Itinerary Expand all Cairo to Aswan Day 1 Start Cairo. Start Cairo. Accommodation: Cairo Pyramids Hotel or similar Day 2 Visit the Pyramids at Giza, the Egyptian Museum, El Azhar Mosque and Cairo's lively bazaar. We start the morning with a tour of the Pyramids at Giza. Home to the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus and the timeless and enigmatic Sphinx; these great monuments to the afterlife defy the imagination. Only the throng of sightseers, Egyptian and foreign, milling around their huge foundations, keep the viewer in the 21st century. We next pay a visit to the incredible Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, which contains relics dating back to 4000 BC, including the fantastic riches of Tutankhamun's tomb. Here is a unique opportunity to survey the many fabulous treasures of Egypt in one place and to set the scene for the rest of the tour. For the remainder of our tour we experience modern Cairo with visits to Al Azhar mosque, which despite being Cairo’s oldest mosque and university is still very much in use today, and the small alleyways and streets that make up Cairo's popular bazaar. Please note that we will need to cover up at the mosque (long sleeves and trousers) and women will also need to cover their hair with a scarf. Accommodation: Cairo Pyramids Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Fly to Luxor; visit to Karnak and Luxor temples; free time. We typically transfer to Cairo airport before sunrise for our flight to Luxor (flight times can vary). On arrival in Luxor we visit Luxor Temple and the huge Karnak Temple complex on the east bank of the Nile. Built over 1500 years, Karnak is a confusion of pylons, courtyards, halls and sanctuaries. Its Hypostyle hall has 134 columns 23 metres high and 15 metres in diameter! Both temples are incredibly impressive. We arrive at our cruise boat in time for lunch on board before having free time in the afternoon to relax or explore Luxor. Accommodation: M/S Esmeralda or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Days 4-5 Valley of the Kings; two days on the Nile with visits to Edfu and Kom Ombo en route. We begin Day 4 with a visit to the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile, which contains the once hidden tombs of over 62 Pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Seti I, Ramses III and IV. A discreet entrance in the hillside takes the visitor underground; a series of corridors and ante-chambers leads us down to the burial chamber and sarcophagus. The walls are covered in brightly painted images and hieroglyphs - a map of the afterlife to ensure the king's safe passage. One ticket allows us to see three tombs. The ticket usually allows entry into what are regarded as the most impressive tombs, but if you have time a visit to the tomb of Ramses VI is also highly recommended. Visits to tombs are now strictly controlled to halt further deterioration of wall paintings - each tomb is periodically closed for a number of weeks. On return to our cruise boat we begin our voyage along the Nile, travelling upstream from Luxor to Aswan. Exact sailing and excursion times cannot be guaranteed for each individual trip but we will visit the temples of Edfu, famous for its roofed inner temples and huge Pylon, and Kom Ombo. The cruise boat has good facilities: a sundeck with sun loungers, bar and small pool, restaurant, gift shop and library - these can all be taken advantage of when the cruise boat is docked or during sailing. The sunsets over the Nile are truly stunning and travelling from Luxor to Aswan, enjoying the beauty of the lush verdant landscape make this journey special. Accommodation: M/S Esmeralda or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 6 Optional visit to Abu Simbel. Today there's the option of a visit to Abu Simbel, 300 km. to the south through the Nubian Desert. The optional bus tour starts at 3.30/4 in the morning when we get picked up from the boat. A breakfast box is provided. Around 8 am we will arrive at the destination, where we are given approx 3 hours to visit the temples. Built by Ramses II the two temples are certainly some of the most spectacular in Egypt. Originally on the banks of the Nile, the temples were raised to a new site above the lake in the late 1960s, as the waters from the new Lake Nasser rose behind the Aswan High Dam. The four great seated statues of Ramses II stare east towards the rising sun. We will be back in Aswan around 3 pm. Accommodation: M/S Esmeralda or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Tour of bazaar or optional excursion to Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam and Cleopatra's Unfinished Obelisk. After breakfast on board we disembark our boat and have a full day in Aswan. This is a laid-back, sleepy town that reflects the character of its largely Nubian inhabitants, known for being friendly and hospitable. 