Hi Ngaire.

Please count me in. (I am coffeecup's sister).

Thanks so much,

Marcia

Ray and I discussed it this am and we agree with Ralph...this is a one time Nile cruise, so we are opting for the Oberoi Zahara and the 7 night cruise,(I also did the math) We also want to do the post Petra 5 nighter.

Abu Simbel looks like a go as well.

Life is to short not to travel while we have our health and are able to smell the roses....plus the extra nights means more POOCH time.

Ngaire,
what is the single supplement?

thanks,

Marcia

Then Doug and I update our vote with Anne as she is the expert.

WOOOO HOOOO the list is growing for the Oberoi.

Having cruised the Suez back in 2005 ,we both decided that we really wanted to do a Nole cruise and that 7 nights and 8 days would be best(for us).Egypt is an amazing place.

Plus one has to visit Petra ...the number one antiquity of modern times?

Pete and I vote for the longer cruise on the Oberoi. While we will go no matter which cruise is chosen, the extra days and private docking abilities of the Oberoi make it the more attractive choice for us.

Pat, I had to laugh when I read your comment about more nights meant more time for "Pooch" - my thoughts exactly!

Kathy

I vote for the Oberoi too. If I can actually get Jerel to join me might as well go for the longer trip.

Russ and I are in. We vote for Oberoi, but either is great. Anne would not let us down, and more pooch is an added bonus.
Thanks for putting the options together.

Susan

We're really interested and would vote for the Oberoi also. One problem for us is the timing--not because we're so busy, but because the weather is pretty chilly in Cairo in Feb/early March (50s/60s). For that reason, we might rather go on the shorter trip later in March after it warms up a little. Hopefully I'm wrong about the weather--can someone set me straight?

I was there the end of March several years ago & the weather was perfect during the day in Cairo. It was chilly for the evening light show at the Pyramids.
Abu Simbel was probably my favorite site visited, but I didn't go to Petra and have kicked myself every since. I do advise adding Abu Simbel to your trip if possible, even if you have to do it on your own.

Boats moored side by side at Luxor.

We were in Cairo in June, 2006, and it was too hot. We would've welcomed the late Feb. - early March average highs 68-75. The highest recorded in Feb is 92 and March highest is 101. The respective low averages are 48 and 52. (These temps are from "World Weather Guide" updated in 1990 - and now with "global warming" ...)

Abu Simbel, adjacent to Sudan, was a wilting 115.

We were in Cairo and Luxor in March in 2005 and the daytime weather was hot,especially in valley of the Kings...had to be well over 100f.

The night show at the Pyramids was sooo cold I thought the gods were punishing us for being in the most awe inspiring location I had ever been in. To think of who had sat there before us and saw what we were seeing...Cleopatra...Marc Anthony...Liz taylor & Richard Burton....OK just kidding.

All you have to do is dress warmly for outside at night...during the day its fine.

Peggy - we were there March 24 through ? April 5. Temps were comfortable to getting hot in the deserts (see Ted's comment about Abu Simbel. I still have visions of Marc making a country collection run to get his passport stamped in Sudan and still make the flight back from Abu Simbel to Aswan .. NOT. Cairo is a desertlike climate. Warm to hot during midday; cool to cold at night.

Pat - absolutely. The end of the Pyramids sound and light show was sooo cold!

With any luck, we'll join all of you for this adventure.

Cheers, Anne

Thanks all, the weather doesn't sound too bad -- at least for me. Poor Jerry though, it's in the mid-80's here now(low 70s in the mornings) and he's got on a sweatsuit plus a jacket because he thinks it's cold :rolleyes: We'd have to bring him a blanket to the sound and light show.

One option includes Egypt entrance visa, the other one doesn't mention it. Does that mean it's excluded for the second option?

I think it is just the way Ngaire typed it. If you look at the Oberoi under the third bullet it says visa. So I concluded it was included. Just listed a little differently.

Oh, thanks, Ralph! I called myself looking, but I'm running in circles lately so I obviously missed that.

Oberoi resounding favorite so we go from there.

I am innocent on the typing of the tour inclusions copied it STRAIGHT from K&D. Nice when you can blame someone else. Always works for me!!

It made more sense to get a direction and then go forward with the details than do all the detail on two different itineraries. The Oberoi should be fantastic.

