Egypt and Jordan
Escorted Tour by Tauck
Egypt & Jordan: Timeless Treasures, Ancient Lands
2010 – 13 Days from $5,475 plus on-tour airfare
The mysteries of ancient Egypt and Jordan
unfold before you on this 13-day journey of discovery to revered temples, tombs
and monuments that tell a story of 5,000 years of civilization. From hotels with
incredible views, to a 3-night River Nile cruise, to behind-the-scenes insights
by local experts, Tauck's Egypt and Jordan tour is unlike any other in these
historic lands.
Day-by-Day
Itinerary
2010 Itinerary
• Indicates cruise day
Day 1 - Welcome to Cairo
Your Egypt and Jordan tour begins at Mena House
Oberoi. A transfer is included from Cairo International Airport to
Mena House Oberoi, a sumptuous former royal hunting lodge in the shadow of
one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Since most international flights arrive between 3:00 and 11:00 PM local
time, you might want to consider traveling to Egypt a day early and arrange
a pre-stay in Cairo to ease the effects of jet lag before the first day of
sightseeing on your Egypt and Jordan tour begins.
Meals: A snack in your hotel
room upon late arrival
Lodging: Mena House Oberoi,
Cairo, Egypt
Day 2 - The Sphinx, Great Pyramid, and a camel
ride
Prepare for a day of awe-inspiring wonders at the
Pyramids! At Giza, see the Sphinx guarding the plateau, as it has for the
same 4,500 years. Marvel at the Great Pyramid of Cheops (Khufu), a crowning
architectural achievement, and smile for the camera as you ride a camel* at
the Pyramids. Visit the Solar Boat Museum, whose main attraction is an
ancient Egyptian cedarwood boat dating back 4,500 years. Attend a welcome
reception and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch,
dinner
Lodging: Mena House Oberoi,
Cairo, Egypt
Day 3 - Egyptian Museum and the "Boy King's"
treasures
A
lecture by a professor of modern Egyptian history kicks off your day,
followed by a visit to the Egyptian Museum to explore its world-renowned
collection of antiquities, many 5,000 years old - yet another memorable
experience on Tauck's Egypt & Jordan tour! Behold treasures found in the
tomb of the "Boy King," Tutankhamun, including his golden funeral mask,
solid gold coffin, carved throne, and jewelry. "Meet" other ancient rulers,
including the might Ramesses II, face-to-face in the Royal Mummy Room.
Later, a walking tour of Old Cairo with a local guide visits a local mosque
and includes time to wander through a local bazaar. This evening's elaborate
sound and light show at the Pyramids and the Sphinx in Giza is a spectacular
way to end this unforgettable day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Mena House Oberoi,
Cairo, Egypt
Day 4 - Early antiquities at Memphis, Sakkara
and Dahshur
Travel to the site of ancient Egypt's first capital,
Memphis, for a look at some of Egypt's oldest antiquities; you'll see the
Alabaster Sphinx and an imposing statue of Ramesses II. In Sakkara, visit
the Teti Pyramid, and view the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world's first
monumental structure built of stone. Continue off-the-beaten path to the
less-often visited necropolis at Dahshur for a look at the numerous
pyramids, temples and royal tombs there.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch,
dinner
Lodging: Mena House Oberoi,
Cairo, Egypt
• Day 5 - Abu Simbel, Aswan and the start of
Nile cruising
Take a private charter flight to Abu Simbel, in what was
once the ancient kingdom of Nubia. Marvel at the Great Temple honoring
Ramesses II - carved out of a cliff, with four 67-foot-high seated statues
of the pharaoh at the entrance - and the adjacent Temple of Hathor,
dedicated to his wife, Queen Nefertari. Cross part of the famous Sahara
Desert to Aswan to visit the Aswan High Dam, completed in 1971. Embark the
Nile Adventurer to start your cruise, then take a boat to the
Philae Temple on Agilka Island; dedicated to Isis, it was moved to its
present location to save it from the rising waters caused by the building of
the new dam. Meet the Nile Adventurer's officers at the Captain's
welcome dinner tonight aboard ship.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch,
