About Our Destination
Climate
Expect temperatures in the mid-70s during the day and low-60s at night. Check www.weather.com for the most current weather.
Currency
Egypt’s official currency is the Egyptian pound. The Jordanian Dinar is the official currency in Jordan. Check www.xe.com for current exchange rates.
Languages
Arabic is spoken in Egypt and Jordan; however, English is widely spoken.
Health & Safety
Health & Safety
We highly recommend a COVID-19 vaccination, plus booster for this trip. We strongly encourage you take a COVID-19 test prior to leaving home for your trip to ensure you are COVID-negative. We will keep you updated with COVID protocols as we get closer to the trip date.To learn more about Avalon's Health & Safety protocols, please click here. Please note, protocols may be revised as we get closer to the trip.
Before Your Trip
Cancellation Policy
Unexpected events can cause you to cancel your vacation. Because we are committed to this charter, we must strictly adhere to our cancellation policy as outlined in our Olivia Terms & Conditions.
Transfer funds are nonrefundable and nontransferable from the point of sale forward.
Celebrations—Birthdays, Anniversaries, Honeymoons and more
If you will have a birthday or other celebration during your vacation and have not already informed your Olivia Travel Consultant, please let us know as soon as possible, but no less than 90 days prior to the trip. You can register at Olivia Honeymoon Wishes for your honeymoon, anniversary, or other special celebration; browse through the selections and let your friends know just how easy it is for them to purchase a gift for you.
Connect with other guests: Join the Facebook Group
If you'd like to chat with people who are going on the trip, join Olivia’s official 2023 Egypt, Nile Cruise & Jordan group on Facebook.
Olivia Travel Gear Store
To help you get ready for your vacation, we’ve partnered with New Headings to create Olivia Travel Gear, our own online gear and apparel store featuring items from leading brands, including Craghoppers, Patagonia, Teva, Outdoor Research, and Eagle Creek. Visit olivia.newheadings.com for more information!Passport and Visa
You will need a passport that is valid for six months past the date of the trip. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with both your country’s consulate and the consulates of the countries we will be visiting to ensure you meet all requirements. Your passport should have at least 3-4 blank pages for your visa and passport stamps.
All travelers entering Egypt must obtain an entry visa. Avalon’s ground operator will be waiting for guests upon arrival at the Cairo International Airport and will provide a stamp visa to be placed in your passport. You will then proceed through immigration. This is an included service and will be provided to passport holders of the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Europe. Passport holders of other countries must obtain a visa from the Egyptian consulate in their country of origin. This visa can only be provided for guests who take the included transfer from the airport to our program hotel on arrival day. We will require your flight details. If you make independent arrangements prior to the start of the program, you will not be eligible to obtain the included visa stamp on arrival and will need to obtain a visa on your own.
To obtain an Egyptian tourist visa on your own upon arrival at the Cairo International Airport, visit any immigration kiosk at the airport terminal and purchase a visa for $25 U.S. dollars before going to immigration. A visa upon arrival must be paid in exact U.S. dollars; card payment is not accepted. You will be given a sticker to place in your passport. Travelers who wish to pay for their visa by credit card need to apply online.
Specific Needs—Dietary, Medical, and Mobility
If you have specific medical or dietary needs, please advise us at time of booking. Complex food allergies and/or needs must be submitted to Olivia 90 days prior to the trip. Resources in some destinations are limited. If you have a very specific request, please contact Olivia Guest Services at guestservices@olivia.com
Travel Insurance
Olivia recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your trip investment against the unexpected. Visit our Insurance page olivia.com/travel-insurance for more information.
For a travel insurance quote, more information or to purchase a protection plan, please call Olivia at 800-631-6277 and select option 1 for a travel consultant.
Vacation Stretchers
We will be offering a 1- and 2-night PRE Hotel package only, November 23-24 or November 22-24, 2023. This will be available to purchase up by the end of June 2023. It will include your visa and assistance at the airport, transfer from Cairo airport to the hotel, luggage assistance, and breakfast. No post stretchers will be offered.
