Highlights Explore Egypt with an expert Egyptologist guide, enjoy a traditional Nubian dinner in a local families home, on-site lectures on Egyptian culture, ancient history and archeology, taste popular, traditional foods in local restaurants

Egyptian Archeology Adventure


Egyptian Archeology Adventure - DPEAD

Last Updated: March 11, 2012
9 days: Egypt
Print Print  |  

What's Included

Welcome gift - Tour the Pyramids of Giza, Sakkara and Dahshur - Entrance into Khafre pyramid - Visit to the Sphinx - Felucca ride on the Nile - Visit to a Nubian village and dinner with a local family - Tour of Abu Simbel with flight - Tour of the High Dam, Philae Temple and Unfinished Obelisk quarry - Tour of Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples - Walking tour of Karnak and Luxor Temples and visit to the Mummification museum - Tour of the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple - Visit the Colossi of Memnon - Tour the Egyptian Museum - Walking tour of Khan El Khalili Bazaar

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Validity: Valid for all trips departing January 1st, 2012 - December 31st, 2012.


Trip Style

Discovery Adventures: Bring to life the awe-inspiring destinations featured on the Discovery Channel. Engage colourful cultures, wildlife and landscapes through exhilarating, educational and immersive activities and arrive at a greater understanding of our incredible planet.

Service Level

Comfort:


  • All the adventure with a softer landing
  • Upgraded transportation (private vehicles, trains and planes)
  • More inclusions (transfers, more meals and activities are generally included)
  • Hand-picked accommodations with additional amenities and services

Physical Grading

2: Light walking and hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels.

Itinerary

Route map for Egyptian Archeology Adventure (DPEAD)

Day 1 Cairo

You are free to arrive in Cairo at any time. You will be met at Cairo airport and transfered to your hotel. There are no planned activities today, so check in and enjoy the city. In the evening meet our fellow group members and go over the details of the trip with the tour leader. Your tipping kitty will be collected as this time (please refer to the "tipping" section of these notes for more information) .Check the notice board to see the exact time and location of this group meeting. For late arrivals, no worries, the leader will leave a message at the front desk.

If you arrive early there are plenty of things to see and do in this amazing city. Visit the Saladin Citadel of Cairo, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, or to really get a feel for the place, get lost in the bazaars and join the locals for a coffee in a local cafe.

Day 2 Cairo, Overnight train (B,D)

Enjoy a full day learning all there is to know about Egypt's mysterious marvel - the pyramids. Aside from the well known "big three", many people are not aware that Egypt is littered with hundreds of pyramids. We begin our morning exploring some of the lesser-known, but equally fascinating sites on the outskirts of modern Cairo.

Our first stop is Saqqara, the fascinating city of the dead and home to the oldest pyramid in Egypt, Dsojer, which is a step pyramid. Pharaohs, their families and even pets were laid to rest here. We continue on to the Pyramids of Dahshur, where we get the chance to enter the red pyramid, and find out why it is one of the most mysterious and interesting pyramids in Egypt. All of this before the jewel in the crown, a visit to the famous Pyramids of Giza (with entrance into the Khafre pyramid) and the famed Sphinx.

While once located in remote desert, the Pyramids of Giza now touch the suburbs of modern Cairo. No matter how many photos or documentaries we have seen, our first glimpse of these marvels of the ancient world will take our breath away. As a qualified Egyptologist, our tour leader is able to expertly explain the facts and myths behind these three mammoth works of art. We also visit the mysterious Sphinx, with its lion’s body and man’s face. Time permitting, there may be the chance for optional activities such as: entrance to one of the two smaller pyramids, a camel ride around the pyramids or visit the fascinating Solar Boat Museum, which displays one of the pharaoh’s funerary barges.

