Current as of: April 19, 2024 - 10:46
Current as of: April 19, 2024 - 10:46
Spectacular ancient monuments, vast desert and golden beaches make Egypt an exciting-for-all destination. We begin our adventure in Cairo, visiting the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx; even the smallest children will be amazed at these magnificent wonders of the ancient world! Catching the overnight sleeper train to Aswan, we experience Nubian culture and bustling bazaars before drifting along the Nile on a traditional felucca. Downstream in Luxor, we explore hidden pharaoh tombs in the Valley of the Kings. We round off our trip at the beach resort of Hurghada, where we venture beneath the waves to discover the brightly coloured fish and corals of the Red Sea.
Highlights
This trip is graded Activity 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) for children aged nine to 12, although it is also suitable for those aged 13 to 16. For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
Several days involve early starts but this allows us to get the most from our time in Egypt and avoid the highest temperatures. Driving is generally restricted to a few hours a day with a maximum drive time of approximately four hours.
Egypt can get hot, which can cause discomfort while travelling. Care should be taken to keep hydrated. The hottest months tend to be June to September when temperatures can exceed 40C (104F) in the south of the country.
The hotels we use are of a comfortable standard. The night on the sleeper train is in first-class cabins with shared bathroom facilities.
Ramadan is expected to run from approximately 10 March-10 April 2024 and 28 February-29 March 2025. One of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar, it is a special time to visit a Muslim country. Each evening, the streets empty as people head home to break the fast, followed by an air of festivity upon their return. Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips; however, their energy levels may be slightly lower than normal. Many tourist sites, restaurants and shops will have an amended schedule, but your tour leader will know how to adapt the itinerary to still experience all the inclusions on this trip and maximise your experience during this special time.
The group size is eight to 20. One tour leader will accompany the group.
Adult min age: 9
Min group size: 8
Max group size: 20
The group flight usually arrives in Cairo this evening. The welcome briefing will either take place this evening or tomorrow morning. Our family-friendly hotel is close to the pyramids, meaning that there is less distance to cover for the sightseeing the next day.
Accommodation: Helnan Dream Hotel (or similar)
Welcome to Cairo, the capital of Egypt. Our family-friendly hotel is close to the pyramids, meaning there is less distance to cover for our sightseeing tomorrow. Before that, though, we have a welcome briefing either this evening or tomorrow morning – a good chance to get to know the group a little and to ask any questions you may have.
Accommodation: Helnan Dream Hotel (or similar)
Today we enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of two ancient wonders. At Giza, the enigmatic Sphinx and Great Pyramids stand on the edge of the empty desert overlooking the city, providing a great contrast between ancient and modern Egypt. More than 4,000 years old, the pyramids are a testimony to the ingenuity and skill of their builders; in fact, the Great Pyramid, the largest of the pyramids here, is the only Wonder of the Ancient World that still stands.
The afternoon is free to relax at our hotel, explore Cairo, join an optional excursion to Saqqara and Memphis, or visit the Egyptian Museum – home to the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts in the world, including the incredible golden riches of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Accommodation: Helnan Dream Hotel (or similar)
After a leisurely start to the day, we transfer to Al Azhar Mosque, which dates to 970 CE and is the oldest in Cairo. It is still frequently visited by the local population and we need to cover up (long sleeves and trousers) to enter – as when entering all mosques. Women also need to cover their hair with a scarf. We then have time for lunch and to explore Al Azhar Park before moving to the historic centre of Islamic Cairo for a walk around the bazaars of Khan el-Khalili. This evening, we transfer to the railway station and board our sleeper train to Aswan (the ride takes approximately 12 hours).
Accommodation: Sleeper train
We arrive in Aswan in the morning. To travellers in ancient times, the town was legendary as the entrance to the Nubian kingdom. Today it’s still something of a frontier town and, with a mixed population of Egyptians and Nubians, quite unlike any other in the country.
It has always been a trading centre, by virtue of its position on the old caravan route, and we thoroughly recommend exploring the packed bazaar today where merchants display a wealth of spices, carpets, leather goods and countless other wares (this is not an included visit, but easy to do). There is time to relax after the train journey or to take an optional visit to a nearby Nubian museum before we board a traditional felucca in the afternoon and explore the Nile. Along the way, we have a glimpse of rural life along this fertile valley and the golden dunes beyond.
Accommodation: Basma Hotel (or similar)
We begin today with a visit to the Philae Temple and Aswan High Dam. In the 1970s, the temple was relocated by Unesco to Aglika Island after it became evident the original site of Philae would submerge on completion of the dam. This morning represents a magnificent and enduring testament to both ancient and modern engineering. We drive north after lunch, following the Nile to Luxor (approximately four hours). Known in ancient times as Thebes, Luxor was the capital of Egypt’s New Kingdom for some 500 years. Upon arrival, we may have time to see some of the town before dinner.
