Download egypt family adventure

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egypt family
adventure
trip highligh­­­ts
Tutankhamen’s treasures at the Cairo Museum
Pyramids of Giza
Explore Aswan
Cruise the Nile on a luxury ship
Visit Luxor & the Temples of Karnak
Valley of the Kings
Swim/Snorkel in the Red Sea
Optional Abu Simbel trip & climb of Mt Sinai
Trip Duration12 days
Trip Code: EFA
GradeAdventure touring
ActivitiesAdventure Touring and Cruising
Accommodation12 day trip, 7 nights hotels, 1 night overnight
sleeper train and 3 night cruise
welcome to
World Expeditions
Thank you for your interest in our Egypt Family Adventure trip. At
World Expeditions we are passionate about our off the beaten track
experiences as they provide our travellers with the thrill of coming
face to face with untouched cultures as well as wilderness regions
of great natural beauty. We are committed to ensuring that our
unique itineraries are well researched, affordable and tailored for the
enjoyment of small groups or individuals ‑ philosophies that have
been at our core since 1975 when we began operating adventure
holidays. Our itineraries will give you the very best travel experience,
designed by people with incredible local knowledge who share our
vision of authentic exchange and real exploration with a responsible
tourism approach. Whether you like your adventures to include
trekking, touring, cycling, mountaineering, kayaking or cruising World
Expeditions can make it happen for you. We hope you will join us for
a life changing experience!!
1 – © Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Michelle Worthley 9/4/2012 4:42:33 PM
why travel with World Expeditions?
Our expert local guides are the best available and to ensure the smooth
operation of all trips, our partners in Egypt continually work with us
to improve our itineraries to ensure we are taking the ‘paths less
travelled’. We have never sought to be the biggest travel company and
we proudly guard our independence, which leaves us in a position to
really focus on being creative with our small group itineraries, reducing
risk and ensuring that our adventures have a minimal impact on the
environments and cultures that we come in contact with.
egypt family adventure
Cairo
Jordan
Mt Sinai
Sharm
el Sheikh
Discover the mysteries of Ancient Egypt
Egypt
Luxor
Aswan
Abu Simbel
trip dates
2014
31Mar - 11Apr O
07Apr - 18Apr O
22Sep - 03Oct O
29Dec - 09Jan O,HS
2015
12Jan - 23Jan
30Mar - 10Apr
06Apr - 17Apr
21Sep - 02Oct
28Dec - 08Jan
important notes
HS - Holiday Season,O - Option
World Expeditions does not require single travellers
to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will
arrange for you to share accommodation with
another traveller of the same gender and if we can
not match you up we will provide a single room at
no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single
supplement is payable to guarantee your own room.
The cost of the single supplement is listed above.
For competitive airfares and stopover ideas
to join this adventure, contact our expert staff
today to receive a detailed quote.
the trip
There is no better way to understand and learn about Ancient Egypt than to see it first hand!
This all‑encompassing itinerary takes it all in ‑ from great pyramids, pharaohs and mummies,
beginning at the vast Cairo Museum including Tutankhamen’s treasures. Experience the
Pyramids of Giza, marvel at the High Dam and Philae’s obelisk in Aswan. There is an optional
tour to Abu Simbel before boarding a luxury ship to cruise the Nile. Along the way we stop at
Luxor to explore the impressive Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples and the Temples of Karnak.
