Land of the Pharaohs - a Family Holiday in Egypt - 2010/11 Itinerary
12 days - from $1070
• Experience 6000 years of history including the colossal Pyramids of Giza
• Cruise the Nile aboard our privately chartered riverboat
• Swim & snorkel in the warm waters of the Red Sea
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The Grandeur of Luxor - Ancient Thebes
Luxor has attracted travellers for centuries. Many ancient kings have left their mark here, and one of Luxor's highlights is the Valley of the Kings - where most are buried, deep in the rock. But the grandest 'tomb' of all belongs to a Queen: Hatshepsut. Like those of the kings, her funerary temple lies at a safe distance from the Nile - although, far from being hidden away, it occupies an area the size of a large pyramid. We visit these sites and then take a donkey trek to Hatshepsut Temple, while a horse-drawn calesh takes us to Karnak temple and on a tour of the surrounding villages.
Abu Simbel & Nile Cruise
Following the Nile Valley, we drive to the exotic town of Aswan, where the life-giving Nile floodwaters have been tamed by the High Dam. Here, we sail back in time amongst the tiny islands of the Nile by felucca (the boat used by Egyptians throughout history). We also explore the desert dunes by camel and can visit the colossal temple of Abu Simbel (optional), dedicated to the most famous pharaoh of all: Ramses II. Then we return to Aswan to enjoy a traditional meal with a Nubian family before boarding our comfortable Nile riverboat to enjoy a 3-day cruise back to Luxor, via Kom Ombo and Edfu temples.
Wonders of the Red Sea & Cairo
Moving on to the resort of Safaga, we experience a different aspect of Egypt: the Red Sea. Its warm waters are great for snorkelling and offer a dazzling show of multi-coloured fish and coral. Finally we travel to the bustling capital, Cairo - the biggest city in Africa, dubbed 'the city that never sleeps'! We head first for the Great Pyramids of Giza, on the sands outside the capital, where the brave can venture into the very centre of a pyramid (optional), and also see the enigmatic Sphinx. More amazing sights confront us at the Egyptian Museum - with its mummified creatures, weaponry and jewels.
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Itinerary:
Day 1 Join Luxor. Days 2/3 Luxor We visit Karnak Temple by calesh, donkey trek to Hatshepsut Temple, visit the Valley of the Kings and then drive to Aswan. Day 4 Abu Simbel An optional visit takes in this enormous and magnificent structure. We then sail along the Nile on a felucca and have dinner in a Nubian village. Day 5 Kom Ombo We travel by camel to St Simeon's Monastery before boarding our Nile riverboat for a three day voyage downriver to Luxor, stopping at Kom Ombo, which is dedicated to both Horus and Sobek, the crocodile god. Day 6 Edfu Temple Sailing to Esna Lock, we visit Edfu Temple, which is the largest Egyptian temple after Karnak and dates from the time of the Ptolemies (3rd-1st century BC). Days 7/8 Optional balloon flight We return to Luxor with the option to have a balloon flight over the Valley of the Kings or visit the Valley of the Queens before being transferred to Safaga on the Red Sea. Day 9 Red Sea A full day boat trip to the islands and coral reefs around Soma Bay to enjoy some swimming, snorkelling or just relaxing. Day 10 Drive to Cairo. Day 11 Pyramids We visit the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx as well as the Egyptian Museum. Day 12 End Cairo.
Accommodations: 8nts hotel, 3nts Nile riverboat in fully air-conditioned two berth en-suite cabins with lounge/bar area, restaurant, plunge pool and sundeck; 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 4 dinners included.
Transport: Bus/Red Sea Boat/Calesh/ Camel/Donkey/Felucca/Nile riverboat.
Comment: Our riverboat, M/S Doma, is chartered for the exclusive use of the Explore group - see dossier for full details. Be prepared for hot weather for most of the year, however early mornings between Nov to Feb can be surprisingly cold. Expect early starts on several days to take advantage of cooler temperatures, and one longer journey from Safaga to Cairo on Day 10.
Group: Approx. 18 to 24.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s), captain and crew on Nile riverboat. Some local guides.
Trip Reference: FEG2010