Accommodation: Jolie Ville Maritim (or similar)
Rising early, we cross the Nile and drive to the secluded valley where 63 pharaohs were buried as part of their journey to the afterlife. We have time to explore some of the exquisitely decorated tombs of these ancient rulers. It is here the burial site of the boy-king Tutankhamun, discovered by British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922, is found. Entry to Tutankhamun’s tomb costs approximately US$12, payable locally. In terms of size and decoration, it is not as impressive as many of the other tombs but is, of course, very interesting. After, we visit the massive stone statues of the Colossi of Memnon and stop by the A.C.E animal hospital to learn about the efforts taken to improve animal welfare in Egypt. Later this evening, we visit Karnak Temple for a sound and light show, which recounts the dramatic history of ancient Thebes in an extravagant and fun way.
Accommodation: Jolie Ville Maritim (or similar)
This morning, we leave the green Nile valley and drive through the barren Eastern Desert to the Red Sea (approximately four hours). Our destination is Hurghada, a vibrant beach resort ideally located for activities out at sea and in the nearby desert. After lunch, we board a semi-submersible vessel in the style of a yellow submarine and explore the coral wonderland beneath the surface of the Red Sea. There is also time for snorkelling before returning to dry land.
Accommodation: Sea Star Beau Rivage (or similar)
Today is free to relax or enjoy the many optional activities in the area (see the Optional Activities section of the trip notes for details of what is available).
Accommodation: Sea Star Beau Rivage (or similar)
Our trip ends today. We bid farewell and begin our return journeys home. If you’d like a bit more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Our trip ends today. Those on the group flights will be taken to airport for the flight to London.
We use a range of four-star (local rating) properties throughout this trip. Below are the places we typically use during our time in Egypt.
Cairo: Helnan Dream Hotel (nights 1 and 2)
In Cairo we typically use the Helnan Dream Hotel which is a short drive to the Pyramids and is located next to the Dreamland Amusement park, a great place to visit if you arrive a day or two before the tour starts. The Helnan has a large pool, a children’s pool and hot tub. It has great sitting areas around the pools and an indoor and outdoor restaurant.
Cairo to Aswan: Sleeper train (night 3)
We travel from Cairo to Aswan on the overnight sleeper train. We stay in first-class cabins, which are compact and have bunk beds. Bedding is provided. The train tends to shake due to the condition of the track and is quite noisy. Earplugs are a good idea. A basic dinner and breakfast are provided, you may wish to take snacks with you. There is a shared toilet in each carriage.
Aswan: Basma Hotel (night 4)
On the highest hill in Aswan, directly opposite the Nubian Museum, the Basma occupies a privileged spot. Rooms come in a mixture of styles, many with views over the city or the Nile, and you can spend your free time cooling off in the expansive pool. The property is also home to The Lotus restaurant, which serves an eclectic mix of international and local cuisines, plus the Vienna Cafe, where you can enjoy light bites, hot drinks and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Luxor: Jolie Ville Maritim (nights 5 and 6)
Jolie Ville Kings Island Luxor is a luxury resort located on a private island. It overlooks the Nile River, surrounded by landscaped gardens with an area of 667,731 square Meters, and includes 3 outdoor swimming pools. (2 of them have mini Aqua)
All rooms have a private terrace overlooking the green gardens. They all have air conditioning, satellite TV and tea and coffee making facilities. There is Kids area for under 12s.
Hurghada: Sea Star Beau Rivage (nights 7 and 8)
Enjoy a private sandy beach with sun umbrellas, sunbeds and wind protection or hop into the swimming pool when you stay at the Sea Star Beau Rivage. The are also two outside lounge areas, a cafe and a bar, plus an eight-hole mini-golf course.
Worth knowing
Single supplement from USD 547
All breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners are included.
For meals not included, we suggest you allow approximately US$12 for lunch and US$18 for dinner.
Food in Egypt involves such things as kebabs, chicken, stews, pitta bread, falafel, beans, aubergine (eggplant) and other vegetables, pickles, and salads. Dishes tend to be simple and wholesome. Western dishes are normally available and vegetarians can be catered for, though the options may be somewhat limited.
Road transport is by private air-conditioned mini/midi-bus and Egypt’s roads are generally good. Travelling is generally restricted to a few hours a day and the mode of transport is varied. We also use a felucca and train.
Cairo to Aswan sleeper train: The train is a good way to cover a long distance in a time efficient manner and avoids the need for a domestic flight. This reduces carbon emissions which Exodus are committed to doing on all our trips. Compartments are compact and have bunk beds. Bedding is provided. The train tends to shake due to the condition of the track and is quite noisy. Earplugs are a good idea. Basic dinner and breakfast are provided, you may wish to take snacks with you. There is a shared toilet in each carriage. Take a sense of adventure with you as these trains are not the same standard that you can experience in Europe.
