Current as of: October 22, 2024 - 01:18
Current as of: October 22, 2024 - 01:18
2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
Few countries can rival Egypt’s wealth of magnificent archeological sites, with the pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza ranking as two of the most recognisable in the world. It is a place like no other and on this two-week itinerary we explore its treasures across the length of the country. In the north there is the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria and El Alamein, the site of the famous Second World War battle. Cairo’s attractions are world famous but we also experience the bazaars and culinary delights on a food tour. Journeying south by sleeper train we reach the Nubian city of Aswan where we board our Nile cruise boat and discover the monuments and temples all the way to Luxor.
Highlights
This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
It is suitable for clients with average health and fitness. No experience of any activity involved is necessary. However, please note:
The hotels and cruise boat on this trip are of a mid-level standard, providing good comfort. The night on the sleeper train is in cabins with shared bathroom facilities. The train is a great way to travel in Egypt, but delays are not uncommon.
Ramadan is expected to run from approximately 28 February-29 March 2025. One of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar, it is a special time to visit a Muslim country. Each evening, the streets empty as people head home to break the fast, followed by an air of festivity upon their return. Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips; however, their energy levels may be slightly lower than normal. Many tourist sites, restaurants and shops will have an amended schedule, but your tour leader will know how to adapt the itinerary to still experience all the inclusions on this trip and maximise your experience during this special time.
There will be a local leader and drivers throughout the trip and local guides where needed.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
The group flight usually arrives in Cairo this evening. The welcome briefing will either take place this evening or tomorrow morning.
Accommodation: Pyramids Park Resort (or similar)
Welcome to Cairo, the capital of Egypt and our starting point for this culture-rich exploration. A welcome briefing will take place tomorrow morning on Day 2.
Accommodation: Pyramids Park Resort (or similar)
Morning welcome briefing after breakfast. Your leader will advise you of the time for this meeting. Please bring your insurance details with you to the briefing.
After the briefing, enjoy a full-day tour of Cairo, beginning with a visit to the Egyptian Museum, home to the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts in the world, including the golden riches of Tutankhamun’s tomb. We also explore Al Azhar mosque, which dates to 970 CE and is the oldest mosque in Cairo. It’s still frequently visited by local worshippers and we need to cover up to enter (long sleeves and trousers/pants, while women also need to cover their hair with a scarf) – as when entering all mosques. The mosque is sometimes closed without prior notice but we can still pass by to see it.
Accommodation: Pyramids Park Resort (or similar)
We begin our day with a visit to Giza, home to the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus and the mysterious Great Sphinx. Only the throng of sightseers milling around their huge foundations keep you in the 21st century. The afternoon is free to relax at our hotel, explore Cairo or join an optional excursion to Saqqara and Memphis.
Accommodation: Pyramids Park Resort (or similar)
Today we embark on a tour of the best food spots in Cairo and discover some of the fantastic local cuisine available across the city – – you will pass by restaurants / shops where you will be able to taste some of the best oriental items: highlights are mulukhiyah (green soup), ful medames (beans) and kushari (rice and macaroni). The tour also includes the bazaars of Khan el-Khalili in the historic centre of Islamic Cairo. We’ll experience modern Cairo with a visit to Al Azhar park and a walk along the bustling El Moaz Street. We also aim to visit the House of Arts and Culture – a music school ((it is not opened all year and opening hours are quite limited so kindly check with your guide). Donations of musical instruments such as violins, saxophones, drums or spare parts such as violin bows are welcomed.
Accommodation: Pyramids Park Resort (or similar)
Today we start with a 90-minute drive to Wadi El Natrun, a depression that lies below sea level. The ancient Egyptians extracted salt here to use for mummification. The area was important for early Christians, too, and we will visit Ek Anba Bishoy Monastery. We continue to El Alamein (a two-hour drive away), the site of the allied victory during World War II. There are two areas we can visit – the War Cemetery and Military Museum. More than 80,000 soldiers were killed or wounded in the two battles. It was a decisive win for the Allies with Winston Churchill saying, “Before Alamein we never had a victory. After Alamein we never had a defeat”. After visiting El Alamein, we’ll continue to Alexandria, a two-hour drive away where we’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Metropole Paradise Inn (or similar)
Today we have a tour of Alexandria. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE, the city was home to the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and it’s Great Library was the largest library of its time. Unfortunately, they no longer survive, but there is still much to see in this Mediterranean port city. Our tour begins with a visit to the city catacombs followed by the impressive Qaitbay Fortress and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina – Alexandria’s revival of the Great Library. In the afternoon, we return to Cairo (three to four hours) to board our sleeper train to Aswan (which takes approximately 12 hours).
