Luxury Holidays Egypt

Constructed in the 13th century BC by Ramses II, Abu Simbel is one of antiquity’s most spectacular sites, built to convey the might of the Pharaohs to Egypt’s southern neighbours. Even today, lying beside the tranquil waters of Lake Nasser, this magnificent temple complex conveys an immense aura of power and majesty that is a lasting tribute to the reign of one of Egypt’s most powerful Pharaohs. No less remarkable is the incredible effort taken to rescue it from the rising waters of the lake in 1963, when an $80 million project saw the entire complex relocated to a site some 65 metres higher than its original setting, in a truly remarkable feat of archaeological engineering. An optional excursion by air from Aswan costs from £155 per person. The flight takes 45 minutes each way and the visit to the temples lasts about an hour.

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This comprehensive journey reveals the hidden roots of the Hashemite Kingdom, through a unique series of walking tours, desert trails and fascinating excursions that are largely ignored by other U.K. operators.

•Amman (2),Wadi Feynan (1), Petra (3), Dead Sea (1) •All flights as shown in economy class with Royal Jordanian •First class accommodation throughout (best available eco lodge in Wadi Feynan) based on two people sharing a twin room •Meals as outlined below B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner •Private Car & driver on all road transfers shown •Private sightseeing as detailed with local English speaking Guides in Amman, Petra and Jerash plus a trekking guide for the hike from Dana to Wadi Feynan •Special entrance ticket to Petra which is valid for 2 days •UK airport and ticket taxes •Daily departures

DAY 1 Afternoon departure by Royal Jordanian to Amman arriving in the late evening. You will be met and transferred to the Le Meridien Hotel for 2 nights.

DAY 2 In the morning venture off the tourist trail to explore Jordan’s vibrant capital on foot, affording a fascinating view of the Hashemite Kingdom’s beating heart. This remarkable opportunity gives the chance to explore old Amman and the roots of its modern culture, interacting with local people and learning a little something of their daily lives and traditions. This afternoon visit the beautifully preserved Roman city of Jerash. Places of interest include the vast oval colonnaded forum, the mile long street of columns, the Temples of Artemis and Zeus and Emperor Hadrian’s triumphal arch and the superb amphitheatre. (B,L)

DAY 3 Early morning transfer to Dana Nature Reserve and the foothills of Rumana Mountain. From the Dana Guesthouse you will start your 15 km hike through some of the most beautiful and spectacular scenery in Jordan to Wadi Feinan. Accompanied by an experienced guide, this 6-hour walk descends sharply to the wadi bed where it levels out and along the route there are numerous opportunities to pause beneath towering rock faces and pistachio trees to take in the wonderful views. The area is filled with vegetation and there is also a chance of spotting some of the reserve's larger mammals such as mountain goats and ibex, as well as a variety of bird life. The trail involves some steep descents and a good level of fitness is required and on arrival in Feinan, you will check into the Feinan Eco Lodge for a relaxing and peaceful nights rest. (B,L,D)

Please note; Feinan Eco Lodge closes in July and August due to hot season conditions.

DAY 4 Continue via the imposing 12th century Crusader Castle at Kerak to Petra where accommodation will be at the Beit Zaman for 3 nights. (B)

Please note that the standard of accommodation and service in Petra does not compare to other parts of Jordan. At the present time levels of service are fluctuating, mainly because of a shortage of trained staff due to local people having sought work in neighbouring countries. There is also a difficulty in motivating a higher standard of service in an area that is assured of a constant influx of visitors and while the hotels are running at full occupancy levels they are unlikely to undertake any refurbishment that may be required. We still believe that a stay in Petra forms an essential part of a visit to Jordan, but we feel it is only fair that we provide some warning as to the shortcomings you may encounter.

DAY 5 Lost for centuries before its dramatic discovery in 1812, Petra, the ‘Rose-Red City’, was the ancient stronghold of the Nabateans, who dominated the caravan routes throughout this region for four centuries. Approaching the city through the Siq, its famous narrow gorge of towering sandstone walls, Petra and its majestic Treasury open up before you. There is little that can prepare the visitor for the first glimpse of this unique city, surely one of the most remarkable and inspiring of all ancient sites. A guided tour of the city this morning takes in its colonnaded streets and royal tombs and visits its spectacular theatre, where its 8,000 seats are carved from the very rock. After your morning guided tour, you are free to return to the hotel, or to stay longer to visit the mysterious High Place of Sacrifice, or the magnificent Monastery - for many people the most spectacular of Petra’s numerous monuments. (B)

DAY 6 Today has been left free to continue discovering Petra’s dazzling treasures at your own pace. A special entrance ticket valid for two days is included in the cost of your tour, so those wishing to return to the city may do so, but please be aware that today’s visit will be unguided. (B)

DAY 7 Transferring to Wadi Rum enjoy an exciting jeep ride through this most serene of landscapes, before continuing on to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth at 398 metres below sea level. Spend your final night in Jordan at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea. (B)

DAY 8 Return to Amman and fly with Royal Jordanian to London Heathrow, arriving in the late afternoon. (B)

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Lying on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, Alamein was the site of one of the Second World War’s most significant encounters, when Rommel’s Afrika Corps were finally broken by the allies and pushed back to Tunisia, thereby halting a German assault on Alexandria and the Suez Canal. The graves of troops lost in battle still bear witness to the intensity of the fighting.

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Home to Cleopatra and the most spectacular library of antiquity, the city of Alexander the Great – founded in 331 BC – has been a crossroads for trade and culture for nearly 2,500 years. A stay at the historic Sofitel Cecil Hotel, overlooking the eastern harbour, affords the perfect base to explore something of this cultural hybrid on the shores of the Mediterranean.

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Aswan is an eclectic mix of Arabic, Coptic and Nubian influences, which has left it with a unique and vibrant culture that sits perfectly with some of antiquities most impressive monuments. Egypt’s most southerly city, the romance of Aswan’s exotic location is perfectly matched by the classic surroundings of the Old Cataract Hotel, set on a rocky cliff top overlooking the waters of the Nile.

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Nestling in a desert depression some 330 km from Cairo, Bahariya Oasis was the site of the astonishing discovery in the late 1990s of a remarkable necropolis believed to contain up to 10,000 preserved mummies. Dating from the Greco-Roman period, the ‘Valley of the Golden Mummies’ has been hailed as the greatest Egyptian archaeological find since that of Tutankhamun’s tomb.

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Drift over Luxor and Western Thebes by the award-winning hot air balloons of the Hod Hod Soliman company. Float in the ethereal light of the early morning above this magnificent area, a never-to-be-forgotten experience. The balloons operate throughout the year, subject to weather conditions. Price £85 per person. Please ask for details.

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Revered by many as the ‘Mother of the World’, the Egyptian capital is one of the most captivating cities in Africa, a vibrant mix of ancient cultures, spectacular monuments and all-encompassing majesty. On the Giza plateau on the outskirts of the city lie the Pyramids, the last of the Seven Wonders of Ancient Antiquity and an enduring testament to the might of the ancient Pharaohs.

