Egyptian Adventure - a Family Holiday in Egypt - 2010/11 Itinerary
14 days - from $1310
• Swim in the warm waters of the Red Sea
• Explore Egypt's famous landmarks
• Set sail for an unforgettable journey towards Luxor
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Pyramids & Tutankhamen's Gold!
We start in 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, and also see the enigmatic Sphinx. More amazing sights confront us at the Egyptian Museum on the last day.
All Aboard to Aswan
Next we take the sleeper train south to the wonderfully laid back desert city of Aswan. Here we wander the bazaars in search of spices, relax by the pool and take a trip to St Simeon's Monastery by camel - there's even time for a visit to the unforgettable temples at Abu Simbel (optional). A highlight for many will be the opportunity to visit a local village where we'll enjoy a traditional Nubian meal. Next we board our feluccas - the traditional lateen-rigged boats of the Nile. We sail north towards Luxor as the countryside and villages slip by. At night we have a campfire and our crew may bring out the drums before we drift off to sleep on deck under the stars.
Valley of the Kings & Red Sea
In Luxor there's the chance to take an optional hot-air balloon flight over ancient Thebes. Mounting donkeys we'll ride to Hatshepsut Temple and visit the Valley of the Kings before returning to enjoy a horse-drawn calesh ride to Karnak Temple. Moving on to Safaga, we experience a different aspect of Egypt: the Red Sea. Children and adults alike will love its warm waters - great for snorkelling amidst a dazzling show of multi-coloured fish and coral. Finally we fly back to Cairo.
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Itinerary:
Day 1 Join Cairo. Day 2 Pyramids We discover the Sphinx and the magnificent Great Pyramids of Giza and free afternoon to discover Cairo. Day 3 Egyptian Museum Visit the Egyptian Museum with its treasures of Tutankhamen before catching the overnight sleeper train to Aswan. Day 4 Free day in Aswan. Day 5 Abu Simbel Optional visit to Abu Simbel and then visit a Nubian family for dinner. Day 6 St Simeon's Monastery We travel by camel to St Simeon's Monastery followed by an afternoon meeting with our 'ship of the Nile', the felucca as we set sail along this great river. Day 7 Kom Ombo We sail north towards Luxor and visit the impressive Kom Ombo Temple on our way as well as Edfu before arriving in the city. Day 8 Valley of the Kings We travel by donkey to Hatshepsut Temple and then discover the Valley of the Kings and its tombs, including the most famous, Tutankhamen. Day 9 Karnak There is an optional hot-air balloon ride over the valley before a visit to Karnak Temple arriving by calesh. Day 10 Drive to Safaga on the coast. Days 11/12 Red Sea Boat trip to the coral reefs where we snorkel and experience the marine life of the Red Sea followed by a further day to relax on the coast. Day 13 Fly to Cairo where we have free time to explore the capital. Day 14 End Cairo.
Accommodations: 11nts hotel, 1nt sleeper train, 1nt felucca; 13 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 3 dinners included.
Transport: Bus/Sleeper train/Donkey/ Camel/Felucca/Boat/Calesh.
Comment: Be prepared for hot weather for most of the year, however early mornings between Nov to Feb can be surprisingly cold. Conditions aboard the felucca are simple (see dossier for details). Sleeping bag required for the night on the felucca.
Group: Approx. 16 to 20.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s), felucca crew and boat crew on the Red Sea. Some local guides.
Trip Reference: FNFS2010
