ANCIENT EGYPT & JORDAN A RED SEA VOYAGE ABOARD CLIPPER ODYSSEY

Transcription

1 THE ROYAL OAK FOUNDATION ANCIENT EGYPT & JORDAN A RED SEA VOYAGE ABOARD CLIPPER ODYSSEY MARCH 8 TO 17, 2011 With an Optional Prelude in Cairo & Luxor March 4 to 10, 2011

2 THE ROYAL OAK FOUNDATION Dear Members and Friends of Royal Oak, We are pleased to offer a tour to Egypt designed especially for first-time visitors as well as those who have already seen the treasures of Cairo and Luxor but have always wanted to cruise the Red Sea and transit the Suez Canal. This extraordinary journey takes us not only to Egypt but also to fascinating Petra. Accompanying us will be Isabel Stuenkel, Assistant Curator in the Department of Egyptian Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, who has been excavating at the pyramid complex of Senwosret III for over a decade. Her lectures and insights will be superb preparation for excursions and will greatly enrich our program. Arrive in Cairo and continue to the Red Sea port of Safaga to board the awaiting Clipper Odyssey for an exciting one-week cruise. This privately chartered motorized vessel offers all outside cabins, fine international cuisine and modern amenities. Performances by virtuoso musicians on board will further enhance our experience. During our voyage, step ashore in Jordan to discover the city of Petra, once the pre-roman capital of the Nabataeans. Enter the siq, a narrow winding gorge accessible only on foot, to see the magnificent rose-red Treasury and the royal tombs cut out of the sandstone hills. In Sharm El Sheikh, board a privately chartered flight to St. Catherine s Monastery, with its impressive Byzantine art and illuminated manuscript collection. There will be an opportunity for a ride in Clipper Odyssey s glass-bottom boat to observe the world-famous coral reefs and spectacular marine life off Sharm El Sheikh. On Pharaoh s Island, explore the crenellated crusader fortress, dating from the 12th century. Spend a day transiting the Suez Canal before our voyage concludes in Alexandria, the Pearl of the Mediterranean, founded by Alexander the Great in 331 B.C.E. Visit the National Museum, whose artifacts narrate the history of Egypt s Pharaonic, Roman, Coptic and Islamic eras. Marvel at the modern architecture of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which honors the greatest library of the ancient world. For those who wish to experience the wonders of Cairo and Luxor before the cruise, an optional prelude has been arranged. During a three-night stay in Cairo, history comes to vivid life at the Great Pyramid complex of Giza, and we will be privileged to take tea with Mrs. Jehan Sadat, former first lady. Then fly on a privately chartered plane for two nights in Luxor, gateway to the magnificent temple of Karnak, the massive Colossi of Memnon and the Valley of the Kings. Alexandria The Mediterranean Sea Cairo Giza Suez Canal SINAI PENINSULA The Dead Sea ISRAEL Petra JORDAN Aqaba A fine small ship and splendid sites in Egypt and Jordan make this an exceptional program, which will be shared with members of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. We hope you will join us aboard Clipper Odyssey for this journey into antiquity. Sincerely yours, St. Catherine s Monastery Pharaoh s Island SAUDI ARABIA EGYPT The Nile River Thebes Luxor Safaga Sharm El Sheikh Hurghada The Red Sea Margaret McGoldrick Acting Director The Royal Oak Foundation

3 ANCIENT EGYPT & JORDAN A RED SEA VOYAGE ABOARD CLIPPER ODYSSEY March 8 to 17, 2011 NEW YORK Tuesday, March 8 Egypt. Depart on an overnight flight to Cairo, CAIRO, EGYPT Wednesday, March 9 Arrive at the Cairo Airport this afternoon and transfer to the nearby Fairmont Towers Heliopolis Hotel for one night. Dinner is at leisure. CAIRO 1 HURGHADA, EGYPT 1 EMBARK CLIPPER ODYSSEY Thursday, March 10 Board a late morning flight to Hurghada, a popular city on Egypt s Red Sea coast. After a lunch of Egyptian specialties, drive to Safaga, where we embark the privately chartered Clipper Odyssey. A welcome cocktail reception is followed by dinner on board. photo by Alistair Knock AQABA 1 PETRA, JORDAN Friday, March 11 Step ashore in Aqaba this morning and drive north to Petra, once the pre-roman capital of the Nabataeans. Enter the siq, a narrow winding gorge accessible only on foot, to see the magnificent Treasury and royal tombs cut out of the sandstone hills. Following lunch at the site, you may wish to explore one of the areas of excavation or the theater. Return to the ship in the early evening. Petra s siq and Treasury. Icon of St. Catherine at St. Catherine s Monastery. SHARM EL SHEIKH 1 ST. CATHERINE S MONASTERY, EGYPT Saturday, March 12 Arrive in the resort town of Sharm El Sheikh this morning. Board a privately chartered plane to St. Catherine s Monastery, located at the foot of Mount Sinai and where it is said Moses received the Ten Commandments. Constructed by order of the Emperor Justinian, the monastery is one of the holiest places of the Eastern Orthodox Church, and its Byzantine icons and mosaics are exceptional. Return to the ship for a late lunch. During an afternoon at leisure, you may wish to stroll on Sharm El Sheikh s long beaches or go for a ride in Clipper Odyssey s glass-bottom boat to observe the world-famous coral reefs and spectacular marine life. RED SEA 1 PHARAOH S ISLAND, EGYPT Sunday, March 13 During a day at sea, attend lectures and enjoy leisure time as Clipper Odyssey cruises towards the Suez