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A cruise on Lake Nasser differs from a Nile river cruise. For those in search of relaxation, it offers wonderful desert landscapes, with the colours changing dramatically as the day wears on; sunsets and sunrises in particular can be spectacular. Many of the monuments can only be visited from Lake Nasser – there is no access by road – and there is no doubt that arriving by water to visit Abu Simbel is an unforgettable experience.

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The view from the summit of Mount Sinai at dawn is magnificent, as the surrounding rugged mountains seem to catch fire in the brilliant rays of the sun. To get there, however, means a very early start, and an ascent (with a guide) in the dark. Most people take about 2 to 3 hours to reach the 2,285 metre summit (the starting point is at 1,500 metres), following the wide and gently-graded camel path, with some steeper rocky steps near the top. On the way you will pass several stone-built mountain huts selling bottled water, hot tea or coffee and even souvenirs, where you can sit on Bedouin rugs and take a breather. Descent is usually by the shorter (but steeper) route down the path and steps than bring you to St Catherine’s Monastery in the valley below.

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The unique creation of local artists, entrepreneurs and environmentalists, El Gouna is possibly one the Red Sea’s leading leisure destinations. Located to the north of Hurghada, its range of accommodation, from intimate guesthouses to five-star hotels, affords a level of style, comfort and luxury to suit all needs. Idyllic beaches and exciting nightlife ensure the best of both worlds, whilst its tranquil azure waters provide the perfect setting for a range of water based activities.

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Less commercialised than some of the more famous resorts, El Quseir provides the perfect laid back ambience for a relaxing break in the sun. Located 140 km south of Hurghada, its clear waters and pristine reefs provide excellent opportunities for uncluttered snorkelling and diving, whilst taking a ride into the beautiful nearby desert on a jeep safari offers a fascinating insight to the area.

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Egypt’s Red Sea offers some of the best diving and snorkelling on the planet and this pioneering tourist resort is filled with a wealth of opportunities to indulge every water-borne taste. Experienced divers can enjoy some spectacular diving, whilst the less experienced can improve their skills, or simply relax on a glass-bottom boat trip out onto the turquoise waters. White sand beaches and a good variety of entertainment complete the package. Originally a small fishing village Hurghada has become one of the main resorts on the Red Sea and has developed into an area that is a haven for holidaymakers. The resort’s great mix of hotels, shops, restaurants and nightlife plus some fine dive sites and access to the rest of the southern Red Sea, makes this a great base. Whilst Hurghada has no real centre, the harbour area of Sigala offers a good range of facilities, while other locations are ideal for peace and relaxation.

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The magnificent Temple of Amun-Re at Karnak represents one of the finest memorials in Egypt to the grandiose designs of the pharaohs. Dating from the 2nd millennium BC it is a structure of exceptional splendour, approached by an avenue of sphinxes and filled with a dazzling array of temples and chambers, obelisks and halls that spans the cultural zenith of ancient Thebes, presenting one of the highlights to any journey down the beguiling Nile Valley.

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Lying beside the banks of the Nile, Kom Ombo is a temple unique amongst the ancient remains that litter the Nile Valley, in that it is dedicated to two gods. Begun during the Ptolemaic period and completed by the Romans, it features a double sanctuary, one worshipping the falcon-god Horus the Elder, the other, the crocodile-god Sobek; the small chapel of Hathor to the side of the temple housing a number of mummified crocodile remains.

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Revered by Homer as the ‘City of a Hundred Gates’, the magnificence of Ancient Thebes can still provoke awe and wonder in its visitors today. Twice the capital of ancient Egypt, Thebes governed over some of the most glorious periods of Pharaonic rule and, as the sacred city of Amun-Re, the supreme god of Egyptian antiquity, it was also blessed with some of the most spectacular temples in the entire Nile Valley. Luxor today abounds with a wealth of extraordinary treasures, from the regal splendour of Karnak and Luxor Temples, to the exceptional artistry and haunting majesty of the Valley of the Kings. A stay at the historic grandeur of the Old Winter Palace, one of Luxor’s most cherished landmarks, offers a mix of old world charm and comfort from which to explore further the impressive heritage of this remarkable city.

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Once located at the heart of Ancient Thebes, Luxor’s superbly preserved temple sits resplendent beside the lively corniche and the flowing waters of the Nile. Originally connected to Karnak Temple by an avenue of Sphinxes that stretched for some 3 kilometres, this remarkable testament to the divinity of the Pharaohs is one of Egypt’s most captivating temples, especially in the evening when the perfectly proportioned columns are wonderfully illuminated.

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The thriving resorts and hotels of Sharm el Sheikh, on the eastern coast of the Sinai Peninsula, provide ideal havens from which to explore the dramatic landscapes and staggering marine diversity of this spectacular region. A range of properties, from Mediterranean style resorts to exclusive luxury retreats, affords you the opportunity to do as much or as little as you wish, whilst enjoying the golden sands and glittering azure waters of the Red Sea. Just 5½ hours flying time from London, Sharm is the perfect destination, not only for water sport enthusiasts, but also for those looking for rest, relaxation and year round sunshine beside the clear warm waters and coral reefs of one of the world’s most unique marine environments.

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A lush and fertile island amidst a sea of sand, Siwa is the ultimate ideal of a desert oasis. Its date and palm groves are fed by the waters of some 300 freshwater springs and its people still retain the fierce independence and traditions of their Berber ancestors. Famed throughout antiquity as the home of the great oracle of Jupiter Amun, it was to here that Alexander the Great trekked for eight days, across the open desert in order to seek confirmation that he was the son of Zeus. Today’s oasis still retains the feel of a remote desert outpost and the steep, winding streets of the fortified ghost town of Shali evoke a powerful vision of life amongst the desert sands. Siwan handicrafts – long admired and sought after for their fine details – and ornate jewellery are becoming increasingly rare these days.

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Situated at the northern tip of the bay of Safaga and just 30 km south of Hurghada’s International Airport, Soma Bay occupies a spectacular peninsula that affords some quite breathtaking views of the turquoise waters of the Red Sea and the distant mountains of the eastern desert. Offering an 18-hole golf course and some of the finest coral reefs along the coast, Soma Bay is a perfect destination for relaxing, or enjoying a range of pristine dive sites.

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The Greek Orthodox monastery of St Catherine’s was founded in 527 AD by the Emperor Justinian in memory of his wife Theodora. It is situated at the foot of Mount Sinai, and replaced an earlier 4th century chapel that was built on the site where it is believed that Moses saw the Burning Bush. The monastery was renamed St Catherine’s in the 9th century after monks claimed to have found the intact body of the saint on a nearby mountain. The Church of the Transfiguration dominates the other buildings in the monastery, and includes a wonderful 6th century mosaic of the Transfiguration, one of the finest works of Byzantine art. The monastery’s library, with 5,000 books and 3,000 manuscripts, is second in importance only to that of the Vatican. St Catherine’s Monastery is closed on Fridays and Sundays, and Greek Orthodox holidays.

