Red Sea and Nile Felucca
This busy trip offers a comprehensive insight into the incredible antiquities of Egypt, its natural wonders and the life of its people. After experiencing the hustle and bustle of Cairo, you take an overnight train to Aswan, a picturesque town with an African atmosphere. Here you take to the Nile, embarking on an unforgettable three-day sailing journey aboard feluccas - traditional Egyptian sailboats. This gives you the chance to really see how
local people live, and soak up the historic atmosphere along the banks of the river. On reaching Luxor you've plenty of time to explore some of ancient Egypt's greatest sites, before winding down with a day on the Red Sea, swimming and snorkelling before returning to Cairo. The balanced itinerary of this trip allows you to return home not only having experienced the culture and history of Egypt, but also having had an opportunity to relax. NB: This trip can also be combined with our "Desert Explorer" trip; please ask for our dossier (ref. DEF) for further details.
|
|
|
|
|
Details |
| |
Price Includes |
(HK-5188-P) |
| |
 |
Accomodation |
|
14 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 evening meals are included |
|
| |
Price Excludes |
|
| |
Flights, Local Payment £100, 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 evening meals are included. (17 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners if doing Desert
Explorer/Felucca combination, DEF.) You must pay for all other meals yourself (you can eat quite well for £10 per day). Optional Excursions. |
|
| |
Suitability / Level |
Gentle |
| |
Max Group Size |
16 |
| |
|
| |
Itinerary
& Highlights |
| |
DAY 1 - DEPART LONDON: After your flight, you transfer to your first night?s accommodation and check in. Hotel - 1 night
DAY 2 - CAIRO / OVERNIGHT TRAIN: With a population estimated at fifteen million people, Cairo is by far Africa's largest city, yet - despite its size - it still manages to retain a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Its long and colourful history dates from the 7th century, when it was established by the Arab leader Amr ibn al-As, and called Fustat (the tent). Modern Cairo is a city packed with wonders; this morning you visit the Pyramids of Giza which have overlooked the city for millennia, bearing witness to the ingenuity of their ancient architects and builders. You'll also make a fascinating visit to the Egyptian Museum, home to the incredible Tutankhamun collection. The remainder of the day is left free for you to explore at leisure; your group leader will advise on what you can see and do to make the most out of your stay. In the evening you board the overnight train to the southern city of Aswan. Overnight train (Air-conditioned carriage with wide,
reclining seats) - 1 night (B)
DAYS 3/4 - ASWAN: Arriving in the morning, you have two full days in this laid-back Egyptian city. During the Pharaonic period, Aswan was a frontier town, lying between Egypt to the north and Nubia to the south. Today it
still retains some of the frontier atmosphere, populated with a mix of dark-skinned Nubians and the lighter Egyptian Arabs; it's like having one foot in Arabia and the other in Africa. During your time in Aswan you have time to soak up the relaxed atmosphere of the town. Anyone who prefers to stay active may choose to participate in one of several optional excursions, perhaps a camel trek to a deserted monastery or a trip to the spectacular temple of Abu Simbel. Located almost within sight of the Sudanese border, this temple - built by
Ramses II - was saved from the waters of Lake Nasser by UNESCO. Dismantled, moved and rebuilt on its present site, it stands as a testimony to the skills of both ancient and modern engineers alike! There is also plenty of time to wander Aswan?s delightful bazaar. Hotel - 2 nights (Bx2)
DAYS 5/7 - NILE JOURNEY BY FELUCCA: Today you board feluccas for your journey downriver towards Luxor. In the course of the journey, you visit the temple of Kom Ombo. The temple stands on a low promontory overlooking the Nile and is unique in Egypt, in that it is dedicated to two gods, Haeroris (Horus the Elder) and Sobek, the crocodile-headed god of the Nile. When the sun sets in the late afternoon, the temple walls turn
a deep golden colour and there is no better place to admire the view than from the shores of the Nile.