4 photo by Stefan Geens Fort Qaitbey, Alexandria. Canal. Board a Zodiac for a stop at Pharaoh s Island to see the crenellated crusader fortress, dating from the 12th century. Enjoy a barbecue dinner on deck this evening. SUEZ CANAL Monday, March 14 Spend a fascinating day transiting the Suez Canal. Relax poolside on the Lido Deck with a good book as the ship passes desert terrain and small towns along this famous waterway connecting the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT Tuesday, March 15 After a morning at sea, arrive in Alexandria to visit the National Museum, housed in a restored palace. The museum s artifacts narrate the history of Egypt s ancient capital through the Pharaonic, Roman, Coptic and Islamic eras. Continue to the ancient catacomb complex of Kom el-shuqafa, with Egyptian funerary motifs in Greco-Roman style. Return to the ship for dinner on board. ALEXANDRIA Wednesday, March 16 Begin today at the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, built to honor the greatest library of the ancient world. Then admire the Roman amphitheater at Kom el-dik and the turreted Fort Qaitbey, where we will enjoy lunch overlooking the azure Mediterranean. In the afternoon, view the collection at the Royal Jewelry Museum and drive along the coast to see the gardens at Montazah Palace. Tonight we celebrate a memorable journey at our farewell dinner. DISEMBARK CLIPPER ODYSSEY 1 ALEXANDRIA 1 NEW YORK Thursday, March 17 Disembark the ship and transfer to the airport in Alexandria for the flight home. OPTIONAL PRELUDE C AIRO & L UXOR March 4 to 10, 2011 NEW YORK Friday, March 4 Depart on an overnight flight to Cairo, Egypt. CAIRO, EGYPT Saturday, March 5 Arrive this afternoon in Cairo and transfer to the Sofitel El Gezirah, overlooking the Nile. Gather in the evening for a welcome reception at the hotel. CAIRO Sunday, March 6 After a breakfast lecture, drive to Giza to visit the Great Pyramid complex, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Explore the Solar Boat Museum, housing the preserved cedar boat found near the Pyramid of Khufu; then enjoy special access to the Sphinx. After lunch at the legendary Mena House, return to Cairo. The balance of the day is at leisure. The Great Pyramid complex, Giza. CAIRO Monday, March 7 Spend the morning at the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, whose collection includes treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun. Following lunch, visit Ibn Tulun Mosque, one of the oldest in Egypt, and see the collection of furnishings and Arab costumes at the Gayer-Anderson Museum, a restored Ottoman residence. This evening we are invited to take tea with Mrs. Jehan Sadat, former first lady and prominent philanthropist. CAIRO 1 LUXOR, EGYPT Tuesday, March 8 Board a privately chartered flight to Luxor and continue to the Sonesta St. George Hotel, arriving in time for lunch. This afternoon explore the impressive Luxor Temple on the Nile. We will be greeted by the director of Chicago House, whose mission is to preserve a record of Luxor s tombs and temples. A lecture precedes dinner at the hotel.

