Dynamic Professionals 50 + Singles, Travel & Socializing

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Call 561-262-2800 or email efoster@dreamvacations.com
13 Day Classic Thailand
From the bustle of Bangkok to the tranquil Thai Palaces & Temples
The Deal
· INCLUDES excursions (plus Elephant sanctuary is a new edition)
· INCLUDES Travel insurance
· INCLUDES R/T air from Los Angeles
Note: Flights to Los Angeles are NOT included. Supplemental air from your home State will be approximately $500. Call me for details. 561-262-2800

· Intra-flight Chiang Mai-Bangkok
· 11 nights First Class accommodations*
o 4 nights Bangkok
o 1 night Ayutthaya
o 1 night Sukhothai
o 2 nights Chiang Rai
o 3 nights Chiang Mai
· Hotel taxes, fees & service charges & Hotel porterage
· All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
· 18 meals: 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
· Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
· Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
· Entrance fees per itinerary
· Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Special Features
· In Bangkok, visit serene Wat Po, home of the astonishing giant Reclining Buddha, over 150 feet long
· Visit Bang Pa-In Royal Palace, used as a summer palace by the Siamese royalty
· Marvel at Chai Wattanaram Temple, one of Ayutthaya's most impressive remaining monuments
· Explore historic Sukhothai, capital of the first Kingdom of Siam
· Visit the House of Opium and Golden Triangle
· Discover Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep Temple, the most sacred temple in Northern Thailand
· Authentic Thai dinner at Chiang Mai private home

DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for Thailand
Depart for Thailand
DAY 2, Thursday - Arrive in Bangkok
Arrive in exotic Bangkok, Thailand's capital city, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to the new time zone
Overnight: Bangkok
DAY 3, Friday - Bangkok City Tour
Begin your day with a city and temple tour of Bangkok, a fascinating mix of ancient and modern. Drive through Chinatown and then on to the colorful Indian Market. Visit serene Wat Po, the oldest and largest temple in the city, with the astonishing giant Reclining Buddha, over 150 feet long and almost 50 feet high. Drive to Royal Avenue where most of the Government offices are located and the King's Palace. Later in the afternoon, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 5 PM, followed by dinner
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4, Saturday - Full Day in Bangkok
Today is yours to explore Bangkok independently. Or take the INCLUDED tour to the elaborate 18th century Grand Palace, symbol and ceremonial heart of the kingdom, and to Wat Phra Kaew, (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), with its brightly colored buildings, golden spires and gorgeous mosaics. You'll see the distinct contrast in style between the Thai-inspired Wat Phra Kaew and the European design of the Grand Palace. In the afternoon, embark on the INCLUDED canal tour along the Chao Phraya River passing by Wat Arun and other iconic landmarks as well as a scenic view of local life along the river. Then travel on a tuk-tuk to dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel
INCLUDED: Half Day Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha (AM)
INCLUDED: Bangkok Canal Tour with Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Sunday - Travel to Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya City Tour
Depart Bangkok to Ayutthaya, the second Siamese capital after Sukhothai for over 400 years, once glorified as one of the largest cities in Southeast Asia. Ayutthaya Historical Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies in the center of the city. Here, you can see the ruins of the former capital and its remaining palaces, monasteries, and towers. Visit Bang Pa-In Palace, a collection of beautiful buildings in various architectural styles, surrounded by a lake. Originally built by King Prasat Thong in 1632, Bang Pa-In served as the Royal Summer Palace for the Thai kings. Continue to the Chai Wattanaram Temple, built by King Prasat Thong to honor his mother, conceived as a replica of the Angkor Temple. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel
Overnight: Ayutthaya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Monday - Travel to Sukhothai, Sukhothai Historical Park
Travel to Sukhothai, birthplace of the Thai nation, founded in the 13th century by King Ramkhamhaeng. The country's first capital was established here in 1238 and lasted over two centuries. Sukhothai is world-famous its over 100 historical sites and treasures, including some of the most beautiful Thai art and architecture in the country, created during the city's "golden era," between the 13th and 14th centuries. Visit the Old Town of Sukhothai with its impressive Historical Park, immaculately restored and set among leafy hills and peaceful lotus ponds, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At this astonishing site, most of the remains of the original city can be seen. Marvel at the ancient Buddha figures, palaces, temples, and historical monuments
Overnight: Sukhothai
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Tuesday - Travel to Chiang Rai
This morning, time permitting, meet children at a local school* before departing Sukhothai. Then, travel to scenic Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand for overnight
*School visit is subject to changes due to school scheduling.
Overnight: Chiang Rai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Wednesday - Golden Triangle & Mekong Boat Ride
Today travel to the famed "Golden Triangle" at Sop Ruak, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge, and the Mekong River meets the Ruak River. Continue to the House of Opium, offering an informative exhibition on the history of opium which dates back almost 5000 years. This afternoon, enjoy a locally prepared lunch before embarking on a long tail boat ride along the banks of the Mekong River between Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand where you will see local farmers and fishermen at their craft and learn more about how this river played a role in the opium trade. End the day with a stop at an old teak forest and view centuries old giant teak trees before returning to Chiang Rai for the evening
Overnight: Chiang Rai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9, Thursday - Travel to Chiang Mai
Morning is at leisure when you have an opportunity to join the INCLUDED excursion to Mae Chan, still inhabited by hill people, namely the Akha, Long Neck and Palong tribes. Visit one of the tribes to see their unique way of life and learn more about their culture before driving to Chiang Mai, ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom. En route, stop at a local gem gallery before arriving in Chiang Mai, cultural heart of Northern Thailand, located in the rolling foothills of the Himalayas. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure
INCLUDED: Half Day Mae Chan Hill Tribe Village (AM)
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Friday - Full Day in Chiang Mai
Morning is at leisure to explore this vibrant city independently or, join the Elephant Sanctuary with lunch INCLUDED tour. Get introduced to this ethical program that offers a chance to meet the elephants and spend quality time with these majestic animals (no riding is included). Observe their playful interactions, bathing rituals, and feeding sessions. Have lunch before returning to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Sankampang District, a center of handicrafts, to watch local artisans create handmade umbrellas and enjoy time at leisure to browse the market independently. Continue to a hand-made basketry workshop for a brief demonstration. At the end of the day, pamper yourself with an INCLUDED Thai massage
INCLUDED: Elephant Sanctuary with lunch (AM)
INCLUDED: Traditional Thai Massage
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11, Saturday - Chiang Mai City & Temples Tour, Dinner at Private Home
Morning tour of the most interesting temples in Chiang Mai. Begin at Wat Suan Dok, where the remains of the Chiang Mai Royal family are enshrined. Continue to Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, Northern Thailand's most sacred temple, containing a holy relic of Lord Buddha. Equally impressive is the mythological Naga (dragon-headed serpent) staircase, with 306 steps leading up to the temple grounds. Visit to a local jade factory, followed by an afternoon at leisure to wander independently in Chiang Mai. This evening, tour a private home built in the traditional wooden style, and enjoy a brief cooking demonstration before sharing an authentic Thai dinner with your host
Overnight: Chiang Mai
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12, Sunday - Flight to Bangkok
Depart Chiang Mai this morning on your flight to Bangkok; arrive and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy all the delights of Bangkok on your own. Shop to your heart's content, visit to the many amazing markets, and try some of the fabulous restaurants in this energetic city
Overnight: Bangkok
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13, Monday - Depart Thailand
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

• Round trip flights New York-Cairo, Cairo-New York
• Other departure airport are available for a supplement cost
• All intra-flights: Cairo-Aswan & Luxor-Cairo
• 12 nights First Class accommodations
• 4 nights Cairo
• 2 nights Alexandria
• 1 night Aswan
• 4 nights Nile Cruise on the Queen of Hansa or Hansa Spirit
• 1 night Luxor
• Hotel taxes, fees & service charges & Hotel & cruise porterage
• 1 checked bag per person for portage, carry on at no additional fee
• All transfers
• 26 meals: 13 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners
• Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
• Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
• Entrance fees per itinerary

