Meals

14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION: The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. ACCOMMODATION STYLE: Some of the accommodation along the way is basic or simple, three and four-star accommodation in the Middle East (with the exception of Israel) is often not equal to same-star facilities in some western destinations. Rooms are clean and comfortable, however, you may note some small maintenance issues that have been overlooked, please assist us by bringing these to the attention of your group leader or local representative so that we can follow up with our hosts. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws. Breakfast is included in 95% or our hotels, pleaser refer to our daily itinerary for meal inclusions. TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS: Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi-share basis. CHECK-IN TIME: Throughout the trip, we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. Standard check-in time is 1400 hours. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION: If you’ve purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. SHOWERS: Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water. HEATING AND AIR-CONDITIONING: As a desert region, this part of the world has extremes of weather. Winter months (approx December to March) can be very cold. All of our hotel accommodation contains suitable bedding, and simple light bedding is provided during camping activities such as an overnight felucca, desert camps or at the Red Sea Beach camp stay. Most of our travellers find the bedding provided here adequate, but for your own comfort and if you are particularly sensitive to the cold, consider bringing your own sleeping bag, thermals, scarf, gloves and a warm jacket. Some of our guesthouses/hotels don’t supply heating. In many cases, this would be a major financial and environmental strain on our hotels and the local towns. Summer (approx June to August) can be very hot everywhere we travel, which means that it can be quite uncomfortable for those not used to the heat. Not all our hotels have air-conditioning, and in those that do, it’s not always functioning. ROOM ISSUES: If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your group leader or local representative right away so that the problem can be addressed without delay. Felucca (1 night), Homestay (1 night), Hotel (11 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative 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. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip. All Intrepid group trips are accompanied by one of our group 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. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader. However, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader 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. Due to the vast historical significance of the region, your Tour Leader in the Middle East will also be a Local Tour Guide and will be licensed, registered and trained in accordance with local authorities to provide full guiding services through out your Middle East Adventure.

Others

Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx Nile - Felucca overnight sailing trip Luxor - Karnak Temple Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs) Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple Hurghada – Red Sea Snorkelling Adventure Cairo - Khan al-Khalili bazaar visit El Alamein - War Museum Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina Alexandria - Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque

Transport

There are some long travel days and some rough travelling in areas away from main tourist routes. Windy roads, rough surfaces and cramped conditions make for some challenging travel experiences. On some long travel days we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time at our next destination. If you experience travel sickness we recommend you consider medication to help ease the discomfort. SECURITY WHILE TRAVELLING: Occasionally you may experience a Tourist Police Escort in your vehicle and whilst not common convoys between select towns or regions are possible. This practice has been implemented by local authorities to monitor the safety and security of visitors to Egypt. 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 5°C 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. Felucca , Overnight sleeper train , Private mini bus

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Optional

Cairo - The Citadel (entrance fee) - EGP450 Cairo - Coptic Museum (entrance fee) - EGP230 Cairo - Islamic Art Museum (entrance fee) - EGP270 Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops (entrance fee) - EGP900 Cairo - The 3rd Pyramid of Menkawre (entrance fee) - EGP220 Cairo - The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization & The Royal Mummy Room (entrance fee) - EGP500 Cairo - The Egyptian Museum - USD40 Cairo - Saqqara and Memphis Afternoon Tour (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD109 Aswan - Sound & Light Show at Philae Temple - USD55 Aswan - Nubian Museum (entrance fee) - EGP300 Aswan - Tomb of the Nobles (entrance fee) - EGP150 Aswan - Philae Temple (entrance fee) - EGP450 Aswan - Monastery of St. Simeon (entrance fee) - EGP100 Aswan - Philae Temple Tour (minimum 2 persons) - USD35 Aswan - High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk Tour (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD35 Aswan - Philae Temple Sound and Light Show (entrance fee) - USD40 Aswan - Philae Temple, High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk Tour - USD65 Aswan - Abu Simbel Tour (minimum 4 people) - USD110 Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner - USD20 Aswan - Abu Simbel by Air - subject to availability - from - USD400 Aswan - Kom Ombo Temple (entrance fee) - EGP360 Edfu - Edfu Temple (entrance fee) - EGP450 Luxor - Luxor Temple (entrance fee) - EGP400 Luxor - Luxor Museum (entrance fee) - EGP300 Luxor - Karnak Temple Sound & Light Show Tour - USD45 Luxor - Mummification Museum (entrance fee) - EGP200 Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun (entrance fee) - EGP500 Luxor - Dinner with a local family - USD20 Luxor - Hot Air Balloon over the Valley of the Kings - USD130 Luxor - Medinat Habu Temple (entrance fee) - EGP200 Luxor - Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP2000 Luxor - Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP180 Cairo - Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids Tour - USD55 Cairo - Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids (entrance fee) - USD20 Alexandria - Qaitbay fortress (entrance fee) - EGP150 Alamein - Commonwealth Cemetery - Free Alexandria - Alexandria National Museum (entrance fee) - EGP180 Alexandria - Roman Amphitheatre (entrance fee) - EGP150

