2025 Itinerary, Pricing and Registration: Essence of Egypt Exploration

2025 Essence of Egypt Exploration
Daily Itinerary

April 11 – 19, 2025

9 Days/8 Nights

Traveling to explore ancient cultures is one of the most incredible ways to gain perspective on the history and mystery of countries like Egypt.   We had such a fabulous experience with our 2023 Essence of Egypt Exploration, that we’re offering it again with some wonderful new enhancements!

Jim and I are thrilled to offer you this Essential Earth Exploration program to this magical land of pyramids, fascinating rites and rituals, fertile soil in the midst of a desert, and the truly unique opportunity to discover the cultural significance of crafts such as perfumery, carpet making, weaving, jewelry making and more.

Join us for our 2025 Essence of Egypt program in the spring– a comfortable time to travel and immerse yourself in a culture potentially very different than your own. Our small group will be guided by a history and culture specialist, known as an Egyptologist. We’ll learn about ancient Egypt, believed to be the home of mathematics, astronomy, writing paper, metallurgy and so much more.  Our itinerary isn’t just about ancient history though, as we’ll spend time with the local Egyptians as well, learning about their lives and customs.  So, are you ready to open your mind to a new world in Egypt? Read on for the daily itinerary and register below for one of our limited spaces!

DAY 1: Welcome to Egypt

A warm welcome to Egypt! The rich cultural and artistic heritage of Egypt will become apparent upon your arrival in Cairo. Meet our Learning Journeys Local Representative before the Immigration Desk to assist you through airport formalities such as clearing immigration, collecting your luggage, and passing through customs.

Proceed to the hotel to check in, Spend the remainder of the day at leisure to rest and acclimate. Dinner tonight will be on your own. Settle in. Your home for the next three nights is at at the stunning and historic Marriott Mena House Hotel overlooking the Pyramids of Giza.

DAY 2: Pyramids, Grand Egyptian Museum and Welcome Dinner

After breakfast in the hotel, we will meet our Egyptologist for a morning excursion that visits the magnificent Pyramids and the Great Sphinx of Giza to view one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Lunch will be at a local restaurant before we proceed to the Grand Egyptian Museum (scheduled opening late 2023) or National Museum to view ancient artifacts and deepen our knowledge of Egyptian history. Return to the hotel for a late afternoon rest, then join us for our group’s Welcome Dinner this evening.

Meals: B, L, D

DAY 3: Saqqara, Carpet School, Perfumery/Essential Oil Experience

Today we will travel to Saqqara, the home of the Step Pyramid of Djoser, which is believed to be the first pyramid ever built in Egypt. It was built in the early Third Dynasty, during the reign of King Netjerykhet (c.2667–2648 BC), who is now more well-known as Djoser. Continuing on, we will visit a carpet weaving school where students are learning to keep this tradition alive while discovering gainful employment opportunities for the future.

Following lunch at a local restaurant we will enjoy a true sensory experience with an essential oil and perfumery workshop. Here we will learn about the oils produced and used in Egypt and how they have been used and blended through the millennia to create alluring fragrances and spiritual blends for rituals and burials.  When we return to the hotel, you’ll have time for dinner on your own and a final evening to enjoy the Marriott Mena House.

Meals: B, L

DAY 4: Luxor, Start of Nile Cruise

This morning we will check out of our hotel to continue our journey on to Luxor – the capitol city of ancient Egypt. Following a 60-minute flight, we will meet our Nile River Egyptologist and proceed to a buffet breakfast served at a deluxe hotel to relax and enjoy before venturing out to see the Karnak Temple, the largest religious building ever constructed in Egypt. Following, we will visit the Luxor Museum featuring archaeological highlights and antiquities collections that provide a fascinating perspective on this region of Egypt. Finally, we will visit a traditional necklace-making business in the area to learn more about the significance of small businesses in the local economy.

Next up, it is time to check in on board the Jaz Regent Nile Cruise! Once boarded and settled into your room, we will enjoy our first lunch on board. Explore the cruise ship and enjoy free time for leisure before a 6 p.m. visit of the Luxor Temple featuring unique design and symbolism. At approximately 7:30 p.m., dinner will be served on board. After dinner, enjoy this evening’s show featuring local entertainment! Overnight onboard the Jaz Regent Nile Cruise ship in Luxor.

