| HIGHLIGHTS: Cairo - Luxor - Nile Cruise - Aswan
This is a relaxing trip, featuring the many highlights of Egypt at a comfortable pace, followed by time on the beach at Dahab. We visit the ancient pyramids and the Sphinx before heading south to Luxor. Known, in ancient times, as Thebes, Luxor has an outstanding collection of tombs and temples - including the Valley of the Kings, which we visit on donkeys.
In Luxor we board our Nile Riverboat, and as we cruise south to Aswan we watch timeless scenes along the banks of the Nile, as farmers go about their daily business, tending their crops. We visit the riverside temples at Edfu and Komombo, and once in Aswan we have time to explore this laid - back southern city which has long been a favourite with travellers. A few days relaxing, swimming, snorkelling (and eating) at Dahab is a great way to spend the last few days before our trip ends in Cairo.
Day 1 Cairo. Your trip starts today in Cairo. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Rooms are generally available after 1.00 pm. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Cairo Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town Your tour guide may make contact tonight, otherwise you will see him tomorrow morning at the tour briefing, which usually takes place after breakfast.
Day 2 Cairo - Luxor. With a population of around 16 million people, Cairo is one of the world's biggest cities, and there's a lot to see and do. With our guide we visit the pyramids and the Sphinx, and we also see the wonderful Valley Temple of King Khafre (Chephren). The afternoon is free to explore further and many will want to check out the Egyptian Museum (just a short taxi ride away on the other side of the river… depending on Cairo traffic). In the evening we head to the train station for the Overnight Train to Luxor - always a fun experience. Our air - conditioned carriage has large, comfortable seats (similar to business class seats on a 'plane) that recline back at about 45 degrees and a simple dinner and breakfast are served on board. There is a toilet located at the end of the carriage.
Day 3 Luxor. Luxor boasts the greatest quantity of ancient sites anywhere in the world, and there's heaps to see and do while here. After checking our gear in to the hotel, just near the bazaar, we have time to explore our surroundings - or perhaps enjoy a swim in the rooftop pool. The bazaar is pretty big and will keep shopaholics busy for hours. Alternatively you can visit the excellent little Luxor Museum - or take a stroll around Luxor Temple, dominating the centre of town. Entrance fees for these two options are listed below. Another popular activity is to take a horse - carriage ride to Karnak Temple, dedicated to the great God Amon, and considered one of the greatest of Ancient Egyptian monuments. Your tour guide can help organise the carriages. Don't miss the sunset tonight over the West Bank
Day 4-6 Luxor - Nile Cruise. We wake early and cross the Nile where our donkeys are waiting to take us into the Valley of the Kings. After matching up the donkeys to our riders we head off, just as the sun begins to rise in the eastern skies. It's great fun and one of the highlights of our visit to Egypt. Around midday we return to the east bank where we board our Nile Riverboat and set sail towards Aswan. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax on the sundeck. During the next two days we sail upstream, watching the dark waters of the Nile glide past. We stop at Edfu, to explore the well - preserved Temple of Horus, considered one of the finest examples of temple building, and at Komombo we visit the Temple of Sobek, a Greco - Roman temple that overlooks the river. All meals are served in the comfortable dining room, and on one evening we enjoy an impromptu fancy - dress party, which is always fun.
Day 7 Aswan. There's heaps of things to do in and around Aswan. It's one of our favourite places and very popular with travellers. It has an easy - going charm and the locals are very friendly. We can visit the beautiful Temple of Isis at Philae, saved from the rising waters of the Nile, or just hang around in town, exploring the vibrant Nubian bazaar and checking out the excellent Nubian Museum.
Day 8 Aswan - Cairo. Those who have booked the optional excursion to Abu Simbel will rise early and travel by road along the shores of Lake Nasser to the great Temple of Ramses II, one of the most impressive ever built. For the rest of us, it's another lazy day in Aswan, checking out the shops and watching the locals. After a break for lunch we might head out on a felucca sailboat and then take a camel ride towards the Monastery of St. Simeon - a great way to spend the afternoon In the late afternoon we are transferred to the station for the overnight sleeper train back to Cairo.
Day 9 Cairo. Arriving back in Cairo we are transferred to our hotel and the rest of the day is free to explore. In the older part of the city there is a lot to see, including some beautiful old mosques and, of course, the fantastic Khan al - Khalili bazaar - an amazing mix of shops and stalls that have traded goods and gossip since the Middle Ages. There's time for everything and our tour guide can help organise taxis: but be prepared to bargain
Day 10-13 Cairo - Dahab - Cairo. You are transferred from your hotel to the bus station where you catch the public air - conditioned bus to the Sinai. The journey to Dahab is a long one (around eight hours) and you can expect to arrive approximately 17:00 this afternoon. There are a couple of rest stops along the way. On arrival you are taken to your hotel and after checking in you are free to wander along the beachfront where you'll find numerous bars and restaurants. Dahab is a great place to chill out. There's good snorkelling, windsurfing and you can also arrange a day dive (providing you have your PADI certificate with you). For non - divers there are numerous other activities which can be arranged while you are there. These include a day trip to Mt. Sinai, a jeep safari into the desert or a camel ride. Prices generally depend on how many people are booking and of course you'll need to haggle Your leader is on hand of course to help with all of this On Wednesday (Day 13) you catch the air - conditioned bus back to Cairo where you are met at the bus station and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a last night out on the town with your leader and new groups of friends
Day 14 Cairo. Your trip ends today, after breakfast. Check - out time is usually around 12.00 noon and you are free to leave at any time. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Cairo.
Enjoy the famous highlights of classic Egypt then take it easy at the Red Sea beach resort of Dahab 14 day tour departing Cairo. 3 nights accommodation onboard a river boat. 2 nights accommodation onboard an overnight train. 8 nights accommodation in budget/tourist class hotels. 13 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners. Gecko's expert English-speaking local guide throughout the tour, and local site guides at some sites. Sightseeing including entrance fees where applicable. Donkey ride to explore the Valley of the Kings
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