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Mummies & Pharaohs (Family)

Trip Length

Trip Code
12 days PTMP

Countries Visited
Egypt

Start City

End City
Cairo Cairo
Mummies & Pharaohs (Family)

We begin our Egypt adventure in Cairo, where we see the treasures of Tutankhamun and the royal mummies, including Ramses II. Later we visit the pyramids and Sphinx before a sleeper train takes us to Aswan. Here we ride camels, sail in a traditional felucca and explore the Nubian bazaar. Boarding our riverboat we cruise to Luxor, visiting the temples of Komombo and Edfu along the way. We explore the massive temple complex at Karnak and cross the Nile to visit the celebrated Valley of the Kings and the beautiful Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Driving to the coast we have a couple of days by the beach, including a fun boat trip with fantastic snorkelling. We then head back to Cairo and spend a final morning in the Khan el Khalili bazaar.
Mummies & Pharaohs (Family)

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Cairo

Accommodation: Oasis Hotel or similar, Cairo

Upon your arrival you will be transferred to your hotel in Cairo. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Rooms are generally available after 1.00 pm. Your tour leader will meet you tomorrow morning, shortly after breakfast. There will be a message at the hotel giving details.

Day 2: Cairo

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner

Accommodation: Sleeper Train

Our tour briefing today will be held after breakfast, before we start our sightseeing. Our first stop is the Egyptian Museum where we see all the major exhibits. Our guide explains the complexities of Egypt’s many dynastic periods, starting with the Old Kingdom and ending with the Greco-Roman occupation, and we visit the fabulous gold room of King Tutankhamun. This contains many fine pieces including the celebrated Golden Mask. We also make a special visit to the Mummy Room, where we the body of King Ramses II, the greatest pharaoh of all. It is incredible to think that his body is over 3200 years old. After our visit we travel out to the nearby Western Desert to visit the pyramids and the nearby Sphinx. There may be a chance to even to go inside one of the pyramids (entry fee not included – availability of tickets varies). We return to downtown Cairo, where some day use rooms are available until it is time to go to the train station for the overnight sleeper train to Aswan. Sleeping berths (beds and linen) are provided in private cabins and a pleasant ‘airline-style’ dinner is served on board. A toilet is located at the end of each carriage. We suggest that light sleepers bring ear-plugs and eye-shades.

Day 3: Aswan

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Basma or similar, Aswan

Aswan one of our favourite places. Despite the fact that it is Egypt’s third-largest city, it has an easy-going, laid-back atmosphere that belies its size. After checking in to our hotel, we visit the incredible Nubian bazaar, a hive of activity which snakes through the backstreets of town, with an endless number of things to see and buy. In the afternoon we take a traditional felucca boat ride on the Nile, the life-blood of Egypt, sailing around the islands for a relaxing change of pace. This sort of boat has been used on the Nile for thousands of years for trade and travel, and it’s easy to imagine that we are time-travellers returned to another age. The same applies later in the day when we enjoy a fun camel ride towards St. Simeon's Monastery, with great views out over the river. It’s a bit bouncy, but there’s a fairly comfortable saddle. Make sure the camel takes your photo!

Day 4: Aswan-Komombo

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Accommodation: Riverboat

The visit to Abu Simbel will occur this morning for those who booked this option with the tour leader back in Cairo. In the late 1960s the temple was moved, stone by stone, and re-sited in its current position above the rising waters of Lake Nasser. Alternatively, for those staying in Aswan you can have a late start, wander into the Nubian bazaar again and perhaps visit the excellent little Nubian Museum. For greater detail, see the section later in these notes headed Optional Tours. Around midday we are transferred to our cruise boat, our home for the next three nights. After lunch on board we set sail in the afternoon and begin cruising towards Komombo. Dinner is served on the boat, and the sunsets on the Nile are often spectacular. As you sail towards Luxor there will be ample opportunity to relax on board and watch the passing scene - you may want to bring a few small games, cards etc to help you while away the hours. Please refer below to the note below regarding cruise schedules.

Day 5: Komombo-Edfu

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Accommodation: Riverboat

Today we visit the Temple of Sobek (the crocodile-headed God) that lies, classically ruined, on the edge of the Nile. Its most spectacular view is undoubtedly from the river itself, but a short walk around the temple also provides an interesting insight into the Greco-Roman period. We then continue cruising to Edfu where we visit the Temple of Horus, the falcon-headed God. We also have time to explore the local bazaar in the bustling town centre. Returning to our boat we spend the rest of the day cruising downstream, enjoying views of the desert and everyday life that are almost as timeless as the monuments themselves.