Meals: B, L, D

DAY 5: Valley of the Kings, Household Visit

After a hearty, early-morning buffet breakfast, experience the Nile by motorboat as you cross to the West Bank. At 7 a.m., begin a morning of site-seeing to the stunning tombs at the Valley of the Kings, followed by a visit to take in the unique architecture of the Queen Hatshepsut Temple, and finally a photo stop by the giant Colossi of Memnon, known for its massive stone statues.

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE: BRUNCH WITH A LOCAL WOMAN TO LEARN ABOUT LIFE IN EGYPT

At 10:30 a.m., it is time for brunch with an Upper Egypt household wife to learn about authentic Egypt from a local. After brunch, you will head back to the East Bank by motorboat. Lunch will be served at 1:00pm on board as you set sail to Edfu, a leisurely day to cruise that is approximately 9 hours. Afternoon sailing will be relaxing and educational. Opportunities for Afternoon Tea at 4:30 pm and a 7:00pm Welcome Cocktail Reception with the Ship Captain before dinner is served on board tonight. Enjoy the experience of passing through the Esna lock this evening followed by our overnight in Edfu.

Meals: B, Brunch, L, D

DAY 6: Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples

After a delicious morning breakfast, gather to visit the Edfu temple which honors the falcon god, Horus. Then it is time to set sail for 5 hours to Kom Ombo, home of a unique double temple we will explore this afternoon. Enjoy both lunch and afternoon tea onboard before our 5:00pm visit to the Temple of Kom Ombo. Later in the day, the ship will make its way to Aswan for the evening while we enjoy dinner onboard and an evening after-dinner Egyptian night Galabeya party – a great chance to have some fun and showcase your Egyptian costume in style (available for purchase on board at a very reasonable price!)

Meals: B, L, D

DAY 7: Temple of Philae- Nubian Village and Scarf Weaving

After morning breakfast, you will depart to visit the lovely and elegant Temple of Philae, dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis who held tremendous significance in ancient Egyptian beliefs. Later, enjoy your lunch on board the ship as you continue your journey to your next stop and immersive experience.

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE: visit a Nubian village to experience camel rides and scarf weaving

The afternoon brings a scenic Felucca ride, followed by a camel ride, toward the Nubian village. Here, you will visit a Nubian house, and learn about Nubian women’s trade skills in the creation of beautiful hand-woven scarves. Practice learning how to use a loom with our local hosts. Afterward, return to the ship for dinner on board followed by a Nubian show performance to wrap up our experience in this part of the Nile River valley.  Overnight onboard in Aswan.

Meals: B, L, D

DAY 8: Return to Cairo, Shopping, Farewell Lunch

Early morning breakfast before our 6:30 am departure from the Aswan airport back to Cairo. This return flight from Aswan to Cairo is approximately 1.5 hours in length.

Today we will enjoy shopping for special treasures to take back home from the famous local bazaar or souk called Khan El Khalili.  We will continue on to El Moez Islamic Street in Historic Cairo, known as a pedestrian area of modern vendors and shops set amongst medieval Islamic architecture and art.  Afterward, we’ll enjoy a traditional Egyptian meal for our Farewell Lunch at Naguib Mahfouz restaurant – a beautiful location for our chance to gather. Now it is time to check in at the Intercontinental City Stars, located – 10 minutes from Cairo airport. Depending on flight departure times on Overnight in Cairo at the Intercontinental City Stars Hotel. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Meals: B, L

DAY 9: See You Again – Return to USA

After your hotel breakfast, head to the Cairo airport for your flight back to the USA. Assistance through airport formalities will be provided. Safe travels and thank you for joining us for our Essence of Egypt Exploration!

Meals-B

* NOTE: Flight arrival and departure times from the USA may require a pre- or post-journey, additional night’s stay at your own expense. We are happy to provide information, pricing and to assist you with reservations for that need, should it occur.

