YOUR O.A.T. ADVENTURE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE®

Egypt & the Eternal Nile by Private, Classic River-Yacht 2022

Small Groups: 8-16 travelers—guaranteed! (average of 13)

Overseas Adventure Travel ® The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled 1 Dear Traveler,

At last, the world is opening up again for curious travel lovers like you and me. And the O.A.T. Egypt & the Eternal Nile by Private, Classic River-Yacht itinerary you’ve expressed interest in will be a wonderful way to resume the discoveries that bring us so much joy. You might soon be enjoying standout moments like these:

Egypt is a land of profound majesty and mystery—commanding pyramids reaching towards the skies, piercing obelisks adorned with hieroglyphics, and caravans of camels trudging across sand dunes. And, at its heart: the mighty Nile. A true oasis in the desert and the lifeblood for Egypt’s enduring history and culture. I saw this firsthand when I visited Besaw Island, an isolated agricultural community along the banks of the Nile. I met a local farmer and his family, and they gave me a unique view into their daily lives, where I came to understand their traditional livelihood and the undeniable power of the Nile. You’ll experience this, too, when you spend A Day in the Life of Besaw Island.

You’ll also meet with a local Cairo woman to gain a deeper understanding of women’s rights in modern Egyptian society. The role of women has gradually evolved, and you’ll explore the extent of this evolution with either a working wife and mother or a single, working woman. These women offer wide-ranging perspectives which are sure to cast a personal light on this complex issue.

The way we see it, you’ve come a long way to experience the true culture—not some fairytale version of it. So we keep our groups small, with only 8-16 travelers (average 13) to ensure that your encounters with local people are as intimate and authentic as possible. It’s also why your O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader will be a resident “insider” who can show you the culture as only a local can.

To ensure that your adventure is truly unique, put your own personal stamp on it. You can arrive early and stay later, add a pre- or post-trip extension, spend time in a Stopover city, or combine two or more trips. Plus, your itinerary offers ample free time so you can pursue your own interests.

So until the day comes when you are off to enjoy your Egypt & the Eternal Nile by Private, Classic River-Yacht adventure, I hope you will relish the fun and anticipation that this O.A.T. Adventure Travel Planning Guide® will inspire. Should you have further questions, feel free to call our Regional Adventure Counselors at 1-800-955-1925.

Love and peace,

Harriet R. Lewis Vice Chairman, Overseas Adventure Travel

P.S. For further peace of mind, please know that we are EXTENDING our Risk-Free Booking Policy through 12/31/21. Learn more at www.oattravel.com/risk-free-booking.

USA Today “Best Tours” 10Best Readers’ Presented by Choice Awards Solo Traveler

2 CONTENTS

A Letter from Harriet Lewis ...... 2 The O.A.T. Difference...... 4 The Freedom to Personalize Your Experience ...... 6 Grand Circle Foundation...... 8 The Leader in Solo Travel ...... 9

EGYPT & THE ETERNAL NILE BY Electricity Abroad ...... 74 PRIVATE, CLASSIC RIVER-YACHT Climate & Average Temperatures ...... 77 Your Adventure at a Glance: Where You’re Going, What it Costs, and What’s Included ...... 10 ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE Your Detailed Day-To-Day Itinerary ...... 12 Egyptian Culture ...... 80 Optional Tours ...... 30 Religion ...... 81 Pre-Trip Extensions ...... 31 Dining Aboard Your Private, Classic Post-Trip Extensions ...... 40 River-Yacht ...... 84 Deck Plans ...... 50 Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, Shipping & More ...... 87 Dates & Prices ...... 52

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY Travel Documents & Entry Requirements. . . 53 Egypt...... 90 Visas Required ...... 54 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 90 Egypt: A Brief History ...... 90 Advance Information for Jordan ...... 55 Important: Lebanon and Israeli Israel...... 93 Passport Stamps ...... 55 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 93 Rigors, Vaccines & General Health ...... 57 Israel: A Brief History ...... 93 Vaccines Required ...... 58 Jordan ...... 95 Money Matters: Local Currency & Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 95 Tipping Guidelines...... 62 Jordan: A Brief History ...... 96 Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch ..... 66 Lebanon ...... 97 Optional Tours ...... 66 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ...... 97 Communicating with Home from Abroad . . 67 Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits . . . 69 RESOURCES Dress Codes: Shorts, Headscarves, Suggested Reading ...... 101 and other FAQ ...... 70 Suggested Packing Lists ...... 71 Suggested Film & Video ...... 104

O.A.T. Health & Safety Measures...... 107 Notes...... 108 Map ...... 111

3 EXPERIENCE THE O.A.T. DIFFERENCE in Egypt

This adventure not only showcases iconic sights, but takes you beyond them to experience the culture through unique activities, engagement with the natural world, and authentic encounters with local people. Since our founding in 1978, O.A.T. has become America’s leader in personalized small group journeys on the road less traveled.

SMALL GROUPS: 8-16 TRAVELERS LOCAL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION (AVERAGE OF 13)—GUARANTEED To see the world like the locals, you should The world feels more intimate and engaging travel like one. Our small group size allows when your experience of it is also personal us to take the roads and waterways that are and genuine. That’s why our groups never less traveled, and we often follow them using exceed 16 travelers. This gives you access to the same unique modes of transportation people and places larger groups simply can’t that the locals use—be it a canoe, a camel reach. More authentic interactions. Deeper or a vintage cab. bonds with your travel mates. Personal service from your Trip Experience Leader. Smoother UNIQUE LODGINGS transitions. And a far more satisfying Our lodgings reflect the local character, experience than any traditional tour offers. from smaller family-run hotels and historic manors to comfy inns. Occasionally, larger THE BEST TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADERS hotels closer to city centers are used. Wherever Your English-speaking, O.A.T. Trip Experience you stay, you’re assured fine comfort and Leader is a resident of the region you are visiting, hospitality. so you will get a true insider’s perspective that brings each place alive—the stories, food, OUR WORLDWIDE OFFICES customs, hidden treasures and more. With 36 regional offices around the world, we are perfectly poised to leverage our local AUTHENTIC CULTURAL CONNECTIONS relationships to deliver an excellent experience Engage with local people through visits to and value. During this trip, you’ll be supported farms, factories, markets, and artisans’ by our team in Cairo. studios; school visits; Home-Hosted meals; and more.

Learn traditional crafts from villagers Ride camels to St. Simeon Monastery

4 THE PILLARS OF DISCOVERY En riching. Inspiring. Unforgettable. These features form the foundation of your Egypt & the Eternal Nile adventure.

GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION (GCF) VISIT A DAY IN THE LIFE GCF was established in 1992 to help change Do you ever wonder, “What would it be like people’s lives in the world where we live, to live here?” when you visit new lands? Let’s work, and travel. To date, we have pledged or find out during your O.A.T. A Day in the Life, an donated $200 million worldwide. exclusive, immersive experience that places you in the heart of a community where you’ll By investing in the places we explore— meet various people where they live, work, including local schools, cooperatives, or arts and play; visit the neighborhood school; lend centers—we hope to give locals the skills and a hand with daily chores; and break bread confidence they need to become leaders of with our hosts. their generation and preserve their heritage for many years to come. We’re proud to play This adventure includes a NEW A Day in a part in preserving precious locales like the the Life experience of Besaw Island along Bryggen waterfront district of Bergen, a living the banks of the Nile, where we’ll meet a example of the glory days of the Hanseatic local farmer and his family. Our discoveries League, and supporting villages like Harmi in will provide a window into this isolated Estonia, whose once-struggling school is now agricultural community and help us a center of community life. understand their unique perspective and traditional livelihood. CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS Every culture has its joys and achievements, HOME-HOSTED EXPERIENCES and we celebrate them all. But every place Stories shared. Differences solved. Taste buds also has its challenges, and to gloss over them engaged. Good will extended. It’s amazing the would not do justice to those whose stories things that can happen across a kitchen table, need to be told—nor to you, as a traveler who so we’ll break into groups of 4-5 to join a local deserves more than a sugar-coated version of family in their home for a snack or a meal. things. So our Trip Experience Leaders will This is a rare opportunity to witness family lead frank discussions on controversial issues, life, learn local customs, and taste some and introduce you to people whose stories will home-cooked fare. expand your understanding. On this adventure, we’ll learn more about the For example, we’ll join a local woman in rich culture of Egypt when we share a savory Cairo to discuss women’s rights in Egyptian homecooked meal with a local family in their society. This conversation will help our small home in Luxor. This special meal will be your group gain a deeper understanding of gender opportunity to truly connect with Egyptian inequality and the forms of discrimination culture in an intimate, comfortable setting that Egyptian women face in their daily lives. and gain a deeper understanding of the family’s daily lives.

5 You're in control with THE FREEDOM TO PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE Exclusively with O.A.T. Your Choice. Your Adventure. Your Way.

It’s your adventure, so why not make it exactly what you want it to be? We offer an exclusive variety of options that let you tailor your adventure so it’s completely your own. In fact, O.A.T. is the only travel company to offer this level of flexibility and choice for a truly personalized experience.

PRE- OR POST-TRIP EXTENSIONS 2. Great value: All extensions include Every O.A.T. adventure offers at least one accommodations, daily breakfast, and optional pre-trip and one post-trip extension. airport transfers. Here’s why more than 55% of O.A.T. travelers 3. Continuity and camaraderie: You’ll usually choose to take a pre- or post-trip extension: travel with the same Trip Experience 1. You’ll maximize your discoveries—often Leader who leads your main trip, enjoying in an even smaller group than your main more of his or her insider expertise—and adventure (on average, 6 travelers with a more time to bond with the group. dedicated Trip Experience Leader)—and take advantage of your included airfare.

Optional Extensions offered with your Middle East adventure

Sacred Landmarks of Israel: Jerusalem, Jordan: The King's Highway from Masada & The Dead Sea Amman to Petra 4 nights pre-trip from $2395 5 nights pre-trip from $1695

Jerusalem, Israel Petra, Jordan

Alexandria's Glorious Past NEW! Ancient Lebanon: Beirut, Tyre, 5 nights post-trip from $1295 Sidon, Baalbek, Tripoli & Byblos 7 nights post-trip from $3295

Alexandria, Egypt Beirut, Lebanon

6 ARRIVE EARLY, STAY LATER • Rome: $895 per person Extending your time abroad—with us or • Amsterdam: $945 per person on your own—is the best way to broaden Other O.A.T. Stopovers are available. If the city your experience. It’s also a practical way to you’re interested in is not offered, our Regional maximize the value of the international airfare Adventure Counselors can arrange your airfare. covered in your main itinerary. COMBINE ADVENTURES Expand Your Discoveries Before You’re already overseas. Why not see more and or After Your Adventure maximize your value by avoiding the cost and Arrive early in the first destination on your length of another international flight? Here’s pre-trip extension or main adventure, or stay why 2,250 O.A.T. travelers combined two or later in the last city on your main adventure or more adventures in 2019: post-trip extension. By coming early, you can • Save a total of $600-$3000 per person when rest after your flight and adjust—with time to you combine two adventures compared to the explore. By staying later, you have extra time cost of taking each trip separately. to relax, pack, or continue exploring. • Apply the 5% or 6% Frequent Traveler Credit This option lets you take advantage of our you earn on your first trip to your second trip. lower group rates, with prices from $50 per • Sir Edmund Hillary Club members save an person per night—including accommodations, extra $250-$350 per person when booking private airport transfer, and daily breakfast. multiple trips in a calendar year. • Arrive early or conclude your main trip in • Our Regional Adventure Counselors make all Cairo for $125 per person, per night the arrangements for a seamless experience. • Arrive early in Amman on the Jordan pre-trip Combine this trip with our Israel: The Holy extension for $50 per person, per night Land & Timeless Cultures adventure—for a total • Arrive early in Jerusalem on the Israel pre- cost of $7390-$11,190 per person—and save trip extension for $150 per person, per night $1000-$1500 per person versus taking each trip separately. • Remain in Byblos after your Ancient Lebanon post-trip extension for $125 per person, AIR PREFERENCES per night 54% of our travelers customize their air Accommodations are at the same hotels where itineraries: you begin or end the main trip and optional • Choose your departure city and airline extensions, so transitions will be seamless. • Depart from one city and return to another NEW! Stopover in any major • Upgrade to Premium Economy or international city Business Class Travelers with O.A.T. airfare have the FREEDOM OF CHOICE opportunity to Stopover in popular cities. Your DURING YOUR ADVENTURE price includes 3 nights accommodations, daily Our itineraries provide a balance of included breakfasts, and roundtrip private airport activities and free time so you always have transfers. Here are a few popular destinations: the flexibility to participate in included activities, go off on your own entirely, or do a • Istanbul: $695 per person mix of both. • Munich: $845 per person

7 GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION Changing people’s lives, one village, one school, one person at a time

GIVING BACK TO THE WORLD WE TRAVEL Dear Traveler, Since our inception in 1992, the Grand Circle In 1992 we established Grand Circle Foundation has pledged or donated more than Foundation, an entity of the Lewis Family $200 million to projects around the world. Foundation, as a means to give back to the world that had already given us so JOIN OUR GENEROUS TRAVELERS much. We’ve pledged or donated more We consider each and every one of our travelers than $200 million worldwide to support to be partners in our worldwide giving. the education of young people and the Some travelers, however, are so inspired by preservation of international treasures the schools and villages they visit, they are and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. compelled to give more. In fact, our travelers have donated more than $1 million in 2019 Of course, none of this would be possible alone. And because we have no administrative without your help. A portion of the costs, 100% of donations are used to help proceeds of every adventure is donated to change people’s lives. Grand Circle Foundation—so just as your life will be enriched by the discoveries BETTER OUR OWN COMMUNITIES— you’ll make on your journey, you’ll also ALL AROUND THE WORLD help to enrich the lives of the people you’ll In addition to the destinations where we travel, meet along the way. we strive to better the communities where Thank you for traveling with us, and for we work—from our headquarters in Boston helping to change people’s lives. to our 36 offices around the world. In Boston, more than 99% of our associates participate Love and peace, in community service each year. Worldwide, nearly all of our offices organize annual community service events of their own. Harriet R. Lewis Chair, Grand Circle Foundation How you can help To learn more about ongoing Foundation projects, you can sign up for our weekly e-newsletter, the Inside Scoop, at www.oattravel.com/community/the- inside-scoop. When you do, you’ll not only receive updates on Grand Circle Foundation, but the latest news and discoveries on all things Grand Circle and Overseas Adventure Travel.

SCAN ME See how Grand Circle Foundation is giving back in this video Open the camera feature on your mobile device, and hover the lens over this code to scan it. A pop-up notification will take you www.grandcirclefoundation.org directly to the video.

8 THE LEADER IN SOLO TRAVEL in Egypt—and Around the World

ON THIS ADVENTURE …

FREE Single Supplements: We don’t charge The leader in solo-friendly a single supplement on this adventure and travel for Americans— optional trip extensions—a savings of $500- by the numbers $1295 per person compared to other travel companies. But single spaces fill quickly, so early reservations are advised. More than 50% of all O.A.T. travelers are women who travel solo One of our most popular trips for solo travelers. More than 1000 solo travelers joined us on this adventure in the past two In 2022, we’re offering 30,000 years—either independently or sharing singles spaces across all O.A.T. a room with a mother, daughter, sister, adventures. That’s 86% more than or friend. offered in 2019

High ratings: More than 91% of these solo of our 30,000 single spaces travelers rated their adventure excellent. 92% have FREE Single Supplements. The On average, half of your group will also remaining 8% have the lowest single be traveling independently, so it’s easy supplements in the industry. to forge special bonds as you experience unforgettable moments together. In 2022, we’re offering 25 exclusive women’s departures on some of our You’ll be in good hands, thanks to your most popular itineraries dedicated local Trip Experience Leader (a resident of Egypt), and the expertise of our regional office team in Cairo. SCAN ME Increased Single Space: In 2022, we have NEW! 101+ 148% more single spaces than in 2019, Tips for Solo with up to 6 single spaces per departure. Women Travelers See available FREE single space at This complimentary, 96-page www.oattravel.com/ego2022. booklet is a comprehensive collection of savvy tips specifically for seasoned women travelers going solo. Learn about safety for solos, packing like a pro, the best travel apps, self-care on the road, and more. Scan this code to view an online copy or to request one by mail.

9 Experience life along the banks of the Nile on a 5-night river cruise Egypt & the Eternal Nile by Private,

Classic River-Yacht Small Group Adventure Egypt: Cairo, Luxor, 5-night Nile River-Yacht cruise, Abu Simbel, Aswan

Countries: 1 | Cities : 4 | 5̵pĢėĞŶŭðŋÖũùŶĞā”ũĢƑÖŶāķƘ!ĞÖũŶāũāù̵16-Passenger ŭĢƘÖ̵̇ĢùÖ̇ŋũĿŽłāŶ

Small groups: 8-16 travelers—guaranteed! It’s Included (average of 13)

Explore in a small group of 8-16 40 meals—14 breakfasts, 13 FROM PER DAY DAYS • • travelers (average group size of 13) lunches, and 13 dinners (including $ $ 1 Home-Hosted Lunch and 1 Home- 5095 319 16 International airfare, airport transfers, • Hosted Dinner) government taxes, fees, and airline fuel Including international airfare surcharges unless you choose to make • 21 small group activities your own air arrangements FREE Single Supplement • Services of a local O.A.T. Trip • All land transportation Experience Leader who is also an accredited Egyptologist • Accommodations for 9 nights in hotels, Maximize Your 5 nights on our privately-chartered • Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and Discoveries & Value river-yacht luggage porters • 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward Optional extension s : your next O.A.T. trip—an average of $329 Sacred Landmarks of Israel: Jerusalem, Masada & The Dead Sea SCAN ME! 4 nights pre-trip from $2395 Watch our #1 most popular video Travel from only $599 per night for this adventure Jordan: The King’s Highway from Open the camera feature on your mobile device, and hover Amman to Petra the lens over this code to scan it. A pop-up notification will 5 nights pre-trip from $1695 take you directly to the video. Travel from only $339 per night Alexandria’s Glorious Past 5 nights post-trip from $1295 Travel from only $259 per night New! Ancient Lebanon: Beirut, Tyre, Sidon, Baalbek, Tripoli & Byblos 7 nights post-trip from $3295 Travel from only $471 per night PLUS, see Dates & Prices for Stopover city options

The Great Pyramids, Giza, Egypt

Egypt & the Eternal Nile by Private, Classic River-Yacht

10 Itinerary Summary DAYS 5-13 INCLUDING To/From U.S. PRE-TRIP EXTENSIONS SYRIA Internal flight Jerusalem Ajlun NILE RIVER CRUISE Land route Jerash To Cairo From Cairo Cruise route a To Cairo N Amman Pre-trip extensions: 4 nights in Sacred Rail route e Valley of S Mt. Nebo

A Dead Sea Visit Madaba N 0Miles 200 I the Kings Luxor d Dead

a Landmarks of Israel: Jerusalem, Masada & D S A e Sea Mujib

R R D ISRAEL Valley Masada D The Dead Sea OR 5 nights in Jordan: The O Esna Mediterranean A R N Higz J il Sea E To Cairo O King’s Highway from Amman to Petra e R . Edfu L Petra J Fauaza Besaw Island N IRAQ Gebel Silsila ISRAEL A SAUDI ARABIA Fares D DAYS DESTINATION Kom Ombo Cairo R Giza O Daraw J POST-TRIP EXTENSIONS e l Mediterranean Sea EGYPT i Aswan N Rosetta 1 Depart U.S. Philae Island Alexandria EGYPT Nile Delta E Cairo R G Y 2-4 Cairo, Egypt e P T Lake Luxor d N n Nasser i ea Tripoli le S n ra e r Byblos LEBANON e a 5-6 Fly to Luxor Aswan a it e Baalbek d S Beirut Lake e M Harissa Nasser Sidon Deir El Qamar Abu Simbel From Tyre 7-11 Esna • Embark ship • Nile cruise Abu Simbel Cairo SYRIA SUDAN 12 Disembark ship • Abu Simbel

What to Expect 13-14 Aswan

15 Fly to Cairo

16 Return to U.S. Pacing: 6 locations in 15 days with two 1-night stays, including 5 nights aboard a classic private river-yacht; and two internal flights. Post-trip extensions: 5 nights in Physical requirements: You must be able to walk 2-3 miles unassisted and Alexandria’s Glorious Past OR New! participate in 3-5 hours of physical activities on most days; you will need to access 7 nights in Ancient Lebanon: Beirut, Tyre, vehicles by ladder without aid; agility is required to board and disembark the yacht. Sidon, Baalbek, Tripoli & Byblos Flight time: Travel time will be 17-20 hours and will most likely have one connection

View all physical requirements at www.oattravel.com/ego2022 Arrive Early, Stay Later Prices below include accommodations, daily breakfast, and private airport transfer. Egypt : The O.A.T. Difference • Arrive early or conclude your main trip in Cairo for $125 per person, per night Unbeatable Value: Travel at the lowest prices and per diems in the industry. • Arrive early in Amman on your Jordan pre-trip extension for $50 per person, People-to-People Experiences: Learn about the age-old methods a local per night farmer utilizes on the banks of the Nile during our NEW A Day in the Life of • Arrive early in Jerusalem on your Israel Besaw Island, and then share a traditional lunch with him and his family. Plus, pre-trip extension for $150 per person, enjoy a Home-Hosted Dinner in the historic city of Aswan, and take part in the per night culinary traditions and customs of daily life. • Remain in Byblos after your Lebanon O.A.T. Exclusives: Our small group of 8-16 travelers (average of 13) will spend 5 post-trip extension for $125 per person, per night nights aboard a 16-passenger dahabeya, a classic river-yacht exclusive to O.A.T. Plus, you’ll engage in the Controversial Topics of Nubian rights in Abu Simbel, divorce in Egypt in Luxor, and women’s rights in Cairo.

More than 93% of travelers rated this trip excellent

Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oattravel.com/ego2022

11 Egypt & the Eternal Nile by Private, Classic River-Yacht

YOUR DETAILED ITINERARY

BEGIN YOUR ADVENTURE WITH AN OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSION 4 nights in Sacred Landmarks of Israel: Jerusalem, Masada & The Dead Sea

Day 1 Fly to Jerusalem, Israel Day 4 Visit Yad Vashem Memorial Day 2 Arrive Jerusalem, Israel Day 5 Explore Masada • Discover the Dead Sea Day 3 Explore Jerusalem Day 6 Fly to Cairo, Egypt

OR 5 nights in Jordan: The King’s Highway from Amman to Petra

Day 1 Fly to Amman, Jordan Day 5 Transfer to Petra via the King’s Highway Day 2 Arrive Amman, Jordan Day 6 Explore Petra Day 3 Amman • Visit the Citadel and Roman Theater Day 7 Fly to Cairo • Begin main trip Day 4 Discover Jerash and Ajlun • Home-Hosted Dinner

Day 1 Depart U.S. Day 2 Arrive Cairo, Egypt

Activity Note: Many flights from the United • Destination: Cairo States arrive in Cairo late at night. You may • Accommodations: Cairo Marriott Hotel choose to arrive a day early to settle in before or similar your adventure begins. Please call for details. Activity Note: Travelers who took our Cairo Overnight option will have already spent the You depart today for your overnight flight from night at our Cairo hotel. the U.S. to Cairo, Egypt. Travelers who took advantage of our Cairo Overnight option will arrive in Cairo today.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

12 Afternoon/Evening: Upon arrival in Cairo late buildings; then go bargain-hunting with this afternoon (or early evening, depending on the locals during a stroll along El-Shawarby your flight), an O.A.T. representative will meet Street, the one-time shopping hub of colo- you and escort you to your hotel, which should nial Cairo. take approximately 45 minutes, depending • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute taxi on traffic. Set on an island in the Nile in the ride, about $4 USD one way. Zamalek district, our historic hotel—the first • Hours: 11am-2am, daily. of three on our journey—offers a respite from • Cost: Free. the vibrant streets and exotic bustle of Africa’s • Gaze out at the city atop Cairo Tower: largest capital. Hotel amenities will likely Resembling a lotus plant, this 613-foot-high include several restaurants, cafés, and bars; tower that was built in 1961 is the city’s most along with elegant gardens and an outdoor famous landmark after the Pyramids. Take an pool. Air-conditioned rooms typically include a elevator to the top and enjoy the 360-degree satellite TV, minibar, coffee- and tea-making views across the city and try to spot the facilities, and private bath. mighty Pyramids off in the distance. After settling in, we’ll regroup in the lobby • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute taxi at around 6pm and your Trip Experience ride, about $4 USD one way. Leader will lead you and your fellow travelers, • Hours: 10am-1am, daily. including those who just arrived from our • Cost: About $9 USD. Sacred Landmarks of Israel: Jerusalem, Masada • Witness how one community is tackling & The Dead Sea or Jordan: The King’s Highway recycling at the Association for Protecting from Amman to Petra pre-trip extensions, on an the Environment (APE): APE was established orientation walk around the hotel grounds and in 1984 to improve the lives of zabbaleen surrounding area. (literally, garbage collectors in Arabic) living Dinner: On your own at around 7pm. Your Trip in a slum settlement outside of Cairo, also Experience Leader can offer suggestions on referred to as “Garbage City.” This unique where to dine, or you may choose to eat at the community handles approximately 40% of hotel’s restaurant. Cairo’s waste at no cost to city authorities. The zabbaleen collect about 7,000 tons of Evening: After dinner, you’re free to explore garbage per day and up to 90% of that waste on your own or retire to your room to rest up is recycled by them directly. As a result, this from your flight and prepare for tomorrow’s small community has created one of the discoveries. world’s most efficient recycling industries. Freedom To Explore: During your three nights APE is working to improve the living con- in Cairo, you have the freedom to explore ditions of the zabbaleen, including a center the city on your own during your free time. that produces patchwork and recycled paper Below are some recommended options for products. The center teaches more than 250 independent exploration: young women how to create these fabrics into patchwork quilts, bedspreads, rugs, bags, • Explore the bustle of Downtown Cairo: Begin and other marketable items. You’ll have the in Talaat Harb, a square in the heart of Cairo opportunity to interact with these women noted for its historic streets laid out in the late 19th century and magnificent Art-Deco

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

13 and see how the center is making a positive museum’s vast exhibits will lend context to impact on their lives. Souvenirs can also be our later discoveries as we trace the history of bought from these women. Egypt from Cheops to Cleopatra. A highlight • How to get there: A 25- to 30-minute is the life-sized, solid gold death mask coach ride, about $5 USD one way. (along with 1,700 more items) of the boy • Hours: 8am-3pm, daily. king Tutankhamun—and later in our journey • Cost: Free. we’ll see where these priceless treasures were discovered by Howard Carter in 1922. After our Day 3 Visit Egyptian Museum • 2-hour guided tour, there will be time to reflect Controversial Topic: Women’s rights in on Egypt’s illustrious pharaohs or wander the Egyptian society museum’s side rooms to glimpse the daily lives of the ancient Egyptians. • Destination: Cairo • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Around 12:30pm, we’ll drive 20 minutes to a • Accommodations: Cairo Marriott Hotel local restaurant. or similar Lunch: At a local restaurant, at around 1pm, Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today’s discoveries featuring traditional Egyptian fare. feature the Controversial Topic of women’s Afternoon: After lunch, we’ll drive about 45 rights in Egyptian society. This conversation minutes back to the hotel, arriving around will help our small group gain a deeper 2:30pm. Shortly after returning, we’ll be met understanding of gender inequality and the by one of two female speakers to discuss the forms of discrimination that Egyptian women Controversial Topic of women’s rights in face in their daily lives. Read more about this Egyptian society. informative conversation below. From ancient times to modern day, the role Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel of women in Egyptian society has gradually beginning at 7am, with Egyptian and evolved, and our conversation today will American options. explore the extent of this evolution. To Morning: At about 9am, we’ll gather in the contextualize this complex issue, we’ll glean hotel with our Trip Experience Leader, who will insight from the personal experiences of set the stage for our discoveries in Egypt with either a working wife and mother or a single, a more formal Welcome Briefing. This briefing working woman. Both speakers grew up gives us the chance to introduce ourselves and in Cairo, but their parents hail from rural get to know the other members of our small villages—often leading to a cultural rift group. We will review our itinerary in more between the generations. As such, these women detail (including any changes that may need to offer wide-ranging perspectives which are occur). Our Trip Experience Leader will discuss sure to cast a personal light on the delicate logistics, safety and emergency procedures, and subject matter. answer any questions we may have. Egypt is divided on the push for gender Then, at about 10am, we’ll depart for the equality—the northern part of the country 30-minute drive to the world-renowned being progressive and the southern part less so. Egyptian Museum, home to the greatest This contrast is, of course, most stark between Pharaonic treasures in the world. The rural and urban areas. However, in recent years,

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

14 advocates and Egypt-based organizations Day 4 Visit the Pyramids of Giza like the Egyptian Feminist Union have helped • Destination: Cairo to increase awareness surrounding women’s • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner issues, such as lack of educational opportunities and equal representation in the workplace. • Accommodations: Cairo Marriott Hotel And it seems that these efforts are having an or similar impact: the number of women in the Egyptian Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel parliament increased from 2% in 2005 to 25% beginning at 7am, with Egyptian and in the following election alone, the literacy American options. rate for women above 15 years old increased from 58% in 2006 to 65% in 2017, and the Morning: At about 9am, we’ll depart our hotel percentage of college graduated women (at for a drive out to Giza to behold the Great the undergraduate level) increased from 8% in Pyramids, including the greatest of them 2006 to 11% in 2017. Perhaps the biggest stride, all—the 4,500-year-old Great Pyramid of though, was the passing of new legislation Khufu. The only survivor of the Seven Wonders granting women the right to divorce their of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid was husbands, a law which only passed in 2000. built for the Egyptian Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops in We’ll talk more in-depth specifically about this Greek) and was the world’s tallest man-made groundbreaking decision later in our adventure. structure for more than 4,000 years. We can ponder another mystery for the ages at the Our speaker will share her story and address Sphinx, enigmatic guardian of the Giza Plateau. both sides of the issue for about 20 minutes Lunch at a nearby restaurant offers time to before opening the conversation up to a contemplate the vision and workmanship of 40-minute Q&A. Take this opportunity to ask these massive structures that served as the any questions you may have—perhaps you’d tombs of the ancient pharaohs. like to know about gender-based discrimination in the workplace, or maybe you’re curious if her Lunch: At a local restaurant in Giza that conservative family has warmed up to the idea specializes in grilled chicken and Egyptian fare, of expanding women’s rights. at around 1pm.

