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Lindblad puts Egypt back in the charts

(Photo: Oberoi Hotels & Resorts)
The program features a six-night cruise on the Oberoi Philae, rebuilt to carry just 42 passengers
Lindblad Expeditions will return to Egypt this year with a journey that combines explorations of Cairo and a stay at the Nile Ritz-Carlton and the historic Mena House with a six-night Nile cruise.

The 13-day 'Passage Through Egypt' includes a cruise on the 42-passenger Oberoi Philae.  

The program features a visit to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and sites along the Nile including Abu Simbel and Giza, accompanied by a team of Egyptologist guides. Participants will travel via private aircraft for all internal flights.

'I am so pleased to announce the resumption of our program in 2018,' CEO Sven Lindblad said, adding that he first traveled to Egypt with his father in 1961, when Lars-Eric Lindblad was researching his first expedition there.

'The journey was epic, and the experience was indelible. Things are very much on the upswing, and there is a pervasive optimism there about the future. And the resplendent antiquities remain,' Lindblad said.

The program offers privileged access to some remarkable sites, accompanied by a Lindblad-certified photo instructor who will help participants build their skills and take their best pictures of iconic sites.

Besides Cairo, highlights include Luxor, for visits to the Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and, by special permit, one of the most remarkable tombs of all: that of Nefertari, located in the Valley of the Queens.

In Aswan travelers will visit the island temple of Philae and the Nubian Museum, take tea at the legendary Old Cataract Hotel and sail on a felucca. In Abu Simbel, they'll see the two great temples built by Ramses II, disassembled and moved, block by massive block, to higher ground when the Nile was dammed at Aswan.

At Giza, the group will explore Saqqara and go inside the Great Pyramid, following the narrow passageway to the burial chamber of Cheops.

The Oberoi Philae was built for 100 passengers then completely remodeled to accommodate just 42 in 22 cabins, including four suites. Nearly floor to ceiling windows offer idyllic views, while the top deck has a swimming pool and an alfresco restaurant. There's a spa, too.

Departures are Oct. 28 and Nov. 25 in 2018, and Jan. 20 and March 17 in 2019. Rates begin at $8,480 per person, double occupancy. An optional five-day post-voyage extension to Jordan is available.