I have asked K&D to come up with the full itinerary, the terms and conditions, payment, deposit, cancellation etc. Also cost for extra night in Cairo as I know many of you will want one extra night to crash. The Four Season Residence is where we stayed and it is connected to a mall which we really enjoyed. Fun to look in the Egyptian shops.

The Oberoi dates are set in stone as actually K&D has chartered the ship for this date. It will be our group and then K&D will sell other guests on the boat. This will make it much more fun. Even though we are all LCT this will make it more congenial for the other guests on board as we all know we are on the same "charter" together.

K&D are reading this thread so will be answering your questions either by posting or through me which ever they prefer.

Great process to achieve consensus. Well done, LCT!

Egypt visa shouldn't be a deal breaker - you can get it at the airport for $15.

This sounds to good for Fred and I to miss. Excellent website! Our daughter's wedding is the end of 09, so we will most probably need this!! Looks like you can add us to the count! Will be on PG for 21 days next week, so will try to tear myself away from paradise for further updates.

Okay Ruth I will put you on the list for further details.

Thanks, Ted! It wasn't going to be a deal breaker, I was just curious.

Ruth, enjoy the PG, that's the only one of the current fleet that we haven't been on.

Hi Ruth, I love so see you posting! :hug:

Ruth we met on Lamb???????

Sounds great! We are interested.

Miriam & Leonard

Hi Susan. I really am still such a lurker. Hello to my sweetie Mark. Joanna, yes we did have the pleasure of your company on Lamb. We met when your Lambs met us Pearls in Tahiti. You made a point of coming over to met us. We won't forget that night!I love the friendship on this board!! This Nile trip sounds awesome!

Well some bad news and some good news.

Bad News
K&D have been talking to Oberoi since I asked K&D to move forward with our trip. Oberoi is insisting on a total charter where K&D must pay in full for each and every cabin. In these economic times K&D is not prepared to take that risk and of course I cannot do that either. There was no flexibility on Oberoi's part and I know K&D has done all they can. So if you want to go on the Oberoi you will have to do that independently.

SOME REALLY GOOD NEWS
K&D has also been talking to the Triton and their land operators in Egypt. We have what I think is a GREAT plan. I think this is a far better itinerary than our old Triton itinerary and it is obvious that K&D really went out on a limb here for us as they felt so bad about the Oberoi situation.

It is more nights and more inclusions and a better price. $7682 for 10 nights with Abu Simbel included. Old plan was $7785 for eight nights and no Abu Simbel. No doubt they are giving us a good price on this itinerary. Also on the Triton all drinks are included and for those bathtub lovers we have bathtubs.

Everything always works out for the best one way or another.

K&D told me that the Triton 7 day trip is not really that good as the first part of the trip would be boring and K&D feel it is not the best use of our time or money.

Since I REALLY feel EVERYONE should do Abu Simbel I asked them to include it in the package. They came up with a new plan. I will have a full itinerary it has a lot of pictures that makes it very attractive but hard to post it all here. So I took out all the pictures and just posted the text.

We do the same thing in Cairo as Cairo as before then we fly straight from Cairo to the airport for Abu Simbel. This way we can all do Abu Simbel together and it is included in the pricing. Then fly to Aswan where we spend two nights before boarding the Triton. Anne mentioned Aswan was the highlight of her trip and Ken and I did not get to spend much time in Aswan on our last trip. She also said that she loved the Nubian Village so we included that also. When Anne speaks - I listen!

We will stay at the Movenpick Elephantine which looks great. I read reviews and they are very good. It is now totally renovated and I think it will be a wonderful place to stay. It is on an island in the middle of the Nile. I asked about the Old Cataract but it is closed and there is no date set for it to re-open. If it does re-opens it is fantastic, and we can talk about changing to that hotel if we decide we want to do that.

So here are the basic details. I literally JUST got this and wanted to get it to you as soon as I could. My time for being gone for a full month is looming. AMA - GAME - SAMBA I will be gone forever.