In the evening, we transfer to the railway station to board our first class sleeper train. Our accommodation will be in comfortable twin-share bunk-bed compartments with lockable doors. The beds convert into seats when not in use and luggage is stored under the bottom bunk. Bedding is provided and there is a small wash basin with soap and a hand towel. Shared toilet facilities are at the end of each carriage. A simple “airline style” dinner is provided, but most guests prefer to eat before boarding the train. Drinks are available to be purchased and there is a bar car for socializing. In the morning a simple continental style breakfast is served around two hours before arrival.

Estimated Travel Time:
Cairo to Aswan, 12 hrs (overnight train)
Approximate distance: 580 Miles (930 km)

Day 3 Aswan (B,D)

Upon arrival we check into our hotel and the morning is free to explore the riverside, city and local market. Aswan has a distinctive African feel to it. Small enough to walk around and graced with the most beautiful setting on the Nile, the pace of life is slow and relaxing. Spend time strolling up and down the broad Corniche watching the sailboats etch the sky with their tall masts or sitting in floating restaurants listening to Nubian music and eating freshly caught fish.

Late in the afternoon, we board a local boat, known as a felucca, to take a trip along the Nile with views of the Agha Khan Mausoleum and Kitchener Island. Named after the British general Horatio Kitchener, the island is known for its botanical garden and the exotic plants he planted there 100 years ago, which continue to flourish today. Our final stop is the home of our felucca captain on Elephantine Island, the largest of the Nile islands in this area. We take a walk through the village and fields to learn more about the life of the Nubian people, before enjoying a traditional dinner at a local families home.

Day 4 Aswan (B)

We take a short early-morning flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel. Not only are the two temples located at Abu Simbel among the most magnificent monuments in the world, but their removal and reconstruction was also an historic event in itself. Threatened by submersion in Lake Nasser, the temples were rescued from their plight and rebuilt with the support of UNESCO. After touring the temples we transfer back to Aswan by plane.

In the afternoon, we visit the ancient granite quarries where you will see the famous unfinished obelisk and then visit the High Dam, built in the 1970s to control the Nile's water flow, a massive engineering feat at the time. We then return to the Nile where we take a boat ride to the Temple of Philae. This delicate temple of Isis was moved stone by stone from its ancient site (now submerged) to its present location on a Nile Island.

Estimated Travel Time:
Aswan to Abu Simbel, 25mins each way (flight time)

Day 5 Luxor (B)

We travel to Luxor, stopping on the way at the Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples. In a scenic location, right on the banks of the Nile, Kom Ombo was dedicated to the Crocodile God and we can still view the remains of an ancient mummified crocodile, which was worshiped here thousands of years ago. In the middle of a bustling village, Edfu, the Temple of Horus is the most completely preserved temple in all of Egypt.

On arrival in Luxor this afternoon, we check-in to our hotel and the remainder of the afternoon is ours to explore. We can hire a horse and carriage (calèche) ride, wander through the bazaar or just relax at a cafe with a small, strong local coffee.

Estimated Travel Time:
Aswan to Luxor, 8 hours (including time at the temples).
Approximate distance: 140 Miles (230 km)

Day 6 Luxor (B,D)

This morning we visit Karnak Temple, the center of all religious life in ancient Egypt. Built and extended by successive generations of rulers, we will be awed by the massive columns and painted hieroglyphs. Continue on to tour the Luxor temple, located near the Nile and right in the center of downtown Luxor. Later, learn all there is to know about the ancient art of embalming with a visit to the world's only Mummification Museum. This evening we enjoy a fun dinner of Egyptian pizza called manakish at a local restaurant.

Day 7 Luxor, Cairo (B)

Our day starts with a visit to the exciting ancient sites located on Luxor's West Bank. We begin with the two mammoth statues of Amenophis II at the Colossi of Memnon. These statues stood at the front of a temple, which is no longer in existence. They have been famous since Greek times as they were said to have made a unique singing noise. We can even see ancient graffiti discussing this on the statues, from travelers of days past. Next stop is the famous Valley of the Kings. While the treasure is now gone, the tombs contain the most incredible paintings of the life of their encumbent and stories from the Book of the Dead. We also observe archeologists and workers, continuing in the search for new Tombs. There is also the option to visit the the Tomb of Tutankhamun, whose treasures we will see at the Egyptian Museum. We finish our day with the spectacular temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a reminder of the power women held in the Ancient Kingdom.