Program Price Includes:

• Arrival meet & greet at the airport and transfer to your hotel
• 3 nights in Cairo at Marriott Mena House hotel – Garden view room
• 4 nights on M/ S Jaz Regent Nile Cruise or similar – River view room
• 1 night at the Intercontinental City Stars Hotel – City view room
• 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 1 Brunch, 5 Dinners
• Airfare Cairo / Luxor – Aswan / Cairo
• Excursions & Sites: 7 guided tours led by experienced Egyptologist including sites entrance fee
• Porterage: Airports, Hotels and Nile Cruise
• Transportation: modern, air-conditioned deluxe vehicles
• Private English-speaking Egyptologist for the group
• Beverage: One bottle of water 0.5 L per person offered on each excursion
• Egyptian tourist visa

Special Site Events & Activities

• Visit to the Carpet Weaving School.
• Perfumery/essential oil workshop.
• Tour Pyramids, Temples, Statuary, Mosques, Synagogues and Churches
• Visit Grand Egyptian and Luxor Museums for historical perspective
• Historical Immersion: Egypt’s unique cultural and historical climate.
• Egyptologist- History of the Pyramids, Sphinx, Tombs, Temples and more.
• Unique experiences to travel by camel, Felucca and horse-drawn carriage
• Visit a Nubian house, and learn about Nubian women’s trade skills in the creation of beautiful hand-woven scarves.
• Brunch with an Upper Egypt household wife to learn about authentic Egypt from a local family.
• Local market shopping experiences.

* Package price does not include:  International airfare; the highly recommended Trip Cancellation and Medical Emergency Evacuation Insurance;  all items of a personal nature such as laundry, room service, spa treatments; any beverage not mentioned in program description; telephone or fax calls,  camera/video fee at monuments; any medial expense; tipping (averaging $25 – 30 daily) for Egyptologist, drivers, porters/bellmen and wait staff, restroom attendants; and any services not mentioned in the inclusions.

If your international flight arrival and departure times require a pre- or post-journey, additional night’s stay at your own expense, we are happy to provide information, pricing and to assist you with reservations for that need, should it occur.

Please note: Traveling in Egypt is a unique and captivating experience in a predominately desert climate that will require travelers to walk unaided and with ease at distances of a mile or more, to move quickly through crowds, climb and descend steps, and get in and out of vehicles that may require a sizeable step up. Medical cannibis and some other prescriptive medications may be illegal in Egypt and possession may result in your arrest/jail. Please contact Marty Harger before registering to confidentially discuss any and all prescriptive medications you take, to insure they are allowed in Egypt. As a reminder, all travelers on the 2025 Essence of Egypt Exploration must be a minimum of 18 years of age at the time of departure.

The Essence of Egypt Exploration will travel if a minimum of ten (10) persons have paid deposits before December 15, 2024.  Less than ten will require rescheduling the group for a later date with the option for a full refund of your deposit or transferring it to the future scheduled date.  In the event of rescheduling, make sure your international airline reservations can be refunded or transferred to other uses.

Our itinerary will cover so many wonderful experiences – please read the daily activities fully to insure you understand the rhythm and pace of this program before you commit. It will be a remarkable experience!

Is Your Passport Ready for Travel?   Travelers leaving the USA for India must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months AFTER they return to the USA.  Passport acquisition and renewals have taken excessive lengths of time to process in recent years. Please visit the US State Department website for the latest turn-around times and options for processing well in advance of our departure date.  Also, feel free to contact Marty Harger for suggested alternatives if needed. In addition to a passport, shortly before departure you will provided with the necessary Visa to enter the country which is included in the cost of our program.

Travel Protection Plan:  Travel protection is highly recommended by purchasing Trip Cancellation/Interruption and Medical Evacuation insurance for this Exploration.  Learning Journeys can recommend options for Travel Protection plans which are suitable for your experience.

Travel arrangements and payment for the Essence of Egypt Exploration are made through Learning Journeys.

LIMITED SPACE IN THIS EXCLUSIVE, SMALL GROUP

Questions? Call Marty today at 801-712-5406

Please read the Terms & Conditions below carefully before you register.