From about 4pm to 6pm, enjoy free time for Afternoon: At about 3:15pm, we’ll return to your own discoveries. If you’d like activity our hotel for the remainder of the afternoon suggestions, check with your Trip Experience free to relax or do some further exploring Leader. Alternatively, you may wish to use independently, perhaps to visit one of nearby this time to relax before our Welcome Dinner art galleries. this evening. Dinner: At a local restaurant near the Nile, Dinner: At about 6:15pm, we’ll enjoy a cocktail at about 6:15pm, featuring traditional reception followed by a Welcome Dinner at a Egyptian cuisine. restaurant in our hotel. Evening: The remainder of your evening is Evening: You are free to retire to your room or free for you to take advantage of the hotel’s gather at the bar for a cocktail to go over the amenities, relax with your travel companions in discoveries of the day. the lounge, or retire to your room and prepare for tomorrow’s flight to Luxor.

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15 Day 5 Fly to Luxor • Explore Karnak arrival in Luxor this morning, we’ll explore Temple • Home-Hosted Dinner the Temple of Karnak. With its massive gate built by Ptolemy III, Karnak is one of the most • Destination: Luxor important ancient sites in all of Egypt. Ancient • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Egyptians, who believed that their chief deity • Accommodations: Winter Palace Hotel Amun-Ra first created himself and then or similar everything else, called Karnak Ipet-Isut, “the Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: This evening we’ll most perfect of places.” And perfection was venture into the home of a family in Luxor, eventually attained at Karnak, which was built where we’ll enjoy a Home-Hosted Dinner. over the course of 1,300 years by successive This is a special opportunity afforded to us kings and queens, who each added their own by our small group size and made possible tributes to Amun-Ra, replacing or expanding by the regional connections of our local Trip existing monuments in ever more grand styles. Experience Leaders. During our shared meal, Lunch: At a local restaurant in Luxor, at around you’ll learn more about daily life in the region 2pm, featuring regional cuisine. from these residents, and take part in the customs and culinary traditions of the region. Afternoon: At about 2:30pm, we’ll check in to Read more about this experience below. our historic hotel, situated along the Nile River amid luxuriant tropical gardens and ancient Activity Note: Today’s activities require an temples. You can unpack and settle in to your early wake up call of about 4am. air-conditioned room, which should include Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel early a satellite TV, safe, minibar, and private bath this morning starting at 4am, with Egyptian with hair dryer. and American options. We’ll regroup around 6:15pm in the lobby of Morning: At about 5am, we’ll head to the our hotel for one of the highlights of our Egypt airport for our morning flight to Luxor—which adventure: a Home-Hosted Dinner with a local will be like a journey back in time from Egypt’s family. We’ll break up into smaller groups of current capital, Cairo, to its ancient capital of no more than five travelers and depart for the Thebes. Our plane takes off around 7:30am for a home or apartment of our host family, which 1-hour flight (flight time is subject to change). will be located in the suburb of Awamiya. While flying high above the Nile, one gains an This is a unique opportunity to learn more appreciation of how the mighty river enabled about life in the region—so come hungry for such a magnificent civilization to develop along your home-cooked meal, and bring plenty of its fertile banks—something noted by the questions for your welcoming hosts. ancient Greek historian Herodotus, who called Dinner: Around 6:30pm in the home of a local Egypt the “Gift of the Nile.” family. Learn about life in the legendary city of Modern-day Luxor grew out of the ruins of Luxor from these residents, and watch as they ancient Thebes. And we’ll begin to grasp the prepare an authentic dinner. Each family has scope and grandeur of the monuments and a different background—some of them may temples along both banks of the Nile at this be teachers, bank tellers, or shop owners, for special locale—Luxor Temple and the Temple example. Our meal this evening will consist of of Karnak on the East bank, and the remote typical regional dishes—like mahshi (eggplant Valley of the Kings on the West bank. Upon our and zucchini), moussaka (an eggplant, meat,

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16 and potato-based dish), and tahini salad (made Market. Whether you just want to soak in the from toasted, ground sesame)—and the family atmosphere or sit down for tea with a mer- will sit down with us to savor it. We’ll finish chant before purchasing a cotton galabeya, off our meal with a traditional dessert like this is always a fun and authentic Egyptian basbousa, cake sweetened with a simple syrup, experience. or knafah, filo pastry filled with cheese. • How to get there: About a 10- to 15-minute We’re afforded this special privilege by our walk. small group size; by dining in groups of no • Hours: 8am-12am, daily. more than 5, we’re given the chance to enter • Cost: Free. local homes and connect on a one-to-one level, • Visit the Habiba Association: Open for over and to even share a little with our hosts about 4 years, this shop, run by single women and who we are and what has brought us to Egypt. single mothers, sells handwoven goods, such This will be a great opportunity to ask them as scarves, bags, purses, wall hangings, and about life in Luxor, any customs they practice, more. As you peruse the many items being and more. sold, you may strike up a conversation with the shop owner or the women working in the Evening: The rest of your evening is free to shop. This is a great opportunity to see how relax at the hotel, or perhaps to head over to the they are supporting themselves and their Luxor market, which is about a half of a mile families through this time-honored craft. from our hotel. • How to get there: About a 10- to 15-minute Freedom To Explore: During your two nights in walk. Luxor, you have the freedom to explore the city • Hours: 7am-7pm, Monday; 9am-5pm, on your own during your free time. Below are Tuesday-Sunday. some recommended options for independent • Cost: Free. exploration: Day 6 Valley of the Kings • Controversial Meet with Egyptian Christians at the • Topic: Divorce in Egypt with local Evangelical Church in Luxor: Also called divorcee Om Farha • Explore Luxor Temple the Synod of the Nile, the Evangelical (Presbyterian) Church began as a mission • Destination: Luxor of the United Presbyterian Church of North • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner America among Coptic Egyptians in the • Accommodations: Winter Palace Hotel late nineteenth century. With about 90% or similar of Egypt’s population Muslim, this is a rare Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today’s activities opportunity to gain insights into another side feature the Controversial Topic of divorce in of Egyptian religion. Egypt with a local divorcee named Om Farha. • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute taxi This conversation will allow our small group ride, about $6 USD one way. to gain insight into the magnitude of such • Hours: 9am-4pm, and 6pm-8pm, daily. legislation and hear the story of a woman • Cost: Free. directly impacted by it. Read more about this • Hone your bargaining skills at Luxor Market: informative experience below. Mingle with the locals while shopping for Egyptian keepsakes at the colorful Luxor

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17 Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel Ruling for 20 years in the 15th century B.C., beginning at 6am, with Egyptian and Hatshepsut is also considered one of Egypt’s American options. most successful pharaohs.

Morning: At about 8am, we’ll depart the hotel, At approximately 12:45pm, we’ll walk 15 crossing over to the west bank of the Nile by minutes to a local restaurant for lunch. motorboat, and then traveling by coach to Lunch: At around 1pm, we’ll enjoy lunch at the Valley of the Kings, about an hour’s drive local restaurant specializing in traditional away. The Valley of the Kings, situated in a tagine dishes (casseroles cooked in earthenware secluded locale in the Theban Hills, is where pots) in the fields surrounding the Valley of the great pharaohs were buried in rock-cut the Kings. tombs and surrounded by all the treasures they would need in the afterlife. Almost all of Afternoon: Following lunch, we’ll depart the sacred burial chambers were plundered around 2pm for the 15-minute drive to the West over the millennia—with the exception of an Bank home of a local woman to discuss the obscure young ruler whose reign lasted a mere Controversial Topic of divorce in Egypt, which decade. On the afternoon of November 26, was only made legal for women to initiate in 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter made January 2000. Our conversation will explore a small hole in a sealed doorway, inserted a various aspects of this landmark legislation, candle, and peered inside. He later wrote about such as what led to it and how it is exercised what he saw: “As my eyes grew accustomed to today, but we’ll also hear the sobering firsthand the light, details of the room within emerged experience of a divorcee named Om Farha. It slowly from the mist, strange animals, statues, is tradition in this part of Egypt for a woman and gold—everywhere the glint of gold.” to bear the name of her eldest child with the When his patron, Lord Carnarvon, asked if word “Om” in front of it, meaning “Mother he could see anything, Carter replied, “Yes, of.” In this case, Om Farha’s eldest daughter wonderful things.” Completely untouched, is called Farha, meaning “happiness.” Upon Tutankhamen’s burial chambers contained arrival at her Nile-side residence, we’ll enter thousands of priceless objects, along with her spacious courtyard, where she has a a gold coffin containing the mummy of the seating area conveniently arranged for our teenage king. group. As you settle in, take notice of the traditional home we’ve been welcomed into: Upon arrival in the Valley of the Kings at the hand-constructed brick and mud exterior, around 9am, we’ll set off on a walking tour, vibrantly-patterned couches, and breezy views which includes a visit to the tomb of this young of the world’s longest, most legendary river. pharaoh, followed by a visit to the domed house where Howard Carter lived during his decade Although Egypt’s marriage and divorce of excavations. And Tutankhamen’s tomb may laws have evolved over the years, they have not be finished revealing its secrets—nearly consistently given the upper hand to men. In a century after its discovery, new evidence certain cases, the husband can rescind the suggests the existence of more rooms hidden divorce at any time during a waiting period beyond the burial chamber. At around 11:45am, which lasts three full menstrual cycles. This we’ll visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, time is viewed as an opportunity for the couple built for Egypt’s first known female monarch. to reconcile and also to ensure the wife is not expecting. The separation is final when the

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18 waiting period is over; however, this kind population does not support this progress, of divorce is referred to as “minor,” which claiming that women abuse it by divorcing their means the couple can remarry if they wish. It husbands for inadequate reasons. is only the third verbal divorce—requested by Furthermore, critics of the new legislation the husband—which is considered “major,” assert that it has led to a soaring divorce rate: meaning they cannot remarry (with few roughly 40% of marriages in Egypt end in exceptions). divorce (this varies greatly between urban Now that women-initiated divorce is legal, and rural areas), with the number of divorces men are no longer solely in control of the reaching more than 198,000 in 2017—a 3.2% institution of marriage; however, it’s important increase from the year before. But those to note that, while men are allowed to separate who support this progress maintain that from their wives without resorting to legal the increase speaks to the toxicity of male justification, women can only do so within a dominance and gender roles in an advancing court of law. Furthermore, they have the option society, rather than a problem with equal to pursue two types of separation: fault, which rights. Our speaker for today, Om Farha, requires evidence to support legally stipulated will elaborate on both sides of the argument reasons (mental illness, financial instability, and shed light on her own story for about 20 imprisonment, etc.), and no-fault, which minutes before opening the conversation up doesn’t require proof—however, this option to a 40-minute Q&A. Take this opportunity comes with severe repercussions, like foregoing to ask questions about this hot-button financial compensation. While divorce can be issue—perhaps you’d like to know if she’s complex for women, it’s even more distressing hopeful for her daughter’s generation or maybe for mothers. Upon separation, the mother you’d like to ask about her life post-separation. retains full custody of the children, but if At about 3pm, we’ll depart the Valley of she should remarry, custody automatically the Kings, crossing back over the Nile by transfers to her mother. In the instance where motorboat, and then arrive back at our hotel her mother is unavailable, custody is given to by about 3:30pm. Then, the balance of the the mother-in-law or sister of the mother or afternoon is free—an ideal opportunity to father. The father is the last family member explore our historic hotel’s many links to to receive the children, if these relatives are Carter’s great discovery. unable to care for them. Then, at around 5:30pm, we’ll explore Luxor Since its passing in 2000, more than 500,000 Temple, a center of power for Egypt’s mighty women have filed for divorce. The first came pharaohs over a nearly 1,500-year period. The just 19 days after the law went into effect, temple complex was largely built by Amenhotep which might not seem lightning fast from a III and Ramses II, the greatest and most western perspective, but as we’ll learn during celebrated pharaoh of the New Kingdom (his our conversation, these women have much reign lasted some 66 years, up until his death at more than a court battle head of them. Public age 91). Many other pharaohs and rulers added scorn, family disapproval, and a tainted to the temple over the centuries. Tutankhamen reputation are just a few of the harsh realities even contributed some—the only mark left by that come with such a “radical” decision. the boy king who is far more famous for being These risks are widespread, as nearly half the dead than alive. After exploring the series of

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19 statues, halls, columns, and pillars of Luxor Afternoon: While we’re enjoying lunch, Temple, we can turn our gaze to the incredible our private, classic Nile river-yacht will avenue of sphinxes that begin here and stretch have already set sail as we begin one of the for more than a mile into the distance, all the highlights of our Egypt adventure. To set your way to Karnak. expectation for the days ahead, a word about our private 16-passenger dahabeya—your Dinner: At about 6:45pm, we’ll walk over to accommodations for the next five nights: This Luxor’s local market for dinner at a restaurant is not your typical large river ship, packed serving traditional Egyptian fare. with travelers, chugging up and down the Nile Evening: Your final night in Luxor is free to (we’re content to let those big boats pass us explore on your own or begin packing for by). Instead, you’ll experience a gentler, more tomorrow’s journey to Esna. gracious era in travel. As we glide quietly across the Nile’s timeless waters, guided by the gentle Day 7 Optional hot air balloon ride • Esna winds and whims of the currents, our small motorized tender is there to nudge us along & Temple of Khnum • Begin Nile cruise when we require assistance. The intimate size • Destination: Nile cruise of our vessel also allows us to visit ancient • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner temples at quiet times, and gives us access to • Accommodations: Asiya river-yacht or Aida, the smaller islands and riverside villages that Amunet, or Aton river-yachts travelers on the big river ships can only dream about. And at night, we’ll be far away from Activity Note: Travelers taking the hot-air the bright lights and lines of the noisy tourist balloon ride Optional Tour will depart the hotel steamers. Quietly moored in secluded locales, at 5:30am. we can spend peaceful evenings relaxing on Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel deck, gazing out at the Nile to imagine a time beginning at 6am, with Egyptian and when Cleopatra and Julius Caesar drifted past American options. these very same waters aboard the Egyptian queen’s gilded barge. Morning: You may elect to rise early for an optional balloon ride over the west bank to With a crew of 15 along to provide attentive, witness a glorious Egyptian sunrise over the personal service to our small group of just 16 Nile. Then, shortly after 9am, we’ll drive south travelers, you may feel a bit like a queen or a to Esna, a town on the Nile’s western bank. An pharaoh yourself as we begin our romantic important stop on the camel-caravan route journey along the Nile this afternoon. Our for centuries, Esna is also home to the Temple first cruise will last approximately four hours, of Khnum, one of the later great temples plenty of time to appreciate just how relaxing of ancient Egypt’s unrivaled 2,500-year this form of Nile travel can be while taking civilization, which we’ll visit upon our arrival. in the vistas to either side of the river where Then, about 11:45am, we’ll board our private life plays out along its banks unchanged for river-yacht to begin our Nile River cruise. centuries. We should arrive in Higz, a small village along the Nile’s east bank, at around Lunch: Aboard our yacht, at about 1:30pm. 4pm. Then, we’ll take a village walk and watch the sun setting over the Nile before returning to our yacht.

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20 Dinner: At about 6:15pm, aboard our Evening: Free to mingle with your fellow river-yacht. travelers over a drink at the bar, or retire to your cabin for the night. Evening: You are free to relax on deck to admire the night sky or settle in to your cabin for the night. Day 9 Gebel Silsila Temple and Quarries • A Day in the Life of Besaw Island • Education for girls in rural Egypt Day 8 Cruise to Edfu • Discover discussion Edfu Temple • Destination: Nile cruise • Destination: Nile cruise • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodations: Asiya river-yacht or Aida, • Accommodations: Asiya river-yacht or Aida, Amunet, or Aton river-yachts Amunet, or Aton river-yachts Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today’s activities Breakfast: Served aboard our yacht beginning feature our NEW A Day in the Life experience at 7am, with Egyptian and American options. of Besaw Island, where we’ll meet a local Morning: After breakfast, we set our course for farmer and his family. Our discoveries will Edfu. During our scenic 5-hour cruise, perhaps provide a window into this isolated agricultural you’ll join our Trip Experience Leader for a community and help us understand their discussion on pharaonic life, or maybe try your unique perspective and traditional livelihood. hand at senet, an ancient Egyptian board game Read more about this activity below. that was a favorite pastime of Tutankhamen. Breakfast: Served aboard our yacht beginning There are many onboard activities that you at 7am, with Egyptian and American options. can enjoy, and you may find a deep sense of camaraderie developing aboard ship with such Morning: Picking up the anchor at about a small group size. 5am, our yacht will have already set sail by the time we wake up. So during our breakfast, Lunch: Aboard our yacht, at around noon. we can admire the palm trees, farmland, Afternoon: At about 12:30pm, we’ll arrive at donkeys, and tranquil scenes of traditional Edfu, a town on the west bank of the Nile that Egyptian life as we slowly cruise farther south is home to the best-preserved cult temple in along the Nile. At about 10am, we’ll arrive at Egypt. Stepping off our yacht, we’ll then split Besaw Island, where we’ll proceed to walk 15 into smaller groups and take a horse and buggy minutes to begin our NEW A Day in the Life ride out to the Temple of Horus, dedicated to discoveries with local farmer, Sayed, and his the falcon-headed god. After exploring the family. Sayed’s ancestors moved to this island remarkable hieroglyphs and bas-reliefs of after the building of the Aswan High Dam. As Egypt’s second largest temple, at about 4pm, irrigation became more regulated and agrarian we’ll cruise well beyond the lights and noise of reform took effect, Besaw transformed into a Edfu to moor for the night at Fauaza, a quiet viable, agricultural haven, and land previously little village further down the Nile. owned by the wealthy was redistributed among agricultural workers. This 500-strong island Dinner: At about 6pm, aboard our river-yacht. community primarily cultivates mangoes, bananas, dates and feed for their livestock. They are noticeably isolated from surrounding

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21 areas, as there are no bridges, no modern to visit in winter, we’ll see zucchini, tomatoes, developments, and electricity only came to the lettuce, okra, parsley, and other types of island around 2010. Besaw is seemingly frozen produce. We’ll also have the chance to observe in time, where the pace of life is much like the some of the livestock, such as water buffaloes, gentle breeze and long-established traditions cows, sheep, and various poultry. All of this life are the beating heart of local culture. is sustained, of course, by strategic irrigation methods, which we’ll learn about and even Upon arrival at Sayed’s half-acre property have a chance to try our hand at throughout our around 10:15am, we’ll be greeted by his family walk. Depending on the time of year, we may and welcomed into their two-story, roughly also have the opportunity to seed the land or 1,500 square feet mud-brick house. There, we’ll harvest some of the crops. begin with a 30-minute conversation about education for girls living on the island. As we Around 12:15pm, we’ll walk about 15 minutes learned on Day 3, Egypt is quite split on the back to Sayed’s house, where we’ll have a subject of women’s rights and the resistance chance to prepare the table for lunch. to such progress is significantly greater in Lunch: Around 12:30pm in Sayed’s home on rural areas like Besaw. Many residents believe Besaw Island, featuring traditional dishes that learning to read and write is sufficient like orzo chicken soup, sun-baked bread, education for girls and that they should begin fried chicken, or beef stew, followed by a thinking about marriage in their teenage years. semolina-based dessert. Furthermore, education can be a burden on families because children must travel to the Afternoon: At about 1:30pm, we’ll walk 15 mainland to attend school—meaning parents minutes back to our river-yacht and resume and elders lose out on the extra domestic help. sailing for about 1.5 hours. Then, we’ll reach However, as we get to know our host, we’ll the narrowest stretch of the Nile, an area come to find out that not all people here have the ancient Egyptians called “Khenu,” or such old world views on the subject. Sayed is the place of rowing. Our destination is Gebel an advocate for women’s rights and strives to Silsila, a rocky gorge where high sandstone support his daughters in pursuing education cliffs descend down to the water’s edge. Our and whatever career they choose. In fact, one small river-yacht will then come to a slow of his daughters hopes to become a doctor, a drift while we gaze out at the ancient quarries dream which Sayed fervently supports. We’ll that provided the stones to build almost all also have the opportunity to ask any questions of Egypt’s great monuments and temples, we might have about the issue—perhaps you’d including Karnak, Luxor, Kom Ombo, and like to know how forward-thinking residents many others. It is estimated the amount of like Sayed are working to change the minds of sandstone mined here during the pharaonic era conservative neighbors, or you might wish to is eight million tons. You can be among the few ask about local school curriculums. to explore this historic site, and learn about a recent archaeological discovery made here—a Then, around 11:15am, we’ll stretch our legs massive sacred temple used for four epochs of with a 1-hour walk through the village crop ancient Egyptian history. Our Trip Experience fields. In summer time, we’ll stroll through Leader will shed light on this historical finding dense rows of lush mango plants and banana for about 45 minutes, during which we can ask palm trees—two of the most lucrative any questions we might have. commodities grown here—and if we happen

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22 Then, at about 6:30pm, we’ll venture ashore for the local crocodile god, Sobek (it is said that dinner this evening. real crocodiles used to bask here). The other side honors the falcon god, Haroeris. The Dinner: At about 6:30pm, we’ll enjoy a entire structure is unusual in that everything traditional Egyptian dinner on Gebel Silsila. is doubled and perfectly symmetrical along Evening: We’ll head back to our river-yacht the main axis: twin entrances, twin courts, around 8pm, and enjoy the remainder of the and twin colonnades. Another unique feature night free for our own discoveries. of Kom Ombo is a series of engravings thought to be among the world’s first representations Day 10 Island village walk • Cruise of medical and surgical instruments. After exploring Kom Ombo, we’ll return to our to Kom Ombo river-yacht at about 4:30pm and cruise for • Destination: Nile cruise about an hour to the nearby town of Daraw, • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner arriving at approximately 5:30pm. • Accommodations: Asiya river-yacht or Aida, Dinner: Aboard our yacht, at about 6pm. Amunet, or Aton river-yachts

Activity Note: Our morning activities include Evening: Free to explore Daraw, where we’ll an elective 1-hour hike that is over steep terrain moor for the night, or remain on the yacht to and may be too difficult for some travelers. relax with your travel companions. Those not participating in the hike may return to the river-yacht. Day 11 Visit Daraw livestock market • Cruise to Aswan Breakfast: Served aboard our yacht beginning at 7am, with Egyptian and American options. • Destination: Nile cruise • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Morning: Beginning at about 9am, we’ll • Accommodations: Asiya river-yacht or Aida, do a little island exploring, visiting Fares’ Amunet, or Aton river-yachts traditional Egyptian village, strolling through the fields, and stopping to see a local Breakfast: Served aboard our yacht beginning craftsman. There will also be an elective hike at 6am, with Egyptian and American options. of approximately an hour for those wishing to Morning: At about 7am, we’ll find out what further explore the island. Then, at about 11am, really draws the locals to Daraw—the livestock we’ll go back onboard our yacht to begin a market. Throughout the year, cows, goats, cruise of 4 to 5 hours on our way to Kom Ombo. camels, and other livestock are traded in a Lunch: Aboard our yacht, at around 12:30pm; bustling weekly market here. Because we are or, if weather permits, we may go ashore for a traveling in such a small group, we’ll hop picnic lunch. aboard pick-up trucks, a more modern form of local transport, and head over to the market Afternoon: At about 3pm, we will arrive at Kom (during non-market days, we will visit some Ombo, a riverside town surrounded by sugar of the livestock barns). With herders urging cane fields that is home to Egypt’s only double their camels and goats along and Nubian men temple. Dramatically situated along a bend on hawking their mint and Egyptian spinach the Nile, the beautiful Graeco-Roman Kom as they squeeze through the crowds in their Ombo Temple features one side dedicated to tuk-tuks, the scene can be dusty, colorful,

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23 chaotic—and fun. We’ll spend about an hour at Morning: At about 7am, we’ll bid farewell the market before returning to our yacht. Then, to our captain and crew and travel overland at about 8:45am, we’ll set off on a 6-hour for approximately four hours to Abu Simbel cruise to Aswan, our final port-of-call. for an overnight stay. Upon arrival around 11am, we’ll spend about 2 hours exploring the Lunch: Aboard our yacht, at around noon. ancient relics and structures for which the area Afternoon: You’ll want to be on deck as we drift is known. Unlike the throngs of day-trippers along this enchanting stretch of the Nile where who rush their visit here, we get to witness the desert closes in on the river, tropical islands the iconic temples seemingly carved into abound, and lateen-sailed feluccas are seen living rock both by day and at night. We’ll see gliding past the ancient ruins. this ancient wonder fully intact, with its huge guardian statues and elaborate depictions of Dinner: Aboard our yacht at about 6:30pm, famous battles on the inner walls of Ramses’ featuring regional dishes selected nightly by Temple. It has been said that this famed king our onboard chef. was something of a narcissist—we’ll see ample evidence of that here in the sheer number of Evening: We’ll arrive in Aswan by about 8pm objects depicting him, including a mammoth and moor for the night at the city’s edge, statue in which his head appears to support relatively secluded from Aswan’s main bustle. the weight of the entire temple. The massive You can relax on deck this evening and take in colossi of Ramses II were an expression of the views of the Nile and Aswan for the final Egypt’s might and its dominance over the night of our cruise. Nubian kingdom.

