Historic Egypt, Nile & White Dessert Adventure

Transcription

1 Historic Egypt, Nile & White Dessert Adventure Historic Nile & White Desert Adventure 10 days / 9 nights Cairo The bustling city of Cairo is home to 18 million and is an expansive blend of historical monuments and mud brick houses. The Great Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. This site has become synonymous with Egypt and is one of the principal reasons for visiting the capital city and is situated west of the Nile bordering the Sahara Desert. We visit the Great Pyramid of Khufu, Pyramid Khafre and Menkaure and no visit would be complete without the photo standing next to the Great Sphinx. While here we must not miss the world renowned Egyptian Museum which houses the enthralling exhibition of more than 100,000 antiquities, including the Tomb of Tutankhamen and the Royal Mummy room. Other highlights include the Khan el Khalili Bazaar and the Citadel, which was once home to Egypt s rulers Baharia Oasis & the White Desert Our journey out to Baharia & the White Dessert includes a visit to a Bedouin Village, Museum of the Golden Mummies, the Black dessert and Crystal Mountain. We camp over night in the white dessert enjoying the Bedouin hospitality. This is a great two days of Sand dunes, Oasis springs, history and culture all blended together. Luxor is home to the 4,000 year old site of Thebes. Luxor effortlessly mingles ancient sites with the thriving metropolis city. Highlights include the Temples of Karnak which is the largest temple in the world (70 acres), along with the Valley of the Kings on the west back of the Nile, where tombs of the great Pharaohs lie. We visit the modern looking temple of Queen Hatshepsut s which forms a fantastic array of natural contrast against the Desert Mountains. Aswan is a laid back affable town and Egypt s southern most city. Attractions include the Obelisk, Aswan 3,600 metre High Dam and majestic Temple Philae. An optional 45 minute flight from Aswan are the two astounding mammoth rock temples of Abu Simbel, a Pharaohs secret until 1813 when uncovered after laying buried in sand for centuries. This is one temple that is certainly not to be missed. We cruise the Nile on a traditional felucca which will also be our overnight accommodation. Page 1

2 Trip Overview Day 1 - Cairo Day 2 - Cairo Day 3 - Cairo - Aswan Day 4 Aswan Felucca on the Nile (optional tour to Abu Simbel) Day 5 - Felucca - Luxor Day 6 Luxor ( optional Hot air balloon ride over West Bank) Day 7 - Luxor Cairo Bahair Oasis Day 8 - Bahair Oasis White Dessert Day 9 - White Desert Cairo (optional Light & sound show at the Pyramids) Day 10 - Cairo (optional tour to the Valley of the Whales ) Highlights Cultural dinner & belly dancing show Nubian cultural experience Cairo Egyptian Museum The Giza Pyramids & Sphinx Optional Light & sound show at the Pyramids High Dam Agilika Island & Philae Temple Markets & Souks Overnight Felucca cruise Karnack Temple Luxor Temple Queen Hatshepsut s Temple Colossi of Memnon Valley of the Kings Bahari Oasis 4x4 Wheel to White desert Museum of the golden mummies Optional side trip to Abu Simbel Optional side trip to Valley of the Whales Itinerary Day by day Day 1 - Cairo Day 2 - Cairo There will be a meeting at 9am on day one for group introductions and team briefing. This evening you will enjoy a local dinner and belly dancing show (included in price) on board a cruise on the Nile River. Includes: Dinner This morning we enjoy a visit to the Cairo Egyptian Museum where the world's largest collection of monuments, mummies and daily artifacts of Ancient Egypt lie, including the famous mask and treasures of King Tutankhamen. Lunch is at a local countryside restaurant serving BBQ food, salads and mesas. After lunch we travel to the last remaining member of the Seven Wonders of the World The Giza Pyramids which are situated west of the Nile, bordering on the Sahara desert. We visit the Great Pyramid of Khufu, The Pyramid of Khafre, The Pyramid of Menkaure and The Great Sphinx which are considered the world most significant Egyptian sights. In the evening we transfer to board the overnight sleeper train to Aswan (enjoying dinner and breakfast the following morning in our own cabins). Page 2

3 Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train., Lunch & Dinner Day 3 Aswan Arrive to Aswan and transfer to our hotel to freshen up before lunch. This afternoon our visit out of town takes us to the mighty High Dam - modern feat of engineering then enjoy a short ride to Agilika Island to visit Philae Temple dedicated to the Goddess Isis. Following Philae we have free time to explore the vibrant colorful souks and markets and perhaps enjoy dinner on the Nile whilst absorbing the Nubian culture. Day 4 Aswan Felucca on the Nile (optional excursion to Abu Simbel) For those who do not wish to take the optional excursion to Abu Simbel there will be a free morning. Early afternoon we set sail for a voyage on the Nile on a traditional felucca sail boat enjoying lunch and dinner onboard. Accommodation: Overnight Felucca., Lunch & Dinner Day 5 Felucca on the Nile - Luxor After breakfast we disembark the Felucca and transfer to Luxor by private vehicle. Once we have arrived at our hotel in Luxor there will be time to freshen up before our afternoon visit to the Temple of Karnack, the largest temple in the world situated in 70 acres, which is dedicated to worshiping the god Amun Ra. We finish off the day with a visit to the Temple of Luxor by sunset. Day 6 Luxor - (Optional Hot Air balloon Ride over the West Bank) An early start allows us to avoid the heat as we venture to the amazing Valley of Kings on the West Bank of the Nile. We continue on to the unique, modern looking Temple of Queen Hatshepsut's, which forms a magnificent contrast with the cliffs of the Desert Mountains. Lastly we stop at the Colossi of Memnon. This afternoon is free to relax at the hotel or visit some markets or souks or take a Hot Air Balloon ride over the West Bank. Day 7 Luxor Cairo Bahair Oasis This morning we transfer to the Luxor airport for your short flight to Cairo. On arrival at Cairo we will transfer directly to Baharia Oasis and check into our hotel possibly take in some sight seeing (depending on the flight times) before enjoy dinner a great dinner out. & Dinner Day 8 Bahair Oasis White Desert We begin you 4x4 adventures today by starting early and visit the sights of the Baharia Oasis including the Gebel Ingleze, Bedouin Village and the Museum of the Golden Mummies. Heading out of town we Page 3