CHOOSE THE APPROPRIATE BUTTON BELOW
TO REGISTER & PAY YOUR INITIAL DEPOSIT TO LEARNING JOURNEYS

NOTE: Once Learning Journeys receives your deposit, you will be emailed a registration link, invoice,
and information about Trip Cancellation, Interruption and Medical Evacuation Insurance they offer.

Terms & Conditions

TERMS & CONDITIONS.
THIS AGREEMENT sets forth the terms under which we, Learning Journeys agrees to provide you with the services and accommodations for your custom/or package tour.

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT.  A $1,000 per person, non-refundable deposit is due at the time of booking. The land balance is due 90 days before departure and is non-refundable. For bookings made within 90 days of departure, payment must be wired to Learning Journeys bank account or credit cards must be used for full payment.

FINAL DOCUMENTS REVIEW. While Learning Journeys takes the utmost care in making sure the information on your itinerary and travel vouchers (collectively, “Final Documents”) is complete and accurate, it is your responsibility to carefully read and review the final documents upon receipt. Failure to contact us in time to allow for the correction and re-sending of the final documents could result in the loss or cancellation of your reservation, tickets or services listed on the documents for which Learning Journeys will not be responsible. In such a case, no refunds will be possible. Documents will not be issued unless full payment has been received. Your final travel documents will be emailed to you 14 days prior to departure.

UNUSED TOUR ELEMENTS. No refund will be given for any unused tour features, whether because of customer’s choice, operational reasons, because of bad weather or any other reason.

ERRORS. In case of printing, typographical error, computer error, verbal or human billing error, we reserve the right to invoice or re-invoice participants with corrected billing.

BAGGAGE. Each traveler is limited to one large suitcase (maximum 50 lbs.) and one small carry on due to limited baggage area on buses. For some airlines and taxi/coach transfers, extra luggage may be subject to an extra charge due on the spot. 

You are responsible for complying with the airline regulations concerning their baggage allowances and with the airline restrictions on the size, weight and contents of your check-in and carry-on bags. Check with the carrier for luggage guidelines. Learning Journeys is not responsible for loss or damage of luggage or personal belongings. Travel Insurance is strongly recommended to cover loss or damage of your luggage.

AIRPORT: We recommend you arrive to the airport for your check-in at least 3 hours prior to your international flight departure time and 2 hours prior for your domestic flights.

PASSPORT and VISA. For travel outside the United States U.S. citizens must have valid passports, with an expiration date of at least six months after the scheduled return date. If possible, you should renew your passport approximately 9 months before it expires. Travelers are responsible for ensuring that they have the proper travel documents. Any information provided pertains to US citizens only. Non-US citizens should check with the respective consulate of the country(s) to be visited for current entry requirements.

A valid Government-issued photo ID is required for all domestic flights within USA. It is suggested that you use a passport for domestic travel as well. Select countries require additional documentation for children under the age of 18 years especially when one parent is traveling without the other parent. Learning Journeys is not responsible for denial of boarding due to passenger negligence and cannot offer assistance on location or at the airport. If a passenger has not met the requirements as stated above and is denied boarding the cost of the tour is fully non-refundable.

NOTE: A visa is required for entry into Egypt. This is included in your tour package and is provided on entry to Egypt.

NAMES MUST MATCH PASSPORT. The name given on your Learning Journeys booking must match the name on your passport, and in-turn, the name on your air ticket. Any variation between the spelling of your name on your air-ticket and passport will require re-ticketing, often at the cost of a completely new ticket. The airline will deny boarding if your airline ticket does not match your passport. Learning Journeys requires a copy of passengers’ passport be forwarded no later than 95 days prior to departure. Passengers are responsible for providing accurate information including the exact name as listed on the passport, date of birth and passport number. If the information forwarded is incorrect, the passenger will be liable for any change fees which may occur.