Of course a must see is the Valley of the Kings, before a relaxing time in Sharm El‑Sheik for
some amazing snorkeling. From here we have the opportunity to ascend Mt Sinai in time for
sunrise. This exciting and enriching journey finishes in the bustling city of Cairo.
at a glance
DAY 1ARRIVE CAIRO
DAY 2MUSEUM, PYRAMIDS, COPTIC QUARTER
DAY 3ALEXANDRIA DAY TRIP, EVENING TRAIN CAIRO TO ASWAN
DAY 4ARRIVE ASWAN, VISIT HIGH DAM AND PHILAE TEMPLE
DAY 5OPTIONAL ABU SIMBEL TRIP, BOARD NILE CRUISE
DAY 6NILE CRUISE, VISITING KOM OMBO AND EDFU,
DAY 7VALLEY OF THE KINGS, KARNAK, DEIR EL BAHARI
DAY 8FLY TO SHARM EL SHEIK
DAY 9SHARM EL SHEIK
DAY 10TRANSFER TO ST KATHERINE’S MONASTERY IN SINAI
DAY 11OPTIONAL CLIMB OF MT SINAI, LATE RETURN TO CAIRO
DAY 12TRIP CONCLUDES IN CAIRO
what’s included
11 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 8 dinners
Arrival and departure transfers on Days 1 & 12 only
Accommodation in good 3 star hotels
Sleeper train trip to Aswan
3 nights luxury cruise ship in twin cabins with en suite
Bedouin guided ascent of Mt Sinai
Private air conditioned transportation
Internal flight Luxor to Sharm El Sheik valued at US$120
Entry fees to all sites
Local English speaking guide throughout
Local cash payments are becoming increasingly popular with many operators in the
adventure travel industry. The policy seems to benefit the tour operators, more than the
local economies or travellers, as it avoids local taxes and transfers the cost and risk of
cash handling to travellers. In accordance with our Responsible Travel practices we have
chosen a policy not to ask for such payments.
detailed itinerary
DAY 1Arrive Cairo
Welcome to Egypt! You will be meet and assisted upon arrival at the airport and then transferred
to your hotel for overnight. Cairo is a city of more than 18 million people – a bustling, dusty and
boisterous metropolis with an abundance of character and history.
meals: NIL
2 – © Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Michelle Worthley 9/4/2012 4:42:33 PM
egypt family adventure
Discover the mysteries of Ancient Egypt
DAY 2Museum, pyramids, Coptic Quarter
After breakfast at hotel, you start the day with visit to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Cheops
Pyramid, the largest of the three, was built in the 4th dynasty about 2690 BC. One of the seven
wonders of the ancient world. In front of the pyramid of Chephren, there stands the Sphinx a lion
with a Pharaoh’s head thought to be a portrait of the pharaoh Chephren, and then continue your
tour and visit to the Egyptian Museum, famous for its antiquities from Egypt’s Pharaonic period,
dates back some 50 centuries, and includes the fabulous treasures of King Tut Ankh-Amon. The
Egyptian Museum, providing you with an excellent insight into Egyptian history from the Old
Kingdom right through to the Roman Empire. The highlight of the museum is the Tutankhamen
exhibit which houses the treasures of King Tutankhamen. Although he was an insignificant Pharaoh,
Tutankhamen’s tomb contained a stunning array of gold, it is astounding to imagine what treasures
a significant Pharaoh may have taken into their next life, had their tombs not been ransacked. You
then enjoy an afternoon excursion to Old Cairo, the old Coptic churches, and the oldest Jewish
Synagogue of Ben Ezra. From here you will be transferred back to your hotel for overnight.
meals: B
DAY 3Alexandria day trip, evening train Cairo to Aswan
After breakfast, you journey to the grand old city of Alexandria (approx. 220 kms) for a full day of
exploration. First you visit the National museum of Alexandria which has grown in importance, and
is now considered one of Egypt’s finest museums. The national museum is located in a restored
palace and contains about 1,800 artifacts that narrate the history of Alexandria throughout the ages,
including the Pharonic, Roman, Coptic and Islamic Eras. There are even some more modern pieces,
including 19th century glassware, silverware, chinaware and precious jewels, which provide a
sense of the richness of the court of Mohammed Ali and his descendants. Mummies are shown in a
special underground chamber (basement). Also, some of the items found during the archaeological
underwater excavations in Alexandria are now on the same floor as the Greco-Roman artifacts.