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Flights

Flights are not included.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Cairo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Cairo

Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. Your adventure begins in Cairo – Egypt’s chaotic capital, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Cairo is one of the great ancient cities and its history can be symbolised by two imposing landmarks – the Pyramids of Giza (one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World) and the Mosque of Mohammed Ali. If you have time, why not jump on a quick felucca ride or head out to explore the markets. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, the Christian Coptic sector is well worth a visit. Tonight, maybe hit the local nightlife and celebrate the start of an epic adventure.
Day 2 Day 2: Cairo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Cairo

After breakfast, set out to see some of Egypt’s most renowned sights. Visit Giza’s pyramids and Sphinx – instantly familiar yet retaining a mystique and power. Explore these structures that have stood tall for 4500 years, and you may even be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu for an additional charge. Afterwards, perhaps 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 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 Giza train station, where you will board a sleeper train to Aswan (approximately 13 hours).
Day 3 Day 3: Aswan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Aswan

The Nile, Elephantine Island and white-sailed feluccas, welcome to Aswan, Egypt’s southernmost city. 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 visitors’ lists. Highly recommended is the beautiful Temple of Isis (goddess of health, marriage and wisdom), which was rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated to Philae Island. It’s a marvel of decorative pylons featuring some of Egypt’s finest carvings – definitely one of the real gems of Upper Egypt. The waterfront promenade, or corniche, runs alongside one of the Nile’s most appealing stretches and is the perfect place to stop for a mint tea. Watch the waterfront come alive at dusk, with families out strolling, socialising and relaxing along the corniche.
Day 4 Day 4: Aswan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Aswan

This morning is your best chance to head out of Aswan and visit stunning Abu Simbel, if you choose to. With the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, this is one of Egypt’s most memorable sights. Otherwise, the day is free for you to make your own discoveries. A popular afternoon option in Aswan is a sailboat ride around the islands in a traditional felucca, stopping off at the botanical gardens on Kitchener’s Island. Your local leader will be on hand to help you get the most out of your day. You may prefer to just relax and take in the beauty of the Nile, or do some shopping in the vibrant bazaar.
Day 5 Day 5: Nubian Homestay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Nubian Homestay

This morning, jump on a traditional Egyptian sailboat – or felucca – for a morning sail until lunch. After lunch on board the felucca, arrive at a Nubian homestay on the west bank of the Nile. Here, you’ll learn about the local way of life with a walk through the surrounding countryside and agriculture fields to reach the homestay. The house is in traditional Nubian style, with a sandy courtyard in the middle where the family gathers for meals, and bedrooms to the side – this is where you’ll be staying for the night. Get into the swing of Egyptian life by lending a hand in the kitchen to help cook dinner, or maybe kick around a football in the courtyard with the kids. There are few better ways to understand a country and its people than with a local homestay, and you’ll have the chance tonight to soak it all up.
Day 6 Day 6: Nile Felucca
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Nile Felucca

Board another felucca today and enjoy a day out on the river, seeing rural Egyptian daily life play out on the banks before spending a night under the stars. Your sailing crew will provide all of your onboard meals, which are hearty and delicious. The felucca is a traditional wooden boat with broad canvas sails, offering some shade and protection from the elements, but there is no cabin or enclosed section – watching the sun setting over the Nile in the evening from an open deck is an experience you won’t forget.
Day 7 Day 7: Luxor
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Luxor

After farewelling the felucca crew, take a private van to Luxor. Today you will explore the magnificent Karnak Temple, which is perhaps the most impressive of all the ancient pharoahs’ 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. Your guided tour of this vast temple of impressive pylons, obelisks and chapels will reveal its finest sections, such as the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Temple of Amun. The rest of the day will be free to relax, shop in the bazaar (open until quite late) or perhaps experience the atmosphere of a local teahouse.
Day 8 Day 8: Luxor
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Luxor

Rise early this morning and head into the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills here are over 60 tombs of pharaohs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. 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, their funerary rites, and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics, still well-preserved in the deepest tombs. Visit three of the most interesting royal tombs and then continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut – a stunning colonnaded building set against high cliffs that create a spectacular natural amphitheatre. The legendary Hatshepsut had this mortuary temple built to signify her importance and honour her ancestors.
Day 9 Day 9: Hurghada
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Hurghada

