Itinerary and Tour Guide Bios for Egypt April 18-May 1, 2011

April 18-May 1, 2011
*Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1: APRIL 18, 2011  ~Meet at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York at the Egypt Air counter for international check-in.
Please arrive no later than 2:25 pm EST. We will conduct a brief orientation to meet all the members of our group and board our non-stop flight to Cairo, which departs at 6:30 p.m. The flight is 11 hours.

MEALS: Food and movies are provided on board.

DAY 2: APRIL 19, 2011  ~Welcome to Egypt!
We arrive in Cairo, Egypt at approximately 12:00 Noon, local time. At the airport, representatives from our local tour partners, Nagar Travel, will meet, greet and assist us through customs and baggage claim as well as handle our luggage. No wrestling with suitcases! Then we board our van and begin our journey! There will be many sights to see as we make our way through the hustle and bustle of this amazing city.

We will see the sights of downtown Cairo – the Mosque of Mohammed Ali, the City of the Dead and the Nile River. We will make our way to the fabulous Marriott Hotel, known as the Palace, which was formerly a real palace. We settle into our clean and comfortable rooms, then we will have a wonderful group dinner in the evening, then get a good night’s rest in preparation for our exciting day tomorrow.

MEALS: Breakfast on plane, snack on bus, and dinner at  hotel.

DAY 3: APRIL 20, 2011  ~Valley Temples, Sphinx and Great Pyramid  A very special day! Directly after breakfast and our group gatherings, we travel from the hotel to the Giza Plateau. Words cannot describe the wonder, grandeur and mystery of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, as well as, the magnificent adjoining Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure.

Next, we take in the Queen’s Pyramid, the Solar Boat Museum, the Valley Temple and the Guardian of the Horizons and the Great Sphinx. In the Valley Temple, we experience our first sacred ceremony, here we will set our personal and group intentions for the trip! This is the day you can choose to take a fun camel ride around the Giza Plateau, or just walk around and take your photos. Finally for those interested in high quality Egyptian oils, we will have a fun time at the perfume and oil shop. We will return to the luxurious Marriott Palace, tired, but smelling great!

MEALS: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel, lunch on tour.

DAY 4: APRIL 21, 2011 ~Aswan
We arise for an early flight to Aswan for our 3-night/4-day cruise down the Nile and our stay in a hotel on the Nile, but first we visit Abu Simbel. With Lake Nasser always visible on the left side, our plane takes us deep into the southern desert, almost to the Sudanese border. In the 1960’s, with the building of the Aswan High Dam, rising waters from Lake Nasser threatened to inundate archeological treasures all along the Nile in Upper Egypt. Through an unprecedented international effort, the most important temple, Abu Simbel, along with some smaller sites, were cut into massive blocks, moved to higher ground and reassembled.

As we make our way to the temple site, approaching from the back, we see only a very plain rounded hill with pathways to either side. As we round the hill, we are awe-struck by the mind-bending sight. Before us loom four colossal 67-foot high statues (each the size of a 7-story building) of Ramses II seated on his throne as he faces Lake Nasser guarding the entrance to his temple. Smaller statues of family members are between his legs. One hundred yards away, built into another hillside, is the Temple of Nefertari, Ramses II’s favorite wife. Six colossal standing figures 33 feet high, four of Ramses II and two of Nefertari, are cut from the rock face, along with smaller figures of the royal family. What an amazing setting!

Our first day in Aswan opens before us with the promise of new and wonderful sights. Aswan has the welcoming, friendly feel of an oasis and indeed, the desert here is close at hand. The air here is especially pure and fresh and the city seems to vibrate with a clarity and intensity. In the afternoon, we check into the beautiful Movenpick Hotel, on Elephantine Island in the middle of the Nile River in Aswan. Our luggage has been carefully transferred from the airport and our belongings are in our rooms. We settle in and have a delicious lunch. Our next adventure today, is to board a “felucca,” a traditional Nile sailboat, on the felucca ride, you are intensely aware of the tremendous beauty of the moment. The light from the western sun dances on the sparkling blue waters of the Nile; the bright, clear blue sky; the warm gentle breeze fills the sails; lush, green palms against the desert sand; the rising joy in your heart. It has indeed been a delightful day, filled with promises made and promises kept.

MEALS: Box breakfast from the Marriott, lunch, dinner at the Movenpick Hotel.