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 today where merchants display a wealth of exotic spices, carpets, leather goods and countless other wares. There is also the option to visit the Nubian Museum, situated opposite our usual hotel in Aswan. Opened in April 1998, the museum chronologically charts the history and culture of the Nubian people. Alternatively, we can arrange an optional visit to Philae Temple. In the 1970s it was relocated by UNESCO to Aglika Island after it became evident that the original site of Philae would submerge on completion of the Aswan High Dam. It represents a magnificent and enduring testament to both ancient and modern engineering. During this excursion we will also visit Aswan High Dam and Cleopatra's Unfinished Obelisk. Accommodation: Basma Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Optional visit to Nubian village; afternoon felucca ride. Today it's our last day in Aswan. Our morning is free to relax or book on optional excursion to St. Simone Monastery or a nearby Nubian Village. In the afternoon we explore the Nile by felucca, the traditional Egyptian sailing boat. Using the felucca, we can truly savour the tranquillity of the Nile and the beauty of the surrounding landscape, where the vast desert almost reaches the water's edge. (The sailing by felucca timing might be changed according to weather conditions). We end the day with our final dinner together, at one of this historic city’s restaurants. Accommodation: Basma Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 9 End Aswan. End Aswan Meals included: Breakfast
Egypt Visas are required by all non-Arab nationalities and currently cost approximately GBP20. It is recommended that you obtain your visa before you travel (although it’s still possible to get a tourist visa on arrival). You can get a visa online at Visa2Egypt or alternatively, the address of the Egyptian Embassy in London is 2 Lowndes Street, SW1. Tel: 020 7235 9777. Visas are now generally available for same day collection, although this should NOT be relied upon. Opening hours are 09.30 to 12.30 for applications, 14.15 to 16.00 for collection of passports after the visa has been issued. Postal applications direct to the embassy for visas are not recommended as the service takes 15 to 20 days. If you are obtaining your visa online then please ensure you have a scan of your passport ready. The file size should be small and ideally saved as a JPEG or PDF otherwise you might not be able to load it on the visa application. You will need to provide your host’s information on the application – please use the following details: South Sinai Travel79 Merghany StreetCairoEgyptTel: +20 22418 7310www.southsinai.com [email protected] Please note that recently Egyptian officials have requested tourists carry a copy of their passport with them whilst in the country.
Egypt There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. Although not usually advised, other vaccinations to consider include rabies and Hepatitis B.
Cruise Boat & Hotels We use premium 4/5 star hotels (Egyptian Classification) on a twin-share basis. We typically stay at the Basma Hotel in Aswan. It is located on the East Bank on Aswan's highest hill, directly opposite the famous Nubian museum. All the rooms have balconies with views of the Nile or the surrounding desert. The facilities in the rooms and in the hotel itself are excellent, including a choice of bars and restaurants, a huge swimming pool and all set amid well-maintained gardens.In Cairo we generally use the Cairo Pyramids Hotel. Set in a landscaped garden it offers stunning views over the Pyramids. Cruise boatWe sail the Nile on the M/S Esmeralda or on a similar cruise boat. It offers impressive service and great facilities including a swimming pool, sun deck, gift shop, restaurant and bar. It stretches 72m in length and 12.6m in width, each of the 60 en suite cabins is fully air-conditioned and has a TV and mini bar. Wi-Fi is also available. Single rooms available, please enquire for prices. Additional AccommodationCan be arranged in Cairo pre or post tour. Please speak to a consultant at the time of booking if you would like additional accommodation.
December 31, 2019 Your Guide to Culture Adventures Make 2020 the year when you step off the tourist trails and leap into a world of culture adventures. Cultural travel
Reviewed January 2020 Linda Pearce Trip: Nile Cruise - Premium Unforgettable The week exceeded my expectations. I had thought a week would give me just a glimpse of Egypt but there was so much more. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Standing alone in the tomb of Rameses V and VI (kv9) surrounded by huge walls and pillars covered with pristine hieroglyphics of such vibrant colors it took your breath away. It is well worth the extra EP 100 to go inside. What did you think of your group leader? I cannot praise Tefa highly enough. His organization, empathy, knowledge of Egyptology and attention to every detail of our experience was exceptional. Extra unscheduled mini trips were arranged in free time for anyone who mentioned something they would like to do. Health issues were dealt with including pushing a wheelchair round a temple! Tefa really made sure we all had a wonderful experience. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? When I read the trip notes I was concerned about how the extra trips fitted in with the basic plan. My concerns were unfounded. It is all very well arranged. I would say.... do as much as possible. Is there anything else you would like to add? The four nights on the boat make a good base for the visits to temples and tombs. Without the continuity of the boat it could have felt very hectic.
