Ancient Egypt Explorer Family Holiday(Trip #60488)

Tour Overview

The Wonders of Cairo & Aswan
Discover the Pyramids, where the enigmatic Sphinx watches over the capital city of Egypt with an unblinking stare - a great start to a magical trip! Next cross the Nile and visit the famous Egyptian Museum, whose treasures provide a glimpse of the fascinating history of this ancient land. Travelling south you'll arrive in Aswan at the point where African and Arabian cultures entwine. There's time to relax on the Nile, discover the bazaars and enjoy a traditional meal at the home of a Nubian family.

Luxor - Capital of the Pharaohs
Boarding your felucca - the traditional lateen-rigged boat of the Nile - you'll sail slowly down the river. A night on board, sleeping under star-filled skies, is a real treat and an exciting way to discover a different face of Egypt. In Luxor you'll have time to explore the underground tombs in the Valley of the Kings, hidden amongst spectacular hills on the west bank. In the afternoon travel by horsedrawn carriage to the immense temple of Karnak where an avenue of ram-headed sphinxes lines the entranceway - before flying to Cairo for a final free day.

Responsible Travel
We have joined forces with the Sunshine International Project, Luxor, to assist in providing education and a home for children in Egypt. You will have the opportunity to visit the home during your stay in Luxor and meet the residents, where you'll be assured of a cheery welcome!If you would like to go, please speak to your Group Leader early on in your trip and they will give you the details so you can arrange your visit. A taxi to the home will cost approximately EGP 10 (tell the taxi driver it's directly across from The International Hospital in Television Street, if they haven't heard of it). Please also be aware that there maybe times that you can't visit, for example because of itinerary timings or opening times of the Sunshine International Project.If you would like to give a gift they would be delighted to receive the following; children's winter clothing - for boys and girls aged between one month and 14 years, i.e. long trousers, sweatshirts, cardigans & long-sleeved dresses. They'd also like white glue, glitter, colouring books and educational or children's film DVDs to play with! Long-sleeved pyjamas, disposable nappies, milk formula and baby shampoo are also always needed. These goods are available to buy cheaply locally (helping the local economy) and your Group Leader will be able to advise on where to buy things. For further details please see www.sunshine-international.org.uk, where the children have placed a wish-list!

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1
Join trip Cairo

Day 2
Cairo; visit Pyramids and Egyptian Museum; sleeper train to Aswan

Day 3
Free in Aswan; Nubian village meal

Day 4
Felucca on Nile

Day 5
Sail and drive to Luxor; Kom Ombo or Edfu temples

Day 6
Sightseeing to the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple

Day 7
Fly to Cairo; free for personal exploration, shopping or optional trips

Day 8
Trip ends Cairo

Departure Dates

09/02/2008
16/02/2008
22/03/2008
28/03/2008
05/04/2008
06/04/2008
11/04/2008
12/04/2008
24/05/2008
26/07/2008
02/08/2008
18/10/2008
25/10/2008
19/12/2008
20/12/2008
24/12/2008
08/02/2009
11/02/2009
29/03/2009
05/04/2009
12/04/2009
23/05/2009
26/07/2009
09/08/2009
18/10/2009
25/10/2009
15/12/2009
17/12/2009
24/12/2009

Prices

Date: Base Price
09/02/2008: £579
16/02/2008: £579
22/03/2008: £579
28/03/2008: £549
05/04/2008: £549
06/04/2008: £579
11/04/2008: £549
12/04/2008: £619
24/05/2008: £579
26/07/2008: £559
02/08/2008: £559
18/10/2008: £599
25/10/2008: £599
19/12/2008: £599
20/12/2008: £599
24/12/2008: £599
08/02/2009: £599
11/02/2009: £599
29/03/2009: £599
05/04/2009: £599
12/04/2009: £599
23/05/2009: £599
26/07/2009: £599
09/08/2009: £599
18/10/2009: £629
25/10/2009: £629
15/12/2009: £629
17/12/2009: £629
24/12/2009: £629

Trip Information

Trip Essentials
Minimum age: 5 years A busy trip exploring the must-sees of Egypt

Transport & Accommodation
Charter bus, train, taxi, felucca, on foot, calesh (horse-drawn
carriage), domestic flight
Hotels (5nts), felucca (1nt), overnight train (1nt)
You'll stay in hotels with en suite facilities. On the felucca
mattresses and blankets are provided, but be prepared for very
simple conditions.
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 3 dinners

Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any washing or toilet facilities on the felucca?
Hygiene is a priority. The boat simply moors on the Nile bank where you find a suitable cover to squat behind. A shovel is provided and so is medicated soap to wash your hands. You will need to bring a small supply of toilet paper.

Do we need to take malaria tablets?
Although there is a slight risk of malaria in certain parts of Egypt during June-October, it is not normally found in the areas visited on this trip. Bring insect repellent, containing Deet, or a natural one such as MosiGuard to reduce the number of insect bites. Consult a doctor or travel clinic 6-8 weeks before departing to get the most up to date information.