Best of Egypt
An 8-Day G Adventures tour starting from $949
Tour Overview
| Tour Type: |
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| Tour Category: | Classic | ||
| Tour Operator: | G Adventures | ||
| Tour Code: | GAP-DPBE-2012 |
- Dates & Prices
- Highlights
- Itinerary
- What's Included/Accommodations
- Details & Specials
- Reviews & Ratings
Countries Visited
EgyptCities Visited
See DescriptionWhile it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Group Leader Description
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
Group Size Notes
Max 15, avg 10
Your Fellow Travellers
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.
Highlights
Enjoying dinner with a local family, spending the night on a felucca, exploring ancient temples and monuments, bartering in bazaars.
This journey through Egypt packs in the best of culture and adventure in eight energetic days. Explore the ancient sites along the Nile and discover the most famous of them all, the Great Pyramids of Giza. Embrace the culture and meet remarkable people as you sample some traditional fare with a Nubian family in a local village. Feel the buzz of vibrant bazaars in Aswan and Luxor, but still manage to relax and watch life unfold as you sail the Nile in a traditional felucca.
- Book 3 or more tours - Get an extra 5% off
- Book a group 8 people pay, 9th person is free.
| Start Date | End Date | Brochure price | Our Price | Quote |
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5/25/2013 |
6/1/2013 |
$949 |
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6/8/2013 |
6/15/2013 |
$949 |
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6/15/2013 |
6/22/2013 |
$949 |
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6/22/2013 |
6/29/2013 |
$949 |
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6/29/2013 |
7/6/2013 |
$949 |
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7/13/2013 |
7/20/2013 |
$949 |
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7/20/2013 |
7/27/2013 |
$949 |
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7/27/2013 |
8/3/2013 |
$949 |
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8/10/2013 |
8/17/2013 |
$949 |
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8/17/2013 |
8/24/2013 |
$949 |
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8/24/2013 |
8/31/2013 |
$949 |
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8/31/2013 |
9/7/2013 |
$949 |
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9/14/2013 |
9/21/2013 |
$949 |
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9/21/2013 |
9/28/2013 |
$949 |
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9/28/2013 |
10/5/2013 |
$949 |
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10/12/2013 |
10/19/2013 |
$949 |
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10/19/2013 |
10/26/2013 |
$949 |
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10/26/2013 |
11/2/2013 |
$949 |
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11/9/2013 |
11/16/2013 |
$949 |
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11/16/2013 |
11/23/2013 |
$949 |
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11/23/2013 |
11/30/2013 |
$949 |
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11/30/2013 |
12/7/2013 |
$949 |
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12/14/2013 |
12/21/2013 |
$949 |
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12/21/2013 |
12/28/2013 |
$949 |
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12/28/2013 |
1/4/2014 |
$949 |
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator. |
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You are welcome to arrive in Cairo at any time, as today is a designated arrival day with no planned activities. Please note that there will be an important welcome meeting this evening at our joining hotel. Please check the hotel notice board for more information on the location of this meeting or ask at reception. Please bring your passport and travel insurance documents to this meeting, as you will be required to fill out some important pre-trip admin documents.Your tipping kitty will be collected as this time (please refer to the "tipping" section of these notes for more information). After learning more about our tour and plans for the following day, you are welcome to join our leader and your travelling companions for an optional dinner nearby. If you arrive early there are plenty of things to see and do in this amazing city. Visit the Saladin Citadel of Cairo one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, or to really get a feel for the place, get lost in the bazaars and join the locals for a coffee in a local cafe. If this is your first visit to Cairo, we highly recommend that you book an airport transfer.(please refer to the joining instructions section of tour dossier for more information).
