Travelpack

Highlights: Cairo - Aswan - Nile felucca - Luxor

Itinerary
Mon 31 Mar 25: Egypt
Flight from Heathrow Airport to Cairo International Airport
Private Transfer Airport to Hotel

Mon 31 Mar 25: Egypt Adventure
Welcome to Egypt! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 4 pm this afternoon. For those arriving early, why not take a walk to get your bearings in the neighbourhood, or escape the hustle and bustle and explore the Christian Coptic sector? After your important meeting, head out with your new travel buddies and discover Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, located in Cairo's Islamic centre. This traditional souk is a labyrinth of narrow alleys lined with local merchants; a perfect place to get introduced to daily Egyptian life.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Cairo - Khan al-Khalili Bazaar visit

Tue 01 Apr 25: Cairo
This morning, head to Giza home to some of the world's most iconic sights. Approach the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx by camel, with panoramic views across the dunes. Explore these structures that have stood tall for 4500 years, and for an additional charge, you may be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu, although occasionally it may be closed to visitors. Afterwards, make your way to the Egyptian Museum home to one of the world's great collections of antiquities. Wander the treasure-filled halls of the museum, and make sure to check out the optional Mummies Hall for a close encounter with some of the country's most important queens and pharaohs. Later in the evening, meet your leader and travel to the nearby train station, where you will board an overnight sleeper train bound for Aswan (approximately 13 hours).
Accommodation
Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
Cairo - The Egyptian Museum
Cairo - The Egyptian Museum headset

Wed 02 Apr 25: Aswan
The Nile, Elephantine Island and white-sailed feluccas. Welcome to Aswan Egypt's southernmost city. Its easy-going charm is due in no small part to its large Nubian population. Today is a free day so take the opportunity to see such Aswan sites as the unfinished obelisk or the High Dam. The Nubian Bazaar is a must, while the excellent Nubian Museum is top of many visitor lists. Highly recommended is the beautiful Temple of Isis (the Goddess of health, marriage and wisdom) which was rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated to Philae Island. The waterfront promenade, or Aswan's Corniche,
runs alongside one of Nile's most appealing stretches and is the perfect place to stop for a mint tea. This evening youll experience modern Nubian culture first-hand with a visit to a nearby village. Youll join a local Nubian family for a memorable dinner and get an unforgettable insight into the daily life of the local people.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner

Thu 03 Apr 25: Aswan
Today perhaps head out of Aswan and book in to visit stunning Abu Simbel this morning. With the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, carved directly out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile, this is one of Egypt's most memorable sights. Please note this optional activity has a very early start (but it's totally worth it). There are two ways to get there a 40-minute flight, or renting a minivan with your group and leaving very early. The journey by land is 3 -4 hours each way, with an early departure from Aswan at 4 am. Instead, you could take a sailboat ride around the islands in a traditional felucca, stopping off at the botanical gardens on Kitchener's Island. Your tour leader will be on hand to help you arrange any excursions. Otherwise, simply relax and take in the beauty of the Nile or do some shopping in the local bazaar.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast

Fri 04 Apr 25: Nile felucca
With some free time this morning, perhaps head down and grab a motor boat out to the Tomb of the Nobles or stock up on snacks for your evening on the Nile. Board your included felucca journey just before lunch and spend the afternoon out on the river, watching Egyptian daily life play out on the banks, then spend a night under the stars. Your Nubian sailing crew provides all the meals which are hearty and delicious. Being a traditional wooden boat with broad canvas sails, your felucca offers some shade and protection from the elements. However, there is no cabin or enclosed section. Nonetheless, watching the sun setting across the Nile in the evening is a sight you won't forget. This is the absolute highlight of the trip for many, especially with some local Nubian entertainment from your crew.
Accommodation
Felucca (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Nile - Felucca overnight sailing trip

Sat 05 Apr 25: Luxor
This morning, say goodbye to your Nubian friends and take a private van to the open-air museum of Luxor (approximately 3.5 hours travel time). From the spectacular temple complex of Karnak to the Valley of the Kings, Luxor is full of wonderfully preserved reminders of the Pharaohs. On the way, there's the option to visit either the unique mirror-image design of the Temple of Kom Ombo or the beautifully preserved Temple of Edfu. This afternoon you will explore the magnificent Karnak Temple, which is perhaps the most impressive of all the ancient Pharaohs' monumental works. One of the world's most celebrated temple complexes, Karnak is a house of the gods built over a period of some 200 years. The rest of the day will be free to relax, shop in the bazaar, which is open until quite late, or perhaps experience the atmosphere of a local teahouse.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Luxor - Karnak Temple (entrance fee)