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The Greco-Roman temple at Edfu is one of the best preserved of its kind anywhere in Egypt. The second largest temple in the country, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus son of Osiris and Isis – it spent generations hidden beneath sand and houses before being revealed during the mid 19th century. Its remarkable preservation affords a unique snapshot of a near complete temple.

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The Temple of Isis on the beautiful island setting of Philae is without doubt one of Egypt’s most enchanting sites. Dedicated to the cult of the sister/ consort of the God Osiris, the temple rose to prominence during the Ptolemaic period. As with Abu Simbel, the building of Aswan’s High Dam threatened the temple’s continued existence, until it was dismantled and rebuilt on higher ground.

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Without doubt, hosting the most comprehensive collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world, the expansive galleries of the Cairo Museum contain a staggering 120,000 exhibits, encompassing a unique wealth of ancient treasures, from delicately ornate jewellery and towering granite statues, to the mummified remains of the ancient Pharaohs. Its most prized possessions though must surely be the treasures of Tutankhamun himself, including the magnificent golden funerary mask of the boy-king, which, along with the exquisite collection of artefacts unearthed by Howard Carter in 1922, ranked amongst the greatest of all archaeological finds.

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The spectacular marine life, clear warm waters and captivating corals of the Red Sea make this stretch of water one of the world’s meccas for divers and water enthusiasts. Its reefs are unequalled anywhere, stretching for 2,000 kilometres along the coastline and boasting some 200 varieties of coral that provide a rich and colourful haven for over 1,500 species of fish, sharks, turtles and rays, some found nowhere else on earth.

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Across the Nile from Luxor’s majestic temples lie the magnificent mortuary complexes of the West Bank. Here the barren hills that overlook the fertile plains of the Nile Valley hide the final resting places of some of Egypt’s most renowned Pharaohs: Tutankhamun, Seti I, Ramses II, as well as the equally elaborate tombs of their queens and consorts. The Valleys of the Kings and Queens contain some of the most intricate and beautiful workmanship ever revealed, presenting a unique insight into the lives and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians. The workers’ village at Deir el-Medina, meanwhile, unearths some quite extraordinary facets of life amongst the ordinary artisans and masons hired to build these remarkable tombs.

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Located on the West Bank of Luxor, close to the Valley of the Queens, the Al Moudira was constructed in traditional style and incorporates actual pieces saved from old Egyptian buildings. There are 54 air-conditioned rooms which are grouped into units of four or more and which open onto a private courtyard offering lush greenery, a fountain and a comfortable shaded sitting area. Each room has its own unique design, reflecting different themes or periods of Egyptian history. All bedrooms are air-conditioned. There is a telephone, satellite TV, and a minibar. The windows have mosquito nets and there are interior wooden shutters. Columns and archways add to the Oriental feel, and frescoes depicting Arabic artwork and styles decorate the walls. There is a swimming pool.

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With superb elegance and first class service, the Conrad Cairo hotel offers sophisticated style and a prime location in the heart of the city. With excellent facilities, including a fully equipped gym, numerous dining and entertainment options and a heated pool with views across the Nile, this is an excellent base from which to explore the fascinating splendours of Cairo.

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Renowned for exceptional standards and service, the Four Seasons chain operate four hotels in Egypt. With two hotels occupying prime locations in the Egyptian capital–one basking in the Mediterranean grandeur of Alexandria and another along the shores of the Red Sea– they offer a superb choice in some of Egypt’s most popular destinations. For those looking for a rich combination of stylish sophistication, elegant surrounding and opulent comfort, the Four Seasons ethos embodies the ultimate in hospitality and innovation and offers you an opportunity to base an Egyptian itinerary centred purely around their properties. •Cairo (3 nights), Alexandria (3 nights) and Sharm el Sheikh (5 nights) •All flights in economy class with EgyptAir •First class accommodation throughout based on two people sharing a twin room •Meals as outlined below B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner •Private transfers throughout •UK airport and ticket taxes •Departures on Monday’s

DAY 1 MONDAY Depart London Heathrow this afternoon flying on EgyptAir to Cairo (4 hours 40 minutes). On arrival you will be taken by private transfer to either the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza or the Four Seasons Hotel at the First Residence for a 3 night stay.

DAY 2 TUESDAY Today has been left free. You may wish to visit the Pyramids & Sphinx. Situated on the Giza plateau is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and now one of the wonders of the modern world too, the three Great Pyramids of Giza. Visit the Pyramid of Cheops, the Sphinx, and the Granite Temple (you can visit the solar boat museum for a small extra cost payable locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)

DAY 3 WEDNESDAY Today has been left free. You may wish to visit the world-famous Egyptian Museum. With more than 100,000 artefacts spanning Egyptian history from the earliest dynasties to the Roman era, the Egyptian Museum represents the largest collection of its kind in the world. A minimum of three to four hours is necessary to take in the highlights. The collection was first assembled by the French archaeologist Auguste Mariette in 1858 and the top attractions are the Tutankhamun Galleries, which display the gold and gem-inlaid funerary mask and 1700 other treasures found in the tomb of the Boy King, and the Royal Mummy Room (there is a small additional charge payable locally to enter the Mummy Room), which contains the corpses of 11 of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs including Seti I and his son Ramses II. Room 27 displays intricate models of ancient life on the Nile during the Middle Kingdom, while the Old Kingdom Rooms contain beautiful statues and death masks from Giza and Sakkara. The Akhenaten Room, Jewellery Rooms and animal mummies are also fascinating. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

DAY 4 THURSDAY After breakfast you will be met by your driver to begin your journey along the Desert Highway to Alexandria (245 KM/approximately 3 hours), where you will stay 3 nights at the Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano. (B)

DAY 5 FRIDAY AND DAY 6 SATURDAY Days at leisure. Founded by Alexander the Great in 330 BC, Alexandria was once the most renowned city in the ancient world after Athens and Rome. The great lighthouse, the Pharos, was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Although little remains to be seen of the glorious city of those days, Alexandria is still fascinating and this afternoon’s sightseeing includes the Catacombs of Kom el-Shuga (2nd century), and Pompey’s Pillar. You may wish to take the opportunity to visit the extensive Greco-Roman Museum. (B)

DAY 7 SUNDAY Today return to Cairo for your EgyptAir flight to Sharm el Sheikh (1 hour). On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Four Seasons Resort Sharm el Sheikh for a 5 night stay. (B each day)

DAY 8 MONDAY TO DAY 11 THURSDAY Days at leisure. (B)
,BR> DAY 12 FRIDAY This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your EgyptAir flight to Cairo. On arrival connect with your onward flight to London Heathrow. (B)

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Situated on the banks of the Nile, this centrally located hotel is within easy reach of many of the city’s magnificent treasures. With superb facilities, including an outdoor pool, and a selection of restaurants, bars and lounges – including Cairo’s only revolving restaurant – it offers traditional elegance and excellent all round facilities.

