Nile & Sinai Revealed

13 days - from $1250

This great itinerary features the best of Egypt, visiting the Nile Valley and the fabulous Temple of Rames II at Abu Simbel, before heading into the Sinai peninsula to experience the raw beauty of the region.

The Nile is Egypt’s lifeline, a fertile green ribbon that brings life to the desert and supports an ever-burgeoning population. Since ancient times it has transported people and their goods on a lively assortment of ships, boats and barges. These days the boats are carrying a different cargo, with many travellers enjoying a riverboat cruise between Aswan and Luxor. It’s a great way to observe everyday life in the Nile Valley, and also allows the opportunity to explore the ancient temples at Komombo and Edfu.

Our Nile riverboat offers a comfortable on-board atmosphere, with air-conditioned cabins – each with their own private shower and toilet. In addition there is a pleasant restaurant, where all meals are served, and a rooftop bar. The spacious top deck is ideal for sunbathing and relaxing, with great views of the river.

The Sinai is a place of awesome beauty with jagged mountains framed by rugged beaches, lapped by the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Aqaba. We explore the southern end of the peninsula, ascending Mt. Sinai at dawn, before heading to Dahab, a laid-back traveller’s haunt, where we have a couple of days of R&R.

Highlights

• Sunrise on Mt Sinai
• The Valley of the Kings
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cairo
• World-leading snorkelling and scuba diving on the Red Sea
• Nile cruise
• Luxor's open air museum
• Cairo Museum
• Downtime and diving in Dahab
• Edfu and Komombo temples
• Abu Simbel

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cairo2: Cairo-Aswan3: Aswan4: Abu Simbel-Nile Cruise5-6: Nile Cruise7: Luxor-Cairo8: Cairo9: Cairo-Mt.Sinai10: Mt. Sinai-Dahab11: Dahab12: Dahab-Cairo13: 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 - Egyptian Museum, pyramids, Sphinx and Valley Temple of King Khafre (Chephren); Edfu; and Komombo.

• Tour of Abu Simbel.

• 3 nights on Gecko’s Nile riverboat, cruising from Aswan to Luxor. Accommodation in comfortable air-conditioned cabins with private facilities.

• Horse-drawn carriage ride to explore the temple complex at Karnak.

• Donkey ride to explore the Valley of the Kings.

• Optional ascent of Mt Sinai (included in price).

• Time to relax in Dahab on the Gulf of Aqaba.

• 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.