Rain is very rare in all parts of Egypt and most days are sunny and clear. Summer temperatures often near 40C (104F) but this is particularly true for the period between June and September. Winter can be surprisingly cold, especially on the Nile or at night. The average daytime maximum in Cairo in January is 20C (68F), nights are a minimum of 8C (46F). In summer, these temperatures are 35C (95F) and 22C (72F) respectively. Daytime temperatures are on average slightly higher in Aswan and can, on occasion, get close to 50C (122F).
Start hotel: Helnan Dream Hotel, 6th of October City, Giza
Phone: +2 21 27 27 27
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time on day one. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening or on day 2 in the morning. If you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Cairo (CAI)
The start hotel is approximately a one-hour drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
There’s a group departure transfer to Hurghada Airport (HRG) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Cairo
Location end: Hughada
Medication
Some medicines prescribed or available over the counter in your home country may be controlled substances in Egypt. Please check with your nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate about the customs requirements for any medicines you plan on carrying. You should also check your local government’s advice about carrying prescribed medication in Egypt.
Water included
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally need a visa to enter Egypt. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/egypt
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/egypt
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Egypt.html
If you are obtaining your visa online, 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 Travel
79 Merghany Street
Cairo
Egypt
Telephone: +20 22418 7310
www.southsinai.com
salwa.ibrahim@southsinai.com
Please note, Egyptian officials have requested tourists carry a copy of their passport with them while in the country. Please also note, some prescribed medicines are controlled substances in Egypt.
For assistance with obtaining visas please call Travcour on 020 8543 1846 or visit their website: http://www.travcour.com/page/tour-packs/exodus.php
Please note, some prescribed medicines available in the UK are considered controlled substances in Egypt and can’t be brought into the country without prior permission from Egypt’s Ministry of Health; if you arrive in Egypt without this permission and the required documentation, the medication will not be allowed into the country and you may be prosecuted under Egyptian law; if you’re travelling with prescription medication you should carry a medical certificate from your GP confirming that the medication has been prescribed for a medical condition.
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, polio, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid.
You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Some travellers may also need proof of a polio vaccination. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Egypt's time zone: Africa/Cairo (UTC +02:00)
Egypt's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 220V, 50Hz
Egypt's currency: The official currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP), though US dollars are also widely accepted
There are ATMs in many parts of Egypt and you can use Visa, Mastercard and Switch using your normal PIN. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and tourist bazaars. It is also possible to purchase larger items such as carpets with Visa, American Express and some other major cards.
There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into the country, and we do not recommend you pick up Egyptian currency prior to departure.
Money can be changed on arrival at the airport or at local banks/exchange offices. Any hard currency, including British pounds, euros and US dollars can be exchanged. Additionally US dollars can be used to pay in Egypt; however, you usually receive change in Egyptian pounds. Your tour leader can assist with exchanging money throughout the tour. When you leave Egypt it is possible, though not always easy, to re-exchange Egyptian pounds into foreign currency. It is easiest to try to budget wisely to avoid having too many Egyptian pounds at the end of your tour.
Please note, some sites have a ‘camera charge’ which means you have to pay extra to take pictures – this can be approximately US$16 for each site.
Optional excursions
Prices are in US dollars, which is the most stable currency used in Egypt to provide the most accurate reflection of the cost but excursions can be paid in any hard currency (including British pounds and euros). Payment cannot be made in Egyptian pounds. Under 12s receive a 50 percent reduction in price on the majority of activities listed below. The below prices are based on a minimum of four people taking part and are subject to change. When booking and paying for these tours locally, a three percent charge will be added for all card payments. All of these include transfers as well as entrance fees. In some cases, they include the tour leader.
Unless indicated otherwise, the below prices are based on a minimum of four people taking part and are subject to change.
Cairo:
Aswan:
Luxor:
Hurghada:
Baksheesh is part of Egyptian life and small tips are expected by most people in the tourism industry (drivers, hotel staff, railway porters, restaurant staff etc).
To simplify this process, our tour leaders recommend a ‘tipping kitty’ for all trips to Egypt. Your tour leader will explain this process at the start of the trip and will collect the suggested sum from those who wish to participate. Your tour leader will then take care of all the tipping on behalf of the group and can provide details of how the money has been distributed whenever you like. While your participation is highly recommended, it is not compulsory.
If you feel your leader has performed well over the course of your trip, you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal, but as a guide, about US$4 per person per day is reasonable. The ‘tipping kitty’ explained above is separate from any contribution to the tour leader.
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Binoculars and drones
We do not recommend taking binoculars or monoculars into Egypt as on occasion these have been confiscated either on arrival or within the country. Drones are also forbidden.
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.