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Located beside Naama Bay, the Hyatt Regency is set in extensive gardens and all 439 rooms and suites have sea views and private balconies. Leisure facilities include a swimming pool and an excellent health and fitness centre, plus a choice of restaurants, bars and lounges. A range of water sport activities, an 18-hole golf course and a wealth of world-class dive sites are all within easy reach of the hotel.

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Spectacularly located within its own landscaped gardens, with a stunning pool complex and exceptional dining facilities, Le Meridien offers comfort and style plus views of the Giza Plateau and the imposing splendour of the Pyramids. Close to Cairo’s vibrant centre and the magnificent treasures of the Egyptian Museum, it is an ideal location for a stay in the capital.

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Located in Soma Bay, 30 KM from Hurghada, La Residence des Cascades is positioned on the highest point of the peninsula. A member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World is La Residence, which has 216 comfortable guest rooms plus 39 luxurious suites, all with views of the sea. All rooms include a private bathroom and standard amenities including a private balcony, satellite TV, mini bar, safe, air-conditioning, and internet access. La Residence offers a variety of dining experiences. In addition to "a la carte" selections, all restaurants offer dietetic menus, designed especially for those undergoing nutritional programs at the spa, Les Thermes Marins des Cascades, one of the largest and best equipped thalasso-therapy centres in the world. The beach is only a short distance from the Resort. Off its point, seven towers of coral are accessible for spectacular snorkelling and diving. Other activities include windsurfing, kite-surfing, and sailing on catamarans. La Residence features the Cascades 18 hole Championship Golf Course, designed by Gary Player, a Racquet Club with tennis and squash courts and a modern fitness centre includes a wide variety of aerobic equipment, saunas and steam rooms.

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Located close to the Great Pyramid, this is Egypt’s most historic hotel. Built originally as a hunting lodge by the King of Egypt, it was meticulously renovated by the Oberoi Group. The hotel combines the best of the old and the new with its arabesque Islamic design and furnishings plus all the modern comforts and conveniences of a deluxe hotel. The hotel also features a large swimming pool set in 40 acres of gardens.

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The Mövenpick Resort and Spa El Gouna is a deluxe resort, spread out over an artificial island and surrounded by lagoons and the Red Sea. The hotel consists of 553 air-conditioned rooms, all with balcony or terrace, and sea, lagoon or garden view, private bathroom, TV, telephone, mini bar and hairdryer. The Mövenpick has 4 freshwater swimming pools and 2 children’s pools plus a water sports and diving centre. Other leisure facilities include squash, table tennis and floodlit tennis courts plus kite surfing. The health club includes a gymnasium, Jacuzzi, massage, sauna and steam bath, as well as the Angsana Spa, which includes 12 treatment rooms. An 18-hole international golf course is close to the Hotel. With 8 restaurants, there is a range of international cuisines including Mediterranean and Oriental, as well as cosy lounge and terrace offering pastries, bakery products, sandwiches and the famous Mövenpick ice cream.

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The Ritz Carlton hotel is located at Ras Um Sid, approximately 15 minutes south of Naama Bay, and combines contemporary Middle Eastern décor with classical touches. The hotel offers a limited complimentary shuttle service to Naama Bay and taxis are also available. The hotel has 321 air-conditioned rooms including 35 suites and 38 Ritz-Carlton club rooms. The rooms are spacious and well furnished with ensuite bathroom, a balcony or garden patio, satellite TV, telephone, stocked refreshment cabinet and safe. Sea side rooms are sea facing; however, some offer only a partial sea view. The Carlton Club Rooms are sea-view and have separate lounge offering personal service and a separate check in-out. Dining options include the main buffet restaurant for all day dining, La Luna Italian gourmet restaurant, Fayrouz restaurant offering exotic Middle Eastern dishes and the Blue Ginger Asian restaurant. The Waves bar is housed in a huge wooden tent beside the Red Sea, while the Pyramid poolside bar features both counter seating plus a swim up bar and specialises in frozen drinks. Facilities include 2 freshwater swimming pools a spa and fitness centre offering a Jacuzzi, massage, steam rooms and sauna, while a beauty salon and Thai massage are also available. For sports enthusiasts, 2 floodlit tennis courts and beach volleyball and a diving centre are also available.

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The Savoy Sharm El Sheikh Resort is located at the heart of the White Knight Beach, near the world-famous Ras Mohamed National park. The resort is beautifully landscaped featuring tropical scenery, cascading water features and rock formations. The 406 rooms are elegantly furnished with a simplistic yet inviting feel. All rooms a private terrace or balcony, air conditioning, satellite television, in-room safe, mini-bar and hairdryer. The superb array of restaurants will satisfy a range of tastes, offering Italian, Pan-Asian, American and International cuisine. The Savoy has a 3 level swimming pool with underwater music plus a variety of outdoor activities including water aerobics, beach volleyball and a diving and a water sports centre. The hotel has a wellness centre and spa with sauna, Jacuzzi and steam bath plus a wide range of health and beauty treatments. The Royal Savoy is the Savoy’s Exclusive ‘Club’ with a total of 33 rooms and 6 suites offering guests both privacy and luxury. Benefits include dedicated check-in and check-out, use of the Royal Savoy Lounge which serves breakfast in the morning, drinks and snacks during the day. A designated swimming pool and private beachfront sun-terrace area is also available.

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Sheraton Miramar El Gouna is a self-contained deluxe resort 22 KM north of Hurghada. Built in a traditional style, El Gouna has a feeling of a spacious Arabic village with all the modern amenities. Constructed around natural and artificially created lagoons, it nestles in between the backdrop of the eastern Desert Mountains and the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea. The hotel has 338 air-conditioned rooms all with a terrace or balcony and views over the lagoons, pools or private beaches. Each room has a private bathroom, hairdryer, satellite TV, tea & coffee making facilities, telephone, safe and mini bar. The main restaurant serves buffet-style breakfast and dinner, plus 2 speciality restaurants, 5 bars and terraces are also available. A number of bars serve drinks and offer evening entertainment, including a bar on the pier and the Boat Bar moored in front of it. The Sheraton has a large pool complex with 2 freshwater pools and 3 children’s pools. There are a number of water sports available including diving courses and snorkelling. Other facilities include a health club with exercise room, gymnasium, plunge pool, sauna and Turkish baths. An 18-hole international golf course is close to the Hotel.

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The Sheraton Soma Bay has been built on a peninsula directly on the beach, approximately 30 KM south of Hurghada. The resort has a total of 310 rooms including 35 suites, all elegantly decorated in pastel colours. Each room has a private bathroom, air-conditioning, telephone, safe, mini bar, satellite television and a balcony or terrace. There is a choice of five restaurants and several bars. The main buffet restaurant serves breakfast and dinner. There is also an Italian speciality restaurant for dinner and a lunchtime beach restaurant. For refreshments, there is a pool bar, a terrace bar, a beach bar and disco bar and a beach hut with fresh juices. The Sheraton has 3 freshwater swimming pools with a separate children’s pool. The diving centre offers full PADI courses, while water sports include sailing and snorkelling trips. Other leisure facilities include billiards, croquet, darts, table tennis, tennis and squash. The activities centre also offers daily aerobics, aqua gym and stretching, a gymnasium, massage and sauna.