Day 12 Aswan • Controversial Topic: When Lake Nasser was created as a result of the Nubian rights in Egypt with Dr. Hussein construction of the Aswan High Dam (which Mokhtar • Disembark yacht • Travel to we’ll visit the next day), some 100,000 Nubians Abu Simbel were displaced. Not only did the High Dam’s construction upend the lives of Nubians, but • Destination: Abu Simbel it appeared that the massive temples of Abu • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Simbel—hewn out of the solid cliff in the 13th • Accommodations: Seti Abu Simbel Hotel century B.C.—were doomed to vanish beneath or similar the rising waters of Lake Nasser. But the entire Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: This afternoon will complex was cut into 1,036 blocks (weighing feature the Controversial Topic of Nubian eleven tons each), and thanks to the labor of rights in Egypt with a native Nubian, Dr. 25,000 workers over three years, was moved Hussein Mokhtar. This is a unique opportunity 200 feet up the cliffs and safely re-established to learn about a local indigenous group and above the new water level. their thoughts about the rights granted to After exploring the area, we’ll check in to them by the Egyptian government after the our centrally located hotel around 1pm. relocation of their villages in the wake of the Depending on where we stay, hotel amenities Aswan High Dam project. Read more about this may include an outdoor pool and onsite informative conversation below. restaurant. Each air-conditioned room may Breakfast: Served aboard our yacht beginning at 6am, with Egyptian and American options.

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24 feature complimentary wireless Internet the world’s largest embankment barrier. Due access, an in-room safe, and a private bath with to the success of the Aswan Low Dam, which hair dryer. preceded it, the government decided that in order to maximize benefits like better control

flooding, increased water storage for irrigation, Lunch: At our hotel around 1pm, featuring a and hydroelectricity another dam must be built. selection of Nubian specialties. This push for the industrialization of the Nile was largely to protect the nation’s important Afternoon: Following lunch, you’ll have 2 hours cotton crop, but also to stimulate and assert of free time to relax or venture out on your own. control over the agricultural economy. Perhaps after the long drive this morning you’d prefer to settle into the hotel and enjoy some While the High Dam did, in fact, result in tea—or you may wish to consult with your Trip protection from floods and an increase in Experience Leader for ideas. employment, it also resulted in numerous undesirable outcomes—the submersion of At about 4pm, our group will reconvene at the important archaeological sites, coastline hotel to discuss the Controversial Topic of erosion, soil salinity, public health issues, Nubian rights in Egypt. Over the centuries, the and the aforementioned relocation of more Nubian people have faced a number of social than 100,000 Nubians. Because much of and economic hurdles. Today, we’ll examine Nubia disappeared under the floodwaters of the social strife experienced by this indigenous the Lake Nasser reservoir, the people were group and gain firsthand knowledge of the resettled in dozens of villages. In an attempt difficulties they face through the eyes of native to revitalize their agricultural livelihood, the Nubian, Dr. Hussein Mokhtar. Dr. Mokhtar was government formed an irrigation project called one of 100,000 Nubians displaced during the the New Halfa Development Scheme, which construction of the Aswan High Dam, a massive provided Nubians with irrigated land on which infrastructural undertaking which began in to grow cotton, grains, and sugar cane. Also 1960 and completed in 1970. since displacement, the minority group was granted access to free education—an apparent The Nubians are an ethno-linguistic indigenous atonement for the harm caused to their group originating from what are now community. present-day Northern Sudan and southern Egypt. They are some of the earliest settlers In 2019, Egyptian authorities began to of the central Nile Valley, with Neolithic compensate displaced Nubians, but many feel settlements dating back to 7000 BC. Nubians that compensation more than half a century boast a uniquely distinct heritage—including later is an inadequate reparation. During their own language which is still strictly spoken our conversation, Dr. Mokhtar will share his by two ethnic sub-groups, Kenzi and Vadjeka. family’s story and insight on Nubian rights For thousands of years, the Nile on the Egyptian for about 20 minutes before opening up the bank was lush and fertile, while the Nubian conversation to a 40-minute Q&A. Take this side was rocky and relatively barren—though time to ask any questions you might have, such agricultural pockets did exist and were expertly as what it’s like for him to reconcile his Nubian leveraged. But in the mid-twentieth century, heritage with his Egyptian identity. the Nubian homeland was quite literally washed away with the building of the Aswan High Dam,

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25 Then, at about 5:30pm, we’ll continue our Afternoon: At about 1:30pm, we’ll arrive discoveries with a short drive back to Abu in Aswan and check in to the historic Old Simbel, where we’ll gain an entirely new Cataract Hotel, whose terrace provides views perspective of the site during an enchanting of Elephantine Island and the most dramatic sound and light show. The illuminated temples Nile sunsets in all of Egypt. Constructed in and relics provide a dramatic lens through 1899 by Thomas Cook for refined European to which to experience the rich history and travelers, the Old Cataract Hotel occupies one heritage before us. of the most breathtaking locations along a bend in the Nile, facing out over the sands of Around 7:15pm, we’ll make the short drive back the Sahara beyond. Hotel guests have included to our hotel. Tsar Nicholas II, Winston Churchill, Howard Dinner: At about 7:30pm, at our hotel for a Carter, among many others. Agatha Christie Nubian-style dinner. also set portions of her novel Death on the Nile at the elegant hotel, and scenes from the 1978 Evening: Free to relax and enjoy the amenities film of the same name were shot here. Visitors of our hotel or return to our rooms to beginning from the golden age of travel to the present packing for tomorrow’s transfer back to Aswan. day have praised this captivating Victorian palace perched on a granite shelf above the Nile. Day 13 Transfer to Aswan • Visit High Dam Rooms are air-conditioned and include satellite • Explore Aswan’s Spice Market TV, Internet access, minibar, and private bath.

• Destination: Aswan After some free time to explore the hotel and • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner its magnificent grounds, we’ll gather together • Accommodations: Old Cataract Hotel at about 6pm to enjoy a discovery walk through or similar Aswan’s bustling spice market. We’ll hunt for bargains at a colorful bazaar of aromatic Breakfast: Served buffet-style at our lodge, spices, Nubian crafts, embroidered galabayas beginning at 6:30am. (traditional Egyptian garments), and more, Morning: At about 8am, we depart Abu Simbel before heading over to a local restaurant and drive back to Aswan for our two-night stay. for dinner. Set along an enchanting stretch of the Nile, Dinner: At about 7pm, in a local restaurant Aswan is an ancient frontier town where life in Aswan. glides by as gently as the canvas-sailed feluccas that drift past the tropical islands dotting the Evening: Free to relax, enjoy a drink at the river’s sapphire waters. Along the way, we’ll hotel’s famous terrace, or perhaps just soak in make a stop at the Aswan High Dam, whose the history of these legendary accommodations. 1971 construction created the massive Lake Nasser. We’ll arrive at the dam at about 11am to Freedom To Explore: During your two nights in enjoy the scenery before continuing to Aswan. Aswan, you have the freedom to explore the city on your own during your free time. Below are Lunch: At a local restaurant on the way to a few recommended options for independent Aswan, at around noon. exploration:

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26 • Discover the treasures of the Nubian Day 14 Camel ride to St. Simeon Museum: Nestled into a hillside in Aswan, Monastery • Explore Temples of Philae this award-winning museum celebrates • Destination: Aswan the culture and civilization of the Nubian region of Egypt from prehistoric times to • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner the present. • Accommodations: Old Cataract Hotel or similar • How to get there: About a 10- to 15-minute walk. Breakfast: Buffet-style at the hotel • Hours: 9am-4pm, daily. beginning at 6am, featuring Egyptian and • Cost: About $5 USD. American options. • Visit the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of the Morning: At about 8am, we’ll depart our hotel Archangel Michael: Opened in 2006, this for a visit to the abandoned Monastery of St. cathedral has striking modern architecture. Simeon. Constructed on the Nile’s west bank in As you explore the church, you can meet the seventh century (then rebuilt in the tenth), Christian locals and gain a deeper under- the hilltop monastery was destroyed in 1173 standing of this sect of Christianity. Our by Saladin, who feared that it might serve as regional associates suggest spending an hour a refuge for Christian Nubians. And now that visiting the cathedral. our Nile cruise is over, we’ll take to the original • How to get there: About a 5- to 10-minute ships of the desert—camels—to arrive at walk. these historic ruins. We’ll also see the chamber • Hours: 8am-8pm, daily. where St. Simeon used to pray for hours on • Cost: Free. end (legend has it that he fastened his beard to the chamber’s ceiling lest he fall asleep during • Go bird watching along the Nile: Visit those lengthy prayers). Aswan’s small islands along the Nile and discover why bird enthusiasts have been Then, at around 10am, we’ll take a boat to the flocking here for ages. If you choose to reserve island temple of Philae, center of the cult of a private tour, your expert, English-speaking the goddess Isis. Similar to the plight of Abu bird spotter will guide a felucca boat tour Simbel, this temple complex was moved in along the Nile, pointing out local species such order to save it from the rising waters of Lake as egrets, kingfishers, herons, and parakeets. Nasser. Our discoveries include the Temple Your guide will provide you with binoculars of Isis, with its courtyards flanked by granite for optimal bird-spotting, and it is suggested lions and walls covered in ancient gods and that you leave a tip at the end of your tour. Or, goddesses; and Trajan’s Kiosk, with its 14 you can opt to go birding on your own. If you majestic stone pillars. choose to do so, we recommend bringing your own binoculars, visiting earlier in the day to Lunch: At a local restaurant at around 12:30pm, avoid the heat, and setting aside roughly 1.5 featuring traditional Egyptian dishes served in hours for the experience. clay pots. • How to get there: About a 20-minute Afternoon: We’ll return to our hotel by about felucca ride from your ship. 1:45pm for a few hours of free time to relax or • Hours: 9am-12pm, daily. explore on your own. • Cost: About $50 USD.

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27 Dinner: At about 6pm, in a local restaurant discoveries with the entire group while dining overlooking the Nile. on traditional Egyptian fare that we’ve come to know during our adventure. Evening: Free to enjoy time at the hotel, witness life along the Nile, or to begin packing Evening: Free to relax at the hotel to compare for tomorrow’s flight to Cairo. Egypt memories with your fellow travelers or begin packing for tomorrow’s return Day 15 Fly to Cairo • Explore Old Cairo flights home. • Destination: Cairo Day 16 Return to U.S. or begin • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner trip extension • Accommodations: Cairo Marriott Hotel or similar • Included Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast: Buffet-style at the hotel Breakfast: Buffet-style at the hotel beginning at 7am, featuring Egyptian and beginning at 7am, featuring Egyptian and American options. American options.

Morning: At about 8am, we’ll transfer to the Morning: Depending on your flight time, airport for our 1.5-hour flight north to Cairo transfers to the Cairo airport will begin at about (flight time is subject to change). 7am for your return flight back to the U.S., or begin your post-trip extension to Alexandria’s Lunch: At a local restaurant in Old Cairo, at Glorious Past or New! Ancient Lebanon: Beirut, around 12:30pm. Tyre, Sidon, Baalbek, Tripoli. Afternoon: At about 1:30pm, we’ll make a half-hour drive out to a pair of ancient communities along the twisting alleyways of Old Cairo. Our discoveries include the Hanging Church, a Basilica-style church housed in a Babylonian fortress dedicated to the Virgin Mary; and Ben Ezra Synagogue, the oldest Jewish temple in Cairo (and also the site where the pharaoh’s daughter is said to have found Moses floating in his basket). We’ll check in to our Cairo hotel by about 4:15pm, and then have some free time for our last day in Egypt—perhaps to witness the panoramic views of the city from atop Cairo Tower or to do some last-minute shopping before returning home.

Dinner: At about 6:30pm, we’ll enjoy a festive Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant. This is a great time to celebrate our Egypt

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28 END YOUR ADVENTURE WITH AN OPTIONAL POST-TRIP EXTENSION 5 nights in Alexandria’s Glorious Past

Day 1 Transfer to Alexandria Day 4 Catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa • National Museum Day 2 Royal Jewelry Museum • Visit Library of Alexandria Day 5 Transfer to Cairo Day 3 Excursion to Rosetta (Rashid) • Day 6 Return to U.S. Montazah Gardens

OR 7 nights in Ancient Lebanon: Beirut, Tyre, Sidon, Baalbek, Tripoli & Byblos

Day 1 Fly to Beirut, Lebanon • Visit Beirut Day 5 Explore Tripoli • Visit Balamand National Museum Monastery • Transfer to Byblos Day 2 Explore Beirut • Visit Beiteddine Day 6 Byblos • Optional Cultural Heritage Palace • Explore Deir el Qamar • of Lebanon tour Home-Hosted Dinner Day 7 Visit Jeita Grotto • Mount Harissa • Day 3 Explore Tyre • Visit Sidon Explore Byblos Castle Day 4 Explore Baalbek & Sayyida Khawla Day 8 Return to U.S. Shrine • Winery visit

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29 OPTIONAL TOURS

During your trip you will be able to book optional tours directly with your Trip Experience Leader. He or she will ask you to confirm the payment for these tours by filling out a payment form. Optional tours can only be purchased with a credit or debit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards. We also accept Visa and MasterCard debit cards, but it must be a debit card that allows you to sign for purchases.

In order to correctly process these charges, there can be a delay of 2-3 months from the date of your return for the charges to be posted to your account. Therefore we ask that you use a card that will not expire in the 2-3 months following your return.

Please note: Optional tour prices are listed in U.S. dollar estimates determined at the time of publication and are subject to change. Optional tours may vary.

Hot Air Balloon Ride (Day 7 $110 per person)

Rise early for a hot air balloon ride and view the splendor of the Nile’s West Bank and Valley of the Kings with a new sense of wonder. See ancient Luxor from a unique angle as you drift over temples, ancient sites, and sacred ruins (depending on wind direction)—and also over vast sugar cane fields and villages waking up in the early morning sun. Please note: This optional tour is weather permitting.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

30 PRE-TRIP Sacred Landmarks of Israel: Jerusalem, Masada & The Dead Sea

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Accommodations for 4 nights in Jerusalem » Services of a local O.A.T. Trip at the Dan Boutique Hotel or similar Experience Leader » 8 meals—4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, » Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and and 2 dinners luggage porters » 4 small group activities » All transfers

PRE-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

Within Israel’s complex society, you’ll find the world’s three great religions threaded into the fabric of life. From deeply sacred landmarks to completely isolated ancient sites located in the middle of the Judean Desert, there isn’t a part of Israel that isn’t touched by history and religion. Let Jerusalem inspire you with its culturally-rich landscape and tap into your inner historian during an exploration of the ancient hilltop fortress of Masada.

Day 1 Fly to Jerusalem, Israel that include a bar and restaurant, along with a fitness center and large sun deck. Rooms are You depart today for your overnight flight from air-conditioned and typically include a safe, the U.S. to Jerusalem, Israel. telephone, satellite TV, refrigerator, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and private bath with Day 2 Arrive Jerusalem, Israel hair dryer. • Destination: Jerusalem After settling in, we’ll regroup in the lobby at • Included Meals: Dinner about 5:30pm and your Trip Experience Leader • Accommodations: Dan Boutique Hotel will lead you and your fellow travelers on an or similar orientation walk around your hotel. Then, we’ll Afternoon: Upon arrival in Israel late this enjoy a Welcome Drink before heading to a local afternoon, an O.A.T. representative will meet restaurant for dinner. you at the airport and escort you to your hotel Dinner: At a local restaurant around 6:30pm. in Jerusalem—a transfer of about 1.5 to 2 hours, Our Welcome Dinner features local cuisine, and depending on traffic. Then, you will meet your our meal will include an appetizer, main course, Trip Experience Leader, check in, and receive and dessert. Bottled water, soft drinks, and a your room assignment. Depending on where glass of beer or wine are included. we stay, we’ll likely be at a centrally-located hotel near Jerusalem’s Old City, with amenities

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31 Evening: After dinner, you’re free to explore Ein Kerem hospital, home to the famous 12 on your own or retire to your room to rest up abstract stained glass windows representing from your flight and prepare for tomorrow’s the 12 Tribes of Israel. discoveries. • How to get there: A 25- to 30-minute taxi Freedom To Explore: During your four nights ride, about $25 USD one way. in Jerusalem, you have the freedom to explore • Hours: 8:30am-3pm, Sunday-Thursday. the city on your own during your free time. • Cost: About $4 USD. Below are some recommended options for independent exploration: Day 3 Explore Jerusalem • Destination: Jerusalem • View the exhibits at the Museum for Islamic • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Art: Opened to the public in 1974, this • Accommodations: Dan Boutique Hotel celebrated museum was founded to showcase or similar Islamic civilization and also to bridge the cultural divide. Home to myriad artifacts Breakfast: An Israeli-style buffet breakfast is spanning many centuries, the museum boasts served at the hotel beginning at 7am, with hot one of the world’s foremost collections of and cold selections available. Islamic artwork and antique timepieces. Morning: At about 9am, we’ll gather for a more • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute taxi formal Welcome Briefing in the hotel, where ride, about $4 USD one way. we can review our itinerary in more detail • Hours: 10am-3pm, Monday-Wednesday; (including any changes that may need to occur). 10am-7pm, Thursday. Our Trip Experience Leader will also discuss • Cost: About $11 USD. logistics, safety and emergency procedures, and • Witness Jerusalem’s controversial side at answer any questions we may have. the Museum on the Seam: Hailed by the After our briefing, we’ll set off to experience New York Times as “one of 29 leading art Jerusalem’s Old City on foot. Measuring less venues around the world,” the Museum on than one square mile, the Old City contains the Seam describes itself as a socio-political an immense amount of history and holds a contemporary art museum and features deep spiritual significance for many, including unique exhibits on themes related to human Muslims, Christians, and Jews. We’ll see rights, slavery, the right to protest, and a ancient sites like the Western Wall, one of the variety of topics related to national, ethnic, holiest sites in the world for Jewish people, and and economic issues. the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, theorized to • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute taxi be the site of Christ’s burial and resurrection. ride, about $4 USD one way. We’ll also explore the Mount of Olives, the • Hours: 10am-5pm, Monday, Wednesday, location of Christ’s betrayal in the Garden of & Thursday; 2pm-8pm, Tuesday; 10am- Gethsemane. We’ll discover the biblical stories 2pm, Friday. that took place here while taking in sweeping • Cost: About $9 USD. views of the city. Then, we’ll continue on to • Gaze in wonder at the Chagall Windows: Get a Machane Yehuda Market. Located in one of the glimpse of Russian-born artist Marc Chagall’s oldest neighborhoods in Jerusalem, this popular genius at the synagogue of the Hadassah market sells everything from baked goods like sweet, soft challah bread to textiles.

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32 Lunch: At a local restaurant in Machane Yehuda and survivors as you explore the museum and Market around 1pm, featuring typical Middle memorial, and gain deeper insight into this Eastern cuisine with fresh, local ingredients. harrowing piece of history with the museum’s nearly 50 million artifacts—the world’s largest Afternoon: We’ll return to our hotel at around Holocaust archive collection. 2pm, and you are free to explore the area on your own, relax in your room, or take advantage Lunch: On your own, at about 1pm. You may of the hotel’s amenities. You could also take wish to try any number of Jewish specialties this opportunity to check out the Chagall such as mejadra, which is made with lentils, Windows, or perhaps you’ll visit the Israel rice, and onions; or a Palestinian classic like Museum to get a glimpse of the world’s oldest fattoush (bread and fresh vegetable salad). biblical documents—the Dead Sea Scrolls. The Afternoon: We’ll return to our hotel at around Israel Museum covers the country’s vast history 2pm, and you are free to explore on your own, and complex culture with its large collection or perhaps just to reflect on our morning’s of artifacts and art pieces—the museum is the activity before we gather again at about 6pm in largest of its kind in Israel and is one of the top the lobby to depart for dinner. archaeology and art museums in the world. Dinner: Included at a local restaurant tonight. Dinner: On your own. Your Trip Experience Leader will be happy to recommend some Evening: After discussing daily life and sharing nearby restaurants or you can dine in the a laugh over a traditional meal with our Israeli hotel’s restaurant if you wish. host, we’ll return to our hotel with the rest of the evening free. Evening: On your own—you’re free to explore Jerusalem as you’d like, or ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations. Day 5 Explore Masada • Discover the Dead Sea Day 4 Visit Yad Vashem Memorial • Destination: Jerusalem • Destination: Jerusalem • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner • Accommodations: Spa Club Hotel Dead Sea • Accommodations: Dan Boutique Hotel or similar or similar Breakfast: Buffet-style at the hotel beginning Activity Note: The visit to the Yad Vashem at 7am, with Israeli and American options. Holocaust memorial includes many graphic Morning: At about 8:30am, we’ll depart our images and may be disturbing to some hotel for a drive of approximately 1.5 hours travelers. to Masada. Upon arrival, we’ll ascend to Breakfast: Buffet-style at the hotel beginning the summit of the mighty hilltop fortress, a at 7am, with Israeli and American options. UNESCO World Heritage Site, via cable car. Standing high above the Judean Desert, this Morning: At about 9am, we’ll depart our isolated 20-acre fortification was the site of hotel for a tour of Yad Vashem, the memorial a siege during the Jewish revolt against the commemorating the more than six million Romans in the eighth century. After tracing lives lost during the Holocaust. Discover the faces and stories of the Holocaust’s victims

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33 the turbulent history of Masada and exploring these ancient ruins, we’ll board our bus and head to the coast for lunch.

Lunch: At a local restaurant along the Dead Sea, at about 1pm.

Afternoon: This afternoon, we can experience what it’s like to take a dip in the Dead Sea. As a result of the water’s high salt concentration, we’ll float effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters of what is considered to be the lowest place on Earth—located 1300 feet below sea level. Then, at about 3pm, we’ll drive for approximately an hour back to Jerusalem, arriving at our hotel by about 4pm. We’ll regroup at about 5:30pm for an enlightening conversation with our Trip Experience Leader about the complicated relationship between Palestine and Israel.

Dinner: On your own shortly after 5:30pm. Your Trip Experience Leader will be happy to provide you with restaurant recommendations for an authentic Israeli meal this evening.

Evening: Free to explore on your own for your final night in Jerusalem or to begin packing for tomorrow’s flight to Egypt.

Day 6 Fly to Cairo, Egypt • Included Meals: Breakfast

Morning: After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport for our flight to Cairo to join the main trip. We arrive in Cairo to begin the next leg of our adventure on Day 2 of Egypt & the Eternal Nile by Private, Classic River-Yacht.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

34 PRE-TRIP Jordan: The King’s Highway from Amman to Petra

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Accommodations for 3 nights in Amman at » Services of a local O.A.T. Trip the Thousand Nights Hotel or similar, and Experience Leader 2 nights in Petra at the Petra Guest House » All transfers or similar » Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and » 14 meals—5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 5 luggage porters dinners (including 1 Home-Hosted Dinner) » 9 small group activities

PRE-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

Experience another facet of the Middle East’s centuries-old culture in Jordan. You’ll explore Roman ruins in Amman and stroll ancient city streets in Jerash. And discover the Nabataen “Lost City” of Petra, described in poetry as a “rose-red city half as old as time.”

Day 1 Fly to Amman, Jordan Air-conditioned rooms will include wireless Internet, minibar, coffee- and tea-making You depart today for your overnight flight from facilities, and private bath with hair dryer. the U.S. to Amman, Jordan. After settling in, we’ll regroup in the lobby and Day 2 Arrive Amman, Jordan your Trip Experience Leader will lead you and your fellow travelers on an orientation walk • Destination: Amman around your hotel. Then, we’ll enjoy a Welcome • Included Meals: Dinner Drink and dinner at our hotel. • Accommodations: Thousand Nights Hotel or similar Dinner: At a restaurant in our hotel, beginning at about 6:30pm. Our Welcome Dinner features Afternoon: Upon arrival in Jordan this local cuisine, and our meal will include an afternoon, an O.A.T. representative will meet appetizer, main course, and dessert. Bottled you at the airport and escort you to your hotel water, soft drinks, and a glass of beer or wine in Amman—a transfer of approximately 45 are included. minutes, depending on traffic. Then, you will meet your Trip Experience Leader, check Evening: After dinner, you’re free to linger at in, and receive your room assignment. Our the bar, or head to your room to relax after your hotel will most likely be situated in the heart flight and prepare for tomorrow’s discoveries. of Amman, about a 5-minute walk from the popular Amman Mall. Hotel amenities should include a restaurant, lounge, and spa facilities.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

35 Freedom To Explore: During your three nights we continue to the older section of downtown in Amman, you have the freedom to explore the Amman. We’ll have many opportunities to city on your own during your free time. Below mingle with the locals as we stroll through is a recommended option for independent places like the “gold souk,” named for its exploration: concentration of gold jewelry shops selling unique local items. • Learn about life in rural Jordan at the Iraq Al-Amir Women Cooperative Society: Meet Lunch: At a local restaurant at around 1:15pm, the friendly local women of this small rural featuring regional cuisine—which often relies Jordanian village and see how they have heavily on legumes, vegetables, and fruit from transformed their lives through training in the Nile Valley. Typical Egyptian fare may different handicraft skills. The women offer include rice-stuffed vegetables, fish, falafel, cooking classes, traditional lunches, and a kebabs, and more. variety of traditional craft workshops. Visitors Afternoon: At about 2:30pm, we’ll continue have an opportunity to gain unique insights our discoveries of Amman with a walk in Jabal into village life while providing the women Amman, a neighborhood near the downtown with a sustainable source of income. area that is known for its distinctive historic • How to get there: A 20- to 25-minute taxi architecture, followed by a visit to the city’s ride, about $20-$25 USD one way. newer sections. We’ll return to our hotel at • Hours: 9:30am-5pm, Monday-Friday. about 4:30pm, and you’ll have time to relax • Cost: Free. for a bit or freshen up before dinner. Then, at about 6:30pm we’ll get a glimpse of Amman’s Day 3 Amman • Visit the Citadel and nightlife during a brief walking tour along Roman Theater Rainbow Street, a trendy stretch of town • Destination: Amman popular with expats and young Jordanians that • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner also features many ceramic and pottery shops. • Accommodations: Thousand Nights Hotel Dinner: At a local restaurant at about 7:30pm. or similar Evening: After returning from dinner, the rest Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel of your evening is free. beginning at 6:30am, with Jordanian and American options. Day 4 Discover Jerash and Ajlun • Morning: At about 9am, we set off to explore Home-Hosted Dinner this ancient city by bus and on foot. Amman was • Destination: Amman once besieged and captured by King David and the Egyptian King Ptolemy, and occupied by • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner the Byzantine Empire and Christian Crusaders. • Accommodations: Thousand Nights Hotel Today, it is a thriving modern metropolis that or similar has taken great care to preserve its historical Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel heritage. We visit Amman’s citadel, with its beginning at 6:30am, with Jordanian and blend of ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, American options. and Islamic ruins. After enjoying the views of the Old City, with its 5,000-seat Roman amphitheater and lovely Abu Darwish Mosque,

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

36 Morning: At about 8am, we’ll depart for Jerash, Day 5 Transfer to Petra via the a drive of approximately one hour. Considered King’s Highway the world’s best-preserved and most complete • Destination: Petra Greco-Roman city, Jerash was first established as a town in AD 70. Today, it’s a sprawling • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner open-air museum of monumental temples, • Accommodations: Petra Guest House baths, theaters, and lovely Byzantine churches. or similar We’ll be greeted by the triple-arched gateway Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel built to honor the arrival of the Emperor beginning at 6:30am, with Jordanian and Hadrian in AD 129. Next to Hadrian’s Arch American options. stands the massive hippodrome, partially reconstructed. We’ll wander through this Morning: At about 9am, we’ll depart Amman amazing site and marvel at the Zeus Temple, and set off for Petra along the King’s Highway, Oval Plaza, and splendid avenues and plazas which has been an international trade route for lined with graceful colonnades. After our the last 5,000 years. The route is scenic, and tour, we’ll have free time to explore Jerash on dotted with picturesque villages and historic our own, a time when you can visit the site’s sites mentioned in the Bible. After a drive of museum, or perhaps attend the gladiator show about one hour, we’ll arrive at Mount Nebo, and chariot race that takes place here (when the place where Moses is purported to have available). gazed upon the Holy Land that he was not meant to reach. It is said that his tomb lies Lunch: At a local restaurant in Jerash, at here. From here, we’ll enjoy spectacular views around noon. across the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea. We’ll also see some preserved mosaics uncovered Afternoon: At about 1:30pm, we’ll drive for from archaeological digs that date back to approximately 45 minutes through fertile green the sixth century. Then, at about 11am, we’ll hills lined with olive groves to Ajlun—where depart Mount Nebo and visit a nearby mosaic we’ll visit its imposing Saracen castle. Built workshop and showroom to gain insight in the late twelfth century by the nephew of into this ancient craft before our next stop Saladin, it is known as Qalat ar-Rabad and in Madaba. At about 12:15pm, we’ll arrive in dominates the skyline for miles. We’ll depart Madaba, where we’ll take a short walk to St. Ajlun at about 3:15pm and arrive back at our George’s Church. This 19th-century Greek hotel in Amman by about 4:45pm. Orthodox Church is home to a treasure trove Dinner: In the home of a local Jordanian of early Christianity, including the earliest family in Amman beginning at about surviving mosaic map of the Holy Land. The 6:30pm. Our dinner will feature traditional map, which once contained some two million Jordanian cuisine. mosaic pieces, dates to about the sixth century.

