Study Tours in Egypt

Scheherezade School of Dance in conjunction with Scheherezade Imports sponsors a yearly trip to Egypt to the Ahlan Wa Sahlan Dance Festival. Scheherezade has been traveling at least annually to Egypt since 1983. 2007 marked the 6th year she sponsored a group to the festival. This festival held annually in Cairo, Egypt offers 6 days of classes with international master and folkloric dance teachers. Raqia Hassan is the sponsor of the June/July festival which celebrated its 8th year in 2007. The 2008 Festival dates are June 27-July 3.

2008 Egypt Study Tour

Ahlan Wa Sahlan Dance Festival

June 22-July 4 or July 9, 2008

Only One Space left for Ground options only!

Exclusive Features of Our Tours:

~ extensive pre-trip planning, preparation & orientation via email and phone; ~Orientation meetings at JFK on day of departure and upon arrival in Cairo.
~Well planned and well paced touring/site seeing with licensed fluent English speaking guides and Egyptologists for touring at all historical sites.

~Private air conditioned transportation for all included site seeing and touring.

~No impersonal large groups that are rushed/herded. 1 staff to 8 guest ratio throughout the trip; personalized assistance and attention.
~Personalized optional activities planned on site in Egypt based upon the interest of the tour participants.

~Personal assistance planning for class selection and in the registration process at the Festival to maximize/tailor your class selections to your personal dance education needs.

~Daily Optional activities for NON DANCER group members during the festival.
~Daily use of the Scheherezade Imports arranged transportation while a guest at the festival hotel for daily optional outings led by the SI staff. (Although these outings will take place concurrently with various classes at the festival we work with the group to minimize, as best we can, conflicts with the most popular classes.) Examples of past optional and dutch treat outings have included "exploring the old side" non tourist markets, shopping the upscale malls, visiting the village of Kerdassa for caftans and carpets, downtown shoe shopping for the shoe fanatics, American University bookstore and other great book andprint shops, Exploring the Khan in Depth/watch artisans at work, exploring the outdoor markets around Mohammed Ali St., walk abouts in off the beaten track neighborhoods in Old Cairo, adventuring on the Cairo subway, horseback riding at sunset, day trip to Alexandria, visiting off the beaten track museums, historic sites, great old neighborhoods, visits to my Egyptian friends homes, and other adventures for those on a journey instead of a tour!)

~For those who want to powershop we are happy to provide you with introductions to reputable merchants and offer you opportunities to make purchases from the same manufacturers and suppliers used by Scheherezade Imports at discounted rates.
~It is our pleasure to teach you how to: manage Cairo's famous traffic so you can cross the street safely; bargain; Basic Egyptian Etiquette; hail a cab and negotiate the fare, what to eat and what not to eat and how to avoid cultural blunders etc etc.

~If there are specific sites you want to visit that are not included in our group touring package we will be happy to assist you in arranging visits with reputable transportation and guides

Additional Notes about Scheherezade Imports Trips
We strive to give personal attention to each tour particpant and therefore keep our group numbers limited for Options 1 and 2 with a staff to participant ratio of no greater than 1 staff to 8 participants. It is important to us that we have time to be accessible to our tour participants. We strive to give the most in depth experience our limited time in Egypt allows us to, and, if it is within power to make "it" happen for our tour participants, we are happy to do so. We request that you dress in modest Western style clothing appropriate to the season....you are NOT requested to or required to wear any form of hejab or head covering:)).

2008 Egypt Study Trip Options

and

Ahlan Wa Sahlan Dance Festival

Tour Option #1 "Shop 'Til You Drop"

June 22-July 4, 2008 (13 Days)

THIS OPTION SOLD OUT
Price:

Before April 15th $2800

After April 15th $2995
After May 1 contact us for pricing and availability
single room supplement $400

When booking the "Shop til you drop" tour option #1 and making full payment by April 15, 2008, mention that you saw the ad on our website to receive a $50 gift Certificate to Scheherezade Imports to be used for any regular priced merchandise purchased from the Catalog, Website, or onsite at the warehouse or traveling boutique.

Included in the price of option #1:

Round trip airfare on EgyptAir direct, non stop JFK/Cairo/JFK: 2 meals on board each way. Personal assistance clearing customs, luggage assistance and private airconditioned bus to hotel for check in.
Fully escorted for all tour activities by the staff of Scheherezade Imports
Hotel accomodations in double occupancy room (we will be happy to assign roommate if you are traveling alone) : 3 nights including Egyptian style breakfast buffet daily at 3 star Victoria Hotel, centrally located hotel in Cairo. This is the same hotel the staff of Scheherezade Imports has stayed in when visiting Cairo since 1983, Plus 8 nights at the 5 star festival hotel with breakfast buffet each morning. Transfer via agency bus between hotels with luggage assistance.