Special Features

• Marvel at the oldest structure of the "Seven Wonders of the Ancient World," the Great Pyramid of Giza
• Explore the city of Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great
• Tour the Egyptian Civilization Museum housing an impressive collection of more than 50,000 artifacts
• Visit the splendid Egyptian Museum with its extensive collection of Pharaonic antiquities
• Discover the Temple of Philae dedicated to the goddess Isis with its beautiful island location
• Enjoy a 4-day cruise on the Nile and admire the spectacular scenery of the Nile Valley
• Tour the stunning Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the falcon god Horus, built in the Ptolemaic period
• Marvel at the imposing Greco-Roman Temple of Kom Ombo
• Visit the magnificent Temple of Karnak, dating back over 3,000 years
• View the two colossal statues of Ramses II at the entrance to the ancient Luxor Temple

DAY 1, Sunday - Depart for Egypt
*For flights departing on Day 1 and arriving in the early hours of Day 2, a room will be available for you upon arrival

DAY 2, Monday - Arrive in Cairo
Welcome to Egypt, one of the world's greatest ancient civilizations. Arrive in Cairo and transfer to your hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by dinner
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3, Tuesday - The Pyramids & Sphinx of Giza
In the morning, visit the Pyramids of Giza, built during the 3rd and 4th dynasties of the Old Kingdom. These monumental undertakings stand as a marvelous testimony to the almost unbelievable skill and determination of their builders. Get a close-up view of the Great Pyramid, built for the Pharaoh Khufu, as well as the Pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure. Not too far from the Pyramids, see the great Sphinx of Giza, the legendary statue with the head of a human and the body of a lion, amazingly carved out from a single piece of limestone. Leisure time this afternoon, or join the optional tour to Sakkara Pyramids with lunch. In Sakkara, site of hundreds of tombs, view the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser. Next, visit a carpet school before heading back to your hotel
Optional: Sakkara Pyramids with lunch (PM)
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Wednesday - Travel to Alexandria & City Tour
Depart Cairo this morning and head north to the legendary city of Alexandria, a culturally rich seaside metropolis. Arrive and check into your hotel. Afterward, take a panoramic city tour and spend the rest of the day at leisure to get acquainted with this Mediterranean jewel
Overnight: Alexandria
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Thursday - Explore Alexandria
This morning, discover the city of Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great with a visit to the Roman amphitheater, a marble theater that once seated 800 spectators. Continue to the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, a necropolis hewn into a cliff consisting of three levels, dating from the 2nd century AD. View the Roman triclinium, a banquet hall to honor the dead before heading to the 15th century Citadel of Qaitbay. It was built on the site of the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria by Sultan Qaitbay, to defend the city from the Ottoman attacks. The battlements offer sweeping views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea
Overnight: Alexandria
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6, Friday - Return to Cairo, Civilization Museum
Today, depart Alexandria and return to Cairo. Upon arrival, have lunch at a local restaurant, and sample traditional cuisine. Then, head to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Be amazed by its extensive collection of more than 50,000 artifacts, depicting the several stages of the development of Egyptian civilization from the Predynastic period to the modern age. Next, visit a shop where you can view a brief demonstration of how papyrus paper is made from papyrus grass. Afterward, check into your hotel and spend the balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 7, Saturday - Egyptian Museum, Flight to Aswan
This morning, visit the splendid Egyptian Museum, housing the world's most extensive collection of Pharaonic antiquities. The original collection was established in the late 19th century. Savor lunch of delectable specialties at a local restaurant. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Aswan, an ancient frontier town. Arrive, and check into your hotel
Overnight: Aswan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8, Sunday - Nubian Village, Cruise Embarkation, Philae Temple
This morning, board a motorboat and cruise along the Nile River to a Nubian Village, while admiring sweeping views of the area. During your visit, get a glimpse into the rich culture and traditions of the Nubian people, an ancient community with roots along the Nile River. Embark on your ship for an unforgettable cruise on the legendary Nile River. After lunch aboard the ship, spend the afternoon taking a tour of Philae Temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. Arrive by motorboat and marvel at the Temple's beautiful island location. On the way back, stop at a local perfume shop. During your visit, you can watch the creation of perfumes. Select a fragrance and choose from a wide selection of glass bottle containers
