Egypt Explorer

Meals Included
11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners

Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Transport
Private air-conditioned van, sleeper train, Nile cruise boat, plane

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. There is only one domestic carrier in Egypt - Egypt Air. The domestic flight maximum weight allowance for Egypt Air is 20 kg.

Accommodation
Comfort hotel (7 nts), Nile cruise boat (3 nts), sleeper train (1 nt)

Day 1 Cairo
You are welcome to arrive in Cairo at any time, as today is a designated arrival day with no planned activities. Please note that there will be an important welcome meeting this evening at our joining hotel. Please check the hotel notice board for more information on the location of this meeting or ask at reception. Please bring your passport and travel insurance documents to this meeting, as you will be required to fill out some important pre-trip admin documents.Your tipping kitty will be collected as this time (please refer to the "tipping" section of these notes for more information). After learning more about our tour and plans for the following day, you are welcome to join our leader and your travelling companions for an optional dinner nearby. 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)
We begin Day 2 with one of the real highlights of any visit to Egypt, the Great Pyramids of Giza. While once located in remote desert, they now touch the suburbs of modern Cairo. No matter how many photos or documentaries you have seen, your first glimpse of these marvels of the ancient world will take your breath away. As a qualified Egyptologist, your tour leader is able to expertly explain the facts and myths behind these three mammoth works of art. You will also visit the mysterious Sphinx, with its lion’s body and man’s face. Time permitting, there may be the chance to see inside one of the two smaller pyramids, take a ride around the pyramids on camel back or visit the fascinating Solar Boat Museum, which displays on of the pharaoh’s funerary barges - it may just be the oldest boat in existence! (NB extra entrance fees apply for all of these sites/activities). This afternoon we drive by private bus to Alexandria, where we will spend the following two evenings.

Day 3 Alexandria (B)
On Day 3, we have plenty of time to explore all the incredible sites this ancient city has to offer. Founded by Alexander the Great around 331BC, Egypt's only Mediterranean city is characterized by a distinctly European atmosphere and refreshing sea breezes. Fort Qaitbay was considered one of the most important defensive strongholds along the Mediterranean Sea coast. It formulated an important part of the fortification system of Alexandria in the fifteenth century AD. Situated at the entrance of the eastern harbour on the eastern point of Pharos Island, it was erected on the exact site of the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In the fourteenth century there was a very destructive earthquake and the whole building was completely destroyed and the fortification you see today was built in its place. Our next visit is to Pompey's Pillar. The name "Pompey's Pillar" is actually a misnomer, as it has nothing to do with Pompey, having been erected in 293 for Emperor Diocletian, possibly in memory of the rebellion of Domitius Domitianus. Next we head to the Catacomb of Komel-Shokafa. These tombs were tunneled into the bedrock in the age of the Antonine Emperors (second century AD) for a single wealthy family still practicing the ancient religion. They represent the last existing major construction of the old Egyptian religion. Our final stop is the new Alexandria Library. The Ancient Library of Alexandria was probably the largest and certainly the most famous of the libraries of the ancient world. It flourished during Greek rule and functioned as a major centre of scholarship, at least until the time of the Roman conquest of Egypt, and probably for many centuries thereafter. The old library was destroyed in a fire around the first century BC. The magnificent new Library was opened in 2002 very near the site of the ancient one. Don't miss the chance to enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the city's many outdoor seaside restaurants this evening. Overnight two nights in Alexandria. Estimated Travel Time: Cairo to Alexandria, 4 hrs

Day 4 Cairo/overnight train (2B, D)
On our return to Cairo we will make a stop at 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. Please note that you should be modestly dressed this morning with shoulders and knees covered for our visit to the monastery. There will be time to grab a quick lunch before our afternoon visit to the 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. Your tour leader will direct you to the most important and magnificent items. There is also plenty of free time for you to explore on your own, including a chance to visit the famed Mummy Room where you can view the ancient remains of some of Egypt’s most important rulers (NB Extra entrance charges apply). In the evening, we will 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 towel provided. 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. Non Alcoholic Drinks are available to be purchased and there is a bar car for socialising. In the morning you will be brought a simple continental style breakfast around two hours before arrival. Overnight on the sleeper train . Estimated Travel Time: Alexandria to Cairo, 4 hrs (private van) Cairo to Aswan, 12 hrs (overnight train)

