The WONDERS of EGYPT!

February 17 – 26, 2012

Superb Tours for Gay & Lesbian Travelers since 1998

575 Pierce Street, Suite 604 • San Francisco, CA 94117 • (888) 431-6789 • (415) 626-5678 info@venture-out.com • www.venture-out.com

2

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Egypt is a glorious open-air museum of astounding temples and monuments. We take in the full measure of Egypt’s epic 5,000-year-long story from the Great Pyramids to the legendary Nile, where we cruise in the wake of the Pharaohs on our Dahabiya. The grand-scale Temple of Karnak, the famed tomb of Tutankhamen, and the haunting mortuary temple of Ramses the Great are among the wonders of our inspiring journey. Undoubtedly, sailing the River Nile in style is something you’ll never forget! This is a traveler’s dream journey—exploring by a 16-passenger Dahabiya, the traditional two-masted yacht of the Nile. We discover the great monuments of ancient Egypt that line this legendary river valley from Luxor to Aswan, as well as fascinating out-of-the-way sites. Ours is an intimate Nile experience. Our boat recalls a nostalgic era of travel, yet it has all of the modern comforts.

3-night cruise on our 16-passenger Dahabiya for extraordinary Nile-side temples from Luxor to Aswan

Valley of the Kings -- Abu Simbel -- the Great Pyramids at Giza

Expert Egyptologist accompanying us The Egyptian Museum in Cairo Luxor Museum Optional hot air balloon and camel rides

3

1

ITINERARY {Please note: The following itinerary represents our best intentions for this 10-day tour through Egypt. We reserve the right to modify some of the itinerary details if circumstances dictate.} Day 1 - Arrival in Luxor - Friday, February 17, 2012 Upon arrival at the Luxor airport, you will be met and transferred to our beautiful hotel -- one of the most attractive, unique and stylish in Egypt. Our Trip Orientation meeting early this evening is followed by a Welcome Dinner. Welcome drink and dinner included {Logistical Note: Please try to arrive in Luxor by 5:00pm so that you have time to get to the hotel and meet for our welcome drink and dinner. If you would like to arrive a day early we can set up an extra night at our group hotel. Please note that an early arrival might be required depending on your air schedule.}

Day 2 - Luxor's East Bank We will begin our explorations with the stupendous Karnak Temple, the largest ancient religious site in the world. The complex, with its forest of stone columns, was built by over 30 different pharaohs, starting from 1600BC, making it one of the most special sites in the world. Then we move on to the excellent Luxor Museum, which stands on a promenade overlooking the Nile River and contains one of the best displays of antiquities in Egypt. Among the most striking items on show are grave goods from the tomb of Tutankhamun and a

collection of 26 exceptionally well preserved New Kingdom statues that were found buried in a cache in nearby Luxor Temple in 1989. The royal mummies of two pharaohs - Ahmose I and Ramesses I - were also put on display in March 2004. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included

4

2

Day 3 - Luxor's West Bank Very early this morning you will have the option for an amazing experience to awaken your senses -- a sunrise balloon ride on Luxor’s West Bank, taking in the sites from quite a different and wonderful perspective. (An extra cost applies.) Luxor, the former Thebes and ancient Egypt's New Kingdom capital, is home to a plethora of Egypt’s historical sites. Today we will visit two of these: the

Valley of the Kings, where Howard Carter made his epic discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen in 1922, and Hatchepsut’s Temple. The 63 burial chambers in the Valley of the Kings were constructed over a period of 500 years (16th to 11th centuries BC) for the kings and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom. A handful of the tombs are open today, including King Tutankhamun’s. You will be amazed by the vivid paintings found within! (Note: there is a separate admission fee for King Tut's tomb.) The mortuary temple of Queen Hatchepsut was carved into the West Bank Mountains in a contemporary fashion. Inside the hieroglyphics recite the tale of her divine birth and expedition to the lands south of modern day Egypt. Finally today, we’ll board our beautiful Dahabiya and set sail for Edfu. The term Dahabiya means "golden boat," as they were once the preserve of the royals and were common on the Nile in 19th and early 20th centuries. Now it’s our opportunity to experience life on the Nile aboard one of these lovely vessels. Our home for three nights, the Dahabiya features eight en-suite cabins, a lounge, and a top deck perfect for relaxation, sunbathing, Jacuzzi-soaking, and just taking in the Nile scenery as we glide gently past riverbank villages and countryside. With a shallow draft, these vessels navigate not only on the main river but also in the canals threading through its banks. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included Days 4-5: Edfu Temple We’ll enjoy lunch on board as we sail to Edfu, home of the Temple of Horus. Once obscured by layers of sand and silt, this temple is a relatively recent discovery and features a completely intact roof and amazing wall carvings. Day 5 is a full day of “kickback” leisurely sailing on the Dahabiya with plenty of time to relax and

