The ancient wonders of Egypt come into view full on Scenic’s newest trip – an 11-day adventure that combines a five-day Nile sailing with six days exploring many of the sights of this historically and culturally rich region.
Whether wandering among the 4,500-year-old pyramids and taking in the evening laser light show, or relaxing on the sun deck of Scenic’s exclusive private charter of the recently refurbished Sanctuary Sun Boat III, guests on Scenic’s Treasures of Egypt will go home with a deep understanding and appreciation of one of the world’s oldest cultures.
Fares for the 2018 and 2019 departures start at $8,610 per person, double. Travellers booking by Jan. 31, 2018 will receive free airfare from a selection of Canadian gateways, including Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax. Airline/airport taxes of $680 p.p. are included. Flights must be booked by Scenic.
Other new adventures include a 10-day land tour that focuses solely on the cultural treasures of Jordan; a 20-day exploration that combines the Egypt and Jordan trips; and a once-in-a-lifetime mega trip (34- and 43-day versions available) that begins in Africa’s southern tip city of Cape Town, visits several of Africa’s must-see sites, including Victoria Falls and the safari park of Masai Mara, and ends with the 20-day Egypt/Jordan itinerary.
Scenic’s choice of Sanctuary Sun Boat III fits in well with its focus on luxury and top service. Allowing up to 36 guests to enjoy an experience modeled on the opulent era of the roaring 20s, the intimate boutique ship offers spacious cabins with oversized picture windows and all the amenities found in high-end hotels. A swim in the Sun Deck pool can be followed by a relaxing snooze in one of the tented lounge chairs.
Journeying round trip from Cairo with the cruise running between Luxor and Aswan, guests tour the open-air temple complex of Karnak, take in the priceless antiquities in Cairo’s Egyptian Museum, the pyramids and Sphynx, learn about the pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings, visit a Numbian village – one of the world’s oldest civilizations, and be wowed by the enormity of the World Heritage temples of Ramses II and his wife Neferati. Guests follow the path of the Pharaohs as the ship sails past numerous villages and ancient temples that hug the shores of the Nile. On board, guests are entertained by a belly dancer and whirling dervishes, and partake in a lively Galabeyya party, complete with appropriate costumes and Egyptian delicacies and music.
Hotels used by Scenic during the land portions are no less luxurious. In Giza, guests will make the iconic Mena House Hotel their base, with stunning views of the Pyramids; in Luxor, it is the Sofitel Winter Palace, where an easy walk takes in the colourful local markets; Sofitel Legend Old Cataract is home in Aswan; and the St. Regis serves as a home away from home in Cairo.
Two four-day vacation extensions are also offered. In Dubai, guests take in the famous Burj al Arab, Al Fahidi Fort and the Dubai Museum as well as wander through the world-famous gold and spice souks, enjoy the 124-storey high view from the world’s tallest tower and kick up some sand on a desert dune safari. For guests wishing to add a biblical focus to their Scenic vacation, four days in Israel includes visits to the Mount and Monastery of Temptation, the tomb at the foot of Mount Olive regarded as the burial place of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and, after exploring the Old City of Jerusalem, the Wailing (Western) Wall.
Scenic’s signature all-inclusive luxury means that absolutely everything is included: unlimited complimentary beverages, full-size private suites, all meals on board and most ashore, all gratuities, transfers, hotel accommodations, expert local guides, and all Scenic Freechoice activities and Scenic Enrich special events.