Day 2 Cairo (1B,1D)
Begin the day with one of the real highlights of any visit to Egypt, a visit to the three pyramids of Giza. While once located in remote desert, they now touch the suburbs of modern Cairo. No matter how many photos or documentaries you have seen, your first glimpse of these marvels of the ancient world will take your breath away. As a qualified Egyptologist, your tour leader is able to expertly explain the facts and myths behind these three mammoth works of art. You will also visit the mysterious Sphinx with its lion’s body and man’s face. Time permitting there might be the chance to see inside one of the two smaller pyramids, take a ride around the pyramids on camel back or visit the fascinating Solar Boat Museum with displays on one of the pharaoh’s funerary barges - it may just be the oldest boat in existence! (NB. Extra entrance fees apply to all of these sites/activities) There will be time to grab a quick lunch before our afternoon visit to the Egyptian Museum. With over 10,000 pieces from every period of Egyptian history, including the treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun, the display can be a bit daunting. Your Tour Leader will direct you to the most important and magnificent items. There is also plenty of free time for you to explore on your own, including a chance to visit the famed Mummy Room where you can view the ancient remains of some of Egypt’s most important rulers. (NB. Extra entrance charges apply) In the evening we transfer to the railway station to board our overnight train to Aswan. Accommodation on the sleeper train is in comfortable twin-share bunk-bed compartments with lockable doors. The beds convert into seats when not in use and luggage is stored under the bottom bunk. Bedding is provided and there is a small wash basin with soap and a towel provided. Shared toilet facilities are at the end of each carriage. A simple “airline style” dinner is provided, but most guests prefer to eat before boarding the train. Non Alcoholic Drinks are available to purchase and there is a bar car for socialising. In the morning you will be brought a simple continental style breakfast around two hours before arrival. Overnight on sleeper train. Estimated Travel Time: Cairo to Aswan, 12hrs (overnight train)
Days 3-4 Aswan (2B,1D)
Our train is due to arrive in Aswan early in the morning, but as ever, we should be prepared for "Egypt time"! Aswan has a distinctively African feel to it. Small enough to walk around and graced with the most beautiful setting on the Nile, the pace of life is slow and relaxing. Enjoy some free time in the morning to perhaps browse in the souk, full of the scent and colour of spices, perfumes, scarves and baskets or take a walk along the Nileside corniche and admire the scenery. In the late afternoon we board a local boat known as a felucca, to explore this area of the Nile from the water. Crossing to Elephantine Island, we visit a Nubian village, where we'll take a walk around the community before enjoy a traditional dinner at a local home. If you have purchased the Temple of Abu Simbel Overland Theme Pack, you will visit the temple on Day 4. Leaving Aswan at around 4am you travel deep into the desert to the site of these enormous temples, on the shores of Lake Nasser. You can spend around two hours at the temples and then return to Aswan by about 2pm. The round trip drive is around 5 hours. With the rest of your day, it is possible to take a half day tour to visit the Unfinished Obelisk, the High Dam and the island Temple of Philae. You may like to visit the modern Nubian Museum to learn more about Aswan's local people. Ask your tour leader for more details. Overnight in Aswan (2 nights).
Day 5 Nile River (1B,1L,1D)
Today we board our felucca to spend the rest of the day out on the river and a night under the stars. All meals are provided by our Nubian crew. Drinks, including beer, wine, water and soft drinks are available for you to purchase. Feluccas are very basic traditional Nile sailboats and make for an extremely relaxing and enjoyable way to travel down the river. You sleep on the deck of the boat (mattresses and blankets are provided, but if you prefer something between you and the blankets, you will need a sleep sheet/sleeping bag liner). Please note that the Felucca itself does not have toilets or showers on board, however your group will be provided with a private support boat, travelling in close proximity to your Felucca. This support boat is equipped with toilets and a shower (please bring a towel) and and an area to eat your meals, leaving you stress free to enjoy this tranquil and traditional experience on the Nile. Overnight on our felucca.