FEES FOR CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY CHANGES. After your final payment (60 days prior to start of services), a $50 fee per person will be imposed for each change of service within your itinerary. These services include but are not limited to changes or cancellations of transfers, hotels, villas, train tickets, day tours and reservations or services of any kind. There is no additional charge for adding services to your itinerary at any time. Changes requested during travel will be considered as a new reservation, with new dates and products priced accordingly. Air ticket changes and cancellations carry different fees as shown above. Fees for itinerary changes are NOT covered by purchased travel insurance.

FEES FOR CANCELLED LAND SERVICES. If you cancel your complete land reservation, the cancellation charges shown below will apply. Cancellation charges are based on the number of days from the time Learning Journeys is notified of your cancellation, to the start of the services provided – whether air and land or just land services. (Some charges may be avoided by your purchasing optional travel insurance explained below).

CANCELLATIONS & COMPLAINTS. We work around-the-clock to ensure your vacation goes smoothly and according to plan. But unexpected problems, often out of our control, can still arise. We urge you to work with us in correcting the problem on the spot instead of dealing with it after you return home. If your program has a tour manager, you are required to work with them to resolve pending issues.

If a cancellation or refund is warranted, it is under the express condition that you release Learning Journeys from all further liability and you thereby waive all additional rights and remedies under this contract or any applicable state, federal or foreign law.

GUESTS NEEDING SPECIAL ASSISTANCE. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches and other transportation vehicles, or other personal needs. Travelers who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion. It is the passenger’s responsibility to travel with a collapsible wheelchair, if needed. Electric wheelchairs are not permitted. Please provide your Learning Journeys Program Manager about any specific dietary needs or any specific issues which may require attention during your program.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION. Deluxe motor coach transportation will be provided to you based on the number of participants in your party. Should the number of participants on any motor coach tour drop below estimated passengers, we reserve the right to operate the tour with a smaller vehicle. Please also note that smaller coaches may not have the same facilities as full-size coaches (no lavatories, TV, etc.). Baggage is limited to one carry on and one suitcase per person. If luggage guidelines are not followed, a second vehicle may be added to accommodate the excess baggage at the passenger’s expense. There are strict laws concerning driver hours on touring coaches that must be always respected. A typical touring day can last 8 hours only. In addition, here are mandatory rest periods during the working day and weekly rest periods depending on the length of the tour.

TRAVEL SAFE

Due to current pandemic this is a cleaning protocol: we may reduce the capacity of our vehicles in order to guarantee the safety distance. We have enhanced the cleansing and sanitization processes of our buses: professional and trained staff carry out the sanitization of the vehicles after each trip using ozone machines and disinfection of all surfaces. A sanitizing gel dispenser will be provided on board. Travelers will be responsible for bringing their own personal protective equipment such as face masks and gloves.

DELAY CHARGES: If your flight delays cause additional charges for transportation/guides waiting times you will be responsible to pay extra charge on the spot directly to the vendor. If you purchased travel insurance, it may be covered under the policy. We recommend you check with your Travel insurance company on coverage for trip delay.

EXPERIENCES & TRANSFERS: Sightseeing and entrance fees have been included as specified in itinerary. All foreign airport transfers are also included in the land cost unless otherwise requested by the agent. Land arrangements will be provided as described; however, Learning Journeys reserves the right to substitute sightseeing features.

TIPS AND SERVICE CHARGES: All taxes and service charges levied by the hotels or charged by various governments and municipalities are included. We have not included tips to the restaurants, chambermaids, drivers/guide or escort. Tips to servers, chambermaids and local guides should be left at the time of service. Tour Manager and driver tips should be given at the end of the tour.

Suggest Tipping in USD

Suggested Tipping to be given in the end of each tour. Exceptional circumstances may warrant a higher tip.  A suggested and more detailed tipping guide will be provided in advance of our departure.

• Local Guide: $8 for half-day tour and $10 per person for a full day
• Driver: $4 per person per day
• Tour Escort: $10 per person per day

SINGLE ROOMS. Be aware that single rooms are often smaller than double rooms. Ask about a “double room/single use” option at a cost above the normal single supplement.

TRIPLE ROOMS. Available on most tours. They usually consist of a twin bedded room with an additional folding bed or cot for the third person. This may not be comfortable for three adults.

CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY CHANGES. In rare cases scheduled tours maybe cancelled. In such cases Learning Journeys reserves the right to change the scheduled tour itinerary or trip features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice and/or to substitute airlines, hotels or features of a similar category for those listed in the confirmed itinerary. Learning Journeys shall not be held liable for any such changes.

CUSTOMIZED TOUR CANCELLATIONS BY LEARNING JOURNEYS. From time-to-time a tour departure may be cancelled for lack of participation or other operational reasons. In such a case, Learning Journeys sole responsibility is to provide a complete refund of monies received without any other liability whatsoever including any additional costs or fees related to cancellation of airline tickets or other travel reservations not made by Learning Journeys.

Learning Journeys is not responsible for necessary cancellations due acts of government; bites or attacks by animals, insects or pests; sickness; the lack of appropriate medical care; evacuation to same, if necessary; weather; strikes; acts of God; acts of terrorism or the threat thereof; events of force majeure; war; quarantine; epidemics/pandemic or the threat thereof; criminal activity or any other cause beyond the company’s control.

MISCELLANEOUS. Foreign air-conditioning systems in public places, hotels and motor coaches are not up to U.S. standards. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs.

The right is reserved to decline, to accept or retain any person as a member of these trips at any time. In any such event, Learning Journeys’ sole obligation is to refund for any unused accommodations or other trip features. Passenger certifies not to have any mental, physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for himself/herself or other passengers.

RESPONSIBILITY. Learning Journeys Ltd. and their employees, shareholders, officers, and directors does not own or operate any entity which goods or services for your trip, including, for example, lodging facilities, transportation companies, guides or trip leaders, food service providers, equipment suppliers, ground operators, etc., including, without limitation, various entities which may utilize the Learning Journeys name. Learning Journeys is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity, nor for any act or inaction of any other third party not under its control.

Without limitation Learning Journeys is not liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, death, loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity of any kind which may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including, without limitation, any willful or negligent act, failure to act, breach of contract of any third party, such as an airline, train, hotel, restaurant, or food supplier; bus, taxi, van, or local ground handler; local outfitter or guide, which is, to, or does supply any goods or services for this trip.

Learning Journeys is not responsible for any loss, injury, death, or inconvenience due to delay or changes in schedule or failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart safely; overbooking or downgrading of accommodations; insolvency or default of any third party; acts of government; bites or attacks by animals, insects or pests; sickness; the lack of appropriate medical care; evacuation to same, if necessary; weather; strikes; acts of God; acts of terrorism or the threat thereof; events of force majeure; war; quarantine; epidemics/pandemic or the threat thereof; criminal activity or any other cause beyond its control and cancellation policies per the contract will apply.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE WARNINGS. In the case of a government issued warning, we will provide our utmost consideration to the severity of the warning and accomplish everything possible to safeguard the well-being of our passengers. We reserve the right to evaluate each booking on a case-by-case basis for potential refund/cancellation fees, re-scheduling of tours or itineraries and postponements.

BINDING ARBITRATION. By registering for the Essence of Egypt program, you agree that any dispute concerning, relating, or referring to these Terms and Conditions, this release, the catalog, or any other literature concerning my trip, or the trip itself shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration according to the then existing commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association in New York. Such proceedings will be governed by substantive New York law. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or part of this contract is void or voidable. Upon payment of a deposit, tour participant indicates acceptance of the above Terms and Conditions and of the Arbitration Agreement.

NOT INCLUDED: Passports, laundry, food and beverages not listed on the itinerary International Travel Tax and Porterage at U.S. Airports, Trip Cancellation and Interruption with Medical Evacuation Insurance, as well as all other items of a personal nature.

Register today to secure your place on our 2025 Essence of Egypt Exploration!

I hope you’ll join me in 2025!

Click on the link below to download a PDF copy of my 2025 Essence of Egypt Exploration, including descriptions, itinerary, pricing plus Terms & Conditions.

2025 Essence of Egypt Exploration – Marty Harger’s Essential Earth Explorations