This 35 days unique journeys starts from the lands where it all began. We trace our way partly overland and partly cruising seeing not only wonders of the world but also places where historical events took place. Cairo to Amman portion is an exciting and comfortable overland journey. In Dubai, we join our luxurious Seabourn Spirit Yacht and see another facet of history into Oman, India, Thailand, Malaysia and ending in the modern city-state of Singapore. Truly, a unique way to see the history of the world unfolding before us.

Day 01 November 16 Tuesday: Arrive Cairo (EGYPT)
Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome in Arabic. We are warmly received at Cairo Airport and transferred to our hotel. Check in time starts from 1400 hrs.
Overnight: Cairo Marriot Hotel (2 nights) (D)

Day 02 November 17 Wednesday: Cairo/Pyramids
This is a day to go back in time, starting with a visit to the most famous of the Egyptian sphinxes, the Great Sphinx of Giza, followed by the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops). Completed around 2600 BC, this pyramid is 146m (478ft) high and consists of over 2 million limestone blocks weighing over 2 tons each. Our next stop is the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. The Museum houses the world's greatest collection of Ancient Egyptian artifacts, including 12 rooms filled with golden treasures from the world-famous tomb of the boy-king Tutankhamun. (B, L, D)

Day 03 November 18 Thursday: Cairo/Aswan (Flight)
An early morning flight gets us to Abu Simbel via Aswan to visit the temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. Return flight to Aswan, where you will be met & transfer to the hotel.
Overnight: Old Cataract Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 04 November 19 Friday: Board the Nile Cruise
You will be picked up and transfer to your Nile cruise. Lunch will be served on board before heading out in the afternoon to visit the famous and monumental Aswan High Dam and the romantic and majestic Philae Temple on the Island of Agilka then sail to Kom Ombo to visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the crocodile-god Sobek. It stands at a bend in the Nile where in ancient times sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank. Continue to Edfu.
Overnight: H/S Movenpick Radamis I Nile Cruise (3 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 05 November 20 Saturday: Nile Cruise
In the morning we will be visiting the well-preserved Greek built Temple of Horus. This temple, built during the reigns of six generations of Ptolemy’s, is not only the best-preserved ancient temple in Egypt, but also the second largest after Karnak. We then sail to Esna. Cross the lock and continue to Luxor. (B, L, D)

Day 06 November 21 Sunday: Nile Cruise
We begin our day with a visit to the West Bank of Luxor to explore the Valley of the Kings, a vast City of the Dead where magnificent tombs were carved into the desert rocks, richly decorated, and filled with treasures for the afterlife by generations of pharaohs. Our visit will also includes Queen Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon. (B, L, D)

Day 07 November 22 Monday: Luxor / Cairo / Sharm-el-Sheik (Flight)
After breakfast we disembark from our cruise ship and visit the Karnak and Luxor Temples. The ancient Egyptians knew the Temple of Karnak as Ipet-isut. It is a city of temples built over 2000 years and dedicated to the Theben triad of Amon, Mut and Khonsu. This derelict place continues to overshadow many of the wonders of the modern world. It is the mother of all religious buildings and a place of pilgrimage for nearly 4,000 years. Luxor Temple was connected to Karnak Temple by an avenue of sphinxes in ancient times. Unlike Karnak, Luxor is mainly the work of one pharaoh - Amenhotep III and was added to by Tutankhamun, Horemheb, Ramses II and Alexander the Great. During Akhenaten’s all religion other than worship of Aten was rejected and development at Luxor stopped. When Akhenaten died, the old religions returned, along with the priests so the temple began to expand again. After the tour we are transferred to the airport for a flight to Sharm via Cairo. Meet & transfer to hotel.
Overnight: Marriot Sharm Hotel (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 08 November 23 Tuesday: Sharm-el-Sheik
Sharm is world renowned for its beautiful beaches and offers several sea sports that one can enjoy or sunbathe. The day is free to enjoy these activities. (B, L, D)