dinner
Lodging: Aboard Nile
Adventurer
• Day 6 - Nile cruising, Kom Ombo and Edfu
Glimpse river life along the Nile while cruising aboard
Nile Adventurer, a highlight of
Tauck's Egypt and Jordan tour. Stop to visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, an
unusual double temple, and have tea at a replica of an ancient Nubian
village. Then it's on to the Temple of the Falcon God Horus in Edfu, one of
the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Return to the ship to attend a cooking
demonstration and private galley tour before donning Egyptian garb for a
festive Egyptian Night dinner featuring local cuisine and after-dinner music
and dancing.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch,
dinner
Lodging: Aboard Nile
Adventurer
• Day 7 - Temples of Karnak & Luxor & a carriage
ride
Your Egypt and Jordan tour continues in Luxor, site of
ancient Thebes, starting with an on-board lecture, followed by a visit the
vast Temple of Karnak with our Egyptologist; built over a span of 1,300
years, it is one of the world's largest temple complexes. Then tour the
Luxor Museum, displaying rich archaeological finds from the region's temples
and tombs. Ride a horse-drawn carriage this evening to visit the
spectacularly illuminated Temple of Luxor, noted for its avenue of sphinxes,
grand colonnades, and colossal statues of Ramesses II. Finally, the Captain
and crew of Nile Adventurer bid you a fond farewell with cocktails,
dinner and a folkloric show aboard ship tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch,
dinner
Lodging: Aboard Nile
Adventurer
Day 8 - Valleys of the Kings and Queens and a
felucca ride
Disembark Nile Adventurer for a major highlight
of your Egypt and Jordan tour - a visit to the Valley of the Kings, where at
least 62 ornately decorated tombs for the pharaohs were hidden; step into
another world as you enter King Tut's tomb! Our Egyptologist accompanies
your exploration of the Valley of the Queens, revealing 80 tombs of royal
family members; see Medinet Habu. Later, enjoy a sunset cocktail cruise on
the Nile aboard a traditional felucca, followed by dinner at your
hotel - where your room overlooks Egypt's timeless river!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch,
dinner
Lodging: Steigenberger Nile
Palace Luxor, Egypt
Day 9 - On to Jordan and Wadi Rum
Fly via private charter to Aqaba, Jordan, on the Red Sea,
where you'll set off for the next adventure on your Jordan tour - an
excursion by four-wheel-drive vehicle through the stunning, lunar-like
desert landscapes of Wadi Rum. Then continue through the desert to a
two-night stay overlooking the dramatic Petra Valley, home of the amazing
archaeological site.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch,
dinner
Lodging: Mövenpick Resort
Petra, Jordan
Day 10 - Amazing Petra, a city carved from stone
A short walk from your hotel lies the entrance to one of
the world's greatest archaeological sites - the 2,000-year old city of
Petra, which the ancient Nabataeans carved out of colorful sandstone cliffs.
Explore this incredible site's tombs, temples and other structures by foot
as well as by horse cart throughout most of the day. Later, meet a Bedouin
family on a visit to their private home near Petra, and enjoy dinner and
traditional entertainment at a restored 19th-century Bedouin village, now a
resort.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch,
dinner
Lodging: Mövenpick Resort
Petra, Jordan
Day 11 - In history's footsteps along the King's
Highway and the River Jordan
Continue your Jordan tour amidst spectacular views of the
Jordan Rift Valley as you wind your way along the 5,000-year-old King's
Highway, one of the oldest continuously used roads in the world; visit sites
where, thousands of years ago, biblical history was made. Stop at Bethany
beyond the Jordan, where John the Baptist is purported to have baptized
Jesus; pass Mt. Nebo, where Moses looked out on the “Promised Land," and
enjoy a lunch of traditional Jordanian specialties; and check out a
6th-century mosaic map of Biblical sites at St. George's Church in Madaba.