5 CLIPPER ODYSSEY Clipper Odyssey is an intimate expedition-style motor vessel perfectly equipped to carry us to far-flung destinations in comfort and style. Enjoy fine cuisine and relax in the library, gym or outdoor pool. The ship has computers with internet access and wifi in public areas. All cabins feature an ocean view, individually controlled heat / air conditioner, flatscreen TV and sitting area with sofa. BRIDGE DECK SUITE ELEVATOR BRIDGE photo by Stefan Geens Temple of Hatshepsut, Luxor. POOL GYM PROMENADE LIDO SHOP LOUNGE LIDO DECK ELEVATOR PROMENADE LUXOR MAIN DECK Wednesday, March 9 Today discover the West Bank, site of the vast necropolis of ancient Thebes. In the Valley of the Kings, royal tombs from the 18th to 20th dynasties are cut deep into the mountainside. See the massive Colossi of Memnon and visit Medinet Habu, a series of buildings including the mortuary temple of Ramses III with its reliefs and some original color. After lunch, continue to the Tombs of the Nobles, decorated with vivid paintings that offer a glimpse into the lives of ancient Egypt s privileged classes. Also admire the temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-bahari. Dinner is at the hotel. LIBRARY & BAR MAIN LOUNGE DINING ROOM ELEVATOR RECEPTION ELEVATOR A DECK DOCTOR SPA LUXOR 1 SAFAGA, EGYPT 1 EMBARK CLIPPER ODYSSEY Thursday, March 10 At Karnak Temple, walk along an avenue of sphinxes and see the Hypostyle Hall with its huge columns. Then view the outstanding collection of artifacts at the Luxor Museum. Drive to Safaga, where we embark Clipper Odyssey. Clipper Odyssey. THE ROYAL OAK FOUNDATION 1 RESERVATION APPLICATION ANCIENT EGYPT & JORDAN: A RED SEA VOYAGE ABOARD CLIPPER ODYSSEY 1 MARCH 8 TO 17, 2011 To reserve a place, please complete and return this form with your deposit of $1,000 per person (of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees) Accommodations Clipper Odyssey Cabin Preference 1. payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad. Mail to: Academic Arrangements Abroad, 1040 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd Floor, New York, NY NAME IN FULL AS ON PASSPORT NAME IN FULL AS ON PASSPORT ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP TELEPHONE (HOME) (BUSINESS) FAX Are you currently a member of The Royal Oak Foundation? Yes No 2. On-Shore Hotel Room Preference Double Twin Single I wish to share a room/cabin with Optional Prelude in Cairo & Luxor I/We wish to join the optional prelude in Cairo and Luxor ($2,000 per person; single supplement of $595). Form of Payment Enclosed is my check (payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad). Credit card (for deposit only; final payment must be made by check). NAME AS ON CREDIT CARD 3- OR 4-DIGIT SECURITY CODE CREDIT CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE Each participant must sign below. I/We confirm that I/we have read and agree to the Terms & Conditions of this program. I/We agree to full payment by check 120 days prior to departure. SIGNATURE REQUIRED DATE SIGNATURE REQUIRED DATE For more information, please contact Academic Arrangements Abroad Telephone (212) or (800) Fax (212) trips@arrangementsabroad.com

6 CRUISE RATES A Red Sea Voyage Aboard Clipper Odyssey March 8 to 17, 2011 Per Person 301 to 311 Standard Cabins A Deck $4, & 420 to 426 Standard Cabins Main Deck $5, to 416 Standard Cabins Main Deck $6, to 516 Standard Cabins Lido Deck $7, to 653 Deluxe Cabin Bridge Deck $7, to 608 Deluxe Cabin & Balcony Bridge Deck $9,995 Owner s Suite & Balcony Bridge Deck $10,995 RATES INCLUDE No Single Supplement. One night hotel accommodations at the Fairmont Towers Heliopolis Hotel, Cairo Flight from Cairo to Hurghada Seven nights cabin accommodations aboard the privately chartered Clipper Odyssey Privately chartered flight: Sharm El Sheikh / St. Catherine s Monastery / Sharm El Sheikh All meals during the cruise. One breakfast and one lunch on land. Wine with dinners. Receptions as noted Enrichment program of lectures and special events Escorted sightseeing and entrance fees for visits Airport / hotel / pier group transfers and porterage Taxes and service charges; gratuities to guides and drivers NOT INCLUDED IN RATES International airfare; passport and visa fees; customary shipboard gratuities; alcoholic beverages other than wine at dinners; personal items and expenses; airport transfers for those not on suggested flights; excess baggage; trip insurance; optional Cairo and Luxor prelude; any other items not specifically mentioned as included. photo by Jesus Martinez Colossal columns of the Hypostyle Hall, Karnak Temple, from the optional prelude to Cairo and Luxor. LAND RATE Optional Cairo & Luxor Prelude March 4 to 10, 2011 $2,000 per person, $595 single supplement Three nights hotel accommodations at Sofitel El Gezirah, Cairo Privately chartered flight: Cairo / Luxor Two nights hotel accommodations at the Sonesta St. George Hotel, Luxor Breakfast daily, five lunches and two dinners. Wine with dinners. Receptions as noted Enrichment program of lectures and special events Escorted sightseeing and entrance fees for visits Airport / hotel / pier group transfers and porterage Taxes and service charges; gratuities to guides and drivers

