Feluccas & Pharaohs Family Holiday(Trip #60490)

Tour Overview

Cairo & Pyramids
Your trip starts in Cairo, where kids and adults alike will be amazed by the imposing Pyramids at Giza. In the Egyptian Museum you'll see Tutankhamun's gold mask and other relics that avoided the clutches of grave robbers.

Colourful Aswan
A great experience is to travel by overnight train in Egypt. You journey to Aswan, gateway to Nubia and Africa beyond, where you'll explore lively bazaars and eat a traditional meal at a Nubian house.

Nile Felucca
Taking to the Nile you'll travel by age-old felucca sailboat, used by the Egyptians for centuries. Along the way you'll meet locals and enjoy the passing scenery. At night, you'll tie-up at the riverbank and listen to Nubian songs and drums around a campfire.

Luxor & on to the Red Sea
In Luxor you'll head to the famous Valley of the Kings, travelling by horse-drawn carriage to the mammoth temples of Karnak where you can learn to read hieroglyphs, telling of life thousands of years ago. You can also enjoy an optional hot air balloon ride. You'll head across the desert to Hurghada and spend a day snorkelling over colourful coral reefs from your boat. The Red Sea has many different fish for you to spot. Finally, back to Cairo for your last night in the Land of the Pharaohs!

Responsible Travel
We've joined forces with the Sunshine International Project, Luxor, to assist in providing education and a home for children. You'll have the opportunity to visit during your holiday.

Day by Day Itinerary

Clients travelling 'Land Only' (i.e. not on our group flights from London) should make their own way to the joining point in Cairo (day one of the itinerary as described below). You will receive full details of exactly where to meet your Group Leader on the Joining Instructions which will be sent to you 2-3 weeks before your trip starts.

Day 1: Depart London
Following your flight you transfer to your first night's accommodation and check in. Hotel - 1 night (Swimming Pool)

Day 2: Cairo; Overnight Train
With a population of around eighteen million people, Cairo is Africa's largest city by far. Yet despite its size, Cairo retains a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Its long and colourful history dates from the 7th century AD, when it was established by the Arab leader Amr ibn al-As, and called Fustat (the tent). Today you'll enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of two of the city's most celebrated sights. At Giza, to the west of the city, the enigmatic Sphinx and great pyramids still stand on the edge of the empty desert overlooking the city. More than 4000 years old, the pyramids are the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World that remain intact - a testimony to the ingenuity and skill of their builders. The famed Egyptian Museum holds many thousands of exhibits; your local guide will focus on the Tutankhamun collection - probably the world's greatest archaeological find. You'll see the treasure found in the tomb of the boy-king: the jewel-encrusted golden mask, the golden sarcophagus and throne, plus many everyday articles, which were entombed with him to be used in the afterlife. Although a wonderful experience for all, it will bring together all the things the kids have been learning about at school ... and give you a taste for what's to come at the Valley of the Kings, the burial place of Tutankhamun! In the evening you board the overnight train to the southern city of Aswan. Overnight sleeper train - 1 night (BD)

Day 3: Aswan
Arriving in Aswan in the morning, you see that it is here that the Nile runs deep and fast between granite rocks as the desert encroaches on the river. Even to travellers in ancient times, the town was legendary as the entrance to the kingdom of Nubia. Today it's still something of a frontier town, where the Arab Middle East meets black Africa. With its mixed population of Egyptians and Nubians, Aswan is quite unlike any other town in the country. By virtue of its position on the old caravan route, it has always been a trading centre and we thoroughly recommend a visit to the packed bazaar where merchants display a wealth of exotic spices, carpets, leather goods and countless other wares. Kids will be thrilled by the sight of donkey carts and men in flowing robes and turbans. The climate in winter is almost perfect - hardly a drop of rain falls here and the temperature hovers around 25°C. In the afternoon there may be time to take a taxi out to visit the temple of Isis at Philae. There are many other sites to be seen around Aswan and your Group Leader may be able to organise some, for example to the remarkable Unfinished Obelisk. In the evening there is a trip across the river to a Nubian village where you enjoy dinner at one of the local houses.
Hotel - 1 night (Swimming Pool) (BD)

Day 4: Nile Felucca Journey
A very early start usually allows for an optional excursion to Abu Simbel, just 50 kilometres from the border with Sudan. Alternatively, kids will love the optional camel ride to St. Simeon's Monastery - a real desert experience! By late morning you board the feluccas and settle down to relax. The Nile has a fascination all of its own and remains the principal focus for most visitors to Egypt. In ancient legend it was the very giver of life, and the rich silt deposited by its annual flooding created the fertile plain. This was cultivated intensely to sustain the population that lived along the river; even in modern times it both feeds and provides a livelihood for millions of people. Camping (sleeping on mattresses on the deck of the felucca) - 1 night. (BLD)

Day 5: Kom Ombo & Luxor
This morning you'll visit the temple at Kom Ombo, uniquely dedicated to two gods: Haroeris (Horus the elder) and the crocodile-headed Sobek, god of the Nile. Kids (and adults?) will cringe at the mummified crocs on display!