Your final destination today is your spa resort on the shores of the Dead
Sea.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch,
dinner
Lodging: Mövenpick Resort &
Spa Dead Sea, Jordan
Day 12 - Relax by the Dead Sea or explore Roman
Jerash
Take time to enjoy the amenities of your spa resort on
the Dead Sea today, or set off to visit the site of Jerash in Jordan. Here
you'll see some of the best-preserved remains of Roman architecture in the
Middle East, in what was once the city of Gerasa. Explore its Roman temples,
theatres, arches, walls and baths before returning to the resort for
tonight's farewell reception and dinner - a festive conclusion to your
unforgettable Egypt and Jordan tour.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch,
dinner
Lodging: Mövenpick Resort &
Spa Dead Sea, Jordan
Day 13 - Bound for home
Tour ends: Jordan. A transfer is
included from the Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea to the Queen Alia
International Airport in Amman and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Allow
a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in. Most international flights
depart in the early morning hours - you may want to rest and extend your
Jordan tour with an extra night's stay at your Dead Sea spa resort.
Meals: Breakfast
For activities marked with an asterisk(*),
participation is at your own risk and a signed liability waiver will be
required.
Experience Tauck's
Egypt and Jordan tour with a Nile River cruise -- book today!
Prices
13 Days from $5,475 plus airfare
2010 Price Per Person
January - December 14
|
Land / Cruise
Price |
+ |
On-Tour Air
(2 flights) |
= |
Total
per Person |
|
Nile Deck
(Standard Cabins) |
Double
|
$5475 |
+ |
$915 |
=
|
$6390 |
Single
|
$6445 |
+ |
$915 |
= |
$7360 |
Main Deck
(Standard Cabins)
|
Double
|
$5550 |
+ |
$915 |
= |
$6465 |
Single
|
$6567 |
+ |
$915 |
= |
$7482 |
Bridge Deck
(Standard Cabins)
|
Double
|
$5625 |
+ |
$915 |
= |
$6540 |
Single
|
$6683 |
+ |
$915 |
= |
$7598 |
|
Promenade Deck
(Standard Cabins) |
Double
|
$5700 |
+ |
$915 |
=
|
$6615 |
Single
|
$6801 |
+ |
$915 |
= |
$7716 |
Main Deck
(Deluxe Cabins)
|
Double
|
$5925 |
+ |
$915 |
= |
$6840 |
Single
|
$7277 |
+ |
$915 |
= |
$8192 |
Promenade Deck
(Presidential Suites)
|
Double
|
$6300 |
+ |
$915 |
= |
$7215 |
Single
|
$8032 |
+ |
$915 |
= |
$8947 |
December 15 – 31
|
Land / Cruise
Price |
+ |
On-Tour Air
(2 flights) |
= |
Total
per Person |
|
Nile Deck
(Standard Cabins) |
Double
|
$5680 |
+ |
$1010 |
=
|
$6690 |
Single
|
$6848 |
+ |
$1010 |
= |
$7858 |
Main Deck
(Standard Cabins)
|
Double
|
$5755 |
+ |
$1010 |
= |
$6765 |
Single
|
$6962 |
+ |
$1010 |
= |
$7972 |
Bridge Deck
(Standard Cabins)
|
Double
|
$5830 |
+ |
$1010 |
= |
$6840 |
Single
|
$7093 |
+ |
$1010 |
= |
$8103 |
|
Promenade Deck
(Standard Cabins) |
Double
|
$5905 |
+ |
$1010 |
=
|
$6915 |
Single
|
$7363 |
+ |
$1010 |
= |
$8373 |
Main Deck
(Deluxe Cabins)
|
Double
|
$6130 |
+ |
$1010 |
= |
$7140 |
Single
|
$7941 |
+ |
$1010 |
= |
$8951 |
Promenade Deck
(Presidential Suites)
|
Double
|
$6505 |
+ |
$1010 |
= |
$7515 |
Single
|
$8748 |
+ |
$1010 |
= |
$9758 |
More information on cruising aboard Nile
Adventurer.