Evening: During our Home-Hosted Dinner, Lunch: At a local restaurant in Madaba around we may linger for a while with our hosts to 1:15pm. Typical Jordanian cuisine often includes ask questions and get a personal glimpse of dishes like mansaf, a large platter of meat Jordanian life. After returning from dinner at layered with flatbread and rice. around 8:30pm, the remainder of your evening is free. You may wish to retire early to pack and prepare for tomorrow’s departure to Petra.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

37 Afternoon: At about 2:30pm, we’ll continue Day 6 Explore Petra our transfer to Petra, taking our time to witness • Destination: Petra the scenic views of the Mujib Valley along the • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner way. We’ll also stop for a panoramic view over Wadi Mujib before arriving at our hotel in Petra • Accommodations: Petra Guest House by about 6:30pm. Depending on where we or similar stay, our hotel will likely be situated just steps Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel away from the entrance to Petra’s renowned beginning at 6:30am, with Jordanian and archaeological sites, and offer excellent views American options. of the surrounding mountains. Hotel amenities should include a lobby lounge, restaurant, and Morning: At about 8:30am, we set off for a Nabatean-style bar. Typical rooms include full-day walking excursion through one of the air-conditioning, minibar, safe, coffee- and most beautiful of all ancient ruins—the fabled tea-making facilities, and private bath. red city of Petra. Reached through a towering narrow canyon, the city is carved into the Dinner: At our hotel at about 7:30pm, featuring solid red sandstone cliffs, and features soaring regional cuisine. temples, a 3,000-seat amphitheater, houses, banquet halls, churches, and tombs. It is said Evening: You are free to explore on your own, that Petra’s massive Treasury, with its portico take advantage of the hotel amenities, linger and pillars, was the storeroom for the Queen of at the bar, or retire to your room to prepare for Sheba’s gifts to Solomon. tomorrow’s exploration of Petra. For more than 2,000 years, the name Petra Freedom To Explore: During your two days was just a mysterious sound, a name in dusty in Petra, you have the freedom to explore the documents. Only the local Bedouin people knew area on your own during your free time. Below of its existence, because they lived in its caves. is a recommended option for independent Converted to Islam and disguised as an Arab, exploration: Swiss traveler Johann Ludwig Burckhardt found • Take a culinary adventure at the Petra the lost city in 1812. You’ll recognize several Kitchen: This highly regarded venue near views of Petra from the film Indiana Jones and Petra’s main gate features nightly cooking the Last Crusade. classes that give you the opportunity to work Lunch: At a local restaurant inside the alongside local chefs to prepare dishes found archaeological site of Petra, at around 1pm. on a typical Jordanian family’s menu using fresh, local ingredients. Afternoon: At about 2pm, we’ll continue our • How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute walk. walking tour of Petra, and spend another 1.5 • Hours: Cooking courses take place every hours exploring the remarkable ruins with day beginning at 6:30pm (Mar-Oct) and at our Trip Experience Leader. A short drive will 6pm (Nov-Feb). return us to our hotel at about 4pm, and have • Cost: About $50 USD. time to freshen up and relax before dinner. Dinner: At a local restaurant in Petra at about 7pm, with Jordanian cuisine.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

38 Evening: You can explore on your own, relax at the bar, or retire to your room to prepare for tomorrow’s flight to Cairo.

Day 7 Fly to Cairo • Begin main trip • Destination: Cairo • Included Meals: Breakfast

Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel from 6:30am, with Jordanian and American options.

Morning: We check out of our hotel early this morning (by about 7:30am) and transfer to the Amman airport for our flight to Cairo to begin the next leg of our adventure on Day 2 of Egypt & the Eternal Nile by Private, Classic River-Yacht.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

39 POST-TRIP Alexandria’s Glorious Past

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Accommodations for 4 nights in Alexandria » Services of a local O.A.T. Trip at the Helnan Palestine Hotel or similar, Experience Leader and 1 night in Cairo at the Marriott Hotel » All transfers or similar » Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and » 14 meals—5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, luggage porters and 4 dinners » 5 small group activities

POST-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

Founded near a Mediterranean fishing village by Alexander the Great in 332 BC, Alexandria rose to fame during Cleopatra’s reign, when visitors from across the ancient world came to view the splendor of the grand port city that grew to rival Rome—teeming with wide boulevards, massive sphinxes, and lavishly decorated temples. Even today, no visit to Egypt is complete with exploring the legendary city of Alexandria.

Day 1 Transfer to Alexandria have a couple of hours to explore the local area, or settle in and relax at our hotel. Typical rooms • Destination: Alexandria include air conditioning, satellite TV, safe, • Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner coffee- and tea-making facilities, minibar, and • Accommodations: Helnan Palestine Hotel private bath. or similar Dinner: At our hotel’s restaurant around 7pm, Morning: At about 9am, we’ll begin our 3- to featuring local Egyptian cuisine, dessert, and 4-hour transfer from Cairo to Alexandria, with choice of beverages. a stop for lunch along the way. Our journey will take us mainly through desert landscapes and Evening: Free to explore the bustling past rural farms and plantations. harbor-side area of Alexandria on your own, take advantage of the hotel amenities, or Lunch: At a local restaurant en route to retire to your room to prepare for tomorrow’s Alexandria, at around 1pm. discoveries. Afternoon: We’ll arrive in Alexandria by about Freedom To Explore: During your four nights 4:30pm. Then, we’ll check in to our hotel. in Alexandria, you have the freedom to explore Depending on where we stay, our hotel may the city on your own during your free time. be situated on the very spot where Cleopatra is Below are some recommended options for said to have famously took her life with an asp independent exploration: and ended 2,500 years of Pharaonic rule. We’ll

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

40 • Explore the streets of the Women’s District: Morning: At about 10am, we’ll take a Discover a section of Alexandria’s Old Town 30-minute drive to the Royal Jewelry Museum. (Zane’t El Setat) where the shops are owned Housed in a palace built in 1805, the museum by local women and feature crafts and other features a glittering collection of priceless products that are tailored exclusively for jewels that belonged to the royal family of other women. the Muhammad Ali dynasty. Among the royal • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute taxi artifacts are precious stones and diamonds, a ride, about $4 USD one way. golden chess set, clocks, watches, ornamental • Hours: 9am-12am, daily. boxes, and diamond-encrusted garden tools. • Cost: Free. We’ll depart the museum at about noon and drive to a local restaurant. • Go for a drink at Sheik Ali’s: Officially called Cap d’Or, this neighborhood bar has been a Lunch: At a local restaurant at around local favorite for more than a century—even noon, with typical Alexandrian cuisine that with the longstanding Muslim ban on alcohol. may include seafood, hummus, tahini, and In the early years, Sheik Ali’s was a gathering vegetarian dishes. spot for intellectuals, artists, and actors. Afternoon: At about 1:30pm, our city tour • How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute taxi continues with a visit to the modern Library of ride, about $3 USD one way. Alexandria, which sits some 400 yards away • Hours: 7pm-1am, daily. from the original Bibliotheca Alexandrina. • Cost: Varies by drink and/or food order. During Cleopatra’s time, the library held • Journey back in time at the Roman some 700,000 scrolls (the modern version Amphitheater: Modest in size (it only had can accommodate 8 million volumes). We’ll room for about 800 people on its marble return to our hotel by about 4:15pm and you’ll seats), this remarkably preserved theater is have a couple of hours to relax or freshen up an excellent representation of the Roman before dinner. presence in Egypt—and was only discov- Dinner: At a local restaurant, at around 6:30pm. ered in 1964. • How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute taxi Evening: After dinner, you’re free to explore ride, about $5 USD one way. the city on your own, enjoy a cocktail in the • Hours: 9am-5pm, daily. hotel’s lounge, or retire to your room. • Cost: About $6 USD. Day 3 Excursion to Rosetta (Rashid) • Day 2 Royal Jewelry Museum • Visit Montazah Gardens Library of Alexandria • Destination: Alexandria • Destination: Alexandria • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodations: Helnan Palestine Hotel • Accommodations: Helnan Palestine Hotel or similar or similar Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel beginning at 6am, with American and beginning at 7:30am, with American and Egyptian options. Egyptian options.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

41 Morning: At about 8am, we’ll depart our hotel Day 4 Catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa • and drive to the fishing village and former port National Museum city of Rosetta (now known as Rashid), arriving • Destination: Alexandria at at around 9:45am. This is the site where the Rosetta stone—a stele that provided the key • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner to deciphering hieroglyphics and unlocking • Accommodations: Helnan Palestine Hotel Egypt’s ancient history to the world—was or similar found. Remnants of Rosetta’s glory days Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel remain in the many Ottoman-era homes and beginning at 7am, with American and mosques, but its real fame came in 1799, when Egyptian options. French soldiers discovered the famous stone stele that now resides in the British Museum. Morning: At about 9am, we’ll drive out to the We’ll visit the citadel where the Rosetta stone Catacombs of Kom ash-Shuqqafa, the largest was found, see where the Nile River meets Graeco-Roman necropolis in Egypt. More the Mediterranean, and admire the Islamic than 100 feet deep, the three levels of tombs architecture along Rosetta’s cobblestone street. and chambers cut into the bedrock at this site At around 12:45pm, we’ll depart Rosetta and date from the second century BC. Then, at drive back to Alexandria for lunch. around 10:45 our tour continues with a visit to the National Museum, home to some of the Lunch: At a local restaurant near the gardens many treasures that have been excavated in of Montazah Palace in Alexandria, at and around the ancient city. We’ll depart the around 2:15pm. museum at around 12:45pm and drive to a nearby restaurant. Afternoon: After lunch, we’ll take a stroll through the elegant gardens and groves of Lunch: At around 1pm, we’ll have a light lunch Montazah Palace. The landscaped gardens at a local restaurant. are the former grounds of a royal palace and a hunting lodge built in the late 19th century, Afternoon: At about 2pm, we’ll make a and cover about 150 acres. Then, at around half-hour drive back to our hotel, where we’ll 4:30pm, we’ll drive back to our hotel, arriving have a couple of hours of free time. Then, at at around 4:45pm. about 5pm, we’ll gather together near Fort Qaitbey, the perfect spot to mingle with the Dinner: On your own in Alexandria. You locals while we watch the sun setting over the can ask your Trip Experience Leader for Mediterranean. Fort Qaitbey, the 15th-century recommendations of local restaurants, or turreted fort built at the tip of Alexandria’s dine at the hotel. This might be a good time to harbor on the site of the Pharos Lighthouse. try out Alexandria’s take on fondue, a secret Dating to the 3rd-century BC, the almost 7-cheese mixture that is a local favorite. 500-foot-high lighthouse stood for nearly a thousand years and was one of the Seven Evening: Free to explore the city on your own, Wonders of the Ancient World. relax at the lounge, or retire to your room to prepare for tomorrow’s discoveries. Dinner: At a local restaurant in Alexandria, at about 6:15pm.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

42 Evening: Free to explore on your own—perhaps Day 6 Return to U.S. to take in the scene at the Corniche, the busy • Included Meals: Breakfast waterfront area that is central to Alexandrian nightlife. Or, you may wish to begin packing for Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel tomorrow’s transfer to Cairo. beginning at 6am, with American and Egyptian options.

Day 5 Transfer to Cairo Morning: After breakfast, transfer to the Cairo • Destination: Cairo airport for your return flight home. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner • Accommodations: Cairo Marriott Hotel or similar

Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel beginning at 6am, with American and Egyptian options.

Morning: At about 7am, we’ll check out of our hotel and begin out transfer to Cairo. Our journey will take us approximately 4 hours aboard an air-conditioned coach.

Lunch: At a local restaurant, upon our arrival in Cairo around noon.

Afternoon: Free in Cairo, perhaps to take one last stroll through the historic city. With plenty of time on your hands, you might wish to check out one of the invigorating local spas, visit the nearby Museum of Islamic Ceramics, or just relax in your room before we regroup later for dinner.

Dinner: At about 6:30pm, we’ll celebrate our Egypt discoveries during a festive Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening: Free to gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell cocktail in the lounge, or begin packing for your return flight home tomorrow morning.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

43 POST-TRIP Ancient Lebanon: Beirut, Tyre, Sidon, Baalbek, Tripoli & Byblos

INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE

» Accommodations in centrally located hotels » Services of a local O.A.T. Trip for 4 nights in Beirut at Gefinor Rotana Experience Leader Hotel or similar and 3 nights in Byblos at » Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and Byblos Sur Mer Hotel or similar luggage porters » 14 meals—7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 » All transfers dinners (including 1 Home-Hosted Dinner) » 13 small group activities

POST-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY

Discover even more of the Middle East and explore the historic lands of Lebanon after your adventure ends. In addition to overnight stays in the cosmopolitan capital of Beirut and the seaside city of Byblos, you’ll travel back in time to explore sites of antiquity such as Tyre, Sidon, and the village of Deir el Qamar.

Day 1 Fly to Beirut, Lebanon • Visit Beirut Lunch: On your own. Your Trip Experience National Museum Leader can recommend a café or restaurant.

• Destination: Beirut Afternoon: We’ll ride by private motorcoach to • Included Meals: Dinner the Beirut National Museum, an archaeological • Accommodations: Gefinor Rotana Hotel showcase of the diverse civilizations who or similar have inhabited this region over the ages. On an included tour, we’ll discover sarcophagi, Morning: Transfer to the airport this morning mosaics, statues, and other artifacts that date for your flight to Beirut, Lebanon, where an as far back as the third millennium B.C., and O.A.T. representative will meet you and assist offer a record of Lebanese history from its you with your transfer to your hotel. You’ll prehistoric, Phoenician, Mamluk, Byzantine, meet your Trip Experience Leader at your hotel and Ottoman periods. and check in to your room. Depending on where we stay, your hotel may offer amenities such After our tour, we’ll drive back to our hotel, as a lounge, restaurant, sauna, and rooftop where we’ll have a few hours to relax or pool. Each room might include complimentary explore independently. Before dinner, our wireless Internet, flat-screen TVs, and tea- and Trip Experience Leader will lead us on a coffee-making facilities. short orientation walk of the neighborhood surrounding our hotel.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

44 Dinner: Included at a local restaurant. more myth than fact, the architectural prowess on display is undoubtedly impressive, as you’ll Evening: We’ll drive back to our hotel via discover during your included tour. private motorcoach, where the rest of the night is free to spend as you wish. After our palace tour, we’ll drive by motorcoach to the village of Deir el Qamar, where we’ll Day 2 Explore Beirut • Visit Beiteddine enjoy an included lunch before continuing our Palace • Explore Deir el Qamar • adventure. Home-Hosted Dinner Lunch: Included at a local restaurant in Deir • Destination: Beirut el Qamar. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Afternoon: After lunch, we’ll explore the • Accommodations: Gefinor Rotana Hotel village of Deir el Qamar on a short discovery or similar walk. We’ll wander the narrow lanes of this Breakfast: At the hotel. picturesque hilltop settlement, taking in the medieval architecture and red-tile roofs that Morning: Our discoveries begin this morning lend the village an aesthetic quality which the with an included city tour of Beirut, Lebanon’s Lebanese government classified as a historic capital city. We’ll spend about an hour monument in 1945. exploring a few of the sights of the “Paris of the Middle East” with our Trip Experience Leader, We’ll drive back to Beirut after our tour, taking note of the eclectic blend of modern, where we’ll have a few hours of free time Ottoman, and colonial French architecture. The before dinner. city’s people are also famously friendly, and Dinner: We’ll drive to the homes of local our Trip Experience Leader will help facilitate families in Beirut for a Home-Hosted Dinner. people-to-people connections as we run across Together we’ll enjoy home-cooked Lebanese local citizens going about their daily lives. cuisine and intimate conversation about We’ll then board our private motorcoach and everyday life in the country’s capital. drive to Beiteddine Palace, one of Lebanon’s Evening: On your own to relax or to explore as premier architectural achievements. you’d like. Ask your Trip Experience Leader for Constructed in the 18th century by order of emir recommendations. Bashir Shihab II, the ornate palace features a blend of Italian and Arab design styles, and surfaces inlaid with elaborate mosaics. Day 3 Explore Tyre • Visit Sidon According to legend, the emir’s desire for a • Destination: Beirut singularly beautiful palace was so intense • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch that he commanded each of his able-bodied • Accommodations: Gefinor Rotana Hotel male subjects to work for two days without or similar pay to aid in its construction, and upon its Activity Note: Sidon’s old souk is closed on completion, ordered the architect’s hands to be Fridays and Sundays; if today’s activities fall on severed so that his achievement might never be those days, the souk tour will not be available. duplicated. While these brutal details are likely Breakfast: At the hotel.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

45 Morning: We’ll drive by private motorcoach Day 4 Explore Baalbek & Sayyida Khawla to the ancient city of Tyre, where we’ll explore Shrine • Winery visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site on an included • Destination: Beirut tour with our Trip Experience Leader. This ancient cultural capital has been inhabited since • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch around 2750 B.C., and has been called home by • Accommodations: Gefinor Rotana Hotel various Mediterranean empires including the or similar Romans, Egyptians, Assyrians, Crusaders, and Breakfast: At the hotel. more. We’ll explore a few of Tyre’s wonders on our tour, including the Roman hippodrome and Morning: We’ll drive by private motorcoach bath house, as well as the Al Mina archeological to the city of Baalbek, where we’ll enjoy an site, whose main attraction is a well-preserved included tour with our Trip Experience Leader. ancient street paved with Roman and Byzantine We’ll see sites like the Temple of Bacchus—a mosaic patterns, flanked by towering columns. temple complex considered to be a work of art by historians, and a UNESCO World Heritage After our tour, we’ll drive to Sidon, where Site. You’ll also visit the nearby temples of we’ll have lunch before beginning our Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury, as well as the discoveries there. Sayyida Khawla Shrine, a holy site that is believed to be the resting place of the daughter Lunch: Included at a local restaurant in Sidon. of the martyred Imam al-Husayn, and great Afternoon: Our discoveries of ancient granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad. Lebanon continue in Sidon, once a thriving Lunch: Included at a local restaurant Phoenician trade hub, then a local seat of in Baalbek. power for the Persian empire. We’ll discover a few of its historic treasures on an included Afternoon: Our adventure continues as we tour, including a look at the façade of the drive by private motorcoach to Chateau Ksara, a Sea Castle, a medieval fortress built by 19th-century winery founded by Jesuit priests. invading Crusaders, and a walk through the We’ll tour the chateau’s scenic environs and old souk toward the Khan a Franj (“Inn of the learn about the winemaking process, then sit Foreigners”), a 17th-century marketplace down and sample a few vintages for ourselves and rest area for merchants visiting the city. during an included tasting. We’ll also stop by the Soap Museum, located in an old 17th-century soap factory, which tells We’ll then return by private motorcoach the story and displays artifacts of the ancient to Beirut, where the rest of the day is free soap-making techniques employed by the to explore. people of this region. Dinner: On your own. Your Trip Experience We’ll drive back to Beirut after our tour, where Leader can recommend a restaurant. the rest of the day is free to explore. Evening: On your own to relax or to explore as Dinner: On your own. Your Trip Experience you’d like. Ask your Trip Experience Leader for Leader can recommend a restaurant. recommendations.

Evening: On your own to relax or to explore as you’d like. Ask your Trip Experience Leader for recommendations.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

46 Day 5 Explore Tripoli • Visit Balamand Dinner: On your own. Your Trip Experience Monastery • Transfer to Byblos Leader can recommend a restaurant. • Destination: Byblos Evening: On your own to relax or to explore as • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch you’d like. Ask your Trip Experience Leader for • Accommodations: Byblos Sur Mer Hotel recommendations. or similar

Breakfast: At the hotel. Day 6 Byblos • Optional Cultural Heritage of Lebanon tour Morning: We’ll check out of our hotel and • Destination: Byblos begin our motorcoach transfer to Byblos today, • Included Meals: Breakfast stopping along the way to explore the city of • Accommodations: Byblos Sur Mer Hotel Tripoli. We’ll join our Trip Experience Leader or similar on a discovery walk through its soulful streets and souks (markets). Wander through lanes Breakfast: At the hotel. lined with fish laid out on vendor’s carts, Morning: Today is free to explore Byblos as folks running errands on motorized bikes, and you please. Or, you can choose to join us on a gilded handicraft stands. This destination will full-day optional tour (weather-permitting) provide insight into the real Lebanon—not that begins with a visit to the Gibran Museum, necessarily polished, but proudly overflowing dedicated to the life and works of the renowned with Middle-Eastern culture. You’ll make Lebanese-American writer and artist Gibran a brief stop at a coffee shop and have the Khalil Gibran. The location where the museum opportunity to enjoy a little local interaction stands was once a small hermitage, which and refreshment. slowly expanded into the Monastery of Mar Lunch: Included at a local restaurant. Sarkis. In 1926, the monastery caught the eye of Gibran, who desired to purchase the Afternoon: Our journey continues with a visit reclusive spot as his final resting place. After to Balamand Monastery. Founded by Catholic his death, his sister fulfilled his final wish, and monks in the 13th century, the monastery the location is now a museum which houses his was conquered by the Mamluks and today is a manuscripts, paintings, furniture from his New Greek Orthodox religious center. We’ll explore York studio, and other artifacts that tell the the monastery on an included tour, learning story of this Lebanese cultural icon. more about its long and complicated history, and admiring its well-preserved medieval Our optional tour continues as we drive to the architecture and panoramic views of the forest of the Cedars of God, a quiet wooded Mediterranean. place home to the last remaining Cedars of Lebanon, an ancient tree which once thrived We’ll continue our transfer to Byblos after in this region. The people who have called our tour, arriving in the mid-afternoon Lebanon home over the ages have all had and checking in to our hotel. Depending on a close relationship with these evergreen where we stay, hotel amenities may include cedars—Phoenicians used them to build their a restaurant, terrace, and outdoor pool. ships, King Solomon cut them down to build his Each room might feature sea views, wireless temple, and Christian monks revered them in Internet, and flat-screen TVs. The rest of the quiet contemplation. In fact, the cedar is such day is free to explore.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

47 a pillar of national pride that it is featured on Morning: Drive by private motorcoach to the center of the Lebanese flag. Although the discover Jeita Grotto, known as “the pearl of majestic tree once covered the slopes of Mount Lebanon.” These limestone mountain caves Lebanon, few remain standing today, and this are naturally occurring and considered one UNESO World Heritage Site is one of the best of the most attractive natural wonders in the places to see them for yourself. Middle East. Discover the upper cave with your Trip Experience Leader, making your way Lunch: If you joined us on our optional along twisting paths past dripping stalagmites tour, lunch is included at a local restaurant. that resemble melted candlewax. The cave is Otherwise, your Trip Experience Leader can atmospherically lit, offering good visibility for recommend a café or restaurant to enjoy lunch your journey. on your own. After exploring the caves, we’ll drive to a Afternoon: Our optional tour continues as we panoramic viewpoint on Mount Harissa. Take drive by private motorcoach to the Monastery a short walk to an iconic statue of Virgin Mary of Saint Anthony, situated more than 3,000 with outstretched arms and a golden crown. feet above sea level in the Valley of Qozhaya. This sculpture is also referred to as Our Lady This 16th-century Christian monastery was of Lebanon. A journey up a spiral staircase historically one of the most prosperous in the will bring you to the base of the statue, region, and received the first printing press which is more than 25 feet tall and weighs in the Middle East. Visitors can see the old around 15,000 tons. From this point, with machine in an on-site museum, and also visit cooperative weather, you can see all of Jounieh the grotto of Saint Anthony, where pilgrims Bay and enjoy scenic views of the sparkling come to pray for miracles. Mediterranean in the distance. We’ll then After our tour of the monastery, we’ll return to descend from the statue and enjoy a leisurely Byblos where the rest of the day is at leisure. cable car ride (weather-permitting) down to the bay, taking in views of the surrounding Dinner: On your own. Your Trip Experience mountains along the way. Back at ground level, Leader can recommend a restaurant. we’ll board our private motorcoach and drive to Byblos. Evening: On your own to relax or to explore as you’d like. Ask your Trip Experience Leader for Lunch: On your own in Byblos. Your Trip recommendations. Experience Leader can recommend a restaurant in the Old City. Day 7 Visit Jeita Grotto • Mount Harissa • Afternoon: After lunch, we’ll tour the grounds Explore Byblos Castle of Byblos Castle with our Trip Experience • Destination: Byblos Leader. This fortress, built by Crusaders in the • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 12th century, features two layers of defense—a • Accommodations: Byblos Sur Mer Hotel set of tall walls and towers enclosing the or similar area, and a central keep. While parts of these fortifications have been destroyed and Breakfast: At the hotel. rebuilt throughout history, what remains is well-preserved and instantly recognizable.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

48 After your tour, you’ll have a few hours to Evening: On your own to relax or to explore as explore Byblos on your own. Perhaps the most you’d like. Ask your Trip Experience Leader for fascinating section of this area is the Old Souk, recommendations. a market that has been thriving since the reign of the Ottoman empire. Today, it’s populated Day 8 Return to U.S. with small, local stands selling trinkets as well • Included Meals: Breakfast as cozy cafes and bars. Breakfast: At the hotel. Dinner: Toast to the end of your adventure during an included Farewell Dinner at a local Morning: Transfer to the airport for your restaurant. flight home.

OPTIONAL TOUR

Cultural Heritage of Lebanon (Day 6 $170 per person) Discover the ancient and modern cultural treasures of Lebanon on today’s full-day optional tour. First, visit the Gibran Museum, dedicated to the life and works of the renowned Lebanese-American writer and artist Gibran Khalil Gibran. Then, drive to the forest of the Cedars of God, a quiet wooded place home to the last remaining Cedars of Lebanon, an ancient tree which once thrived in this region. The people who have called Lebanon home over the ages have all had a close relationship with these evergreen cedars—Phoenicians used them to build their ships and King Solomon used them to construct his temple. After an included lunch, we’ll then venture to the Monastery of Saint Anthony, situated more than 3,000 feet above sea level in the Valley of Qozhaya. This 16th-century Christian monastery was historically one of the most prosperous in the region, and received the first printing press in the Middle East.

Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925

49 YOUR NILE RIVER-YACHT Cruise the Nile aboard a privately-chartered, 16-passenger Egyptian dahabeya

Cruise the timeless waters of the Nile for five nights aboard a dahabeya, a classic river-yacht that glides between Luxor and Aswan, exclusive to our group of no more than 16 travelers. The Asiya, the Aida and her sister ship, the Amunet, are among Egypt’s first eco-friendly dahabeyas. Intimately sized, they are able to access many of the ancient monuments, small islands, and riverside villages that the large, motor-driven river ships can only pass by. Elegant and informal, they pay homage to the 200-year-heritage of dahabeya design with a pleasing blend of wooden decks and traditional Egyptian touches with a host of modern amenities.