4 stop at the Black Desert, Crystal Mountain and Dessert Flower Garden before arriving to the amazing White Desert where we set up camp for the night. Accommodation: Overnight camping at the White Dessert., Lunch & Dinner Day 9 White Desert Cairo (optional Lighting & sound Show at the Pyramids & Sphinx ) After breakfast we head back to Civilization through the desert visiting the Oasis Springs and the Sand Dunes along the way. We have the opportunity to freshen up before continuing onto Cairo and checking into your hotel. Day 10 Cairo After breakfast and checking out of our Hotel the trip will end. There is the opportunity to take the optional day trip to the Valley of the Whales. Optional excursion for day 10 for both groups to Valley of the Whales The Valley of the Whales excursion is a great 1 day tour from Cairo. We leave early morning traveling by a 4x4 air-conditioned jeep with your guide and head out to the area past al-fayoum (approximately 200kms South West from Cairo). When we arrive at the Wadi al-hittan (Valley of the Wales) visitors centre we will meet with a local geologist who talks in detail about the area. We will then continue on by 4x4 and walk a further 3km to reach the sight where you will see the fossilized skeletons of whales. On completion of the tour you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then return back to Cairo. Accommodation will be included for tonight for those joining the 16 day trip to Dahab. Local guides The guides used are all experienced qualified Egyptologist. You will be expected to carry your own day pack which should be large enough to carry all you will need throughout the day e.g. water bottle, camera, snack food, etc. Guide to Tipping It is customary to tip the local guides and porters at the end of the trip however this is totally discretionary. Accommodation All accommodation will be in three star hotels /Felucca, camping and will be on a twin/triple/communal bases Extra accommodation can be reserved for you before and after your tour at a very reasonable cost. Visa Prior to departure you may need to obtain certain visas depending on your nationality. Specific information is given to you in your pre departure information. A visa may be obtained at point of entry into Cairo at a cost of approx USD $15. Team briefing You will need to bring your passport and a copy of your travel insurance policy to the briefing on day one before joining the trip. Page 4

5 Pre departure information Further to the information provided in this dossier, a pre departure information booklet will be sent to you. This booklet provides you with information regarding visas, joining instructions, what to bring, health requirements and vaccinations, extra hotel accommodation etc. Please read it carefully to make sure you are fully prepared. Important note: The enclosed notes are intended as a guide only, indicating a typical itinerary and series of activities and highlights. While every effort will be made to follow the route published on any departure and the distances travelled, driving time and available activities can vary for a number of reasons, in the event of political problems or natural difficulties which are beyond our control and prevent travelling to a particular area, Trekking 4 Women reserve the right to substitute an alternative activity for that section of the trip. Overnight stops may vary on occasions from those suggested Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if necessary. Remember if you do not undertake some training before hand and you are found not be fit enough for the trip, this may jeopardise you being able to remain on the trip. (please read the terms & conditions carefully regarding this) Historic Egypt, Nile & White Desert Adventure 10 days / 9 nights Trip Code: T4W 142 Grade Easy Group Size: 6 12 Accommodation: Hotels, train, Felucca, Camping, Price: Please check Trekking 4 Women s website for departure dates and prices. Start : Cairo End: Cairo Page 5

6 Price includes Guide salaries One domestic flight six nights in 3* Hotel accommodation on a twin/triple share bases 1 night accommodation aboard Felucca on the Nile One nights Camping in White Desert Overnight sleeper train journey One cultural group dinner (excluding drinks) as indicated in the itinerary Transfer to Hotel on arrival Local, qualified Egyptologist tour guides most days Entrance fees to sights as mentioned in the itinerary Tours include- Cairo Egyptian Museum, Giza Pyramids & Sphinx, Bahair Oasis, Philae Temple, High Dam, Felucca, Luxor Temple, Karnack Temple, Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut s temple & Colossi of Memnon Trekking 4 Women Tee Shirt Price does not include Entry visas into Egypt (approx US$15) tour entrance fees not mentioned Drinks, tips, laundry, and other items of a personal nature. Optional excursions to Abu Simbel, US$245 Optional Sound & Light show (Sphinx/ Pyramids) US$35 Optional Hot air balloon over West Bank Luxor US$165 Optional Valley of the Wales excursion US$110 International Flights Departure transfer Meals except where indicated as per itinerary All personal gear Travel Insurance All Trekking 4 Women (T4W) trips will be personally lead by Ann Young, (the Director of T4W) or a representative of T4W, to ensure you, the client, of the best possible experience. My passion for travel and desired objective is to offer a unique experience, enrich lives, and encourage personal growth which is fun and affordable. The objective will be to provide sustainable active travel adventures that are beneficial for local communities we visit. Updated May 2012 Trekking 4 Women, P O Box 5543, Palmerston North 4441, New Zealand. Phone: , Fax: , Mobile: + 64 (027) ann@trekking4women.co.nz, web: Page 6