Egyptian Tour Dawn Gaskill

“SACRED SITES/SACRED SIGNS -

The Art and Wisdom of the Ancients”

with Dawn Gaskill

“ QUEST FOR BES - Tiny Hero with a Thousand Faces ”

with Shelli Wright Johnson

Including: Cairo Museum / Giza Pyramids Sphnix / Kamak / Valley of the Kings / Colossi of Memnon / Edfu / Dendera / Philae /Red Sea's Sharm el Shiekh / Bahariya Oasis / Valley of the Golden Mummies / White Desert Safari / Seven (7) Day Nile Cruise

" Every time we leave home and go to another place, we open up the possibility
of having something wonderful happen to us. When we move out of the familiar here and now, we set in motion a series of events that, taken together, bring about change at the very root of our being. "

Joseph Dispenza, The Way of the Traveler

Daily Itinerary

Day 1, Friday, March 16, 2007:
Your “Magical Mystery Tour” begins when you leave home, en route to Cairo, Egypt . . . Ancient Egyptian civilization is so vastly different from our own, modern minds often have difficulty adjusting to it . . .

Consider its time: When Pharaoh Tutankhamun ruled Egypt, the pyramids of Giza had already been standing for well over 1,000 years. When Cleopatra visited the pyramids with Caesar, the boy-king had been dead for more than 1,000 years, and Jesus had yet to be born.

Consider its magnitude: The Great Pyramid of Khufu originally stood 481 feet tall, covered 13.5 acres at its base, contained 2.3 million limestone blocks weighing an average of 5,000 pounds (with some estimated to weigh as much as 80 tons apiece) stacked 201 horizontal courses high. These massive stone blocks were then covered with polished casing stones fitted with such precision that not even a knife blade could come between them.

Consider its magic and mystery: Although more books have been written about Ancient Egypt than any other civilization in history, it continues to be shrouded in magic and mystery beyond our comprehension. Ask ten different people how the pyramids were built and you will most likely receive ten different answers.

Use your travel time to clear your thoughts and open yourself to a completely unique experience. To touch on the essential spirit of ancient Egypt, you first release our twenty-first century concepts, as we cannot impose them upon the past. Prepare to meet a civilization very different from our own. Envision a civilization built upon the model of cosmic order, one which actively sought Wisdom and cherished Truth -- a civilization where Beauty was created not by accident but by Intention and Design, where every line and detail has meaning and significance. A culture in which the continuing life of the Spirit was not a fading hope, it was an absolute certainty. Our lives are enriched by even a momentary vision of the Wisdom of the ancients. The real journey is just beginning. . . .

Day 2, Saturday, March 17, 2007:
When you arrive at Cairo Airport, you will be greeted by our Quest Travel Tour Manager, graciously assisted through immigration and customs, and escorted by private motorcoach to the luxurious Cairo Hilton overlooking the Nile River. Enjoy a relaxing evening above the hustle and bustle of this historic city. The capital of Egypt since the time of Arab conquests in 641 AD, Cairo is located on the east bank of the Nile, across from the Giza Plateau and separated from the Arabian Desert by the Mokattam Hills.

Day 3, Sunday, March 18, 2007: (B+L)
Our group will officially assemble for the first time this morning for a delicious Welcome Breakfast.

This will be followed by a leisurely morning to meet and greet our Trip Leaders, Guides and fellow adventurers and to receive your special BES QUEST II paraphernalia, selected and collected by your co hosts, Dawn and Shelli --affectionately known by Quest Travel President, Mohamed Nazmy, as the Moon Goddess and the Sun Goddess. (It’s a long story. . . .)

Following lunch, we will walk through 5000+ years of history at Cairo’s Egyptian Museum, including the spectacular King Tut Exhibit, where we will hear the incredible story of the boy-king from our expert Egyptian guide. Experience first-hand the intricate workmanship and the degree of detail exhibited in the magnificent collection of priceless artifacts and intimate personal effects buried with the king to accompany him to the next world.

For those so inclined, you may wish the visit the newly remodeled Royal Mummy Room where you can still see the hair color, fingernails and other identifying features of such renowned historical figures as Pharaohs Seti I and Ramses II.

