Ancient Treasures Egypt. The Ultimate Pharaoh Lifestyle

The country is safe, open to travelers and is amid a hotel renaissance, and the new Egyptian Museum is scheduled for a fall opening.  An exclusive private tour of Egypt, which is perfect for anyone who wants to see the country’s most significant cultural artifacts and enjoy the most luxurious accommodations.

Egypt

Our clients are escorted throughout Egypt by one of the country’s top private guides including on the luxury Nile River cruise. Experience Cairo as an insider. Visit the most interesting cultural attractions in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, such as the Citadel, the Egyptian Museum, (fingers crossed the new Museum opens soon), and the Hanging Church.

Explore our favorite neighborhoods, which are filled with beautiful Mameluk, Ottoman, Fatimid, Islamic, Coptic and Art Deco architecture. With a look at the well-preserved medieval residences originally owned by wealthy merchants. Meander through fascinating markets such as the legendary Khan al-Khalili bazaar, this huge bazaar is in the center of Islamic Cairo.

Also visit smaller and lesser-known museums dedicated to Islamic art, applied arts and Egyptian culture.

Spend a day on a private excursion to the Pyramids of Giza, a UNESCO-listed burial complex that includes pyramids, tombs, temples, the Solar Boat and the Great Sphinx. Giza was built in the early 26th century BC during a period of around 27 years, the pyramid is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only one to remain largely intact.

Visit the even older pyramids of Dahshur and Saqqara. If inclined, you might want to try the ancient transportation vehicle on the back of a camel by the Giza Pyramids, and perhaps see the interiors of the Great and Bent pyramids.

We can arrange VIP experiences including exclusive access to well-preserved tombs that are not open to the public and after-hours private tours of major sites such as the Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids of Giza.

Next, fly to Aswan, considered Egypt’s loveliest city, more idyllic than other Egyptian cities. Aswan is known for its beautiful Nile Valley scenery, significant archaeological sites, and its peaceful aura. It’s warm all year round, which makes it a perfect winter destination. The city provides splendid views and attractions to sail or motor through the Nile. The legendary Old Cataract Hotel is situated on the banks of the Nile River in Aswan. An oasis reminiscent of a legendary dream, five star luxury on the banks of the Nile. Made famous by Agatha Christie, the charm still abounds.

During private touring with your Egyptologist guide, learn about Nubian life, history, and crafts at the excellent Nubian Museum. We won’t miss the stunning Temple of Philae, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. The Unfinished Obelisk is a more than 3,500-year-old monument from ancient Egypt that was abandoned when cracks formed in the granite.

Next fly to Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and two spectacular monumental temples commissioned by Pharaoh Ramses II and carved into sandstone cliffs.  This is generally considered the grandest and most beautiful of the temples commissioned during the reign of Ramesses II, and one of the most beautiful in Egypt.

Next, enjoy a four-night luxury Nile River cruise. Tour extraordinary archaeological sites such as the Temple of Horus (Edfu) and the Temple of Kom Ombo.

Modern Luxor which is also known as the world’s greatest open-air museum. It contains the ruins of the temples of Karnak and Luxor. The Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, ancient burial grounds, lie nearby – these are where the ritual burials of the Pharaohs took place. To avoid feeling rushed in Luxor, you’ll need at least two days to explore its treasures. Before taking a Luxor day tour to delve into this age-old city, however, spend an hour or so in the Luxor Museum for a refresher course in Egyptian history.  Visit Luxor Temple and the Karnak complex, Medinet Habu, the Colossi of Memnon, and the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, including the tombs of King Tut and Ramses VI.

We can also arrange access to the spectacular tombs of Seti I and Queen Nefertari. Throughout the cruise, we can arrange private shore excursions with your own Egyptologist guide.

Hotels – The Jewel in the Desert, Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor a 5-star luxury hotel built in 1886 by British explorers perched on the Nile River amid luxuriant tropical gardens and ancient temples. 

Depending on your travel dates, this cruise is also available in reverse, from Luxor to Aswan.

Egypt

Addicted to the charm and history of Egypt? Continue to the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, which was founded by Alexander the Great and is today Egypt’s second-largest city, and the largest city on the Mediterranean coast. Founded in c. 331 BC by Alexander the Great. The Pearl of the Mediterranean has an ambiance more in keeping with its neighbors to the north than with those in the Middle East.

Explore the hidden charms of this fascinating city during touring with your private guide and driver. Visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina—a striking, state-of-the-art library and museum of antiquities—as well as ancient monuments, catacombs, and the site of the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient World.

Egypt has been a major tourist destination since the 19th century, and it is one of the hottest destinations for travel by Americans. There’s always going to be a big market for tourism given how much Egyptian history along with the eternal fascination with pyramids, temples, and tombs still intrigue us centuries later.

While Egypt has a lot to offer in terms of tourism, enjoying a classic felucca boat down the Nile, marveling at the Pyramids, exploring the spectacles of Luxor, one can now add on a dazzling visit to the renovated Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh.