From here you continue to the Roman Theatre, which is located in the modern area of Kom El-Dikaa,
which is almost in the centre of the city of Alexandria. You then visit the catacomb, which means
underground tunnels, in the district of Karmouz to the east of Alexandria. The area was called Kom
El-Shouqafa or a pile of shards.
The cemetery dates back to the 1st century A.D and was used until the 4th century A.D. It was
discovered in 1900 when, by pure chance, a donkey drawn cart fell into a pit, which led to the
discovery. The Catacombs in Alexandria are cold because the design is very similar to the Christian
Catacombs in Rome.
Next you have a visit to Montazah Palace and Gardens, and then end the day with a visit to Qaitbay
fort, which is a 15th century defensive fortress located on the Mediterranean sea coast, built upon/
from the ruins of the Lighthouse of Alexandria. From here you drive back to Cairo and transfer to
railway station to Aswan to board the sleeper train for the night.
meals: B,D
DAY 4Arrive Aswan, visit High Dam and Philae Temple
This morning you arrive in Aswan, a town set primarily on the East Bank of the Nile. Here you
visit the High Dam of Aswan which is a great project. In fact it was one of the most important
achievements in the last century in Egypt. For many years it was a symbol of the New Era of the
Revolution of 1952. It provides Egypt with water and electricity, and secures the country from the
risk of the destructive inundation of the River Nile.
After marveling at the impressive High Dam at Aswan, which straddles the Nile to form Lake Nasser,
you will board a motor boat for a trip to the Philae Temple in Philae Island, which is a rocky island in
the middle of the River Nile, south of Aswan. It was called in Hieroglyphic “Apo” which means Ivory.
It was also known by the Greek as “Elephantine”, most probably because it was an important centre
of trade, especially for Ivory. The Ancient Egyptians built a beautiful and magnificent Temple on this
island for the Goddess Isis, but the Temple became submerged after the first Aswan dam was built
in 1906, and it was not until the seventies that many nations attempted to save the Temple.
3 – © Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Michelle Worthley 9/4/2012 4:42:33 PM
egypt family adventure
Discover the mysteries of Ancient Egypt
fast facts
Countries Visited:
Egypt
Visas:
Please check visa requirements with
your reservations consultant*
Vaccinations:
Please consult a travel vaccination
specialist for up to date information
Private Groups:
Private group options are
available for this trip*
Singles:
A single supplement is available for this trip*
Leader:
Expert local leader
Brochure Reference:
Africa, Middle East
*Ask our staff for more information.
From here you will visit the unfinished Obelisk, which lies in its original location, in a granite
quarry in Aswan. It is 42 meters in length and was most probably abandoned when some cracks
appeared in the rock, during its construction. Had this obelisk been completed, it would have been
the heaviest obelisk ever cut in Ancient Egypt, weighing nearly 1100 tons! It is believed that it
was constructed and abandoned during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut (18th Dynasty). During the
earliest ages, the Ancient Egyptians knew the so-called “Pn-pn”, which was a pyramidal stone with
a pointed top and according to their beliefs the “Pn-pn” symbolized the primeval hill from which the
world first appeared. Then, in the course of time, this Pn-pn evolved to be an obelisk usually made
of granite with a pyramidal shape on top. You will then be taken to your hotel where you will spend
the night.
meals: B,D
DAY 5Optional Abu Simbel trip, board Nile Cruise
Today you have a free day at your leisure, with an optional visit to the Abu Simbel Temple, a truly
amazing monument of Ancient Egypt. The Temples of Abu Simbel are amongst the most interesting
Pharaonic Temples; the Great Temple of Ramses II was carved from a mountain. Located close to the
southern border with the Sudan, it is 280 km south of Aswan and consists of two, rock-cut Temples,
which both date back to the reign of King Ramses II (1290-1223 BC). Unfortunately these unique
Temples suffered from the rising water of Lake Nasser while the High Dam was being built. Other
countries, with the help of UNESCO, assisted Egypt to help save them. The two Temples were cut
in to many pieces, and then they were reconstructed again on a site 65m higher than the original
location, and 200m back inland, to escape the rising water level. This great rescue operation began
in June 1964 and finished in September 1968.
