Highlights Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, Nile river cruise, Luxor, St. Katherine, Dahab

Ancient Egyptian Secrets

Ancient Egyptian Secrets


Ancient Egyptian Secrets - DPESD

Last Updated: August 28, 2010
15 days: Egypt
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What's Included

Tour the Pyramids of Giza, Sakkara and Dahshur - Entrance into Khafre pyramid - Visit to the Sphinx - Walking tour at Wadi Naturn Monasteries - Tour of the Bibliotheca of Alexandria, Catacombs and Pompey’s Pillar - Felucca ride on the Nile - Visit a Nubian village and dinner with a local family - Tour of Abu Simbel with flight - Tour the High Dam, Philae Temple and Unfinished Obelisk quarry - Three night Nile Cruise - Tour of Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples - Walking tour of Karnak and Luxor Temples and visit to the Mummification museum - Tour the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple - Visit the Colossi of Memnon - Walking tour of St. Katherine's Monastery - Mount Sinai trek - Egyptian Museum tour - Walking tour of Khan El Khalili Bazaars

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and Gap Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Validity: Valid for all trips departing January 1st, 2010 - December 31st, 2010.


Trip style

Discovery Adventures: Inspired by Discovery Channel’s award-winning programming, Discovery Adventures are designed to engage your curiosity, expand your horizons and push the boundaries of active and intellectual exploration like nothing you’ve ever experienced.

Follow in the footsteps of history and uncover the secrets of long-lost civilizations. Span the chasms of distant cultures and come face to face with the exotic and extraordinary. Head deep into the heart of the wild and witness the awesome majesty of a world you’ve only imagined.


Service level

Comfort: Feed your curiosity for culture and authentic experience while still maintaining the comforts you are used to at home. Relax, your arrival transfer is always included. Expect air conditioned rooms, complete with en suite bathrooms, television, phone services, cafe/bar and internet. 24 hr electricity and hot water are the norm and continental breakfast is always included. For the most part, you will be travelling around in air-conditioned fixed route tourist buses, private touring vehicles or planes.

Physical grading

2: Light walking and hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels.

Please note: Many Discovery Adventures trips include more than one 'Physical Grading' element that may increase the overall rating of a trip to a higher level. You can choose not to participate in these activities. For specific trip information, refer to the Trip Details document, or contact our sales department.

Itinerary

Day 1 Cairo

Arrive in Cairo at any time and transfer to the hotel. There are no planned activities, so check in and enjoy the city. In the evening meet our fellow group members and go over the details of the trip with the tour leader.Your tipping kitty will be collected as this time (please refer to the "tipping" section of these notes for more information). Check the notice board to see the exact time and location of this group meeting. For late arrivals, no worries, the leader will leave a message at the front desk.

If you arrive early there are plenty of things to see and do in this amazing city. Visit the Saladin Citadel of Cairo, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, or to really get a feel for the place, get lost in the bazaars and join the locals for a coffee in a local cafe.

Day 2 Alexandria (B)

After breakfast we depart Cairo and travel to the monasteries of Wadi Natrun. The history of the Wadi and its importance to Coptic Christians dates back to the fourth century AD and they constitute some of the earliest Christian monasteries in the world. We are extremely fortunate to be guided through Wadi Natrun by one of the monks who will explain the history and describe daily life for the men who call these monasteries their home. Please note that we should be modestly dressed this morning with shoulders and knees covered for our visit to the monastery.

After, we continue on to absorb some of Alexandria's charming old-world grandeur. Egypt's only Mediterranean city has a European feel and refreshing sea breezes. The afternoon is at our leisure to take a walk along the corniche, perhaps enjoying an optional seafood dinner at one of the city's many outdoor seaside restaurants before retiring to our hotel for the evening.

Estimated Travel Time:
Cairo to Alexandria, 4 hrs (plus time at the monastery)
Approximate distance: 135 Miles (215 km)

Day 3 Alexandria, Cairo (B)

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and visit the key historic and archeological sites in Alexandria including: Pompey’s Pillar, the Roman catacombs and amphitheatre, the Citadel of Qait Bay, the Montazah Palace and the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina (library).

