Passage through Egypt

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Book online at rei.com/adventures or call 1-800-622-2236

Trip Details
Gear List
Deck Plans

Highlights

Trip Dates:

2008

Jan 2–16 Sold out
Jan 23 – Feb 6
Jan 30 – Feb 13
Feb 27 – Mar 12
Mar 26 – Apr 9
Apr 16–30
Oct 1–15
Oct 15–29
Nov 5–19
Nov 11–25
Dec 3–17
Dec 17–31
Dec 31 – Jan 14

Price:

2008
Cabins: from $6880 (per person based on double occupancy)
Sole occupancy: from $9350

Additional Fees:

Airfare to starting point

Total Days: 15

Group Size: 40 passengers

Activity Level: 1 2 3 4 5

We have active trips for every skill level, novice to expert. These guidelines will help you select the level of adventure that's right for you.
1 2 3 4 5 Relaxed: Adventure travel at its most relaxed pace.
Activity: 1-3 hours most days
Distances: walk less than 3 miles most days
Surfaces: flat terrain
Elevation change: little to none
Altitude: less than 3,000 ft
1 2 3 4 5 Easy Active: Great for newcomers to active travel.
Activity: 2-5 hours most days
Distances: Hike up to 6 miles, cycle 10-30 miles most days
Surfaces: flat or rolling terrain with some possible steeps
Elevation change: up to 2,000 ft/day
Altitude: up to 6,000 ft
1 2 3 4 5 Moderate: For outdoor novices and above.
Activity: 4-6 hours most days
Distances: Hike up to 10 miles most days, cycle 20-40 miles most days
Surfaces: rolling or mountainous terrain with some steep ascents/descents and uneven trails
Elevation change: up to 3,000 ft/day
Altitude: up to 10,000 ft
1 2 3 4 5 Moderate Plus: Trips rated as Moderate Plus [3-4] are recommended for travelers seeking both moderate [3] and vigorous [4] activity levels. Please refer to daily trip itineraries for specifics.
1 2 3 4 5 Vigorous: Recommended for fit travelers with basic skills.
Activity: 5-8 hours most days
Distances: Hike up to 12 miles most days, cycle 30-50 miles most days
Surfaces: mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents and uneven trails
Elevation change: up to 4,000 ft/day
Altitude: up to 14,000 ft.
Experience and a doctors release may be required
1 2 3 4 5 Strenuous: A trip for experienced and very fit travelers.
Activity: 10+ hours/day
Distances: Hike 12 or more miles most days, cycle 50 or more miles most days
Surfaces: remote mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents, uneven trails with loose features.
Elevation change: up to 4,000 ft/day
Altitude: may well exceed 14,000 ft
Experience and a doctors release are required

Activities:

Cruising

Accommodations:

All staterooms are spacious suites facing outside with two large windows and a sitting area. Each cabin has private facilities.

Passage through Egypt

Passage through Egypt is the longer of two explorations in Egypt. Its 15-day pace is leisurely. You’ll visit Luxor and the West Bank twice. Explore the Temple of Dendera. You will spend three days in Cairo before your six-day river cruise as well as two and a half days after. Throughout this voyage you will discover the remarkable achievements of mankind’s longest chronicle.

Passage through Egypt Itinerary:

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Day 1 - U.S./Fly Overnight to Cairo, Egypt
Depart this evening aboard an overnight flight to Cairo.
Day 2 - Cairo
Arrive late in the day and transfer to the Four Seasons Cairo First Residence.
Day 3 - Cairo
After a very long trip across the Atlantic and Mediterranean your first full day in Cairo is purposely left free to allow you to unwind and adjust to the time difference. Take our advice — relax, take advantage of the hotel and its spa and get caught up on your rest. It will enhance your experience throughout your expedition in Egypt. (B)
Day 4 - Cairo
The morning is dedicated to a tour of the Egyptian Museum and its seemingly limitless collection of antiquities: mummies of the pharaohs, funerary jewels, and elaborate sarcophagi. Dr. Mohammed Abdel Halim Nur El-Din, Head of the Department of Egyptology of Cairo University, joins us this evening for a presentation and discussion. Then we will have a welcome dinner with fellow travelers at a typical Egyptian restaurant. (B,D)
Day 5 - Cairo
Coptic churches, including the Church of Abu Serga and the 4th century “hanging” church, punctuate Old Cairo. Wander through the winding streets to the millennium-old Ben Ezra Synagogue and in Islamic Cairo, see the five domes of Mohammed Ali Mosque. After lunch, stroll through the Khan el Khalili bazaar.(B,L)
Day 6 - Cairo/Luxor/Embark Triton
Fly this morning by private aircraft to Luxor, gateway to the Temple of Karnak, a complex of three major temples — Mut, Montu, and Amun — and numerous smaller ones. Embark the Triton, and later explore Luxor Temple and the museum. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Luxor/Esna
Luxor’s West Bank is home to the Valley of the Kings. Travel through the desert to this burial ground where four centuries of Egyptian kings — the 18th, 19th, and 20th Dynasties — were laid to rest. Sail for Esna after lunch. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Edfu/Aswan
The best-preserved monument of antiquity is at Edfu: The Temple of Horus — the falcon god. Its still intact roof allows visitors to see the play of light and shadow much as it appeared in Ptolemaic times. Depart for Aswan. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Aswan/Abu Simbel/Aswan
Board your private flight to Abu Simbel to visit the site of Ramses II’s greatest temple. When the Nile was dammed at Aswan, this entire structure was removed from its original site and raised 200 feet, piece by piece, to where it stands today. The nearby Temple of Hathor was built for Ramses’ favorite wife, Queen Nefertari. Fly back to Aswan for lunch on board. Late this afternoon a traditional river sailboat — felucca — transports you to the colorful gardens on Kitchner Island to view the Mausoleum of Agha Khan. You will have afternoon tea, then visit the Nubian Museum, home to archaeological riches, rescued prior to building the High Dam. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Aswan/Kom Ombo
Aswan is renowned for its quarries of pink granite. See the Unfinished Obelisk, left since antiquity, then visit the Aswan Dam. Travel by boat to the Temple of Philae, which is dedicated to the goddess Isis. Sail this afternoon for Kom Ombo. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - Luxor
Life along the Nile fills the morning hours as the Triton sails toward Luxor. At the Valley of the Queens, the temple of Queen Hatshepsut lies in a dramatic setting beneath sandstone cliffs. Nearby is the toppled colossal statue of Ramses II that inspired Shelley’s poem “Ozymandias of Egypt." (B,L,D)
Day 12 - Luxor/Disembark/Cairo
This morning we disembark Triton and visit the beautifully preserved temple of Dendera. Constructed during the time of the Roman emperors, the wall reliefs depict Cleopatra. Also of note are the dramatic columns with capitals bearing the image of the cow-headed goddess of love, Hathor. Return to Luxor and after, fly by private plane to Cairo. Arrive and check into the Mena House Oberoi Hotel. (B,L)
Day 13 - Cairo
Among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World only the Pyramids of Giza have survived. Nearby is the massive Sphinx, carved from a single piece of stone — with the head of a man (the Pharaoh Chefren) and the body of lion. End the day with a visit to the Solar Boat Museum followed by the Pyramids sound and light show. (B, L)
Day 14 - Cairo
Today is at leisure to explore Cairo on your own, revisit the Egyptian Museum or relax. For those who are interested, there will be an optional visit of Memphis and Saqqara site of the Step Pyramid complex or Dashur site of the Bent and Red Pyramids. A memorable farewell dinner ends your expedition. (B,D)
Day 15 - Cairo/U.S.
Fly home this morning or extend your expedition to Jordan.

Passage through Egypt Itinerary:

+ Show Details

Day 1 - U.S./Fly Overnight to Cairo, Egypt
Day 2 - Cairo
Day 3 - Cairo
Day 4 - Cairo
Day 5 - Cairo
Day 6 - Cairo/Luxor/Embark Triton
Day 7 - Luxor/Esna
Day 8 - Edfu/Aswan
Day 9 - Aswan/Abu Simbel/Aswan
Day 10 - Aswan/Kom Ombo
Day 11 - Luxor
Day 12 - Luxor/Disembark/Cairo
Day 13 - Cairo
Day 14 - Cairo
Day 15 - Cairo/U.S.