Egypt Aboard the M.S. Triton

Featuring: Cairo, Aswan and Nile Cruise Aboard the Triton

March 2010
Specially Arranged Brown and Keene Travel

Your tour at a glance:
Day Date Itinerary Accommodation Meals
1 Arrive Cairo Four Seasons
2 Cairo Four Seasons B,L,D
3 Cairo Four Seasons B,L,D
4 Cairo/Aswan Movenpick Elephantine B,D
5 Aswan Movenpick Elephantine B,L,D
6 Aswan M.S. Triton B,L,D
7 Aswan/Kom Ombo/Edfu/Esna M.S. Triton B,L,D
8 Esna/Luxor M.S. Triton B,L,D
9 Luxor M.S. Triton B,L,D
10 Luxor/Cairo Fairmont Heliopolis B
11 Depart Cairo B


Tour includes:
Eyptian Visa
• Meet and greet and private ground transportation throughout entire tour
• Accommodations as per itinerary
• Meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• VIP Services; Customs, Visa and Baggage Fast Track
• Services of a Private English Speaking Egyptologist / Guide throughout the entire trip (Cairo / Cairo).
• Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence - three nights - Superior Rooms, including breakfast
• Private Light & Sound Show at the Pyramids Area – exclusive for group
• Private dinner at an Egyptian home
• Private dinner in Cairo aboard yachts
• Tours in Cairo on private basis with lunch
• Egyptian Museum – private visit
• Entrance fees for scheduled sightseeing
• Abu Simbel Excursion with air
• Movenpick Elephantine Island, two nights, standard room, including breakfast
• Private BBQ dinner on Basma Island
• Domestic Flights (Cairo/Aswan and Luxor/Cairo) Coach Class
• M.S. Triton, four nights, full board
• Fairmont Heliopolis, one night, standard room, including breakfast
• One small bottle of Mineral water per person - per tour & transfer
• Service charges, taxes and tips
• Porterage at airports & hotels
• Pre-departure reading list and country information
• Ker & Downey travel duffel for light aircraft flights, document wallet and bag tags
Tour does not include:
• International airfare – quote available on request
• All items of a personal nature (i.e. telephone calls, internet, beverages, laundry etc.) unless specifically listed above
• Meals not mentioned above, or beverages during meals
• Passport fees or personal travel insurance
• Airport departure taxes and excess baggage fees
• Anything not specifically listed in the “Tour includes” section

Tour Cost – Per person, sharing $7,682.00

Itinerary – Brown and Keene – Egypt Revealed


Day 1
Arrive Cairo
Four Seasons First Residence

Welcome to Egypt! On arrival you are met and assisted through the immigration and visa process. Transfer to the Four Seasons First Residence Hotel.

Cairo: Cairo has at various times been called Memphis, Babylon-in-Egypt, Heliopolis, El-Fustat and most recently, Al-Qahira (the Conqueror). With a population of 16 million, Cairo is the largest city in the Middle East and Africa, and is the center of all routes leading to and from three continents: Asia, Africa and Europe. Here, past and present meet in a glorious diversity of cultures.

Modern Cairo is an architectural fusion of old and new, where skyscrapers and ancient monuments stand side by side. The Pyramids of the Pharaohs, early Christian monasteries and churches, Salah El-Din's Citadel and mosques of the Mamluke and Ottoman sultans form a historical mosaic. Greater Cairo encompasses both historic towns and modern districts, resulting in one of the world's largest metropolises. To the north is Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC as a gateway to Greece; to the northeast, on the Mediterranean Sea, lie Port Said and the Suez Canal.

Four Seasons First Residence: A gracious sanctuary of Four Seasons hospitality and service, with impressive views of the Great Pyramids over the old-growth canopy of Cairo’s ancient Zoological and Botanical Gardens. The Hotel is at the center of the First Residence apartments and shops on the west bank of the Nile.
Accommodations at Four Seasons First Residence – Superior Room


Day 2
Cairo
Four Seasons First Residence
After breakfast embark on a full day of touring.

Little remains of Memphis, the first capital of the united Lower & Upper Egypt, as the stones were plundered to build Cairo. On the plateau above lies Sakkara, a cemetery for Memphis used continuously for 3,000 years.

The Pyramids of Giza are dominated by the Great Pyramid, constructed for King Cheops around 2650 B.C. Close to the eastern flank of the Pyramid of Cheops are three small pyramids dedicated to either his wives or family members. The second pyramid, built for Kephren, son of Cheops, southwest of his father's pyramid, has a simple interior with two entrances on the north side. The third one was built for Mycerinus (Menkaure), Cheops' grandson, lies southwest of the others and is the smallest of the three.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

On the way to the pyramid of Kephren sits the statue of the Great Sphinx of Giza, one of the most famous monuments in the world, a legendary figure with the body of a lion and the face of a man.