5

3

appreciate the beauty of this majestic waterway that is the Nile. This is what holidays are all about! -- a day of easy-going sailing, enjoying the scenery, and coming to the realization that you really are cruising the Nile! Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner both days

Day 6 - Disembark Dahabiya / Abu Simbel The cruise ends this morning as we arrive in Aswan, the meeting point of Egyptian and Nubian cultures. After disembarking from our Dahabiya near Aswan we will travel farther south by road to Abu Simbel, home to one of Ramses II’s greatest masterpieces. Ramses II, known as the Great Builder, requested this temple with its colossal statues be built into the face of a mountain, aligned with the rising sun. Standing unscathed for millennia, our modern technology eventually threatened its

existence. To combat the effects of the Aswan High Dam, a team of archaeologists raised the entire temple 61 meters, trumping the engineering genius of Ramses II. You will have the option of visiting this masterpiece either this afternoon or during sunrise the next morning. Additionally, you can visit the temple for a sound and light show in the evening (extra cost applies). Overnight in Abu Simbel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included Day 7 – Aswan This morning we return to Aswan for some sightseeing, including the controversial Aswan High Dam. The afternoon will have free time to follow your own interests. Perhaps you'd like to visit the majestic Philae Temple set on its own island. Also on offer are the wonderful new Nubian Museum, the Granite Quarries, and camel rides. (Extra costs apply.) Or maybe you'll just want to relax by the pool at our luxury 5-star hotel. Breakfast, Lunch included

6

4

Day 8 - Islamic Cairo This morning we fly to Cairo to begin our discovery of this amazing city. We will have a tour of the famed Egyptian Museum which speaks for itself – home of the treasures of King Tutankhamun (the Boy King), the Royal Mummies room (a separate admission fee applies to this room), and over 120,000 other artifacts from the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms

to keep you awe-struck. Also in store for us is an evening walking tour of Islamic Cairo. We'll enjoy strolling through the beautifully renovated area between Bab al Fetouh and Bab al Zuweila in the Khan al Khalili Bazaar area. Khan al Khalili dates back to 1382, home to caravanserai and madrassas. Nowadays, the souk is known for its array of textiles, perfumes, and jewelry on offer but still holds onto its Islamic past with dozens of beautiful mosques scattered within the market area. If you enjoy haggling, you'll be in heaven here! This evening we have a wonderful dinner together at one of Cairo’s excellent downtown restaurants. Breakfast, Dinner included

Day 9 - The Pyramids at Giza / Egyptian Museum And finally . . . we will visit the only remaining monument of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Great Pyramids at Giza which epitomize the mystery of ancient Egypt. They were already 2000 years old when Alexander the Great’s army swept through in 332 BC. You will have the opportunity to explore these wondrous tombs of the Pharaohs dating back to the 25th century BC. For the

more adventurous, you may explore the inner chambers of one of the pyramids. We will also visit the lion-headed Sphinx. Later, we will tour the necropolis of Saqqara, the oldest complete hewn-stone building complex in history. The Step Pyramid at Saqqara was designed by Imhotep for King Djoser in approximately 2650BC and still evokes awe in today’s visitors.

7

5

In the evening we will gather for a Farewell Dinner at one of Cairo’s trendy restaurants. Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner included Day 10 - Departure You will be transferred to the airport for your homeward-bound flight -- no doubt with some amazing stories to tell when you get back! Breakfast included {Please note: The preceding itinerary represents our best intentions for this 10-day tour through Egypt. We reserve the right to modify some of the itinerary details if circumstances dictate.}