Occasional stops allow you to meet the fellahin, the farmers who, almost since the beginning of time, have cultivated the fertile strip of land running either side of the river. Camping (i.e. sleeping on the deck of the felucca) - 3 nights (Bx3, Lx3, Dx3)
DAY 8 - LUXOR: On the west bank of the Nile an imposing structure built in the Graeco-Roman period is dedicated to Horus, god of the sky; Edfu is, after Karnak, the largest temple in Egypt. Almost completely buried
for centuries, and only excavated in 1860, it is probably the best-preserved temple in Egypt. After exploring the site you leave the feluccas and drive north to the city of Luxor. Boasting some of the greatest antiquities on earth, Luxor is your base for the next three days. After checking in to your hotel the rest of the day is free for you to wander and make your own discoveries. Hotel - 3 nights (B)
DAY 9 - LUXOR: Today you travel by calesh (horse-drawn carriage) to Karnak. Built over a period of 1,500 years, the temples here are breathtaking both in size and complexity. Accompanied by your local guide, who helps to explain the intricacies of Karnak, you experience - amongst other sights - the majesty of the great Hypostyle Hall with its 134 columns, and the beauty of the pink granite obelisk of Queen Hatshepsut. (B)
DAY 10 LUXOR: Your day starts early as you cross the Nile and take to donkeys for an exciting and fun-filled
journey to the Valley of the Kings. Following the route of the builders and artisans who built the tombs, you'll stop to witness sunrise over the Nile, before moving to the valley itself. On reaching the Valley, hidden by the surrounding mountains, you learn from your local guide about the unique treasures that have lain hidden here
for centuries. After your visit, and on your way back to the river, you stop at the imposing structure of the funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's first woman ruler. The afternoon is left free; there are many
antiquities still to explore, or it is possible to do some shopping in Luxor's extensive bazaar. (B) Please note: In order to ensure the comfort and safety of both donkeys and riders, donkeys are only available for the ride to the Valley of the Kings for clients up to a weight of 80kg (approx 12.5 stone). A taxi, following an alternative route, will be arranged for non-riders.
DAY 11 - HURGHADA: Today you'll drive for around 4 hours across the Eastern Desert to Hurghada, a vibrant resort on the Red Sea. Although by no means a typical "adventure destination," enjoying the superb diving and snorkelling on offer here is a great way to round off your trip. Hotel - 2 nights (B)
DAY 12 - RED SEA: A breathtaking array of coral and tropical fish awaits as you head out for the day on a boat to explore the wonderful undersea world. You take snorkels, masks, and fins with you and lunch is provided on the boat. There's time for snorkelling and swimming in the warm, crystalclear waters of the Red Sea, and for simple relaxation on board the boat. (BL)
DAYS 13/14 - CAIRO: Today you have a long road journey through the desert back to Cairo, where you have two
evenings and one whole day to continue exploring this remarkable city. Depending on your interests, you can visit the oldest pyramid in the world at Saqqara or drive to Old Cairo to explore the Citadel - a complex of mosques and museums housed inside a magnificent fortress standing in an imposing position overlooking the city. A walk around Khan al Khalili bazaar is also a must - one of the largest bazaars in the Middle East,
hundreds of artisans, traders and shopkeepers sell their wares here - or relax in one of the many traditional tea houses. On your last evening your group leader will no doubt organise a traditional "last supper". Hotel - 2 nights (Bx2)
DAY 15 - FLY TO LONDON: Transfer to airport and fly to London. (B)
(BLD = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner). |
| |
|
Accommodation
& Centre Details |
| |
Transport & Accommodation
Chartered bus, felucca, donkey, boat overnight train, calesh. Hotels (10nts), overnight train- first class seats (1nt), felucca (camping 3nts). 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches & 3 dinners included. Flights (Schedules & airlines can change.) Direct flights with Egyptair from London Heathrow. Depart UK 14.00, Return UK 12.35. UK domestic add-on available. |
| |
|
|
| |
Holidays
Extras |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Trip: |
Red Sea and Nile Felucca |
| Duration: |
15 Days |
| Company: |
The Adventure Company
|
| Location: |
Cairo |
| Region: |
Egypt,
Africa |
| Price: |
From
GBP799
p/p |
| Flights: |
Included
|
| Availability: |
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December, |
| |
| Related Searches |
 Trekking and Walking in Cairo |
| Trekking and Walking in Egypt |
 Accommodation
in Egypt |
| Accommodation
in Cairo |
|
|