Day 09 November 24 Wednesday: Sharm-el-Sheik / St. Catherine (Drive)
This afternoon we drive to the Sinai desert to prepare for our ascend on the historical and holy site of St. Catherine.
Overnight: Wadi El Rha Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 10 November 25 Thursday: St. Catherine/Aqaba (JORDAN)
A pre dawn climb on the biblical Mountain of Moses. The feeling to stand on the spot where Moses is reputed to have received the Ten Commandments with spectacular sunrise view of the Sinai, is something that cannot be described but has to be experienced. After descending, we have breakfast at a local hotel before visiting yet another historical place – the St. Catherine’s Monastery constructed on order of the Emperor Justinian in the area of what is believed to be Moses' Burning Bush. Drive to Nuweiba to have lunch then transfer to the pier to catch the speed ferry to Aqaba in Jordan. Meet & transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore on your own.
Overnight: Movenpick Resort Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)

Day 11 November 26 Friday: Aqaba / Petra (Drive)
In the morning we take a short drive northwards to Wadi Rum. We change vehicles and get into our 4X4’s open top jeeps and take an adventurous ride visiting the Wadi Um Eshreen, the Moving Sand, Al Khazali, Abu Aineh and Rum Mountain. We see the trail of Lawrence and the famous Red Mountains. This is the scene of any desert at it’s best. After an interesting safari we proceed north to the spectacular city of Petra.
Overnight: Movenpick Petra Hotel (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 12 November 27 Saturday: Petra
Another highlight today and it is Petra – the most magnificent site in the Middle East. After passing the main gate we take a horse ride for about 700 meters to the entrance of the SIQmand walk along the SIQ until the most astonishing monuments of Petra, the Treasury, appear all of a sudden. We wander among the tombs, temples, water cisterns, the Roman Theater, street of Facades, the Royal Tombs, the massive Courthouse, Roman Street and Triumphal Arch and ending at Qasr Al-Bint. (B, L, D)

Day 13 November 28 Sunday: Petra / Amman (Drive)
Continue northwards to Amman with stops to visit the Dead Sea, and the Christian town of Madaba to visit St. George’s Apostle Church that houses the earliest original mosaic map of the ancient Middle East. Continuing to nearby Mount Nebo, we visit the church on top of the hill where it is believed that Moses viewed the Promised Land.
Overnight: Kempinski Hotel (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 14 November 29 Monday: Amman
Amman, the capital of Jordan, offers both the old and new. Our day tour starts with a visit first to see the Roman Amphitheater followed by the Citadel, the Archeological Museum, the beautiful King Abdullah Mosque. We then spend time at the local souq and also visit the newly built high-class area of Abdoun. We then go out of town to see the huge site at Jerash where we also cover the Triumphal Arch, the Hippodrome, the Temple of Zeus, and the Forum, the mile long street of Columns, the Nymphaeum, the Temple of Airtimes and the Viaduct Church. (B, L, D)

Day 15 November 30 Tuesday: Amman/Dubai (UAE) (Flight)
Morning transfer to the airport for the departure flight. Upon arrival, you will be met & transferred to the Seabourn Spirit.
Overnight: Seabourn Spirit – Suite Category A on Deck 4 (20 nights) (D)

Day 16 December 01 Wednesday: Dubai
The United Arab Emirates is strategically located at the crossroads of East and West. The traditional trading routes from Asia and the Far East to Europe and further afield are even more significant today than they were a hundred years ago. Today's Arab Emirates are a modern melting pot and an interesting blend of cultures. Nestling at the very heart of the Islamic world, the country is unique in its embrace of the Western world. Here you can see the contrasts of the desert Bedouin people, and the opulence and splendor of the Sheiks, set against a backdrop of Western lifestyles. Today is free at leisure to avail one of the many shore excursions being offered. Depart at 1800 hrs. (B, L, D)

Day 17 December 02 Thursday: Cruising the Arabian Sea
Cruise. (B, L, D)