OUR DAHABIYA Our journey through Egypt will include three nights on a beautiful Dahabiya. We will travel north to south on this hand-crafted ship. The boat is outfitted with eight deluxe air-conditioned cabins. Each cabin features one double bed or two twin beds as well as a private bathroom with sink, toilet, and walk-in shower. Cabins also have a safe, coffee/tea set-up, large windows, minibar, TV (with satellite channels while docked), bathrobe, and hairdryer. When not relaxing in your cabin, you can enjoy the reading lounge and bar below deck or sit on the top deck and take in the scenery. There’s a covered seating area on the top deck as well as a long lie-down area and jacuzzi. All meals will be cooked on board in the fully equipped kitchen by the chef and served on the top deck. We'll enjoy

Egyptian and international dishes as well as barbeques and picnics on the riverbank if possible. All meals are included, along with tea, coffee, and soft drinks. As an added bonus, our private Egyptologist will be on the Dahabiya with us for the duration of the

8

6

cruise (if space is available; otherwise the Egyptologist will be with us but stay overnight on land.) The generator will be used as the source of electricity on the boat, powering the lights, TV, and air-conditioning. Although there are sails on the vessel we will primarily use the motor to sail. The Dahabiya is the perfect way to

cruise the Nile as it offers the amenities of the large cruise ships but in a discrete and intimate environment. LAND ACCOMMODATIONS Following is a description of the delightful and upscale hotels we intend to use on this tour. We reserve the right to make changes to these accommodations if necessary.

Luxor The only luxury establishment on the Nile's west bank, this small property is one of the most beautiful and original hotels in the entire Middle East. A pink Oriental palace of domed suites set between sugarcane fields and desert not far from the Madinet Habu Temple, the hotel is stylish yet unpretentious. The wooden Mashrabiya porticos and other design elements were sourced from abandoned 19th-century Egyptian houses.

The suites, connected by gardens, terraces, and shaded courtyards, have wrought-iron beds, inlaid Damascene tables and other pieces from the owner's collection of colonial and Oriental antiques. Walls feature Ottoman- and Pharaonic-themed murals, and some rooms have private fountains and ceilings with colored glass skylights. There is a heated pool and a Moroccan-style hammam for spa treatments. Abu Simbel Our chosen hotel is in a unique location that enjoys spectacular views of Lake Nasser and is just a few hundred yards from the great temple of Ramses II. With its chalet-style rooms, Nubian style domes, waterfalls, gardens, and great views, this is the best hotel at Abu Simbel. The property has a lovely swimming pool overlooking the lake and the desert mountains.

9

7

Aswan Locations don't get much better than this: Our selected hotel has the northern end of an island in the middle of the Nile all to itself. You cross from downtown on the hotel's free launch and stroll up from the picturesque little dock through the gardens. The hotel was extensively renovated in 2007, and the main building features huge windows and sleek modern decor in the large, light lobby. The pool

area, which features a bar, kitchen, and barbecue, is commodious. At the top of their 14-story tower is another bar, the view from which is spectacular -- from tiny felucas flitting across the Nile and the green of the island to the golden sands of the desert around the Tombs of the Nobles and the mausoleum of Aga Khan.

Cairo Located on Gezirah island right in the middle of the Nile River this elegant luxury hotel, designed with innovative and fun decor, is blessedly away from the city's traffic. The outdoor heated swimming pool with its infinity design offers a great Nile view. This is also the only Cairo hotel with direct and private access to a quiet and peaceful promenade on the Nile. You might enjoy the nice spa

here as an indulgent finale to your trip with its hammam, jacuzzi, and massage services. Chic, earth-tone guest rooms offer views of the Nile, a private balcony, double glazed windows, wireless Internet connection, and LCD cable television. TOUR COST and IMPORTANT TRIP DETAILS $3,395 (13-14 participants) $3,495 (11-12 participants) $3,595 (8-10 participants) Single Supplement: $825 (hotels and Dahabiya) Single Supplement: $620 (hotels only)

10

8

Tour Cost Includes: * 9 nights' very comfortable accommodations (6 in

hotels; 3 on the Dahabiya) * All meals except 1 lunch and 1 dinner; water

included at group meals * Tea, coffee, soft drinks on board the Dahabiya * Welcome drink * Tour Leader accompanying the group throughout

the trip * Professional Egyptologist(s) for all sights visited * Entrance fees at sights mentioned in the itinerary * One-way air ticket from Aswan to Cairo * Ground transportation in Cairo and around Luxor,