SHIPBOARD FEATURES • Dining areas: Most meals are served in the alternative dining area. There is also a small Upper Deck around a large banquet table. library with board games and satellite TV. Meals may also be served in the salon/bar • Outdoor common areas: The Upper Deck area. Wine and beer are included with meals, features a partially shaded Sun Deck area and complimentary tea, coffee, and mineral with sun loungers and sofas, two pergolas water are available at any time of the day (one with bar service), and a traditional while onboard. Arabic seating area with plush cushions. • Indoor common areas: The salon/bar, an • Wireless Internet access: Connect online air-conditioned area at the bow of the Lower in cabins and common areas. Please note: Deck, can be used as a place to meet or Wireless Internet access may be limited at relax with a cold or hot beverage, or as an certain points throughout your cruise.

50 ASIYA RIVER-YACHT age 108 106 104 102 Galley r Sto Salon 110 &

Balcony Restaurant age 109 107 105 103 Staff Staff r Sto

Cabin Categories O.A.T. uses three different dahabeyas in Egypt, the Asiya, Aida, and Amunet, depending on the trip departure date. This deck plan is typical but ships may vary slightly in size, Suite with two twin-size A beds and private balcony cabin configurations, and facilities.

Standard cabin with B two twin-size beds

Length: 156 feet Cabins: 8 at 150 sq. ft., Group Size: 16 travelers maximum, Beam: 24.6 feet 1 at 245 sq. ft. with 1 Trip Experience Leader Registry: Egypt Passenger capacity: 16 Stairs, no elevator Built: 2008 Crew/Nationality: 15 crew/ International

CABIN FEATURES

• 8 cabins of approximately 150 sq. ft., 1 cabin (suite) at 245 sq. ft. • Outside-facing cabins with windows, suite cabin with small private balcony • Two single beds (or one double) with Egyptian cotton bedding • In-cabin amenities: Individually-controlled air-conditioning, wardrobe, telephone • In-bathroom amenities: Private bath with shower, wash basin, hair dryer Cabin with two single beds

51 Egypt & the Eternal Nile by OUR SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY To ensure the safety of all of our travelers, we are requiring that all travelers Private, Classic River-Yacht joining us on one of our Small Group Adventures must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure of their adventure— 2022 Dates & Prices and provide proof of their vaccination on-site. For more details, please visit www.oattravel.com/covid-update.

J A N U A R Y - M A R C H ; MAY 17-31; NOVEMBER; JUNE; DEPART FROM DEC 1-9 APRIL MAY 1-15 AUGUST SEP 2-14 SEP 16-30 OCTOBER DEC 11-31

New York $ 6095 $ 5595 $ 5395 $ 5095 $ 5295 $ 5495 $ 5895 $ 6395

Boston, Houston, Newark, $ 6295 $ 5795 $ 5595 $ 5295 $ 5495 $ 5695 $ 6095 $ 6595 Washington, DC

Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, $ 6395 $5895 $5695 $5395 $5595 $5795 $6195 $6695 Miami, Orlando, Philadelphia

Denver, Detroit, Minneapolis, $ 6495 $5995 $5795 $5495 $5695 $5895 $6295 $6795 Portland, Seattle

Atlanta, Phoenix, San Diego, $ 6595 $ 6095 $ 5895 $ 5595 $ 5795 $ 5995 $ 6395 $ 6895 San Francisco, Tampa

Additional departure cities are available. Upgrade to Business Class may be available for the international portion of your flight. Call for details.

JANUARY-MARCH, MAY 17-27; NOVEMBER- JUNE; DECEMBER APRIL MAY 1-5 MAY 7-15 AUGUST SEP 2-14 SEP 16-30 OCTOBER Without international airfare $5095 $4595 $4395 $4195 $3895 $4095 $4495 $4895

EGO2022

NEW! STOPOVERS All O.A.T. Stopovers include 3 nights in a RISK-FREE BOOKING POLICY: RESERVE WITH CONFIDENCE— centrally-located hotel, daily breakfasts, and NOW THROUGH 12/31/21 roundtrip private airport transfers. We will waive any change fees if you transfer to another departure date for any Istanbul: $695 per person reason—up until 24 hours prior to departure. See details at www.oattravel.com/ Munich: $845 per person riskfree-booking. Rome: $895 per person Amsterdam: $945 per person Prices are per person. Airfare prices include government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges. Other O.A.T. Stopovers are available. If a city you All prices and availability are effective as of the date of this publication, and are subject to are interested in is not offered, we can arrange change without notice. Standard Terms & Conditions apply, please visit our website: your airfare for that, too. www.oattravel.com/tc. Every effort has been made to produce this information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors. Call your Regional Adventure Counselor for full details at 1-800-955-1925.

For specific departure dates, current availability, and detailed pricing, visit www.oattravel.com/ego2022pricing

SAVE UP TO 10% WITH FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS SHARE YOUR LOVE OF TRAVEL OUR GOOD BUY PLAN We offer FREE Single Supplements on all New travelers you refer will instantly save The earlier you reserve your departure of our adventures and pre- and post-trip $100, and you’ll earn increasing rewards— and pay in full, the more you’ll save—up extensions. up to a FREE trip! to 10%—plus, you’ll lock in your price. Each departure has limited solo space For details, visit www.oattravel.com/va For details, visit www.oattravel.com/gbd available—call today to reserve.

Publication Date 5/20/21

Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oattravel.com/ego2022

52 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Your Passport • Must be in good condition

• Must be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S.

• Must have the required number of blank pages (details below)

• The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” are not acceptable

Need to Renew Your Passport? Contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778, or visit their website at www.travel.state.gov for information on obtaining a new passport or renewing your existing passport. You may also contact our recommended visa service company, PVS International, at 1-800-556-9990 for help with your passport

Recommended Blank Pages Please confirm that your passport has enough blank pages for this adventure.

• Main trip only: If you are taking only the main trip, you will need 2 blank passport pages.

• Pre-trip extension to Israel: You will need an additional page for a total of 3.

• Pre-trip extension to Jordan: You will need an additional page for a total of 3.

• Post-trip extension to Alexandria: No additional pages are needed for this extension.

• Post-trip extension to Lebanon: You will need an additional page for a total of 3.

• Both the pre- and the post-trip extensions: If you are taking a pre-trip extension with the Alexandria post-trip, you will need a total of 3 blank passport pages. If you are taking a pre-trip extension with the Lebanon post-trip extension, you will need a total of 4 blank passport pages. An additional page will be needed if you add the optional stopover in Paris.

• Stopover in Amsterdam, Munich, Rome, or Nairobi: You will need to add 2 additional pages to the applicable total listed above.

• Stopover in Istanbul, London, Madrid, Paris, Addis Ababa, Dubai, or Tel Aviv: You will need to add an additional page to the applicable total listed above.

53 Visas Required We’ll be sending you a detailed Visa Packet with instructions, application forms, and fees about 90 days prior to your departure. In the meantime, we’re providing the information below as a guideline on what to expect. This information is for U.S. citizens only. All visas and fees are subject to change.

• Egypt: Visa required. U.S. citizens will require a visa to enter Egypt; detailed instructions and information will be included in your Visa Packet, as noted above.

• Israel (optional pre-trip extension or optional stopover): No visa required. U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Israel.

• Jordan (optional pre-trip extension): Visa required. We recommend that you wait and get your visa in Jordan because you may qualify for a free visa. (And if you don’t, you can buy one on arrival.) To do this, we will need information from you no later than 30 days prior to your departure. Please refer to the “Advance Information for Jordan” section of this chapter.

• In order to qualify for the free visa, you must arrive in Jordan on the standard arrival day for your trip—either by booking air with O.A.T. or by buying an airport transfer with us. Travelers who fly to Jordan early will not be eligible for the free visa and will have to buy one on arrival. The fee for U.S. citizens is 40 Jordanian dinars (approximately U.S. $57) and it must be paid in local currency. There are 24-hour currency exchange services in the airport before you reach the visa counters.

• Keep in mind that all visas are subject to change by the government of Jordan without prior notice. So even if you qualify for the free visa, you should still come prepared to buy one as a Plan B.

• Lebanon (optional post-trip extension): Visa required. Can only be obtained upon arrival at port of entry. Upon arrival at the Beirut International Airport, U.S. citizens receive a one-month visa. Please note that you cannot have Israeli stamps in your passport or else you will be denied entry into Lebanon. See “Important: Lebanon and Israeli Passport Stamps” later in this chapter for how to address this.

• Turkey (optional stopover only): Visa required. We suggest you obtain an e-visa in advance through the Turkish government’s website as visas cannot be obtained upon arrival.

• Ethiopia (optional stopover only): Visa required. U.S. citizens will require a visa for Ethiopia; detailed instructions will be included in your Visa Packet, as noted above.

• Kenya (optional stopover only): Visa required. It is important that you get this visa in advance.

• The Netherlands, England, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, and U.A.E. (optional stopovers only): No visa required. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens for stays of up to 90 days.

54 If you are staying longer in any of these countries, you should check with their embassy or consulate for the applicable regulations. If you are not a U.S. citizen, your visa requirements may differ; we recommend contacting the nearest embassy/consulate or calling our recommended visa service company, PVS International, at 1-800-556-9990 to check.

Traveling Without a U.S. Passport? If you are not a U.S. citizen, or if your passport is from any country other than the U.S., it is your responsibility to check with your local consulate, embassy, or a visa services company about visa requirements. We recommend the services of PVS International, a national visa service located in Washington D.C.; they can be reached at 1-800-556-9990 or www.pvsinternational.org.

Traveling With a Minor? Some governments may require certain documentation for minors to enter and depart the country or to obtain a visa (if applicable). For further detail on the required documentation, please contact your local embassy or consulate.

Advance Information for Jordan In order for our local office to prepare for your entry into Jordan they will need the following information at least three weeks prior to your departure:

• Full name

• Nationality

• Passport number

• Date of expiration of passport

• Date and place of birth.

If you have not already provided this information to us, you may do so by mail, online via your My Account, or by calling Traveler Support. If you have already provided this information, then you need not call. Even if you have already provided this information, you may receive an automated mailing requesting a confirmation.

Important: Lebanon and Israeli Passport Stamps The government of Lebanon will not allow you to enter the country if you have Israeli stamps in your passport. How this impacts you will depend on your own travel history:

• If you have been to Israel before, please check your passport now to confirm there are no stamps or other evidence of this past travel. If there are, you will need to get a new passport in order to go on this adventure.

• If you are taking the optional Israel pre-trip extension, please make use of this common work-around: When you enter Israel, you will be given a blue entry card that you should hold on to for the entire time you are in Israel. Ask the local officials to stamp this card

55 instead of your passport. (This is a common request.) Once you leave Israel, please discard this entry card or set it aside so that the officials in Lebanon never see it. Please be aware, sometimes this stamp leaves a mark on the passport and immigration officers in Lebanon are trained to detect it. If there is proof of entry into Israel, you will be denied entry to Lebanon.

Emergency Photocopies of Key Documents We recommend you carry color photocopies of key documents including the photo page of your passport plus any applicable visas, air itinerary, credit cards (front and back), and an alternative form of ID. Add emergency phone numbers like your credit card company and the number for your travel protection plan. Store copies separate from the originals.

If you plan to email this information to yourself, please keep in mind that email is not always secure; consider using password protection or encryption. Also email is not always available worldwide. As an alternative, you could load these documents onto a flash drive instead, which can do double-duty as a place to backup photos during your trip.

Overseas Taxes & Fees This tour may have taxes and fees that cannot be included in your airline ticket price because you are required to pay them in person onsite. All taxes are subject to change without notice and can be paid in cash (either U.S. or local currency). If applicable, you will receive a list of these fees with your Final Documents.

56 RIGORS, VACCINES & GENERAL HEALTH

Is This Adventure Right for You? Please review the information below prior to departing on this adventure. We reserve the right for our Trip Experience Leaders to modify participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their condition would adversely affect the health, safety, or enjoyment of themselves or of other travelers.

PACING • 6 locations in 16 days with two 1-night stays, including 5 nights aboard a classic private river-yacht; two internal flights of 1-2 hours each; two drives of 4-5 hours

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids

• You must be able to walk 2-3 miles unassisted and participate in 3-5 hours of physical activities on most days

• You will need to access vehicles by ladder without aid; agility is required to board and disembark the yacht as we will dock in areas without any piers; at various sites, you will need to climb up and down steep inclines, with stooping and kneeling to enter and exit some areas

• We reserve the right for Trip Experience Leaders to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group’s experience

CLIMATE • The climate in Egypt varies from cold to extremely hot. During the dry summer months of May/June through September/October, temperatures can easily get into the 90°s and 100°F in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. Temperatures between October and May usually range from the 50°s (in the mornings) to the 80°F. Like all desert climates, winter temperatures in Luxor and Aswan can drop dramatically after sunset, so you may wish to bring extra layers for nights, when temperatures can drop as the far as the high 40s (°F).

TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION • Travel over city streets, rugged paths, cobbled streets and unpaved roads in some places

• We travel via air-conditioned motorcoach (no toilet onboard), 16 passenger twin-sailed dahabeya (which may require the assistance of our small, motorized tug boat when sailing upstream), camel, horse and buggy, motorboat, pick-up truck (with bench seats)

FLIGHT INFORMATION • Travel time will be 17-20 hours and will most likely have one connection of 3-4 hours

57 ACCOMMODATIONS & FACILITIES • We spend 5 nights aboard a privately chartered river-yacht (with small, motorized yacht tender); cabins are air-conditioned and include private bath

• Water levels may require changes in our moorings and the location of our riverside barbeque

• Hotels feature a variety of Western-style amenities and personal services; all hotels include private baths

Steps to Take Before Your Trip Before you leave on this adventure, we recommend the following:

• Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting. You can contact them online at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel or by phone at 1-800-232-4636.

• Have a medical checkup with your doctor at least 6 weeks before your trip.

• Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

• Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less urgent)

Vaccines Required

COVID-19 Overseas Adventure Travel requires that all travelers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and are able provide proof of their vaccination upon arrival at their destination. A full vaccination is defined as having been inoculated at least 14 days prior to departure by an approved vaccine. This requirement is not contingent on the countries the tour visits, but a strict company policy due to the nature of the pandemic.

Yellow Fever Vaccine: Documentation Required Most travelers on this adventure will NOT need a yellow fever vaccination. However, travelers on the stopover to Nairobi, Kenya or Addis Ababa, Ethiopia will need to bring EITHER proof of a yellow fever vaccination OR an official vaccination waiver.

While the CDC offers a wide range of vaccination and medication suggestions, there is one in particular that we’d like to draw your attention to—the yellow fever vaccine. For some countries, the yellow fever vaccination is a legal entry requirement, like a passport. For other countries, it is a health recommendation to protect you from getting sick. On this adventure, this vaccination is a legal entry requirement for entry for the stopover in Kenya or Ethiopia—but fortunately, authorities will accept a doctor’s waiver in place of getting the actual shot. Therefore EITHER proof of a yellow fever vaccination OR an official vaccination waiver is a requirement for this trip.

58 You should discuss the vaccine with your doctor to see if he or she recommends it and if your health allows for it. (He or she can offer a suggestion tailored to your personal medical history.) If you and your doctor decide the vaccination is right for you, then he or she will issue you a Yellow Fever Card, also called an International Certificate of Vaccination. This is your proof of vaccination; you should bring it with you on the trip.

If you and your doctor decide the vaccination isn’t right for you, then have your doctor issue an official vaccination waiver. An official waiver is a letter that meets these requirements:

• It must be on business letterhead paper.

• It must be signed by a doctor.

• It must be stamped using the same stamp that the doctor uses on a Yellow Fever Card.

• It must give the medical reason why you cannot get the vaccine, say how high the risk is, and cite an authority. (For example: Mr. Smith cannot receive the yellow fever vaccine due to a high risk of side effects as outlined in the Center for Disease Control’s guidelines for people over the age of 65.)

Whether you receive a Yellow Fever Card or an official vaccination waiver, keep it on your person (in your carry-on) so it is easy to find when you arrive or when you cross the border. You may not show anything at all when you cross the border—it all depends on the local official. But if you are asked, you must be able to produce your Yellow Fever Card OR your waiver.

Medication Suggestions • An antibiotic medication for gastrointestinal illness

• A pain medication. You might need this in the unlikely event of an injury in a location where medical attention would be delayed.

• Motion sickness medicine, if you are susceptible

Traveling with Medications • Pack medications in your carry-on bag to avoid loss and to have them handy.

• Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers for a quicker security screen at the airport and a better experience if you get stopped by customs while overseas.

• Bring copies of your prescriptions, written using the generic drug name rather than a brand name to be prepared for any unforeseen loss of your medications.

We recommend checking with the State Department for medication restrictions by country: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel- Country-Information-Pages.html. (Pick the country and then follow the links to “Local Laws & Special Circumstances”; if you don’t see any medications specifically mentioned, then you can presume major U.S. brands should be OK).

59 Staying Healthy on Your Trip Jet Lag Tips

• Start your trip well-rested.

• Begin a gradual transition to your new time zone before you leave or switch to your destination time zone when you get on the plane.

• Attempt to sleep and eat according to the new schedule.

• Avoid heavy eating and drinking caffeine or alcoholic beverages right before–and during– your flight.

• Drink plenty of water and/or fruit juice while flying

• Stretch your legs, neck, and back periodically while seated on the plane.

• After arrival, avoid the temptation to nap.

• Don’t push yourself to see a lot on your first day.

• Try to stay awake your first day until after dinner.

Allergies

If you have any serious allergies or dietary restrictions, we advise you to notify us at least 30 days prior to your departure. Please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-221-0814, and we will communicate them to our regional office. Every effort will be made to accommodate you.

Safe Water Tap water in Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon is not safe to drink. (The only exception is the tap water onboard your ship, which is filtered and safe to drink.) But in Israel, the tap water is safe.

In countries where the tap water isn’t safe, you should use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth at any hotel. Bottled water is readily available for purchase throughout Egypt. Inspect each bottle before you buy it to make sure the cap is sealed properly. Carry a bottle in your daypack at all times. Bottled drinks and juices, and hot drinks that have been boiled, are safe to drink. Avoid drinks with ice in them.

Food Safety We’ve carefully chosen the restaurants for your group meals. Our local staff can suggest restaurants for the meals you take on your own. To prevent upset stomach, pay attention to food preparation in Egypt, where the tap water is unsafe. Avoid salads and fruit that may have been washed in local water. (Salads and fruit served on board your ship are the exception; as is fruit that you peel yourself, which is usually safe.) In Israel these precautions do not apply as the water there is safe to drink.

60 Preventing Schistosomiasis Schistosomiasis is a disease contracted by swimming or wading in fresh water that is contaminated with tiny organisms called flukes (there is no risk in salt water). These flukes can penetrate unbroken skin, and they are common in untreated river and stream water in Egypt and sub-Saharan Africa. The disease can produce a variety of acute symptoms ranging from fever to joint pain, nausea, and cough. Chronic infections—which can occur even when there have been no acute symptoms—can cause lung, liver, intestinal, or bladder disease.

Although the disease is treatable, it is obviously wisest to avoid it by refraining from swimming, wading, or bathing in any water whose purity is not known. You do not have to worry about becoming infected by minor splashes while boating, but you should restrict your swimming to places known to be uncontaminated, such as hotel or shipboard pools.

Don’t Push Too Hard One of the most important parts of staying healthy on an active trip is to not push yourself too hard if you feel tired. Respect your own limits. Your trip schedule offers some degree of flexibility. If your energy level is low on a certain day, you can sit out a walking tour or a road excursion. Our local staff can tell you about the distance, time, and terrain of our walking excursions in advance, and can usually suggest rewarding alternative activities.

Drink Plenty of Liquids When you travel, especially in the dry desert climate of Egypt, you can easily become dehydrated without knowing it. If your fluid balance is low, you are more susceptible to fatigue and illness. Air travel will dry you out, so drink liquids and avoid alcohol on your flights. During the trip, don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink. Instead, drink by the clock: drink one to two quarts of water or juice each day, in addition to drinks at meals. If you find yourself tired or unwell, and don’t know why, it may be that you simply need to drink more. Note that tea, coffee, and alcoholic beverages are diuretics and do not help maintain hydration.

Sun and Heat Exposure It can be very hot at mid-day. Be sure to wear your hat and use plenty of sunscreen. Be aware of the signs of heat exposure. Be especially concerned if you feel hot, but are not perspiring.

61 MONEY MATTERS: LOCAL CURRENCY & TIPPING GUIDELINES

Top Three Tips • Carry a mix of different types of payments, such as U.S. dollars, local currency, an ATM card, and a credit card.

• Traveler’s checks are not recommended. They are hard to exchange and not accepted as payment.

• Bring a number of $1 and $5 bills. In many places in Egypt, you’ll be able to pay or tip in U.S. dollars, but you’ll need small bills to make exact change.

Local Currency For current exchange rates, please refer to an online converter tool like www.xe.com/ currencyconverter, your bank, or the financial section of your newspaper.

Egypt The monetary unit of Egypt is the Egyptian pound (LE), which is divided into 100 piastres (pt). In Arabic, a pound is a guinay and piastres are qirsh or girsh. Banknote and coin denominations are:

• Banknotes: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 pounds

• Coins: 25 and 50 piastres; 1 pound

U.S dollars are widely accepted in Egypt, especially by local vendors and at markets. When paying in dollars, you should use exact change and the bills should be in good condition; although it doesn’t happen a lot, some places will decline a bill that is dirty, torn, or has writing on it.

Local currency is needed for government-sponsored tickets, such as entrance fees for non- included sites or photo tickets. Typically, locally currency is also more useful in situations that require small change or where paying in dollars would be overpaying—tips to the restroom attendant, paying for taxis/buses, etc. Our local staff will advise you on when it is best to pay in local currency and the best places to exchange money. No matter what currency you’re using, having a number of small-domination bills is key because it facilitates tipping. Specifically, we recommend bringing a lot of $1 bills for tipping or making exact change.

Israel The official currency of Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS), which is divided into 100 agorot. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

• Banknotes: 20, 50, 100 and 200 shekels

• Coins: 10 and 50 agorot, and ½ (one half), 1, 2, 5, and 10 shekels

62 Local currency is strongly preferred, although some hotels will accept US dollars (usually at a poor rate of exchange).

Jordan The Jordanian dinar (JD) is a decimal currency, divided into 10 dirham, 100 qirsh (sometimes translated as piastres in English) or 1,000 fils. Banknote and coin denominations are as follows:

• Banknotes: JD 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 dinar

• Coins: 1/2, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 qirsh; 1/4, 1/2, and 1 dinar

U.S dollars are not widely used in Jordan; the local currency is generally preferred. Dollars might do in a pinch, especially if the person receiving them is in a travel- or tourist-related business.

Lebanon Lebanon’s currency is the Lebanese lira (LL), also called the Lebanese pound (LBP). Banknotes and coins come in denominations of:

• Banknotes: 1000, 5000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 lira

• Coins: 25, 50, 100, 250, and 500 lira

You won’t be able to get Lebanese currency outside of the country, but that’s OK as U.S. dollars are widely accepted, especially in high-end shops and restaurants. Because so many people use both currencies here, you may get change back as a mixture of both lira and dollars.

How to Exchange Money Since you can pay with U.S. dollars in Egypt, and credit cards are commonly used in Israel and Jordan, exchanging money isn’t as important on this trip as it would be in other parts of the world. However, if you want to exchange money before your trip, you might be able do so through your bank or at an exchange office. Your departure airport in the U.S., a travel agent, or an AAA office are also possible outlets. Note that we say “might” because the currencies on this trip can be hard to find due to banking restrictions. You may need to call a few places or do some checking online.

If you would rather exchange money on your trip, the easiest way is to withdraw funds from a local ATM. The ATM will give you local money and your bank at home will convert that into U.S. dollars.

You can also exchange cash at some banks and at exchange offices. To exchange cash, you’ll usually need your passport and bills in good condition (not worn, torn, or dirty). New bills (post 2004) are best.

All exchange methods involve fees, which may be built into the conversion rate; ask beforehand.

63 ATMs When using the ATM, keep in mind that it may only accept cards from local banks, and may not allow cash advances on credit cards; you might need to try more than one ATM or more than one card.

Many banks charge a fee of $1-$10 each time you use a foreign ATM. Others may charge you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. We recommend that you check with your bank before you depart.

Lastly, don’t forget to memorize the actual digits of your card’s PIN number (many keypads at foreign ATMs do not include letters on their keys—they only display numbers.)

Egypt: ATMs are common in cities and towns, but may be hard to find in rural villages or at archeological sites like the Pyramids.

Israel: Generally ATMs are common in cities and towns throughout Israel. Only in rural villages or in places far off the beaten track will ATMs be hard to find.

Jordan: Generally ATMs are common in cities and towns throughout Jordan, but may be hard to find in rural villages or in places far off the beaten track.

Lebanon: ATMs in Lebanon are common, reliable, and some even dispense U.S. dollars in addition to Lebanese lira.

Credit & Debit Cards Even if you don’t plan on using a credit card during your trip, we still suggest that you bring one or two as a backup, especially if you are planning a large purchase (artwork, jewelry). We also suggest that you bring more than one brand of card (i.e. Visa, MasterCard, American Express) if possible, because not every shop will take every card. For example, although the Discover card is accepted in some countries outside the U.S., it is not widely adopted, so other brands will work at a much larger range of stores, restaurants, etc.

Egypt: Credit cards are widely accepted except at open-air stalls (like bazaars), cafes, or taxis— expect these to be cash only.

Israel: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Israel, but you may still need cash for small businesses or in rural areas of Israel.

Jordan: Though major American credit cards are widely accepted in Jordan, smaller businesses or places in rural areas may not accept cards.

Lebanon: Credit cards are accepted at most businesses, including restaurants, although open-air markets and taxis may be cash only. Visa and MasterCard are more widely used than American Express or Discover.

64 Notify Card Providers of Upcoming Travel Many credit card companies and banks have fraud alert departments that will freeze your card if they see suspicious charges—such as charges or withdrawals from another country. To avoid an accidental security block, it is a good idea to notify your credit card company and/or bank you will be using your cards abroad. You can do this by calling their customer service number a week or two before your departure. Some banks or credit card companies will also let you do this online.

You should also double-check what phone number you could call if you have a problem with a card while you are abroad. Don’t assume you can use the 1-800 number printed on the back of your card—most 1 800 numbers don’t work outside of the U.S.!

Tipping Guidelines Of course, whether you tip, and how much, is always at your own discretion. But for those of you who have asked for tipping suggestions, we offer these guidelines.

• O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader: It is customary to express a personal “thank you” to your Trip Experience Leader at the end of your trip. As a guideline, many travelers give $7-$10 USD (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each day their Trip Experience Leader is with them. Please note that these tips can only be in cash. If you are taking any of the optional extensions, your Trip Experience Leader during the extension(s) may not be the same as the one on your main trip.

• Shipboard Crew: We recommend a flat tip of $10 U.S. per traveler, per day. You’ll give this tip once—at the end of your cruise—and it will be pooled among the entire crew. Please note crew tips can only be in the form of cash.

• Housekeeping Staff at Hotels: We recommend $1 per room, per night. (This is for hotels only; on the ship Housekeeping are part of crew, so you don’t need to tip them separately.)

• Included in Your Trip Price: Gratuities are included for local guides and motorcoach drivers on your main trip, extensions, and all optional tours, as well as tips for waitstaff during any included off-ship meals.

Keep in mind that the giving of tips (baksheesh in Arabic) is customary in Egypt for many services. In return, you will find many Egyptians eager to provide service, often with genuine friendliness. If you don’t want to tip, be sure to politely but firmly decline the service offered. We recommend carrying a supply of Egyptian one-pound notes for small tips.

65 AIR, OPTIONAL TOURS & STAYING IN TOUCH

Land Only Travelers & Personalized Air Quick Definitions

• Land Only: You will be booking your own international flights. Airport transfers are not included.