Should you decide to stay in Aswan, perhaps take a visit to the market, as it the most southern city
in Egypt and is said to be the gateway to Africa and the best place to experience the arts and culture
of the local Nubian people. Tonight you will board the comfortable luxury Nile cruise ship (twin
cabins with en suite) and spend the night on board.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 6Nile Cruise, visiting Kom Ombo and Edfu,
Today you spend sailing on the Nile! It allows you to relax and take in the view, experiencing first
hand rural life on this life-giving river. You relax and sail to Kom Ombo to visit the Sobek temple, and
then precede sailing to Edfu, where you will board horse-drawn carriages for a drive through to the
temple of Horus. The temple of Horus at Edfu, with its menacing black stone statue of the Falcon
god, is one of the largest and best preserved in Egypt. Overnight on board the boat.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 7Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Deir El Bahari
Today you will transfer to the west bank of the Nile and visit the Valley of Kings. The Valley of the
Kings was the royal cemetery for 62 Pharaohs and is located on the west bank at Luxor. The only
entrance to this place was a long narrow winding path. It was a secret place, where sentries were
placed at the entrance of the Valley, as well as along the top of the hills, in the hopes of discouraging
tomb robbers, who had in the past plundered all royal tombs, including the treasures of the
Pyramids! Some thefts were probably carefully planned, but others were spur of the moment, for
example when an earlier tomb was accidentally discovered while cutting a new one, the workmen
took advantage of the opportunity.
As well you will visit Hatshepsut Temple. Hatshepsut was one of the most interesting female figures
and most capable Pharohs of Egyptian history (1490-1468 BC), so our visit to her 3,500 year old
temple in the Valley of Kings (Thebes West) was in many respects is quite special experience.
From here you transfer to the East bank of the Nile and visit Karnak Temple, which is the largest
Temple in the World! The complex contains a group of Temples such as the Great Temple of Amon
Ra, the Temple of Khonso, the Ipt Temple, the Temple of Ptah, the Temple of Montho and the Temple
of the God Osiris.
4 – © Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Michelle Worthley 9/4/2012 4:42:33 PM
egypt family adventure
Discover the mysteries of Ancient Egypt
responsible travel
The environments we travel through are
fragile. It is our responsibility as visitors to
minimise the impact of our presence. World
Expeditions were the proud recipients of
the inaugural Australian National Travel
Industry’s Environmental Achievement award
for our Responsible Travel Guidebook. This
detailed guide to responsible and sustainable
travel is provided to all World Expeditions
clients before they travel. Please ask your
consultant if you have not received your copy
of our award winning book. Alternatively,
you may like to download a copy from our
website www.worldexpeditions.com
adventure travel
By its very nature adventure travel involves
an element of the unexpected. In remote
and developing countries do not expect
standards you are used to at home. Remote
areas are sometimes unpredictable and
itineraries may be altered. To get the most
out of your adventure it is important that
you are flexible, positive and eager to
take on all the challenges that arise. If you
are uncertain about your suitability for
this trip we recommend that you speak
with your consultant or travel agent.
important note
These trip notes represent the most
current information for this itinerary, and
may supersede any information in the
current brochure, including but not limited
to the itinerary and price. The itinerary
should be seen as a guide only. This
itinerary may change at any time due to
inclement weather, forces of nature and
other circumstances beyond our control.