Reviewed December 2019 Andrew Davies Trip: Nile Cruise - Premium Outstanding Experience Too many superlatives. Exceeded expectations in so many ways. The archaeology the food and comfort and Sayed our fantastic guide with a lovely group of fellow travellers. Bucket list well and truly ticked for Egypt. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Arriving early at the market in Aswan with a real local insight into life. Stumbling in on a coptic Christian festival at the monastery. Hanging on to a camel for dear life! The felucca trip. Aswan was the best bit for me. Watching river life on the Nile and the friendly people waving. What did you think of your group leader? Sayed was outstanding. He was incredibly well organised and genuinely kind and so enthusiastic about the sites and his country. We loved hearing him bring both ancient and modern Egypt to life. He was inspiring. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Do the excursions. They are undersold in the trip notes and at the monestary at Aswan and the tombs of the workers we were privileged to be the only tourists in sight. Leave any shopping for Aswan where the people are more relaxed and give less hassle. Take binoculars for the amazing bird life. Very early starts but a price worth paying to see the sites with fewer people around.
Reviewed December 2019 Joe Doucet Trip: Nile Cruise - Premium Outstanding trip This was a full packed trip , informative trip led by Mohammed Tefa whose in depth knowledge, and leadership style made the trip a wonderful experience. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Abu Simbel
Reviewed June 2019 Kate Stevenson Trip: Nile Cruise - Premium Unforgettable An unforgettable trip, I read as much as could on Egypt, its history, this tour - and was still blown away by so much about the place and this Exodus trip. A very busy nine days, but still plenty of time in the afternoons to recharge. Can't believe what we packed in to such a small amount of time. Very well organised, and absolutely adored our guide Tefa; and particularly pleased with the dynamics of the group I travelled with. Thoroughly enjoyable experience. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing the Valley of the Kings. Having an idea of what it would be like, and still not really being ready for the scale of the landscape, the tombs, the timeline and history. Seeing Tutankhamum's mummy just centimetres away was truly humbling. What did you think of your group leader? Tefa was an absolute legend. Organised, generous, thoughtful, cheeky, funny, and very knowledgable. The guy was built for this job. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Read read read the trip notes and other reviews. They are honest and helpful. Found trip notes on money and costs helpful for working out what you'd need for extra excursions and in particular photography passes if you want to take photos or video at some of these amazing locations. Was helpful to work out tips too. As many have said, there will be early mornings, and the place is seriously hot (hence the need to get out and about early), but your afternoons are largely free, and by the time you're waiting for sunset by the pool, you're remembering the mindblowing sites you saw more than the alarm, the sweaty seats, or the late-night call to prayer keeping you awake (we were there during Ramadan). This is a travel experience, more than a holiday, but it's one I'll never forget.
Reviewed June 2019 Margaret Madgwick Trip: Nile Cruise - Premium A glimpse of Ancient Egypt. Visits to the Pyramids & Sphinx , Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo Temples, Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel. Cruise down the Nile river. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The whole tour was special. Visiting the sites of Ancient Egypt. None to be missed. What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader 'Tefa' was brilliant. His knowledge as a guide was superb. He was reliable, patient and helpful. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? It was very hot in may/june 46c. plus so my advise would be to go at a cooler time if possible. Keep well covered up. Have upset tummy medication with you just in case. Take at least suncream 50. Its easy to change your money when you are there rather than before you go. Have a great time. Is there anything else you would like to add? Understand that tourists are targeted to buy from the locals so you will be hassled, please don't mind or be offended as they need to make a living. Say 'no thank you' if you don't want to buy.
Reviewed June 2019 Margaret Madgwick Trip: Nile Cruise - Premium A glimpse of Ancient Egypt. Visits to the Pyramids & Sphinx , Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo Temples, Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel. Cruise down the Nile river. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The whole tour was special. Visiting the sites of Ancient Egypt. None to be missed. What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader 'Tefa' was brilliant. His knowledge as a guide was superb. He was reliable, patient and helpful. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? It was very hot in may/june 46c. plus so my advise would be to go at a cooler time if possible. Keep well covered up. Have upset tummy medication with you just in case. Take at least suncream 50. Its easy to change your money when you are there rather than before you go. Have a great time. Is there anything else you would like to add? Understand that tourists are targeted to buy from the locals so you will be hassled, please don't mind or be offended as they need to make a living. Say 'no thank you' if you don't want to buy.