Enjoy a special dinner this evening in a private home.
Accommodations at Four Seasons First Residence – Superior Room – Breakfast- Lunch


Day 3
Cairo
Four Seasons First Residence
After breakfast embark on a full day of touring.

A full day of sightseeing begins with a visit to the Citadel, a medieval fortress in the time of Saladin built with blocks from the Queens Pyramids at Giza. Visit the Alabaster Mosque built for Mohammed Ali, modeled after the one in Istanbul.

Egyptian Museum of Antiquities is considered one of the most prominent museums in the world. It was built during the reign of Khedive Abbass Helmi II in 1897, and opened on November 15, 1902. It has 107 halls divided into seven sections, each section devoted to one era in Egypt's history. The museum's most significant showpiece is the Tutankhamun collection. View the images of Akhenaten (the heretic king), Queen Hetepheres jewelry and solid silver coffins of the 21st dynasty kings.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant.

Khan El Khalili Bazaar is a highlight for local shopping and cultural flavor! Dating back to the 14th century, this market is renowned for its magnificent examples of fine gold and silver work, embroidered clothing, leather goods and hand-carved woodwork.

Dinner is included aboard private yachts this evening.
Accommodations at Four Seasons First Residence – Superior Room – Breakfast – Lunch - Dinner


Day 4
Cairo/Abu Simbel/Aswan
Movenpick Resort - Elephantine Island
After breakfast fly to Abu Simbel.

The magnificent rock-hewn temples at Abu Simbel feature Ramesses II and that of his Queen, Nefertari. They were moved about 40 years ago, 200 feet above their original site now inundated by Lake Nasser and re-housed in an artificial mountain which successfully recreates their original setting.

Continue on by air to Aswan. On arrival you are met and transfer to your hotel.

The Movenpick Resort – Elephantine Island is the perfect place to relax in some of the most beautiful, natural surroundings in Egypt –The Resort is set on an island in the middle of the River Nile in one of the most enchanting natural locations.

Visit the Nubian Village this afternoon.
Accommodations at Movenpick Resort – Standard Room – Breakfast - Dinner


Day 5
Aswan
The Movenpick Resort – Elephantine Island
Visit San Simeon Monastery and the Nubian Museum.

Enjoy a BBQ dinner this evening on Basma Island.
Accommodations at Movenpick Resort – Standard Room Breakfast – Lunch - Dinner

Day 6
Aswan
Enjoy the morning at leisure.

Board the M.S. Triton. Lunch is served onboard.

Visit the High Dam, Temple of Philae, and the ancient granite quarries, in use since the first Dynasty to see the unfinished obelisk – Egypt’s tallest had it ever been disengaged – which clearly demonstrates how stone was extracted in ancient times.
Accommodations M.S. Triton – Full Board


Day 7
Aswan / Kom Ombo / Edfu / Esna
M.S. Triton
Cruise downstream to Kom Ombo to visit the twin sanctuaries of crocodile-headed Sobek and hawk-headed Haroeris, uniquely set, side-by-side in a single picturesque Ptolemaic temple on a hill overlooking the Nile. Of special interest here, are the surgical instruments depicted in the reliefs on the temple walls. Continue sailing to Edfu arriving after lunch. Visit the almost perfectly preserved Ptolemaic temple of Horus, protector of the sun god, whose exploits and cult are detailed on the corridor walls surrounding the building. The ever-dark rooms, their walls crowded with dumpy figures and clumsy late hieroglyphs, are unchanged since ancient times. Interestingly, some of the cartouches for the royal name are empty; indicating how swiftly the throne could change hands.
Accommodations M.S. Triton – Full Board


Day 8
Esna / Luxor
M.S. Triton
A short distance away from the Nile in Esna is the Ptolemaic Temple of Khnum in a pit excavated in the middle of town. Only the vestibule now remains but there are interesting reliefs of the emperor Domitian slaying enemies and Commodus netting fish and waterfowl.

Arrive at Luxor after lunch. Visit the Temple of Luxor built by Amenophis III for his wife and son. This is a well-preserved non-funerary cult temple from 1400 b.c. In the evening visit the Karnak temple for the Sound and Light Show.
Accommodations M.S. Triton – Full Board


Day 9
Luxor
M.S. Triton
Cross the Nile to the West Bank visiting the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Tombs of the Nobles, and the Valley of the Queens before returning to the ship via the Colossi of Memnon.