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Alexandria can be visited as a side trip from Cairo, and there are also direct flights with British Airways from London Heathrow three times a week. The Sofitel Cecil Hotel was built in 1929 overlooking the eastern harbour. The venerable Cecil Hotel may no longer be the ‘Grand Hotel’ of its early glory days, but offers a nostalgic return to the a bygone era, and the executive floor rooms are still, in our opinion, your best choice in Alexandria. Period features include the traditional wrought-iron lift, but the rooms themselves have modern facilities.

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Opened in 1899 and considered the most romantic of Egypt’s hotels, the Old Cataract has played host to the rich and famous for more than a hundred years. Its guest list bears witness to its perennial appeal: Tsar Nicholas II, Sir Winston Churchill, the Shah of Iran, King Farouk, and more recently Margaret Thatcher, Jimmy Carter and Princess Diana. The 1902 Restaurant offers buffet breakfast and a la carte dinner; you are also free to use the restaurants, bars and sports facilities of the adjacent New Cataract Hotel. The hotels share a swimming pool set amidst luxuriant Gardens.

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Built at the end of the 19th century, the Old Winter Palace has been tastefully refurbished and is proud once again to offer superior accommodation coupled with atmosphere and elegance. All 110 bedrooms are airconditioned, with private bathroom, TV and radio, telephone and fridge. The hotel, facing the Nile, is one of Luxor's famous landmarks; set in beautiful gardens,which it shares with the New Winter Palace next door, it has a large swimming pool and facilities for tennis and squash. The exclusive 1886 Restaurant offers candlelight dining, and the Royal Bar is an excellent venue for cocktails.

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The Steigenberger Golf Resort combines Nubian and modern design. Situated in the middle of El Gouna’s Golf Course and surrounded by the lagoons, close to El Gouna’s main facilities. The Steigenberger has 220 spacious air-conditioned rooms. Each room has private bathroom, a balcony or terrace overlooking the lagoon, garden, pool or golf course, satellite TV, radio, telephone, safe, mini bar, hairdryer and amenities. The hotel offers a main buffet restaurant for breakfast and dinner with themed international buffets, and an A la carte restaurant for evening meals. There are several bars also available, serving international cocktails. The resort has a lagoon beach, 1 freshwater swimming pool with 2 separate children’s pools, beach volleyball, and a full range of PADI courses and daily dive packages available. Hotel guests can also use the facilities of the golf club house which include an indoor pool, a health and fitness centre with gymnasium, sauna and steam bath and massage room.

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Adjacent to Naama Bay and just ten minutes walk from downtown Naama Bay, the Hyatt Regency hotel is set in 35 hectares of mature grounds with Mediterranean gardens with plants like hibiscus, bougainvillea, acacia, gardenia, forsythia and acanthus. The Hyatt Regency has 433 rooms and suites. All rooms have sea views, private balconies, bathrooms with separate bath and shower. The wide range of leisure facilities includes swimming pool and whirlpools, fitness centre, indoor and outdoor gym, aerobics room, massage and aromatherapy rooms, sauna, steam bath, plunge pool, squash courts, tennis courts. There is an 18 hole golf course 2kms from resort and 3 world class dive sites within the Gardens Bay for diving and snorkelling. In addition there is a shopping souk, beauty salon, 4 restaurants, bars and lounges.

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Launched in 1997, the Kasr Ibrim recreates the atmosphere and style of a 1920s Nile Steamship, but with all modern conveniences. Each fully air-conditioned cabin is tastefully furnished with ensuite facilities. Amenities include a lounge and bar area, and a restaurant serving oriental and western cuisine. There is a sundeck with swimming pool and Jacuzzi, a Health Club and a gift shop. The maximum capacity is 130 passengers.

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The Mövenpick El Quseir Resort is 140 KM south of Hurghada, located in a beautiful bay on the Red Sea, with its own private beach, just a short distance from El Quseir town. The Mövenpick El Quseir is a relaxing resort hotel, built in traditional Nubian style with groups of bungalows. With 250 rooms, the bungalows are arranged in groups, and have been designed and built in traditional Nubian style. Every room has its own distinctive charm and has a private bathroom with balcony or terrace offering a sea or garden view. All rooms have satellite TV, telephone, mini bar, hairdryer and safety deposit box. Suites are more spacious, and offer an additional living room. Guests can choose between a number of restaurants including the "Orangérie", "Seagull" A la carte restaurant, Sirena Bar, the pool bars and restaurants or the "Divers Restaurant". The private beach makes easy access to the stunning coral reef and diving is also available. Other facilities include 2 freshwater swimming pools (heated in winter) and 2 separate children's pools plus a wellness centre with Jacuzzi and sauna, 2 floodlit tennis courts, squash courts, quad bikes, archery and mountain biking.

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Top of the range as far as cruising is concerned is the Oberoi Philae, modelled on a traditional Nile paddle-wheeler and offering 58 deluxe cabins, each with a small private balcony. There is a lounge, a sophisticated bar and first-class restaurant; whilst other facilities include a beauty salon and barber shop, a gift shop, plunge pool and sun deck. Upgrades are available to a suite for a supplement of £233 per person per night in a twin (subject to availability). The Oberoi Philae was voted amongst the Top Ten Cruises in the World by readers of the Conde Nast Traveller magazine. The Oberoi Philae offers cruises between Luxor and Aswan of 4 and 6 nights’ duration throughout the year.
See notes about NILE CRUISING conditions (click here).

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The most luxurious resort in the Hurghada area on the Red Sea. Located on 48 acres of private beach, with a panoramic view of the clear blue sea and silver sands, the hotel’s design has been adapted from the local Islamic architecture; its unique combination of domes, arches and columns creating a breathtaking impression. Guest accommodation includes 63 Deluxe Suites, 21 Superior Deluxe Suites, 12 Grand Suites and 6 Royal Suites (both Grand and Royal Suites have private pool). Leisure facilities include the swimming pool, fitness centre and The Oberoi Spa by Banyan Tree. There is an in-house diving centre. Ideal for those who want to get away from it all, the resort is located approximately 25 minutes from downtown Hurghada.

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A few years back the Oberoi Shehrayar underwent extensive refurbishment which included turning two original cabins into one new one, resulting in the cruise ship boasting the largest cabins on the Nile at 23 square metres (248 square feet), each containing 2 ensuite bathrooms. Facilities on board include an attractive lounge,main dining room, library, sundeck, plunge pool and small gift shop. Another alternative is her sister ship, the Oberoi Shehrazad, also featuring the larger cabins following a similar refurbishment. Both ships offer cruises between Luxor and Aswan of 3, 4 and 7 nights throughout the year.

