Felucca Safari

10 days - from $735

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

• The Valley of the Kings
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cairo
• Nubean Aswan
• Nile cruise
• Cairo Museum
• Luxor's open air museum
• Abu Simbel

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cairo2: Cairo - overnight train3: Aswan4: Abu Simbel - Nubian village - Aswan5-6: Felucca Cruise7: Edfu - Luxor8: Luxor-Cairo9: Cairo10: 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:

• Gecko’s expert English-speaking local tour guide throughout the tour.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Cairo – the pyramids and Sphinx. Komombo; and Edfu optional (entrance fees not included)

• Tour of Abu Simbel.

• 2 night felucca sail from Aswan to Edfu, sleeping onboard and enjoying meals prepared by Gecko’s Nubian crew.

• Traditional dinner with the felucca crew's family in a Nubian village near Aswan.

• Donkey ride to explore the Valley of the Kings.

• Free time to explore Cairo, Luxor and Aswan.

• 2 nights on an overnight train sleeping in an air-conditioned carriage with comfortable seats (similar to business class seats on a plane) that recline back about 45 degrees. Toilet facilities located at the end of the carriage. Breakfast is delivered to us when we arrive in the morning.

International flights, arrival & departure transfers, visas, airport taxes, additional meals, drinks, optional sightseeing tours, insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.