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An unforgettable journey into the Age of the Pharaohs with Joan

• Hosted by Joan Hamburg with professional guides and Egyptologists
   
• Our complete luxury vacation features an intimate Nile cruise, great hotels, all meals, in-depth tours, private events and wine with dinner
   
• Delve into the treasures of the Egyptian Museum, the perfect prelude to our encompassing survey of ancient civilization along the Nile
   
• Enter into the gilded Throne Room of the Mohamed Ali Palace for a private banquet
   
• Sail around Kitchener’s Island, a lush tropical garden paradise, in a felucca – the timeless sailing vessel of the Nile

Sep 10 – Arrive Cairo

Upon arrival, we’ll be greeted warmly by our Cairo-based Service Manager and escorted to our luxurious hotel on the banks of the Nile in the heart of the city. This evening, gather with Joan and fellow travelers for our cocktail reception and welcome dinner at the fabulous Four Seasons Hotel.

Sep 11 – Cairo

Journey into the plains of Giza to behold one of the world’s greatest wonders: the Pyramids. We’ll ponder the enigmatic Sphinx, a colossal carved figure of a recumbent lion with the head of a man. Three thousand years ago, King Thutmose IV, while still but a young prince, was resting here in the shade when the Sphinx appeared to him in a dream, promising him the kingdom if he would fully uncover the colossus partially buried beneath shifting desert sand… this ancient tale is recorded in a stone stele erected by the King between the lion’s giant paws. We’ll also see the beautifully-restored, 4,600-year-old funerary Solar Boat of King Cheops, the oldest existing river craft in the world.

Our morning ends at the exclusive Sakkara Country Club, in the heart of the desert surrounded by lovely gardens and expansive grounds. We’ll relax together over a traditional lunch, starting with a delectable selection of oven-fresh Egyptian breads and Middle Eastern mezza, delicious hot and cold appetizers not unlike the more familiar Spanish tapas. We’ll savor a main course of Egyptian kebabs and finish with desert specially prepared for us by the Club’s esteemed pastry chefs. Refreshed and satisfied, we continue our touring in Sakkara where we visit Egypt’s oldest standing stone structure, the imposing Step Pyramid of King Zoser, built of hand-hewn stone nearly 5,000 years ago.

Sep 12 – Cairo

We ascend this morning within the medieval, 12th century walls of the Citadel. From the impressive Mohammed Ali Mosque, built in the mid 1800’s, we’ll have commanding views over the city. We continue our exploration through Old Cairo before returning to the Four Seasons for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll be greeted by a director of the Egyptian Museum where our guided visit includes the golden treasures of Tutankhamen. Our in-depth survey here is the perfect introduction to the fascinating history of Egypt and the many ancient wonders that we’ll discover on our cruise. This evening, cocktails and dinner have been specially arranged for us in the Throne Room of the Mohamed Ali Palace, built by the great grandson of Mohamed Ali Pasha, revered as the founder of modern Egypt.

Sep 13 – Cairo / Luxor

We fly to Luxor this morning and begin our journey into antiquity at the Temple of Karnak. The beautiful Temple of Amun-Re is considered by many to be the most awe-inspiring of all Egyptian monuments, and the great Hypostyle Hall is the largest hall of any temple in the world. We’ll board our luxury Nile cruise ship, settle-in to our spacious balconied stateroom, and then step ashore to explore the opposite bank of the Nile, including the Valleys of the Kings and Queens. We’ll stand in awe before the towering Colossi of Memnon, walk into the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and visit Luxor Temple. After dinner this evening, we return for the spectacular Karnak Sound & Light presentation. Hear thrilling tales of the Pharaohs as the illuminations bring ancient carvings and hieroglyphics to life. Tonight, we sail for Edfu.

Sep 14 – Cruising the Nile

Our journey up the Nile reveals amazing vistas along this life-giving river... timeless villages and traditional felucca river craft plying the waters. Take in the scenery from the Lounge or your private stateroom balcony, relax pool-side, or unwind in the Fitness Center. Our expert guides are on hand for casual, wide-ranging discussion on modern life, ancient culture and the magical wonders of Egypt. Later, join Joan Hamburg in the Lounge for afternoon tea. This evening, our Captain hosts cocktails and a fine dinner in the ship’s lovely dining room.

