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Africa 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 suggested extensions Best of Turkey Kenya Family Adventure 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