Luxury African safari operator Great Safaris is offering two unique itineraries exploring Egypt this year. After political tensions arose in early 2011, Great Safaris was among the first North American tour operators to resume travel to the region. More than two years after Egypt’s period of civil unrest, Great Safaris invites travelers to return to this African gem for a once-in-a-lifetime tour escorted by a private Egyptologist.
Boasting a leadership team with more than 80 years of combined experience in the African travel industry, Great Safaris offers well-appointed, safe itineraries highlighting Egypt’s most desirable attractions, including: Explorations in Cairo and Luxor, a high-end Nile river cruise and the opportunity to travel the historical sites with a local expert in Egyptian history and culture. Both tours are fully commissionable to travel agents at 15 percent.
The seven-day ‘Land of the Pharaohs’ itinerary starts by discovering the wonders of Cairo and most well-known surrounding attractions. Exploration in this city of contrasts includes the fabulous pyramids and Sphinx, the Citadel, Sultan Hassan Mosque, the old town bazaars and, finally, the delightful Cairo Museum with its intriguing Mummies Room.
Luxor, picturesquely perched on the shores of the Nile River, is where the adventure goes “afloat”. A five-day Nile cruise ship is the best way to explore the temples, built on the shores of the holy waters. Each day travelers disembark with their own private Egyptologist, discovering the secrets of ancient Egypt returning to the contemporary comforts of the Sonesta Nile Goddess in the evening. This premier five-deck Nile cruise ship offers an outdoor pool, a variety of suites and spacious cabins. Nightly activities range from a Captain’s cocktail reception to a traditional Galabaya party for an authentic Egyptian experience. Land cost for this expedition is $2,599 per person covering guides, accommodations and most meals with daily departures through 2013.
Great Safaris has also designed the 10-day Gift of the Nile tour for travelers interested in the luxuries of touring Egypt’s most popular destinations and cruising the Nile for a stellar value. An overnight in the bustling city of Cairo allows for optional sightseeing, exploring the vast history of this magical country. In Luxor, Great Safaris’ guests will join their luxury Mirage Cruise. Seven nights will be spent floating the fabled Nile River, from Luxor to Aswan, and back to Luxor. Land cost for the Gift of the Nile itinerary is $1,499 per person covering accommodations and most meals with daily departures through 2013.
Great Safaris, www.greatsafaris.com