What to see in this trip?

Cairo
Aswan
Luxor
Alexandria
Siwa oasis
Bahariya oasis
White desert
Black desert

Crystal mountain

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES,

The pyramids of Giza
The sphinx
The Egyptian museum of antiquities
The famous bazaar khan-el-khalili
The Sufi dancing performance
Elephantine island-Aswan
The nile tour ( aswan )
The valley of the kings-Luxor
Karnak temple- luxor
Luxor temple
Camel ride – aswan
Donkey ride- luxor
The temple of Hatshepsut
The bike tour at Siwa

MEALS

7 Breakfasts
5 lunch
1 dinners

ACCOMMODATION

10 nights tourist class hotels
2 night on felucca
Overnight seater train Cairo-Aswan
Overnight seater train Luxor-Alexandria

TRANSPORTATION

Private air condition bus
Seater train Cairo-Aswan
Seater train Luxor-Alexandria
4WD drive in the desert safari

Included:
An experienced English-speaking local leader-Guide, all transportation, accommodation, meals and sightseeing as indicated.

Not Included:
International flights, arrival & departure transfers, visas, airport taxes, additional meals, drinks, optional sightseeing tours, insurance, tips and items of a personal nature

Meals:
Allow US$60 for additional meals. Although a number of meals are included, we also allow you the flexibility to go out and make your own choices as far as what and where to eat. Your tour leader will always be on hand to offer recommendations and, in some places, he will help organise a group meal that includes a variety of local specialities; all such meals are optional.

Pre and post accommodation
You may wish to extend your holiday by booking some pre or post tour accommodation - ask Egypt adventure or your travel agent for details and prices when you book your trip.

Optional extras and sightseeing

Aswan

• Camel Ride (1 hour) 
• Nubian Museum Approx US$7
• Philae Temple car/boat trip Approx US$10 (based 4 people)
• Philae Temple Entrance fee Approx US$7

Cairo

• Camel ride at the Pyramids (15 mins) Approx US$5
• Egyptian Museum (Mummy Room) Egyptian Pounds 100
• Entrance inside Chephren or Mycerinus Approx US$4
• Entrance inside Great Pyramid Approx US$18

Luxor

• Entrance to Tomb of Tutankhamun Approx US$14
• Karnak Temple – Sound & Light Show Approx US$10
• Luxor Museum Entrance Fee Egyptian pounds 55
• Luxor Temple Egyptian Pounds 50

Important Information:

This trip is classified as Explorer style
Many people dream of cruising down the Nile in a comfortable riverboat, and Egypt adventure has that covered as well. ‘Explorer’ trips in Egypt all include an excellent one-day Nile Cruise along with comfortable tourist class hotels throughout. as well as extra sightseeing/activities in Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada and the Western desert.

Summertime Schedules
As the days get warmer, temperatures can start to soar – particularly in Upper Egypt (Luxor and Aswan). From April to October, to avoid the midday heat, some days start very early (eg at 0500). Please be prepared for this: we try to make things as comfortable for you as possible. Your tour leader will keep you fully informed.

'Baksheesh'
Throughout the Middle East, but particularly in Egypt, tipping is a way of life. Known as 'baksheesh' it is given for any service rendered and is deeply embedded in the social fabric of the country. Unlike western countries it is not necessarily a reward for good service and shouldn't really be called a 'tip', in the western sense of the word. Everyone gives 'baksheesh' to everyone else and foreign tourists are expected to go along with this. For some, this can become very tiresome (especially if you don't have the right change) and it can often lead to irritation and frustration. To surmount this problem and to save you the obvious embarrassment if you don't have the correct change, your Tour Leader will collect a 'tipping kitty' from you at the beginning of the trip. This is approximately EUR3 per person, per day, He will then distribute all 'baksheesh' along the way, on your behalf, to the local guides, drivers, porters and others who provide services for you. Please have this amount ready, in cash, at the beginning of the trip.

If you are out on your own at a restaurant, please remember to leave a small tip for your waiter.

Tipping your Leader
It is customary to tip your Tour Leader, at the end of the trip, if you are happy with his service. A minimum tip of EUR 2-3 per day, from each member of the group, is the standard expectation. This is an addition to the 'baksheesh' listed above.

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! Tourists 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 visit the Middle East, although you do need to be flexible, sympathetic and sensitive. In 2009, Ramadan starts on August 21st and finishes on September 19th, with the Eid el Fitr feast commencing on September 20th.

Sleeper Seats on trains
Please note that in some instances during peak season clients will be travelling in a Nefertiti compartment as opposed to a open carriage with reclining seats. The Nefertiti compartment is a three person private cabin with three non reclining seats. Many travellers prefer this arrangement due to its additional privacy.

Single travellers

Most of our travellers are single and like the thought of travelling with a few like-minded souls. As part of Egypt adventure core philosophy, we do not charge a single supplement. You'll probably be sharing your accommodation with a travelling companion of the same gender, but even if you do get your own room, you won't be charged extra, unless the tour has a minimum of one person. Because many of our travellers come on their own, your tour will probably have a strong social element and you'll almost certainly come home with some great new friends.

Valid from 1 September 2009