In the late afternoon, we transfer to Luxor airport and board our return flight to Cairo.

Estimated Travel Time:
Luxor to Cairo, 1 hr (flight)
Approximate distance: 440 Miles (710 km)

Day 8 Cairo (B,L)

This morning we visit the world famous Egyptian Museum. With over 10,000 pieces from every period of Egyptian history, including the treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun, the display can be a bit daunting. Our tour leader will direct us to the most important and magnificent items and there is free time for us to explore on our own. There is also the option to visit the famed Mummy Room where we can view the ancient remains of some of Egypt’s most important rulers.

After the museum, we lunch local style at a Kusharia restaurant which features a popular Egyptian meal, mixing rice, pasta and lentils, topped with a tomato salsa and fried shallots.

In the afternoon, wander the alleyways of Khan El Khalili Bazaar, legendary for fine brassware, copper, perfumes, leather, silver, gold, antiques and more. We are sure to find a little something to take home.

Day 9 Depart Cairo (B)

We are free to depart at any time today. Check-out time from the hotel is normally mid-morning, but luggage storage facilities are available. Our tour leader can easily assist with booking a transfer to the airport if required.


Important Notes

1. Discovery Adventures is operated in conjunction with G Adventures, the world leader in sustainable adventure travel. An award winning company with over 800 employees and 17 operational offices worldwide, G Adventures has 20 years experience in creating culturally interactive travel experiences. G Adventures advocates a triple bottom line business philosophy where equal attention is given to the environmental, social and economic impact of tourism to achieve long-term environmentally responsible growth whilst protecting destinations & cultural heritage for future generations.

2. A valid passport for at least 6 months is required for entry into Egypt. For most nationalities, the visa can be easily arranged at Cairo airport upon arrival - please check the visa section of these trip notes for more details.

3. As your fellow travelers are arriving from all corners of the world throughout Day 1, there are no arranged activities. Please arrange to arrive at our starting hotel by 6:00pm, for an important group meeting.

4. In Egypt, it is advisable to drink bottled water.

5. Ramadan 2012:
Depending on the lunar cycles, around July 20th for a month. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-muslims throughout the day.

6. If you arrive a day or two early to Cairo, and wish to do some excursions, we recommend you wait until you get to the start hotel and contact our local staff/ tour leader to organize any excursions you wish to do. Tourists are often over-charged for excursions bought from vendors on the street or at the airport.

Accommodation

Comfort hotels (7 nts), sleeper train (1 nt)

About Accommodation

The accommodation level for most Discovery Adventure tours are comfortable, in mid-range hotels, motels, lodges, guest houses, etc. You'll often enjoy air-conditioned rooms, complete with en suite bathrooms and some amenities. Accommodation and amenities can vary by Country and region and please remember that standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel. Some trips may include camping, permanent tented camps or more rustic lodges, depending on the remoteness of where you are visiting. Please see your trip details for more information, specific to your tour. Porterage is not included, but can be arranged directly at most hotels.

My Own Room

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops, with the following exception: Night 2, Sleeper train

Transport

Van, mini-bus, overnight sleeper train, local flight, felucca, walking

Group Size Notes

Max 15, avg 10

About our Transportation

In the evening, we board a sleeper train to travel south to Aswan. The sleeper train consists of comfortable twin-share bunk-bed cabins with lockable doors. The beds convert into seats when not in use and luggage is stored under the bottom bunk. Bedding is provided and there is a small wash-basin with soap and a hand towel. Shared toilet facilities are at the end of each carriage.