Day 18 December 03 Friday: Muscat (OMAN)
Oman, "The Pearl of Mystic Arabia," is one of the oldest civilizations on the Arabian Peninsula. Wedged between the Arabian Gulf and the Western Al Hajar Mountains, Muscat boasts an ancient history and rich Islamic heritage, evident in its prominent landmarks such as forts, castles, towers and mosques. Since the ascension of Qaboos bin Said as Sultan of Oman in 1970, Muscat has experienced rapid infrastructural development, leading to the growth of a vibrant economy and a multi-ethnic society. Arrival at 0800 hrs and depart at 1400 hrs. (B, L, D)

Day 19 December 04 Saturday: Cruising the Gulf of Oman
Cruise. (B, L, D)

Day 20 December 05 Sunday: Cruising the Arabian Sea
Cruise. (B, L, D)

Day 21 December 06 Monday: Mumbai (Bombay) (INDIA)
Mumbai (formerly called Bombay) is a captivating city, known for its striking contrasts. The fastest growing, most affluent and industrialized city in India, Mumbai represents the ever-changing face of today's India - the old coupled with the dynamic new. This vibrant city is a kaleidoscopic mixture of wonderful peoples and incredible places, where within a block or two you can find modern skyscrapers, ornate Victorian buildings, and bustling bazaars. Arrival 0800 hrs and depart 1800 hrs. (B, L, D)

Day 22 December 07 Tuesday: Cruising the Indian Ocean
Cruise. (B, L, D)

Day 23 December 08 Wednesday: Mangalore
Mangalore is situated on the west coast of India, bounded by Arabian Sea to its west and the Western Ghats to its east, and derives its name from the local Hindu deity Mangaladevi. It developed as a port on the Arabian Sea - remaining, to this day, a major port of India. Ensconced on the coast, this maritime city makes a pleasant and convenient stop between Goa and Kerala. With narrow, winding streets fringed with coconut palms, quaint houses with terracotta-tiled roofs, beautiful beaches, temples and churches, and the aroma of spicy coconut curries, it has preserved its old-world charm. Arrival 0800 hrs and depart 1330 hrs. (B, L, D)

Day 24 December 09 Thursday: Cochin
Kochi (colonial name Cochin) is a vibrant city situated on the southwest coast of the Indian peninsula, in the spectacularly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala. Flanked by the Western Ghats on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west, Cochin has one of the finest natural harbors in the world and for centuries was the center of the spice trade. Ancient mariners from the Middle East, China and Europe all left their mark on this beautiful city, and its diverse past is reflected in its steep-roofed bungalows, colonial buildings, spice and antique shops, its cathedral, palaces and synagogue. Arrival 0800 hrs and depart 1700 hrs. (B, L, D)

Day 25 December 10 Friday: Cruising the Indian Ocean
Cruise. (B, L, D)

Day 26 December 11 Saturday: Cruising the Indian Ocean
Cruise. (B, L, D)

Day 27 December 12 Sunday: Cruising the Indian Ocean
Cruise. (B, L, D)

Day 28 December 13 Monday: Cruising the Indian Ocean
Cruise. (B, L, D)

Day 29 December 14 Tuesday: Phuket Island (THAILAND)
Phuket nestles in balmy Andaman Sea waters on Thailand’s Indian Ocean coastline 536 miles south of Bangkok. Phuket formerly derived its wealth from tin and rubber, and enjoyed a rich and colorful history. The island was on one of the major trading routes between India and China, and was frequently mentioned in foreign trader’s ship logs. Blessed with a natural heritage of stunning white-sand beaches, mesmerizing sapphire blue seas, exotic marine life and lushly forested hillsides, Phuket is one of Southeast Asia's most popular destinations. Arrival 1300 hrs and depart 2200 hrs. (B, L, D)

Day 30 December 15 Wednesday: Langkawi Island (MALAYSIA)
The 90 islands making up the Langkawi group lie 20 miles off the west coast of the Malay Peninsula. The islands remain quiet and relatively unspoiled, with a total population of only 30,000 inhabitants. Arrival 0900 hrs and depart 2300 hrs. (B, L, D)