In the afternoon visit the Temple of Karnak where a massive mud brick wall encloses a sacred lake and temples of Ptah, Osiris, Opet and Khonsu. Visit the new Luxor Museum which presents its artifacts in a modern environment.
Accommodations M.S. Triton – Full Board

Day 10
Luxor/Cairo
Fairmont Heliopolis
Disembark after breakfast and fly to Cairo.

The Fairmont Heliopolis hotel offers a convenient location just 3 miles from Cairo International Airport. Heliopolis is a tree lined suburb of Cairo that is home to Egypt’s Diplomatic and Presidential offices.

Indulge in authentic Lebanese cuisine and belly dancing at the Lebanese restaurant, Al Dabke or crafted pasta at Leonardo’s. Live music will keep you entertained until the closing bell at Dart’s English Pub. From spring through early winter, you can spend the evening under the stars and around the pool area while enjoying local entertainment. The hotel features a wide range of facilities and personalized service for business and leisure travelers. The warm, inviting lobby provides a preview of the well-designed touches included throughout the property, from a variety of full-service restaurants and bars to 588 comfortable guest rooms with high speed internet access.
Accommodations at Fairmont Heliopolis – Standard Room – Breakfast


Day 11
Cairo/Depart
In transit
Transfer to the airport for departure.
End of Ker & Downey Services

We can add a Petra extension for $2195 per person for five nights.

That sounds like an amazing trip/deal, Ngaire! Wow! We are so in!

Fantastic. We are in

Sounds great. Thanks, Ngaire. We're in.

Carol and Ralph are in.

Questions-
Are you still planning on a post trip option to Petra. If so Carol and Ralph want to be included.

The day from Cairo to Abu Simbel sounds very busy. Two airplane rides? Does sound like the best way to do this but was curious about the intinery being too busy.

Will pricing remain in US $ or is it in EURO's and you have converted using current rate.

What are the dates in March. Carol and I will want to arrive a day early to recover from jet lag.

I am assuming that this is a casual kind of trip clothes wise and am planning on using the safari clothes. Is any laundry possible at somepoint , maybe on the ship. Not a big deal but just asking.

Yes Petra still offered.

Ralph easier with Abu Simbel. Normally you fly Cairo to Aswan, change planes and fly to the airport at Abul Simbel. Then after touring you fly back to Aswan.

This is better. Cairo direct to Abu Simbel. Tour then fly back to Aswan. Saves one flight.

Did not ask about $$ to Euros but most tours with K&D in Houston are just in $$ and they float with the Euro or Rand- win or lose it is their issue not ours.

The available dates on board Triton that he gave us before are:
• 02/25/2010 – 03/01/2010
• 03/25/2010 – 03/29/2010

I think he has this worked for the March dates since he has indicated March on the itinerary. I just put this out as soon as I got it. We would be coming in early than this of course these are the embarkation dates. No problem adding earlier nights.

Do not know about the laundry but Anne will know since she has been on the Triton I am sure they offer it.

Next step is terms and conditions, pricing for early arrival in Cairo, deposits, payments, cancellation etc. David is the name of the VP I am working with at K&D and he will get all that to me shortly. He is currently working that out with the supplier in Egypt. I just wanted to move forward with the itinerary for everyone to see.

Sounds good. I'm with Ralph, good reason to dig out the safari clothes.

Oh, this itinerary looks spectacular! I'll need to put together a presentation for Len and step him through everything (he doesn't read the forum).

As for scheduling, the March date would be ideal since it's the tail end of my busy season at work. I'll need a vacation!

Andrea

Add Arlene and me to the list!

After seeing so many tombs in China, Arlene said that Egypt has to be next.

We're still on board for the Triton and Petra. We will also go into Cairo a day or so ahead to recover from the jet lag. Start looking for a couple of good restaurants Ralph. You're right folks....have to get more wear out of those safari clothes....don't forget the fleece vests for nights on the desert. :hug: :hug: are nice but are not warm enough to keep you warm,LOL

Keep us on the list--we'll probably want to go in a little early also.

You are wonderful Ngaire and the trip sounds even better. Keep us on the list also.

Susan

I hope I'm on the list, Ngaire!