Our main form of on ground transportation will be comfortable A/C mini buses.

Local Flights

All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
There is only one domestic carrier in Egypt - Egypt Air.
The domestic flight maximum weight allowance for Egypt Air is 20 kg.

Meals Included

8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

Meals

Travelling with Discovery Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful foods and flavors that are available in the world. Some meals are included in the trip price in more remote regions or as a highlight where we can share a local specialty or cultural experience. In many places where there is a choice of eating options, we like to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each others company, but there is no obligation to do this. Your group leader will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Group Leader Description

All Discovery Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our expert group tour leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. Group leaders are experts in their region with a broad, general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local expert guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.

Please note that all of our Discovery Adventures trip leaders in Egypt are trained Egyptologists.

Joining Hotel

Mercure Le Sphinx Hotel
1 , Alexandria Desert Road, Giza
Tel.:+20(0)2 33776444
Fax. :+20(0)2 33774930

Joining Instructions

An arrival transfer is included, please look for the Discovery Adventures representative, who will be holding a Discovery Adventures sign. They will meet you after you pass through customs in the arrival hall.
Unfortunately there have been cases of people mis representing themselves as Discovery Adventures representatives. For this reason we do not put individuals names on this sign. Please check that the person meeting you knows your name and the hotel you are going to.
If in doubt ask them to ring their manager to confirm your transfer.

If the Discovery Adventures representative is not there at first, please wait up to 30 minutes, and then proceed to take a taxi, or call our local staff on the below emergency number for further assistance.

A taxi should cost no more than 100-120EGP (USD17-20) and you will need to bargain with the driver to get this price. There is no need to pay any other tip/payment at the end of your taxi journey even if the driver asks for one.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day in which no activities are planned.

Your Tour Leader will contact you at the hotel on Day 1 and make sure you are settled comfortably. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning. Your Leader will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip.

Arrival Complications

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details.

Finishing Point Hotel

Mercure Le Sphinx Hotel
1 , Alexandria Desert Road, Giza
Tel.:+20(0)2 33776444
Fax. :+20(0)2 33774930

What to Take

You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labeled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, or sports bag, maximum 33 pounds (15kg), plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited. Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags. It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings.

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local G Adventures operator - Travel Trail Tours (TTT). If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G Adventures Operator - Travel Trail Tours (Egypt)
Open Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm local time (GMT +2).
Tel: +20 233 77 88 30 / 1 (during office hours)
Emergency Cell Phone: +20 122 21 16 99 (after office hours).

G Adventures Local Office, Cairo, Egypt +20 12 221 16 99 - Mohammed El Fayed, Middle East Regional Manager

If you are unable for any reason to contact Travel Trail Tours or our local office, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600
Calls from the UK: 0844 410 1030
From within Australia: 1 300 796 618
Outside North America/UK/Australia: +1 416 260 0999

Checklist

Documents
•Passport (with photocopies)
•Travel insurance (with photocopies)
•Airline tickets (with photocopies)
•USD cash and travelers cheques
•Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
•Discovery Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and trip details
•Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required

Suggested
•Day pack for daily personal items
•Watch or Alarm clock
•Flashlight or Headlamp (with extra batteries and bulbs)
•Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
•Insect Repellent
•Ear plugs for train journeys or light sleepers
•Small towel and swim wear
•Toiletries (biodegradable)
•Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
•hand sanitizers/ antibacterial wipes
•Money belt
•Long Shorts or skirt
•Long trousers
•Hiking pants/track pants
•Shirts/T-shirts
•Fleece or sweater
•jacket
•Ear plugs for train journeys or light sleepers
•Pocketknife
•Camera and extra memory card/film
•Extra batteries (recommended)
•Electricity Plug Adapter
• Personal female hygiene products (as they are difficult to purchase locally)
• Local Dress
•First-aid kit (should contain Lip balm with sunscreen, Aspirin, Ibuprofin, malaria pills, band aids/plasters, tape, anti-histamine, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)