Day 31 December 16 Thursday: Pulau Singa Besar
No one knows why this Langkawi island is called "Island of the Big Lion" - the island does not has any physical resemblance of a lion at all. Limestone outcrops are prominent on the north eastern part of the island. Pulau Singa Besar is located about 17km from Kuah, nestled between the smaller island of Pulau Beras Basah to the west and Pulau Dayang Bunting to the east. The sedimentary rocks on this island are reputed to be among the oldest in Malaysia going back 500 million years. The flora and fauna here differ greatly form that on the mainland, with lush abundance of the Diptherocarp, kelubi and cycas. This island is a wildlife sanctuary where you can find lizards, mouse deer, macaques, eagles and hornbills roam freely. Wooden walkways and paths have been delineated on the islands shores for for you to trek around the island which normally takes about 8 hours. At low tide, parts of the coral bed of Pulau Singa Besar is exposed. Although rich in coral beds, some of the reefs are dead due to muddy sediments brought by currents from the Straits of Malacca. However, there are also signs of coral regeneration in some places. At low tide, parts of the coral bed of Pulau Singa Besar is exposed. Although rich in coral beds, some of the reefs are dead due to muddy sediments brought by currents from the Straits of Malacca. However, there are also signs of coral regeneration in some places. Day free at leisure. Arrival 0800 hrs and depart 1700 hrs. (B, L, D)

Day 32 December 17 Friday: Penang
The name Penang comes from the Malay word for betel nut, Palau Pinang. Ever since its founding over two centuries ago, Penang has been a favored destination of travelers for both its scenic beauty and places of ethnic and historic significance. Today, Penang is one of the most culturally diverse destinations in Malaysia. Established in 1786 as a trading post by the British, the island is a contemporary metropolis with old world charm, offering the best of both worlds and maintaining its illustrious, rich heritage. Arrival 0800 hrs and depart 1400 hrs. (B, L, D)

Day 33 December 18 Saturday: Port Kelang
Port Kelang is the gateway to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital and largest city. "KL" as it is commonly known, provides some insight into this complex, diverse and fascinating country. The city consists of colonial buildings, ethnic neighborhoods and modern high rise structures, including the famous Petronas Towers. The nation’s history is captured in the National Museum, and the government has also subsidized a cultural crafts complex where local arts are preserved and practiced. Nearby, the Selangor Pewter factory is the world’s largest, manufacturing over 800 designs in this lustrous metal. Arrival 0800 hrs and departure 1800 hrs. (B, L, D)

Day 34 December 19 Sunday: Singapore (SINGAPORE)
Founded as a British trading colony in 1819, Singapore joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963. Two years later, it became an independent island-state, developing into one of the world's most prosperous countries. With ultra-modern skyscrapers combined with a medley of Chinese, Indian and Malay influences, Singapore is a dynamic city rich in contrast and color, exhibiting a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture. Arrival 1300 hrs. (B, L, D)

Day 35 December 20 Monday: Disembark
Morning disembarkation. (B)

Optional Shore Extensions - Please click here

Departure Dates
2010 English Speaking Departures Nov 16, 2010
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Hotels as mentioned or similar. International air tickets. Meals as mentioned (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner). All optional shore-excursions during the Seabourn Spirit cruise Movenpick Radamis I Nile Cruise or similar inclusive of entrance fees with local English speaking guides while sightseeing. Insurance & Visas Seabourn Spirit – Suite Category A on Deck 4. All-suite accommodations, open bars throughout the ship, open-seating dining, gourmet cuisine by celebrity chef Charlie Palmer, all the Seabourn Signature delights that are available on board, no gratuities.   Port taxes   Sightseeing in Egypt & Jordan with services of local English speaking guides plus entrance fees.   Transfers as mentioned   Ferry ticket Nuweiba/Aquaba   Domestic air tickets within Egypt.   Air ticket Amman/Dubai.
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2010 US$ 14,995 - Upgrades to higher suite categories are available for your Seabourn Spirit cruise please call for details: 1-800-663-0844 or +1-604-264-7378
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast N/A USA - West Coast US $ 1600 Canada - East Coast N/A USA - East Coast US $ 1400
Participants
Please call for details 1-800-663-0844 or +1-604-264-7378
Notes
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.