Don’t forget to visit the little room next to the Tutankhamun Exhibit where you will find many likenesses of our impish feather-topped trip mascot, Bes -- including the often photographed Cippi of Horus in which our man Bes hovers in a protective position over young Horus, as depicted on the cover of Shelli’s book: Falcon In The Nest - A Story of Bes Adventure.

After the museum, you may either return to the hotel with the Quest Travel representative, or you may join your hosts for a stroll through the world famous Khan El Khalili bazaar. This is a wonderfully frenetic opportunity to practice the fine art of bargaining with the masters, while searching for one-of-a-kind treasures. You can find almost everything at Khan El Khalili, including extra luggage in which to carry your newly acquired treasures. (Dawn and Shelli have learned this from years of shopping experience at the Khan.)

Day 4, Monday March 19, 2007: (L)
This morning, we say good-bye to our hotel in Cairo and head to the airport for a short one-hour flight to Luxor (the modern name derived from the Arabic el Askur, "the castles" -- a reference to the vast and imposing complexes erected here by the ancients while the city was still known as Thebes.)

Upon our arrival in Luxor, we will be met and quickly transferred by air conditioned motorbus to our deluxe Nile cruiser which will be our home for the next seven (7) glorious days. The newly built 'Sonesta St. George' is arguably the finest cruise boat on the Nile, and boasts many amenities, including excellent dining and nightly entertainment.

Tonight, we will tour the Temple of Amun the way it was meant to be seen: under the stars. A prime example of Egypt's sacred and symbolic architecture, it is sometimes referred to as the "The Temple of Man". Renowned French scholar, R.A. Schwaller de Lubicz, spent years surveying the temple and studying the meaning of its architectural harmony and proportion. He concluded that the temple, as a whole, provided esoteric knowledge through its implicit architectural and spatial relationships, and that this knowledge was meant to explain the secret functions of the organs and nerve centers of the human body. Our knowledgeable Egyptian guide, Emil Shaker, will explain this theory much more clearly during our starlight visit.

Day 5, Tuesday March 20, 2007: (B,L,D)
Today, we will visit the Necropolis of Thebes, situated along the west bank of the Nile. Our tour will include the Valley of the Kings, final resting place of many Pharaohs, including the boy-king Tutankhamun, whose tiny tomb pales in comparison to the grand burial chambers built for the other Pharaohs. After the Valley of the Kings, we will wander through the magnificent ruins of Medinet Habu, the imposing mortuary temple of Ramses II, and home of fallen stone giant," Ozymandias," featured in the poetry of Percy Bysshe Shelley.

For those who have always wanted an opportunity to see the ancient sites from a bird's eye view, this will most likely be the day to take to the skies in a hot-air balloon. (As this is an optional event, please advise your hosts in advance to assure your special space in the sky.)

We end our west bank visit with rare photo opportunity at the feet of the two giant statues known as the Colossi of Memnon before returning to our floating hotel, the Sonesta St. George. We spend the rest of the day cruising to Edfu, smoothly navigating our way through the Esna Lock.

The ship's captain has invited us to a Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party followed by a special dinner. Afterward, you might choose to lounge on the ship's upper deck under a canopy of stars, including the three belt-stars of Orion (the celestial pattern mirrored on land in the precise placement of the Great Pyramids of Giza.)

Day 6, Wednesday, March 21, 2007: (B,L,D)
Special arrangements have been made by Mohamed Nazmy for a private and exclusive early morning tour of Edfu. Traveling by quaint horse-drawn carriages, we visit the Temple of Edfu, which was dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. Built during Ptolemaic rule (approximately 57 BC), Edfu remains the most well preserved temple of its time. Wander through the massive hypostyle-pillared halls and inner sanctuaries of Edfu, and feel the clear masculine energy vibrate within your soul . . . If you have not yet seen our feather-topped trip mascot Bes, you will find him here. Follow the beak of the huge black granite falcon perched directly outside the Edfu pylon and make your way to the smaller birthing temple where you can admire Bes in his aspect as the protector of women and small children, especially women during childbirth. Look up, and you will find him gracing the top of each carved pillar.

