9
14 446
We start the morning with a tour of the Pyramids at Giza. Home to the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus and the timeless and enigmatic Sphinx; these great monuments to the afterlife defy the imagination. Only the throng of sightseers, Egyptian and foreign, milling around their huge foundations, keep the viewer in the 21st century. We next pay a visit to the incredible Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, which contains relics dating back to 4000 BC, including the fantastic riches of Tutankhamun's tomb. Here is a unique opportunity to survey the many fabulous treasures of Egypt in one place and to set the scene for the rest of the tour. For the remainder of our tour we experience modern Cairo with visits to Al Azhar mosque, which despite being Cairo’s oldest mosque and university is still very much in use today, and the small alleyways and streets that make up Cairo's popular bazaar. Please note that we will need to cover up at the mosque (long sleeves and trousers) and women will also need to cover their hair with a scarf. *Accommodation:* Cairo Pyramids Hotel or similar
We typically transfer to Cairo airport before sunrise for our flight to Luxor (flight times can vary). On arrival in Luxor we visit Luxor Temple and the huge Karnak Temple complex on the east bank of the Nile. Built over 1500 years, Karnak is a confusion of pylons, courtyards, halls and sanctuaries. Its Hypostyle hall has 134 columns 23 metres high and 15 metres in diameter! Both temples are incredibly impressive. We arrive at our cruise boat in time for lunch on board before having free time in the afternoon to relax or explore Luxor. *Accommodation: *M/S Esmeralda or similar
We begin Day 4 with a visit to the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile, which contains the once hidden tombs of over 62 Pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Seti I, Ramses III and IV. A discreet entrance in the hillside takes the visitor underground; a series of corridors and ante-chambers leads us down to the burial chamber and sarcophagus. The walls are covered in brightly painted images and hieroglyphs - a map of the afterlife to ensure the king's safe passage. One ticket allows us to see three tombs. The ticket usually allows entry into what are regarded as the most impressive tombs, but if you have time a visit to the tomb of Ramses VI is also highly recommended. Visits to tombs are now strictly controlled to halt further deterioration of wall paintings - each tomb is periodically closed for a number of weeks. On return to our cruise boat we begin our voyage along the Nile, travelling upstream from Luxor to Aswan. Exact sailing and excursion times cannot be guaranteed for each individual trip but we will visit the temples of Edfu, famous for its roofed inner temples and huge Pylon, and Kom Ombo. The cruise boat has good facilities: a sundeck with sun loungers, bar and small pool, restaurant, gift shop and library - these can all be taken advantage of when the cruise boat is docked or during sailing. The sunsets over the Nile are truly stunning and travelling from Luxor to Aswan, enjoying the beauty of the lush verdant landscape make this journey special. *Accommodation:* M/S Esmeralda or similar
Today there's the option of a visit to Abu Simbel, 300 km. to the south through the Nubian Desert. The optional bus tour starts at 3.30/4 in the morning when we get picked up from the boat. A breakfast box is provided. Around 8 am we will arrive at the destination, where we are given approx 3 hours to visit the temples. Built by Ramses II the two temples are certainly some of the most spectacular in Egypt. Originally on the banks of the Nile, the temples were raised to a new site above the lake in the late 1960s, as the waters from the new Lake Nasser rose behind the Aswan High Dam. The four great seated statues of Ramses II stare east towards the rising sun. We will be back in Aswan around 3 pm. *Accommodation:* M/S Esmeralda or similar
After breakfast on board we disembark our boat and have a full day in Aswan. This is a laid-back, sleepy town that reflects the character of its largely Nubian inhabitants, known for being friendly and hospitable. By virtue of its position on the old caravan route, it has always been a trading centre and we thoroughly recommend a visit to the packed bazaar today where merchants display a wealth of exotic spices, carpets, leather goods and countless other wares. There is also the option to visit the Nubian Museum, situated opposite our usual hotel in Aswan. Opened in April 1998, the museum chronologically charts the history and culture of the Nubian people. Alternatively, we can arrange an optional visit to Philae Temple. In the 1970s it was relocated by UNESCO to Aglika Island after it became evident that the original site of Philae would submerge on completion of the Aswan High Dam. It represents a magnificent and enduring testament to both ancient and modern engineering. During this excursion we will also visit Aswan High Dam and Cleopatra's Unfinished Obelisk. *Accommodation: *Basma Hotel or similar
Today it's our last day in Aswan. Our morning is free to relax or book on optional excursion to St. Simone Monastery or a nearby Nubian Village. In the afternoon we explore the Nile by felucca, the traditional Egyptian sailing boat. Using the felucca, we can truly savour the tranquillity of the Nile and the beauty of the surrounding landscape, where the vast desert almost reaches the water's edge. (The sailing by felucca timing might be changed according to weather conditions). We end the day with our final dinner together, at one of this historic city’s restaurants. *Accommodation: *Basma Hotel or similar
* 4 nights on cruise boat and 4 nights 4 and 5-star hotels
* Travel by minibus, cruise boat and one internal flight
* Group normally 6 to 20, plus local leader. Min age 16 yrs
All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners included.