On the east bank around Kom Ombo, reclaimed land is fed by canals to keep the desert at bay - it supports not only crops of sugar cane but also a large Nubian community displaced from their homeland by the rising waters of Lake Nasser. You transfer by bus to Luxor, travelling as part of a convoy - total time approximately four hours. Following the path of the Nile you retrace your route northwards. Known in ancient times as Thebes, Luxor was the capital of Egypt's New Kingdom for some 500 years. Upon arrival, there will be time to look around the town's monuments and museum, and it may be possible to visit Karnak temple to witness the memorable sound and light show (optional) which relates its history in suitably dramatic fashion. Hotel - 2 nights (Swimming Pool) (B)

Day 6: Luxor
This morning you visit the ancient tombs of the Pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings. Rising early, you cross the Nile and drive to the secluded valley where 63 Pharaohs were buried as part of their journey to the after-life. In the company of a local guide, you can explore some of the exquisitely decorated tombs of these rulers of long ago. It is here that the burial site of the boy-king Tutankhamun, discovered by British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922, can be found (optional visit). This visit to the Valley of the Kings brings to life much of what you saw in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. On your way back to the river, you can see the imposing funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's first female ruler. This afternoon you're free to explore Luxor, or perhaps just relax by the hotel swimming pool. It may also be possible to take an optional hot air balloon ride early one morning during your stay in Luxor. (B)

Day 7: Hurghada
In the early morning, horse-drawn carriages drive you to the grandest of Egypt's historic temples - Karnak, which you explore with a local guide. Many architects and engineers contributed to its construction, a task that spanned the reign of successive Pharaohs over a period of 1400 years. The highlights of its many wonders are the great hypostyle hall, which contains 134 huge columns, and the beautifully carved obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut. The sheer scale and massive bulk of these monuments testify to the wealth and the level of organisation of early Egyptian civilisation.

This afternoon you say farewell to the Nile and drive eastwards to Hurghada (4 hours). The green Nile valley is soon left behind as you head out into the barren Eastern Desert. Passing through rocky hills, the glittering waters of the Red Sea soon come into view and the rugged bulk of the Sinai Peninsula looms through the haze on the opposite shore. Hurghada is a vibrant beach resort. Although by no means a typical 'adventure destination', enjoying the superb snorkelling on offer here is a great way to round off your trip. Hotel - 2 nights (Swimming Pool) (BD)

Day 8: Hurghada
This morning you take to the waves and head out to the lovely offshore reefs where you can swim and snorkel to see the abundance of vividly coloured marine life that inhabits the warm waters. You take snorkels, masks, and fins with you (although if you have a particular favourite we recommend you bring that from home - see notes also under "equipment" below) and lunch is provided on the boat. Pods of frolicking dolphins are not an unusual sight and there are colourful fish in abundance - snorkelling is a real highlight of your trip! (BLD)

Day 9: Cairo
Very early this morning, you make the short drive to Hurghada's airport and take a flight back to Cairo. Once back in the capital, there should be time for further exploration on one of several optional trips that can be arranged. Later this evening your Group Leader will no doubt organise a traditional 'last supper'. Hotel - 1 night (B) (Swimming Pool)

Day 10: Fly to London
Clients travelling on our group flights transfer to airport and fly to London.