Days 5-6 Aswan (2B,1L,2D)
Aswan has a distinctively 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 will 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 and the largest of the Nile islands in this area, Elephantine Island. 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 home. Early on the morning of Day 6 we travel by plane to the magnificent temple of Abu Simbel. It is hard to believe that this marvellous temple, built by Ramses II between 1274 and 1244BC, would now be under Lake Nasser if modern engineering had not been put to work. These are perhaps Egypt's most splendid temples! In the afternoon, we return to Aswan. In the afternoon we will check-in to our Nile cruise boat, your home for the next three days. Our cruise boat is modern and comes prepared with everything you need for an enjoyable few nights on the Nile. The cabins are twin-share and comfortably equipped with air-conditioning and full ensuite bathrooms. There is a dining room and a very small gym. The entire top deck of the boat is for lounging, swimming in the rooftop pool or just relaxing and 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. Overnight in Aswan hotel night 5, night 6 is aboard your Nile Cruise boat. Estimated Travel Time: Aswan to Abu Simbel, 25mins each way (flight time)

Days 7-8 Nile River Cruise (2B,2L,2D)
Following breakfast on Day 7, we set sail. Before too long it is time for our first shore excursion, with a visit to the temple of Kom Ombo, a temple dedicated to Sobek the Crocodile god and which still contains an ancient mummified crocodile! After returning to the boat we take our lunch and continue sailing. In the afternoon, we will have another excursion in Edfu, travelling by horse-drawn buggy to visit the well preserved Temple of Horus. Day 8, Our boat will moor overnight just outside of Luxor this evening. Overnight on our Nile cruise boat both evenings.

Days 9- 10 Luxor (2B)
After checking-in to our hotel, 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 used to stand at the front of a temple, which is no longer in existence. They were famous since Greek times as they used to make a unique "singing" noise. You can even see ancient graffiti discussing this on the statues, from travellers of old! Next stop is the famous Valley of the Kings. While the treasure has now all gone, the tombs contain the most incredible paintings of the life of their encumbent and stories from the Book of the Dead. There is also the option to visit the the Tomb of Tutankhamun, whose treasures you saw at the Egyptian Museum. We finish our tour with the spectacular temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a reminder of the power women held in the Ancient Kingdom. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax. Head to a local tea house and learn how to play backgammon or perhaps you prefer to just lounge by the hotel pool. We begin day Day 10 with an excursion to the magnificent temple of Karnak. is a day of leisure and exploration. Luxor has so many activities to offer. Don't miss the small but beautiful Luxor Museum or the interesting Mummification Museum, teaching you everything you ever wanted to know about this ancient art and including a great collection of animal mummies. Stroll along the Nile corniche and shop for a bargain in Luxor's bazaar. Haggle hard though, as Luxor locals are famous for their business skills! In the evening, we return to the boat for dinner and a final night onboard. Overnight in Luxor.

Day 11 Cairo (B)
After breakfast we will transfer to Luxor Airport for a short flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, the choice is yours. Visit the Khan El Khalili Bazaars, legendary for fine brassware, copper, perfumes, leather, silver, gold, antiques and more; head out to Cairo's most ancient area, Coptic Cairo; or perhaps relax by the hotel pool. An optional farewell dinner and show on one of Cairo’s famous floating restaurants is available and highly recommended as a great way to round off your visit. Overnight in Cairo. Estimated Travel Time: Luxor to Cairo, 1hr (flight time)