In the afternoon, we transfer back to the Cairo for the night.

Estimated Travel Time:
Alexandria to Cairo, 3 hrs
Approximate distance: 135 Miles (215 km)

Day 4 Cairo, Aswan (B,D)

Enjoy a full day learning all there is to know about Egypt's mysterious marvel - the pyramids. Aside from the well known "big three", many people are not aware that Egypt is littered with hundreds of pyramids. We begin our morning exploring some of the lesser-known, but equally fascinating sites on the outskirts of modern Cairo.

Our first stop is Saqqara, the fascinating city of the dead and home to the oldest pyramid in Egypt, Zoser, which is a step pyramid. Pharaohs, their families and even pets were laid to rest here. We continue on to the Pyramids of Dashur, where we get the chance to enter the red pyramid, and find out why it is one of the most mysterious and interesting pyramids in Egypt. All of this before the jewel in the crown, a visit to the famous Pyramids of Giza (with entrance to the Khafre pyramid) and the famed Sphinx.

While once located in remote desert, the Pyramids of Giza now touch the suburbs of modern Cairo. No matter how many photos or documentaries we have seen, our first glimpse of these marvels of the ancient world will take our breath away. As a qualified Egyptologist, our tour leader is able to expertly explain the facts and myths behind these three mammoth works of art. We also visit the mysterious Sphinx, with its lion’s body and man’s face. Time permitting, there may be the chance for optional activities such as: entrance to one of the two smaller pyramids, a camel ride around the pyramids or visit the fascinating Solar Boat Museum, which displays one of the pharaoh’s funerary barges.

In the evening, we transfer to the railway station to board our first class sleeper train. Our accommodation will be in comfortable twin-share bunk-bed compartments with lockable doors. The beds convert into seats when not in use and luggage is stored under the bottom bunk. Bedding is provided and there is a small wash basin with soap and a hand towel. Shared toilet facilities are at the end of each carriage. A simple “airline style” dinner is provided, but most guests prefer to eat before boarding the train. Drinks are available to be purchased and there is a bar car for socializing. In the morning a simple continental style breakfast is served around two hours before arrival.

Estimated Travel Time:
Cairo to Aswan, 12 hrs (overnight train)
Approximate distance: 575 Miles (925 km)

Day 5 Aswan (B,D)

Upon arrival we check into our hotel and the morning is free to explore the riverside, city and local market. Aswan has a distinctive African feel to it. Small enough to walk around and graced with the most beautiful setting on the Nile, the pace of life is slow and relaxing. Spend time strolling up and down the broad Corniche watching the sailboats etch the sky with their tall masts or sitting in floating restaurants listening to Nubian music and eating freshly caught fish.

Late in the afternoon, we board a local boat, known as a felucca, to take a trip along the Nile with views of the Agha Khan Mausoleum and Kitchener Island. Named after the British general Horatio Kitchener, the island is known for its botanical garden and the exotic plants he planted there 100 years ago, which continue to flourish today. Our final stop is the home of our felucca captain on Elephantine Island, the largest of the Nile islands in this area. We take a walk through the village and fields to learn more about the life of the Nubian people, before enjoying a traditional dinner at a local families home.

Day 6 Aswan, Abu Simbel (B,L,D)

We take a short early-morning flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel. Not only are the two temples located at Abu Simbel among the most magnificent monuments in the world, but their removal and reconstruction was also an historic event in itself. Threatened by submersion in Lake Nasser, the temples were rescued from their plight and rebuilt with the support of UNESCO. After touring the temples we transfer back to Aswan by plane.

In the afternoon, check-in to our Nile cruise boat, our floating home for the next three days and nights. We then take a tour of the ancient granite quarries where you will see the famous unfinished obelisk, and then visit the High Dam. After, return to the Nile where we take a boat ride to the Temple of Philae. This delicate temple of Isis was moved stone by stone from its ancient site (now submerged) to its present location on a Nile Island.