Giza Pyramids, Egypt

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
Mark Twain

Mesmerizing Moroccan Odyssey

Morocco never bores, always intrigues and leaves you wanting more. Once is not enough! Morocco is a land of legends and fascination, despite its closeness to the European continent, its soul lies in the cradle of its North African coastal home. A historically independent nation, it has always been a multi-cultural historic crossroad for trade, ideas and migratory people.

One of our very first Journey clients recreated a Moroccan Odyssey based on his college days in the deserts of Algiers. Wanting to introduce his kids to the exotic deserts and traditions of Morocco, this trip became ‘local legend’; at fundraising events or parties when introducing myself – someone would invariable say: Oh, I know who you are, you designed the amazing Moroccan tented camp complete with camels, daylight dune drives, drumming lessons with nomadic Tuareg, star gazing with an astronomer, the 10 day adventure and exploration was vast!

Recent Journey for a fashion forward client and her photo-bug husband, traveling during Ramadan allowed them to join in with a local family when they broke their fast – this meal is known as Iftar. Traditionally the day time for a Moroccan woman during Ramadan involves a lengthy preparation of the first meal after a day of fasting.

A special table setting is prepared, with a variety of Moroccan breads, dates, milk, Moroccan sweets, eggs, bessara (fava bean soup) along with tea and coffee.

This repast of food depends greatly on the region of Morocco. Our clients experienced this sacred meal with a local Fassi family, which included the table setting process, the call to prayer signifying the beginning of break-fast. Beginning with dates and milk before progressing into the feast.

They also enjoyed a mesmerizing evening with a local story teller, this was one of the highpoints of their Moroccan Journey – they spent a quiet evening dining with a local man and woman who translated ancient Moroccan stories for them. The Moroccan tradition of Hikayat, or storytelling dates back almost 1,000 years, the Master Storyteller recounted tales in Arabic, while his companion translated. Stories were orally passed on through generations of families, this dying art is kept alive by a few Master Storytellers. This ancient traditional entertainment was found in cities throughout Morocco, Marrakech’s Jemaa El Fna square is the only city keeping this tradition alive.

An awe-inspiring country with a strong sense of culture. Open air vendors will tempt you with their colorful wares, snake charmers do exist on the famed Jamaa el Fna Square, in the medina quarter.

Travelling from Fes to the high Atlas Mountains, they relished their authentic experiences at Hotel Kasbah Tamadot, Sir Richard Branson’s Moroccan retreat. Enjoy day trekking and a luxurious stay in a hotel Berber Tent, where you can soak up the views on your private deck equipped with sun loungers and space for outdoor dining, some suites have their own Jacuzzi. After a day of mule trekking through Berber villages, a Jacuzzi is the perfect reward!

Afternoon Architecture & Islamic Gardens Tour. Lose yourself in the gardens of ancient palaces and exotic Riads perfumed with orange blossoms, citrus, blood red roses and the sweetest jasmine. The tour combines an overview of the fascinating and beautiful world of Moroccan Architecture which showcases all the main ornamentation and decorative techniques from floral motifs, geometry, ceramics to calligraphy, symbolic of the rich cultural heritage of the vast Islamic empire and uncovers the mysteries of the Islamic concept of Chahar-bagh, the four-fold garden and leads us to discover earthly paradise revisited.

As described by the couple: a very authentic afternoon was spent in exploring back alleys brimming with traditional craftsmen. Enter into the depths of the tanneries, observe weavers at their loom, engage with the copper workers employing traditional design techniques and discover hidden workshops where generations of artisans ply their individual trades and adapt century old techniques to a modern market.

This artisanal tour is designed to give you an overview of production methods and step by step explanations as you go beyond the traditional medina tour to delve deeper into the world of the artisans of Fes. Meet the artisans themselves as you gain first-hand knowledge of the materials and the processes involved in their daily work. The tour finished with a visit to Fes new artisanal school and exhibition gallery.

Moroccan cuisine has gained massive followers among food connoisseurs. Staples of most meals include lamb, fish and fowl, including pigeon, which is considered a delicacy when baked in pastry, the b’stillah is a national favorite.

Morocco is an enchanting exotic location and has been a favorite of our clients for many many years – we can add authentic tents in the desert, camels to climb the dunes…let your imagination be boundless! http://www.gwenbooks.com/2015/10/journey-moroccan-odyssey/

A few suggestions: Arrive Ouled Driss via helicopter for a luxury desert overnight stay.Morning begins with an exhilarating 4-wheel drive adventure through sandy trails, blooming acacia and tamarisk trees to the dunes, reaching the most elaborate and important kasbahs in the Dades Valley. You have seen these vistas used by movie makers for years including Lawrence of Arabia and Jesus of Nazareth.

Meet your decorated camels at end of day for a ride to the highest dunes climbing to the peaks for a spectacular sunset over the Sahara Desert. Chilled drinks, known as sun downers, in hand. A leisurely ride back to your private luxury desert tent erected in the middle of the desert.

Can we tempt you to discover the rich emblematic and colorful nation in Spring or Fall?