Departure Dates

12/13/2009
12/19/2009
12/20/2009
12/21/2009
12/26/2009
12/27/2009
02/12/2010
02/13/2010
02/14/2010
03/27/2010
03/31/2010
04/03/2010
04/04/2010
04/04/2010
04/09/2010
05/28/2010
07/17/2010
08/01/2010
08/19/2010
10/20/2010
10/21/2010
10/22/2010
10/23/2010
10/24/2010
10/25/2010
12/18/2010
12/19/2010
12/20/2010
12/21/2010
12/23/2010
12/24/2010
12/26/2010
02/17/2011
02/18/2011
02/19/2011
04/09/2011
04/10/2011
04/11/2011
04/12/2011
04/13/2011
04/15/2011
05/27/2011
05/28/2011
07/23/2011
08/06/2011
08/20/2011
10/19/2011
10/20/2011
10/21/2011
10/22/2011
10/23/2011
10/24/2011
12/17/2011
12/18/2011
12/19/2011
12/20/2011
12/21/2011
12/24/2011

Prices

Date: Base Price
12/13/2009: $1529
12/19/2009: $1529
12/20/2009: $1529
12/21/2009: $1472
12/26/2009: $1358
12/27/2009: $1358
02/12/2010: $1245
02/13/2010: $1245
02/14/2010: $1245
03/27/2010: $1377
03/31/2010: $1377
04/03/2010: $1377
04/04/2010: $1377
04/04/2010: $1377
04/09/2010: $1377
05/28/2010: $1245
07/17/2010: $1245
08/01/2010: $1245
08/19/2010: $1245
10/20/2010: $1283
10/21/2010: $1283
10/22/2010: $1283
10/23/2010: $1283
10/24/2010: $1283
10/25/2010: $1283
12/18/2010: $1623
12/19/2010: $1623
12/20/2010: $1623
12/21/2010: $1623
12/23/2010: $1623
12/24/2010: $1623
12/26/2010: $1434
02/17/2011: $1358
02/18/2011: $1358
02/19/2011: $1358
04/09/2011: $1510
04/10/2011: $1510
04/11/2011: $1510
04/12/2011: $1358
04/13/2011: $1358
04/15/2011: $1358
05/27/2011: $1358
05/28/2011: $1358
07/23/2011: $1358
08/06/2011: $1358
08/20/2011: $1358
10/19/2011: $1358
10/20/2011: $1358
10/21/2011: $1358
10/22/2011: $1358
10/23/2011: $1358
10/24/2011: $1358
12/17/2011: $1510
12/18/2011: $1699
12/19/2011: $1699
12/20/2011: $1699
12/21/2011: $1699
12/24/2011: $1547

Trip Information

Trip Essentials
Minimum age: 5 years. A well-paced trip taking in Egypt's fantastic main sights. An ability to swim is recommended.

Adventure Level
This trip has a very full itinerary but offers a pleasant balance between relaxation and activity - we don't overload children with too many sites. It is not a luxury trip - conditions on the felucca sailboats and the overnight train are very simple, but accommodation elsewhere is modest, clean and comfortable. There are some early starts on this trip and it can be very hot in the summer months, which children and adults alike can find tiring. Please note some road journeys in Egypt are operated by the authorities in convoys. This means that travelling times will be fixed and arrival times into destinations may vary to those described here, with sightseeing adjusted accordingly. Minimum age: 5 years.


Transport & Accommodation
Transport - Minibus, train, felucca, "calesh" (horse-drawn carriage),boat, on foot, domestic flight.
Distinctive Accommodation - Hotels (7nts), sleeper train (1nt), felucca (1nt)
You'll stay in hotels with en suite facilities. On the felucca,mattresses and blankets are provided. Be prepared for simple
conditions. On the overnight train you'll have a couchette berth.

Clothing and Footwear
Although you may see other travellers dressed otherwise, as in any Muslim country, tight or skimpy clothing should not be worn by adults out of respect for local customs. Long, loose shorts are acceptable but you should be aware of local sensibilities. For women no halter neck or sleeveless tops, whilst a headscarf is useful - it's both a local custom and useful for shielding against the strong sun. Hurghada is different at it's an international beach resort and as such more liberal dress is acceptable. Below is a suggestion of what you might find useful to take on this trip. It is not an exhaustive packing list. If you need further advice, please call us or consult your nearest specialist outdoor clothing and equipment store.
In summer (Apr-Oct), light cotton clothing is adequate for kids and adults alike, with a light sweater or sweatshirt, just in case. Remember long sleeved shirts and long trousers to guard against the sun!
In winter (Nov-Mar), night-time temperatures are low - perhaps as cold as 4°C and it can be windy, making it feel even cooler. Given this you should pack accordingly - a windproof outer layer, a warm mid-layer (wool or fleece) is essential, as are long, warm, trousers. If you particularly feel the cold you may also wish to take a hat and gloves.