Sep 15 – Edfu / Kom Ombo / Aswan

We alight in Edfu and tour the Temple of Horus, one of the best preserved of the ancient world. Horus, the Sun God, played a prominent role in daily life, and the attention to detail in the design and construction here makes it easy to imagine the importance that ancient Egyptians placed upon temple worship. In Kom Ombo, on a picturesque bend of the Nile where crocodiles used to sun themselves, we visit the unusual twin temple, honoring Horus, the falcon-headed Sun God, and Sobek, the Crocodile God. Back on the ship, join us for another delightful dinner and festive evening onboard.

Sep 16 – Aswan

In startling contrast to the ancient marvels that we’ve explored, this morning’s highlight is an achievement that belongs to modern Egypt, the remarkable High Dam at Aswan. We’ll also see the granite quarries where ancient Egyptians engineered the seemingly impossible - creating their towering obelisks. Of note, we’ll see the famous Unfinished Obelisk, still attached to the bedrock. We venture into the lovely Philae Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Isis, and then step aboard a felucca, a traditional Nile sailboat, for an excursion around Kitchener’s Island. Tonight’s dinner is followed by a colorful folkloric show that reveals the rich traditions and cultures of Nubia.

Sep 17 – Aswan / Abu Simbel / Cairo

We disembark ship and fly to Abu Simbel to discover the remarkable temples of Ramses II, where ancient Egyptians carved four 67-foot high figures of King Ramses II out of solid rock. We also visit the smaller but equally impressive Temple of Queen Nefertari, where Ramses II took the unusual step of having the temple façade decorated with imposing statues of himself, his favorite wife Queen Nefertari, and their children.

The modern history of Abu Simbel and the temples’ historic rescue from the rising waters of Lake Nasser is a story as amazing as the ancient legends. The completion of the High Dam in 1972 threatened this extraordinary site, but a massive undertaking funded by the USA succeeded in literally transporting the ancient temples to higher ground, 200 feet above their original site.

When you stand before the enormous figures of Ramses II, you will begin to fathom this amazing engineering feet. Abu Simbel was not a free-standing temple; the carved figures of the Pharaoh were hewn into the face of a towering cliff. The rescue operation involved sawing the rock face into more than 1,000 pieces, some weighing close to 15 tons! The move and reconstruction process was completed with such precision that every year on February 22 and October 22 – only one day later than originally planned – the rays of the sun rise above the horizon to penetrate deep into the temple sanctuary to illuminate the interior statues.

Enlightened and mesmerized, we board our return flight to Cairo, where we’ll be transferred by air-conditioned motorcoach to the deluxe Le Meridien Hotel. This evening, we again experience warm Egyptian hospitality when we gather together for our farewell cocktail party and dinner.

Sep 18 - Cairo Departure

Following breakfast, we transfer to the airport for our homeward flights. Or, extend your vacation with a journey to Israel, Petra… or both!

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That Joan Hamburg Touch… Fabulous hotels, unforgettable touring through the ancient wonders of Egypt, and our specially-arranged private events…

Cocktails and Dinner at the Four Seasons Cairo at Nile Plaza

Once we settle-in to our luxury accommodations in the vibrant city of Cairo, there’ll be no need to travel far to experience the best. We’ll gather for our private welcome reception and dinner along the historic Corniche on the banks of the Nile. Meet Joan Hamburg and your fellow travelers for a cocktail reception and welcome dinner at the Four Seasons Nile Plaza. The cuisine and service promise to be every bit as fabulous as the legendary name implies.

Palatial opulence on an island washed by the waters of the Nile

Right in the heart of bustling Cairo, Rawdah Island divides the Nile River into two branches… and on the island’s eastern shore overlooking one of these branches stands a historic palace built at the turn of the century by Prince Mohamed Ali, the fist cousin of King Faruq and the great grandson of Mohamed Ali Pasha, the charismatic 18th century Empire builder revered as the founder of modern Egypt.