In the itinerary we state which meals are included on which day. We suggest
you allow GBP60-90 (approx. . USD100-140) for meals not included. Food in
Egypt involves such things as kebabs, chicken, stews, pitta-bread, felafel,
beans, aubergine and other vegetables, pickles, salads. Dishes tend to be
simple and wholesome and vegetarians can be catered for if they accept that
the options may be somewhat limited.
* 4 nights on cruise boat and 4 nights 4 and 5-star hotels
* Travel by minibus, cruise boat and one internal flight
* Group normally 6 to 20, plus local leader. Min age 16 yrs
This trip has been graded as grade 1 (leisurely). Leisurely grade trips are
suitable for all clients with average health and fitness. No experience of
any activity involved is necessary.
Most days involve early starts (especially Day 3 when we catch an early
flight to Luxor) but this allows us to get the most from our time in
Egypt and avoid the worst of the heat.
Egypt can get hot, especially during our summer, which can cause discomfort
whilst travelling. Care should be taken to keep hydrated. The hottest months
tend to be June to September when temperatures can reach as high as 38 to
40ºC in the south of the country.
The hotels and cruise boat that we use on this trip are of a high standard,
providing excellent levels of comfort.
Please note that the new Egyptian Museum is scheduled to open in October 2020
but that this is subject to change. We will change to the new museum when it
is open.
Cruise Boat & Hotels
We use premium 4/5 star hotels (Egyptian Classification) on a twin-share
basis.
We typically stay at the Basma Hotel in Aswan. It is located on the East Bank
on Aswan's highest hill, directly opposite the famous Nubian museum. All the
rooms have balconies with views of the Nile or the surrounding desert. The
facilities in the rooms and in the hotel itself are excellent, including a
choice of bars and restaurants, a huge swimming pool and all set amid
well-maintained gardens.
In Cairo we generally use the Cairo Pyramids Hotel. Set in a landscaped
garden it offers stunning views over the Pyramids.
*Cruise boat*
We sail the Nile on the M/S Esmeralda or on a similar cruise boat. It offers
impressive service and great facilities including a swimming pool, sun deck,
gift shop, restaurant and bar. It stretches 72m in length and 12.6m in width,
each of the 60 en suite cabins is fully air-conditioned and has a TV and mini
bar. Wi-Fi is also available.
Single rooms available, please enquire for prices.
*Additional Accommodation*
Can be arranged in Cairo pre or post tour. Please speak to a consultant at
the time of booking if you would like additional accommodation.
There will be a local leader (Egyptologist) and drivers and local guides
where needed.
All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners included.
In the itinerary we state which meals are included on which day. We suggest
you allow GBP60-90 (approx. . USD100-140) for meals not included. Food in
Egypt involves such things as kebabs, chicken, stews, pitta-bread, felafel,
beans, aubergine and other vegetables, pickles, salads. Dishes tend to be
simple and wholesome and vegetarians can be catered for if they accept that
the options may be somewhat limited.
Road transport is by private air-conditioned mini/midi-bus and Egypt's roads
are generally good. Travelling is generally restricted to a few hours a day
and the mode of transport is varied. As detailed above, during our trip we
use cruise ship and felucca.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 9 days*
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the
itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of EgyptAir (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and
cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks
before departure.
Internal flights during the trip are normally with Egypt Air.
*Travelling land only: 9 days starting in Cairo and ending in Aswan*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Cairo in the afternoon of
Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided
in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before
departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able
to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
Rain is very rare in all parts of Egypt and most days are sunny and clear.