3 days of "Power Shopping" in the Khan El Khalili

Personal assistance from the professional shopper staff of Scheherezade Imports: learn how to shop for and select quality costumes, hand crafts, jewelry, gifts etc, etc at 'non tourist' prices. Private airconditioned transportation provided. One meal at atmospheric restaurants in the Khan included EACH day.

2 Full Day plus 1 half day of Site Seeing

Full day site seeing tour of , Sahladin Citadel, Alabaster , Raifi, and Ibn Tulun Mosques, Gayer Anderson amd Suhemi House restorations. Transport by agency tour bus, government licensed English speaking Egptologist/tour guide, entrance fees to all sites and lunch at restaurant included
Full day siteseeing tour of the Egyptian Museum and Coptic Cairo(historic churches/synogogues/Coptic Musuem), lunch at downtown restaurant included. Transport by agency tour bus, government licensed tour guideEnglish speaking Egyptologist, all entrance fees.
Half day siteseeing at the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx; transport by agency tour bus, government licensed tour guide/English speaking Egyptologist, all entrance fees. Dutch treat lunch. Dutch treat camel ride.
Opening Gala Show and Dinner at Ahlan Wa Sahlan Festival Included ($60 value)

Other Activities

attend evening performance of Whirling Dervish -private agency transportation provided.
5 Evening Summer Parties(Haflas with live music/show/dancing) on the 2nd through 5 nights of the festival.
Optional Dutch treat evening dinner cruise on the Nile Maxim or Nile Phaoroh Dinner Cruise Boat depending on who is dancing, where and when.
Daily afternoon optional excursions for 6 days during the days of the festival to be led by the staff of Scheherezade Imports. Examples from past groups: camel rides, horse back rides at dusk, sound and light show at the pyramids, day trips to Fayoum and Alexandria, evening performances at Makam and the Opera house.
Other serendipitous adventures that will unfold once we are there!
Personal assistance from the staff of Scheherezade Imports regarding any facet of your Egptian adventure from custom costume consultation and recommendations to reputable merchants for gold, silver etc, to where and what to eat and how to cross the street without getting runover.
Opportunity to meet and get to know Egyptian people rather than just "tour through" the country.
Optional Closing Gala on July 3 at the Festival.

Tour Option #1.1

"Shop 'Til You Drop LITE"(Land ONLY)

June 23-July 4, 2008

THIS OPTION STILL AVAILALBE ONE SPOT ONLY

Price:
Before April 15th $1645

After April 15th $1775
After May 1 contact us for pricing and availability
single room supplement $400

tour #1 EXCEPT Airfare to and from Cairo...join our group from anywhere in the world!
Arrange your own airfare to Cairo from anywhere and our agency representative will provided meet & greet services at the airport; airport to hotel transport included.

Tour Option #2 The "I Want It All" Tour

June 22-July 9, 2008 (18 days)

THIS OPTION SOLD OUT

Price:
Before April 15th $3575

After April 15th $3770

After May 1 contact us for pricing and availability
single room supplement $525

When booking "I Want it All" Tour Option #2 and making full payment by April 15, 2008 mention you saw the trip on the website to receive a $50 gift Certificate to Scheherezade Imports to be used for merchandise purchased from the Catalog, Website, or onsite at the warehouse or traveling boutique.

Included in the price of option #2

Includes verything that is included in Tour #1

PLUS

4day/3night Nile Cruise aboard 5 star deluxe rated cruise line, double occupancy. Sail Awan to Luxor. Includes all meals and accomodations on board, entertainment on board, admission to Luxor and Karnak Temples, Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut's temple, Aswan High Dam, Philae, Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples Services of a government licensed English speaking guide/Egyptologist to historic tour sites.
1 additional night at 5 star St Georges or similar hotel with breakfast included.
Airfare to & from Cairo for the Nile Cruise (CAI/ASW/LUX/CAI). Agency Transport to and from Airports/ Hotel/ Cruise ship.

Optional Dutch Treat Cruise activities based upon sail times may be offered such as dutch treat Aswan Museum, Nubian Village visit, Luxor Museum, Botanical Gardens, felucca ride, hot air ballon ride, sound and light show at Philae or Karnak.

And Back in Cairo

1 additional night in Cairo at 3 star Victoria Hotel with Egyptian Style breakfast buffet included.
evening at leisure
Optional Dutch Treat Dinner Outing

Tour Option #2.1

The "I Want It All"Tour LITE (Land ONLY)

June 23-July 4, 2008

THIS OPTION STILL AVAILALBE ONE SPOT ONLY

Price:

Before April 15th $2385

After April 15th $2685

After May 1 contact us for pricing and availability
single room supplement $525

includs everything from tour #2 EXCEPT airfare to and from Cairo from your home city...join our group from anywhere in the world!
Arrange your own airfare to Cairo from anywhere and our agency representative will provided meet & greet services at the airport; airport to hotel transport included.

