Night 1, 2, 3 & 4: Mena House Oberoi Cairo, Egypt This palatial hotel lies in the shadow of Cairo’s Great Pyramids and Tauck’s guest rooms offer views of the Pyramids! Originally built as a royal hunting lodge in the mid-19th century, it has welcomed crowned heads, heads of state, and internationally known celebrities during its long history. Its royal heritage is reflected in luxurious interiors that are embellished with exquisite antiques, handcrafted furniture and rich textiles. Generously proportioned guest rooms have high ceilings, satellite TV and DVD player, broadband Internet access, electronic safe and direct-dial telephone with voice mail. Set in a beautifully landscaped garden with a wonderful view of the Pyramids, the outdoor swimming pool is most inviting and the Fitness Centre stands ready with a wide range of exercise equipment. Begin the evening with an aperitif while gazing at the Pyramids at the Sultan Lounge or, if you’re a night owl, Abu Newas offers a “night to remember,” complete with a belly dancer. Readers of Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler have voted the Mena House Oberoi one of the world’s best hotels.
Night 5, 6 & 7: Aboard Nile Adventurer Cruising the Nile River One of the very finest passenger vessels plying the waters of the River Nile, the Nile Adventurer provides a comfortable, intimate, yacht-like ambiance from which to watch the ever-unfolding scenes along the legendary river. Comfortable staterooms feature large picture windows, private bath with tub and shower and welcome amenities such as a color TV and a CD player. The five passenger decks offer an outdoor swimming pool, two sun decks, a library, two bars and a lounge, as well as laundry facilities, a game room and a gift shop, and the dining room features an international menu. The relaxed and intimate atmosphere aboard Nile Adventurer is enhanced by special activities such as a cooking demonstration and an evening with the opportunity to dress in a traditional galabeyya while enjoying Egyptian cuisine, music and dancing.
Night 8: Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor Luxor, Egypt Once a majestic private residence, the Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor is ideally located on the banks of the River Nile in the heart of the tourist district of Luxor, a city rich in ancient treasures and the cultural heritage of Egypt. Welcoming guest rooms feature individually adjustable air conditioning, mini bar, Internet access, satellite TV, and in-room safe. Guests enjoy a superb leisure center with an outdoor heated swimming pool, sauna and fitness room. Enjoy your favorite libation as you watch the sun set over the Nile at the Nile Bar and Lounge and savor local / international, Lebanese or Italian cuisine in three main restaurants – The Nubia, El Tarboush, and Casa de Napoli.
Night 9 & 10: Mövenpick Resort Petra Petra, Jordan One of the most notable hotels in the Middle East, the Mövenpick Resort Petra is located directly at the entrance to the historic pink city of Petra. Air-conditioned guest rooms welcome with a coffee/tea maker, mini bar, wireless Internet connection, hair dryer and an in-room safe. You’ll find a number of books about Petra and Jordan in the library and you can take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool, relax in the steam bath or work out in the fully equipped gym. Al Ghadeer Roof Garden is the place to take in the stunning sunset while enjoying a snack, a drink or even an arglieh (water pipe) during the summer months. With seven different dining and entertainment venues to choose from, you’ll find the perfect spot to relax after an exciting day exploring Petra.
Night 11 & 12: Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea Dead Sea, Jordan Built in the style of a traditional village, the Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea is set on the northern shores of the Dead Sea at the lowest point on earth. Guest rooms, each with its own balcony or terrace, provide individually controlled air conditioning, mini bar, satellite TV, wired Internet connection, coffee/tea maker and hair dryer. Swim in the Dead Sea, the beach lounge infinity pool or the heated winter pool, soak in the Jacuzzi, play tennis or beach volley ball or take advantage of the large fitness room. The ZARA Spa, one of the most advanced spa facilities in the Middle East, offers a wide array of pampering spa experiences. Dine on Asian cuisine at Chopsticks, Italian fare at Luigi’s, enjoy a Mediterranean country-kitchen ambiance at Al Saraya, or choose The Grill for meats, poultry or fish grilled to perfection. Taste a traditional shisha (water pipe) at the Valley Café and Bar, as well as premium Mövenpick ice cream, coffee and tea. End the evening with a nightcap on the terrace at the Al Khayyam Bar and Al Hana Lounge overlooking the river valley and the Dead Sea.