Our cruise ship is modern and comes with everything we need for an enjoyable few nights on the Nile. The cabins are twin-share and comfortably equipped with air-conditioning and a full ensuite bathroom. There is a dining room and bar/lounge and the entire top deck of the boat is for relaxing, swimming in the rooftop pool or just watching life on the Nile go by. The ship actually covers remarkably little distance as all ships must, by law, dock each evening. It is more in line with a "floating hotel" than a traditional cruise.

Estimated travel time:
Flight Aswan to Abu Simbel and Abu Simbel to Aswan, 30 min O/W.

Approximate distance: 175 Miles (280 km) O/W.

Day 7 Nile (B,L,D)

We continue our relaxing journey along the Nile. Today, make a shore excursion to the temple of Kom Ombo. In a scenic location, right on the banks of the Nile, Kom Ombo was dedicated to the Crocodile God and we can still view the remains of an ancient mummified crocodile, which was worshiped here thousands of years ago.

Day 8 Nile, Edfu, Luxor (B,L,D)

Following breakfast, the day starts with an excursion to the temple of Edfu. In the middle of a bustling village, Edfu is the most completely preserved temple in all of Egypt and thus fascinating to wander through. We continue sailing to the town of Esna where we cross the locks before sailing on to Luxor. We overnight onboard the boat in Luxor.

Day 9 Luxor (B)

This morning, after checking out of the ship and settling into our Luxor hotel, we take a tour of Karnak - the center of all religious life in ancient Egypt. Built and extended by successive generations of rulers, one can't help but be awed by the massive columns and painted hieroglyphs. We follow this with a tour of Luxor temple, located near the Nile and right in the center of downtown Luxor. Later, learn all there is to know about the ancient art of embalming with a visit to the world's only Mummification Museum.

Day 10 Valley of Kings, Luxor (B,D)

Our day starts with a visit to the exciting ancient sites located on Luxor's West Bank. We begin with the two mammoth statues of Amenophis II at the Colossi of Memnon. These statues stood at the front of a temple, which is no longer in existence. They have been famous since Greek times as they were said to have made a unique singing noise. We can even see ancient graffiti discussing this on the statues, from travelers of days past. Next stop is the famous Valley of the Kings. While the treasure is now gone, the tombs contain the most incredible paintings of the life of their encumbent and stories from the Book of the Dead. We also observe archeologists and workers, continuing in the search for new Tombs. There is also the option to visit the the Tomb of Tutankhamun, whose treasures we will see at the Egyptian Museum. We finish our day with the spectacular temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a reminder of the power women held in the Ancient Kingdom.

This evening we enjoy a fun dinner of Egyptian "pizza" or "manakish" at a local restaurant.

Day 11 Mount Sinai, St Katherine's (B,D)

This morning, we transfer to Luxor airport for our flight to Sharm el Sheikh. Please note, on some days there are no direct flights, in which case we will connect in Cairo. Once in Sharm el Sheikh, we transfer to the town of St Katherine's, our base for climbing Mount Sinai.

Depending on the season, and group preferences, we may choose to climb the mountain this afternoon to catch the sunset, or we can be awoken at around 2:00am to trek to the summit for a fantastic and unique sunrise experience. Not a problem if some are not up for a hike, they can choose to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities at their leisure.

Estimated Travel Time:
Luxor to Sharm el Sheikh, 1-1/2 hr (approx. flight time depending on flight schedules)
Sharm el Sheikh to St. Katherine's, 2 hr

Approximate distance: 135 Miles (215 km)

Day 12-13 Dahab (2B)

Those who are returning from a sunrise climb of Mount Sinai will be transferred back to our hotel in town for breakfast and to collect any non-climbers in the group. We then set off on a visit to the Monastery of St. Katherine's, the smallest diocese and oldest Christian monastery still in use in the world. It houses not only a rich collection of icons and precious manuscripts but also the only existing relative of Moses' biblical burning bush. We then transfer to our beach resort near Dahab for 2 nights of relaxation.