Cruising Aboard
Nile Adventurer
Cruise to Egypt’s remarkable antiquities aboard the 5-star
Nile Adventurer, a sleek, elegant
cruiser with the feel of a comfortable private yacht.
Nile Adventurer’s state-of-the-art
design provides a relaxed and intimate atmosphere ideal for cruising the
legendary River Nile.
Nile Adventurer’s five spacious
decks include an upper sun deck with swimming pool, a lower sun deck with
outdoor bar, a restaurant featuring an international menu, lounge, library
and games room, gift shop and laundry, complemented by well-appointed
staterooms including two Deluxe Cabins and two Presidential Suites.
All staterooms are fully air-conditioned and outside-facing, overlooking the
Nile. Each features a private bathroom with bathtub, shower and hair dryer;
individual air conditioning controls; color TV, CD player and mini-bar;
electrical current is 220 volts / 50Hz.
Highly experienced in Nile cruising, the
Nile Adventurer’s seasoned crew of 34 includes well-trained security
personnel and an attentive staff that anticipates your needs, ensuring that
your cruise to the treasures of the Nile will be most memorable!
|
33 meals included.
Land / Cruise Price Includes: port
charges, cruise fare, shore excursions, wine with dinner aboard
Nile Adventurer, gratuities to ship
staff, local guides and drivers.
International Airfare is additional. Call
Tauck for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel
originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).
Please ask at time of booking about
additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our Guest Protection
Plan.
Need to Know
Inclusive Prices
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All
accommodations, motor coach and cruise ship transportation, sightseeing,
admissions, shore excursions, luggage handling and services of Tauck Directors
are included. Airport transfers are also included provided we receive accurate
air arrival information at least two weeks prior to the tour. Guests who book
additional nights after the tour at the Jordan Valley Marriott will also have
their transfers included.
Hotel and Ship Accommodations – Tauck’s price includes all hotel and ship
accommodations with private baths. The Tauck standard is to provide the best
available hotels without sacrificing value. Although the quality of
accommodations may differ from place to place, Tauck's commitment to your
comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are
not available on this tour.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
Tauck Director – “Egypt and Jordan: Timeless Treasure, Ancient Lands”
is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the
duration of the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained
employee of Tauck.
Gratuities Included – All gratuities for bellmen, luggage handling,
dining room servers, housekeepers, cruise staff, local guides and drivers are
included.
No Options Sold – Your Tauck Director will assist you with information on
free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but they will not
sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed, pleasant
experience for you.
On-Tour Flights
Airfare While on Tour – There are three on-tour flights which must be
purchased through Tauck as part of your tour package.
Not Included
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not
included. Airfare may be purchased from Tauck for travel originating in
the United States.
Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible
flight delays, many quests prefer to make hotel arrangements for the nights
preceding or following their tour. Flying time to Cairo averages about 16
hours from eastern gateway cities in the U.S., and may include a stopover in
Europe. Most international flights arrive between 3 PM and 11 PM local time,
seven hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time. The first day of sightseeing
is a busy day at the Pyramids. Guests may prefer to arrive one day early to
acclimate to the time change as well as the heat.
As a service, Tauck will book additional nights for you on a space-available
basis using special rates only available through Tauck. Hotel room charges
will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please
consult the
section on this website and discuss with the
reservations agent when you book your tour.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle
guests’ luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or
accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to
breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group
carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection
that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these
eventualities. Please refer to
for more information.
Personal Expenses - Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar
beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa
services (if applicable), and other optional incidental extras are not
included and may be significant.
Tauck Director Gratuities - The customary gratuity to the Tauck
Director is not included. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary,
individual basis and not as a group.