Note on Itinerary:

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Cruise Cost Includes:

All accommodations aboard ship and hotels as per itinerary, all meals and non alcoholic beverages aboard ship; meals at hotels as indicated in the itinerary, air transportation within Egypt, all shore excursions and sightseeing with the services of an Egyptologist, entrance fees to mounuments and museums, transfers to and from hotels and gratuities to drivers. Visa fee for entering into Egypt (applicable to US citizens only).

Not Included:

International airfare; passport fees; alcoholic beverages; extensions; personal items; baggage/ accident/ cancellation insurance; and gratuities to ship's crew and Egyptologist (at your discretion).

Activity:

This trip is rated as an easy adventure cruise [1]; excursions include city walks, which average about 1 - 2 hours of activity most days. Beginners are welcome.

Weather:

Egypt's climate is hot and dry most of the year. During the winter months—December, January and February—average daily temperatures stay up around 68°F on the Mediterranean coast and a pleasant 80°F in Aswan. Maximum temperatures get to 88°F and 122°F respectively. Winter nights only get down to 8°C (45°F), a very Egyptian version of chilly.

Reservations:

An advance payment of approximately 10% of your voyage cost is required at the time of reservation to confirm your place; payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or check.

Final Payment:

For trips eight nights or less, final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. For trips nine nights or more, final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.

Cancellation Policy:
For Expeditions 8 Nights or Less
Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start	Per Person Cancellation Fee
90 or more days	$150*
89-60 days	Advance payment cost
59-30 days	50% of trip cost
29-0 days	No refund
For Expeditions 9 Nights or More
Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start	Per Person Cancellation Fee
120 or more days	$150*
119-90 days	Advance payment cost
89-60 days	25% of trip cost
59-30 days	50% of trip cost
29-0 days	No refund

*Note: You will be issued a $150 Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate.
This policy is in accordance with the cruise company and REI Adventures’ standard payment and cancellation policies do not apply.

General Information:

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

Passage through Egypt

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary. This will help you and the field staff.

Weather

Gear Checklist

Official Papers

Valid passport

Airline tickets

Luggage

Medium-size duffel bag or soft sided suitcase

Daypack (approx. 2000 cu. in.) to carry your camera, water bottles, lunch and extra clothing

Luggage tags and luggage locks

Passport pouch or money belt

City Clothing

Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel and daily wear

Clothing

Hiking pants, synthetic, quick-drying

Hiking shorts, synthetic, quick-drying

Long-sleeve shirts

T-shirts

Hiking socks

Liner socks

Casual socks

Underwear

Swimsuit

Clothing Accessories

Sun hat

Bandana

Footwear

Comfortable shoes with rubber soles

Extra pair should one get dusty or dirty

Outerwear

Rain jacket, waterproof and breathable

Rain pants, waterproof and breathable

Lightweight jacket or sweater

Travel Accessories

Canteen or water bottle (though bottled water is provided on all elements of transportation)

Lightweight flashlight (and spare batteries) for illuminating the inside of the tombs.

Sunglasses and retainer strap

Sunblock and lip balm

Toiletry kit

Personal first aid kit

Hand sanitizer gel

Insect repellent

Several Ziploc plastic bags

Pocket tissues and moist towellettes

Optional Accessories

Watch with alarm or travel clock

Electrical adapter plug / converter

Camera, film and spare batteries

Spare contact lenses or glasses

Reading and writing materials

Travel pillow

Ear plugs

Umbrella

Things to Consider

Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
Please remember that Egypt and Jordan are predominantly Moslem countries, with conservative standards of dress. These apply particularly to women: except on board the cruise ship and by swimming pools, it's best not to wear bare-backed dresses or short skirts.
For the welcome and farewell dinners, as well as for your stay at the Four Seasons Cairo at the First Residence and the Hotel Mena House Oberoi, you may want to have something a little dressier—a blouse and skirt or simple dress for women and a sports jacket for men. A tie and even a jacket are entirely optional.
Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores or REI’s Direct Sales (800-426-4840) is also happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI’s website at www.rei.com. The “Expert Advice” section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

Passage through Egypt

Triton