After all of our travels, it is time for a bit of rest and relaxation by the sea. Our resort on the outskirts of Dahab provides the perfect place, with plenty of time for snorkeling in the Red Sea, right on the resort grounds (snorkel equipment can be rented from the dive shop), swimming or just relaxing on the beach or around one of the three pools. There are regular shuttle buses into town for those who want to explore the nearby village of Dahab.

Day 14 Cairo (B,L)

This morning we catch our flight back to Cairo and visit the world famous Egyptian Museum. With over 10,000 pieces from every period of Egyptian history, including the treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun, the display can be a bit daunting. Our tour leader will direct us to the most important and magnificent items and there is free time for us to explore on our own. There is also the option to visit the famed Mummy Room where we can view the ancient remains of some of Egypt’s most important rulers.

After the Museum, we lunch local style at a Kusharia restaurant which features a popular Egyptian meal, mixing rice, pasta and lentils, topped with a tomato salsa and fried shallots.

In the afternoon, wander the alleyways of Khan El Khalili Bazaar, legendary for fine brassware, copper, perfumes, leather, silver, gold, antiques and more. We are sure to find a little something to take home.

Estimated Travel Time:
Dahab to Sharm el Sheikh, 2 hr
Sharm el Sheikh to Cairo, 1 hr (approx. flight time)

Approximate distance:
Dahab to Sharm el Sheikh: 65 Miles (100 km)
Sharm el Sheikh to Cairo: 365 Miles (585 km)

Day 15 Departure Cairo (B)

We are free to depart at any time today. Check-out time from the hotel is normally mid-morning, but luggage storage facilities are available. Our tour leader can easily assist with booking a transfer to the airport if required.

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at the time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travelers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your trip details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The trip details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Important Notes

1. Discovery Adventures is operated in conjunction with Gap Adventures, the world leader in sustainable adventure travel. An award winning company with over 800 employees and 17 operational offices worldwide, Gap Adventures has 20 years experience in creating culturally interactive travel experiences. Gap Adventures advocates a triple bottom line business philosophy where equal attention is given to the environmental, social and economic impact of tourism to achieve long-term environmentally responsible growth whilst protecting destinations & cultural heritage for future generations.

2. A valid passport for at least 6 months is required for entry into Egypt. For most nationalities, the visa can be easily arranged at Cairo airport upon arrival - please check the visa section of these trip notes for more details.

3. As your fellow travellers are arriving from all corners of the world throughout Day 1, there are no arranged activities. Please arrange to arrive at our starting point hotel by 18:00h, for an important group meeting.

4. In Egypt, it is advisable to drink bottled water.

5. Ramadam 2010:
Depending on the lunar cycles, around August 10th for a month. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-muslims throughout the day.

6. If you arrive a day or two early to Cairo, and wish to do some excursions, we recommend you wait until you get to the start hotel and contact our local staff/ tour leader to organize any excursions you wish to do. Tourists are often over-charged for excursions bought from vendors on the street or at the airport.

7. While the trek to Mount Sinai summit is in no way technical and can be achieved by anyone of average fitness, it is a long and steady uphill walk of around 2-3 hours, depending on speed and concluding with around 500 stone stairs to the actual summit. In order to gain maximum enjoyment from your climb, you may wish to do some training before you depart. You will need to carry a daypack with water, a flash-light and lots of cold weather gear as the temperature at the summit varies starkly from that on the ground. It is possible to hire a camel to take you most of the way, but stairs to the summit must be completed by foot.

Accommodation

Comfort hotels (10 nights), Sleeper train (1 night), Nile River cruise boat (3 nights)

About Accommodation

The accommodation level for most Discovery Adventure tours are comfortable, in mid-range hotels, motels, lodges, guest houses, etc. You'll often enjoy air-conditioned rooms, complete with en suite bathrooms and some amenities. Accommodation and amenities can vary by Country and region and please remember that standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel. Some trips may include camping, permanent tented camps or more rustic lodges, depending on the remoteness of where you are visiting. Please see your trip details for more information, specific to your tour. Porterage is not included, but can be arranged directly at most hotels.

