Nile Valley Highlights

9 days - from $1495

This is a wonderful journey of discovery through the Nile Valley. In Cairo we visit the outstanding Egyptian Museum, the pyramids and Sphinx before travelling to Luxor to see Karnak Temple. We browse the bazaars and the next day we cross the Nile to visit the Valley of the Kings and the splendid Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. A relaxing cruise takes us south, with timeless views of the Nile. We visit the riverside temples at Edfu and Komombo and arrive at the laid-back city of Aswan where there's time to visit Abu Simbel before we return to Cairo. Our final day is spent exploring the medieval quarter, visiting the 17th century Gayer Anderson Museum, the mosque of Ibn Tulun and the bustling Khan al-Khalili Bazaar.

Highlights

• Egyptian Museum
• The Pyramids
• Sphinx
• Karnak Temple
• Valley of the Kings
• Aswan
• Luxor
• Philae Temple
• Komombo Temple
• Nile Riverboat Cruise
• Medieval Cairo
• Temple of Hatshepsut
• Edfu Temple

Itinerary:

Day 1 (Sat) Arrive Cairo and transfer to hotel.2 Visit Egyptian Museum, pyramids and Sphinx. Sleeper train to Luxor.3 Arrive Luxor. Horse-drawn carriages to Karnak Temple. Board Nile cruise boat.4 Visit Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon.5-6 Sail to Aswan. Visit Edfu and Komombo Temples.7 Free day in Aswan. Optional visit to Abu Simbel. Sleeper train to Cairo.8 Arrive Cairo. Visit medieval quarter, including Gayer-Anderson Museum, Ibn Tulun Mosque and Khan al-Khalili bazaar.9 Trip ends in Cairo this morning (Sun).
Included: Local tour leader, professional local guides, arrival transfer, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.
Not Included: Flights, meals unless specified, drinks, departure taxes, visas, travel insurance, tips (see below), spending of a personal nature, optional sightseeing, departure transfer.
Meals: 8 breakfasts,3 lunches,6 dinners
Valid From: 01 Jan 09
Notes: Nile Cruise Schedules There are numerous boats cruising the Nile, all of which must 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 Luxor or Aswan. The actual cruising time, from Luxor to Aswan, is about a day and a half and this will be accomplished both during the day and at night. Summertime Schedules 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; our schedules are designed to make touring as comfortable for you as possible. '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! Tourist 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 the Middle East, although you do need to be flexible, sympathetic and sensitive. In 2010, Ramadan starts on 11th August and finishes on 9th September, with the Eid el Fitr feast commencing on 10th September. In 2011, Ramadan will start on 1st August and finish on 30th August.
Starts/Ends: Cairo to Cairo
Trip Reference: PGNV