WANDERWOMAN® JOURNEY TO EGYPT NOVEMBER 2023 & MARCH 2024
Nefretiti of Ancient Egypt
WanderWoman Journey to Egypt: Treasures Past and Present
Dates: 18 November to 2 December 2023
14 nights/ 15 days fully escorted women’s small group tour
Early booking price: $4989* Double occupancy per person
Single Supplement: $1415
* After 10 April add $155 per person
To reserve your space or to be notified once March dates become available email us.
Travel to Egypt with a fully escorted, small group, women-only deluxe tour. This tour will be escorted by Erja Lipponen, founder of WanderWoman® Tours. With our private Egyptologist, visit sacred sites and temples, learn of Egypt’s fascinating past, cruise the Nile River upon which Cleopatra sailed. Includes Alexandria on the Mediterranean Sea and Abu Simbel on the shores of Lake Nasser. Explore ancient mysteries and the lives of ancient Egyptian queens (and pharaohs too). Meet with local women and learn about life in modern Egypt.
Roommates or Single rooms arranged for solo travelers.
NOTE: tour group size is limited to approximately 10 travelers.
“This trip was the BEST trip I have ever taken…and I have taken quite a few…”
Terry from North Carolina
See summary of Egypt travel itinerary below
GIZA 2 nights
Upon arrival in Cairo a WanderWoman representative will welcome you at the airport. You will be assisted with the visa process, immigration, and retrieving your luggage. Our representative will escort you by private transfer to our hotel. Giza is the starting point of our WanderWoman journey in Egypt and the site to the Pyramids (the last remaining ancient wonder of the world), which provide a dramatic backdrop at our 5-star hotel. That evening enjoy a WELCOME RECEPTION with traditional cuisine and get acquainted with your fellow travelers. On our first full day we will be joined by our local Egyptologist for a fascinating private tour of SAKKARA, the GREAT PYRAMIDS, and the SPHINX. Learn not only about the Pharaohs, but also the Queens of Egypt who attained levels of power unparalleled anywhere else in the ancient world. Optional entrance into the Great Pyramid and Camel ride. Evening at leisure to relax. Next day travel by mini-bus (3 hours) to the beautiful city of Alexandria located on the Mediterranean Sea.
ALEXANDRIA 2 nights
This city, founded by Alexander the Great, is where Cleopatra made her capital; and where Hypatia, the brilliant female philosopher, headed the Neoplatonic Academy. The famous Library of Alexandria is now lost, but the BIBLIOTECA (new Library of Alexandria) is a modern marvel not to be missed. Stroll along the harbor with its colorful fishing boats and Qaitbay Fort, where once stood a magnificent lighthouse, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Visit the occult site at POMPEY’S PILLAR/SERAPEUM, the ROMAN THEATER and the NATIONAL MUSEUM with exhibit of the underwater finds of Cleopatra’s palace. Our charming, historic hotel overlooks the Mediterranean Sea.
CAIRO 3 nights
In Cairo our “boutique-style” hotel located on an island oasis in the heart of Cairo with Nile view rooms and a spa. Explore this ancient city on foot, walking through the narrow streets of COPTIC CAIRO with its ancient churches and synagogue. Tour the treasures at the EGYPTIAN MUSEUM OF ANTIQUITIES* with our Egyptologist. The museum houses finds from throughout Egypt. The next morning take a WALKABOUT in the FATAMID DISTRICT, old Islamic section, of Cairo with our local architectural specialist and visit a beautifully restored Ottoman residence and see the women’s quarters, commonly known as the harem. Afterwards enjoy exploring the famous KHAN EL-KHALILI BAZAAR with its interesting shops. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure or you can take an optional excursion. Meet with local women for dinner.
LUXOR 2 nights
Flight to Luxor, the site of ancient Thebes. After checking in at our 5-star hotel, spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring with your tour escort. Evening tour of the TEMPLE OF LUXOR beautiful light up and option to visit the local souk (market). Next morning explore the WEST BANK’s VALLEY OF THE KINGS & QUEENS, and the majestic temple of the female pharaoh HATSHEPSUT at El-Deir and the COLOSSI OF MEMNON. On the following morning visit the amazing temple complex of KARNAK on the East Bank. Embark our DELUXE Nile River Cruise in time for lunch. You’ll gain a different perspective of Egypt as we cruise up the Nile. See villages that have changed little since Queen Cleopatra sailed the Nile presenting Egypt’s many wonders to Julius Caesar.