Vaccinations
Avalon requires that all guests traveling on this vacation show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination, which may include a booster shot to keep vaccination status current and valid. Please check with your local Public Health Department or personal physician regarding immunization requirements for all countries you are visiting. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at: www.cdc.gov. Click on the Travelers’ Health tab, then click on Destinations, and choose your destination from the “For Travelers” pull-down menu.
2023 EGYPT, NILE CRUISE & JORDAN |
START DATE | END DATE | FEE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancellation 365 days or more prior to trip date | 11/24/2022 | 50% of trip cost | |
| Cancellation 0-364 days prior to trip date | 11/25/2022 | 11/24/2023 | 100% of trip cost (no refund) |
To help you get ready for your vacation, we’ve partnered with New Headings to create Olivia Travel Gear, our own online gear and apparel store featuring items from leading brands, including Craghoppers, Patagonia, Teva, Outdoor Research, and Eagle Creek. Visit olivia.newheadings.com for more information!
Travel & Arrival
Air Discounts
Save up to 15% on your airfare through our partner airlines. Please visit our airfare discount page for the most up-to-date information.
Airport and Flight Arrival/Departure Times
You will need to fly into Cairo, Egypt (CAI) and out of Amman, Jordan (AMM). You can arrive on November 24, 2023 and depart on December 7, 2023 at any time.
Luggage Allowances
While there is no luggage limit on the cruise itself, airlines often restrict (or charge) for excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances. For this trip, we recommend no more than one large piece and one smaller carry-on for ease of travel. Avalon requests that all guests bring only one piece of checked-luggage each to ensure there is enough space on the coaches for airport transfers throughout the vacation.
Check-in
Check-in at your hotel in Cairo is 3 pm. Check-out at your hotel at the end of the program is 11 am.
During your trip
What’s Included?
What’s not included?
Airfare home to Cairo and from Amman to home; optional shore excursions; meals and beverages not indicated; medical attention; travel insurance; and other personal incidentals.
Accommodations
Your ship
In Arabic, Farah means Happiness and Joy. In this spirit, we’re thrilled to be sailing on the MS Farah—one of Egypt’s most elite ships on the Nile—in partnership with Avalon Waterways. Cruise in style and comfort, while enjoying the mysterious and magnificent sights and experiences only found in the Egyptian landscapes. The MS Farah ship’s staterooms and suites, feature style and comfort with oversized French balconies that are virtually wall-sized. Avalon insists on the best view and best crew to treat you like royalty while exploring the treasures of this incredible voyage! Exploring the Nile River aboard the MS Farah is an elegant, first class experience with a touch of mystery combined with an old-world spirit of adventure and state-of-the-art comfort
Ship amenities:
Every single detail of your ship was designed to reflect the luxury of hospitality—from the hand-polished Mediterranean stone floors to the spacious triple height foyer and the shiny black glass reception desk that stands like a black pearl amidst a seashell. Advanced ventilation system for a healthier indoor environment; 24/7 front reception desk; a lavish large restaurant; a contemporary Lounge Bar; Sun Deck with seating, pool, bar, telescope and shade system; gym, sauna and steam rooms free of charge; room service; on call doctor; library located in a serene corner and dedicated to Paulo Coelho, one of the most widely read and influential authors writing today; gift shop, hair dresser and boutiques; complete water purification station; complimentary wifi throughout.
Cabin amenities:
All cabins and suites are equipped with air conditioning, handmade Egyptian cotton sheets, mini-bar, LED Satellite TV, bathtub/shower combination, walk-in shower, king-sized bed or two twin-sized beds that convert to king, hairdryer, safe, telephone, laundry service, in-room dining. All cabins are non-smoking.