Day 6: Luxor

Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Accommodation: Riverboat

We pass through Esna lock, which can sometimes be a slow process, depending on the number of vessels waiting to get through, and continue our journey upstream to Luxor. In the afternoon we head to Karnak Temple, one of the world’s most celebrated temple complexes, built over a period of some 200 years. We return to our cruise boat in the late afternoon and the rest of the day is free to relax, shop in the bazaar (which stays open till quite late), or experience the atmosphere of a local coffee shop.

Day 7: Luxor

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Accommodation: El Luxor Hotel or similar, Luxor

Rising early (very early in summer time!) we drive across to the west bank of the Nile, to the Valley of the Kings. Here our guide explains the funerary rites of the ancient Egyptians and the significance of the many tomb paintings and hieroglyphics which date back thousands of years. We visit three of the more important tombs and then head to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, set in a spectacular natural amphitheatre. Our final stop is at the Colossi of Memnon, giant statues that were once part of an impressive colonnade. Returning to the east bank we check-in to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to relax at the pool or explore further.

Day 8-9: Red Sea

Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Accommodation: Sea Shell Hotel or similar, Hurghada

This morning we are transferred to Hurghada by road. The Red Sea coast is renowned for its incredible turquoise waters and splendid coral reefs. We spend two days here there's time to relax on the beach. On our second day we head out on a local boat for a fun day of snorkelling and a fresh seafood lunch.

Day 10: Hurghada-Cairo

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Accommodation: Oasis Hotel or similar, Cairo

The morning is free to relax further in Hurghada before making our way back to Cairo. We leave around mid-day and arrive back in the late afternoon/evening.

Day 11: Cairo

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Accommodation: Oasis Hotel or similar, Cairo

This morning we visit the Khan El Khalili bazaar – a chaotic jumble of shops and stalls that have traded goods and gossip since the Middle Ages. A chance to pick up some final souvenirs, but be prepared to bargain! The afternoon is free – you may want to visit the child-friendly Pharonic Village, relax at the hotel or undertake some final exploration of other parts of Cairo.

Day 12: Cairo

Meals included: 1 breakfast

Your trip ends today after breakfast. If you have arranged a private airport transfer you will be advised of the pick-up time.

Your Trip

What's Included

• Peregrine’s expert English-speaking local leader throughout the tour, and professional local guides at some sites.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where applicable: Cairo's Egyptian Museum, the pyramids, Sphinx and Khan El Khalili bazaar; Aswan's Nubian bazaar; Komombo; Edfu; Valley of the Kings; Temple of Hatshepsut; and Colossi of Memnon.

• 3 night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor. Accommodation onboard Peregrine’s comfortable vessel, with sightseeing stops along the way.

• Traditional felucca boat excursion on the Nile.

• Camel ride towards St. Simeon's Monastery in Aswan.

• Horse-drawn carriage ride to Karnak Temple.

• 2 days in Hurghada on the Red Sea coast - local boat trip with snorkelling and a seafood lunch, and time to relax on the beach.

• Overnight air-conditioned sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan. Accommodation in private cabins (linen provided) with an ‘airline-style’ dinner included.

• Free time to explore Aswan, Luxor and Cairo.

• Arrival transfer.

Summary of accommodation, transport & meals

Transport

Accommodation

Meals

Highlight of Highlights

Aswan by Felucca, Camel and on Foot

Get ready for an incredible day in Aswan! First, our leader guides us through the Nubian Bazaar - a hive of activity which snakes through the backstreets of town, then we board a traditional felucca boat and sail among the Nile’s islands, and finally we'll head for St. Simeon's Monastery in style – by camel!           

Not Included

International flights, departure taxes, visas, insurance, other meals, drinks, optional additional tours or activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.

Optional Extras

We have chosen some great optional activities to enhance your travel experience. You will need to cover any additional costs yourself. For group trips, speak to your leader if you are interested in any of the following:

What to know

Vaccinations

Vaccinations may be required for this trip. Talk to your doctor about the up-to-date information for this region.

Visas and Permits

It is your responsibility to ensure you have all required visas for your trip. Rules and regulations governing the issuance of visas are constantly changing, and vary for different nationalities and you should check visa requirements with your travel agent or relevant consular authority well before travel.

Egypt
Australians, New Zealanders, Americans, British and Canadians require a visa for Egypt. All other nationalities should check with the Egyptian Embassy or Consulate in their country for up-to-date visa information. If you require a double entry visa for Egypt you will need to obtain this from an overseas embassy prior to arrival. Single entry visas for most nationalities can be obtained on arrival at Cairo Airport. The current cost for most nationalities is US$15. You must pay in cash in US dollars, UK pounds, euros, Japanese yen or any other convertible currency to a bank located next to immigration. If you are arriving in Egypt by land from Israel you must obtain your visa beforehand.