Day 12 Depart Cairo (B)
You are free to depart at any time today. Please note that check-out time from the hotel is normally mid-morning, but luggage storage facilities are available. We are able to organise extra post-trip accommodation if you wish to extend your stay for a few more days. Please ask at the time of booking.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
3/18/2012 - 3/29/2012	$CALL
4/1/2012 - 4/12/2012	$CALL
4/22/2012 - 5/3/2012	$CALL
5/20/2012 - 5/31/2012	$CALL
6/17/2012 - 6/28/2012	$CALL
7/15/2012 - 7/26/2012	$CALL
9/9/2012 - 9/20/2012	$CALL
10/7/2012 - 10/18/2012	$CALL
10/28/2012 - 11/8/2012	$CALL
11/18/2012 - 11/29/2012	$CALL
12/16/2012 - 12/27/2012	$CALL
12/30/2012 - 1/10/2013	$CALL
1/6/2013 - 1/17/2013	$CALL
1/20/2013 - 1/31/2013	$CALL
2/10/2013 - 2/21/2013	$CALL
2/24/2013 - 3/7/2013	$CALL
3/10/2013 - 3/21/2013	$CALL
3/17/2013 - 3/28/2013	$CALL
3/31/2013 - 4/11/2013	$CALL
4/14/2013 - 4/25/2013	$CALL
4/21/2013 - 5/2/2013	$CALL
5/5/2013 - 5/16/2013	$CALL
5/19/2013 - 5/30/2013	$CALL
6/16/2013 - 6/27/2013	$CALL
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

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. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Group Leader Description
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group 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. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local 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.

Group Size Notes
Max 15, avg 10

Your Fellow Travellers
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers 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 travellers 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 time and time again 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.

Highlights
Marvelling at the Pyramids of Giza and the temples of Abu Simbel, savouring a traditional Nubian dinner and a Nile cruise, bargaining in bazaars.

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 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.

Important Notes
1. If you arrive a day or two early in Cairo and wish to do some excursions, we recommend that you wait until you get to the joining hotel and contact our local staff for more information on available tours and excursions. Tourists are frequently over-charged for excursions bought from vendors on the street or at the airport. 2. Ramadan 2012: Depending on the lunar cycles, around July 20th 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. 3. The overnight train to Aswan has comfortable twin-share accommodation. The ticket includes an airline-style tray dinner and breakfast in your cabin and all bedding is provided. The journey time is approximately 12 hours. 4. Rest assured that the quality of the cruise boats that we select for our customers is excellent, as is the service onboard. We personally select cruise boats that we have been onboard ourselves and know from first-hand experience what to expect. You too will appreciate our choice selection.

Single Travellers
We believe single travellers 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 travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

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 labelled and restricted to one backpack, 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 to hot days and cool evenings. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.

Checklist
Suggested Items: •Light fleece top •Light windproof/waterproof jacket •Small towel and swimwear •Sun hat •Personal clothing for mild to hot weather (See also "What to Take" and "Local Dress" sections of this dossier) •Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes •Sport sandals •Sunblock •Sunglasses •Toiletries (biodegradable) •Watch or alarm clock •Water bottle •Money belt •First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking) Optional Items: •Camera and film •Reading/writing material •Binoculars •Cover for backpacks •Pocketknife Documents: •Passport (with photocopies) •Travel insurance (with photocopies) •Airline tickets (with photocopies) •EUR/USD cash •Credit or debit card (see personal spending money) •G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier •Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required

Visas
Many nationalities including all Western European and Arab countries, USA, Australia and New Zealand are able to obtain a one-month single entry visa on arrival at Cairo International airport or at the Egyptian land border. Look for windows (marked "banks") selling these visas in the area where you line up to have your passport stamped. You need to get the visa before entering the passport line. The visa is a sticker which you need to stick into your passport before handing it to the authorities for stamping. The cost is USD15 or equivalent in EUR/GBP. All change will be given to you in Egyptian Pounds. Please note that for other nationalities it is necessary to organise your visa before you travel. It is vital that you check the conditions attached to your particular passport and make the necessary arrangements in advance. 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, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.

Departure Tax
Departure tax is usually included in your air tickets. If you depart Egypt via Nuweiba Port, there is a departure tax of approximately 9 USD.

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, G Adventures has developed a tipping Kitty system where your tour leader will collect a contribution from everybody on tour and use this kitty to 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 3-5 USD per day, depending on the quality of the service (this does not include your G 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 G Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is also expected and appreciated. The precise amount is entirely a personal preference, however 20-25 USD per person per week can be used as a general guideline.

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. DRINKING WATER: It is advisable to drink bottled water in Egypt. There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, 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 before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes, as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc.

Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. 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.

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