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Spread across a landscape of tropical serenity, within the spectacular setting of the world-renowned Ras Mohammed National Park, this hotel is quite simply a dazzling oasis of style and sophistication, hidden amidst the desert vistas of the south Sinai. For anyone looking for the perfect retreat, excellent facilities and first class service, then look no further than the elegance and impeccable taste of the Savoy, Sharm el Sheikh.

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Enjoying an unrivalled location overlooking the Nile, and next door to the Egyptian Museum, the Nile Hilton is one of Cairo' modern landmarks. All 433 fully air-conditioned rooms have private bathrooms, telephone, T.V. and minibar, and a balcony overlooking the Nile or the city. The hotel has a large swimming pool and health club, an extensive shopping arcade, and a wide choice of restaurants.

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The Siwa Oasis is unique in Egypt. Famous centuries before the time of Christ as the seat of the Oracle of Jupiter Ammon, it has since been isolated for some two thousand years, developing its own distinct culture and language, related more to the Berber languages of North Africa than to Arabic.

•Cairo (3), Alexandria (2), Alamein, Siwa Oasis (3), Bahariya Oasis (2) and Cairo (1) •All flights in economy class with EgyptAir •First class hotels in Cairo. Medium grade in Alexandria and Siwa. Best available in Bahariya •Meals as outlined below B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner •Private air-conditioned vehicles. 4–wheel-drive vehicles for the sector from Siwa to Bahariya •The services of an experienced local guide in Egypt (from Day 4) •Sightseeing on a private basis with local English speaking guides •Entrance fees for all included sightseeing •Airport taxes •Weekly departures each Sunday

DAY 1 Sunday Afternoon non-stop flight by British Airways from London Heathrow to Cairo (4 hours 50 minutes). On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Movenpick Pyramids Resort, Giza.

Day 2 Monday At leisure. You may wish to take a visit to the Pyramids & Sphinx. Situated on the Giza plateau is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and now one of the wonders of the modern world too, the three Great Pyramids of Giza. Visit the Pyramid of Cheops, the Sphinx, and the Granite Temple (you can visit the solar boat museum for a small extra cost payable locally). (B)

Day 3 Tuesday At leisure. You may wish to take a visit the world-famous Egyptian Museum. With more than 100,000 artefacts spanning Egyptian history from the earliest dynasties to the Roman era, the Egyptian Museum represents the largest collection of its kind in the world. A minimum of three to four hours is necessary to take in the highlights. The collection was first assembled by the French archaeologist Auguste Mariette in 1858 and the top attractions are the Tutankhamun Galleries, which display the gold and gem-inlaid funerary mask and 1700 other treasures found in the tomb of the Boy King, and the Royal Mummy Room (there is a small additional charge payable locally to enter the Mummy Room), which contains the corpses of 11 of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs including Seti I and his son Ramses II. Room 27 displays intricate models of ancient life on the Nile during the Middle Kingdom, while the Old Kingdom Rooms contain beautiful statues and death masks from Giza and Sakkara. The Akhenaten Room, Jewellery Rooms and animal mummies are also fascinating. (B)

DAY 4 Wednesday After breakfast you will be met by your private guide and begin your journey along the Desert Highway to Alexandria (245 KM/approximately 3 hours), where your stay is at the historic Cecil Hotel, overlooking the harbour. Founded by Alexander the Great in 330 BC, Alexandria was once the most renowned city in the ancient world after Athens and Rome. The great lighthouse, the Pharos, was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Although little remains to be seen of the glorious city of those days, Alexandria is still fascinating and this afternoon’s sightseeing includes the Catacombs of Kom el-Shuga (2nd century), and Pompey’s Pillar. (B)

DAY 5 Thursday In the morning we visit the extensive Greco-Roman Museum. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

DAY 6 Friday Drive to Alamein (110 KM/approximately 1 hour 30 minutes), where we visit the moving British and Commonwealth War Cemetery. Continue in the afternoon through the desert to the Siwa Oasis (500 KM/approximately 6 hours), where we stay at the Siwa Safari Paradise Hotel. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 Saturday In the time of Alexander the Great, Siwa ranked with Delphi as one of the chief spiritualistic spas of antiquity. After breakfast we visit the Temple of the Oracle, where in 331 BC Alexander was confirmed in his status as a god. We also see the remains of the nearby Temple of Amun. In the afternoon we explore the el-Gabel tombs in the Mount of the Dead and take a look at Siwa’s small museum. Weather-permitting we will drive across the causeway to Fatnas Island to view the sunset. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 Sunday Today we walk through the abandoned Old Town of Siwa, mud dwellings piled up on the hillside like skyscrapers, set amongst date palms and presenting a picturesque yet mysterious scene. Afternoon free, with the option of taking a thrilling desert safari by 4-wheel-drive vehicles across the Great Sand Sea. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 Monday Journey by 4-wheel-drive vehicles to the Oasis of Bahariya (428 KM/minimum 7 hours – timings could be longer depending on the number of road check points in operation), a key agricultural centre in Pharaonic times, exporting large quantities of wine, dates and olives to the Nile Valley. Stay at the International Hot Spring Hotel. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 Tuesday Today’s sightseeing includes a visit to El Bahariya’s Mummies Museum. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 Wednesday Drive back to Cairo (365 KM/approximately 5 hours), where you stay overnight at Le Passage Heliopolis (formerly the Mövenpick Heliopolis) close to the airport. (B)

DAY 12 Thursday Morning non-stop flight by British Airways to London Heathrow, arriving around midday. (B)

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Cairo treasures include the Egyptian Museum, which holds the most priceless collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world, the Citadels and Mosques of Islamic Cairo, and the world famous Pyramids at Giza. From Cairo fly to Upper Egypt where you will visit the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank before spending a couple days relaxing at the premier Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh from where you will visit the Monastery at Saint Catherine’s. Cross the Red Sea into Jordan where highlights include a walk through the winding Siq at Petra to explore this most wondrous of ancient sites and bathing in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, with its sub-tropical climate. •Cairo (4 nights) •All flights in economy class with EgyptAir •First class accommodation throughout based on two people sharing a twin room •Meals as outlined below B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner •Private transfers throughout •UK airport and ticket taxes •Daily departures

DAY 1 THURSDAY Depart London Heathrow this afternoon flying on EgyptAir to Cairo 1500/2150 hours. On arrival transfer to either….

Mena House Oberoi Hotel for a 4 night stay in a Standard Room on a bed and breakfast basis.

Le Meridien Pyramids for a 4 night stay in a Standard Room on a bed and breakfast basis.

Movenpick Resort Cairo Pyramids for a 4 night stay in a Standard Room on a bed and breakfast basis.

Sofitel El Gezirah for a 4 night stay in a Standard Room on a bed and breakfast basis.

Conrad Cairo for a 4 night stay in a Deluxe Room on a bed and breakfast basis.