After 30 years of construction, the Mohamed Ali Manyal Palace was completed in 1929 and is most unique in its artistic blend of various Islamic styles, including ornate Moroccan motifs, intricate Persian details, and traditional Syrian styling. Indeed, this once-royal residence is a showcase of the very best of Middle Eastern decorative arts… Beautifully tiled fountains, elaborately carved and painted wood paneling, priceless Oriental rugs, and myriad furnishings from throughout the Mediterranean region and Europe, including gilded antique French clocks and breathtaking silver, crystal and porcelain serving pieces.

The palace grounds, dominated by the imposing Clock Tower, include a lovely formal garden with rare tropical trees and flowers which Prince Mohamed collected on his travels around the world. In 1955, the Prince gave his Palace to the Egyptian nation.

Crossing the Nile onto Rawdah Island and entering this historic palace, we’ll be welcomed into the Throne Room, also known as the Golden Hall and certainly one of the most magnificent rooms in this princely palace. Bathed in the glowing warmth of the 24 karat gold plated furnishings and columns, we’ll enjoy a private cocktail reception and catered dinner.

Unforgettable sightseeing every day... And a delightful farewell reception and dinner

Traveling with WOR and Joan Hamburg promises wonderful surprises every day… But the most memorable events for many will simply be the amazing sites that we’ll explore. No ancient stone will be left unturned, no ancient path untrodden, and no mystery left unexplored. A cruise along the Nile is truly a magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience – and our comprehensive, meticulously planned sightseeing ensures travel at its most enriching and rewarding.

When we return to Cairo after our luxury cruise, we’ll be brimming with ideas, thoughts and questions about Egypt, both its contemporary society and its ancient wonders… the amazing temples and enigmatic pyramids that the Pharaohs left behind, and the mysteries that still surround their ancient feats of engineering and the complexity of their spiritual beliefs. So, don’t be surprised by the enthusiastic conversations that enliven our farewell cocktail reception and dinner at the deluxe Le Meriden Hotel, where we spend our final evening in Egypt. Who knows, maybe after a few cocktails, we’ll solve the mystery of how the Pyramids were built…

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An elegant journey aboard our luxury, all-balconied river cruiser… The Moon Goddess chartered just for Joan Hamburg and her guests

Our intimate 5-star ship is purpose-built for cruising on the Nile, with just 48 well-appointed outside staterooms. Every light-filled cabin features a private balcony and spacious bathroom with full-size bathtub. Your stateroom is elegantly-appointed like a deluxe hotel guestroom, with direct-dial telephone, individual climate control, well-stocked mini-bar, hairdryer, safety deposit box, and television.

Our days along the Nile will be filled with wondrous sightseeing through amazing sights of antiquity. While relaxing onboard the Moon Goddess, you can enjoy a cocktail or beverage in the spacious Lounge, or just sit back in one of the comfy chairs and enjoy the views. If you prefer to take in the views from the Sun Deck, you’ll find plenty of chairs with umbrellas to offer cooling shade. You can take a dip in the crystal clear pool and order a refreshing, icy cocktail from the Sun Deck Bar.

For the more active, a sun-filled air-conditioned Fitness Center offers state-of-the-art aerobic equipment.

Delightful shipboard meals are complemented with wine at dinner, and lively nightly entertainment reveals the rich traditions and culture of the Nile Valley.

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>Deposit, Payment & Visa Information

Deposit
A deposit of $450 per person is due within 7 calendar days of booking in order to secure your reservation.

Full Payment
Full payment is due on May 5, 2008. After May 5, full payment must be guaranteed at the time of booking with a credit card. After any payment has been made, a minimum $30 fee will be charged per transaction for any changes made to dates, hotels, or to ground or air transportation. When dates are changed, it is considered a cancelled trip and cancellation penalties will apply. Revisions to air tickets are subject to the rules and regulations of the fare type purchased. Prices may vary depending on the day of travel and airline class of service booked, which is determined by seat availability. All prices are subject to change without notice.

