also features include a spa and wellness center complete with gym, sauna and steamroom. Licensed guides lead tours and they have been chosen to bring history alive, making the visit both entertaining and educational.
These are private tours, just your client’s party with their own transportation and guide throughout the program, even while on the cruise. Weekly departures are year round, from $4,125 per person, double for land arrangements. Visit www.travelegypt.com
June 2007 Feature
Egypt on its own and with neighbors
Egypt is a land of starkly beautiful contrasts. There's the deep blue of the Nile River and lush green of the waterside oases juxtaposed against the brilliant yellow of the desert sands, and the modern day city of Cairo with its skyscrapers and apartment blocks next to the ancient temples and the Pyramids in one of the world's oldest civilizations. Tour operators sell Egypt exclusively and also combine it with nearby neighboring countries. Below are a few new products:
Travel Egypt combines Egypt with Jordan in its 24-day Ancient Kingdoms, which explores Egypt and Jordan on a luxury program that includes accommodations at the Four Seasons, private palaces and kings’ retreats as clients are led through history by Egypt and Jordan’s top guides. The Nile cruise will be aboard the new luxurious French style Premier cruiser, the St. George. The tour visits all the major sites along the Nile Valley from the famous temples of Ramses at Abu Simbel to the shore of the Mediterranean Sea at Cleopatra’s Alexandria. Travel through the Bible’s book of Exodus with a visit to the Sinai.
Continue your journey to Jordan where you will marvel at the “Rose Red City” Petra, see Wadi Rum (where Lawrence of Arabia operated in WWI), float on the Dead Sea, gaze on the promised land from Mt. Nebo just like Moses. Visit Jerash, the best preserved of the Roman cities. Weekly departures are scheduled Oct. 2007 through May, 2008. Priced from $6,990 per person double including roundtrip airfare from New York. Call 877-778-3497; www.travelegypt.com
Ya’lla Tours’ new Desert Safari program is a 13-day privately escorted tour of Cairo, Alexandria, and Egypt’s Western Desert. Two full days of touring in Cairo and 1 day in Alexandria cover the highlights of these great cities. Then the tour spends eight days exploring the Western Desert including the Siwa and Bahariya oases.“This tour is for people who have seen the pyramids and the tombs of the pharaohs and are ready for the real ‘outback’ of Egypt,” says Ronen Paldi, president of Ya’lla Tours. “The desert scenery is extraordinary, both rugged and placid; and the oases are little cultural time capsules. Every hour in the desert brings a new surprise.”
The Desert Safari tour operates year ‘round, can begin any day in Cairo and is priced from $2,975 per person double. Price is valid through September 2007 and includes accommodations, transfers, 11 days of escorted touring with a licensed guide, transportation by air-conditioned van and 4X4 vehicle in the desert, most meals, entrance fees, taxes, and service fees. Call 800-644-1595; www.yallatours.com
AFRICA Experts by Goway, encourages travelers to discover the ancient culture of Egypt in style and luxury, and offers a wide range of travel options throughout Egypt to suit all tastes.
For travelers with limited vacation time the popular 9 day Classic Egypt tour which includes four days in Cairo and five-day Nile cruise from Luxor is ideally priced from $1,296. A highly recommended post-tour excursion would be a visit to Abu Simbel to see the Temples of Ramses II. The temples were cut from the rock face, shifted to higher ground in the 1960's and rescued as the waters of Lake Nasser began to rise after the Aswan High Dam was built. Call 800-245-0920; E-mail africaexperts@goway.com; www.africaexperts.com
Trafalgar's 11-day Best of Egypt vacation visits the Valley of the Kings and several temples along the river; enjoy an excursion to the great Pyramids of Giza and a full day of sightseeing in the bustling capital, Cairo. Highlights include: a morning flight to Luxor and step onboard the luxurious MS Medea cruise ship for a four-night cruise to Aswan. Priced from $1,450 per person, double includes accommodations, touring by luxury coach, breakfast daily and all meals onboard the Nile cruise, local guided sightseeing, the services of an experienced tour Director, airport transfers. Departures are scheduled through Jan. 29, 2008; weekly guaranteed departures through Sept. 25, 2007.
Call 866-544-4434; www.trafalgar.com
This year Uniworld introduced Egypt sailings with Splendors of Egypt, a 13-day cruise and tour from Cairo to Cairo. This program features four nights in Cairo and a seven-night leisurely cruise along the Nile traveling past romantic desert hills, lush oases, modern cities and ancient colonnaded temples and pyramids. This program continues through Dec. 31, 2007. Uniworld also will offer Jewels of the Nile, Lake Nasser and Abu Simbel, a 12-day cruise and tour beginning on April 3, 2007 and continuing through Dec. 25, 2007. Air-inclusive pricing for Splendors of Egypt starts at $2,820 per person, double from New York, and from $3,099 per person double for Jewels of the Nile, Lake Nasser and Abu Simbel.
Call 800-733-7820; www.uniworld.com
For more information, visit the Egyptian Tourist Authority’s Travel Trade website at www.trade.egypt.travel