After returning to our ship for breakfast, we continue our cruise to Aswan. Relax and wave to the villagers, farmers and fishermen as we glide through the peaceful waters. Situated at Egypt's southernmost border, near the First Cataract of the Nile, Aswan has long been considered one of the world's most beautiful resorts, noted for its natural and peaceful ambiance as opposed to the hustle and bustle of Cairo. Formerly known as "Suene" (or market-place) because of its rich ivory trade, Aswan is also the site of the modern High Dam.

Day 7, Thursday, March 22, 2007: (B,L,D)
Early this morning, we travel by sail boat for a private and exclusive visit to the lush island of Agilikia where the Philae Temple complex was carefully relocated to protect it from the rising water of Lake Nasser after the building of the High Dam. Philae is also the present site of the beautiful Isis Temple, dedicated to the "Great Mother Goddess." The Temples of Philae were originally built by the Egyptians, with later renovations and additions by the Greek Ptolemies and the Romans. A fusion of three great civilizations, the last Pharaonic cult was practiced at Philae, and the latest known hieroglyphic inscriptions (c. 394 AD) still appear there. Soon afterward, the sacred writing of the ancients was lost, and remained a silent mystery for nearly 1400 years. (Watch for Bes - this time, depicted in his aspect as patron of music, dancing and merry-making.)

Later this morning, we will experience a delightfully unforgettable sail on a small Egyptian-style sailboat known as a "felucca". Your blood pressure is practically guaranteed to go down during this tranquil sail.

After the relaxing felucca ride, we will have an opportunity to shop at the Nubian markets, while enjoying the sights, smells and sounds of Aswan. Be ready to bargain for treasures. Don't insult the merchants by immediately offering to pay full price. Emil and your hosts will be glad to help you better understand the fine art o Egyptian bargaining.

Day 8, Friday, March 23, 2007: (B,L,D)
Aswan, sometimes called "the Pearl of Egypt," also serves as the gateway to Nubia. Today you may either spend a free day exploring Aswan, or you may opt for the optional day-trip to Abu Simbel. (Optional fare per person is $220.00 USD. Please make your request in advance.) We strongly encourage you to accompany our hosts on a brief half hour flight to experience this spectacular site. Hewn from a mountain during the long reign of Ramses II (the Pharaoh many believe to have been a contemporary of Moses), this magnificent temple is both an ancient and modern engineering marvel. The iconic complex of Abu Simbel is a "MUST SEE!"

The four colossal stone statues of Ramses II guarding the formidable exterior of the temple of Abu Simbel lead you to the Osiride Hall of the great Pharaoh, where you will find detailed wall reliefs depicting Ramses II triumphantly smiting his enemies in battle. A vestibule leads on to the innermost sanctuary where the Pharaoh's carved likeness is strategically seated alongside three of the most powerful and revered gods of ancient Egypt: Amon, Ptah and Ra-Horakhty. The ancients managed to build the temple with such precision that twice a year (dates of significant importance to Ramses) the rising sun shone straight through to highlight the Pharaoh and the gods in the sanctuary.

Ramses II also commissioned a beautiful second temple at Abu Simbel dedicated to his beloved royal wife, Nefertari, and to the goddess Hathor, ancient deity of love, beauty and music.

Both temples were rescued between 1964-1968, by the Egyptian government (with the unparalleled international assistance of UNESCO), as the original site was destined to be completely submerged following construction of the Aswan High Dam. Even with the assistance of modern technology and a 3000 strong workforce, it took over three yeasr to complete the massive project before the site was reopened on September, 1968.

Day 9, Saturday, March 24, 2007: (B,L,D)
We set sail for Kom Ombo, site of an imposing temple designed symmetrically the right half honored Horus the falcon-headed god (in this case, Horus-the Elder, not Horus-the Child), the left half, Sobek the crocodile shaped god. This ancient temple complex is situated on a hill (kom) overlooking the picturesque east bank of the Nile. In ancient times, Kom Ombo was a healing center (ask Emil to show you the wall reliefs depicting recognizable and remarkably modern looking medical instruments), as well as an important trading town on "The Forty Days Road" from Nubia northward. After exploring Kom Ombo, we continue our leisurely cruise back to Luxor.