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Monday - Cruise to Aswan
Spend the morning at leisure, or join the optional to Abu Simbel Temples. An early morning bus ride from Aswan transports you back in time to the mighty Temples of Abu Simbel, reclaimed from the floodwaters of the Aswan High Dam and totally reconstructed in the present location. The site is dominated by the looming twin temples of Ramses II and his wife Queen Nefertari. It is one of the most recognizable ancient sites of Egypt. Afterwards, drive back to Aswan. Spend the evening at leisure or participate in the optional Aswan Felucca Ride. Enjoy a relaxing cruise aboard a felucca, the traditional sailboat of Egypt used along the Nile
Optional: Abu Simbel by Bus (AM)
Optional: Aswan Felucca Ride (PM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, Tuesday - Edfu Temples & Kom Ombo
Today, visit the stunning Temples of Horus in Edfu, considered one of the best preserved of all the Egyptian Temples. It was built during the Ptolemaic times and was completed over a 180-year period. The temple is dedicated to the falcon god Horus, son of Isis and Osiris. Its extravagant design and sheer size is an indication of the country's prosperity at the time. Next, tour the imposing Greco-Roman Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Horus, the sky god and Sobek, the crocodile god. Admire the fascinating detailed reliefs on the walls. Return to the ship for dinner
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11, Wednesday - Temples of Karnak
This morning, join the optional excursion to Dendera Temple, one of the best-preserved temple complexes in Egypt, located on the west bank of the Nile, approximately 40 miles away from Luxor. Explore the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to the wife of god Horus. Marvel at the spectacular ceiling painting in the main hall, displaying stars, planets, and symbols of the Roman zodiac. The colors seen throughout the temple complex are original, and amazingly vibrant. Visit the temple crypt, and climb the staircase up to the roof, learning about Egypt's Ptolemaic period along the way. Free time to explore before returning to the ship. This afternoon, visit the magnificent Temples of Karnak, dating back over 3,000 years. Walk along the avenue of the Sphinxes and marvel at the Hypostyle Hall with its 134 massive sandstone columns
Optional: Dendera Temple Excursion (AM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12, Thursday - West Bank, Disembarkation, Luxor Temple
Following disembarkation from your cruise ship, visit the magnificence Luxor West Bank. Begin with a visit to the UNESCO listed Valley of the Kings, the necropolis of Thebes and admire the tombs of ancient Egypt's rulers. Next, head to the Temple of Hatshepsut, a colonnaded structure surrounded by cliffs and learn about the life of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's famous female ruler. Visit an alabaster factory, where you can view a demonstration of grinding alabaster the old-fashioned way. Browse the extensive collection of alabaster pieces. Conclude the tour at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep II. After lunch on the ship, take a sightseeing tour to Luxor Temple to admire the colossal statues of the great pharaoh Ramses II
Overnight: Luxor
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 13, Friday - Flight to Cairo
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo. With the remainder of the afternoon at leisure or join the optional Coptic Cairo with lunch. This area is the original home of the Coptic Christians, one of the world's oldest Christian denominations. Here, visit the Hanging Church, that was built in the 7th century. Admire the courtyard and interior with its elaborate wooden screen, marble pulpit and icons. Proceed to Abu Serga, a 5th century Coptic church and hear how the church was built over the site of a cave, believed to have sheltered the Holy Family during their flight into Egypt. Then, tour the Church of St. George, a Greek Orthodox church built atop the north tower of the old Roman fortress of Babylon. Tonight, bid farewell to your Tour Manager during dinner at the hotel
Optional: Coptic Cairo with lunch (PM)
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 14, Saturday - Depart Egypt
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
Cruise sailing times are subject to change.
At certain times of the year your itinerary may be amended to travel early in the morning and late afternoon to avoid the heat.
Order or duration of some visits may be affected during official holidays.
Due to regional laws, hotels and restaurants will not serve alcoholic beverages on certain holidays. On these days, no wine or beer will be included with dinner.