Originally Posted By DVC_dad After almost 20 years of hoping, planning, wishing, saving, and sometimes giving up, my number one place to go and see before I kick the bucket is going to happen in two months! My oldest son and I are going to Egypt, on a fantastic ten day tour, part of which includes a cruise UP the River Nile! I just finished paying the final bill today online with the travel company. I can't believe it, we are really going. I was almost in tears when I clicked the "Submit Payment" button. It was a mile marker I never truly thought I would see, but had only dreamt of. In the 5th century BC Herodotus wrote of Egypt that 'nowhere are there so many marvellous things...nor in the world besides are to be seen so many things of unspeakable greatness' This makes me want to go see for myself! Some of the highlights include: Cairo tour Excursion to Memphis, Sakkara, & Giza "The beguiling 4,500-year-old Sphinx" Nile Cruise - "Sail around Elephantine Island and view the Agha Khan Mausoleum and the botanical gardens on board your felucca, the traditional sailing boat of Egypt." Valley of the Kings 12th century Citadel Edit Here is the stuff we will do and see on "Our Tour Of Egypt '09 " 5:50pm *****Days 1-2***** - Fly to Egypt Board your overnight flight to Cairo! Arrival in Cairo Touch down in Cairo, Africa’s largest city. After clearing customs, you are greeted by your tour director who will remain with you throughout your stay. A private motor coach then takes you to your comfortable hotel for check in. *****Overnight in Cairo Day 3***** - Excursion to Memphis, Sakkara, & Giza Your full-day excursion begins where Egyptian history begins: in the ancient city of Memphis, dating back to 3100 B.C. Next stop is Sakkara, site of the oldest Egyptian pyramids, including the Step Pyramid built by Zoser during the 3rd dynasty (c. 2980-2900 B.C.). Continue on to Giza to view the Great Pyramid of Cheops, the only one of the seven wonders of the ancient world that still stands. Narrow passageways lead to the King’s chamber, deep in the very heart of the six-million-ton mausoleum – which still remains one of the world’s largest architectural structures. You’ll also see the beguiling 4,500-year-old Sphinx. Some believe that the man-headed lion portrays the face of Pharoh Cheops himself. *****Overnight in Cairo Days 4-7***** - Nile Cruise Sail around Elephantine Island and view the Agha Khan Mausoleum and the botanical gardens on board your felucca, the traditional sailing boat of Egypt. See the High Dam, a modern marvel, and the granite quarries from which ancient Egyptians obtained materials for their temples. Then sail to Kom Ombo, noted for its sandstone temple, and continue on to Edfu, where you’ll see the 2,000-year-old Temple of Horus (the Sun God). Your Nile journey continues as you witness Egypt’s most captivating sights in the famed Valley of the Kings. View the Colossi of Memnon and Queen Hatshepsut’s uniquely terraced tombs at Deir el-Bahari. Stop at Karnak, a monumental city of temples, and see royal courts, papyrus columns, and colossal statues. Then travel down the Avenue of Sphinxes before viewing the awe-inspiring Temple of Luxor. *****Overnights on cruise Day 8***** - Afternoon flight back to Cairo After disembarking the cruise ship and visiting the East Bank, you will board a plane back to Cairo. *****Overnight in Cairo Day 9***** - Guided sightseeing of Cairo Your guided tour of Cairo takes you to the spectacular mosques, monuments, and minarets of Sultan Hassan, Rifai, and Mohammed Ali as you journey to the 12th century Citadel. On a clear day you’ll have a clear view of the Nile and the Pyramids. Coptic Museum ...and a lot more stuff that I don't even know what it is. It's in MY Humble Opinion, the opportunity of a lifetime. I mean afterall, I've never been outside of the 48! I know many of you simply could not care less, but I am so excited and beside myself, I just wanted to share what I was up to. I'm not sure who is more excited, me or my son. We're going with a group of around 40 people. I can hardly wait. Any advice...ANY...both about specifically Egypt and or int'l travel in general is GREATLY GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!!!!!
Originally Posted By DVC_dad Thank you sg1622. I wasn't going to post this until I happened in for my monthly lurk and saw the People We Miss thread and I realized wow, if there is even one person who misses me, maybe I should venture back at least now and then. I do miss my friends here.
Originally Posted By Mary Poppins Wowsers!!! This is a trip of a lifetime. You will be surrounded by memories of an ancient world. And, sharing all this with your son. Awesome! Keep the faith, Karen
Originally Posted By RockyMtnMinnie I am so excited for you. What a wonderful trip and a great experience for you and your son. It's not too late. You can still adopt me and take me along.
Originally Posted By DVC_dad LOL Well come on then. But you can't have any of the 2 dozen boxes of PopTarts I am going to be living off of while there! ;-)
Originally Posted By DVC_dad Thank you MaryPoppins, Mele, and Lulu ! I probably won't sleep tonight just thinking about it...that and the baby has ear infections. LOL
Originally Posted By Mickeymouseclub That is so exciting. Does weather.com give conditions for Cairo, Egypt?? Mid- March we will have to check out the 10 day report to hope for that Clear Day. seriously I just happened to watch the Bucket List last night and was thinking about all the places on their list and I realized the Kilimanjaro Safari and Expedition Everest is probably the closest many people will ever experience. I had a college professor that lectured once about people that "flew" over the Grand Canyon to "see" it at Disneyland...
Originally Posted By mele LOL, Minnie. Who doesn't carry a box of Pop Tarts with them where ever they go? ;-) Aw, poor baby with the ear infections. It seems like kids get them so often and seem to take the pain fairly well. I had an ear infection awhile back and I wanted to whine and moan about it 24/7. That's right, the average baby is tougher than me! Hope baby's feeling better soon.
Originally Posted By DVC_dad Wow mele, THANKS! I graciously accept the well wishes. I've had an ear infection as an adult as well about 2 years ago. I ended up having to goto a ENT Doc and came home better but on pain killers and slept for two days. How the lit'l ones do it is beyoun me!!!
Originally Posted By tiggerdis_ Well, congratulations, and of course WE CARE! There are many places I wish to go (that maybe aren't as exotic), and in 2010, my DH and I are planning on visiting New York. Considering I don't even live in one of the "48", I'm not doing a half bad job of visiting some of them.
Originally Posted By ecdc What a fantastic journey and experience! I'm so glad you took the leap to do it. I'm also insanely jealous - it sounds like such a great time, visiting one of the earliest great civilizations. You'll of course have to tell us all about it - can't wait to hear!
Originally Posted By DVC_dad Thanks ecdc! I ran out to the bookstore tonight. I picked up a couple of interesting books about Egypt. One is a guide to modern day Egypt. The other, sort of an "everthing you want to know about ancient Egypt for dummies" kind of book. I figure I need to know something about what I am going to be seeing so that I can truly appreciate this opportunity. I'm giddy, I really am.
Originally Posted By tapdancemom How exciting for you and your son. What an incredible experience for both of you. Hope the baby feels better soon, ear infections are so painful. Get some sleep dad, if you can thinking about your awesome adventure.
Originally Posted By beamerdog How incredible a trip!!!! I'm definitely jealous. Absolutely essential for me on international travel: Pepto Bismol and a strong antibiotic (just in case) Strong pencil-type flashlight to carry with you Have a great time