Day 10, Sunday, March 25, 2007: (B,L,D)
Enjoy a relaxing day cruising the Nile on our floating hotel, the Sonesta St. George. Experience the stunningly surreal effect of the riverside scenery, which is likely to make you feel as if you are floating back in time.

You are also invited to come to an exclusive art and jewelry display hosted on board by Quest Travel, and featuring a selection of Dawn's unique and inspired works of art. These pieces, some one of a kind, will be available for sale as well as for your viewing pleasure. (Additional Bes Quest paraphernalia may also available for purchase - if Shelli can be persuaded to part with it.) When you have had your fill of soaking up the warm Egyptian sun, try soaking up some knowledge when Dawn presents an insightful lecture on the Art and Wisdom of the Ancients and how it still affects us today.

Day 11, Monday, March 26, 2007: (B)
We bid a fond farewell to our Sonesta cruise ship and check into its luxurious land equivalent, the Sonesta St. George Hotel in Luxor. Quest Travel has arranged for a private and exclusive visit to Dendara. This cult complex is dedicated to the goddess Hathor, known as "The Golden One," but it is affectionately referred to by Dawn and Shelli as "Bes Central." The Temple of Hathor boasts huge stone columns in the shape of Hathor-faced sistrums (stick-like musical instruments), which support a magnificent star-studded ceiling. Absorb the intense female energy resonating from the temple dedicated to the goddess of love, music and beauty. Make sure to visit the underground tomb, then, follow Emil upstairs to see the "Opening of the Year" kiosk on the roof of the temple. Remember to bring flashlights (and extra batteries, as our creations of modern science often tend to lose power at these ancient sites for no apparent reason). You'll want a good view of the rooftop zodiac chamber, featuring a beautifully preserved rendition of the skygoddess, Nut.

On your way out, Shelli will make sure that you don't miss the two birth-houses (mammisi) located to the right (of the life-sized statue of Bes) near the pylon of Dendara. Here, as in Edfu, Bes appears in his protective aspect. (But don't expect Bes to protect you if you should even consider sneaking by his favorite spokeswoman in an attempt to miss her special spiel about our impish mascot, "Bes: Tiny Hero with a Thousand Faces".)

Day 12, Tuesday, March 27, 2007: (B)
A special day awaits you as we make a sunrise visit to Karnak, the largest and most remarkable religious complex ever built! Spanning more than 250 acres, and built over a period of 2000 years, Karnak contains massive temples and intimate chapels, towering obelisks and magnificent statues, incorporating the finest aspects of Egyptian art into a vast multi-dynastic stone collage of kings, queens, gods and priests, and their collective symbolism. Once connected to the Luxor's Temple of Man by a two-mile long avenue of sphinxes. Karnak is considered the theater in which humanity plays out its destiny.

Join Dawn (at dawn, of course) as she shares an ancient healing ritual and meditation in the Sekhmet Temple. Let the power of the great lion-goddess, Sekhmet flow through you, reawakening and renewing your spirit! (As with our mascot, Bes, many modern day travelers - including our very own "Moon Goddess" - often find themselves inexplicably drawn to Sekhmet.)

After breakfast, you have a free day to explore Luxor before disembarking this afternoon for our one-hour flight to Sharm El Shiekh located on the Gulf of Aqaba near the tip of the Sinai peninsula. Upon arrival, where we will be transported by air-conditioned motorcoach to the world-class Movenpick Golf Hotel.

Day 13, Wednesday, March 28, 2007: (B)
Spend a free day enjoying the spectacular flora (coral reefs) and the fauna (vibrantly colored fish) of the Red Sea. Relax on the beach, wind-surf, scuba dive, snorkel, or hire a glassbottomed boat to view the spectacular underwater landscape. Landlubbers may choose to play golf on a course where the multi-colored sandstone canyons, ochre cliffs and pink granite mountains seem to come to life with the play of light unique to this spectacular region.