Optional Items: reading/writing material, binoculars, cover for backpacks, Maps, guidebooks

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Visas

Many nationalities including all Western European and Arab countries, USA, Australia and New Zealand are able to obtain a one-month single entry visa on arrival at Cairo International airport or at the Egyptian land border.
Look for windows (marked "banks") selling these visas in the area where you line up to have your passport stamped. You need to get the visa before entering the passport line. The visa is a sticker which you need to stick into your passport before handing it to the authorities for stamping.
The cost is USD15 or equivalent in EUR/GBP. All change will be given to you in Egyptian Pounds.
Please note that for other nationalities it is necessary to organise your visa before you travel. It is vital that you check the conditions attached to your particular passport and make the necessary arrangements in advance.


All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.

Money Exchange

ATMs are found within main cities in Egypt and will accept Visa and Mastercard. A credit card is the safest way to carry money and most larger restaurants and stores accept them. Cash advances also can be done with some banks. Cash and travellers cheques are also suggested for time when ATMs are not accessible. You can exchange travellers cheques in some 5 star hotels and banks but this takes time and possible fee. Thomas Cook or American Express travellers cheques in US currency are the easiest to change. Euros, English pounds and US dollars are all easy to change to the Egyptian Pound. Please not that you should bring some cash with you for emergencies situations but carrying only cash is a high safety risk.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Tipping

Tipping ( Baksheesh )

Tipping (also widely refered to by its Arabic term as “baksheesh”) is a way of life in the Middle East. Locals themselves will usually tip anyone who provides them with services. In many cases, people depend on the tips they receive to supplement the incredibly low salary and wages of the Middle East region.

While on tour in the Middle East, it is customary and even expected to tip small service providers such as restaurant and bar waiters, hotel staff, reception, cleaning personnel, bell boys, taxis and van drivers. Tips are regarded as an essential means of supplementing income for those working in the tourism industry.

In order to make things as easy as possible, and avoid embarrassing situations, We have developed a tipping Kitty system where your tour leader will collect a contribution from everybody on tour and use this kitty to tip anybody who has provided services to the group as a whole. The tour Leader will keep an accurate account of what was spent and any money left over, will be handed back to the group.
If at any time, you felt that any service provider failed in maintaining or delivering good service, please bring it immediately to the attention of your tour leader, so a deduction of tips can take place.

A guideline for tipping is about 3-5 USD per day, depending on the quality of the service (this does not include your Discovery Adventures Tour Leader).
On Day 1 of your tour, your tour leader will be able to advise on the amount required from everybody to form the tipping kitty for your trip.

This should be paid to the tour Leader in day 1 of the tour. You can pay in USD or the equivalent Egyptian pound (preferably Egyptian pounds). The tour leader will be able to advise you on the exchange rate and the total required in either currency.

Also at the end of your trip if you felt that your Discovery Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is also expected and appreciated. The precise amount is entirely a personal preference, however 20-25 USD per person per week can be used as a general guideline.

Optional Activities

Optional activity prices are subject to change and can fluctuate in relation to the high/low season and the number of people on a specific excursion. Not all excursions listed here may be available, due to season, or weather conditions. As generally not a lot of time is spent in start/end cities, you may want to arrange to arrive early, or stay longer after the trip in order to allow sufficient time to participate in optional activities there.

It is best to pay for all activities in Egypt with Egyptian pounds. We have listed USD here only to give you a better comparative idea of prices, relative to the EGP.