Sun 06 Apr 25: Luxor
Today youll hop in a private minivan and discover some of the wonders of ancient Thebes. Your first stop is the Colossi of Memnon two 17-metre-high statues on Luxor's west bank. Carved from granite blocks, they represent the Pharaoh Amenhotep III and were once part of an impressive colonnade. Continue on to the spectacular royal burial site of the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills here are over 60 richly decorated tombs of pharaohs. With your leader, explore this sprawling and spectacular place, where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BC) were secretly interred for all eternity, and where discoveries are still being made. Your group leader will explain the history and legends of these remarkable people and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics. Afterwards, join a local family for lunch to try some traditional home cooking. The rest of your afternoon is free to explore with the Luxor Museum a great place to visit. Keep in mind that tonight youll board an overnight sleeper train from Luxor back to Cairo (approximately 10 hours).
Accommodation
Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Included activities
Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)

Mon 07 Apr 25: Cairo
This morning, arrive in Cairo and share breakfast with your group leader and travel crew. After this, there are no activities planned, so you are free to leave at any time. For your comfort and convenience, day rooms are provided on this day until midday (12 pm), for luggage storage and an opportunity to have a shower and freshen up. If you wish to book an onward connection for today, please arrange a flight after 3 pm in case of any delays.
Meals
Breakfast
Twin-share
Share a room with 2 single beds with a traveller of the same gender (as per the gender marker on their passports) or someone you're travelling with.
TRIP STARTS
This trip starts in Cairo on Day 1 at 4 pm. This allows time after the welcome meeting to Khan al-Khalili bazaar with your Leader after the meeting.
Min 1 - Max 14
Travelling on a felucca (traditional wooden boat) is awesome, but it's not for everyone. You will be sharing a sleeping area with your fellow group members for the night and a shared bathroom facility. You'll sleep outside under the stars on a simple mattress, with some bedding provided. If you do feel the cold, you should consider bringing a sleeping bag. The walkways around many Egyptian ruins can be uneven, dusty and rocky, so be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes. At large sites such as Valley of the Kings, you can also expect to be walking in the elements for most of the day, so sun adequate sun protection is essential. Some hotels in Egypt may not have lifts. You may need to climb stairs with your luggage to reach your hotel room for the night. Temperatures in Egypt can be extreme, ranging from very hot to very cold, depending on the season - it can even snow in some places! Layers will come in handy for sun protection as well as warmth.
Overnight train journeys are a fast way to cross long distances, better for the environment and a great travel experience. You will share two-berth air-conditioned cabins, with all bedding provided and western-style toilets on board.
Accommodation
Hotel (4 nights), Felucca (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights)
OVERNIGHT TRAIN
On this itinerary, you will be travelling by overnight sleeper train. The sleeper cabins are about 2x1.5 meters and are 2 berths. There are 2 beds on top of each other. Pillows, sheets and blankets
are provided. There is also a compartment next to the upper bed for luggage storage and a small sink. Toilets are located at the end of the carriage. Each carriage has 10 cabins which are all
lockable from the inside. If you have booked a single supplement you will be assigned to your own berth. During your journey dinner and breakfast are provided however the
meals are very basic and you may wish to bring along your own fresh fruit, snacks and water to supplement these.
OVERNIGHT FELUCCA ON THE NILE
On this trip you will be travelling and sleeping on a felucca. A felucca is a traditional wooden boat with broad canvas sails. The felucca offers some shade and protection from the elements. However, there is no cabin or enclosed section. You will be sharing a sleeping area with your fellow group members for the night and a shared bathroom facility (western style toilet). You'll sleep outside on a simple mattress, there is a wooden ceiling above you but the area is otherwise open. If you feel the cold you should consider bringing a sleeping bag. These can also be rented locally. Please advise your leader during the welcome meeting. You may also wish to bring a sleeping sheet from home. Conditions will be basic during your felucca trip. If you are prepared for this, you're sure to have a memorable adventure. During the colder months (October to March) temperatures can get as low as 5C at night. Our Nubian sailing crew ( normally 2 for sailing, 1 for cooking ) provides all the meals, which are hearty and delicious.
We recommend that you pack everything you may need for the night in a small day bag.
The felucca will stop a few times during your journey and overnight stay.
OPTIONAL TIPPING KITTY
On Day 1 of your trip, your group leader or local representative may discuss with you the idea of operating a group tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and your group leader
or local representative distributes tips for drivers, local guides, hotel staff and other services included on your trip. This excludes restaurant tips for meals not included in your itinerary. The group leader or local representative will keep a running record of all monies spent which can be checked at any time, and any funds remaining at the end of the tour will be returned to group members. We have found that this is the easiest way to avoid the hassles of needing small change and knowing when and what is an appropriate amount to tip. Participation in this kitty is at your own discretion, and you are welcome to manage your own tipping separately if you prefer. Please note the tipping kitty excludes tips for your group leader or local representative. Optional tipping kitty for this trip: USD40 per person (can be paid
in local currency).
YOUR LEADER
You may also consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline US$5-7 per person (in a currency relevant

Prices & Departures:
Full Payment
Z73372 Heathrow from £1779pp
Z73745 Newcastle from £1885pp
Z73737 Manchester from £1885pp
Z73746 Dublin from £1869pp
Z73743 Glasgow from £1879pp
Own Room Supplement from £380pp

Terms & Conditions:
Based on 1 Adult/Same Sex Share

Offer Includes

Meal Plans