• Air-Inclusive: You booked international air with us. Airport transfers are included as long as you didn’t customize your trip’s dates (see next bullet).

• Personalized Air: You booked international air with us, and have customized it in some way. If you have customized your trip’s dates to arrive early, stay longer, or stop on your own in a connecting city, airport transfers will NOT be included. You must also arrange your own accommodations for any additional nights. For your convenience, a preliminary list of your included hotels is available on your My Account at www.oattravel.com/myaccount under “My Reservations”.

Airport Transfers Can Be Purchased For eligible flights, airport transfers may be purchased separately as an optional add-on, subject to availability. To be eligible, your flight(s) must meet the following requirements:

• You must fly into or fly home from the same airport as O.A.T. travelers who purchased included airfare.

• Your flight(s) must arrive/depart on the same day that the group arrives or departs.

Airport transfers can be purchased up to 45 days prior to your departure; they are not available for purchase onsite. To learn more, or purchase airport transfers, please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-221-0814.

If you don’t meet the requirements above, you’ll need to make your own transfer arrangements. We suggest the Rome to Rio website as a handy resource: www.rome2rio.com.

If you are booking your own flights, please keep in mind that it can take up to 2 hours to get from the airport to your first hotel in Cairo on the main trip due to heavy traffic. For flights arriving after 8pm on Day 2, this will mean a late arrival to your hotel followed by a full day of discoveries on Day 3. You may want to consider arriving 1 day early to acclimate and relax after a long travel day. For more information, please contact our Traveler Support team at 1-800-221-0814.

Optional Tours Optional tours are additional add-on tours that allow you to personalize your adventure by tailoring it to your tastes and needs. And if you decide not to join an optional tour? Then you’ll have free time to relax or explore on your own—it’s about options, not obligations.

66 What You Need to Know • All optional tours are subject to change and availability.

• Optional tours that are reserved with your Trip Experience Leader can be paid for using credit/debit cards only. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover credit cards; we can also take MasterCard or Visa debit cards as long as the card allows you to sign for purchases. (You won’t be able to enter a PIN.)

• To ensure that you are charged in U.S. dollars, your payment will be processed by our U.S. headquarters in Boston. This process can take up to three months, so we ask that you only use a card that will still be valid three months after your trip is over. The charge may appear on your credit card statement as being from Boston, MA or may be labeled as “OPT Boston”.

• Your Trip Experience Leader will give you details on the optional tours while you’re on the trip. But if you’d like to look over descriptions of them earlier, you can do so at any time by referring to your Day-to-Day Itinerary (available online by signing into My Account at www.oattravel.com/myaccount).

Communicating with Home from Abroad

Cell Phones If you want to use your cell phone on the trip, check with your phone provider to see if your phone and service will work outside of the U.S. It may turn out to be cheaper to rent an international phone or buy a SIM card onsite. If you want to use a local SIM, just make certain your phone is “unlocked”, meaning it can accept a local SIM card. If your cell is unlocked, then you will be able to purchase a local SIM for it and then buy minutes with “Pay as You Go” cards, so that you have a local contact number for your friends and family.

Calling Apps Another option is to use a smartphone app like Skype or FaceTime. These services are usually less expensive than making a traditional call, but you’ll need a Wi-Fi connection and the calls may count towards your phone plan’s data allowance. Many smartphones—and some tablets or laptops—come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download them for free from the appropriate apps store.

Calling Cards & 1-800 Numbers When calling the U.S. from a foreign country, a prepaid calling card can be useful because it circumvents unexpected charges from the hotel. Calling cards purchased locally are typically the best (less expensive, more likely to work with the local phones, etc.). One reminder: Do not call U.S. 1-800 numbers outside the continental United States. This can result in costly long distance fees, since 1-800 numbers do not work outside the country.

67 Receiving Calls from Home To ensure you are available during your trip to friends and relatives at home, you will receive two copies of your hotel list, including phone numbers, with your Final Documents. One copy is for you to bring, and one is to leave behind with friends or relatives in case they need to contact you during the trip.

How to Call Overseas When calling overseas from the U.S., dial 011 for international exchange, then the country code (indicated by a plus sign: +), and then the number. Note that foreign phone numbers may not have the same number of digits as U.S. numbers; even within a country the number of digits can vary depending on the city and if the phone is a land line or cell phone.

Egypt: +20 Jordan: +962

Israel: +972 Lebanon: +961

68 PACKING: WHAT TO BRING & LUGGAGE LIMITS

Luggage Limits

MAIN TRIP LIMITS

Pieces per person One checked bag and one carry-on per person

Weight restrictions Varies by international airline. The current industry standard is 50 lbs for checked luggage and 15 lbs for carry-ons.

Size Restrictions Standard airline size: Checked luggage should not exceed 62 linear inches (length+ width + depth) and carry-on should not exceed 45 linear inches

Luggage Type A sturdy suitcase with wheels and lockable zippers.

TRIP EXTENSION(S) LIMITS

The extensions have the same luggage restrictions as the main trip.

REMARKS/SUGGESTIONS

Luggage rules: Luggage rules and limits are set by governmental and airline policy. Enforcement of the rules may include spot checks or may be inconsistent. However one thing is the same across the board: If you are found to have oversized or overweight luggage, you will be subject to additional fees, to be assessed by—and paid to—the airline in question.

Don’t Forget: • These luggage limits may change. If the airline(s) notify us of any changes, we will include an update in your Final Documents booklet.

• It’s a good idea to reconfirm baggage restrictions and fees directly with the airline a week or so prior to departure. For your convenience, we maintain a list of the toll-free numbers for the most common airlines on our website in the FAQ section.

• Baggage fees are not included in your trip price; they are payable directly to the airlines.

• The luggage limits above are based on your regional flights, which may be less than your international flights. Even if your international airline offers a larger weight limit, you will need to pack according to the lower restrictions.

69 Your Luggage • Checked Luggage: One duffel bag or suitcase. Look for one with heavy nylon fabric, wrap-around handles, and a heavy duty lockable zipper. Please do not bring a rigid (plastic shell) suitcase.

• Carry-on Bag: You are allowed one carry-on bag per person. We suggest a tote or small backpack that can be used as both a carry-on bag for your flight and to carry your daily necessities—water bottle, camera, etc—during your daily activities.

• Locks: For flights that originate in the U.S., you can either use a TSA-approved lock or leave your luggage unlocked. Outside of the U.S. we strongly recommend locking your luggage as a theft-prevention measure.

Clothing Suggestions: Functional Tips • Most of your clothing should be for warm, dry climates—lightweight, loose fitting, and made of 100% cotton. But you’ll still want to bring a warmer layer due to temperatures dropping at night in the desert climate (and you may want it during the day on the air- conditioned bus). While most of the accommodations we use are modern and offer heating/ air-conditioning, you will experience a traditional Nubian house and a classic dahabiya as you sail on the Nile, neither of which are heated.

• Footwear: You’ll be on your feet a lot during the trip and walking over some rough, slippery, and sometimes sandy/muddy surfaces. We recommend you wear sturdy walking shoes or similar supportive sports shoes, particularly for our daytime shore excursions from the dahabiya. Aboard ship, you’ll be asked to leave your shoes on deck, so please plan to have a secondary pair of “boat shoes” with good traction to wear on board.

• December and January can be cold and rainy. Parts Israel get snow in winter; other areas get heavy rains. If you are traveling in December or January, keep this in mind.

• You can buy clothing designed especially for travel. Look for clothes that offer adequate sun protection. If you like to hand-wash your clothes, bring socks and underwear made of material that will dry out overnight.

• When traveling with a companion, we recommend “cross-packing,” i.e., pack two outfits of your clothing in your companion’s luggage and vice-versa, in case one bag is delayed.

Dress Codes: Shorts, Headscarves, and other FAQ Dress on our trip is functional and casual; there are no formal wear evenings. For most travelers a casual dress code in a hot and sunny place means shorts and/or sleeveless tops. But are these culturally acceptable? In Egypt (and Jordan on the optional extension), the answer is yes, but a qualified one.

70 Generally dress in Egypt and Jordan tends to be conservative and modest. “Modest” means locals of both genders will cover legs and arms, wear higher necklines, and local women may cover their hair with a scarf. Therefore shorts and sleeveless tops are more for tourists. It is OK for you to wear them, as long as you don’t mind that everyone knows you’re a visitor. Also, there are a few subtle guidelines to keep in mind when wearing shorts.

For example, the longer the shorts are, the better (to the knee is best). Sleeveless tops are acceptable, but on women the necklines should still be modest. Lastly, the more religious or more traditional a place is, the less acceptable shorts or sleeveless tops become. So the outfit that is fine for exploring ancient temples may not be considered polite at a mosque, synagogue, or at a Home-Hosted visit. Generally in places of worship or in someone’s home it is better to cover up your shoulders and legs. In fact, when visiting a mosque or synagogue you may be handed a wrap and asked to drape it over you so that you are properly covered; this is common throughout the Middle East. Christian churches also require modest dress, meaning covered shoulders (no sleeveless tops) and shorts/skirts that fall below the knee.

In countries we visit, most Muslim women and many Jewish women (plus some Christians) chose to cover their hair; some will also cover their face as well. As a visitor, you will not be expected to cover your hair, except perhaps in a mosque, where it may be required for entry. If a mosque requires something specific, there will be a private “women only” entrance where you can rent the appropriate dress, so it is not necessary to bring a scarf. Male travelers may be asked to cover their head in synagogues; if so, there are usually yamakas that you can borrow. Depending on the synagogue, female travelers may also be asked to cover their hair, which you can do with a scarf or a hat. (But this is not usually a requirement.)

Of course, the application of these guidelines varies. You’ll see younger people and city dwellers dressed in a more causal style than their parents or in the small villages. And, naturally, many foreign tourists are not sensitive to the issue of dress at all. But travelers who are thoughtful about the issue will get more respect and a warmer welcome.

Suggested Packing Lists We have included suggestions from Trip Experience Leaders and former travelers to help you pack. These lists are only jumping-off points—they offer recommendations based on experience, but not requirements. You may also want to consult the “Climate” chapter of this handbook.

And don’t forget a reusable water bottle—you’ll need it to take advantage of any refills we offer as we are working to eliminate single-use plastic bottles on all of our trips.

Recommended Clothing ‰Shirts: A mixture of short and long-sleeved shirts in a breathable fabric, like cotton or cotton-blend. Polo shirts are more versatile than T-shirts.

‰Trousers and/or jeans: Comfortable and loose fitting is best.

71 ‰Walking shorts: Cut long for modesty. See the “Clothing Suggestions” section in this chapter for details.

‰Shoes and socks: We recommend you wear sturdy walking shoes or supportive sports shoes. Aboard ship, you will be asked to leave your shoes on deck - please plan to bring a secondary pair of “boat shoes” with good traction. Previous travelers to Israel have also suggested water shoes/shoes that can get wet for the Dead Sea as the salt crystals can hurt your feet.

‰Wide-brim sun hat or visor for sun protection ‰Light sweater, sweatshirt, or jacket (air conditioning can be cold in museums, motor coaches, etc).

‰Underwear and sleepwear ‰Swimsuit ‰Scarf: Due to dusty conditions in the desert, previous travelers recommend bringing a scarf to cover your face on dusty paths, especially for travelers with existing respiratory issues.

Seasonal Clothing Recommendations For November – March departures, add these items to your list ‰A pair of heavier pair of trousers or light long underwear for evenings on deck ‰Warm sweater or jacket ‰Hat and gloves ‰Warm sleepwear for your stay on the dahabiya

Essential Items ‰Daily essentials: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, hairbrush or comb, shaving items, deodorant, etc.

‰Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses and your prescription ‰Sunglasses and a neck strap ‰Sunscreen, SPF 45 or stronger (essential for the desert) ‰Insect repellent with DEET

72 ‰Pocket-size tissues and/or toilet paper for restrooms ‰Moist towelettes and/or anti-bacterial “waterless” hand cleanser ‰Cough drops to help with dust ‰Flashlight (useful inside the Pyramids/temples) ‰Photocopies of passport, air ticket, credit cards (your Trip Experience Leader may request a photocopy of your passport to ease the check-in process at hotels)

‰Camera, spare batteries, and memory cards ‰Electrical transformer & plug adapters: see “Electricity” for details

Medicines ‰Your own prescription medicines ‰Vitamins ‰Electrolytes, in case of dehydration ‰Cold remedies: Sudafed/Dristan ‰Pain relievers: Ibuprofen/naproxen/aspirin ‰Laxatives: Senokot/Ex-Lax ‰Antihistamine: Benadryl ‰Stomach upset: Pepto-Bismol/Mylanta ‰Anti-diarrheal: Imodium ‰Band-Aids ‰Moleskin foot pads ‰Antibiotic: Neosporin/Bacitracin ‰Optional: An antibiotic medication for gastrointestinal illness ‰Optional: A strong prescription pain medication for rare emergency purposes ‰Optional: Motion sickness medicine if you are susceptible

73 Optional Gear ‰Eye drops for dry, dusty conditions ‰Light folding umbrella, to be used to block the sun ‰Washcloth (not always supplied) ‰Travel money purse, worn under your shirt or jacket; money belt ‰Travel alarm ‰Compact binoculars ‰Hanging toiletry bag with pockets ‰Basic sewing kit ‰Hand-wash laundry soap, and maybe clothespins/travel clothesline/stopper ‰Travel journal/note pad/reading material ‰Home address book ‰Home-Hosted gift ‰Small gifts for children (pens, pencils, notepads, etc.) ‰Phrase book ‰Pocket calculator for exchange rates ‰Folding walking stick or trekking pole (sold in most camping stores) ‰Portable fan

Electricity Abroad When traveling overseas, the voltage is usually different and the plugs might not be the same shape.

Voltage Electricity at hotels in Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon is 220-240 volts. In the U.S. it is 110 volts. Most of the things a traveler will want to plug in—battery chargers, MP3 players, tablets or computers—can run off both 110 and 220/240. But you should check the item or the owner’s guide first to confirm this before you plug it in. Plugging a 110V U.S. appliance into 220/240V service

74 will ruin the motor. If you have something that needs 110 volts—like a shaver or a hairdryer—you can bring a transformer to change the current. (But transformers tend to burn out, so it might be better to leave whatever it is at home.)

Aboard the ship, cabins are equipped with 110-volt outlets. In your bathroom you will find a dual 110/220-volt outlet; this outlet is only for low-voltage appliances, like electric shavers. (Your bathroom also comes equipped with a hair dryer).

Plugs Aboard ship, the plugs are standard American plugs.

In hotels, the shape of plugs will vary from country to country, and sometimes even within a country depending on when that building was built. Different plug shapes are named by letters of the alphabet—Type A, Type B, and so on. Standard U.S. plugs are Type A and Type B. Here is the list of plugs for the countries on this trip:

Egypt: C is the most common plug type.

Israel: C and H

Jordan: C, D, F, and G

Lebanon: C, D, and G

Type C Type H Type D Type G

75 Availability A constant electricity supply cannot be guaranteed during overnight stays. Travelers dependent on electricity supply (as in the case of those with sleep apnea) should consider a different adventure.

76 CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

Egypt: Egypt’s climate can be summed up in three words: hot, sunny, and dry. Most of the country is desert; the only cultivated fields are on the banks of the Nile and in the Nile Delta. Temperatures are generally hot, but not always. During the winter it can be chilly in the north (Cairo and Alexandria), or on a foggy morning on the Red Sea. Please pack some warm clothing if you are traveling during these months. Sandstorms, which can occur from March to May, can cause inconveniences with regard to sightseeing.

Alexandria, Egypt: Alexandria is located in the lush, warm Nile Delta, an area quite different from the dry, hot southern parts of Egypt. In the summer months, temperatures are rarely extreme, although humidity increases. Winter brings occasional mild storms but severe weather conditions are rare.

Jordan: About 90 % of the country is desert with an annual rainfall below 8 inches and falling as low as 1-2 inches in places. Although Jordan is thought of as having a hot climate, the country’s climate is as diverse as its scenery. It has four well-defined seasons. In early fall and spring, the weather is ideal, with plenty of warm sun and comfortably cool evenings. During winter, it can be quite chilly with some rain in Amman and the surrounding area. On occasion, nights can dip below the freezing point. Dry, bitter winds often accompany the colder temperatures. Snow is not unheard of, so if you are traveling in winter, keep that in mind.

Beirut, Lebanon: During the summer months, the heat is tempered by fresh daytime breezes. End of October is still pretty warm, however November is less predictable. The weather is March is irregular as well, but usually with more rain. For this reason we suggest that you bring sweaters, long pants, and a rain jacket if traveling at this time of year. Also, you may find it too cool to comfortably wear sandals at this time of year.

NOTE: If you are taking one of our optional stopovers before or after your OAT adventure, please be aware the climate and temperatures might be different from what you experienced during your tour. To prepare for weather differences and pack appropriate clothing, we recommend the following world weather sites:

• www.intellicast.com

• www.weather.com

• www.wunderground.com

Climate Averages & Online Forecast The following charts reflect the average climate as opposed to exact weather conditions. This means they serve only as general indicators of what can reasonably be expected. An extreme heat wave or cold snap could fall outside these ranges. As your departure approaches, we encourage you to go online to www.oattravel.com/myaccount for your 10-day forecast.

77 Average Daily High/Low Temperatures (°F), Humidity & Monthly Rainfall

MONTH CAIRO, EGYPT LUXOR, EGYPT

Avg Temp (high- % Humdity (am- Average # of Days Avg Temp (high- % Humidity (am- Average # of Days low) pm) with Rainfall low) pm) with Rainfall JAN 65 to 49 74 to 50 5 70 to 45 73 to 45 1 FEB 68 to 50 71 to 42 3 74 to 49 64 to 34 -- MAR 73 to 54 72 to 37 2 83 to 58 55 to 26 -- APR 82 to 59 68 to 30 1 93 to 65 45 to 19 -- MAY 89 to 64 71 to 26 1 100 to 71 41 to 17 -- JUN 100 to 68 76 to 27 -- 115 to 75 40 to 17 -- JUL 105 to 75 83 to 35 -- 104 to 78 42 to 20 -- AUG 92 to 72 85 to 38 -- 102 to 77 45 to 23 -- SEP 90 to 69 83 to 38 -- 99 to 74 50 to 27 -- OCT 85 to 65 81 to 40 1 93 to 68 56 to 34 1 NOV 75 to 58 77 to 48 1 81 to 56 66 to 45 -- DEC 67 to 51 75 to 53 3 73 to 48 73 to 51 --

MONTH ASWAN, EGYPT JERUSALEM, ISRAEL

Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) (inches) Humidity (am-pm) (inches) JAN 70 to 52 57 to 29 -- 53 to 44 72 to 61 5.2 FEB 74 to 55 45 to 22 -- 55 to 44 69 to 59 4.7 MAR 82 to 61 38 to 15 0.1 60 to 47 63 to 52 3.6 APR 92 to 72 30 to 13 0.4 71 to 55 48 to 39 1.0 MAY 99 to 77 26 to 12 0.3 78 to 60 41 to 35 0.1 JUN 115 to 81 26 to 11 -- 82 to 64 44 to 37 -- JUL 103 to 83 27 to 12 -- 84 to 67 52 to 40 -- AUG 102 to 82 31 to 14 -- 85 to 67 57 to 40 -- SEP 99 to 79 34 to 14 -- 83 to 66 58 to 40 -- OCT 93 to 74 40 to 18 0.2 77 to 62 56 to 42 0.6 NOV 80 to 63 51 to 26 -- 66 to 54 61 to 48 2.4 DEC 72 to 55 57 to 32 0.1 57 to 47 69 to 56 4.2

78 MONTH ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT AMMAN, JORDAN

Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) (inches) Humidity (am-pm) (inches) JAN 64 to 50 78 to 62 2.0 52 to 39 84 to 64 2.5 FEB 65 to 50 78 to 59 1.6 55 to 40 82 to 58 2.5 MAR 68 to 53 79 to 59 0.8 61 to 44 79 to 52 1.7 APR 75 to 58 78 to 57 0.4 71 to 51 68 to 40 0.7 MAY 79 to 63 80 to 58 0.4 80 to 57 60 to 34 0.1 JUN 83 to 69 82 to 60 0.4 85 to 63 58 to 34 -- JUL 84 to 73 82 to 64 0.4 88 to 67 59 to 36 -- AUG 86 to 74 81 to 64 0.4 88 to 67 66 to 38 -- SEP 84 to 72 78 to 61 0.4 85 to 64 71 to 39 -- OCT 81 to 66 81 to 62 0.4 79 to 58 72 to 41 0.2 NOV 74 to 59 79 to 62 1.2 66 to 49 76 to 50 1.1 DEC 67 to 52 79 to 63 2.0 56 to 42 85 to 65 1.9

MONTH BEIRUT, LEBANON

Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # of Days Humidity (am-pm) with Rainfall JAN 61 to 50 -- 15 FEB 62 to 50 -- 13 MAR 65 to 52 -- 10 APR 71 to 58 -- 7 MAY 75 to 63 -- 4 JUN 80 to 69 -- 1 JUL 84 to 73 -- 1 AUG 85 to 75 -- 1 SEP 83 to 72 -- 2 OCT 80 to 68 -- 6 NOV 72 to 59 -- 9 DEC 64 to 53 -- 14

79 ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE

O.A.T. Trip Experience Leaders: A World of Difference During your adventure you’ll be accompanied by one of our local, expert Trip Experience Leaders. All are fluent in English and possess the skills, certification, and experience necessary to ensure an enriching adventure. As locals of the regions you’ll explore with them, our Trip Experience Leaders provide the kind of firsthand knowledge and insight that make local history, culture, and wildlife come alive. Coupled with their unbridled enthusiasm, caring personalities, and ability to bring diverse groups of travelers together, our Trip Experience Leaders ensure that your experience with O.A.T. is one you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Please Note: To ensure you get as much exposure to local culture as possible, you’ll enjoy the services of a Trip Experience Leader in Egypt who is a certified Egyptologist. You will also have a different Trip Experience Leader on both the Jerusalem and Jordan extensions.

Egyptian Culture Modern Egypt is so much more than just its ancient heritage. The streets of Cairo, Alexandria, and Luxor are filled with influences from the Greeks, to the Arabs of North Africa, to the Nubians from Sudan. The country has always been a crossroads of trade and culture, allowing it to adapt and become a major player in the Middle East.

These comings and goings of different people were made possible in part by the value Egyptians place on hospitality. This is a keystone in their culture, where being friendly, open, helpful is considered a virtue. (Although a devout Muslim may keep some distance with a person of the opposite gender.) As a visitor this can be to your advantage—people will want to answer questions, give directions, and tell you about their country. They will also ask you about your home and family, sparking a real connection.

But the friendliness can be a bit overwhelming at times, especially as Egyptians tend to stand closer, talk louder, and use more hand gestures than Americans. Egyptians also favor the hard sell, so be prepared to say a firm “no, thank you” on repeat to persistent salesclerks. (Or even ignore them outright by not making eye contact; a pair of dark sunglasses can be helpful.) Bargaining is encouraged, even for things you would expect to have a clear price like taxi fare or a cup of coffee. Initially, these differences may make you feel a bit uncomfortable, but keep in mind that discomfort is not the intent—the locals are just treating you like one of them.

Another major cultural value in Egypt is a person’s social connections. Like the old adage says, “it’s not what you know, but who you know”. Leveraging their network and extended family is how many Egyptians find the services they need such as a mechanic, doctor, dentist, etc. And it’s the same when navigating complex bureaucracy; you start by reaching out to a cousin who is in government or a friend of a friend. This is why social class in Egypt is not just defined by how much wealth you have, but also who your family is and how connected you are.

80 Fortunately, you’ll have the advantage of an instant connection in Egypt: Your Trip Experience Leader, who will be on hand to guide you through all the nuances of Egyptian culture during your adventure.

Language Egyptian Arabic is considered the standard Arabic dialect, meaning it is widely understood in other Arabic-speaking countries. As a result, Egypt’s media—movies, music, and news—has come to dominate the MENA (Middle East and North Africa). The Egyptian accent is so popular on Middle Eastern TV that news anchors in other Arabic-speaking countries will often use it instead of their own local accent.

Of course, this all applies to spoken Arabic. Written Arabic (or literary Arabic) is standard across all nations as it is based on the classical Arabic found in Quran.

Religion Religion plays an important part of daily life in Egypt, Jordan, and Israel, so an understanding of the two most prominent religions (Islam and Judaism) will assist you in your discoveries.

Judaism Considered the oldest of the monotheistic religions, Judaism has its roots in ancient times, with more than 3,000 years of history. Although there are three main branches (Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform) the fundamentals remain the same. A practicing Jew is expected to follow the holy commandments as revealed to Moses, follow Jewish law, attend synagogue, fast during specific holidays, and keep Shabbat (Sabbath) from sundown Friday to sundown on Saturday. While the most holy of writings in the Jewish tradition are collectively known as the Tanakh, you may also hear references to the Torah, which is the first five books within the Tanakh, or to commentaries by learned rabbinical scholars such as the Talmud or Midrash.

While in Israel, you’ll find that many shops and restaurants are closed on Saturday in observance of the Sabbath. And during Jewish holidays, many sites will be closed or operating on reduced hours—but on the plus side, there may be special services or festivities you can join! (If you’re interested in checking what holidays might fall during your trip, an online holiday calendar like www.timeanddate.com/holidays is a great resource.) Also, some establishments keep kosher, so you may not find pork or shellfish on the menu.

Lastly, a few words about the Western Wall in Jerusalem: As the last remains of the Second Temple, many see this as one of the most sacred places in Judaism, and as a result, its popularity cannot be underestimated. Be prepared for crowds.

81 Islam Although you could date the founding of Islam to the 5th century, its roots can be traced back further. Indeed, many believers see Islam’s founder, Muhammad, as a continuation of a line of prophets that goes back to Moses and Abraham. Like other regions, the Islamic tradition has both a holy book (the Koran) and a collection of teachings and judgments passed down by scholars over the years (Sharia and Fiqh).

There are two main branches, the Sunni and the Shia, although all Muslims are expected to follow the same basic principles, known as the Five Pillars: to testify to God’s greatness, to practice charity, to fast during specific times (such as Ramadan), to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once, and to pray daily.

Of these five tenets, the one you may notice the most while in Egypt and Jordan is the daily prayers. Practicing Muslims are expected to pray five times daily: at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and evening. The exact time is listed in the local newspaper each day. The call to prayer, called the adhan, is sung or broadcast from minaret towers to remind the faithful that it’s time to come to the mosque.

Friday is the Muslim holy day, so businesses are usually closed. Many companies also close on Thursday, making the weekend Thursday and Friday. Local businesses may also close for religious holidays or festivals. (Again, we suggest checking an online holiday calendar for exact dates.) During Ramadan, many locals will be fasting, limiting the number of restaurants that are open to the public. Technically, Islam also forbids alcohol at all times of year, although this rule is not universally followed and usually does not apply to foreign visitors. However, it may mean that some establishments are “dry” and will not serve it.

Modest Dress • When visiting a synagogue: Male travelers should cover their head to show respect. (Usually the synagogue will have yamakas—a type of skullcap—on hand for you to borrow.) Depending on the synagogue, female travelers may also be asked to cover their hair, which you can do with a scarf or a hat. Generally speaking, an Orthodox synagogue will have the strictest dress codes: shorts may not be allowed; skirts should be to the knee or longer; shoulders should be covered; and necklines should be modest. As in any place of worship, it is best to turn off your cell phone or put it on silent.

• When visiting a mosque: It is polite to be modestly dressed (no bare shoulders, no skirts or shorts above the knee). You may be asked to remove your shoes. In some mosques, female visitors are not required to cover their hair, in others you may be asked to do so. Typically a mosque that requires special dress for female visitors will have pieces to lend or rent.

• When visiting a church: Many churches in this region require modest dress, meaning covered shoulders and skirts or shorts that fall below the knee.