If The Traveler Cancels
Cancellations must be received in writing and are subject to the following per person fees:
• Between Feb 18 – May 5, $450 per person
• Between May 6 – June 5, 50% of price
• Between June 6 and day of departure, 100% of price
• Hotel bookings cancelled after departure from the USA are subject to 100% cancellation penalties.

Contact for Deposits & Final Payments
General Tours World Traveler
53 Summer Street, Keene, New Hampshire 03431
Email: info@generaltours.com

Transfers
Group transfers are included as indicated and are scheduled to meet air-inclusive arrangements purchased through General Tours. Transfers at other times may require an additional charge.

Travelers Requiring Special Assistance
Any disability requiring special attention should be reported to General Tours at the time the reservation is made. General Tours will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of such travelers, but it is not responsible for any denial of services by carriers, hotels, and other independent suppliers. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches, ships and other transportation vehicle, or other personal needs. Travelers who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion. Cruise ships have very limited handicapped facilities; almost all have stairs rather than elevators.

Passport & Visa
A U.S. Passport, valid for 6 months upon your return from travel, is required for Egypt, Israel and Jordan. Citizens of other countries are requested to consult their consulates to determine entry requirements.

U.S. Citizens are required to secure a visa for Egypt. We are pleased to do that for you upon arrival, on the spot. The cost is $25.00 cash.

U.S. Citizens are required to secure a visa for Jordan. We are pleased to do that for you upon arrival, on the spot. The cost is $15.00 cash.

U.S. Citizens are not required to secure a visa for Israel. It is visa-free.

For U.S. Citizens who enter Israel before traveling into Jordan, a visa must be arranged for in advance. Our visa service can provide correct documentation for a cost of $73.50.
However, this extra cost can be avoided by entering Jordan prior to visiting Israel.

We Highly Recommend Travel Insurance

If you cancel your trip for a reason covered under our Travel Insurance Plan, you will receive a money-back refund. Please click here for complete coverage details and costs.

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The wonders of Jerusalem as Israel marks its 60th Anniversary… Petra, one of the great marvels of the ancient world… Explore one or both – the perfect complement to your Nile journey!

Our four day extensions to the spectacular antiquity of Israel and Jordan have been specially designed for Joan’s guests with private transfers, private guiding, and the finest hotels. The perfect additions to our trip, travel before or after Egypt and choose one program or combine both. Of course, we are happy to customize anything you might like to do in the region. Just call our Concierge at 800-678-7942 and press 2.

>Israel

Jerusalem

Visiting in the 60th Anniversary Year of Israel

A city that travelers return to again and again, we offer three nights at the luxurious David Citadel Hotel just steps from the Old City. Our private transfers, guides, and sightseeing make a visit so easy …including Yad Vashem, the Israel Museum, Masada, Qumran and the Dead Sea …all at the time of Succoth. We’re pleased to extend your stay in Jerusalem, add Tel Aviv… just ask. A hearty Israeli breakfast is included every morning. $1,899 per person, double. $860 single supplement. Plus airfare.

Day 1 – Arrive Jerusalem

Upon arrival at the Tel Aviv airport, we’ll be met and transferred to our luxury hotel in the heart of Jerusalem. At the deluxe David Citadel Hotel, we’ll have marvelous views of the Old City from our Alcove Deluxe Rooms. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Day 2 – Discover Jerusalem

Following a hearty Israeli breakfast, we’ll join our private guide to explore Jerusalem’s most significant sites, including the Mount of Olives and the Western Wall. We’ll explore on foot through the Old City and visit two outstanding museums: The Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum and the Israel Museum, displaying the Dead Sea Scrolls and a fascinating model of Jerusalem from the time of the Second Temple. B

Day 3 – Jerusalem / Excursion to the Dead Sea and Masada

We travel via Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered, to the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea with an opportunity to take a ‘swim’ in this lowest place on Earth. We’ll ascend by cable car to the summit of Masada, and hear the inspiring history of this ancient citadel on the edge of the Judean Desert. Meals B

Day 4 –Depart Jerusalem

Transfer this morning to Tel Aviv Airport or, for those continuing onward to Jordan, to the Allenby Bridge.

