Essence of Egypt Exploration
Daily Itinerary
April 21 – 29, 2023
Traveling to explore ancient cultures is one of the most incredible ways to gain perspective on the history and mystery of countries like Egypt. I’m thrilled to offer you my latest Essential Earth Exploration program to this land of pyramids, fascinating rites and rituals, fertile soil in the midst of a desert, and the truly unique opportunity to discover the plants and fragrances that are used in everything from physical and emotional health to spiritual practice.
Join me this April for my Essence of Egypt program – a comfortable month 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 – April 21: Welcome to Egypt
A warm welcome to Egypt! The rich cultural and artistic heritage of Egypt will become apparent upon your arrival in Cairo. Once you have arrived and have cleared immigration, collected your luggage, and passed through customs, you will see a bank of people waiting to greet you.
Proceed to the hotel to check in, Spend 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 Marriott Mena House Hotel (or similar).
DAY 2 – April 22: Pyramids
After breakfast in the hotel, you will meet your 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 and afternoon on your own.
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE– Cairo by night food experience. This evening, join your guide for a night-time food experience in the heart of Cairo. Start from the famous Tahrir Square and sample traditional Egyptian dishes while walking in Cairo city center streets. Overnight in Cairo.
Meals: B-Evening Food Tour
DAY 3 – April 23: Egyptologist- Hashem Brothers Essential Oil Farm visit
This morning we will learn about the art of essential oil production with a visit to the Hashem Brothers farm and factory. The company is a family partnership specializing in the field of agribusiness. Hashem Brothers is considered the owner of Egypt’s largest jasmine, geranium and bitter orange plantations and most of the world’s neroli essential oil output. Additionally, their plantations include significant operations for growing and producing rose and basil essential oils.
Lunch at local restaurant – lunch will be served at Felfela, a local restaurant well known for Egyptian cuisine. This afternoon you will meet your Egyptologist for an afternoon excursion to the iconic Citadel of Saladin and the mosque of Mohamed Ali. This journey will then be followed by a visit of the Hanging Church, St. Serguis Church, and Ben Ezra Synagogue, all of which provide a significant insight into Egyptian history. Dinner on your own this evening.
Meals: B, L
DAY 4 – April 24: Luxor and Start of Nile cruise
This morning you will check out of your hotel to continue your journey onto Luxor – the capitol city of ancient Egypt. Following a 60-minute flight, a buffet breakfast will be 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 continue on to the Luxor Museum featuring archaeological highlights and antiquities collections. Next up, it is time to check in on board the Farah Nile Cruise! Once boarded and settled into your room, there will be free time for leisure and exploring the boat 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. Overnight onboard the Farah Nile Cruise ship in Luxor.
Meals: B, D
DAY 5 – April 25: Valley of the Kings
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 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, as you pass through the Esna lock. Overnight onboard in Edfu.
Meals: B, Brunch, L,D
DAY 6 – April 26: Temple of Gebel el Silsila
After a delicious morning breakfast, gather to visit the Edfu temple which honors the falcon god, Horus. Then it is time to set sail to Kom Ombo, home of a unique double temple we will explore this afternoon. Later in the day, the ship will make its way to Aswan for the evening
Meals: B,D
DAY 7 – April 27: Temple of Philae- Nubian Village Necklace Making and Scarf Weaving
After morning breakfast, you will depart to visit the lovely and elegant temple of Philae, dedicated to Isis. 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 necklace making 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 necklaces and hand-woven scarves. Afterward, return to the ship for dinner on board and overnight in Aswan.
Meals: B, L, D
DAY 8 – April 28: Cairo
After a morning buffet breakfast, it is time to check out. Take a morning return flight from Aswan to Cairo, approximately 1.5 hours in length.
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE: Once back in Cairo, explore local cuisine with an immersive cooking class in collaboration with the House of Cooking Egypt. During your class, you will learn how to prepare authentic Egyptian dishes to make when you get back home, and enjoy eating what you create! A favorite activity after cooking: time for shopping.
This afternoon you will enjoy shopping at Khan El Khalili, a local market and El Moez Islamic Street. After shopping, it is time to check in at the Intercontinental City Stars, located – 10 minutes from Cairo airport. Overnight in Cairo at the Intercontinental City Stars Hotel (or similar).
Meals: B, L
DAY 9 – April 29- See You Again – Return to USA
After your hotel breakfast, head to the Cairo airport for your flight back to the USA.
Meals-B
Program Pricing*
Essence of Egypt Exploration, April 21 – 29, 2023
$ 4,115 per person – Double occupancy
$ 5,115 per person – Single occupancy
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 Farah Nile Cruise or similar – River view room
- 1 night at the Intercontinental City Stars Hotel – City view room
- 8 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 1 Brunch and 4 Dinners-1 Evening Food Tour-Includes Tastings
- 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
Special Site Events & Activities
- Visit to the Hashem Brothers farm for an essential oil immersion.
- Cairo By Night-Street Food Tour
- Tour Pyramids, Temples, Statuary, Mosques, Synagogues and Churches
- Visit Luxor Museum for historical perspective
- Historical Immersion: Egypt’s unique cultural and historical climate.
- Egyptologist- History of the Pyramids, Sphinx, and more.
- Immersive cooking class in collaboration with the House of Cooking Egypt.
- Visit a Nubian house, and learn about Nubian women’s trade skills in the creation of beautiful necklaces and hand-woven scarves.
- Brunch with an Upper Egypt household wife to learn about authentic Egypt from a local family.
- Local market shopping experience.
* Package price does not include: International airfare; the highly recommended Trip Cancellation and Medical Emergency Evacuation Insurance; Visa upon arrival at Cairo airport ($25 USD) 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 $20 daily) for Egyptologist, drivers, porters/bellmen and wait staff; and any services not mentioned in the inclusions.
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.
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
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 $500 per person deposit is due at the time of booking. The land balance is due 65 days before departure and is non-refundable. For bookings made within 30 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 and MUST CHECK with the respective consulate(s) or visa agency to determine whether any visas are required. Each traveler is responsible for processing any required visas. Please ask the respective consulate for visa processing schedule to ensure you receive your documentation at least 7 days prior to departure. 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. Available upon entry. Current cost-$25.
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.
- 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.