NILE RIVER CRUISE 4 nights
An elegant 5-star cruise boat will be our base for exploring the banks of the Nile River and its fascinating temples and monuments. We will cruise to EDFU where the temple of the god Horus is located. Next sail to KOM OMBO and visit the temple of the gods Sobek & Haeroris. On the last full day of our Nile cruise visit the HIGH DAM, the beautiful island of PHILAE TEMPLE, enjoy a Nubian lunch and in the evening enjoy a traditional FELUCCA sailing at sunset around ELEPHANTINE ISLAND. Disembark the next morning and fly from Aswan to the amazing ABU SIMBEL archaeological site, which has massive twin temples originally carved into a mountain side by Ramesses II in the 13th century BC, as a monument to himself and his beautiful queen Nefertari, whose name means “beautiful companion.” A MUST SEE! After touring the site with our Egyptologist, fly to Cairo.
HELIOPOLIS-CAIRO 1 Night
We end our journey at a very comfortable 5-start property within a short distance to the airport. Enoy the spa, swimming pools and numerous restaurants. Next morning transfers to the airport with an escort to ensure a smooth hassle-free departure.
* A new museum is being constructed, which was scheduled to open in 2020, but it has not yet opened. Plans are to complete the museum sometime in 2023. However, there is no set date for the opening as of yet. Once the new museum opens, it will be incorporated into this itinerary. A supplement may apply and a slight itinerary modification.
Call 207.236.0110 or email us to for availability and tour details
Pyramid & Sphinx, Giza Egypt
A warm Egyptian “WELCOME!”
Optional camel ride in Egypt
Temple of Hatshepsut, female pharaoh of Egypt
Felucca sailing on the Nile, Egypt
The famous Egyptian Temple of Kom Ombo
Abu Simbel Archaeological site
Riding camels at the Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Expect the Unexpected…
Be ready for an adventure that will unfold and reveal itself to you one day at a time. Egypt is a fascinating country with a mysterious and intriguing ancient past. Egypt’s people are warm, hospitable and welcome visitors from all over the world with open hearts. Be open minded, patient & flexible…Look for Egypt’s many wonders hidden beneath the dust and among the throngs of people, vehicles and horns…You will find both ancient and contemporary treasures…and kind, beautiful people you will never forget. Bring your enthusiasm, a sense of humor, and a great appetite for adventure!
Meet your WanderWoman Tour Leader
Erja Lipponen, owner and founder of WanderWoman® Tours, and/or Sarah Szwajkos, a freelance commercial and fine art photographer will escort this tour. In 2018, Sarah joined the WanderWoman team as a tour leader and itinerary developer. Sarah’s extensive travel experience and attention to detail combined with her enthusiasm provide her with the skills and qualities to ensure you an enjoyable trip. Sarah fell in love with travel during her student years. While in high school she did an internship in La Rochelle, France. The following year Sarah spent in England as an exchange student, leading to more travel and an interest in French language and literature. At Smith College she continued her French studies and majored in Italian Language and Literature. She returned to Europe to study at the University of Florence. In addition to France, England and Italy, her travels have taken her to Israel, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Poland and Egypt. A Philadelphia native, Sarah has made her home in Midcoast Maine since 1999. Sarah’s work and images have been featured in national exhibitions and publications: 555 Gallery in Boston, Center for Maine Contemporary Art, Maine Home + Design, Down East Magazine, Maine Boats Homes + Harbors Magazine, and Elle Décor and Parade Magazine.
Sarah Szwajkos, Egypt tour escort
“It was a trip I will never forget.”
“You did a superb job putting the tour together. Although Egypt’s treasures are plentiful, you made it possible for us to see so much…
I was so delighted with each days journey that I pushed myself and made sure I didn’t miss a day. Each site was a treasure, each day a
new discovery. I’ve raved about the tour and your efforts to everyone here. I recommend Wander Woman to everyone with the preface
that it is physically demanding for folks of a certain age….lol However, I wouldn’t suggest changing anything. It would be a shame to
miss out on any of the splendor we enjoyed.” Vicki K, Boca Raton, FL
EARLY BOOKING TOUR PRICE: $4989
Price is based on double occupancy for reservations received before April 10 for our November 2023 tour and September 1 for our March 2024 tour.