Additional Information
Airline Security Measures – In the U.S., you must provide
identification in the form of a passport at the time of airport check-in for
travel to international destinations. Your passport name must match the
name on your tour reservation and airline ticket or you may be denied
boarding.
If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you
will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is
required for that particular airport.
Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail
file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, and
aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your
airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible
carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.
You may also visit the U.S. Transportation Security
Administration Internet website to obtain more information on acceptable
identity documentation and prohibited luggage items by clicking
here.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through Tauck for travel
originating in the United States. By using Tauck's air services, you agree
that Tauck, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation,
is acting only as your agent and is not liable or responsible for any
accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other
loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of
any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide
services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors
and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by Tauck. Your airline
ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not Tauck),
even if purchased through Tauck. Tauck is not liable for, and does not assume
responsibility or accept claims with regard to, seat assignments, schedule
changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement
of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason
whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization or similar relief from creditors). Tauck must handle ticketing
for Tauck's special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be
guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other
promotional offer. Tauck's air services can only be purchased in conjunction
with a Tauck tour. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final
documents. If you cancel or change your air before or after departure, all
airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
River Cruise Regulations – Travelers must provide their passport number
and date of birth to Tauck at time of booking. Tauck must provide this
information to the cruise line before departure or you may be denied boarding.
Holidays and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time
may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state
and local holidays locally observed.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – Tauck pledges to make every
effort to operate all tours as advertised. Tauck reserves the right to alter
or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or
conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be
refunded to passengers. Any resultant added expense will be covered by Tauck.
Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to
unexpected significant external factors not forecasted at the time of
printing.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at time of booking and are
subject to change due to airline schedule changes. All booking agents and
guests will be advised of such changes. When making flight arrangements, allow
sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs.
Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves the right to
terminate the tour of any persons who are abusive of others or whose behavior
disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, Tauck will use photographs taken by
fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If
you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please
notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Preparing To Go
Air Conditioning – All hotels and the Nile Adventurer provide air
conditioning. All motor coaches are air-conditioned for your comfort.
ATM and Credit Cards ― We recommend that you contact
your bank in advance of departing for this tour to determine whether you will
be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your
bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges
being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may
appear to them to be “suspicious” charges. We also recommend that you make a
photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave
behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are
misplaced, lost or stolen.
Clothing and Packing -
Egypt has import restrictions on certain “high value”
personal items.
Please read the section on “Customs” below.
Select a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. We suggest you
wear loose, light cottons and linens in the summer and, in the winter, layers
that can be taken off during the heat of the day and put back on for cool
evenings. For the welcome and farewell dinners, many guests like to dress up,
but by all means be comfortable.
It is inadvisable for women to wear anything short or sleeveless unless on the
beach or by a pool so as not to offend local custom.
When visiting churches and mosques, women are not allowed to enter with bare
shoulders or short pants or short skirts. A scarf is acceptable to cover
shoulders if women are wearing a sleeveless top. Head covering is not
required. Men should also dress appropriately for a holy sanctuary. Shorts are
discouraged. Women and men will be required to remove their shoes in mosques.
We recommend that you pack your prescription medicines (an adequate supply to
last through your journey) along with your travel documents and a change of
clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that
your flight or luggage is delayed.
Following is a list of recommended items to pack:
- Comfortable walking shoes, well broken-in
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Eye drops for the dust when visiting pyramids and
temples
- Camera, extra film and batteries
- Wash-and-dry or antiseptic cleaner
- Bathing suit
- Binoculars
- Light jacket for cool nights on the river
- Travel alarm clock
All hotels on this tour offer valet laundry services.
Laundry service is available aboard the Nile Adventurer, but there are no dry
cleaning facilities on board.
Elevation - The maximum elevation on this tour is 3,000 ft (914 m) in
the hill city of Amman, Jordan. The lowest elevation is -1,230 ft ( -375 m) at
the Dead Sea (the lowest spot on Earth).
Health - All travelers to Egypt should be in reasonably good health.