Cairo


Islamic Cairo ( Sultan Hassan Mosque, Citadel & Khan El Khlaili Bazzars)
Including guided tour by CEO, private air-conditioned transport, entrance fees and tipping
1 client: 500 EGP /84 USD
2 -4 clients: 350 EGP per person/59 USD
5-8 clients: 305 EGP per person/51 USD
9-15 clients: 285 EGP per person/48 USD

Coptic Cairo ( Hanging Church, Abu Serga and Synagogue )
Including guided tour by CEO, private air-conditioned transport, entrance fees and tipping
1 client: 400 EGP /67 USD
2 -4 clients: 235 EGP per person/39 USD
5-8 clients: 190 EGP per person/31 USD
9-15 clients: 285 EGP per person/28 USD

Islamic Cairo & Coptic Cairo ( Sultan Hassan Mosque, Citadel , Khan El Khlaili Bazzars Hanging Church, Abu Serga and Synagogue)
Including guided tour by CEO, private air-conditioned transport, entrance fees and tipping
1 client: 650 EGP /110 USD
2 -4 clients: 400 EGP per person/67 USD
5-8 clients: 350 EGP per person/59 USD
9-15 clients: 320 EGP per person/53 USD

Alexandria over day trip
Including entrance fees to (National museum, Catacombs, Pompay’s Pillar, Fort Qauitbey) , guided tour by CEO ,private air-conditioned transport from and back to Cairo and tipping.
1 client: 950 EGP /160 USD
2 -4 clients: 560 EGP per person/95 USD
5-8 clients: 480 EGP per person/80 USD
9-15 clients: 450 EGP per person/75 USD

Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids
Including Representative , private air-conditioned transport, entrance fees and tipping
1 client: 380 EGP /64 USD
2 -4 clients: 240 EGP per person/40 USD
5-8 clients: 210 EGP per person/35 USD
9-15 clients: 195 EGP per person/32 USD

Dinner Cruise
Including Representative, private air-conditioned transport, cruise dinner, belly dancing and Whirling Dervish show
1 client: 450 EGP /75 USD
2 -4 clients: 350 EGP per person/59 USD
5-8 clients: 320 EGP per person/54 USD
9-15 clients: 310 EGP per person/52 USD

Camel Ride at the Pyramids
Including Camels and tipping
100 EGP per person/17 USD


Aswan


Philae temple Sound and Light Show
Including guided tour by CEO , private air-conditioned transport, entrance fees and tipping
1 client: 360 EGP /60 USD
2 -4 clients: 260 EGP per person/44 USD
5-8 clients: 240 EGP per person/40 USD
9-15 clients: 225 EGP per person/37 USD

Camel Ride at the West Bank
Including Camels and tipping
100 EGP per person/17 USD

Luxor


Hot Air Balloon
Including private air conditioned transport, balloon flight , tipping
750 EGP per person/125 USD

Camel Ride at the West Bank
Including Camels and tipping
100 EGP per person/17 USD

Health

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

Nothing compulsory but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. Though malaria does exist in Egypt it is not normally found in the areas where we travel.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical information pertaining to the country you are traveling to well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as a full supply of any personal medical requirements. In Asia, you will not find the same drugs as you get at home. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities. Also note that for legal reasons our Leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. Discovery Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if, in the reasonable opinion of the Tour Leader, they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

Trip Specific Safety

Like anywhere in the world, major cities such as Cairo have areas that are safer than others, use common sense, be aware of your surroundings and keep a close eye on your personal belongings.

Detailed Trip Notes

REGIONAL INFORMATION

Climate
The winter months in Egypt are from October to March and are characterized by cold nights and pleasant days. Summer is from April to September and starts off with increasing dry heat and dust. It rains generally only in short downpours during the period between the beginning of November and March.

Local Currency
The official unit of currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP).

Electricity
220V, 50Hz. Electric plug types come in two sizes and are standard throughout the countries. The two square pin standard plugs are acceptable in most parts of these countries.

Language
Arabic (in Egyptian dialect) is the only official language of Egypt. Many locals in tourist areas and hotel speak English.

Ramadan 2012:
Depending on the lunar cycles, around July 20th for a month. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day.

Local Dress

No short shorts/skirts, shoulders should be covered (both men and women).