Days 6-7 Luxor (2B, 1L)
Our felucca journey concludes at the town of Kom Ombo where we visit the famous Kom Ombo Temple. In a scenic location, right on the banks of the Nile, Kom Ombo was dedicated to the Crocodile God and you can still view the remains of an ancient mummified crocodile, which was worshipped here thousands of years ago. We travel by private bus to Luxor, stopping on route at the town of Edfu where we explore this wonderfully preserved temple, perhaps the most complete in all of Egypt. On arrival in Luxor this afternoon, we check-in to our hotel and the remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore. Why not hire a horse and carriage (calèche) and take yourself off for an orientation tour. Perhaps take a wander through the bazaar or just relax at a cafe with a small, strong local coffee. On Day 7 it's time to cross to the West Bank and travel by "Egyptian Mercedes", otherwise known as a donkey! Be amazed at the mammoth eighteen-metre high Colossi of Memnon, which are all that remain of an ancient temple. Descend down the narrow rock-hewn corridors and experience the magnificent decoration and design of the tombs of the Pharaohs at the Valley of the Kings. Testament to the power of the queens in ancient Egypt, the impressive Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut seems to rise out of the surrounding limestone outcrops. There will be plenty of free time to explore all Luxor has to offer. Karnak Temple was the centre of all religious life in ancient Egypt. Built and extended by successive generations of rulers, you can't help but be awed by the massive columns and painted hieroglyphs. Luxor temple, located near the Nile and right in the centre of downtown Luxor is spectacularly lit in the evenings and well worth a visit. Choose to learn all there is to know about the ancient art of embalming by exploring the world's only Mummification Museum, and the small but beautifully presented Luxor Museum, is also well worth a visit. Overnight in Luxor (2 nights). Estimated Travel Time: Kom Ombo to Luxor, 4 hrs (private van)
Day 8 Cairo (1B)
After returning to Cairo by plane in the morning (timetable subject to change but we should arrive in Cairo no later than 12pm) your trip will end on arrival at Cairo International Airport. We are able to organise extra post-trip accommodation in Cairo if you wish to extend your stay for a few more days or perhaps head up to Alexandria on our Alexandria extension. Please ask at the time of booking. Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour
7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Transport
Private air-con van, train, felucca, donkey, walking, plane
Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. There is only one domestic carrier in Egypt - Egypt Air. The domestic flight maximum weight allowance for Egypt Air is 20 kg.
Accommodation
Simple hotels (5 nts), sleeper train (1 nt), felucca with support boat for toilet/showers (1 nt)
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Important Notes
1. If you arrive a day or two early in Cairo and wish to do some excursions, we recommend that you wait until you get to the joining hotel and contact our local staff for more information on available tours and excursions. Tourists are frequently over-charged for excursions bought from vendors on the street or at the airport.
2. Ramadan 2012: Depending on the lunar cycles, around July 20th for a month. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-muslims throughout the day.
3. US Dollars that are series 1996 or earlier are not accepted and very difficult to change in regions of East and Southern Africa, as there are a lot of forgeries in circulation.
4. Feluccas are very basic traditional Nile sailboats and make for an extremely relaxing and enjoyable way to travel down the river. You sleep on the deck of the boat (mattresses and blankets are provided, but if you prefer something between you and the blankets, you will need a sleep sheet/sleeping bag liner of your own). Please note that the Felucca itself does not have toilets or showers, however we will have access to a private support boat, travelling in close proximity to our Felucca. This support boat is equipped with toilets and a shower (please bring a towel) and an area to eat your meals, leaving you stress free to enjoy this tranquil and traditional experience on the Nile. Feluccas are traditional wind-driven sailing craft, and therefore subject to the unpredictability of wind, weather and river traffic conditions on the Nile. We will do our best to follow published itineraries, but they must be considered tentative in all cases. We reserve the right to modify or cancel any sailing itinerary as conditions warrant. In case of insufficient wind, weather danger or difficult river traffic conditions on the Nile or through the Nile locks, we reserve the right to transport passengers between some sites by motor vehicle on land, in order to be able to keep up with the itinerary.
Single Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
What to Take
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labelled and restricted to one backpack, soft compact suitcase, or sports bag (maximum 10-15kg) plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited. Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags. It is important to pack clothes for warm to hot days and cool evenings. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.