Summer temperatures often reach the upper 30's but this is particularly true
for the period between June and September. The winter months can be
surprisingly cold, especially on the Nile or at night. The average daytime
maximum in Cairo in January is 20ºC, night time minimum is 8ºC. In the
summer these temperatures are 35ºC and 22ºC respectively. Daytime
temperatures are on average 3 or 4 degrees higher in Aswan.
Trousers or long dresses for women (Egypt is a Muslim country and there are
times you may be asked to cover up when enetering a mosque)
Warm sweater (November to March) or a light sweater (April to October)
Warm jacket or fleece (November to March only)
Long sleeved shirts (for evening and/or sun protection)
Sunhat
Daypack/soft holdall
Water bottle
Sun cream, sunglasses and lipsalve
Lightweight walking shoes
Light wet weather top.
At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the
recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing
only one piece of checked baggage.
As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject
to change, we suggest you check the airline's website for the latest
information prior to your departure.
Please note that if you're travelling with prescription medication you should
carry a medical certificate from your GP confirming that the medication has
been prescribed for a medical condition. The
Egyptian"http://www.egyptianconsulate.co.uk/FAQ.php#26"Egyptian
Embassy website states that this should be in the form of an official letter
from your GP, specifying details of your condition, the quantity of
medication you will be carrying and that the medication is for your personal
use only. Otherwise, the medication will not be allowed into the country and
you may be prosecuted under Egyptian law.
For further information and specific queries, contact the Egyptian Medical
Office in London on 020 7370 6944.
camera, swimwear and a torch (useful in the temples).
See 'Food' and 'Visas'.
Please note that some sites have a 'camera charge' which means you will have
to pay extra to take pictures - this can be approximately $16 for each site.
*Optional Excursions*
Prices are in US$ being the most stable currency used in Egypt to provide the
most accurate reflection of the cost but excursions can be paid in any hard
currency (e.g. UK£, US$. Euro etc.). The below prices are subject to
change.
Cairo (only possible pre tour or if arriving early on Day 1):
Sound and light show, Giza $35 (requires min. 4-6 clients)
Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque $30
Coptic Cairo including Coptic Museum $40
Entrance fee for Sakkara Dahshour $59, Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque $30
Entrance fee to go inside Great Pyramids $20
Camel ride (please arrange through leader) $12 approx
Entrance fee for Mummies room at Egyptian Museum $11
Aswan:
Abu Simbel flight excursion from £307 (available to book locally or in
advance through Exodus)
Abu Simbel road excursion from £120 (available to book locally or in advance
through Exodus)
Tour of Philae, High Dam & Obelisk $40 (valid for 4-6 clients)
St. Simone Monastery $35 (min 4 clients)
Nubian Village $25 (min 4 clients) *please see Responsible Travel section
Sound and Light show at Philae $35 (valid for 4-6 clients)
Luxor:
A.C.E Luxor Animal Hospital (time permitting) FREE
Sound and light show, Karnak Temple $35
Queen Hatshepsut's temple $15
Entrance for additional tombs on the West Bank approximately $18
Dendarah & Abydos $70-90 (valid for 2-4 clients)
When booking and paying for these tours locally a 3% charge will be added for
all payments by card.
'Baksheesh' is part of Egyptian life, and small tips are expected by most of
the people working in the tourism industry (drivers, hotel staff, railway
porters, restaurant staff etc). In order to simplify this process for our
clients, Exodus has agreed with our team of tour leaders to recommend a
'tipping kitty' for all trips to Egypt. Your tour leader will explain this at
the start of the holiday, and will collect the suggested sum from those who
wish to participate. Your tour leader will then take care of all the tipping
on behalf of the group. While your participation is highly recommended, it is
not compulsory. Your leader can provide details of the distribution of the
money as required. For groups of 12 or more clients, the contribution is
suggested as US$45 per person. For groups of less than 12 clients, the
contribution is suggested as US$50 per person.
If you feel that your leader has performed well over the course of your trip,
you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The sum you choose
to give is entirely personal, but as a guide, about US$4 per person per day
would be a reasonable. The 'tipping kitty' explained above is entirely
separate from any contribution to the tour leader.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.