There is a significant amount of walking on this tour and archaeological sites
and temple floors are far from even. On several days the walking can be
arduous, and even on those days when walking is not difficult, there may be
long stretches of time when guests will be on their feet. Guests who require
assistance walking may not be able to fully participate in the sightseeing.
If you have a medical condition which might limit your participation in
activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and
notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise
your Tauck Director accordingly.
We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to guests for walking,
dining or other personal needs. Persons needing such assistance must be
accompanied by an able companion who will assist them.
Special Health Information for this Tour:
The Nile Adventurer does not have an elevator; you will need to
navigate two flights of stairs to access guest cabins and public areas. We
regret that wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Disembarking the riverboat
requires walking down many steps to a narrow gangway. The steepness and the
number of steps depend upon the river water level.
Tap water in hotels, restaurants and aboard the Nile Adventurer is not
potable. Use caution when eating salad items that may have been washed in tap
water. Always drink bottled water with an unbroken seal. Well-known brands of
bottled beverages are generally considered to be safe. For the first few days
it may be advisable to clean your teeth with bottled water. Avoid having ice
in drinks unless you are confident it has been made with bottled water.
Eating uncooked vegetables should be avoided. Eat fruit that you can peel, and
make sure fresh fruit has been washed. Wash your hands before and after
eating. Most meals on this Egypt and Jordan tour are in hotel restaurants
where cleanliness is good and they are used to catering to westerners.
There is a physician on board the Nile Adventurer.
Smoking is very common in Egypt and Jordan. As a result, few restaurants and
hotels have nonsmoking sections. A “non-smoking” room often means the
establishment has merely removed the ashtray. Where possible we have requested
non-smoking rooms and non-smoking sections of restaurants.
On board the Nile Adventurer, smoking is only permitted on the outer
decks. Smoking is not allowed in cabins or in public areas. Smoking is not
permitted on motor coaches used during shore excursions.
For vaccination and inoculation information, guests should contact their
personal physician, the public health service in their area, or the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Travelers' Health
Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, pre-recorded “Travelers' Health
Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll free in the U.S). You may also log on to the
CDC Internet website at
www.cdc.gov.
Luggage Restrictions:
Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour
Due to space limitations aboard motor coaches and on-tour flights, only
one average-size piece of checked luggage per person, weighing up to 44
pounds, or 20 kilograms, is allowed. Luggage exceeding these restrictions is
at risk of being left behind, or, if permitted on board, may be subject to
additional excess luggage charges.
In addition, guests are limited to one soft-sided, carry-on bag per person
weighing no more than 15 lbs (6.8 kg), and no larger than an average knapsack.
Checked Luggage – General
While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one
piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make
it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked
luggage to one average size suitcase per person.
In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing size and
weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive
overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or
even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg)
per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without
notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable to the weight limit listed
above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine
current weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that
restrictions for luggage size and weight may vary with the same airline based
on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders
may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.
Tauck World Discovery cannot be held liable for additional fees or
inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage size, piece or weight
policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before
leaving home!
Carry-on Luggage – General
Although oversized bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline
travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or
on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for
numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is
typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses,
and small camera bags, etc.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your
hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you
need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film,
etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack
must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not be
accessible during daytime travel.
Travel Document Requirements – U.S. citizens traveling to Egypt and
Jordan require a passport with at least two blank visa pages and an expiration
date of at least six months beyond the completion of the tour. A visa
is also required for U.S. citizens visiting Egypt and Jordan.
U.S. citizens may obtain their Egypt visas in one of the three following ways:
1. A renewable, 30-day tourist visa may be easily
obtained on arrival at Cairo International Airport. The cost is currently $15,
payable in U.S. dollars only. Visitors arriving overland and/or those
previously experiencing difficulty with their visa status in Egypt should
obtain a visa prior to arrival.