82 Taking Photographs The etiquette of photographing people in most the countries on your itinerary is about the same as it would be on the streets of your hometown. You need permission to take a close-up, but not for a crowd scene. Be especially polite if you want to photograph an older woman. If you want to shoot a great portrait, show interest in your subject, try to have a bit of social interaction first. Then use sign language to inquire if a picture is OK. Please do not take photographs of military personnel or military compounds, because this may result in the confiscation of your camera. Photos may not be allowed in religious buildings; ask first.

In museums or at archaeological sites throughout the Middle East, there may be restrictions on using your flash. Please obey any signs or directions by staff; the no flash rule protects the fragile artifacts and artwork from damage by repeated exposure to light.

Important Note: In museums or at archaeological sites throughout the Middle East, there may be restrictions on using your flash or photos may not be permitted in certain areas (for example, photography is not allowed in King Tut’s Tomb at the Valley of the Kings). Please obey any signs or directions by staff; the no flash rule protects the fragile artifacts and artwork from damage by repeated exposure to light.

Photography Fees Some sites and museums will charge a fee (up to $20 per device) for the privilege of taking photos. We recommend bringing some additional cash (approximately US$50-60 per person) to exchange for local currency for these occasions.

Toilets Although all our accommodations feature Western-style toilets, “Turkish-style” toilets (i.e. squat toilets) are common in public restrooms. For women travelers who are novices at using a squat toilet, a skirt is usually easier to maneuver than pants. We strongly recommend that you bring pocket-size tissues and/or toilet paper as it is not available in public restrooms (unless you tip the bathroom attendant, who will then give you some). Public restrooms at popular tourist sites have been known to charge approximately 10 EGP for use.

Safety & Security • Common Sense and Awareness: As you travel, exercise the same caution and awareness that you would in a large American city. Don’t be overly nervous or suspicious, but keep your eyes open. If you are venturing out after dark, go with one or two other people. Pickpockets may create a sudden distraction. In any sort of puzzling street situation, try to keep one hand on your money belt. If an encounter with a local turns out to be long and complicated and involves money or your valuables, be very careful. Con artists sometimes target travelers.

83 • Money belts/Neck wallets: Carry a one-day supply of cash in your pocket and the rest of your money in a neck wallet or money belt under your shirt. Replenish your pocket supply when you are in a safe and quiet place. Don’t leave valuables unattended in your hotel room. Most hotels will offer use of a hotel safe at the front desk or an electronic in-room safe (set your own personal number). Please utilize them.

• Woman Travelers: Foreign women may experience some hassling by local men in Egypt. It is usually inconsequential, and it is greatly reduced if you dress in a modest style. Exercise the same caution you would with strangers at home. We encourage women to stay with a group after dark or if exploring out-of-the-way places.

One last note—traffic is horrific throughout the Middle East, especially Egypt. Exercise extreme caution when attempting to cross any street. Consider hiring a taxi (at a nominal fee) for short distance transport.

Dining Aboard Your Private, Classic River-Yacht A selection of wine, beer, and other beverages will be available for purchase onboard your river- yacht. In Egypt, keep in mind there is a special tax on alcohol which can be significant. This means that you will likely experience higher prices than what you would typically find at home. A bottle of wine may start at $30-40 in Egypt, depending on the vintage.

Travelers may also bring a bottle of their own favorite wine to dinner to enjoy at their table. Should you care to avail yourself of this service, there will be a corkage fee of approximately $10 per bottle, charged to your cabin account.

Please note that if you bring your own alcohol aboard, it can only be consumed in the dining room, or in your cabin. Consumption of alcohol purchased outside the ship is not permitted in the lounge or public areas.

Egyptian Cuisine Egyptian food many not be fancy, but it has a simple, fresh, and hearty appeal. Dining out is often a social occasion and may involve many courses, a shared platter of mezze (starters/small plates), or an after-dinner coffee or shisha water pipe. While in Egypt look for Middle Eastern specialties such as:

• Mezze: Small plates that may be served as starters, snacks, or a light meal. These are often served with flat bread, which is used to scoop up the dips and toppings. Common kinds include humus, tahini (sesame spread), tabbouleh (a mix of bulgur wheat, parsley, garlic, and tomato), baba ghanoug (eggplant dip), salads, and fuul (slow-cooked fava beans with garlic).

• Taamia, also spelled ta’amiyya: The Egyptian version of falafel, fried balls of ground beans or chickpeas, served warm wrapped in bread with veggies and toppings.

• Kofta and kababs: Kofta are spiced lamb meatballs, while kababs are skewered chunks of meat (beef or lamb); both are grilled on a fire.

84 • Firekh: Rotisserie-style chicken, usually served by the half. And if you want to try a more unusual poultry dish, look for anything with hamam (pigeon) which most people compare in taste to dark meat chicken.

• Omm ali: A type of bread pudding topped with cream, nuts, and raisins before being baked in the oven.

• Drinks: Strong Turkish-style coffee and sweet mint tea are commonly served. Most Egyptian Muslims refrain from alcohol, but will serve it to visitors or people of other religions. Beer has a long history in Egypt—there is evidence that it was drunk in Pharaonic times—and you can still find locally made brands like Stella Meister, Stella Premium, or Saqqara. For a refreshing non-alcoholic drink, look for stalls with hanging nets filled with fruit. Here you can buy fresh-squeezed juices in a variety of flavors (just don’t get ice).

Israeli Cuisine Israeli cuisine is a mix of Middle Eastern flavors and dishes from elsewhere that were brought back as a remnant of the diaspora. So you’ll find influences from the Mizrahi (North African), Sephardic (Spanish/Portuguese), and Ashkenazi (Northern European) communities alongside old favorites like hummus and falafel. And of course, many establishments keep kosher, meaning they follow the Jewish dietary laws. This includes no pork, no shellfish, no mixing of meat and dairy, and regulations about how food can be prepared and by whom.

• Common ingredients: No matter the dish, you’ll likely find at least one of these in it—olives or olive oil, chickpeas, couscous, garlic, preserved lemons, dates, or pita bread. Also common is tahini, which is a seasoning made from nigella seeds.

• Challah: A light and doughy kosher bread that uses eggs instead of milk or butter. This gives it a distinctive pale yellow color and rich flavor. For breakfast, try the toasted version with a fried egg in it.

• Shakshuka: Eggs pan-fried in tomato sauce, served as a breakfast dish.

• Israeli salads: Large bowls of local produce (cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, etc.) are served throughout the day—sometimes even at breakfast.

• Shawarma: Technically a Turkish dish, but very popular here as a street snack or meal on the go. Rotisserie-style meat (usually lamb or beef) is thinly sliced then served warm in a pocket of bread with veggies and sauce.

• Masabacha: This staple is a bowl of warm chickpeas—some remain whole, some smashed— in tahini with olive oil, chopped herbs, and spices.

• Cheese dishes: The two most popular cheeses are bulgarit (a soft white cheese like feta, but less crumbly) and cottage cheese. But cheese is also a main ingredient in many snacks like khachapuri (Georgian cheese bread), haloumi (fried sticks of cheese), and kanafeh (a layered dessert of shredded pastry over soft cheese and soaked with sweet syrup).

85 • Mutabuk: Hand-tossed filo dough filled with soft white cheese or nuts and fruit, baked in an oven and served with powdered sugar on top.

• Drinks: Hot day? Try a cool glass of tart pomegranate juice, packed with vitamins and antioxidants, or an ice café, which is basically a coffee slushy. Or if you want something with a kick, look for local liquors such as Tubi 60 (a lemon-and-herb flavor) or arak (anise-flavored).

Jordanian Cuisine Despite the fact that the country is landlocked, you’ll find a lot of Mediterranean flavors here, with herbs, garlic, onion, tomato sauce and lemon all being common. But you’ll also see traditional Middle Eastern ingredients like za’atar spice and mint. Plus Jordan is one of the largest producers of olives in the world, and as result both olives and olive oil are ubiquitous in Jordanian cooking. Dishes to try include:

• Mansaf: Tender lamb cooked served on a platter with flatbreads and rice. You’ll find variations of this dish throughout the region, but Jordan’s version is unique because they use a type of dried yogurt (jameed) to make a sauce for the meat.

• Maqluba: Slow-cooked rice, chicken, potatoes, and vegetables served with a dramatic flair—the pot is flipped upside down over your plate or bowl.

• Zaarb: This combination of marinated meat (usually lamb or goat) and veggies cooked over hot coals in the sand comes from the nomadic Bedouin people.

• Jordanian hummus (fattet hummus): Like regular hummus but with torn-up pita bread and pine nuts mixed in and then topped with olive oil.

• Snacks: Roasted nuts coated in spices, sugar, or salt are popular, as are Middle Eastern staples like roasted chickpeas and falafel (ground chickpeas shaped into balls or patties and deep fried).

• Kunafa: This dessert is made of syrup-soaked pastry on top of cheese or cream.

• Drinks: Sweet mint tea, thick Turkish-style coffee, and fresh juices (pomegranate, sugar cane, or lemonade) are on offer.

Lebanese Cuisine Lebanese cuisine is known as the melting pot of Middle Eastern food, due to the many civilizations that gathered in Lebanon throughout history, with notable similarities to Israeli or Greek foods. Staples of the cuisine, much like many of its fellow Middle Eastern countries, includes olive oil, bulgur wheat, garlic, parsley, and mint. Dishes to try are:

• Tabbouleh: a salad of herbs, tomatoes, green onions, and crack bulgur wheat.

• Warak: cured grapevine leaves stuffed with meat, rice, cooked vegetables, or a combination of the three.

86 • Manakish: the Lebanese pizza, manakish is bread topped with thyme, sesame seeds, sumac, and olive oil.

• Kibbeh: Fried or baked meat croquettes, seasoned with herbs, onions, and spices. Often made with ground beef, but also chicken or lamb, kibbeh is commonly served with yogurt or tahini (sesame spread) sauce.

• Baba ghanoush: similar to hummus, baba ghanoush is a dip that is served with pita and topped in olive oil. Made from eggplant and tahini, the dip is sometimes also topped with pomegranate for an additional kick of flavor.

• Kanafeh: This dessert is a sugary pastry layered with cheese or cream and topped with orange blossom syrup.

Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, Shipping & More There may be scheduled visits to local shops during your adventure. There is no requirement to make a purchase during these stops, and any purchase made is a direct transaction with the shop in question, subject to the vendor’s terms of purchase. O.A.T. is not responsible for purchases you make on your trip or for the shipment of your purchases.

Returns If you discover an issue with an item, you should contact the vendor directly and expect that any resolution will take longer than it would in the U.S. We recommend that you keep a copy of all your receipts, invoices, or contracts, along with the shop’s contact information. Keep in mind, local practice may vary from U.S. standards, so don’t assume that you have a certain number of days after the purchase to speak up or that you are guaranteed a refund.

Crafts & Souvenirs

Egypt Traditional souvenirs include gold and silver jewelry, papyrus artwork, cotton goods, tapestries, carpets, leather goods, copperware, brassware, basketry, fine inlaid woodwork, and spices. In many bazaars, you can observe artisans working in the traditional methods, and this is part of the fun of shopping.

Bargaining is extremely commonplace in Egypt, and may someday replace soccer as the national sport. If this is your first experience with it, don’t worry—you’ll quickly find your own style. On smaller items, start by bidding half the asking price, or even less. The only rule is: If you make an offer, you should be prepared to buy at that price. Often if you start to walk away, you’ll hear a lower price. And remember, whatever price you pay is OK, as long as the item is worth that price to you.

87 When looking at large items, like carpets or artwork, you’ll often be invited to sit down and drink a cup of tea with the merchant and make small talk for awhile. If you are on a group excursion, please remain aware of what other group members are doing. If you are the only one trying to buy something at that time, you might want to return later.

Israel Among the best buys in Israel are ceramics, copperware, religious articles, jewelry, diamonds, furs, handicrafts, beauty products with Dead Sea minerals, and original works of art. If you like to bargain, comb the colorful local markets and bazaars in Jerusalem for interesting handmade arts and crafts.

Many shops have been approved for tourists by the Israel Ministry of Tourism. These shops display a sign stating “listed by the Ministry” and carry the Ministry’s emblem (two scouts carrying a bunch of grapes on a pole between them). This is the symbol of quality merchandise and courteous service.

Jordan Common buys in Jordan include Byzantine-style mosaics (still hand-made in Madaba) and bright, multi-colored weavings. Bottled sand art—where colored sand is layered inside a bottle to create a picture—is also popular, especially in Petra.

Lebanon Popular buys include home goods such as copper ibriks (a Turkish-style coffee pot), brass samovars, coasters or tiles with geometric designs, and soft goods like embroidered linens and caftans. Backgammon sets, cedar wood carvings, and locally-designed handbags are also good choices.

Bargaining is not commonplace here except for in some traditional open-air markets.

U.S. Customs Regulations & Shipping Charges For all things related to U.S. Customs, the ultimate authority is the U.S. Bureau of Customs & Border Protection. Their website, www.cbp.gov has the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Or you can call them at 1-877-227-5511.

The top three points to know are:

• At time of writing, your personal duty-free allowance is $800 for items brought with you. Items totaling more than $800 are subject to duty fees.

• Items shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. Even when the shop has offered to include shipping and duties in the price, this typically means shipping to the nearest customs facility and payment of the export duties—not door-to-door shipping or payment of the import duties. All additional duties or shipping charges would be your

88 responsibility. Unless an item is small enough to send by parcel service (like FedEx), chances are you will need to arrange shipping or pick-up once the item is in the U.S. and will need to pay customs duties.

• It is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins.

89 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY

Egypt

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 384,345 square miles

• Capital: Cairo

• Languages: Arabic is the official language; English and French are common second languages.

• Ethnicity: Egyptian 99.6%, other 0.4%

• Location: Northern Africa, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, between Libya and the Gaza Strip, and the Red Sea north of Sudan, and includes the Asian Sinai Peninsula

• Geography: Egypt is almost entirely desert. Only about 2% of the land is arable. As a result, 99% of the population lives on only 3.5% of the land, mostly along the Nile River Valley and fertile delta.

• Population: 103,811,977 (estimate)

• Religions: Muslim (predominantly Sunni) 90%, Christian (majority Coptic Orthodox) 10%

• Time Zone: Egypt is seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. When it is noon in D.C., it is 7:00 pm in Egypt.

National Holidays: Egypt

Egypt celebrates a number of national 4/25 Sinai Liberation Day holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as 5/1 Labour Day Ramadan and Moulid El Nabi. To find out if you will be traveling during these holidays, 7/23 National Day please visit www.timeanddate.com/holidays. 10/6 Armed Forces Day 1/25 Revolution Day

Egypt: A Brief History Archaeological records show highly developed civilizations in both Upper and Lower Egypt a far back as 4000 BCE, making this remarkable country 6,000 years old. No other country boasts such a long and uninterrupted history.

90 In 3200 BCE, King Menes unified Upper and Lower Egypt into a single kingdom, starting a 3,000- year stretch of rule by royal dynasties. Historians further divide these 3,000 years into four main time periods: the Early Dynastic Period (the time of Menes); Old Kingdom (c. 2613-2181 BCE); Middle Kingdom (c. 2055-1786 BCE); and New Kingdom (c. 1567-1085 BCE). The gaps between the kingdoms are called the “intermediate periods”.

The Early Dynastic Period is when ancient Egypt as we know it began to take form. It is during this time that the king, or pharaoh, became identified with the sun god (Ra) and ruled from a capital at Memphis (about 12 miles south of modern Cairo). This is also when the Egyptians began to intentionally mummify their dead, a ritual that was to last thousands of years.

Then in about 2360 BCE, the pharaoh Djoser asked his chief architect and priest Imhotep to design a funerary monument for him; the result was the first of its kind—the Step Pyramid at Saqqara. The age of the pyramids had begun, and with it, the Old Kingdom.

This was a time of prosperity, peace, and above all, pyramids. But the ambitious building programs depleted the royal coffers, as did a 50-year drought that started about 2200 BCE. The pharaoh’s power waned, and the Old Kingdom split apart into warring states ruled by independent nobles. This first intermediate period lasted for about 150 years, during which buildings, roads, and irrigation systems—as well as Egyptian society itself—began to deteriorate.

After a long struggle between the smaller states, the rulers of Thebes (a religious city close to modern Luxor) re-unified Egypt in about 2055 BCE. This was the Middle Kingdom, and for the next two centuries, Egypt once again enjoyed a period of great peace and prosperity.

One of the greatest achievements of the Middle Kingdom was the construction of an enormous irrigation system. Another notable aspect was the introduction of trade and commerce via ships. The pharaohs sent ships up the Nile River to Nubia and across the Mediterranean. They used gold and copper from mines in Sinai to build the colossal Temple of Amen at Karnak.

In 1800 B.C., the Hyksos, a foreign people from the north, laid siege to Egypt. The Egyptians fought on foot, as they had for centuries. The invaders used horses, chariots, and superior bows. It was no match; the Hyksos easily won, ending the Middle Kingdom and ushering in the second intermediate period. For the next several decades, northern Egypt was an occupied land. However, the Egyptians in the south quickly adopted the Hyksos’ new means of warfare and began a successful war of liberation, ushering in the age of the New Kingdom.

Armed with their newly learned techniques of warfare, the rulers of the New Kingdom set out to build an empire through foreign conquest. They were highly successful, conquering lands throughout Asia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. The New Kingdom is also notable for its cast of characters. All the most famous kings and queens—the female pharaoh Hatshepsut, the heretic king Akhenaton, the beauty Nefertiti, Ramses the Great, and the boy-king Tut—were from this time period. These great rulers were buried in rock-cut tombs in the Valley of the Kings. (Pyramids had gone out of fashion.)

91 Eventually the New Kingdom declined, leaving Egypt vulnerable to outside forces. In the south the Nubian rulers from Kush (present-day Sudan) took over and ruled for some 100-200 years. In art, the Nubian rulers styled themselves as black pharaohs and created hybrid culture that was part Egyptian and part African. (Even today, many in southern towns like Aswan will call themselves “Nubian”.) The northern parts of Egypt were seized by the Persians (in 525 BCE) and the Greeks under Alexander the Great (in 332 BCE). The famed Queen Cleopatra was a descendant of one of Alexander’s generals, and her death is often cited as the end of ancient Egypt.

For the next 2,000 years, Egypt was conquered and occupied by the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Turks, and British. The most influential of these occupations came when the Arabs conquered Egypt between 639-641 CE. The Arabs ruled Egypt for several centuries as part of the larger Islamic empire. During this time, the majority of Egyptians converted to Islam, a cultural change that had a lasting impact.

In 1517, Egypt was once again conquered, this time by the Turks. The country became part of the Ottoman Empire, though Turkish sultans granted relative autonomy to local Egyptian rulers. However, by the beginning of the 19th century, the Ottoman Empire had fallen into decline, and colonial European powers seized the opportunity to exert their influence in Egypt.

By the time the Suez Canal was opened in 1869, Egypt owed millions of dollars in debt to Britain. In order to erase the debt, Egypt ceded control of its share of the canal to the British. The Egyptian people were strongly critical of this action, and a coup against the monarchy seemed almost inevitable. Meanwhile, the British were concerned that Germany would attempt to capture the canal by force.

To guard against civil unrest and protect its interest in the canal, Britain declared Egypt a British protectorate and sent occupational forces in 1883. For all practical purposes, Egypt became a British colony. The British finally granted independence to Egypt in 1922 but retained control of the canal until 1936.

Throughout the middle part of the last century, Egypt fought a series of brief wars with Israel over the Sinai and the Gaza Strip, including 1967’s Six Day War. In 1979, the two countries signed a monumental peace agreement. Initially the treaty was controversial—so much so that President Anwar Sadat was assassinated—but his successor, Hosni Mubarak found a way to balance diplomatic relations between the Arab League, Israel, and the U.S. This “middle ground” position has allowed Egypt to take a larger role in the Middle East as ally and moderator. In 1991, Egypt was one of the allies that fought against Iraq in the Gulf War; in subsequent years Egypt has acted as a moderator between Israel and the Palestinians.

Sadly, Mubarak’s domestic politics were not nearly as successful as his foreign policy. Charges of political and police corruption, censorship, and suppression of other political parties became more and more common. Perhaps most controversial of all was his use of the “state of emergency” law, which was first enacted in 1967 after the Six-Day War. Citing the assignation of his predecessor and concerns of terrorism, Mubarak brought back the law in 1981—and kept it in place even during his final days in office in 2011.

92 Fed up with the stringent emergency laws, and angry over corruption and high unemployment, tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets on January 25th, 2011 as part of the Arab Spring. Mubarak stepped down after 18 says, new elections were held, and after a period of some uncertainty a new constitution went into effect in 2014.

Israel

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 8,019 square miles

• Capital: Jerusalem

• Languages: Hebrew is the official language; Arabic and English are also spoken.

• Ethnicity: Jewish 75% (of which Israel-born 74.4%, Europe/America-born 17.4%, Africa- born 5.1%, Asia-born 3.1%), non-Jewish 25% (mostly Arab)

• Location: Israel is bordered by Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea.

• Geography: Israel is home to a variety of geographic features, from the Negev desert in the south to the mountain ranges and lush plains of the Galilee, Carmel, and the Golan in the north to the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea.

• Population: 8,049,314

• Religions: Jewish 75%, Muslim 17.5%, Christian 2%, Druze 1.6%, other 3.9%

• Time Zone: Israel is on Israel Standard Time, seven hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in Washington D.C. it is 1pm in Jerusalem.

National Holidays: Israel

Israel celebrates a number of national among others. To find out if you will be holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as traveling during these holidays, please visit Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, and Passover, www.timeanddate.com/holidays.

Israel: A Brief History The state of Israel occupies most of what was Palestine until the early 20th century. One of the world’s most ancient civilizations thrived in nearby Jordan—objects from archaeological digs on the Jordan River date to 9000 B.C. Canaanites and Amorites moved in around 3000 B.C, followed by the armies of Sargon, king of Sumer and Akkad. Later, Abraham came in from Mesopotamia—a group of nomads in tow—and created settlements in Canaan, in a mountainous region near today’s Israel. Saul formed a kingdom here around 1023 B.C.; his predecessor, David, moved in on Jerusalem and claimed it as his capital. The Roman Empire descended on Israel in 63 B.C., giving the likes of Herod the Great and Pontius Pilate control of it. Jesus is believed to have preached in and around Jerusalem around this time. The Empire soon grew unsteady under Caligula, which

93 triggered a series of Jewish uprisings over many years. But the Jewish people were defeated with the razing of their city. The province of Palestine was decreed. And the great Diaspora, the scattering of the Jewish people, began.

In A.D. 331, Christianity became legal after Emperor Constantine converted to the religion. With his conversion, and that of countless others, the Holy Land became the object of intense curiosity and dedication. Elaborate structures, like the churches of the Holy Sepulchre and the Nativity, rose from Palestine’s desert sands.

But there was a dramatic shift only 300 years later, when Jerusalem fell to Caliph Omar in 638. The caliph claimed that the Prophet Mohammed had risen to heaven from the Temple Mount, and he declared Jerusalem a Holy City of Islam. Christians near and far were outraged, organized an army by 1099, and moved in on Jerusalem with a vengeance, killing countless Muslims and settling in for 100 years of rule. By 1187 the Muslims regained their footing, though it took another 100 years for them to overtake the last Crusader stronghold in 1291.

Over the next 500 years, power changed hands regularly, though not always with the same scale of violence. Eventually, it landed in the Ottoman hands of Suleyman the Magnificent, who rebuilt Jerusalem’s city walls.

By the mid-19th century Ottoman control of Israel was waning. Britain opened a consulate in Jerusalem, and in 1839 as a means of dealing with the persecution of Jews in Europe, Sir Moses Montefiore, a British Jew, began promoting the idea of a Jewish state. In 1878 the first Jewish colony was founded, and before long the first wave of immigrants was flowing in. At the same time, the Arab population of Palestine was becoming strongly nationalistic and anti-European, setting the stage for conflict.

During World War I, Britain promised to recognize an Arab state, and to support a Jewish homeland in Palestine. At war’s end, Britain gained control of the country, and as atrocities leading up to World War II escalated, it halted all migration to Israel. But illegal immigrants flocked there still, only to be met with violence from the Arab population. In 1947 the situation reached an impasse: Britain relinquished its control, the U.N. passed a resolution to divide the country between Arabs and Jews, and Israel officially came into being on May 14, 1948. Egypt, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon invaded immediately thereafter—but all were defeated. By the time a ceasefire was declared in May 1949, Israel had extended its territory into Palestine. Many Jewish people immigrated soon after.

In 1956, Egyptian forces moved in to take control of Suez. Israeli, British and French armies responded quickly, descending on Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. The international community pressured Israel to return the Sinai to Egypt, and British and French troops withdrew. But hostilities continued: On June 5, 1967 Israel attacked Arab troops that had uncomfortably gathered along its borders with Egypt, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. In the “Six-Day War” that followed, Israel extended its territory into the Golan Heights, the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and the Sinai Peninsula. But it was not to be an easy acquisition for Israel; Yasser Arafat and his Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), claiming to solely represent all Palestinians, vowed to get their land back and annihilate the Israeli state.

94 In the Yom Kippur War of 1973, Egypt attempted to regain the Sinai from Israel. In the end, the two countries signed a mutual recognition pact that returned the land to Egypt. Ties with Lebanon and Syria were also eroding. In 1981, Israel invaded Lebanon and formally annexed the Golan Heights from Syria; this border area is still a disputed territory decades later. But relations with other nations have improved. For example, a peace deal with Jordan was signed in 1994.

A popular 1987 Palestinian uprising, the intifada, intended to end the advance of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza via guerrilla warfare against Israeli forces. The 1993 Oslo Peace Accord set their sights on mutual recognition between Israel and the PLO, along with limited Palestinian self-rule in the West Bank and Gaza. When the Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated in 1995, bets were off for success, especially since his successor, Benjamin Netanyahu, took a hard line in negotiations. Under his watch, Israeli settlements spread in the West Bank and Gaza, leading to increased terrorist activity.

1999 saw the election of Ehud Barak. At Camp David, he sought guarantees of safety and security from Yasser Arafat and proposed a plan for a Palestinian state. His offer was rejected and the pair reached an impasse in regard to Jerusalem’s status, the return of Palestinian refugees, and a final settlement. The situation deteriorated with fighting in the West Bank between Palestinian Authority police and Israeli soldiers.

Occasional fighting erupted during the early 21st century, which in turn prompted the election of Ariel Sharon as prime minister of Israel in 2001. He committed to a complete withdrawal of Israel from the Gaza Strip, which was completed by September 2005. Sharon also mandated the erection of a controversial wall that isolates the West Bank (Palestine), and added to a similar barrier around the Gaza Strip. Since Sharon’s premiership, Israel has seen the Second Lebanon War in 2006, a blockade of the Gaza Strip, corruption scandals, and social demonstrations in the aftermath of the Arab Spring.

Jordan

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 34,495 square miles

• Capital: Amman

• Languages: Arabic is the official language of Jordan; English is also spoken.

• Ethnicity: Arab 98%, Circassian 1%, Armenian 1%

• Location: Jordan bordered by Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Syria.

• Geography: To the east, Jordan is arid desert plateau; to the west, highlands. The Jordan River flows through the Great Rift Valley and separates Jordan and Israel. The highest elevation is Jabal Ram (5,689 feet) and the lowest is the Dead Sea (-1,594 feet).

• Population: 8,117,564

95 • Religion: Muslim 97.2% (predominantly Sunni), Christian 2.2% (majority Greek Orthodox, but some Greek and Roman Catholics, Syrian Orthodox, Coptic Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, and Protestant denominations), Buddhist 0.4%, Hindu 0.1%, other 0.1%

• Time Zone: Jordan is on Eastern European Time, seven hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is 1pm in Amman.