DAY 5: APRIL 22, 2011 ~Aswan Temple of Isis, Temple Ombo We will arise at 4:00 AM today and journey to Philae and the Temple of Isis. We take a motor dinghy to the small Island of Philae, home of a beautiful, magical temple dedicated to the Goddesss Isis, the Great Mother. At the temple we perform special rites honoring the “Divine Feminine,” and invoking her energies and blessings. After our special time here, we return to our hotel, have breakfast, check out of our room. Our cruise boat has arrived for our trip up the Nile. After checking into our ship stateroom, we leave for a tour of Aswan. At approximately 4:00 PM, our ship leaves port, sailing toward our visit to the Temple Complex at Kom Ombo. Dedicated to both Re-Herakhty and the crocodile God Sobek, this unusual double temple expresses the Egyptian’s understanding of the dual nature of reality. Here we meditate upon the light and shadow, honoring the yin and yang of our own natures.

MEALS: Breakfast at the Hotel, lunch and dinner on the cruise ship.

DAY 6: APRIL 23, 2010  ~Temple Complex at Edfu, Edfu locks, relaxing…

Today our ship docks at Edfu, home of a Ptolemaic temple dedicated to the falcon god Horus. Of all the surviving temples of ancient Egypt, the Temple of Horus is the most complete and best preserved. It is easy to sense a deep eternal presence in the holy of holies, as we focus inward through meditation. As our ship continues on the Nile, steaming southward toward our next port of call, we pass a pastorial scene of calm. We see farmers with their oxen plow the fields and women washing their laundry at the water’s edge, we slip into the timeless rhythms of this vast river of life and see how abundantly the Nile has nourished her children from time out of mind.

After this amazing day we’ve had, it’s time to slow down and unwind a bit, we refresh and relax cruising up the Nile. This is a time for relaxation and respite. You may want to go topside to enjoy the sun by the pool. Maybe you’ll just want to spend the time, observing the ever changing scenes drifting past along the Nile; the boats, the farms, the villages and the wildlife. It might be time to just sit quietly and remember and integrate the experiences of the last amazing days. Whatever your choice, today is the day to recharge your batteries, so that you’re ready for the next half of our trip and even more adventures.

MEALS: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on Nile cruise ship.

DAY 7: APRIL 24, 2011 ~Luxor Valley of the Kings the Temple of Hatsepshut, Karnak Temple Complex
We awaken in our cozy cabins to discover that we have arrived at Luxor Port. We will go by van to the West Bank of the Nile to visit the Valley of the Kings. This is the largest mortuary complex for Pharaonic royalty, including such well known names as Ramses, Tutankhamum and Hatsepshut. In recent years, the Valley of the Kings has become crowded with tourists. We will have the opportunity to visit 2 or 3 tombs and you will be amazed at the beautiful colors still visible after thousands of years. Next we visit the mortuary Temple of Hatsepshut, the only female Pharaoh, and we will have a quick photo opportunity at the Colossi of Memnon. Afterwards, we will visit an alabaster factory. Egyptian alabaster is known the world over for its incredible beauty, we will see how its made and have the opportunity to purchase some for our own treasures. After lunch, we visit the Temple Complex at Karnak, one of the most amazing places in all of Egypt. Although many sections have not survived the ravages of time, no temple site in Egypt is more impressive than Karnak.

Karnak is the largest temple complex ever built by man, and represents the combined achievement of many generations of ancient builders over a span of 1,400 years. The structure is actually three main temples containing smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples all situated on 247 acres of land. Our guidance tells us that most, if not all of the people on this trip have had many Egyptian lifetimes. If you lived in Egypt, it’s highly likely that during one or more of those lifetimes you visited or lived at Karnak. For this reason, we will do a ritual to connect with, clear and integrate those Egyptian past lives in the Temple of Sehkmet, which is closed to the general public, but is made available exclusively to our group.

MEALS: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on Nile cruise ship.

DAY 8: CAIRO: APRIL 25, 2011
This morning we awaken early, after breakfast, we check out of our staterooms. We then board the van to take us to the Luxor airport for our flight back to Cairo and check back into the JW Marriott. Here at our hotel we now have a relaxing afternoon ahead of us. We can get a massage, have our hair done, lay out by the pool, go shopping, or just re-group for the days to come. After dinner we will go to the Light Show at the Giza Plateau in front of the Sphinx. We’ll experience a magnificent Sound and Light Show.

MEALS: Breakfast on cruise ship, lunch and dinner at Marriott Hotel.

