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November / December 2006 Article

Location. Location. Location. An incentive dream.
Land of pharaohs and sphinx and feluccas on the Nile

“Can you see anything?” Lord Carnarvon anxiously asked. “Yes, wonderful things,” Howard Carter replied.

This oft-told story of the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb might well echo the answer a visitor to Egypt might give when asked what he discovered on his trip there.  Kim Hester Director of Meetings and Incentives, Travel Dynamics Group, Inc., La Jolla, California, describes her recent trip to Egypt as “just one big "wow" after another! It completely exceeded all our expectations and created … memories to last a lifetime.”

Kim was assisted with her journey by Emeco Travel, the GEP partner in Egypt.

Traveling with her family but with an eye toward incentives, Kim reports that Egypt has aspects that can make incentives not only spectacular but efficient.  “All of the great sights are so close together.  It is logistically compact,” she explains, cutting down on travel time and giving more time to enjoy the splendors.

And what splendors…

Just minutes outside of Cairo lie the Great Pyramids of Giza

Of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Khufu’s Pyramid is the only survivor. It originally stood 481 feet high, covering about thirteen acres of land.  “The pyramids that you dream about seeing exceed expectations,” Kim says.  “You don’t really get an idea of scale in photographs.  When you stand at the base, you cannot see the top.” 

The nearby Sphinx serves as the narrator of a nighttime Sound and Light Show that tells the history of the area while providing dramatic illumination of the antiquities.

Other highlights of a visit to Egypt include:

A Cruise on the River Nile.
Kim describes her cabin as intimate with a small balcony allowing for spectacular views of sunrise over the Nile.

A highlight of her cruise was shopping for an outfit for the closing night Galabeya Dinner, where guests were encouraged to wear the long traditional Egyptian robe.  While the boat slowed down to go through a lock, vendors would toss up bags containing galabeyas for the passengers to consider.  If the size was wrong, the bag was thrown back.  If a deal was made, the vendor would send off a waterproof bag for payment. The equivalent of about $12 to $20 for the robe would go into the pouch and get tossed back to complete the transaction.  The galabeya provided a cool garment for the dinner and a souvenir for home.

Typical Nile cruises are either three, four or seven nights. The shorter tours usually operate between Luxor and Aswan, while the longer cruises travel further north to Dendera, often offering day tours overland to more remote locations. Boat capacity ranges from 30 to 150.

Alexandria and the Mediterranean
Known widely as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean" Alexandria is Egypt's second largest city and center of industry. With an atmosphere more Mediterranean than Middle Eastern the city has a sensational history and sandy beaches. Alexandria was home to the Pharos Lighthouse - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Alexandria became the capital of Graeco-Roman Egypt. It witnessed the stormy relationship between Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and 1,800 years later the landing of Napoleon.

Luxor and King Tut
Bordering the banks of the Nile, Luxor on the east and Thebes on the west contain 80% of Egyptian artifacts, all within a short distance of each other.  Their ancient treasures include the Luxor and Karnak temples, the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens and tombs of the nobles. Perhaps most famous is Tutankhamun's Tomb, whose wonders were described by Lord Carnarvon and Carter in 1923.

Visitors may ride through the Theban Kingdom in a horse-drawn carriage, sail a felucca or take a sunset cruise on the tranquil Nile waters or even view the fantastic panorama from a hot-air balloon.

Aswan ancient and modern
The sunny city of Aswan, located 550 miles south of Cairo, is the starting and ending point of Nile cruises and is a favorite winter vacation spot. Beautiful Nile waters and palm groves and tropical plants on emerald isles represent its natural appeal while ancient temples and its two famous dams draw fans of history and engineering. With a distinctly African atmosphere, Aswan provides yet another contrast to other Egyptian cities.

Sharm El Sheikh and its beach
For pure relaxation, Egypt offers this summer and winter resort area. Visitors can enjoy a multitude of on-land and sea activities, from horse and camel riding or desert safaris to diving, snorkeling and windsurfing. Sharm is a hub for scuba diving lessons.

Dining
“The fresh seafood is fabulous,” Kim says “and the melons are incredible.” Other Egyptian specialties include grilled meats, lamb, couscous, tabbouleh and eggplant.  Kim happily recalls a memorable lobster dinner on a sandy beach.  In Cairo, four people can eat a gourmet meal for under $100, she reports.

Shopping and Gifts
Your name in hieroglyphics on papyrus or a cartouche pendant in silver or gold can only mean you have been in Egypt.  Other gifts for yourself or those back home could include carpets, silks, cotton, tablecloths, jewelry, mother of pearl, perfume bottles, copper and brass; even a hookah, hand painted with an intricate design. Ancient markets and modern malls provide a variety of well-priced treasures and, if you like, the fun of haggling.

Why go to Egypt

• “Staggering. Amazing” It takes every superlative you know to describe what you’ll see.
• The dollar goes far in Egypt in terms of dining, lodging, and shopping. Good meals are about half the price of what you’d pay elsewhere, Kim says.
• People are very welcoming and friendly to Americans, she reports
• The great sights are easily accessible, either a few minutes drive or a short flight away.
• Egypt is a new travel location for most.

“The history, the culture and the warm hospitality all make me anxious to return - with a group - soon!” Kim concludes.

Get more information on award-winning Travel Dynamics Group.

For more information on planning a meeting or incentive with Emeco Travel, contact your GEP representative or e-mail newsletter@theeventinsider.com.