This morning, farewell the Nile to drive east to the beachside town of Hurghada. The green Nile valley is soon left behind as you head out into the Eastern Desert. As you pass by rocky hills, the glittering waters of the Red Sea come into view and the rugged bulk of the Sinai Peninsula looms through the haze on the opposite shore. A vibrant beach resort, Hurghada is by no means a typical adventure destination. After checking in to your hotel, take a leader-led orientation walk to get your bearings and to scope out some of the local restaurants.
Day 10 Day 10: Hurghada
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Hurghada

Transfer to the Hurghada Marina and climb aboard your motor yacht for a trip around the Red Sea Marine Park where you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel one of the most magnificent reefs in the Red Sea – fine reef walls, lovely fan corals and colourful fish all await. Your captain will select three separate locations to maximise your experience. Your snorkelling gear is provided. Lunch will consist of a delicious feast of kofta, salads, fish and rice and soft drinks, tea and coffee are provided throughout the day. Head back to Hurghada mid-late afternoon and transfer back to the hotel.
Day 11 Day 11: Cairo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Cairo

Check out of your hotel this morning and make the journey back to Cairo by private vehicle. When you arrive, visit the Islamic parts of the city and the frenetic backstreets of the local Khan el-Khalili bazaar with your group leader. The ‘Khan’ is one of the biggest and oldest markets in the world, sprawling around an old area known as Al-Azhar, a warren of alleys with stalls serving up a succession of intoxicating scenes and a quintessentially Cairo experience. You might explore the gold market, ‘Perfume Street’ and the spice market, where heady aromas hang in the air like a thick blanket of Damascene cloth (which can be purchased next door in the cloth market!).
Day 12 Day 12: Alexandria
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Alexandria

Jump in a private van today and follow the ‘desert road’ to the Mediterranean coastal city of Alexandria. Egypt’s second largest city and main port, locals call this vibrant city the Bride of the Mediterranean Sea. On arrival, take an orientation walking tour with your leader. The Greek architect Dinocrates built Alexandria in 331 BC under the orders of Alexander the Great. The city, immortalising Alexander’s name, quickly flourished into a prominent cultural, intellectual, political and economic metropolis. Take some time to stroll along the corniche and take in some fresh Mediterranean air. Alexandria at night is not to be missed, with the whole city lighting up.
Day 13 Day 13: Alexandria
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Alexandria

Today, head back to a more recent period in Egyptian history with a visit to El Alamein and the war museum located there. El Alamein sits on the Mediterranean Sea, 106 kilometres west of Alexandria, and it played an important role in significant World War II battles. The area was a turning point in the North African campaign, where the Allies held out against, and eventually pushed back and defeated, the Afrika Korps of Rommel. The area contains a number of memorials from the countries who lost soldiers here – Greece, South Africa, Australia, Italy – as well as a war cemetery that’s home to the graves and names of the thousands who lost their lives. In the museum, discover the story of the events that unfolded here, and then return to Alexandria. Alexandria is well known for its seafood, so don’t forget to feast on some fresh fish while you’re in town.
Day 14 Day 14: Cairo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Cairo

This morning, head underground and delve into the mysteries of the Kom Ash Shuqqafa catacombs. This Roman burial site is the largest of its kind in Egypt and was discovered, quite accidentally, by a hapless donkey. The crypts are 20 metres below street level, and what probably began as a small family tomb grew into a labyrinth of chambers that could accommodate more than 300 bodies. Stop by the strikingly modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, inspired by the original great library of Alexandria and built to hold over 8 million books. Afterwards, head to El Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque, the largest in the city. During your free time, perhaps take the opportunity to see the Citadel of Qaitbay, a fortress overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, where the famous lighthouse once stood. You’ll then leave Alexandria and return to Cairo (approximately 5 hours), arriving around 4 pm. The afternoon is yours to spend as you please, and at night, why not gather together your travel crew for a celebratory kebab, kofta, or sheesha.
Day 15 Day 15: Cairo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Cairo

Your tour finishes today after breakfast. There are no activities planned for the final day, and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time following check-out.

+12

15 days tour

Explore Egypt

This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip Explore Egypt

Day 1: Cairo

Day 2: Cairo

Day 3: Aswan

Day 4: Aswan

Day 5: Nubian Homestay

Day 6: Nile Felucca

Day 7: Luxor

Day 8: Luxor

Day 9: Hurghada

Day 10: Hurghada

Day 11: Cairo

Day 12: Alexandria

Day 13: Alexandria

Day 14: Cairo

Day 15: Cairo

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