DAY 9: APRIL 26, 2011 ~Private Time in the Great Pyramid! This morning we all awaken with much excitement! Today is the day that we have all been anticipating. Today is the culmination of the trip, our private time in the Great Pyramid. We have time in the morning to have some rest and after a late breakfast, we will go to a Papyrus Shop, where we learn ancient Egyptian paper making techniques. We’ll experience Egyptian artistry first-hand, and have a chance to purchase incredible Egyptian papyrus. After lunch, the group will meet to prepare for our time In the King’s Chamber, we take this rare opportunity to recreate an ancient initiatory ritual used by mystery schools throughout the ages. Here we mark the passage that symbolizes the death of the old ego-driven life, and our resurrection and rebirth into the new awareness?s of a spiritually connected life. Your time in the Great Pyramid is transformative and life-changing. With each of these sacred rites, we experience wave after wave of higher-dimensional energies that are conducted and focused by the Great Pyramid more powerfully, than any other place on the planet. In the Queen’s Chamber, we share a celebratory ritual, a balancing and meditation acknowledging and deepening our connection with Mother Earth and the Divine Feminine.

MEALS: Breakfast and dinner at the hotel, lunch on tour

DAY 10: APRIL 27, 2011 ~Saqqara and Dahshour Private Meditation time between the paws of the Sphinx
This morning we will leave very early in order to be alone and perform ceremony in a special sacred site in Saqquara. At this site you will find an alabaster altar and beautiful views of the desert. Next we take a relaxing drive into the countryside, south of the Giza Plateau to visit the Pyramids at Sakkara and Dahshour. The Step Pyramid at Saqqara is considered by traditional Egyptologists to be the earliest, prototypical pyramid. It was designed for Pharaoh Djoser by the mythic figure Imhotep. Imhotep is recognized as the world’s first named architect and doctor as well as a scribe, priest, astrologer, vizier and chief minister. Next, we experience two more incredible examples of monumental pyramid building. At Dahshour, we see the Bent and Red Pyramids. After taking a leisurely lunch and possibly a few puffs on the hookah, we’re off for a visit to a carpet factory and school, to see the incredible artistry of Egyptian hand-made carpets. .

MEALS: Breakfast box from hotel, lunch on tour, dinner at hotel.

DAY 11: APRIL 28, 2011 ~Private Meditation time between the paws of the Sphinx and Khan El Kalili Bazaar
Today, we have another special treat! In 2001, this area was closed to the general public. Why? No one knows for sure. (Is it perhaps because Edgar Cayce predicted that the fabled Hall of Records would be found under one of the paws after the turn of the century.) We see the Stela of Thutmoses, we see the rear portal of the Sphinx, and we do our special meditation in this incredible energy. After lunch, we travel to the Khan El Kalili Bazaar. We will be able to wander the narrow streets and alleys. Here, you can sip deliciously strong Turkish coffee, as you relax in one of the cafes, or maybe do some haggling with the shopkeepers for some treasures of your own. This evening we go to the Sound and light show at Giza plateau.

MEALS: Breakfast at hotel, lunch on tour, dinner on your own.

DAY 12: APRIL 29, 2011 ~Old Cairo & Tour of the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities After breakfast, on our way to Old Cairo, we will stop at an amazing jewelry store. The jewelry in Egypt is incredible and even if you do not buy anything, seeing the amazing craftsmanship is beyond compare. We will then head into Old Cairo, we will visit Rifai Mosque where the Shah of Iran is buried, and members of the family of King Farouk. Tarek is the Sufi Sheik here and hopefully, we will be able to speak with him. When complete at the Mosque, we will lunch at a nearby restaurant. Later in the afternoon, we tour the famous Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, also known as the Cairo Museum. Established in 1835.

MEALS: Breakfast and dinner at hotel, lunch on tour.

DAY 13: APRIL 30,2011 ~Dinner at the home of an Egyptian family.   

This morning after breakfast we may begin packing for our journey home.  Today is the day, you will visit an Egyptian family for an early dinner.

MEALS: Breakfast at the hotel, lunch on your own, dinner out.

DAY 14: MAY 01, 2011 ~Goodbye to Egypt.
Having packed the day before; we awaken early, eat a final meal at the Marriott Hotel and as a group, make our way to the airport. Here we have to say goodbye to our Nagar Travel friends – and by now, they really are friends. They have taken such good care of us, done such a wonderful job of organizing and orchestrating our time in Egypt, and shared so much of themselves and their culture with us! We have 11 more hours of flight time to reminisce, laugh and cry with our dear travel companions. As the plane takes off, and we see the pyramids and Cairo one last time from the air, silently and secretly we vow to return again. Chasing the sun on its westward arc, we arrive back in New York at 3:15 p.m., tired, happy and content.