Accommodation: Sleeper train
Arriving in Aswan during the morning, we spend the rest of the day exploring the Nubian way of life. We begin with a visit to the Nubian Museum, which chronologically charts the history and culture of the people, before enjoying a Nubian lunch on board a felucca while we explore the Nile. In the afternoon we have a tour to the Monastery of St Simeon by camel* and at a Nubian House on Elephantine Island you will meet a local family (please see the People, Places & Planet section). We finish our day with a barbeque on the shores of an island in the Nile.
*To reach the monastery, we ride camels for about 15 minutes. If you prefer not to ride a camel it is possible to walk the 2.5mi (4km) over sandy and stony ground. This part of the trip takes place in the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest.
Accommodation: Basma Hotel (or similar)
We begin today with a visit to the Philae Temple and Aswan High Dam. In the 1970s, the temple was relocated by Unesco to Aglika Island after it became evident the original site of Philae would submerge on completion of the dam. This morning represents a magnificent and enduring testament to both ancient and modern engineering.
Then will be transferred to our cruise boat and relax before enjoying lunch on board. For the rest of the day there is the option to explore the Aswan market or attend the Sound and Light Show at Philae Temple.
Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar)
Today there is the option of a visit to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel to the south through the Nubian Desert. Built by Ramses II, the two temples are certainly some of the most spectacular in Egypt. Originally on the banks of the Nile, the temples were raised to a new site above the lake in the late 1960s, as the waters from the new Lake Nasser rose behind the Aswan High Dam. The four great seated statues of Ramses II stare east towards the rising sun.
You have the option to add this excursion by bus or plane, in both instances you are picked up from the boat early in the morning with a breakfast box, and arrive back to Aswan in the afternoon. We arrive at the destination around 8am, where we are given approximately two hours in the area to visit the temples. For those flying to Abu Simbel, please note that timing will be different.
After lunch we sail to Kom Ombo, from 18:00 – 20:00 visit the temple there before continuing our journey to Edfu, which is where we will spend the night.
Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar)
06:00 – 08:00 Walking in Edfu, we start our day exploring the city and its temples before sailing further north along the Nile. After crossing the Esna lock we reach our destination, 16:30 arrive Luxor, where we will have our final dinner on board and hopefully witness a stunning sunset over the river.
Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar)
After breakfast on board we disembark in Luxor and explore the Valley of the Kings. For nearly 500 years this was the site of royal burials and it contains the tombs of more than 62 pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Seti I, Ramses III and IV. One ticket allows us to see three tombs. Your ticket allows you to see three tombs. The ticket usually allows entry into what are regarded as the most impressive tombs, but (if you have time) a visit to extra tombs is also recommended for example Tutankhamun (extra ticket ), Seti I (extra ticket), Ramses III and IV(extra ticket). Visits to tombs are now strictly controlled to halt further deterioration of wall paintings – each tomb is periodically closed for a number of weeks. In terms of size and decoration, it is not as impressive as many of the other tombs, but is of course historically very interesting. After, we visit the massive stone statues of the Colossi of Memnon before transferring to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or wander around the streets of Luxor.
Accommodation: Iberotel Luxor (or similar)
For our penultimate day we have a half-day tour of Luxor’s east bank. Luxor is commonly called the greatest open-air museum in the world and this morning we visit the extraordinary Karnak and Luxor temples, which stand within the modern city. There should also be an opportunity to visit the A.C.E animal hospital to learn about the efforts taken to improve animal welfare in Egypt. After a leisurely afternoon, we enjoy our final dinner together at one of this historic city’s restaurants.
Accommodation: Iberotel Luxor (or similar)
You’ve seen many marvels in Egypt, but now it’s time for one last breakfast before beginning your journey home. If you’ve still a little adventure in you, speak to your sales representative about joining our post-trip excursion to the Red Sea.