In the evening you will visit Luxor Temple, or the Temple of Luxor; it is among the most beautiful
Temples in Egypt. Luxor is located on the banks of the Nile, and is built on the site of the former
capital of Egypt, Thebes which dates back 4000 years. It was known in the New Kingdom period
as Ipt-Rsyt, which means the southern shrine. This was to differentiate between this Temple and
Karnak Temple, which was the northern house of Amon Ra. The architect and overseer of the works
of construction of the Luxor Temple was the genius Amenhotep, son of Habu. The Temple runs close
and parallel to the river Nile from north to south. It was constructed on the site of a small Temple of
Amon, built by kings of the 12th dynasty. At the time of Amenhotep III the Temple was only 190m in
length and 55m in width. Basically, Luxor Temple was consecrated to Amon Ra in his fertility aspect.
From here you will be transferred to your Nile Cruise for overnight.
meals: B,L,D
DAY 8Fly to Sharm El Sheik
This morning you will have a transfer to the Luxor airport for a flight to Sharm El- Sheik. In Sharm
El-Sheikh you will be transferred to your hotel for overnight.
meals: B,D
DAY 9Sharm El Sheik
Today is a fee day to relax and enjoy! You have time at your leisure to explore Sharm El-Sheikh. This
Red Sea resort town has many activities available that can be organized and paid for locally. The
scuba diving and snorkeling is considered by many to be some of the best available in the world. If
you are a diver and wish to take part, be sure to bring your certification. You will overnight here in
your hotel.
meals: B,D
DAY 10Transfer to St Katherine’s Monastery in Sinai
Today you have a spectacular drive from Sharm El–Sheikh into the interior of Sinai, to the village
of St Katherine, home of the world famous St Katherine’s Monastery and positioned at the foot of
Mount Sinai. This afternoon is free to enjoy this peaceful and historical village or visit the interesting
local museum. Over night here in your hotel.
meals: B,D
DAY 11Optional climb of Mt Sinai, late return to Cairo
In the early morning, around 2:00am, you can ascent to Moses Mountain (Mount Sinai), 2285
meters above sea level, and attain the summit named after Moses where God delivered the Ten
Commandments. You have time on top to take in and photograph the imposing and spectacular view.
You arrive at the summit before day break and watch the spectacular sunrise over the mountains
of south Sinai. As the sun rises you watch is awe as the jagged peaks and plunging valleys change
colour by the minute. After enjoying with the sunrise, you descend through the stairway carved into
the mountain by St. Katherine monks.
After descending the mountain, you will transfer to hotel to have breakfast and check-out. From
here you visit the famed 6th century Monastery named after St. Katherine Monastery, the martyr of
Alexandria, and is the biblical sites of the Burning Bush and Moses Well). You then proceed to Cairo
via the lush green Oasis of Wadi Faran (Biblical Raphidim), along the Gulf of Suez and the Ahmed
Hamdy Tunnel under the Suez Canal. In the late afternoon you will arrive in Cairo and overnight in
your hotel.
meals: B
DAY 12Trip concludes in Cairo
After breakfast at your hotel you will check out and be taken to the airport.
meals: B
This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.
5 – © Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Michelle Worthley 9/4/2012 4:42:33 PM
egypt family adventure
Discover the mysteries of Ancient Egypt
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country information
The ancient civilisations of Egypt left an indelible mark on the modern version, prompting
millions of visitors from around the world to visit each year and wonder at the awesome
temples, pyramids and riches housed in the Cairo Museum. Despite the inclusion of Egypt on
the mass‑tourism map, a truly unique and individual experience is possible and we search out
such experiences during our time here. Stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the north to
the Red Sea to the east and the Arabian Desert to the west and south, the country covers an
area of approximately one million square kilometres. The huge population is concentrated in the
Nile valley where the land is fertile, in stark contrast to the arid desert which occupies much of
the country. It is estimated that 99% of the population live in 4‑6% of the country’s land space.