My Own Room

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops, with the following exception: Night 4, Sleeper train

Single Travelers

We believe single travelers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. If you prefer to have your own room, The My Own Room option is available on most tours, but some exceptions can apply). Our Independent trips are designed differently and single travelers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Transport

Van, Mini-bus, Overnight sleeper train, Local flight, Felucca, Nile cruise boat, Walking

Group Size Notes

Max 15, Avg 10

About our Transportation

In the evening, we board a sleeper train to travel south to Aswan. The sleeper train consists of comfortable twin-share bunk-bed cabins with lockable doors. The beds convert into seats when not in use and luggage is stored under the bottom bunk. Bedding is provided and there is a small wash-basin with soap and towel provided. Shared toilet facilities are at the end of each carriage.

Our Nile cruise boat is a modern, with many of the amenities similar to a comfortable hotel. All cabins are twin/double share, with air-conditioning and private bathrooms. Services on board include large single-sitting restaurant, lounge with bar, and sun deck with small pool. Often our cruise ships are referred to as "floating hotels"as the actual distance covered sailing is small and all boats are required to dock each evening.

Our main form of on ground transportation will be comfortable A/C mini buses.

Local Flights

All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

Meals Included

14 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 7 Dinners

Meals

Travelling with Discovery Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful foods and flavors that are available in the world. Some meals are included in the trip price in more remote regions or as a highlight where we can share a local specialty or cultural experience. In many places where there is a choice of eating options, we like to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each others company, but there is no obligation to do this. Your group leader will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Group Leader Description

All Discovery Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our expert group tour leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. Group leaders are experts in their region with a broad, general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local expert guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. On this trip you will be accompanied by specialist guides or Egyptologists for included guided tours - this person may be your Tour Leader for the duration of the tour, or it may be someone who will accompany you just for included guided tours.

Your Fellow Travelers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of traveling in a group. Your fellow travelers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group. Patience with your fellow travelers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.

Joining Hotel

Pyramisa Suites Hotel & Casino - Cairo
60 Giza Street - Dokki
Cairo
Egypt
Tel: (+2) (02) 33367000 - 8000 - 9000
Fax: (+2) (02) 37605347

Joining Instructions

An arrival transfer is included, please look for the Discovery Adventures representative, who will be holding a Discovery Adventures sign. They will meet you inside your arrival gate, prior to the visa processing area. They will be there to assist you with the visa process. Start looking for them once you leave the plane, and enter the terminal. Your name will not be on the Discovery Adventures sign, so please ask the representative who they are there to meet.

If the Discovery Adventures representative is not there at first, please wait up to 30 minutes, and then proceed to take a taxi, or call our local staff at +20 (0) 168 802 884 or +20 (0) 101775329 or +20 (0) 101756769, who will assist you in getting to the start hotel.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned, so you may arrive at any time. Similarly the last day is a departure day in which no activities are planned.

Your Tour Leader will contact you at the hotel on Day 1 and make sure you are settled comfortably. If you arrive late, s/he will leave you a message detailing what time and where you should meet the next morning. Your Leader will organize a short meeting soon after arrival, during which you will meet other tour participants and receive information about general and specific aspects of the trip.

Arrival Complications

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details.

Finishing Point Hotel

Pyramisa Suites Hotel - Cairo
Street Address : 60 Giza Street - Dokki
City : Cairo
Country : Egypt
Telephone Number : (+2)(02) 33367000 - 8000 - 9000
Fax Number : (+2)(02) 37605347

What to Take

You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labeled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, or sports bag, maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited. Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags. It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings.