2. Tauck has partnered with Zierer Visa Service for
processing visas to destinations in which U.S. citizens are required to have
an entry visa. Over the past several years, Zierer Visa Service has
effectively processed hundreds of visas for Tauck travelers. Tauck will
automatically send a visa application once a reservation is made and the
deposit received. The visa fee, as well as any applicable consular fees and
shipping fees, are not included in the tour cost, and payment should be mailed
with the completed application directly to the visa service. The amount of the
visa fee varies by destination nd will be stated on the application.
For more information or to download a Zierer Visa Service application, please
log on their Internet website by clicking
here.
To speak directly with ZVS Customer Service, call 866-788-1100 (toll-free in
the U.S.). Please note that visas cannot be processed more than 90 days prior
to departure and that the process will take several weeks.
3. A visa may be obtained directly through an
Egyptian Consulate. For more information, log on to the Internet website by
clicking here.
The Jordan Visa is included for U.S. citizens in the price
of the tour and will be obtained for them by the Tauck Director while on tour.
Citizens of other countries should contact an embassy or consulate of Egypt
and of Jordan to determine what travel documentation is required.
In addition, we recommend that you make at least two
photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include
copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance,
date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as the front and back sides
of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room
while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist
you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.
Travel with Children –
Age Recommendations – Children 5 years of age
or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon
our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum
recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All
children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least
one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to
make a reservation.
Babysitting – Tauck journeys are designed for adults and
children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have
occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your
Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with
whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are
met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do
offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting
services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck
Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility – We welcome the participation
of child travelers on our exciting excursions. For safety and security
purposes, children under 18 years of age must be booked into a room with at
least one accompanying adult. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck
journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child
with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour.
By traveling with Tauck, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all
liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are
traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Authorization for Travel
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you
should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child
abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as
possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents,
you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a
child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or
friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not
traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are
traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so.
CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see
this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be
detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents
can be fully assessed.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole
custody, etc.), any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision,
birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., will be
useful.
All children who are U.S. citizens should also have a certified copy of
their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of
14 are also required to have a photo ID.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without
both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply
with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is
available from each country’s consulate.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will
require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore,
we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents
authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
Tauck is not responsible for the disruption of travel
caused by improper documentation for any travelers, including children
traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or
standard for these letters, click
here to
view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
Destination Information
Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant
communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family,
and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell
phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their
vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that guests refrain from cell phone
usage during motor coach travel, group functions, sightseeing and when the
Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There are usually ample
opportunities to make or receive calls at times when it does not affect
others.
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine if your service extends to
Egypt and Jordan.
Currency and Exchange Rates - The official currency in Egypt is the
Egyptian Pound (EGP); in Jordan, the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Most major credit
cards are accepted in better hotels, restaurants and tourist shops. Banks are
usually closed on Friday and/or Saturday, but private exchange bureaus and
banks in hotels open daily, if not 24 hours a day. ATMs are available, though
acceptance of foreign cards is limited.
Contact your bank in advance of departure to determine whether you will be
able to use your credit card or ATM card in Egypt and Jordan. Should you have
any questions, your Tauck Director will be happy to assist you.
To obtain the up-to-date currency exchange rate, you may want to check your
local newspaper or log on to the Internet website
www.oanda.com.
Important Note - Personal incidental accounts aboard the Nile
Adventurer may be settled in cash (U.S. dollars), travelers’ checks,
American Express, Visa or MasterCard. There is no foreign exchange facility on
the ship.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping:
Import Regulations: "High value" articles that a traveler brings to Egypt
- particularly computers and camcorders, but also including cameras,
typewriters, tape recorders, VCR's and other electronic items - must be
declared upon entry, be listed on the traveler's passport, and be duly
exported at the conclusion of the visit. If "high value" items are not
re-exported at the time of departure, duty must be paid. In the case of
certain electronic and computer goods, duty can be as high as 100%. Cigarettes
and alcohol are permitted in limited amounts. Duty-free camera film is limited
to 25 rolls for still cameras and 10 reels for movie cameras.