Trip Option #3A Airfare and Hotel Only (no tour)

June 22-July 4, 2008

SOLD OUT

Price:

Before April 15th $2460

After April 15th $2599

After May 1 contact us for pricing and availability
single room supplement $400

Option #3a includes:

Round trip airfare on EgyptAir direct, non stop JFK/Cairo/JFK: 2 meals onboard each way.
Personal meet and greet service by our representative from a licensed tour agency at the Cairo Airport including assistance clearing customs and transport via agency bus to hotel and same service for return on day of departure back to JFK
Hotel accomodations in double occupancy room, (roommate assigned if needed) including Egyptian style breakfast buffet daily at a 3 star centrallylocated hotel in Cairo for 3 nights. (This is the same hotel the staff of Scheherezade Imports has stayed in when visiting Cairo since 1983.)
Transfer via licensed tour agency bus to 5 star Festival Hotel for 8 nights accomodations in double occupancy room including breakfast buffet 7 mornings.
No escorts/ no group outings/no group or individual touring/ no group or individual excursions/no additional transportation. No peronalized services or additional assistances from staff of Scheherezade Imports or our agency in Egypt.
Ticket for Opening Gala at Festival ($60) value.
5 Summer Parties as offered at the Festival in the Evenings.

Trip Option #3b Hotel Only

No Air/No Touring

June 23-July 4, 2008

THIS OPTION STILL AVAILALBE ONE SPOT ONLY

Price: based on availability the day you contact us only. Payment due immediately to insure price.

Option #3b includes

Hotel accomodations in double occupancy room, (roommate assigned if needed) including Egyptian style breakfast buffet daily at a 3 star centrally
located hotel in Cairo for 3 nights. (This is the same hotel the staff of Scheherezade Imports has stayed in when visiting Cairo since 1983.)
Transfer via licensed tour agency bus to 5 star Festival Hotel in Giza for 8 nights accomodations in double occupancy room including breakfast buffet 7 mornings. Ticket for Opening Gala at Festival ($60) value.
5 Summer Parties as offered at the Festival in the Evenings
No flights provided
No escorts/ no group outings/no group or individual touring/ no group or individual excursions/no additional transportation. No peronalized services or additional assistances from staff of Scheherezade Imports or our agency in Egypt.

Trip Option #3c Air Only (No Hotel/No Tour)

Dates: TBA

SOLD OUT

Price: Approximate $1499 * fare may be adjusted up or down based upon taxes and airport fees in place the day the ticket is issued. Check with us on the day ou make your booking.

Option #3c Includes:

Round trip airfare on EgyptAir direct, non stop JFK/Cairo/JFK: 2 meals on board each way
no hotel included
No escorts/ no group outings/no group or individual touring/ no group or individual excursions/no additional transportation. No peronalized services or assistances from staff of Scheherezade Imports or our agency in Egypt
optional add on for addional fee: we will quote you fee when you book your flight : Personal meet and greet service by our representative from a licensed tour agency at the Cairo Airport including assistance clearing customs and transport via agency bus to hotel and same service for return on day ofdeparture back to JFK

Tour/Trip Payment options:
Money order, US check drawn on a US branch bank only,VISA, AMEX, MasterCard, or DISCOVER card. We also accept Paypal payments or international bank wire tranfers and Western Union cash transfers.

Discounts: For Tour Options 1 and 2 only. If booking and making full payment by April 15, 2008 mention that you saw the ad for the trip on the website and receive a $50 gift certificate for purchases at Scheherezade Imports via catalog, website, at seminars or festivals or onsite at the warehouse in Oilville, VA.

Additional Discounts Buyers Club Members with active buyers club membership as of Jan 2008 and valid through July 2008 receive an addtional $50 gift certificate for "Shop til you Drop" tour, an additional $75 gift certificate for "I want it All" tour or an additional $25 gift certificate for any option #3 as long as you are paid in full by April 1, 2008.

General Payment Policies:
A $500 nonrefundable deposit will hold your reservation prior to April 15. To take advantage of the April 15early bird discount, you must pay in full by April 15th. Any trip reservations made between April 15and May 1, will require a $1000
non refundable deposit with payment in full by May 10, 2008. Any trip reservations made After May 1 require payment in full at time reservation is made..There are no refunds or credits given unless the trip is cancelled by Scheherezade Imports. Please note that we will require a minimum of 6 participants for the trip. Should we not meet the minimum of 6 we reserve the right to cancel and we will refund your entire payment made to date, including any deposits. (We have never had to cancel a previous trip).

