Nile Valley and Western Desert

12 days - from $1440

The Nile Valley occupies less than 10% of Egypt, so it's a great shame not to experience the amazing desert scenery while you are here.

On this trip we see the highlights in Cairo before heading south to Aswan for a relaxing Nile Cruise to Luxor. Here we explore the Valley of the Kings and spend an afternoon in the superb temple complex at Karnak.

We then set off in 4WD vehicles, first to Baris and Al Kharga and then on towards Dakhla. For many centuries Bedouin traders travelled through this region with their camel caravans, and our Bedouin companions were themselves traders until fairly recently, journeying regularly along the famous 'Darb Al Arabeen' - or 40 day camel road - that links Khartoum (Sudan), with southern Egypt.

We visit old mud-brick towns, swim in oasis pools, enjoy a camel safari and explore the golden sand dunes. We reach the magical White Desert where we spend a final night camping under the stars before making our way back to Cairo. This is a long trip, with several hard days of travel. Combined with a Nile Cruise it's a great experience and taken in the right spirit you'll doubtless have a memorable journey.

Highlights

• Cairo
• Egyptian Museum
• Sphinx
• The Pyramids
• Abu Simbel
• Luxor
• Nile Riverboat Cruise
• Karnak Temple
• Komombo Temple
• Edfu Temple
• Donkey Trek
• Valley of the Kings
• White Desert
• 5 Day Western Desert Jeep Safari
• Western Desert
• Dakhla
• Bahariya
• Bedouin Desert Camp
• Camel Safari

Itinerary:

Day 1 & 2 Cairo3 Aswan4 - 6 Nile Cruise7 Luxor - Baris8 Baris - Al Kharga - Dakhla9 & 10 Dakhla - White Desert11 White Desert - Cairo12 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$50 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: This trip is classified as Explorer style Many people dream of cruising down the Nile in a comfortable riverboat, and Gecko's has that covered as well. 'Explorer' trips in Egypt all include an excellent three-day Nile Cruise along with comfortable tourist class hotels throughout. All Egypt trips include Abu Simbel - as well as extra sightseeing/activities in Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada and the Western Desert. Nile Cruise Schedules There are lots of cruise boats on the Nile and they all have to negotiate the lock at Edfu. As a result, boats arrive and depart Luxor continuously throughout the day. The printed itinerary is therefore only a guideline and you may find you have more (or less) time in either Aswan or Luxor. The actual cruising time, from Aswan to Luxor, is about a day and a half and this will mostly be done during daylight hours. Desert Travel & Climate Many days begin early. This is particularly true in the summer months when we try to stay out of the midday heat, but may also apply to other times of the year. Your Tour Leader will keep you fully informed. In the Western Desert there are several long, dusty, travelling days. Accommodation during this time is either 'under the stars' or very basic. Toilet facilities are primitive. Please be prepared for this. Note that temperatures can change dramatically, particularly in spring (Apr/May) and autumn (Sep). During these periods bring warm gear for cooler nights. During the winter months (Oct-Mar) bring thermal gear for cold nights; it can get VERY cold during this period. You will need a sleeping bag. If you don't have one or don't want to carry one, you can buy one in Cairo for about US$15-20 - your tour leader can help with this. '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: GEND