Reviewed May 2019 Lee York Trip: Nile Cruise - Premium Do it! Egypt is beautiful and the temples, pyramids and other sites you will visit are absolutely amazing, its an experience I will never forget! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Abu Simbel Temple was the highlight of the trip for me, incredible. What did you think of your group leader? Ahmed was full of knowledge and was a great tour leader, you could tell he loved his job and Egypt and it made every day more interesting and enjoyable. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you take the optional tour to the Monastery of St. Simeon, be careful when walking into one of the bedrooms, its full of bats! Is there anything else you would like to add? I always felt safe in Egypt so don't let this deter you from visiting this amazing country.
Reviewed May 2019 Vince Parish Trip: Nile Cruise - Premium Superb Trip! I've wanted to visit Egypt for quite sometime and I wasn't disappointed . The Exodus itinerary was perfect for us with the right balance of adventure and good accommodation. Lots of early starts so be prepared to be exhausted at times! We travelled with a fantastic bunch of people and made some great friends, with lots of laughs along the way. The hotels we stayed in were excellent and cruising along the Nile was idyllic, a perfect trip for those wanting both touring and comfort. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? We saw so many wonderful things but the highlight for me was seeing the Tutankhamun exhibition at the Cairo Museum, and the optional visit to the Nubian village in Aswan. It's difficult to pick out specific moments as there were many. What did you think of your group leader? Ahmed our group leader couldn't have been better, he looked after us from the minute we arrived until the minute we left. He was knowledgeable, fun, efficient and generally a nice guy and was always available. He helped to make our trip a memorable one. Additionally the other guides and coach drivers we met couldn't have been more obliging. Customer service was paramount. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The market sellers, taxi drivers and carriage drivers can be the most persistent and aggressive sellers I have ever come across, and I have visited lots of countries with this culture. At times they were quite unpleasant, so be prepared. Stand firm and accept nothing, If you do want to buy, barter and then walk away they soon drop the price! Is there anything else you would like to add? As vegetarians who worry about animal welfare we were a little upset to discover that one of the trips involved using a horse and carriage. Many of the horses do look well cared for but unfortunately many don't! Ahmed listened to our concerns, along with some other members of our group, and quickly organised us Tuctucs. Had we known about this trip earlier we could have given him more notice. As with all trips there are extras such as the "tipping fund" and optional excursions, it would be really useful to know the approximate costs of these extras to help with budgeting, and to ensure you have sufficient currency with you when required. Reply from Exodus Reply from Exodus We would like to thank Vince for his feedback and we are very pleased to read that overall he had a superb holiday. Over the last year we have been trying to work with our leaders to ensure only well looked after horses are used at Edfu, alongside a number of other precautions taken to try an ensure we are supporting positive animal welfare. However, as it has become clear this is not possible, going forwards we will now be providing a bus to take clients to Edfu temple. John Penge – Product Manager for Egypt
Reviewed May 2019 marie Hallam Trip: Nile Cruise - Premium Nile cruise Fantastic holiday from start to finish. Very well organized. Fantastic tour guide Ahmed. Nothing was too much trouble. Brilliant fellow travellers. Fun filled packed days. Saw amazing sites. Gina pyramids. Valley of the kings. Etc. Fantastic accommodation. Food really good. Amazing experience. Thank you Exodus and a massive thanks to Ahmed. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Valley of the kings. What did you think of your group leader? Fantastic. Very knowledgeable. Great fun. Looked after every member of the group.
Reviewed April 2019 Pete Batchelor Trip: Nile Cruise - Premium Hectic awe-inspiring tour A wonderful trip, more than full on. So many must-see sites packed into such a short time. Great organisation with an excellent expert guide. Hotels and cruise ship were very good. Be prepared for some incredibly early starts though. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Where to start? The Pyramids & Egyptian museum, Karnak, Hatshepsut etc Temple, Valley of the Kings tombs, Abu Simbel…. What did you think of your group leader? Ahmed was an expert Egyptologist teaching us much about Egyptian culture and history as well as doing a splendid job as our tour guide. The organisation and itinerary was first class. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The trip is graded as leisurely because there are no difficult walks involved. But it is really full on with starts of 4am or earlier on 3 of the days to catch internal flights or the coach to Abu Simbel. Very high security at airports – we had hand sanitiser confiscated! No need to get E£ or US$ before you go - ATMs are good and plentiful and generally don’t charge fees. Get lots of small notes (5 E£, about 25p) as soon as possible for tips at toilets etc. – our guide managed to get supplies of these. Is there anything else you would like to add? Optional visits Hatshepsut, Abu Simbel, Philae Temple are must-sees and should probably be included as standard. We also really enjoyed the Nubian Village trip. Egyptair was good with tasty meals and better legroom than UK airlines!
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