Emergency Contact

Should you need to contact Gap Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local operator - Gap Adventures/Anubis. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

Gap Adventures/Anubis (Egypt)
Open 5 days a week, 9am to 5pm local time (GMT +2) from Sunday to Thursday.
Tel: Int. Dialing Code +20 (0)226 908 945 (during office hours)

Anubis Emergency Cell Phone: +20(0)168 802 884 or +20(0)101 756 769 or +20 (0)101 775 329
(after office hours)

Gap Adventures Local Office, Spain
Emergency Cell Phone: +34 627 357 664

If you are unable for any reason to contact Anubis or our local offices, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from UK: 0844 410 1030
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Outside North America, Australia and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
Mobile: + 1 647 504 6467

Checklist

Suggested Items:
• Passport (with photocopies)
• Travel insurance (with photocopies)
• Airline tickets (with photocopies)
• USD cash and travelers cheques
• Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
• Discovery Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and trip details
• Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
• 4 shirts/t-shirts
• Sun hat
• 1 pair of shorts
• 2 pairs of long trousers
• Fleece top/jacket (nights will be cool if you travel between October and March)
• Sturdy walking shoes
• Sun block
• hand sanitizers/ antibacterial wipes
• Sunglasses
• Watch or alarm clock
• Flashlight (with extra batteries and bulbs)
• Money belt
• Small travel towel
• Personal female hygiene products (as they are difficult to purchase locally)
• First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, band aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, dehydration powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Local Dress

Optional Items:
Camera and film, reading/writing material, binoculars, cover for backpacks

Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There is laundry available on the Nile cruiser for a fee. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Visas

Many nationalities are able to obtain a one month single entry visa on arrival at Cairo International airport. The cost is $15 USD or equivalent in Euro or GBP. All change will be given to you in Egyptian pounds.The process is as follows: before you arrive at passport control you will see some windows off to the side with the words "bank" or "money exchange". Go to these windows and give the officer your money. In exchange you will receive the stamps which are to be stuck in your passport and form your Egyptian visa.

Please note that there are some countries which are required to organize their visa pre-arrival. As you are responsible for your own visa, it is vital that you check the conditions attached to your particular passport and Nationality.

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements.

Spending Money

Every traveler is different, therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while some may like to purchase more souvenirs. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Money Exchange

ATMs are found within main cities in Egypt and will accept Visa and Mastercard. A credit card is the safest way to carry money and most larger restaurants and stores accept them. Cash advances also can be done with some banks. Cash and travellers cheques are also suggested for time when ATMs are not accessible. You can exchange travellers cheques in some 5 star hotels and banks but this takes time and possible fee. Thomas Cook or American Express travellers cheques in US currency are the easiest to change. Euros, English pounds and US dollars are all easy to change to the Egyptian Pound. Please not that you should bring some cash with you for emergencies situations but carrying only cash is a high safety risk.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Tipping

Tipping ( Baksheesh )

Tipping (also widely refered to by its Arabic term as “baksheesh”) is a way of life in the Middle East . Locals themselves will usually tip anyone who provides them with services. In many cases , people depend on the tips they receive to supplement the incredibly low salary and wages of the Middle East region.

While on tour in the Middle East , it is customary and even expected to tip small service providers such as restaurant and bar waiters, hotel staff, reception, cleaning personnel, bell boys, taxis and van drivers. Tips are regarded as an essential means of supplementing income for those working in the tourism industry.

In order to make things as easy as possible, and avoid embarrassing situations, Gap has developed a tipping Kitty system where your tour leader will collect a contribution from everybody on tour and use this kittyto tip anybody who has provided services to the group as a whole. The tour Leader will keep an accurate account of what was spent and any money left over, will be handed back to the group.
If at any time, you felt that any service provider failed in maintaining or delivering good service, please bring it immediately to the attention of your tour leader, so a deduction of tips can take place.

A guideline for tipping is about 3 USD per day, depending on the quality of the service (this does not include your Gap Adventures Tour Leader).
On Day 1 of your tour, your tour leader will be able to advise on the amount required from everybody to form the tipping kitty for your trip.

This should be paid to the tour Leader in day 1 of the tour. You can pay in USD or the equivalent Egyptian pound (preferably Egyptian pounds). The tour leader will be able to advise you on the exchange rate and the total required in either currency.