Day 14, Thursday, March 29, 2007: (B)
Following breakfast, we transfer to the airport for a one-hour flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, we will revisit the Khan El Khalili Bazaar as a group, further honing our bargaining skills while collecting even more treasures. If you do not wish to explore the countless shops, use this time to experience one of the many coffee bars found deep inside the teeming bazaar. Afterward, we check ourselves and our everexpanding luggage into the scenic Le Meridian Pyramids Hotel.

Day 15, Friday, March 30, 2007: (B,L)
After breakfast at the Le Meridian Pyramids Hotel, we drive by air-conditioned motor-coach to the Bahariya Oasis where we will visit the Valley of the Golden Mummies, another intriguing site not open to the general public. Recently discovered by the Egyptian Department of Antiquities - with the unexpected assistance of a trotting donkey whose leg fell into what turned out to be the tomb of more than one hundred beautifully decorated mummies (some wearing golden painted masks) from the Greco-Roman period. It is believed that site may house as many as 10,000 intact burials from the Roman period. We will also visit the Baharia Museum to view its unique artifacts.

Last, but by no means least, we will pay our respects to our trip mascot at the Temple of Bes, the only temple in all of Egypt dedicated to Bes - this time, in his aspect as protector of the grape and date wines, which were the most important products of the Bahariya Oasis at that time. We will continue to enjoy the late afternoon in the shade of the date palms and the cool of the cultivated fields Oasis, before checking into the Palms Valley Hotel.

Day 16, Saturday, March 31, 2007: (B,L)
After breakfast we embark on a Safari to the unique wind-sculpted, moon-like landscape of the White Desert, located between the Bahariya Oasis and the Farafra Oasis. Here, strange white limestone formations rise dramatically from the desert floor, some standing more than fifty feet high! We will eat lunch surrounded by white desert sands, which are uniquely speckled with unusual stone artifacts, crystal quartz and small black meteorites shaped liked stars. After lunch, we return to the Bahariya Oasis and drive to Cairo, where we check back in to the Le Meridian Pyramids Hotel.

Day 17, Sunday, April 1, 2007: (D)
We have saved the very best for last: the Giza Plateau, a World Heritage Site created by the magnificent 4th Dynasty (c. 2575-2465 BC), when pyramid building was at its finest and most architecturally sophisticated. We begin by paying our respects to the Sphinx -- the great lion sentinel carved in situ from limestone of the Giza Plateau. Emil will discuss the ongoing mysteries of the Sphinx, including the hotly debated issue concerning its age. (John Anthony West, in his Emmy-Award winning documentary, "Mystery of the Sphinx", makes a convincing argument that the Sphinx is much older than its accepted age). You may also wish to ponder the idea proposed by some that the legendary "Hall of Records" may still rest under its protective paws.

Next, we will travel by camel to the pyramid area to visit the Great Pyramid, the largest of the three major pyramids on the Giza Plateau. You can't miss it - literally! Spreading across 13.5 square acres at the base and composed of an estimated 2.3 million perfectly cut and fitted stone blocks, this breathtaking stone structure originally stood 481 feet tall. Built nearly 4400 years ago (an engineering feat that we would be hard pressed, at best, to duplicate today), the Great Pyramid remained the tallest manmade structure in the world until the completion of the Eiffel Tower in France thousands of years later. In 1798, Napoleon rallied his troops before a battle that took place within view of the pyramids.

“Soldiers! From the heights of these pyramids,
forty centuries look down upon us!"

Quest Travel has made special arrangements for our group to have the Great Pyramid all to ourselves, including an exclusive and private meditation inside the King's Chamber; a rare treat not usually available to tourists. Allow your soul to be energized with the light and power of the ancients through this unique and powerful experience. You may also visit what has been designated as the Queen's Chamber and view the mysterious "air shafts." The more adventurous (and non- claustrophobic) may want to follow the spiritual journey of the pharaohs (and many famous Greeks and ancient Wisdom initiates who followed in their footsteps) to the mysterious Subterranean Chamber hewn from the living rock of the Giza Plateau. The path is difficult by design; the journey, however, is an unforgettable experience.

On the south side of the Great Pyramid you will see an unassuming modern structure built to cover an ancient 100 foot boat pit and the 140 foot cedar-wood barque (boat) discovered there in 1954. More than 4000 years old, the so called Solar Barque has been completely restored to its original elegance, complete with the Pharaoh's cabin.

