The Nile & Alexandria

13 days - from $1125

This trip provides the perfect mix of adventure, exploration and relaxation.

For the first week or so we enjoy the many highlights of the Nile Valley. We begin in Cairo, where we explore the pyramids and Sphinx, and then head south to Luxor where we ride donkeys into the fabled Valley of the Kings and have time to check out the many other sights.

In Luxor we board our Nile riverboat, and as we cruise south to Aswan we watch timeless scenes along the banks of the Nile, as farmers go about their daily business, tending their crops. We visit the riverside temples at Edfu and Komombo, and once in Aswan we have time to explore this laid-back southern city which has long been a favourite with travellers.

Back in Cairo we have a full day to explore the older parts of the city and the next day we head to Alexandria, a laid-back coastal city, where we visit the new Alexandria Museum and the Roman Catacombs. A free day allows time for a side-trip to see the WWII battlefields at El Alamein – or we can check out some of the famous coffee shops that have been around since the 1920’s. Our trip ends in Cairo.

Highlights

• Cairo Museum
• Edfu and Komombo temples
• Luxor's open air museum
• Mediterranean port town of Alexandria
• Nile cruise
• Nubean Aswan
• The Valley of the Kings
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cairo

Itinerary:

Day 1: Cairo2: Cairo-Luxor3: Luxor4-6: Luxor, Nile Cruise7: Aswan8: Aswan-Cairo9: Cairo10: Cairo-Alexandria11: Alexandria12: Alexandria-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 applicable): Cairo - pyramids, Sphinx and Valley Temple of King Khafre (Chephren); Alexandria Museum and Roman Catacombs; Komombo; and Edfu.

• 4 night cruise on Gecko’s Nile riverboat, cruising from Luxor to Aswan.

• Donkey ride to explore the Valley of the Kings.

• Free time to explore, Luxor, Aswan, Cairo and Alexandria.

• Overnight  train from Cairo to Luxor. Accommodation in an air-conditioned carriage with large 45-degree reclining seats. Breakfast boxes delivered upon arrival.

• Overnight sleeper train from Aswan to Cairo in an air-conditioned,  private, two-person sleeping berth with beds and linen, an ‘airline-style’ dinner and breakfast, and toilet facilities located at the end of each carriage.

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