7 TERMS & CONDITIONS AIRFARE Academic Arrangements Abroad (AAA) will be pleased to assist with air travel arrangements. A specially negotiated APEX Economy Class non-refundable group airfare will be offered. Business Class will be quoted on an individual basis. A fee of $75 per person will be charged for any reservations other than the group flight schedule; private transfers can be arranged at a supplemental cost. To redeem your frequent flyer mileage, please contact the airline directly. Please note that AAA can only assist in rebooking flights on those air reservations booked directly by AAA. PAYMENT SCHEDULE A deposit of $1,000 per person, payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad, of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees, is required with the reservation application. Final payment, by check only, must be received 120 days prior to departure. HEALTH All participants must be in good health. This program involves extensive walking over uneven surfaces, climbing stairs at monuments and other locations not handicapped accessible, and climbing in and out of various conveyances. Any condition that may require assistance or special medical attention must be reported at the time of your reservation. PLEASE NOTE: Clipper Odyssey has an elevator. INSURANCE TRIP CANCELLATION / EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION / BAGGAGE / ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE PROTECTION IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. CANCELLATION PENALTIES ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED. AAA will send an insurance application upon receipt of reservation and deposit, although you may select any insurer of your choice. CHANGES IN ITINERARY & COSTS The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of The Royal Oak Foundation (ROF) and AAA. All prices quoted are based on prevailing fuel prices, airfares and currency exchange rates in effect at time of brochure printing and are subject to change without notice. Deviations from the scheduled itinerary are at the expense of the individual. RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE The participation of ROF is limited to educational sponsorship of the program described in this brochure (The Program). AAA acts only as an agent for the participant with respect to transportation, accommodations and all other services, relating to The Program. AAA, ROF and/or their agents assume no responsibility or liability for any act, error or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity that may be occasioned by reason of any defect in any aircraft, ship, train, bus or other carrier, or through neglect or default of any subcontractor or other third party, which may be used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty to the participants of The Program. The passage ticket issued by the carrier is the sole contract between the participant and the carrier. Nor will AAA or ROF and/or their agents be responsible for loss, injury, damages or expenses to persons or property, due to illness, weather, strikes, local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature or other such causes in connection with The Program or anything beyond their reasonable control. AAA is not responsible for transportation or other program delays and changes, nor additional expenses or loss of time that may be incurred. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort or well-being of the participants, or for any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary at any time, without notice to the participants, such alterations will be made without penalty to AAA or ROF. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the participants. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the participant at all times. ROF and AAA reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a participant at any time, or to require any participant to withdraw from The Program at their own expense when such an action is determined by AAA or ROF to be in the best interest of the participant s health and safety, or the general welfare of the other participants. CANCELLATION POLICY AAA must strictly adhere to its cancellation policy to offset costs incurred prior to the commencement of The Program, which may include but are not limited to: advance payments to land operators; ship charters; communication expenses; development / promotional expenses and the loss of time that might have permitted resale of reserved space. All cancellations must be made in writing to the offices of AAA and are subject to a $350 non-refundable administrative fee. All refunds are limited to amounts actually received by AAA and are the sole responsibility of AAA; ROF shall have no liability for refunds. At the time AAA receives written notification of cancellation, the following cancellation charges will apply: cancellations received between 120 and 91 days prior to departure, 20 percent of the program cost per person; those received between 90 and 61 days before departure, 50 percent of the program cost per person; no refunds will be given for cancellations received within 60 days of departure. No refunds are given for cancellation on or after the day of departure, or for unused portions of the tour, for any reason. Air cancellation charges, if any, will be assessed in accordance with airline regulations. All group fare tickets must be issued no less than 30 days prior to departure. NOTE: Neither AAA nor ROF shall be liable for any airline cancellation penalties incurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket. In the case of a cancellation due to shortage of participants, AAA will attempt to notify all participants at least 45 days prior to departure. However, AAA reserves the right to cancel The Program prior to departure for any reason and, in such case, reimbursement of refundable costs of the trip by AAA shall constitute full settlement with the participant. In the unlikely event that a dispute arises between a participant and AAA or ROF, the following conditions will apply: (a) the dispute will be settled by binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association in New York, NY; (b) the dispute will be governed by New York Law; (c) the maximum amount of recovery to which a participant shall be entitled under any and all circumstances will be the sum of all monies actually received from the participant by AAA. The participant agrees that this is a fair and reasonable limitation on the damages, of any sort whatsoever, that a participant may suffer. Upon payment of the deposit to AAA, the participant agrees to be bound by the above terms and conditions. Copyright 2010 Arrangements Abroad, Inc. CST On the front cover: Petra s Treasury, photo by Michael Goodine. On the back cover: the Sphinx of Giza, photo by Ian Robertson (top) and a Roman mosaic in the Alexandria National Museum, photo by Stefan Geens (bottom).

8 ANCIENT EGYPT & JORDAN A RED SEA VOYAGE ABOARD CLIPPER ODYSSEY MARCH 8 TO 17, 2011 THE ROYAL OAK FOUNDATION 35 WEST 35TH STREET, SUITE 1200 NEW YORK, NY 10001