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>Petra

Petra

Extraordinary sites from the times of the Romans, Nabateans, and Crusaders…

Two nights right at the entrance to the ancient Nabatean city of Petra offers plenty of time to explore this spectacular archeological treasure …one of the ‘7 New Wonders of the World.’ With another night in Amman, we also visit Moses’ traditional burial place overlooking the Holy Land, climb through the Crusader castle at Kerak and wander through the stunning Roman ruins of Jerash. We offer the best hotels …the Moevenpick at Petra and the Kempinski in Amman. A lavish buffet breakfast and dinner each night in Petra are included. $1299 per person, double. $450 single supplement. Plus airfare.

Day 1: Arrive Amman

Upon arrival at Amman Airport, we’ll be met and transferred to our deluxe hotel in the heart of the city, the beautiful Kempinski Hotel Amman. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Day 2: Amman /Jerash and along the King's Highway to Petra

We explore Jerash this morning, just a short drive north of Amman through the picturesque hills of ancient Gilead. Jerash is one of the best-preserved examples of a provincial Roman city, often referred to as the Pompeii of the East. We’ll see the magnificent Triumphal Arch, the Hippodrome, the Forum and the impressive Roman Bridge and then walk along a wide, marble-colonnaded avenue to the magnificent Temple of Artemis. After touring this ancient wonder, we continue along the King’s Highway to Madaba to marvel at Byzantine mosaics. We’ll see Mt. Nebo, the traditional site of Moses and explore the ancient Crusader town of Kerak. We arrive in Petra, one of the 7 New Wonders of the World, and settle-in to our Junior Suite accommodations at the Moevenpick Hotel, perfectly situated by the entrance to this ancient city. Tonight’s dinner is here at our hotel.

Day 3 - Petra

Today’s guided touring explores Petra, a spectacular architectural marvel and an important link in ancient caravan routes. Nestled among the dramatic cliffs of southern Jordan near the Jordan Rift Valley, the entire city is carved into the sides of a deep gorge, the only entrance through a narrow opening called the Siq. As we enter the lost city of Petra, emerging from between the 100-foot cliffs, a remarkable vista unfolds: Temples, tombs, and dwellings chiseled out of solid, rose-hued stone. Later, we return to our hotel for dinner.

Day 4 - Land of Lawrence of Arabia / Return to Amman

Following breakfast, we journey to Wadi Rum, a historic and illustrious site with a colorful past strongly associated with Lawrence of Arabia. Enjoy a tour of the moon-like desert landscape in a local Bedouin’s jeep before arriving at the Amman airport for your onward flight.

Jordan and Israel

Six amazing days filled with inspiring and enriching travel experiences…

It’s easy to combine both of these specially-planned trips for an extraordinary one-week journey you will never forget. Our Jordan and Israel trip includes all of the sightseeing and meals noted above. For easy reference, here’s an outline of the itinerary. $2999 per person, double. $1,280 single supplement. Plus airfare.

Day 1 – Arrive Amman , Jordan

Arrival transfer to our deluxe Kempinski Hotel Amman. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Day 2 - Amman / Jerash and along the Kings Way to Petra

Explore Jerash, Madaba and the Crusader town of Kerak en route to Petra. Enjoy dinner and Junior Suite accommodations at the Petra Moëvenpick Hotel.

Day 3 - Explore Petra

Full day guided exploration of this ancient wonder. Dinner at our hotel this evening.

Day 4 - Land of Lawrence of Arabia / Drive to Jerusalem, Israel

Explore Wadi Rum en route to the Allenby Bridge border crossing and change vehicles to continue onward to Jerusalem. Arrive to the 5-star David Citadel Hotel and check-in to Alcove Deluxe Rooms. The evening is at leisure.

Day 5 – Jerusalem

Full day privately guided touring includes the Old City, Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum and the Israel Museum.

Day 6 – Jerusalem / Dead Sea and Masada

Full day private excursion to the Dead Sea and Masada.

Day 7 –Depart Jerusalem

Transfer today to Tel Aviv Airport for your onward journey.