Not Included in Any Tour or Trip Options

meals, acitivities and admissions, fees not specifically identified as included in the packages described above, any food or beverage items not part of the meal packages that were preselected for the group inclusive meals , personal purchases, incidentals, transportation charges for items not specifically identified as included in the tour packages, any and all items listed in the Optional or add on activities for tour#1 or #2, any items listed as DUTCH TREAT or optional, bottled water/beverages/meals not specifically noted as included in the tour packages noted above, alcoholic beverages, cost of obtaining a tourist visa for ARE(Egypt), cost of obtaining a valid passport, cost of obtaining medical insurance or care while on the trip, taxis, any transportation not specifically listed as included in your package, tips, gratuities, additional taxes or fees either in the US or Egypt related to the import or export of goods for personal or business use and and all items not expressly indicated as included in options #1, #2 or #3 above.

The cost of the Ahlan Wa Sahlan Festival including registration fees, class fees and gala ticket fees except Opening gala as specifically noted in hotel option tours and trips above.

Additional airport/airline taxes, airport fees, new international tourist security taxes or fees that are placed in effect AFTER you book. This is the result of the ever fluctuating status of the airline industry, international airport and tourism security. All prices for the various trip/tour options include the taxes and fees current as of the date of publication however we suggest you budget between $300-350 for additional taxes and fees....the date of group ticket issuance(ie the date the airline physically releases and sends the tickets in June)... not your booking date... is the date the taxes and fees are applied. If we get lucky and the fees do not go up then no additional monies will be due. While we regret this area of uncertainty regarding final costs, we are committed to full disclosure regarding final costs prior to any bookings.

General Information: The Ahlan Wa Sahlan Dance Festival

The 2008 Festival dates are June 27-July 3. The festival is sponsored by Madame Raqi'a Hassan of Cairo, Egypt. All registration fees for the festival: including galas and classes are payable directly to Madame Raqi'a Hassan by each particpant.   FEES MAY BE PAID ONLY IN CASH!!! US DOLLARS, EGYPTIAN POUNDS OR EUROS.
The Festival includes evening shows with live music, and daily classes from approx 10A-7p.  You select the classes and shows you wish to attend, menu style on site in Cairo at registration on June 26 and make your payment to Madame Raqi'a at that time. You may also register for the competition at that time or to dance in the summer parties to the live orchestra or taped music. We highly recommend the live orchestra option..it is a once in a life time opportunity to dance with the famous Khamis Henkish orchestra!

Shows:

Gala Opening show in the past have featured Dina and other famous Egyptian dancers. Cost in past years $60US Buffet Dinner included.
Free nightly shows during the festival featuring Festival participants. Live Egyptian band. Dance Contests.
Closing Gala show which in the past have featured famous Eygptian dancers such as Dina or Lucy or Randa. Cost in past years $60US Buffet Dinner Included.

Classes: Daily from approx 10am-7pm

Simultaneous specialized workshops with Oriental Master Classes 3 hour blocks in the morning and late afternoon/early evening and 2 hour folkloric classes in the mid day. Master classes and Superstar in the past have been $60-$80 each and Folkloric classes $40 each. You register onsite at the festival and pick your own curriculum from a menu of what classes are offered. Picking and choosing only those classes that you want...it is not necessary to take classes every day.

The exact schedule of classes and teachers has historically been finalized just prior to the festival and each participant fills in his/her exact class schedule "menu style" at festival registration on the afternoon prior to the start of the festival. At registration participants have also be able to sign up to dance at one of the evening Summer Party shows or dance competition. Each participant has had the opportunity to select the night they want to dance and the music they would like the orchestra to play for them. Fees for competitions are also paid at registration.

How to register for the Festival

The registration process is done on site in Egypt upon arrival at the Mena House.

Please note: We provide Festival updates and details about teachers and classes to participants of Scheherezade School of Dance/Scheherezade Imports tour/trip participants ONLY .

Additional Notes about Scheherezade Imports Trips

We strive to give personal attention to each tour particpant and therefore keep our group numbers limited for Options 1 and 2 with a staff to participant ratio of no greater than 1 staff to 9 participants. It is important to us that we have time to be accessible to our tour participants. We strive to give the most in depth experience our limited time in Egypt allows us to, and, if it is within power to make "it" happen for our tour participants, we are happy to do so.

Please contact us with any question: sherzade@earthlink.net

phone: 804 749-3059     fax: 804 749-3480       email: sherzade@earthlink.net

Office Address: 2420 Hampden Row, Rockville, VA 23146 USA

Member Better Business Bureau of Central Virginia