For U.S residents returning to the United States, current regulations permit
bringing back $800 worth of items duty-free, as long as you physically bring
them with you. There are limits to the alcohol and tobacco that can be a part
of this exemption - one-liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and 100 cigars.
Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the
United States. Please call your local customs office or consult the U.S.
government's customs website for further details and up-to-date limits at.
www.cbp.gov.
Residents of other countries should refer to their own country’s rules and
regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance.
Electrical Current - The electrical current in Egypt, Jordan and
onboard the Nile Adventurer is 220v, 50 Hz, and sockets take the standard
continental European dual round-pronged plug. Guests whose appliances do not
meet this standard will need to bring the appropriate converters and adapters.
These items can be purchased in a store that specializes in travel products.
Time Zones – Egypt and Jordan are 2 hours ahead of Coordinated
Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). From late March through September in
Amman, and late April through September in Cairo, these locations switch to
Daylight Savings Time and are both 3 hours ahead. In June, Cairo is 7 hours
ahead of New York City. To determine current time in major cities around the
world, we suggest you log on to the Internet website
www.timeanddate.com.
Weather - Egypt has one of the hottest and sunniest climates
in the world, although on the whole it can be best described as mild. While
the midsummer months can get quite hot, the heat is less taxing than elsewhere
because of low humidity. Jordan is similarly hot and dry. Rainy days are few
and far between in Cairo, and nearly unknown in Upper Egypt. In Jordan the
winter months can average 2 inches or 50 millimeters of precipitation per
month. Cairo and Amman can be chilly from December through February. As in all
desert climes, it would be wise to pack both lightweight and warm clothing to
accommodate the change in temperature between day and night.
Climate Chart
|
|
Average Temperature
|
|
|
Cairo, Egypt
|
Luxor, Egypt
|
|
Month
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
|
January
|
68 / 50
|
20 / 10
|
74 / 49
|
23 / 9
|
|
February
|
68 / 50
|
20 / 10
|
74 / 49
|
23 / 9
|
|
March
|
73 / 54
|
23 / 12
|
83 / 56
|
28 / 13
|
|
April
|
82 / 59
|
28 / 15
|
93 / 65
|
34 / 18
|
|
May
|
89 / 64
|
32 / 18
|
100 / 71
|
38 / 22
|
|
June
|
93 / 70
|
34 / 21
|
104 / 76
|
40 / 24
|
|
July
|
93 / 72
|
34 / 22
|
104 / 78
|
40 / 26
|
|
August
|
92 / 72
|
33 / 22
|
102 / 77
|
39 / 25
|
|
September
|
90 / 69
|
32 / 21
|
99 / 74
|
37 / 23
|
|
October
|
85 / 65
|
29 / 18
|
93 / 68
|
34 / 20
|
|
November
|
75 / 58
|
24 / 14
|
81 / 56
|
27 / 13
|
|
December
|
67 / 51
|
19 / 11
|
75 / 48
|
24 / 9
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amman, Jordan
|
|
|
Month
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
|
|
|
January
|
52 / 39
|
11 / 4
|
|
|
|
February
|
55 / 40
|
13 / 4
|
|
|
|
March
|
61 / 44
|
16 / 7
|
|
|
|
April
|
71 / 51
|
22 / 11
|
|
|
|
May
|
80 / 57
|
27 / 14
|
|
|
|
June
|
85 / 63
|
29 / 17
|
|
|
|
July
|
88 / 67
|
31 / 19
|
|
|
|
August
|
88 / 67
|
31 / 19
|
|
|
|
September
|
85 / 64
|
29 / 18
|
|
|
|
October
|
79 / 58
|
26 / 14
|
|
|
|
November
|
66 / 49
|
19 / 9
|
|
|
|
December
|
56 / 42
|
13 / 6
|
|
|
To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the
Internet website,
www.weather.com.