Our trip ends today. Those on the group flights will be taken to airport for the flight to London.
If you are keen to end your holiday on a relaxed note, extend your Egypt stay with time at the Red Sea.
Extension Day 1 – Transfer to Hurghada
This morning we leave the green Nile valley and drive through the barren Eastern Desert to the Red Sea (approximately four hours). Our destination is Hurghada, a vibrant beach resort ideally located for activities out at sea and in the nearby desert.
Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort
Meals included: Breakfast
Extension days 2-3 – Free days at the Red Sea
These days are free to relax or enjoy the many optional activities in the area.
Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort
Meals included: Breakfast
Extension Day 4 – End Hurghada
Our time at the Red Sea ends today. You will be taken to the airport for your flight home.
Optional excursions in Hurghada – prices are subject to change
Please ask your sales representative for more details. Prices listed are starting prices.
Price per person
£ 479
Mandatory Single Supplement
£ 195
We use a range of four-star (local rating) properties, spend three nights navigating the Nile on a cruise boat, and one night travelling from Alexandria to Aswan on the sleeper train. The hotels typically used are on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a few of the notable accommodations on this trip.
Alexandria to Aswan: Sleeper train (night 6)
The train is a good way to cover a long distance in a time-efficient manner and avoids the need for a domestic flight. This reduces carbon emissions, which we are committed to doing on all our trips. Compartments are compact and have bunk beds; bedding is provided. The train tends to shake due to the condition of the track and is quite noisy, so earplugs are a good idea. A basic dinner and breakfast are provided, you may wish to take snacks with you. There is also a shared toilet in each carriage. Take a sense of adventure with you as these trains are not the same standard that you can experience in Europe.
Nile cruise: M/S Nile Style (nights 8-10)
Climb aboard this stylish cruise boat for an unforgettable journey on the longest river in the world. It has 77 air-conditioned cabins, each with a view over the waters while sailing, allowing you to relax in peace and watch the world drift past. Much of your free time may well be spent on the spacious sundeck, which has a dipping pool and plenty of cushy loungers (shaded and unshaded). Elsewhere, there’s a gym, sophisticated lounge bar and elegant restaurant.
Worth knowing
Single supplement from £ 550
All breakfasts, six lunches and five dinners included.
In the itinerary, we state which meals are included on which day. For meals not included, we suggest you allow approximatelyUS$15 for lunch and US$20 for dinner (depends on the type of restaurant you choose). Food in Egypt involves such things as kebabs, chicken, stews, pitta bread, falafel, beans, vegetables, pickles and salads. Dishes tend to be simple and wholesome and vegetarians can be catered for, though the options may be somewhat limited.
Meals on the cruise are open buffets, which include Western and Egyptian dishes. Drinks and water are not included at hotels & on the cruise.
The Cairo food tour gives us the chance to try several Egyptian dishes, such as ful medames (a mixture of beans and tahini) and kushari (a dish made of rice, macaroni and lentils mixed with garlic, tomato, chickpeas and crispy fried onions).
Road transport is by private air-conditioned mini/midi-bus (also Coaster or Bus is used depending on the size of the group) and Egypt’s roads are generally good. Travelling is generally restricted to a few hours a day and the mode of transport is varied. As detailed above, during our trip we also use a cruise ship, felucca and train.
Rain is very rare in all parts of Egypt and most days are sunny and clear. Summer temperatures often near 40C (104F) but this is particularly true for the period between June and September. The winter months can be surprisingly cold, especially on the Nile or at night. The average daytime maximum in Cairo in January is 20C (68F), night time minimum is 8C (46F). In the summer, these temperatures are 35C (95F) and 22C (72F) respectively. Daytime temperatures are slightly higher on average in Aswan.
Start hotel: Pyramids Park Resort Cairo, – Alexandria Desert Rd, Kerdasa, Giza Governorate, Cairo, 12411, Egypt
Phone: +20 2383 88300
Recommended arrival time: Hotel check-in is from 2pm
Airport: Cairo (CAI)
The start hotel is approximately a one-hour drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times. The group transfer only departs once all passengers joining the transfer have arrived, and you may, therefore, have to wait.