Of the population of 60 million people, 18 million are believed to live in the Cairo area, creating
immense pressure on the city’s limited infrastructure. In the Sinai Desert, separated from the
main part of Egypt by the Suez Canal, the mountains rise as high as 2642m (Mt Katherine),
whilst the desert is rimmed with beaches, many of which have become popular diving resorts.
The north and south of the country was unified to form Egypt by the Egyptian King Menes
around 5000 years ago. The centre of ancient civilisation was the Nile River and for this reason
many of the great archeological sites are found in its vicinity. Since unification there have
been broadly seven periods in Egypt representing the various periods of rule by the Pharaoh’s
(3000‑341BC), Greeks (332‑30BC), Roman and Byzantine (30BC – 638AD), Arabs and the
Mamluks (640‑1517AD), Turks (1517‑1882AD), British (1882‑1952) and the current independent
state (1952 to present). Egyptians are broadly divided into three racial groups including the
Hamito‑ Semitic race which forms the bulk of the population and includes the Berbers; the
Arabian Bedouins from the Sinai; and the Nubians who live in the Aswan area and to the south.
The principal language is Arabic and the dominant religion is Islam.
climate
With the exception of the winter months, Egypt is mostly hot and dry with temperatures rising
to as high as 41 degrees Celsius on average in June. Most of our departures occur in the cooler
months between October and March when the temperature is best for the types of activities we
will be undertaking. In the Sinai at night, it can get surprisingly cool, but during the day when the
sun is out it tends to be mild. Aswan is quite hot during the day even in the middle of winter, and
a hat and sunscreen is essential for all departures. From November to February the temperature
ranges from 8 to 27 degrees Celsius on average, whilst rainfall is practically unheard of at this
time. Cairo will be slightly cooler.
what you carry
During the day you will need to carry a day pack with your personal items, water bottle, camera
etc.
equipment required
There is no specialized equipment required for this trip. A comprehensive list of recommended
gear will be provided on booking.
what’s not included
Personal expenses (i.e. phone calls, laundry bills, etc)
Tips and gratuities
International airfares and departure taxes
6 – © Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Michelle Worthley 9/4/2012 4:42:33 PM
egypt family adventure
Discover the mysteries of Ancient Egypt
Visas
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Bottled water, aerated drinks, alcoholic beverages
info nights
World Expeditions invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel information nights. These
special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced
and passionate adventure travellers and mountaineers. Ask our staff for a info night schedule or
register on our website ‑ www.worldexpeditions.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to
register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two!
private groups
The adventures featured in our brochures, and on our website, are just a starting point for
many of our private group travellers. Working closely with our Groups Department we can
organise custom designed itineraries for groups of friends, clubs, charity’s, schools or even
work colleagues. Our team will assist you with all aspects of your private group adventure from
itinerary design to group flights. Contact our team today.
subscribe to our e-newsletter
To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and
adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e‑newsletter! You can do this on line through our
website, www.worldexpeditions.com or contact our office.
social networking
Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WorldExpeditions
trip availability
If this trip seems right for you then we encourage you to call us now to check availability. There
are many reasons why you may not be able to join your desired departure and limited space
on our small group departures is just one of them. Many of our adventures require us to secure
services on your behalf; such as trekking permits, train travel and visa invitation letters. The
demand is increasing each year making it difficult to join a trip last minute. To ensure we can
assist you onto your adventure of a lifetime we ask that you check your trip availability with our
team at your earliest convenience.
how to book
To book a World Expeditions trip, you will need to complete a booking form and pay a non
refundable deposit which you can do by using our online booking function for most trips, or
if you prefer, download a booking form from the website and return to us by fax, or mail your
booking form and deposit to your nearest World Expeditions office or travel agent. We can also
help you with any additional arrangements that you require, such as competitive airfares to get
you to your destination, stopovers, pre or post trip accommodation or any additional tours that
you wish to take in conjunction with the main World Expeditions trip.
7 – © Australian World Expeditions Pty Limited - Automated Import 2/5/2014 5:29:42 PM