Our final stop will provide a fabulous panoramic photo opportunity of the Giza Plateau, complete with festively draped camels for those who wish to include a bit of local color in their photographic composition. Be sure to bring your cameras!

Tonight, we celebrate our Egyptian adventure with a special Farewell Dinner hosted by Quest Travel, international headquarters of Bes Quest. We will also celebrate another very special occasion to be announced then. You will be surprised at the depth of the friendships created during your brief sojourn to this ancient land. Good-byes may be surprisingly hard; however, this feeling will most likely be offset by the unmistakable inner glow that will continue to resonate within, long after your physical body has left the geographical confines of this magical country. You may even find yourself wishing for return visit to continue your quest for Wisdom, Truth and Meaning in this ever-changing world.

Day 18, Monday, April 2, 2007: (B)
Following breakfast at the hotel, you and your newly bulging baggage will be transported to the Cairo International Airport for your flight back home. If you came with an open mind and heart, your life will never be quite the same after your Egyptian experience. Perhaps Florence Nightingale best summed up this rather indescribable feeling in her Letters from Egypt, A Journey on the Nile (1845-1850):

*One wonders that people come back from Egypt and live lives as they did before.*

Testimonials from travelers on Bes Quest I:

MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR OF EGYPT

“As a legal colleague of Shelli’s, I had heard her rave about Egypt for years before deciding to come along on Bes Quest I. I now understand what she means when she says Egypt is a spiritual Disney World, and Bes is its Mickey Mouse – welcoming all visitors to the world’s original magic kingdom!”

Mark A. Roscoe, Valparaiso, IN

Guaranteed Recipe for Cabin-fever:

Mix the delightfully warm spring sunshine of Egypt with just the right touch of ancient wisdom (expertly provided by your guides), add the stunning art and design of Dawn Gaskill, saturate yourself in one of Shelli’s ‘Story of Bes’ Adventures (real or imaginary), toss in an impish trip mascot of ancient Egyptian legend, and you may never want to go home again. I know I didn’t.”

Arlene Sukolsky, San Rafael, CA

"It was THE TRIP of a lifetime in a lifetime of trips! I felt like both Indiana Jones and Miss Marple Could have been with us."

Delilah Perkinson,

Dallas, TX

“Egypt is very grounding for me, and yet, the moment I walk into the Great Pyramid of Giza, I find myself blasting through the dimensions, and merging with the divine. . . In 2005, on the Holy Day of Shivaratri, I chanted sacred mantras inside the King’s Chambers of the Great Pyramid. Holding hands with a beautiful woman named Lisa, our eyes closed as we chanted “Om,” the primordial sound. Then came an explosion of light . . . between us and in us! . . . That night, it rained more in Cario and Giza than it had in over ten years. The power with-in and the power in all . . . .”

Scott Carlson, Dallas, Texas

“One of the most memorable days of my life is when I traveled to Egypt for the first time in 1992. After the long flight from New York, our Egyptian travel guides greeted me with an unexpected phrase: “Welcome home.” Yet, the words rang in my heart then, and continue to do so to this day. I felt as if I had finally found what I had been searching for all my life -- a reentry into my deepest core . . . That was the beginning of one of the most mind expanding experiences of my life; one that draws me back to Egypt again and again, to “go home.” I’ve been to Egypt six times in the past 14 years and plan to go back again next year and for as long as the universe provides me with the opportunity. . . .”

Diane T. Eichenbaum,
Panama City, Florida

A Message from your Hosts:

While we have tried to give you an overview of the various places you will visit and the wonders you will see during your magical visit to this ancient and mysterious land, we have barely touched the surface as the journey truly defies description. The experiences of each individual will be as varied and unique as the participants themselves, lifting your spirits while
leaving a special and transforming
" fingerprint" on your soul.