Aswan, Abu Simbel * Individual airport transfers in Luxor at the

beginning and Cairo at the end Tour Cost Does Not Include: * Airfare to/from Egypt * Visa for Egypt (can be obtained upon arrival) * Tipping to Tour Leader and Egyptologist * 1 lunch and 1 dinner * Any extra hotel nights that may be needed or desired * Optional activities, such as hot air ballooning, camel ride, etc. * Optional entrance fees (e.g, tomb of Tutankhamen, Royal Mummy room in Egyptian

Museum) * Beverages other than water at group meals * Personal expenses such as phone calls, room service, minibar charges, laundry, etc. Please note: A tipping pool will be collected on the first day of the tour. The amount per person will depend on the number of guests enrolled on the trip. Please figure approximately $150. It will cover all drivers, hotel staff, Dahabiya crew, security, airport representatives, and other incidentals along the way. Tipping to your Tour Leader and Egyptologist will be separate. If you would like any extra hotel nights in Luxor (pre-tour) or Cairo (post-tour), we can arrange those for you at the group hotel. To offer the lowest possible cost, most of our trips are priced according to the number of participants on the trip. Costs are based on double occupancy. If you are traveling alone and wish to have a single room, the single supplement fee will apply. If you are

11

9

willing to share accommodations we will match you with a roommate if one is available. However, if we are unable to match you with a roommate, the single supplement will apply.

TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE We highly recommend that all clients purchase trip cancellation insurance. A travel insurance application will be provided with your trip confirmation letter. FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS Our guests are responsible for making their own arrangements for international air transportation. Please

do not purchase your airline tickets until you are confirmed on the trip and have checked with us to make sure that your intended flights coordinate with the timing of the program’s first and last days. Once your tickets have been purchased, please send us a copy of your airline schedule. Note: The first and last name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport, first and last, otherwise you may be denied boarding. Please remember this when reserving your flights. In addition, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your return to the U.S. (in most cases), and it must have at least three blank pages for visa stamps. Luxor is the arrival airport and Cairo is the departure airport for our Egypt program. Airport codes: Luxor = LXR; Cairo = CAI.

TOUR MANAGER At the time of publishing this program one of our favorite tour managers is scheduled to lead this fantastic journey through Egypt for us. Originally from Michigan, he is now based in Cairo and is involved in a couple of innovative businesses and knows the ins and outs of the Egyptian way of life and culture -- something that’s very important for this destination! Having led many tours for us through Egypt (as well as Jordan, Turkey, Syria and Morocco!), he’s passionate about his adopted home and is eager to share it with you.

12

10

WEATHER Cairo: In February the average high temperature is around 67 and the average low temperature is 50. Rain is unusual in February in Cairo. Aswan: In February the average high temperature is around 76; the average low temperature is 53. The chance of rain is negligible. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS A valid passport is required for your trip. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your departure from Egypt. U.S. citizens need a visa for Egypt and can obtain the visa upon arrival (approximately $15) at the Cairo or Luxor airports. If you are a citizen of another country, please check with the Egyptian embassy regarding your documentation requirements. MEDICAL INFORMATION / IMMUNIZATIONS No immunizations are required for entry into Egypt, but you should consult with your physician or a travel clinic regarding recommended immunizations, such as hepatitis vaccines and tetanus and typhoid boosters. You can also check with the Centers for Disease Control for updates. Venture Out is not in a position to provide medical advice as to whether a certain individual should have a particular vaccination. Please consult with your personal physician, a travel clinic, the Centers for Disease Control, and/or MD Travel Health.

ITINERARY CHANGES We ask that you make a special effort to bring flexibility, a spirit of adventure, and a tolerance for organized, group travel so that everyone is able enjoy his or her adventure to the utmost. While as accurate as possible at the time of printing, this itinerary should be considered an approximate indication

of the schedule and scope of activities, trip routing, and meals, rather than an inflexible schedule of events; it is subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. This trip is subject to the Limitation of Liability and all the Terms and Conditions as detailed in the Trip Enrollment Form.

13

11

To realize the maximum enjoyment from your Venture Out trip, you must remember that it is an adventure. The essential requirements are flexibility, a sense of humor, curiosity and enthusiasm about new peoples and places, and an openness to the unexpected. With a spirit of adventure and positive attitude, we’re sure you will have a very special travel experience. If you are uncertain about the level of comfort, difficulty, or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please call Venture Out at 1-888-431-6789 to discuss your concerns. California Seller of Travel #2036134-4