If you are arriving in Egypt by ferry from Aqaba, Jordan, a single entry visa can be obtained upon arrival and costs approximately US$15.

All travellers departing Egypt at the Port of Nuweiba must pay a 50 Egyptian pound departure tax (subject to change). Your tour leader will collect this amount from you to pay at immigration control.

Insurance

You are required to have travel insurance before heading off on a Peregrine trip. Insurance can be organised by your Peregrine representative or your travel agent.

Responsible Travel

Our Responsible Travel ethos is at the heart of everything we do, from getting the basics right like respecting local cultures and the environment, to initiating projects that make positive contributions to communities, to our staff’s fundraising efforts and offsetting our carbon emissions.
Please visit our Responsible Travel (http://www.peregrineadventures.com/rt) page for more information.

Customs and Culture

Our Pre Departure Information or Travel Dossier (provided upon booking a trip) provides tips on how you can show respect for the local customs and culture in the country you are travelling in.

The information listed above is a brief description of some things you may need to consider when booking a trip. Once a tour is booked you will be provided with a link to your Travel Dossier which will contain detailed Pre Departure information.

Further Reading

Egypt

In an Antique Land-Amitav Ghosh Islands of the Blest-Cassandra Vivian Death on the Nile-Agatha Christie The English Patient-Michael Ondaatje

Important Information

Age limits and responsibility for minors
Our family trips are not recommended for children under the age of six. There must be at least one parent/adult guardian for three minors. Parent/adult guardian must be fully responsible for their minors throughout the entire trip. If you have a question regarding age and suitability, please contact us for further advice.

Accommodation
Triple share rooms are not available on the overnight trains or Nile cruise boat in Egypt. For bookings with an odd number of passengers, one adult will have to share a room on the train and the cruise boat with someone else from the tour of the same gender or a single supplement can be requested for the tour, at additional cost. If you have requested a triple room, this will only apply to your hotel stays, if available.

'Baksheesh' and Tipping
Throughout the Middle East, tipping is part of the fabric of life. The local word is 'baksheesh', which when translated into English falls somewhere in between 'tip' and 'bribe'. Everyone constantly tips everyone else and foreign travellers are expected to comply with this system. It is part of everyday life and is a form of remuneration for doing something, regardless of the standard of service. This is quite confusing for those used to the western concept of tipping as a way of showing appreciation. Over the years we have found that most of our customers find this constant need for tipping to be both tiresome and embarrassing, especially if you don't have the correct small change. To overcome this, we have established a very successful tipping kitty system. At the beginning of the tour, your tour leader will suggest collecting a set amount from each tour member. He/she will then distribute all tips along the way, on behalf of the group, to the local guides, drivers, porters and anyone else who provides services along the way. We have surveyed thousands of our previous clients and the vast majority clearly prefer this procedure. We hope that this system will also work for you. The amount will vary from trip to trip, but it usually works out to be about the equivalent of US$3 per person per day.

If you are out on your own, for example at a restaurant, you should also leave a tip for the waiter.

Please note that the tipping kitty will NOT include a gratuity for your tour leader. They work hard for you and if you are happy with their service it is appropriate to tip them as well. The normal amount expected is US$3 (or equivalent) per day from each member of the group.

Ramadan
Ramadan occurs in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is an exciting (and at times, frustrating) time to travel in the Middle East. In the evening there is a celebratory atmosphere as people break their fast, and to witness all this is a real highlight. However, during the day, people must refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual activity, so if you encounter someone who is a bit grumpy, be sympathetic! Tourist sites are generally unaffected although some places may close early, but your leader will plan around this. Most hotels bars and tourist restaurants will remain open. Overall, Ramadan is a really interesting time to the Middle East, although you do need to be flexible, sympathetic and sensitive. In 2010, Ramadan starts on 11th August and finishes on 9th September, with the Eid el Fitr feast commencing on 10th September. In 2011, Ramadan will start on 1st August and finish on 30th August.

Christmas & New Year Supplements
Please note that some hotels & riverboats in Egypt have a compulsory Gala Dinner over the Christmas and New Year period. If you are travelling over this period you will be invoiced for the supplement fee which will need to be paid prior to departure.
 

About this Information

The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind when you read it and check with us if you want to be sure about something. The document was correct at time of printing, but you can check online for the most up to date version.  If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!

Last Updated

1 November 2012