Dawn Gaskill, Trip Leader and Coordinator
(Artist, Designer, Lecturer, and honorary "Mistress of the Arts")
Telephone: 214-239-4484 (Dallas phone number that rings in Dawn's home
in San Miguel de Allende, MX)
Local number for fellow residents of San Miguel: 154-4813

E-mail: dawn@dawndesigns.com

Shelli Wright Johnson , Trip Consultant, Co-Host
(Attorney at law, Author of the Story of Bes Adventures, and Bes Enthusiast)
555 N 300 East, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Home phone: 219-465-1887; Office: 219-762-7787

E-mail: SWJ22@aol.com

Mohamed Nazmy, President of Quest Travel
(Affectionately known to his grateful guests as "The Surgeon"
for his skill, ease and steady grace demonstrated while slipping us
in and out of the most special places.)
106 Nadi El Ramaya Buildings
Pyramids - Giza - Egypt
Telephone: 202-3768000 or 202-3768444

Fax: 202-3763810; E-mail: quest@link.net

***************************

Please remember that we purposely try to keep out tours small,
with a select group of travelers.
Space is limited, so book early to ensure your place on

Bes Quest II: A Magical Mystery Tour of Egypt.

LAND PACKAGE PRCE

	Net price per person, double occupancy:	$ 3480.00
	Single Supplement:	$ 995.00

WHAT'S INCLUDED

	Greeting and assistance at Egyptian airports
	All touring and transfers in air-conditioned motor coach
	Licensed English-speaking Egyptologist and Guide
	Entrance fees to all visits mentioned in the Trip Itinerary (excluding such extras as an optional visit to King Tut's tomb or Luxor Museum)
	Transfer to and from all Egyptian airports
	All hotel and cruise taxes, service charges and government sales taxes
	2 nights hotel accommodations at the Cairo Hilton Hotel
	*7 nights cruise aboard the Sonesta St. George* with breakfast, lunch and dinner each day (B+L+D)**
	*1 night accommodations at Sonesta St. George Hotel* - in Luxor**
	*2 nights accommodations on the Red Sea at the Movenpick Golf Resort* in Sharm El Shiekh**
	*3 nights accommodations at Le Meridian Pyramids Hotel* - in Cairo**
	1 night accommodations in the Baharia Oasis
	*All sightseeing as indicated on Itinerary, and a felucca* (Egyptian sailboat) ride on the Nile**
	Daily buffet breakfast (B)
	Lunches and dinners as indicated in Itinerary (L+D)
	Farewell dinner at one of the finer restaurants in Cairo
	"Bes Quest II: Magical Mystery Tour of Egypt" tote bag, filled with trip materials and special surprises from your hosts (and more fun surprises to follow courtesy of our trip mascot, Bes)
	White Desert Safari
	Private and Exclusive meditation in the Great Pyramid (A very unique and special experience!!)
	Private and Exclusive visit to Edfu Temple at night
	Private and Exclusive visits to Dendara Temple, and to Temple of Isis at Philae

WHAT'S EXCLUDED

	Individual entry visa to Egypt ($25 USD for Americans, Europeans and Australians); citizens of other countries, please check with the Egyptian consulate in your home country
	International airline tickets and Optional hot-air balloon ride in Luxor
	Optional day trip to Abu Simbel (cost includes airfare, guide, and all admittance fees)
	Meals and drinks not specified in the Trip Itinerary
	Tips for the tour leader, guide, guards, drivers, Nile cruise and hotel staff ( estimated at $10.00 per person, per day @ 14 days = $140.00 total )
	Trip insurance, and other such personal options

PAYMENT:

	$500.00 per person trip deposit on or before August 1, 2006
	$500.00 per person second trip deposit on or before October 1, 2006
	$500.00 per person third trip deposit on or before January 1, 2007
	Final and full payment to Quest Travel upon arrival in cash or travelers' checks

CANCELLATION POLICY:

	$500.00 refunded for cancellations received 30 or more days prior to scheduled arrival
	Sorry. No refunds for cancellations received 29 or fewer days prior to scheduled arrival

EXTRA NIGHTS ACCOMDATIONS/ PRE AND POST-TRIP UPON REQUEST:

	Single room: $140.00 USD per night. all inclusive with tax, service charges and breakfast
	Double room: $160.00 USD per night, all inclusive with tax, service charges and breakfast

Please note that this Itinerary is subject to change due to reasons beyond our control.