LUXURY GAY CRUISES

Treasures of Cairo Overview
October 12-13, 2008

Touching the shores of the African continent without experiencing the wonders of Cairo would be like discovering a desert oasis and not indulging in the refreshing waters!  Egypt is “The Cradle of Civilization”.  ABOVE AND BEYOND TOURS is delighted to offer an optional, custom-designed private 2-day tour introducing our exclusive guests to The Treasures of Cairo.

The Crystal Serenity will dock overnight in the port of Alexandria, Egypt on October 12.  Alexandria is approximately 2 to 3 hours drive from Cairo depending on traffic.  Crystal offers two full-day tours (about 11 hours each with half the time spent on a bus in transfer) totaling $438 per person. You would need to confirm both of these tours to include even the majority of sites we offer on our custom tour.  Crystal also offers a 2-day package similar to ours which covers most of our itinerary (with upgraded overnight accommodation) which they have priced at $775 double or $1000 single occupancy.

Safety and securing are always of primary concern for our clients and we would only be confident in offering an extension such as this with the local expertise of our partner office with whom we have enjoyed an eight-year relationship.  From the time we disembark in Alexandria till our return the following afternoon, they will take care of all the details so you can relax as history unfolds before you.

Portions of this tour may present a challenge for clients with mobility concerns since many attractions and sites are not “handicap friendly” nor air-conditioned.  You will always have the option to relax in our air-conditioned coach if a segment of a tour appears a bit overwhelming.  We should anticipate lines and waits at various sites due to their popularity with visitors from around the world.

One unique highlight of our visit is an exclusive Night in Old Cairo which will be an evening we trust you will treasure for years to come.  Many other special touches are being planned including a complimentary copy of the 590-page “Lonely Planet Guide to Egypt” for all participating guests (one copy per room).


October 12 – Upon arrival in Alexandria we will be met by our local private guide for the transfer in our air-conditioned coach.  We head directly to suburban Giza to see the world’s most famous monuments of antiquity, the Great Pyramids and the comical, yet inspiring, Sphinx.  A leisurely lunch is then served at a local restaurant with a brief time to search for bargains from local vendors or a coveted “photo op” with an iconic camel.

We then proceed to ancient Sakkara visiting the famous Step Pyramid.  Time permitting we will see the only known tomb of an Egyptian gay couple and learn a bit of daily life as a gay Egyptian, both past and present.  We continue to the capital of Memphis which boasts a massive white-walled palace. It is then time to check in to our hotel, the deluxe Ramses Hilton, for a brief period of relaxation and refreshment before…

A Night in Old Cairo

We are confident this is an experience that few of our fellow cruise passengers will share!  Escorted by our local guides we’ll head into the “old town” with time to wander amongst the colorful bazaars and shops.  We have the chance to sit with the locals and smoke a water pipe of apple tobacco or sip an invigorating coffee.  A savory Egyptian dinner waits in a popular restaurant, inviting us with authentic color and culture.   We then transfer back to our hotel for a restful night of sleep.

October 13 – Following breakfast at our hotel we stop at the Egyptian Museum  best known for its exhibit of artifacts from King Tutankhamen.  Following a brief lunch we will visit the Citadel of Saladin and Khan El Khalili Bazaars.  Sadly, it is time to bid adieu to Cairo as we transfer to Alexandria and re-board the Crystal Serenity anticipating the next two full days of relaxation at sea.

Package Price:  $475 double, $550 single

NOTE:  A visa is required for travel within Egypt.  Our local tour guides will assist in processing these upon arrival in Alexandria.  There is a minimal cost to be paid in cash in US dollars.

For Details contact Above and Beyond Tours

Phone:  760-325-0702 or 800-397-2681