DAY 2 FRIDAY Today has been left free. You may wish to visit the Pyramids & Sphinx. Situated on the Giza plateau is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and now one of the wonders of the modern world too, the three Great Pyramids of Giza. Visit the Pyramid of Cheops, the Sphinx, and the Granite Temple (you can visit the solar boat museum for a small extra cost payable locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)

DAY 3 SATURDAY Today has been left free. You may wish to visit the world-famous Egyptian Museum. With more than 100,000 artefacts spanning Egyptian history from the earliest dynasties to the Roman era, the Egyptian Museum represents the largest collection of its kind in the world. A minimum of three to four hours is necessary to take in the highlights. The collection was first assembled by the French archaeologist Auguste Mariette in 1858 and the top attractions are the Tutankhamun Galleries, which display the gold and gem-inlaid funerary mask and 1700 other treasures found in the tomb of the Boy King, and the Royal Mummy Room (there is a small additional charge payable locally to enter the Mummy Room), which contains the corpses of 11 of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs including Seti I and his son Ramses II. Room 27 displays intricate models of ancient life on the Nile during the Middle Kingdom, while the Old Kingdom Rooms contain beautiful statues and death masks from Giza and Sakkara. The Akhenaten Room, Jewellery Rooms and animal mummies are also fascinating. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

DAY 4 SUNDAY Today has been left free. There are a variety of optional excursions in and around this great city available including the superb monuments at ancient Memphis and Saqqara. (B)

DAY 5 MONDAY Today you will be transferred to the airport for your EgyptAir flight from Cairo to London Heathrow 1315/1625 hours. (B)

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Join us on a journey through the deserts and mountains of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, a land of incredible variety and contrast, steeped in history. Walk through the winding Siq at Petra to explore this most wondrous of ancient sites and spend a few days relaxing in Aqaba, with its warm and sunny climate and excellent snorkelling opportunities.

•Amman (2), Petra (3),Aqaba (3) •All flights as shown in economy class with Royal Jordanian •First class accommodation throughout based on two people sharing a twin room •Meals as outlined below B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner •Private Car & driver on all road transfers shown •Private sightseeing as detailed with local English speaking Guides at Petra and Jerash •Special entrance ticket to Petra which is valid for 2 days •UK airport and ticket taxes •Daily departures

DAY 1 Afternoon departure by Royal Jordanian to Amman arriving in the late evening. You will be met and transferred to the Le Meridien Hotel for 2 nights.

DAY 2 Morning sightseeing of Amman to include a visit to the Citadel and theatre of Amman, dating from Roman times. This afternoon visit the beautifully preserved Roman city of Jerash. Among the sites will be the vast oval colonnaded forum, the mile long street of columns, the Temples of Artemis and Zeus and Emperor Hadrian’s triumphal arch and the superb amphitheatre. (B)

DAY 3 Drive via the King’s Highway to Petra along one of the oldest trade routes in the world. Your first stop en route is the biblical heights of Mount Nebo then the town of Madaba, famous for the mosaic map of Palestine in the Greek Orthodox church of St. George. Continue to the imposing 12th century Crusader Castle at Kerak and later this afternoon arrive in Petra and transfer to the Beit Zaman for 3 nights. (B)

Please note that the standard of accommodation and service in Petra does not compare to other parts of Jordan. At the present time levels of service are fluctuating, mainly because of a shortage of trained staff due to local people having sought work in neighbouring countries. There is also a difficulty in motivating a higher standard of service in an area that is assured of a constant influx of visitors and while the hotels are running at full occupancy levels they are unlikely to undertake any refurbishment that may be required. We still believe that a stay in Petra forms an essential part of a visit to Jordan, but we feel it is only fair that we provide some warning as to the shortcomings you may encounter.

DAY 4 Lost for centuries before its dramatic discovery in 1812, Petra, the ‘Rose-Red City’, was the ancient stronghold of the Nabateans, who dominated the caravan routes throughout this region for four centuries. Approaching the city through the Siq, its famous narrow gorge of towering sandstone walls, Petra and its majestic Treasury open up before you. There is little that can prepare the visitor for the first glimpse of this unique city, surely one of the most remarkable and inspiring of all ancient sites. A guided tour of the city this morning takes in its colonnaded streets and royal tombs and visits its spectacular theatre, where its 8,000 seats are carved from the very rock. After your morning guided tour, you are free to return to the hotel, or to stay longer to visit the mysterious High Place of Sacrifice, or the magnificent Monastery - for many people the most spectacular of Petra’s numerous monuments. (B)

DAY 5 At leisure. You may wish to revisit Petra (a special entrance ticket which is valid for 2 days is included in the cost of your holiday – this second visit will not be with a guide). (B)

DAY 6 Transferring to Wadi Rum enjoy an exciting jeep ride through this most serene of landscapes, before continuing on to the town of Aqaba for a 3 night stay at the Mövenpick Resort & Residence Aqaba (sea facing room). (B)

DAYS 7 AND 8 Enjoy a relaxing few days at Jordan's only Beach resort and port, Aqaba. Spend time on the hotel's own private beach, or take a boat trip to view the crystal clear waters of the Red Sea. (B each day)

DAY 9 Drive north along the Desert Highway directly to Amman Airport for Royal Jordanian non-stop flight to London Heathrow, arriving in the afternoon. (B)

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Join us on a journey through the deserts and mountains of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, a land of incredible variety and contrast, steeped in history. Walk through the winding Siq at Petra to explore this most wondrous of ancient sites and bathe in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, with its sub-tropical climate.

•Amman (2), Petra (3), Dead Sea (2) •All flights as shown in economy class with Royal Jordanian •First class accommodation throughout based on two people sharing a twin room •Meals as outlined below B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner •Private Car & driver on all road transfers shown •Private sightseeing as detailed with local English speaking Guides at Petra and Jerash •Special entrance ticket to Petra which is valid for 2 days •UK airport and ticket taxes •Daily departures

DAY 1 Afternoon departure by Royal Jordanian to Amman arriving in the late evening. You will be met and transferred to the Le Meridien Hotel for 2 nights.

DAY 2 Morning sightseeing of Amman to include a visit to the Citadel and theatre of Amman, dating from Roman times. This afternoon visit the beautifully preserved Roman city of Jerash. Among the sites will be the vast oval colonnaded forum, the mile long street of columns, the Temples of Artemis and Zeus and Emperor Hadrian’s triumphal arch and the superb amphitheatre. (B)

DAY 3 Drive via the King’s Highway to Petra along one of the oldest trade routes in the world. Your first stop en route is the biblical heights of Mount Nebo then the town of Madaba, famous for the mosaic map of Palestine in the Greek Orthodox church of St. George. Continue to the imposing 12th century Crusader Castle at Kerak and later this afternoon arrive in Petra and transfer to the Beit Zaman Hotel for 3 nights. (B)

Please note that the standard of accommodation and service in Petra does not compare to other parts of Jordan. At the present time levels of service are fluctuating, mainly because of a shortage of trained staff due to local people having sought work in neighbouring countries. There is also a difficulty in motivating a higher standard of service in an area that is assured of a constant influx of visitors and while the hotels are running at full occupancy levels they are unlikely to undertake any refurbishment that may be required. We still believe that a stay in Petra forms an essential part of a visit to Jordan, but we feel it is only fair that we provide some warning as to the shortcomings you may encounter.

