Felucca Safari

11 days - from $760

There's no better way to feel the pulse of Egypt than to drift lazily along the Nile in a traditional sailing boat. This great little trip is a fantastic low-cost way to experience the highlights of the Nile Valley, visiting the key sites while still allowing plenty of time to make your own discoveries.

In Cairo we explore the pyramids and Sphinx before heading south to Aswan where we visit the incredible temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel - one of the highlights of our trip.

Boarding our traditional 'feluccas' we then sail with the warm winds that sweep in from the Western Desert, spending three nights on board with plenty of time to kick back, relax and observe life along the banks. Along the way we visit the romantic Temple of Sobek, at Komombo, and a couple of days later we reach Edfu, where we visit the Temple of Horus. In Luxor we ride our donkeys into the Valley of the Kings - always great fun - and explore the tombs of the Pharaohs.

Highlights

• Cairo
• The Pyramids
• Sphinx
• Aswan
• Abu Simbel
• 4 Day Felucca Cruise
• Nubian Village Evening
• Komombo Temple
• Luxor
• Donkey Trek
• Valley of the Kings

Itinerary:

Day 1 Cairo2 Cairo - overnight train3-4 Aswan - Abu Simbel5-7 Felucca Cruise8-9 Edfu - Luxor - overnight train10-11 Cairo

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the 'must see' sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included: An experienced English-speaking local leader, local guides at some sites, all transportation, accommodation, meals and sightseeing as indicated.
Not Included: International flights, arrival & departure transfers, visas, airport taxes, additional meals, drinks, optional sightseeing tours, insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.
Meals: Allow US$80 for additional meals. Although a number of meals are included, we also allow you the flexibility to go out and make your own choices as far as what and where to eat. Your tour leader will always be on hand to offer recommendations and, in some places, he will help organise a group meal that includes a variety of local specialities; all such meals are optional.
Valid From: 10 Jan 08
Notes: 'Adventurer' style tours 'Adventurer' holidays are designed for those who really enjoy grassroots travel, with opportunities to interact with both the Bedouin and Nubian people. Some trips include a relaxing three-day sailboat trip, in a traditional felucca, and you'll also enjoy guided sightseeing in Cairo, Luxor and at Abu Simbel. Summertime Schedules/Climate As the days get warmer, temperatures can start to soar ? particularly in Upper Egypt (Luxor and Aswan). From April to October, to avoid the midday heat, some days start very early (eg at 0500). Please be prepared for this: we try to make things as comfortable for you as possible. Your tour leader will keep you fully informed. Note also, that in the winter months (Oct-Mar) it can become quite cold on the river at night, so please bring warm (thermal) clothing at this time. 'Baksheesh' and Tipping Throughout the Middle East, tipping is part of the fabric of life. The local word is 'baksheesh', which when translated into English falls somewhere in between 'tip' and 'bribe'. Everyone constantly tips everyone else and foreign travellers are expected to comply with this system. It is part of everyday life and is a form of remuneration for doing something, regardless of the standard of service. This is quite confusing for those used to the western concept of tipping as a way of showing appreciation. Over the years we have found that most of our customers find this constant need for tipping to be both tiresome and embarrassing, especially if you don't have the correct small change. To overcome this, we have established a very successful tipping kitty system. At the beginning of the tour, your tour leader will suggest collecting a set amount from each tour member. He/she will then distribute all tips along the way, on behalf of the group, to the local guides, drivers, porters and anyone else who provides services along the way. We have surveyed thousands of our previous clients and the vast majority clearly prefer this procedure. We hope that this system will also work for you. The amount will vary from trip to trip, but it usually works out to be about the equivalent of US$3 per person per day. If you are out on your own, for example at a restaurant, you should also leave a tip for the waiter. Please note that the tipping kitty will NOT include a gratuity for your tour leader. They work hard for you and if you are happy with their service it is appropriate to tip them as well. The normal amount expected is US$3 (or equivalent) per day from each member of the group. Ramadan Ramadan occurs in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is an exciting (and at times, frustrating) time to travel in the Middle East. In the evening there is a celebratory atmosphere as people break their fast, and to witness all this is a real highlight. However, during the day, people must refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual activity, so if you encounter someone who is a bit grumpy, be sympathetic! Tourists sites are generally unaffected although some places may close early, but your leader will plan around this. Most hotels bars and tourist restaurants will remain open. Overall, Ramadan is a really interesting time to visit the Middle East, although you do need to be flexible, sympathetic and sensitive. In 2008 Ramadan starts on 1 September and ends with Eid el Fitr at the end of September. The feast of Eid el Fitr can last between three and seven days, depending on the region. In 2009, Ramadan starts on August 21st and finishes on September 19th, with the Eid el Fitr feast commencing on September 20th. Sleeper Seats on trains Please note that in some instances during peak season clients will be travelling in a Nefertiti compartment as opposed to a open carriage with reclining seats. The Nefertiti compartment is a three person private cabin with three non reclining seats. Many travellers prefer this arrangement due to its additional privacy.
Starts/Ends: Cairo to Cairo
Trip Reference: GEFS