Also at the end of your trip if you felt that your Gap Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is also expected and appreciated. The precise amount is entirely a personal preference, however 15-20 USD per person per week can be used as a general guideline.

Optional Activities

Optional activity prices are subject to change and can fluctuate in relation to the high/low season and the number of people on a specific excursion. Not all excursions listed here may be available, due to season, or weather conditions. As generally not a lot of time is spent in start/end cities, you may want to arrange to arrive early, or stay longer after the trip in order to allow sufficient time to participate in optional activities there.

All prices are in US dollar amounts, per person.

Giza and Pyramids:
Camel ride around pyramids - $10 USD/EGP 50
Entry into solar boat - $10 USD/EGP 50
Price of sound and light show Giza - $14 USD/EGP 75
Entrance fee to Memphis - $7 USD/EGP 35
Entrance fees to Meidoum Pyramid - $7 USD/EGP 35

Cairo:
Entrance to Citadel - $10 USD/EGP 50
Entrance to Coptic Museum - $10 USD/EGP 50
Gayer-Anderson Museum - $6 USD/EGP 30
Nile Dinner cruise (standard) - $35 USD/EGP 190
Nile Dinner cruise (deluxe) - $45 USD/EGP 245

Aswan:
Camel ride to St. Simone - $10 USD/EGP 50
Entrance to Nubian Museum - $10 USD/EGP 50
Entrance to Kitchener's Island - $2 USD/EGP 10
Sound and light show Philae Temple (including transport, boat, entrance and guide) - 1-4 passengers USD 50/EGP 275 p.p, more than 5 pax USD 40/EGP 220 p.p.

Luxor
Entrance fees to Luxor Museum - $15 USD/EGP 80
Transport and guide to Abydos and Dendera - $30 USD/EGP 165
Entrance fees to Abydos - $6 USD/EGP 30
Entrance fees to Dendera - $7 USD/EGP 35

Dahab:
Excursion to coloured canyon including lunch - $250 USD/EGP 1100 per jeep (max 5 pax)

Health

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

Nothing compulsory but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. Though malaria does exist in Egypt it is not normally found in the areas where we travel.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit, hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements.

Safety and Security

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while traveling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When traveling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our tour leaders to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. For ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling, please click here.

Trip Specific Safety

Like anywhere in the world, major cities have some areas that are safer than others, use common sense, be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on personal belongings.

Detailed Trip Notes

REGIONAL INFORMATION

Climate
The winter months in Egypt are from October to March and are characterized by cold nights and pleasant days. Summer is from April to September and starts off with increasing dry heat and dust. It rains generally only in short downpours during the period between the beginning of November and March.

Local Currency
The official unit of currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP).

Electricity
220V, 50Hz. Electric plug types come in two sizes and are standard throughout the countries. The two square pin standard plugs are acceptable in most parts of these countries.

Language
Arabic (in Egyptian dialect) is the only official language of Egypt. Many locals in tourist areas and hotel speak English.

Ramadam 2010:
Depending on the lunar cycles, around August 10th for a month. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day.

Medical Form

Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travelers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage, as a minimum requirement. Travelers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travelers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travelers are catered to equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.

Download the the medical questionnaire.

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the law of the land, but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world, but it is not acceptable for our travelers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When traveling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been shown to your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Local Dress

No short shorts/skirts. Shoulders should be covered (both men and women).

Keeping in Touch

If you need to be contacted while traveling, we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travelers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our emergency contact information in this document. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.

Planeterra - The Gap Adventures Foundation

Planeterra is a non-profit organization with a long history of supporting sustainable community development through travel and voluntourism. By getting to know local people in the communities, Planeterra is able to help identify individual needs and act quickly to meet them. 

A range of over 30 projects worldwide, from providing water tanks to families in Kenya to a women's weaving co-operative in Peru, Planeterra offers travelers with a few hours, a few days, or a few dollars to spare, a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people and communities around the world. Discovery Adventures supports the work of Planeterra and includes community project visits in many of our tours.