DAY 4 Lost for centuries before its dramatic discovery in 1812, Petra, the ‘Rose-Red City’, was the ancient stronghold of the Nabateans, who dominated the caravan routes throughout this region for four centuries. Approaching the city through the Siq, its famous narrow gorge of towering sandstone walls, Petra and its majestic Treasury open up before you. There is little that can prepare the visitor for the first glimpse of this unique city, surely one of the most remarkable and inspiring of all ancient sites. A guided tour of the city this morning takes in its colonnaded streets and royal tombs and visits its spectacular theatre, where its 8,000 seats are carved from the very rock. After your morning guided tour, you are free to return to the hotel, or to stay longer to visit the mysterious High Place of Sacrifice, or the magnificent Monastery - for many people the most spectacular of Petra’s numerous monuments. (B)

DAY 5 At leisure. You may wish to revisit Petra (a special entrance ticket which is valid for 2 days is included in the cost of your holiday – this second visit will not be with a guide). (B)

DAY 6 Transferring to Wadi Rum enjoy an exciting jeep ride through this most serene of landscapes, before continuing on to the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth at 398 metres below sea level. Here you will spend two nights at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea. (B)

DAY 7 At leisure. The Dead Sea has been known since biblical times for its restorative powers, and a variety of treatments such as dry flotation Hydro experience are available at the hotel’s excellent spa. (B)

DAY 8 Early morning transfer back to Amman and fly on Royal Jordanian back to London Heathrow, arriving this afternoon. (B)

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EGYPT AND JORDAN – FROM THE PYRAMID TO THE ROSE RED CITY

Cairo treasures include the Egyptian Museum, which holds the most priceless collection of Egyptian antiquities in the world, the Citadels and Mosques of Islamic Cairo, and the world famous Pyramids at Giza. From Cairo fly to Upper Egypt where you will visit the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank before spending a couple days relaxing at the premier Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. Cross the Red Sea into Jordan where highlights include a walk through the winding Siq at Petra to explore this most wondrous of ancient sites and bathing in the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, with its sub-tropical climate.
• All flights in economy class with British Airways/British Mediterranean
• First class accommodation throughout based on two people sharing a twin room
• Pyramid View room in Cairo and Nile View room in Luxor
• Private transfers throughout
• Sightseeing on a private basis with local English speaking guides
• Entrance fees for all included sightseeing
• Special entrance ticket to Petra which is valid for 2 days
• UK airport and ticket taxes
• Weekly departures each Saturday and Monday

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Day 1 Afternoon departure by British Airways from London Heathrow to Cairo arriving in the late evening. Transfer to the Oberoi Mena House, Garden Section with Pyramid View for 3 nights.

Day 2 This morning you will have a morning visit to the Pyramids & Sphinx. Situated on the Giza plateau is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and now one of the wonders of the modern world too, the three Great Pyramids of Giza. Visit the Pyramid of Cheops, the Sphinx, and the Granite Temple (you can visit the solar boat museum for a small extra cost payable locally). The afternoon is at leisure.

Day 3 This morning you will visit the world-famous Egyptian Museum. With more than 100,000 artefacts spanning Egyptian history from the earliest dynasties to the Roman era, the Egyptian Museum represents the largest collection of its kind in the world. A minimum of three to four hours is necessary to take in the highlights. The collection was first assembled by the French archaeologist Auguste Mariette in 1858 and the top attractions are the Tutankhamun Galleries, which display the gold and gem-inlaid funerary mask and 1700 other treasures found in the tomb of the Boy King, and the Royal Mummy Room (there is a small additional charge payable locally to enter the Mummy Room), which contains the corpses of 11 of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs including Seti I and his son Ramses II. Room 27 displays intricate models of ancient life on the Nile during the Middle Kingdom, while the Old Kingdom Rooms contain beautiful statues and death masks from Giza and Sakkara. The Akhenaten Room, Jewellery Rooms and animal mummies are also fascinating. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 4 Morning flight from Cairo to Luxor and transfer to the Sofitel Old Winter Palace Hotel for 2 nights. Afternoon excursion to the Luxor Temple to see its courtyard and the granite statues of Ramses the Great. This is followed by a visit to Karnak, a series of temples built in different reigns. Starting by the Avenue of Sphinxes visit the Unfinished Propylon, the Hyostyle Hall with its 134 gigantic columns, the Obelisks of Queen Hatchepsut and Tutmosis III, the temple of Amon adorned with lotus and papyrus designs, the Granite Scarbeus of Amenophis III and the Sacred Lake.

Day 5 This morning you will cross to the West Bank of the Nile where you will visit the vast Theban Necropolis, containing some of the world’s finest tombs; The Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens and Tombs of the Nobles. On the return journey, stop at the Colossi of Memnon which are two, gigantic, sitting statues representing Amenopis III facing the Nile. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 6 Early morning transfer to the airport for the early morning flight from Luxor to Sharm el Sheikh and transfer to the Intercontinental Hotel for 2 nights.

Day 7 Day at leisure.

Day 8 Excursion to St. Catherine’s Monastery. The origins of St Catherine’s can be traced to the order in 337 AD by the Empress Helena, mother of Constantine, for a sanctuary to be built around the site of the burning bush. Please note the monastery is closed on Friday and Sunday.

Day 9 This morning you will be transferred to Nuiwba in order to catch the catamaran to Aqaba in Jordan. On arrival you will be met and transferred to Petra where you will transfer to the Mövenpick Hotel for 3 nights.

Day 10 Enjoy a guided tour of Petra. You will walk through the Siq, the ravine flanked on either side by the multi-coloured rose sandstone cliffs at the end of which is the world famous “Treasury”. You will also see the various tombs, the wonderful acoustical amphitheatre and see the tomb of the Urn before returning to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Day 11 Morning at leisure. You may wish to revisit Petra (a special entrance ticket which is valid for 2 days is included in the cost of your holiday – this second visit will not be with a guide). Afternoon excursion to Wadi Rum (about an hour’s drive from Petra). Wadi Rum is an amazing landscape of red sandstone and shifting sands and it would be well worth waiting at Wadi Rum until the sunsets.

Day 12 Today, travel along the ancient King’s Highway to the Crusader fortress of Kerak. From there continue to Mt Nebo, from where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land, and then Madaba famous for its mosaic map of Palestine. Continue to the Dead Sea for 2 nights at the Mövenpick Dead Sea Spa Hotel.

Day 13 Day at leisure to enjoy the unique experience of floating in the Dead Sea or indulge in one of the luxurious Spa treatments on offer (these should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment – please ask for details). Alternatively you may like to take an optional visit to the spectacular Roman city of Jerash.

Day 14 Early morning transfer to the airport for the British Airways (operated by British Mediterranean) flight from Amman to London Heathrow.

Optional extras: Petra by Candlelight, Petra Kitchen, extra nights at the Dead Sea, Wadi Mujib Nature Reserve (day trip from the Dead Sea), and Jerash (from Dead Sea).

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