MEALS: Breakfast at the hotel, all other meals on-board the plane.

We are limited to 14 passengers on this trip and we operate on a first come-first served basis. Rooms are Double occupancy, which means the pricing is based on 2 people in each room. If you need a roommate, please let us know, as we will do our best to connect you with another person, who needs a roommate. Otherwise, you can do the Single Supplement, which means you can have your own private room in the hotel and on the cruise ship.
TOTAL PRICE OF $ 4266.00 (plus international airfare from JFK New York) FOR THIS AMAZING TRIP WHICH INCLUDES:
▪ All domestic air fare within Egypt
▪ 5 Star Hotel Marriott Palace Hotel (These are the best accommodations in this third world country)
. Movenpick Hotel on Elephantine Is. In Aswan
▪ Most meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner each day)
▪ 5-star cruise ship (including meals) for our 4 days/3 nights cruise on the Nile
▪ All entrance fees (to Egypt, tombs, temples, museums, etc.), tips to all hotel employees & guards at sites (except for voluntary tips to our Egyptian guide (end of our visit), van and boat fares
▪ The cost of our private group meditation time in the Pyramid, at the Sphinx, and the Sacred site at Saqqara and all ceremonies
. The cost of private time in the Cairo Museum
▪ Our Egyptian guide
▪ Sound and Light Show at the Pyramid and Sphinx
It is suggested you tip (Baksheesh) your Egyptian guide $10.00 or more per day each. This is given to him at the end of the tour by you personally. Please realize this is the bulk of his income.
Not included:
▪ Transportation to and from New York and Egypt Air to and from Cairo
▪ Beverages, including water
* Hotel tipping
* Travel insurance (It is available thru Rafael, New Horizon Travel
* (928) 282-4585.
Purchase of travel insurance is strongly recommended when traveling internationally.
* Visa fee (available at Cairo Airport) the cost is approx. $15.00 USD

Some personal information and suggestions: ALWAYS CARRY MONEY WITH YOU FOR BAKSHEESH(TIPPING)TO THOSE SPECIAL PEOPLE (THE PERSON THAT TAKES YOUR PICTURE, THE GUARD THAT DOES SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR YOU, SOMETHING YOU MAY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BUY, ETC.) THE EXCHANGE RATE IS APPROX. 5.5 LE (EGYPTIAN POUNDS) TO ONE USD, THAT IS LESS THAN 20 CENTS TO THE POUND.
*** IT IS SUGGESTED, YOU BE IN GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITION FOR THE TOUR, SINCE THERE IS LOTS OF WALKING, SOME GOING UP RAMPS AND STEPS TO GET WHERE WE ARE GOING.
**Please understand that this itinerary is subject to change without notice. We leave room flexibility and magic. We are dedicated in providing you with the most meaningful trip and itinerary possible.

Please send application and deposit check to: Alarya Jay, 2510 Mule Deer Rd., Sedona, Az. 86336 IF YOU HAVE ANY ITINERARY QUESTIONS,PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL, ISIS ALARYA AT 928 204-2110
IF NECESSARY PAY PAL IS AVAILABLE FOR A SLIGHT FEE OF 2.9 % OF TOTAL AMOUNT CHARGED.
PLEASE CONTACT SHARY@COLLABORATIVE-CREATIONS.COM IF YOU ARE CHOOSING TO PAY BY CREDIT CARD.
A DEPOSIT OF 25% ($1066.50) IS DUE UPON REGISTRATION. IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL ANYTIME, 1 MONTH BEFORE TRIP 100% WILL BE REFUNDED. ADDITIONAL 25% ($1066.50) IS DUE 1 MONTH AFTER REGISTRATION. BALANCE IS DUE AND PAYABLE 1 MONTH PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF TRIP (March 18, 2011)
*** It is suggested, you obtain your International airline tickets thru: NEW HORIZON TRAVEL at 928 282-4585 contact Rafael.
For the best air pricing contact Rafael prior to October 1, 2010. He is able to get us the best airfare and will see that you are ticketed correctly.

Many Blessings and Light
Shary Keimach
Collaborative Creations/TLC,llc-Making it happen together!
phone 877 355 7814 fax 480 855 6226