Pre-Trip Extension Itinerary
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YOUR O.A.T. ADVENTURE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE® Egypt & the Eternal Nile by Private, Classic River-Yacht 2023 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, For me, one of the joys of traveling is the careful planning that goes into an adventure—from the first spark of inspiration to hours spent poring over travel books about my dream destinations—and I can’t wait to see where my next journey will take me. I know you’re eager to explore the world, too, and our Egypt & the Eternal Nile by Private, Classic River-Yacht itinerary described inside is an excellent way to start. Exactly how your adventure unfolds is up to you, because you have many choices to customize it. You can arrive early and stay later—perhaps by adding a pre- or post-trip extension, spending time in a Stopover city, or combining 2 or more trips. Plus, your itinerary is laced with free time, so you’ll have opportunities to do your own thing. More than 80% of the travelers who reserve this trip choose to tailor their adventure. In fact, O.A.T. is the only travel company to offer such flexibility and choice for an experience that is truly personalized. As for Egypt & the Eternal Nile by Private, Classic River-Yacht, thanks to your small group of 8-16 travelers (average 13) you can expect some unforgettable experiences. Here are a few that stood out for me: 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. That’s why we don’t shy away from controversial topics, and why all our Trip Experience Leaders are “insiders” who live in the country. At times you may be nudged out of your comfort zone. But you will also be inspired by the resilience and humanity of the wonderful people you meet. And that’s what adventure travel is all about. Thanks for letting me dream along with you about the Egypt & the Eternal Nile by Private, Classic River-Yacht. I’m looking forward to experiencing the enrichment that only travel can bring, and I hope you are, too. Until then, 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. Inspire fellow travelers with videos and slideshows of your most memorable travel moments from past adventures. You can upload them directly onto the trip-specific pages on our website, or learn more at www.oattravel.com/traveler-moments. 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 ....................... 73 PRIVATE, CLASSIC RIVER-YACHT Climate & Average Temperatures .......... 76 Your Adventure at a Glance: Where You’re Going, What it Costs, ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: and What’s Included ..................... 10 CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE Your Detailed Day-To-Day Itinerary ........ 12 Egyptian Culture ........................ 79 Optional Tours .......................... 30 Religion ................................ 80 Pre-Trip Extensions ...................... 31 Dining Aboard Your Private, Classic River-Yacht ...................... 83 Post-Trip Extensions ..................... 40 Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, Deck Plans .............................. 50 Shipping & More ........................ 86 Dates & Prices ........................... 52 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION Egypt................................... 89 Travel Documents & Entry Requirements. 53 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 89 Visas Required .......................... 53 Egypt: A Brief History .................... 89 Advance Information for Jordan .......... 54 Israel................................... 92 Important: Lebanon and Israeli Passport Stamps ........................ 55 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 92 Rigors, Vaccines & General Health ......... 56 Israel: A Brief History .................... 92 Vaccines Required ....................... 57 Jordan ................................. 94 Money Matters: Local Currency Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 94 & Tipping Guidelines..................... 61 Jordan: A Brief History ................... 95 Tipping Guidelines....................... 64 Lebanon ................................ 96 Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch ..... 65 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 96 Optional Tours .......................... 65 Lebanon: A Brief History ................. 97 Communicating with Home from Abroad . 66 Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits .... 68 RESOURCES Dress Codes: Shorts, Headscarves, Suggested Reading ...................... 100 and other FAQ .......................... 69 Suggested Film & Video .................. 103 Suggested Packing Lists .................. 70 Notes.................................................................................. 106 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 Enriching. 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