Single supplement: $1405
We can arrange a roommate for you to share with in which case there is no supplement
Additional nights for early arrival including assistance at airport, transfer & Breakfast: $228 per person sharing/$405 single
Extra night at tour’s end in Cairo including breakfast, transfer, and airport assistance: $155 per person sharing/ $343 single
Egypt Air has convenient non-stop flights from NYC. For flight options check Kayak.com.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us by calling 207.236.0110 or emailing us.
INCLUDES:
Detailed packing list, recommended reading list, and other useful information for travelers to Egypt
Meet and Greet services including assistance with visa and customs upon arrival and private transfer to our hotel
9 nights accommodation at deluxe 5-star hotels and 2 nights at a 4-star historic property overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, 4 nights Luxury 5-star Nile River Cruise.
Breakfast daily; 9 lunches; 7 dinners including welcome reception, dinner gathering with Egyptian friends and special farewell dinner
Privately guided tours of sites included in itinerary by our professional English speaking Egyptologist and local specialists
Admissions fees into sites and museums as per itinerary
Guided Walkabout in Cairo / Felucca sailing in Aswan
Transfers by air-conditioned motor coach and porterage
Private security
Flights within Egypt:Cairo to Luxor / RT flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel for privately guided tour / Aswan to Cairo
Services of knowledgeable WanderWoman tour escort throughout to attend to details so you can relax and enjoy your travel adventure!
GETTING TO EGYPT
Although airfare to Egypt is NOT included, we are happy to assist you with your travel arrangements and coordinate flights with other group members.
RESERVATIONS/DEPOSIT
To reserve your space call or email Eurynome Journeys for an Application Form and Terms and Conditions. We will hold your space for one week at which time a $1000 deposit (add $150 for any pre-tour or post-tour options) per person for land and cruise is due along with completed and signed application forms.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Solar Boat Museum (temporarily closed), Saqqara, Egyptian Museum of Antiquities in Cairo, Cairo Walkabout, Medieval Cairo, Khan el Khalili Bazaar, Old Cairo including the Hanging Church and the Ben Ezra Synagogue (temporally closed), Temple of Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples, Philae Temple, Abu Simbel, New Library of Alexandria, Sarapeum (sister library), Egyptian belly dancing performance, getting together local women in Cairo for a meal and conversation about life in modern Egypt.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This is a robust tour enabling you to visit the “must see” sites. Even though we make efforts to make the pace leisurely, some days are full from the crack of dawn (sight-seeing is best before the afternoon heat) until after dinner, but other days have free time for optional activities or for rest and reflection. Since travel in Egypt can be rigorous we’ve selected very comfortable hotels (mostly deluxe 5-stars) that offer spas or other rejuvenating amenities, yet are close to shops, restaurants, and other attractions for those who want to explore. To visit Egypt and only see tombs and temples would give an incomplete picture of this fascinating country, so the tour also explores modern day life in Egypt, especially the lives of women. This itinerary involves a considerable amount of walking and requires a certain degree of physical fitness. Included tours are half-day to full-day in duration and some are under the hot Egyptian sun and on the uneven terrain of archaeological excavations. Participants must be able to walk 2 to 5 miles. Comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and an ability to enjoy cultural differences are essential. A packing list, helpful travel information, and a suggested reading list will be provided.
Note: This is an active travel vacation and is NOT suitable for those with limited mobility and/or poor health. All group activities and group meals are NON-SMOKING.
Eurynome Journeys/Leisure Markets Inc., reserves the right to change the itinerary and make substitutions at anytime to ensure the safety and comfort of the group or as deemed necessary by the tour director. Although the tour has been carefully planned local circumstances may require changes to the itinerary. Prices are subject to availability at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance for the total cost of the trip as soon as possible. For best coverage options insurance should be purchase NO later than 14 days after your deposit. Insurance can be purchased through your insurance company, Leisure Markets Inc, or online at TRAVEL GUARD.
Egypt Travel Resources and General Information:
Egypt State Information Service
Egypt Today Online magazine about Egypt
US Government Backnotes: Egypt short historical, political and economic summary
Egyptian Museum official website
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