• Comfortable shoes or trainers
• Sandals/flip-flops for relaxing
• Sun-hat

Equipment
Sleeping bag (Mar to Nov - 2-3 season; Dec to Feb - 4-season) Please note that in desert countries like Egypt, summer temperatures can fall to almost freezing point at night. Although you may not experience such low temperatures, it is the reason we strongly advise you to take a sleeping bag of a suitable rating. It is possible to hire a sleeping bag locally in Cairo at a cost of UK£10 (payable in cash to your Group Leader in Cairo) per person, per trip. Please advise us at the time of booking.

• Torch
• High-factor sunscreen & lipsalve
• Waterbottle
• Insect repellent
• Sunglasses
• Towel
• Personal first aid kit
• Toilet paper for the felucca section of the trip
• Although there are not great numbers of mosquitoes, you may wish to bring a mosquito net for the felucca section of the trip
• Waterproof bags for valuable items like passports, cameras etc
• A laundry service may be available in some hotels, but we recommend taking biodegradable travel detergent clothes can be washed as you wish.
Please note: Although snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) is provided, these are generally in adult sizes. We recommend that you bring these from home for children intending to snorkel. Alternatively, equipment can usually be purchased locally, though the price and quality may vary.

Climate
Even in winter (Nov-Feb) it is generally warm and sunny in Egypt (average daytime temperature in Cairo 22°C), although it can be breezy and very cold at night (down to 4°C/5°C), especially on the river and during the snorkelling trip.
In the summer (Mar-Oct), it is dry and hot during the day (average daytime temp. Cairo 30-36°C, higher in the south), and warm at night. There is hardly any rainfall at any time of year in the south, although Cairo does get some, generally short-lived, rain in winter.

Local Costs
8 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 5 evening meals are included on this trip; you'll have to pay for all other meals. Approximate average costs are given below. These are for guidance only and may vary widely according to the location and type of establishment.
Coffee/tea UK£1.50
Soft drink £1.00
Medium beer £3.00
Local snack lunch £4.00
3-course dinner* £8.00
*reasonable mid-range tourist class restaurant


Tipping
Although it is always at your discretion - your family will be expected to tip to reward service in Egypt, more so than other countries. In Egypt we have found from experience that the simplest way to organise tips is using a 'tips kitty', collected at the beginning of your trip. Although this is not compulsory, should you wish to participate in this kitty, please calculate on the basis of UK£20 per person (including children) for this trip. Also, if you wish to tip your Group Leader (in recognition of their contribution towards your overall enjoyment of the holiday) a suggested guideline would be approximately UK£1.50 to UK£2.50 per person, per day.

Optional Excursions
Some or all of the excursions detailed below may be available. Approximate costs are given for guidance only and may depend on the number of participants. Your Group Leader should be able to assist you in arranging them.
Saqqara (from Cairo) UK£15.00
Citadel & Old Cairo £13.00
Islamic Cairo walking tour £10.00
Khan Al Khalili by night £4.00
Camel trek (Aswan) £16.00
Abu Simbel (by air from Aswan; subject to availability) £105.00
Philae Temple, unfinished obelisk and High Dam (Aswan) £23.00
Karnak Sound & Light (from Luxor) £14.00
Hot air balloon ride (from Luxor) £55.00
Please note the Abu Simbel optional excursion price given here is based on the use of a charter aircraft. These flights only operate on certain days and space can be limited, so please advise your Group Leader in advance if you want to take this trip. If an excursion by charter plane isn't available, time permitting, it maybe possible to use the services of Egypt Air, at a higher cost. Again, please speak with your Group Leader.
Please note: these prices include all entrance fees. The prices shown are quoted in GB£ and this is the preferred currency for payment in Egypt.


Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any washing or toilet facilities on the felucca?
Hygiene is a priority. The boat simply moors on the Nile bank where you find a suitable cover to squat behind. A shovel is provided and so is medicated soap to wash your hands. Everyone washes in the river using bio-degradable soap (not provided).

When are we free to do our own thing?
There's plenty of 'non-sightseeing' time to relax throughout the whole trip as well as some completely free afternoons. The Group Leader can advise where to go in the towns. This is usually quality shopping time spent wandering around the extensive markets and bazaars.

Do we need to take malaria tablets?
Although there is a slight risk of malaria in certain parts of Egypt during June-October, it is not normally found in the areas visited on this trip. Bring insect repellent, containing Deet, or a natural one such as MosiGuard to reduce the number of insect bites. Consult a doctor or travel clinic 6-8 weeks before departing to get the most up to date information.