Checklist
Suggested Items:
•Sleeping sheet for use under blankets on felucca
•Light fleece top
•Light windproof/waterproof jacket
•Small towel and swimwear
•Sun hat
•Personal clothing for mild to hot weather. Ladies may wish to pack a sports bra for your donkey ride.
(See also "What to Take" and "Local Dress" sections of this dossier)
•Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
•Sport sandals
•Sunblock
•Sunglasses
•Toiletries (biodegradable)
•Watch or alarm clock
•Flashlight/headlamp
•Money belt
•First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine,
Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, insect
repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
Winter tours (approx Nov - end of February)
•Very warm jacket,long warm trousers and warm footwear...it can be very cold at this time of year especially on your overnight felucca trip.
•We do provide blankets, but strongly recommend that those who feel the cold may wish to bring along a sleeping bag for additional warmth during these months.
**Please note: Unfortunately there is no sleeping bag hire available in Egypt**
Optional Items
•Camera
•Reading/writing material
•Binoculars
•Cover for backpacks
•Pocketknife
•Waterbottle
Documents:
•Passport (with photocopies)
•Travel insurance (with photocopies)
•Airline tickets (with photocopies)
•EUR/USD cash
•ATM card with PIN number(see personal spending money)
•G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
•Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Visas
Many nationalities including all Western European and Arab countries, USA, Australia and New Zealand are able to obtain a one-month single entry visa on arrival at Cairo International airport or at the Egyptian land border.
Look for windows (marked "banks") selling these visas in the area where you line up to have your passport stamped. You need to get the visa before entering the passport line. The visa is a sticker which you need to stick into your passport before handing it to the authorities for stamping.
The cost is USD15 or equivalent in EUR/GBP. All change will be given to you in Egyptian Pounds.
Please note that for other nationalities it is necessary to organise your visa before you travel. It is vital that you check the conditions attached to your particular passport and make the necessary arrangements in advance.
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.
Departure Tax
Departure tax is usually included in your air tickets. If you depart Egypt via Nuweiba Port, there is a departure tax of approximately 9 USD.
Tipping
Tipping ( Baksheesh )
Tipping (also widely referred to by its Arabic term as “baksheesh”) is a way of life in the Middle East. Locals themselves will usually tip anyone who provides them with services. In many cases, people depend on the tips they receive to supplement the incredibly low salary and wages of the Middle East region.
While on tour in the Middle East, it is customary and even expected to tip small service providers such as restaurant and bar waiters, hotel staff, reception, cleaning personnel, bell boys, taxis and van drivers. Tips are regarded as an essential means of supplementing income for those working in the tourism industry.
In order to make things as easy as possible, and avoid embarrassing situations, G Adventures has developed a tipping Kitty system where your tour leader will collect a contribution from everybody on tour and use this kitty to tip anybody who has provided services to the group as a whole. The tour Leader will keep an accurate account of what was spent and any money left over, will be handed back to the group.
If at any time, you felt that any service provider failed in maintaining or delivering good service, please bring it immediately to the attention of your tour leader, so a deduction of tips can take place.
A guideline for tipping is about 3-5 USD per day, depending on the quality of the service (this does not include your G Adventures Tour Leader).
On Day 1 of your tour, your tour leader will be able to advise on the amount required from everybody to form the tipping kitty for your trip.
This should be paid to the tour Leader in day 1 of the tour. You can pay in USD or the equivalent Egyptian pound (preferably Egyptian pounds). The tour leader will be able to advise you on the exchange rate and the total required in either currency.
Also at the end of your trip if you felt that your G Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is also expected and appreciated. The precise amount is entirely a personal preference, however 20-25 USD per person per week can be used as a general guideline.
Health
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
DRINKING WATER: It is advisable to drink bottled water in Egypt.
There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. Though malaria does exist in Egypt, it is not normally found in the areas where we travel. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes, as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
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