Make your own way
It’s possible to reach the start hotel by public transport, but the journey is complicated. We therefore recommend joining the group transfer where possible or arranging a private transfer with us at additional cost. If not, a cab from the airport to the start hotel costs around $ 30 – 40 and should take an hour. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
There’s a group departure transfer to Luxor International Airport (LXR) that is scheduled to align with a flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Cairo
Location end: Luxor
Medication
Some medicines that are prescribed or available over the counter in your home country may be controlled substances in Egypt. Please check with your nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate about the customs requirements for any medicines you plan on carrying. You should also check your local government’s advice about carrying prescribed medication in Egypt.
Water included
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A. Although not usually advised, other vaccinations to consider include rabies and hepatitis B.
You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Some travellers may also need proof of a polio vaccination. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A. Although not usually advised, other vaccinations to consider include rabies and hepatitis B.
There is evidence that Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS) is spread by contact with camels. This trip includes a camel ride to Monastery of St Simeon, which is undertaken at your own risk; we suggest that you visit the Travel Health Pro website which includes information about the virus.
Egypt's time zone: Africa/Cairo (UTC +03:00)
Egypt's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 220V, 50Hz
Egypt's currency: The official currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP), though US dollars are also widely accepted
There are ATMs in many parts of Egypt and you can use Visa, Mastercard and Switch using your normal PIN. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and tourist bazaars. It is also possible to purchase larger items such as carpets with Visa, American Express and some other major cards.
There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into the country, and we do not recommend you pick up Egyptian currency prior to departure.
Money can be changed on arrival at the airport or at local banks/exchange offices. Any hard currency, including British pounds, euros and US dollars can be exchanged. Additionally US dollars can be used to pay in Egypt; however, you usually receive change in Egyptian pounds. Your tour leader can assist with exchanging money throughout the tour. When you leave Egypt it is possible, though not always easy, to re-exchange Egyptian pounds into foreign currency. It is easiest to try to budget wisely to avoid having too many Egyptian pounds at the end of your tour.
Optional excursions
Prices are per person and in US dollars as this is the most stable currency used in Egypt but excursions can be paid in any hard currency (including British pounds and euros). Payment cannot be made in Egyptian pounds. When booking and paying for these tours locally a three percent charge will be added for all card payments. The flight to Abu Simbel is to be requested with Exodus at the time of booking your tour. We will then check availability. Unless indicated otherwise, the below prices are based on a minimum of six people taking part and are subject to change. Please note that prices include entrance fees, guide, private transport and police permissions.
Cairo: (minimum six travellers)
Aswan: (minimum six travellers)
Due to local regulations, guides are not permitted to enter Abu Simbel temple with you but will provide information outside, allow you free time to explore, and arrange a meeting place for afterwards.
Luxor: (minimum six travellers)
Baksheesh is part of Egyptian life, and small tips are expected by most of the people working in the tourism industry (drivers, hotel staff, railway porters, restaurant staff etc). To simplify this process for our clients, Exodus has agreed with our team of tour leaders to recommend a tipping kitty for all trips to Egypt. Your tour leader will explain this at the start of the holiday, and will collect the suggested sum from those who wish to participate. Your tour leader will then take care of all the tipping on behalf of the group. While your participation is highly recommended, it is not compulsory. Tipping could be in USD / Sterling or Egyptian Currency according to the daily rate of exchange. Your leader can provide details of the distribution of the money as required. For groups of 12 or more clients, the contribution is suggested as US$65 per person. For groups of fewer than 12 clients, the contribution is suggested as US$70 per person.
If you feel your leader has performed well over the course of your trip, you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal, but as a guide, about US$4 per person per day would be reasonable. The tipping kitty explained above is entirely separate from any contribution to the tour leader.
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Binoculars and drones
We do not recommend taking binoculars or monoculars into Egypt as on occasion these have been confiscated either on arrival or within the country. Drones are also forbidden.
This trip goes near an area deemed unsafe to visit by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whose advice we follow when operating our trips. While our itinerary doesn’t go to these areas, you should familiarise yourself with your local government’s advice if you are planning any pre- or post-trip travel. Any independent travel to areas currently against your local government advice is entirely at your own risk and unlikely to be covered by your travel insurance.
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.