National Holidays: Jordan

In addition to the national holidays listed 01/01 New Year’s Day below, Jordan celebrates a number of national 05/01 Labor Day holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Eid al-Adha and Eid-al-Fitr. To find out if you 05/25 Independence Day will be traveling during these holidays, please visit www.timeanddate.com/holidays. 12/25 Christmas Day

Jordan: A Brief History Today’s Jordan was part of Palestine—most of which is now the state of Israel—until the early 20th century. For more information, see the pre-20th-century history section under Israel. So the country’s history as a separate nation didn’t really begin until World War I, when the Turks (who ruled the region) allied themselves with the Germans. As a countermeasure the British send T.E. Lawrence (aka Lawrence of Arabia) to join the Great Arab Revolt against the Turks. This movement was led by Sharif Hussein of Mecca, and his sons Abdullah, Faisal and Ali; together with Lawrence they developed brilliant guerrilla warfare tactics that defeated the large the Turkish armies with a much smaller force only a few thousand Arabs.

But in the end Lawrence had made a promise to the Arabs that he couldn’t keep—independence once the war was over. With the Allied victory came bitter disappointment when Arab hopes for independence were betrayed, and Britain took Palestine. They renamed it Transjordan and confirmed the Sharif’s eldest son, Abdullah, as its ruler.

In 1948 Israeli Arabs and Jews went to war, and became far too preoccupied to notice when Transjordan claimed the West Bank and part of Jerusalem as its own, and renamed itself Jordan. In 1953 King Hussein took the throne and Jordan’s economy soared, thanks to tourism and generous aid from the U.S. Israel retook the West Bank and Jerusalem during The Six Day War of 1967—Jordan’s tourist trade and much of its agriculture disappeared. Palestinian refugees poured in from the Occupied Territories. Before long, the PLO was threatening King Hussein’s power. An especially violent war ended only when many of the radicals moved to Lebanon.

The 1994 peace treaty between Jordan and Israel dropped economic barriers and increased cooperation on security and water. But Palestinians worried that the treaty did not account for their presence in the region and many felt threatened. Jordan increased ties with Yasser Arafat’s Palestine National Authority and worked toward agreements with them. As King Hussein moved his country toward democracy, he has also mended relations—cut during the 1991 Gulf War— with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Hussein’s death in February 1999 left the future uncertain. He had

96 named his eldest son, King Abdullah II, to succeed him just weeks before he died, but the move was controversial because the Constitution requires that both the king’s parents be Arab and Muslim by birth (Abdullah’s mother was a British citizen).

Despite the controversy over his succession, King Abdullah II enjoys support from the international community and most Jordanians, including the influential Palestinian community. Part of the credit for his “approval ratings” goes his widely popular consort, Queen Rania, whose parents were Palestinian refugees in Kuwait. In the years since his succession, the King has moved his country towards closer relations with Israel, called for democratic changes in the wake of the Arab Spring, and dealt with the war in neighboring Syria by taking in refugees and strengthening the border.

Lebanon

Facts, Figures & National Holidays • Area: 3,950 square miles

• Capital: Beirut

• Population: 5,469,612

• Languages: Arabic, with French and English as second languages

• Geography: Lebanon is a coastal country on the eastern end of Mediterranean Sea, north of Israel and south of Turkey. The geography includes shoreline, a narrow coastal plain, and then rises into the Lebanon Mountains—the highest of which is Qornet es Saouda at just over 10,000 feet.

• Religions: Muslim 61.1% (both Sunni and Shia), Christian 33.7%, Druze 5.2%, very small numbers of Jews, Baha’is, Buddhists, and Hindus

• Time Zone: Lebanon is in the Eastern European time zone, which is 6-7 hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Time (depending on daylight saving, which Lebanon does not use). For example, if it is 7 AM in Washington, D.C. then it is either 1 or 2 PM in Lebanon.

97 National Holidays: Lebanon

In addition to the holidays listed below, 02/14 Commemoration of the Assassination Lebanon celebrates a number of national of PM Rafic Hariri holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as 03/25 Feast of the Annunciation Ramadan and Easter. To find out if you will be traveling during these holidays, please visit 05/01 Labor Day www.timeanddate.com/holidays. 05/06 Martyr’s Day 01/01 New Year’s Day 05/25 Liberation and Resistance Day 01/07 Orthodox Christmas 08/15 Assumption of the Virgin Mary 02/09 St Maron’s Day 11/22 Independence Day

12/25 Christmas Day

Lebanon: A Brief History While modern Lebanon as a country was only established in 1920, the area Lebanon is found in has a rich history under multiple different kingdoms.

The first people to have control of the region now known as modern-day Lebanon are the Phoenicians, an ancient sailing civilization who made settlements in Byblos, Beirut, Sidon, and Tyre, along the Lebanon coast, later called Phoenicia, in 3rd century BCE. The Phoenicians were merchants, traders, and colonizers who used the settlements as a trade stop with Egypt. Egpyt eventually assumed control over Phoenicia, due their extensive religious connections and valuable exports, leaving Phoenicia as a vassal of the powerful kingdom. In the 14th century BCE, Egypt’s political unrest saw Phoenicia once again gaining independence.

Starting the in the 9th century BCE, multiple kings of the Assyrian kingdom attempted to gain control of Phoenicia only for the Persian Empire to succeed in 538 BCE. Two centuries later, Alexander the Great snapped up the region during his war against Persia. Following Alexander the Great’s death in 323BC, Phoenicia came under the control of the Seleucid Empire, a Hellenistic empire that took control of many of Alexander the Great’s eastern territories after his death. They were rivaled by Ptolemaic Egypt, who managed to grab control of Phoenicia for a century before the Seleucid Empire dragged the region into its ever-expanding empire.

In 64 BCE, after being broken by Tigranes II of Armenia in 83 BCE, the remains of the Seleucid Empire, Phoenicia with it, were brought under Roman rule by the Roman general, Pompey the Great. Under Roman rule, Phoenicia was part of the province of Syria, the southwestern region called Syria Phoenice, which consisted of Phoenicia, the mountains beyond, and the Syrian desert – later expanded into Phoenice Prima (ancient Phoenicia) and Phoenice Secunda (Mount Lebanon and the Syrian Desert). Under the centuries rule of the Romans, the Phoenician language died out and Aramaic, a language closely related to Hebrew and Phoenician, rose into power.

98 In the 7th century, the region passed hands multiple times, with the Persian kingdom snatching it up in 608. The Byzantine Emperor Heraclius fought of the region in 622 and won it in 629, only to lose it to the Arabs I the early 630s. Between the 9th century and the 11th century, the region saw many rulers, usually under the reign of independent Egyptian Muslim dynasties or the Byzantine Empire. By the end of the 11th century, present-day Lebanon was part of the Crusader states with the northern side merged into the country of Tripoli and the southern end into the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

The famous sultan Saladin led the Muslin reconquest of present-day Lebanon, under the leadership of 1187, defeating the Mongol and integrating Lebanon into the Mamluk rule in the 1280s. While Mamluk rule separated the region into several provinces, they allowed some local autonomy to leaders and the coastal cities boomed.

Lebanon next changed hands in 1516, when Selim I of the Ottoman Empire defeated the Mamluks. Over the next four centuries, Ottoman Lebanon developed its own social and political system with Tripoli or Aleppo governing the north side, Damascus the center, and Sidon the south. The coastal region was ruled directly by Constantinople. As the Ottoman empire ruled, European (and Christian) influence grew, with established trading colonies forming in the coastal towns and mission schools formed by French Catholics and American Protestants multiplying in the 19th century.

With the collapse of the Ottoman Empire after World War I, the League of Nations put the five province that will form modern-day Lebanon under French rule in 1923. While under the control of France, the five provinces united and the population of Lebanon became more or less evenly divided between Christians and Muslims, with a large number of the total population wanting to form up under another Syrian or Arab country, rather than be under French rule or an independent nation. To appease the different fractions, the constitution implemented in 1926 set the norm that the president of the republic was Maronite (a Christian denomination formed around Mount Lebanon), the prime minister a Sunni Muslim, and the speaker of the chamber a Shi’i Muslim. Public utilities, communication, and education also improved under French rule.

During World War II, the Vichy government over Lebanon and other French territories, allowing Nazi Germany to use the region to move aircrafts and supplies. The Free French government and the British army intervened by sending an army and occupied the area for a year. After the fighting ended, a general of the Free French government announced that Lebanon would have its independence. In 1943, an election was held in Lebanon, with Bishara al-Khuri being elected president and moved to have all traces of French influence removed from their constitution. The French government was outraged and on November 11th, 1943, arrested nearly all members of the elected government. Facing political pressure from the British and other international allies, France released the government offices on November 22nd, 1943, accepting Lebanon’s independence. French troops did not withdraw until the 1946.

Over the next couple of decades, Lebanon experienced poitlical and social strif as Christians and Muslims vied for power while Beirut, built a reputation as the prime spot for international commerce and tourists flocked to the “Paris of the Middle East”. A status quo that was maintained until Lebanon become the site of a Civil War.

99 The Civil War started when the Christian Phalangists, led by Pierre Gemayel attacked a bus taking Palestinians the Tall al-Za’tar refugee camp. The Muslim Lebanese National Movement (LNM), led by Kamal Jumnlatt, retaliated. The violence grew to the point where after the central market area of Beirut was devastated in one of the fights, a “green line” was implemented between Muslim West Beirut and Christian East Beirut. In May 1976, Elias Sarkis was elected president and called for an end to the civil war, sabotaged though he was by external actors. One such external actor was Syria, who though originally supported the LNM, did not want Israeli to interne against the Palestinians should the LNM win. As such, Syria moved to escalate action against the Christian Phalangists, leading to Israel supporting the Christian Phalangists with weapons and money. The fighting escalated, culminating in the Israeli invasion on June 6th, 1982, where they sieged West Beirut. An Iranian-backed militia, Hezbollah, formed in retaliation to force out the Israeli troops. Fueled by external actors, Lebanon fell into a “war society” from 1985 to 1989, with the multiple conflicting militias losing their populist legitimacy as they became involved in criminal behaviors, such as smuggling, weapons dealing, drug trade, and extortion.

After a previous attempt to end the civil war peacefully was halted by the head of armed forces, General Aoun and the assassination of the elected president Rene Moawad, it was announced ended on October 31st, 1990, when Syrian troops launched a ground and air attack. This ended the over 15-year Lebanese civil war that had killed over 100,000 people.

Even with the end of the civil war, Israeli and Hezbollah crashed on Lebanese soil until as late as the early 21st century and Syrian troops remained a presence in Lebanon until mid -2005 and in 2008, formal diplomatic ties between Syria and Lebanon were established.

Today, tensions between Lebanon, Israel, and Syria continue to rise as Hezbollah gains power in the government. As corruption and the on-going debt crisis run rampant, the people of Lebanon have taken to the streets calling for the resignation of all top officials, leading to the formal resignation on October 29th 2019. Only for the country to be hit by two tragedies, COVID-19 and the Beruit explosion, as they fall deeper into debt and their currency loses value rapidly. In August 2020, several government ministers and lawmaker as well as the prime minister resigned amidst raging protests, leading to French intervention.

100 RESOURCES

Suggested Reading

Egypt The Buried: An Archaeology of the Egyptian Revolution by Peter Hessler (2019, Travel Narrative/ Memoir) When American ex-pat Peter Hessler moved from China to Egypt in 2011, his colleagues at the New Yorker joked that it would be a much quieter place…and then the Arab Spring happened. Hessler recounts his experiences through the friendships he made with local people, giving a great insight into modern Egypt.

The Mummy Case,He Shall Thunder in the Sky, and A River in the Sky by Elizabeth Peters (1975- 2017, Mysteries). Just a few of the titles in the popular series featuring intrepid sleuth Amelia Peabody, an archeologist who can’t help getting embroiled in murder.

The Woman Who Would Be King: Hatshepsut’s Rise to Power in Ancient Egypt by Kara Cooney (2014, Biography) The engaging story of Hatshepsut, a woman who ruled Egypt’s New Kingdom not as queen, but as pharaoh. The author takes great care to parse out what we know as fact and what we can make educated guesses about.

Temples, Tombs and Hieroglyphs by Barbara Mertz (2008, History). An updated classic history of ancient Egypt by the author of the Amelia Peabody mysteries (her pen name is Elizabeth Peters). Mertz’s great enthusiasm and scholarship brings ancient Egypt to life for the general reader.

Down the Nile: Alone in a Fisherman’s Skiff by Rosemary Mahoney (2007, Travelogue). Mahoney weaves the tale of her quest to row the Nile with deft portraits of the people she meets, particularly Amr, the sailor who takes her under his wing, and astute comments on contemporary Egypt.

The Way of Herodotus: Travels with the Man Who Invented History by Justin Marozzi (2007, Travel Narrative). A modern travel writer recreates the journeys of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus through Egypt, Iraq, Greece, and Turkey.

The Egyptologist: A Novel by Arthur Phillips (2004, Historical Fiction). A clever historical novel set against the backdrop of 1920s Egyptian archaeology.

The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George (1998, Historical Fiction) This epic historical novel answers the question “What would Cleopatra’s story look like from her point of view?”. Or if you prefer non-fiction, then look for Cleopatra: A Life(2010) by biographer Stacy Schiff, which works to sort the woman from the myth.

Death on the Nile and Death Comes as the End by Agatha Christie (1937 and 1944, Mysteries). Agatha Christie lived in Syria and the Middle East with her archaeologist husband Max Brown in the 1930s, the source for many of her wildly popular mysteries.

101 Justine, Balthazar, Mountolive and Clea by Lawrence Durrell (1957-1960, Fiction). Known collectively as The Alexandria Quartet, the author uses WWII Alexandria as a grand backdrop for the grand stories of a group of Europeans living in Egypt. If four books seem too much to start with, try the first of the series, Justine.

Palace Walk, Palace of Desire, and Sugar Street by Naguib Mahfouz (1956-1957, Fiction). Commonly referred to as the “Cairo Trilogy”, these are the three most famous works (out of 40) by the Nobel Prize-winning Egyptian author. Often compared to Balzac, his novels provide insight into life in Egypt.

Ancient Evenings by Norman Mailer (1983, Fiction). A controversial and spicy novel about life, death, and re-incarnation in Pharaonic Egypt. Mailer’s complex writing style seems to divide readers into “love him/hate him” camps.

Israel The Lemon Tree: An Arab, a Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East by Sandy Tolan (2020, Memoir) The Palestinian-Israeli conflict takes on a new meaning in this hopeful true story about an unlikely friendship. Previous travelers have recommended it as good way to get background information on the conflict in a format that is more like a novel than a history book. Note: There’s also another book called The Lemon Tree (2017) that may be of interest. Written by Ilil Arbel and Ida Rosenfeld, it details a Siberian family’s travels to Israel to honor their deceased son.

Israel: A Concise History of a Nation Reborn by Daniel Gordis (2016, History) At 500-plus pages, this book may not be as concise at the title suggests. But it has been widely praised for its balanced view on Israeli history and the author’s willingness to discuss both the good and the bad.

Second Person Singular by Sayed Kashua (2011, Fiction) A successful layer finds a book in a secondhand shop with a note in his wife’s handwriting to another man. What is their connection? Written by an Israeli-Arab author, the novel deals with how those of Arab descent can and cannot assimilate in Israeli society.

To the End of the Land by David Grossman (2008, Fiction) Superstitious Israeli mother Ora believes that if she stays home while her son is in the army, he could come to harm. So to prevent this she leaves home and starts a two-week hike across Israel with her dog and an ex.

Once Upon a Country, A Palestinian Life by Sari Nusseibeh (2007, History/Memoir) A leading Palestinian scholar and leader offers a close-up look at the troubling recent history of his country and the Middle East from a Palestinian perspective, sharing his rationale for promoting a two- state solution to the problems affecting the region.

Exile by Richard North Patterson (2007, Mystery) The fast-paced story of a trial lawyer who must defend the woman he loves against a charge of assassinating the Israeli Prime Minister. Historically questionable, but great for those looking for a page-turner.

Mornings in Jenin by Susan Abulhawa (2006, Fiction) A controversial novel that follows the story of a fictional Palestinian family through four generations, the loss of their home, and life in the Jenin refugee camp.

102 A Tale of Love & Darkness by Amos Oz (2002, Memoir) A family saga set in the Jerusalem between the 1930s and 1950s that centers around the author’s mother, a tragic figure who took her own life when he was only 12 years old. Although sometimes sad, many readers felt it captured an important time in Israeli history through the lens of a single family.

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant (1997, Fiction) Based on the Old Testament story of Dinah, daughter of Jacob, and other Biblical women, Red Tent offers a striking portrait of what life in Biblical times might have been like.

To Jerusalem and Back: A Personal Account by Saul Bellow (1976, Travelogue). A collection of Bellow’s observations and reflections, written after a trip to Israel, some of which appeared earlier in the New Yorker magazine.

The Source by James Michener (1965, Fiction) Michener traces the history of Judaism through artifacts found in an archeological dig of the fictional city Tel Makor. The author deftly blends fact and fiction by using an imaginary site to represent real human history.

Exodus by Leon Uris (1958, Fiction) A big blockbuster novel that tells the big sweeping story of the creation of Israel.

Jordan The Confusion of Languages by Siobhan Fallon (2017, Fiction) Two American military wives follow their husbands to Jordan—Cassie experienced and rule-following, and Margaret, the novice who want to explore. As the begin to form a friendship for sorts, Margaret suddenly disappears.

The Cry of the Dove by Fadia Faqir (2007, Fiction) Salma has committed the ultimate sin against her Bedouin tribe—she had a child outside of wedlock. Forced to flee to England and leave her child behind, she forges a new life, but soon the longing to see her daughter overwhelms her and she risks it all to go back.

Married to a Bedouin by Marguerite Van Geldermalsen (2006, Memoir) The true story of how a New Zealand-born nurse became the wife of a Bedouin souvenir-seller of the Manaja tribe, and lived with him and their children in a community of 100 families in the ancient caves of Petra in Jordan.

Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life by Queen Noor (2005, Biography) The absorbing, personal story of Jordan’s American-born Queen Noor touches upon her husband’s efforts at peacemaking, his death, and contemporary Arab-Israeli relations

The Language of Baklava by Diana Abu-Jaber (2005, Food) A foodie memoir about growing up as a Jordanian immigrant in upstate New York, and all the delicious shish kabobs, goat stew, and yes – baklava that the author’s father cooked for the family.

Appointment with Death by Agatha Christie (1938, Mystery) Detective Hercule Poirot is forced to step in when an American wife is found murdered in Petra.

103 Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T. E. Lawrence (1922, Memoir) Written by the real-life lead character in the movie Lawrence of Arabia, these are his vivid descriptions of the battles fought and the territory explored during the Arab Revolt of 1916-18.

Lebanon An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine (Fiction) A reclusive divorcee in Beirut spends her time translating one book a year into Arabic—and then hides them away—but why? This portrait of a woman in her waning years captures the drama of daily life through the unconventional life of its protagonist.

The Locust and the Bird: My Mother’s Story by Hanan Al-Shaykh (Non-fiction) The author’s mother was married in the 1930s at a young age and against her will. Later she fell in love with another man—forcing a showdown between her romance and her family.

Suggested Film & Video

Egypt Cairo Time (2009, Romance) Alone in Cairo and waiting for her husband’s arrival, Juliette (Clarkson) finds herself falling for her husband’s friend, Tareq (Siddig). Juliette grows closer to Tareq as he tours her around this magical city, and the two soon find themselves wrapped up in an unexpected affair.

Syriana (2006, Drama). An interesting political thriller that tries to portray how oil and politics intersect through multiple story lines, some of which are set in an unnamed country in the Middle East.

The English Patient (1996, Romance) Set during WWII, the film follows the recovery of a man known only as “the English Patient” as he recuperates from severe burns after crashing in the Sahara. Binoche plays Hana, the French-Canadian nurse who tends to Fiennes while he recovers. The patient’s captivating past is eventually uncovered through a series of dramatic flashbacks that occur as he gradually regains his memory after the crash.

Death on the Nile (1973, Mystery). A star-studded adaptation of a classic Agatha Christie whodunit. Can private detective Hercule Poirot discover the murderer onboard his Nile cruise ship before he or she slips away? Another good version by the same title was filmed in 2003 for the PBS TV series Masterpiece Mystery. It stars David Suchet, who has played Poirot on British television since 1989. And yet another adaptation by Kenneth Branagh is slated for 2021.

Justine (1969, Drama) The year is 1938. The setting is Alexandria. Darley, a young British schoolmaster and poet, makes friends with Justine, the mysterious wife of a Coptic banker. Through their friendship, Darley learns of a plot against the British that aims to arm the Jewish underground in Palestine.

104 Caesar and Cleopatra (1945, Classic) What happens when the leaders of two of history’s most powerful civilizations come together? Find out in this witty and layered film that investigates the romance that developed between Caesar, emperor of the Rome, and Cleopatra, the last Egyptian pharaoh. For a different take on the life of this famous female pharaoh, watch Cleopatra (1963) starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

Five Graves to Cairo (1943, Classic) British Army Corporal John J. Bramble is retreating from Rommel’s Afrika Korps when he stumbles upon an out-of-the-way hotel Sidi Halfaya, Egypt. In order to avoid capture by the Germans, Bramble assumes the identity of a deceased waiter.

The Mummy (1932, Classic/Horror). Karloff stars in this classic monster movie as an ancient Egyptian priest brought back to life in 1930s Cairo. Or you could look for the popular comedy/ action remake, released in 1999, starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz.

Israel Fill the Void (2013, Drama) After her sister Ester dies in childbirth, 18-year-old Sharia is asked to cancel her upcoming wedding and marry her widowed brother-in-law instead. A rare look into the Hasidic community in Israel by a female filmmaker.

The Other Son (2012, Drama) Two children—one Israeli and one Palestinian—discover they were switched at birth in this French film set in Israel. In French and Hebrew with subtitles; also released as Le fils de l’autre.

The Band’s Visit (2007, Comedy) A witty and hopeful comedy about what happens when an Egyptian police brass band is stranded in a small Israeli town. Some dialogue is in Hebrew with subtitles, but much is in English—the only language the Egyptians and the Israelis have in common. The film was so well-liked that the story been made into a Tony award- winning musical.

Six Days in June (2007, Documentary) A serious and thoughtful documentary describing the events, aftermath, and ramifications of the Six Day War from both the Arab and Israeli viewpoints. Travelers interested in documentaries may also want to look for Elusive Peace: Israel and the Arabs, also by PBS (2005, Documentary). The PBS crew were given unprecedented access, and managed to arrange interviews with President Clinton, Yasser Arafat, and Israeli Prime Ministers Sharon and Barak.

Operation Grandma (2000, Comedy) A short satirical film about three brothers trying to get around the various obstacles giving grandma a proper burial. Considered a cult classic in Israel where catchphrases like “I can’t talk about it, the enemy is listening,” have entered everyday speech.

The Ten Commandments (1956, Classic) A classic Bible epic about the life of Moses, as directed by the king of Bible epics, Cecile B. DeMille.

105 Jordan Jordan: The Royal Tour (2002, Documentary) King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein hosts this well- produced tour of Jordan.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989, Adventure) The third film in the Indiana Jones series as archeologist/adventurer Indy looking for his kidnapped father, the Holy Grail, and a way to outsmart the Nazis on his trail. Not a serious movie in any way, but a lot of fun, and key scenes were filmed at Petra in Jordan.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962, Adventure) A sweeping epic about the famous, yet enigmatic, T. E. Lawrence—a British soldier who fought with the Arabs against the Turks in WWI. The score and beautiful cinematography earned this movie a spot on the AFI’s (American Film Institute) Top 100 Films list.

Useful Websites

Overseas Adventure Travel World Weather www.oattravel.com www.intellicast.com www.weather.com Overseas Adventure Travel Store www.wunderground.com www.oatshop.com Basic Travel Phrases (80 languages) Overseas Adventure Travel Frequently www.travlang.com/languages Asked Questions www.oattravel.com/faq Packing Tips www.travelite.org International Health Information/CDC (Centers for Disease Control) U.S. Customs & Border Protection http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel www.cbp.gov/travel

Electricity & Plugs Transportation Security www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/ Administration (TSA) plugs-and-sockets www.tsa.gov

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106 VACCINATIONS NOW REQUIRED FOR ALL TRAVELERS, SHIP CREW, TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADERS, AND COACH DRIVERS Plus, updated Health & Safety Protocols for our Small Group Adventures by Land & Small Ship

The health and safety of our travelers is always our #1 priority, and we understand travelers are concerned about exploring the world in light of the unprecedented crisis we are currently facing. To ensure your safety and give you peace of mind, we have worked with our regional team and listened to government guidance and feedback from our travelers to create these health and safety protocols for our trips. As we continue to make changes, we will keep our website updated with the latest information.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS • All travelers, ship crew, and Trip Experience AND UPDATED HEALTH & SAFETY Leaders will have their temperature checked PROTOCOLS FOR SMALL SHIP every time they return to the ship using a ADVENTURES non-contact infrared temperature scanner. • All travelers must be fully • All meals are served by the dining staff— vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 buffets are no longer available. days prior to departure and provide proof of VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS vaccination upon boarding the ship. AND UPDATED HEALTH & SAFETY To meet this requirement, please bring your PROTOCOLS FOR SMALL GROUP original COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card ADVENTURES ON LAND with you on your trip. The white card must • All travelers must be fully display your name, type of vaccine, and the vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days date(s) the vaccine was administered. We also prior to departure. suggest taking a picture of this card to keep for your records as a backup. To meet this requirement, please bring your original COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card All local Trip Experience Leaders, • with you on your trip. The white card must ship staff, and crew will be fully display your name, type of vaccine, and the vaccinated against COVID-19. date(s) the vaccine was administered. We also • All coach drivers will be fully suggest taking a picture of this card to keep vaccinated against COVID-19. for your records as a backup. • All public areas will be sanitized nightly and • All local Trip Experience Leaders will all ships are equipped with High Efficiency be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. • All coach drivers will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

We will do all we can to ensure our travelers’ safety and health while on our adventures, but we need your help. We expect travelers to follow best health and hygiene practices to prevent the spread of illness as well—from washing your hands regularly, to covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing. By working together, we can create a safer travel experience for everyone.

Learn more at www.oattravel.com/covid-update

107 Notes

108 Notes

109 Notes

110

N

A

D

R

T O SYRIA J IRAQ Amman Jerash Baalbek Mujib Valley Madaba

P SYRIA Nile Delta Nile Cairo Harissa LEBANON Petra Deir El Qamar Rosetta

Y Ajlun Sea Dead Tripoli Mt. Nebo Mt.

Byblos

n Beirut

G a

Sidon

ISRAEL e

To Cairo To

Tyre

a

n

e

N

a A D

S

R r

O

r

J

Mediterranean Sea Mediterranean e

t

i

d

e

a

e Alexandria S E M d a e D SAUDI ARABIA

POST-TRIP EXTENSIONS From Cairo

N

A a D

R e PRE-TRIP EXTENSIONS

O S J

Masada d L e E R

Dead Sea Visit Dead Sea A

R ISRAEL Jerusalem S To Cairo To I Lake Nasser ile Aswan Luxor N Abu Simbel

Cairo

e l i N Giza Miles Sea To/From U.S. Internal flight Land route Cruise route Rail route SUDAN 0 200 EGYPT Mediterranean Lake Nasser Besaw Island Daraw Kom Ombo Aswan Edfu Higz .

Luxor R le

i Fares N Fauaza Esna Gebel Silsila Philae Island Valley of Valley the Kings To CairoTo Cairo From Abu Simbel EGYPT NILE RIVER CRUISE DAYS 5-13 INCLUDING

111 YOUR TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADER

Your O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader is an insider who lives in the destinations you are exploring. They are not just knowledgeable, but personable and personal—eager to understand your own interests, and happy to share their own. This makes all the diff erence between just visiting a place, and experiencing its true spirit.

For your Egypt & the Eternal Nile by Private, Classic River-Yacht adventure, your Trip Experience Leaders have earned an overall “Excellence” rating of 93% in post-trip surveys completed by our travelers.

The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled

CONNECT WITH US: 1-800-955-1925 | www.oattravel.com

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