Dining
Enjoy a la carte meals in the lavish large restaurant each night for dinner. Both breakfast and lunch are offered in an open buffet. One evening will be an Egyptian buffet.
Electricity
Cabins are equipped with 110- and 220-volt electricity. Adapters should be 2-round prongs.
Entertainment & Programming
We will bring 1-2 Olivia entertainers to perform while we are cruising the Nile River. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy local entertainment along the way.
Excursions
Exploring each stop on our itinerary will be the highlight of your vacation. A guided tour is offered each day. Visit our itinerary page for a day-by-day overview.
Gentle Walkers
We will designate a group on each included tour whenever possible as a “Gentle Walkers” group. This is for guests who need a little extra time walking and also for photographers who like to stop and take more photos. For guests who cannot stand for long periods of time, we recommend purchasing a cane that can also fold out to be a seat so you can rest while the group stops to listen to the guides.
Gratuities
All gratuities are included. Should you receive exceptional service and wish to tip more, the extra Olivia love is always appreciated.
Internet and Mobile Phones
Complimentary wifi is included throughout the program dates.
Laundry Facilities
Laundry service is available on board for a fee.
Medical Services
There are hospitals in all the major cities we will visit. The ship does not have an onboard doctor.
Money: On-Trip Purchases
All purchases made on the ship will be charged to your onboard account, which you create at check-in. Cash, Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted. You will also need to register a credit card at each hotel to cover any incidental charges.
Smoking policy
The MS Farah is completely non-smoking in all indoor public areas. Smoking is not permitted in your cabins or French balconies. We will designate a smoking area on an outdoor deck.
Solo Travelers
Due to the intimate size of this trip, our solo room share program is not available.
Spa & Fitness Services
Enjoy complimentary access to the gym, steam and sauna. Massage services are available for a fee.
Telephone
Each cabin has a phone which you may use to call cabin-to-cabin, and to the various onboard facilities.
- 14 days/13 nights land/hotel and cruise in Egypt and Jordan
- 3 nights pre-hotel at the Marriott Mena House in Cairo
- 4 nights on board Avalon’s MS Farah cruising The Nile
- 2 nights at the Hilton Heliopolis in Cairo
- 4 nights in Jordan
- Meals on land as indicated on itinerary
- Flights from Cairo to Luxor; Aswan to Cairo; Cairo to Amman, Jordan
- Arrival airport transfers in Cairo and departure airport transfers in Amman
- Team Olivia assistance throughout
- All meals and snacks served on board ship, including western and regional cuisine and vegetarian options
- Buffet breakfast and lunch; a la carte dinner while on ship
- 2 complimentary glasses of wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner on ship
- BBQ lunches and dinners on the Sun Deck (weather permitting)
- Welcome drink and refreshing towels
- In cabin fruit basket, cookies, canapes, and nuts
- Complimentary wifi throughout
- Included shore excursions and lectures with an Egyptologist
- Audio headsets for shore excursions
- On board Egyptian cooking class by the Chef
- Access to sauna, steam rooms, and gym to ensure maximum relaxation
- Access to the Sun Deck telescope for stargazing
- Pillow menu—choose from soft, delicate, water, orthopedic, spongy, or simple
- Complimentary AvalonGo mobile app for guests' personal devices offering port information and GPS-enabled maps
- Pre-paid gratuities throughout
After Your Trip
Transfers to the airport
Your transfer from the Dead Sea to the Amman International Airport is included.
Vacation Stretchers
As this is a 14-day trip, there are no post-vacation stretchers for this trip.
This trip requires a high level of mobility as you must be able to walk long distances, up and down stairs of varying steepness and heights, up varied inclines, down varied declines and over very uneven ground to do this tour. This trip is not suitable for canes, scooters, or wheelchairs. Please note, the ship does not have an elevator.
Our Travel Consultants can be reached at USA or Canada: 800.631.6277 or International 415.962.5700, option 1.
