We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Egypt |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£0.70 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£1.00 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£0.75 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£2.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£6.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£8.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
£12.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
A single entry tourist visa for Egypt is required by all nationalities. For British passport holders with British citizenship, Egyptian visas can be obtained conveniently and inexpensively on arrival at the airport. You must purchase a visa stamp before proceeding to the immigration desk, at one of the banks located before immigration. Alternatively, visas can be obtained through your travel agent or through Explore’s visa service. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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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 in which we travel. For the most up to date advice please consult your travel clinic.
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
Winter in Egypt is cool and dry, with average daytime temperatures between November and March reaching 18°C. During the summer, from April to October, these temperatures can reach around 32°C, even rising to 40°C. Be aware that early mornings along the Nile Valley can be cool, especially in the months between November and March.
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Additional information and climate charts can be accessed at http://www.explore.co.uk/ weather. Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. Up-to-date information on the weather worldwide can be found by following the BBC weather link on this page.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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One main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
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Clothing
Pack essentially for ‘Hot Conditions’. You should also wear loose fitting trousers on the donkey trek and for ladies a sports bra may be useful. Pack as for ‘All Tours’ from November to March as night temperatures can drop dramatically. Don’t forget swimming costumes.
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Egypt is a Muslim country and it is important to dress with respect for local customs. Brief shorts/skirts should be avoided in towns and you should cover your head when entering a mosque. In more traditional towns and market areas we advise women to wear long loose fitting trousers or skirts and have shoulders covered to avoid unwanted attention. Men should also be aware that shorts are not generally worn by Egyptians.
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Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes, trainers and sandals.
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Equipment
A torch, water bottle, insect repellent, suncream (at least factor 15), good quality sunglasses and a lip salve with sun protection. Please note that on the donkey trek we cannot supply hard hats - if head protection is felt to be necessary please bring your own with you to Egypt, as hard hats are not available to buy locally.
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Personal First Aid Kit
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Trip Summary
The Egypt of today is still a wonder to behold. The Pyramid complex of Giza, the Valley of the Kings at ancient Thebes and the Nile itself, the longest river in the world, flowing through a timeless landscape, dotted with the ghosts and memories of its long and glorious past. So come with us on a unique weekend journey of discovery, through the land of the ancient Pharaohs. Our trip starts in the vibrant city of Cairo, ‘The Mother of the World’ and the most populous and lively capital in Africa. Here the fabled 4,500-year-old Pyramids, the Sphinx and the treasures of the Egyptian Museum await us, including the incredible golden death mask of Tutankhamen himself. This fabulous short adventure opens up the very best of Egypt’s ancient and modern worlds, spanning millennia of history and culture and presenting us with some of the most remarkable monuments on the planet. Taking an evening flight, we then journey south, to Luxor in Upper Egypt, where we spend two days exploring this remarkable city, once the ancient Pharaonic capital of Thebes. Travelling by horse drawn calesh we explore the mighty temple of Karnak, marvelling at its immense grandeur and awesome majesty. We also take a unique donkey trek to Queen Hatshepsut temple and then visit the Valley of the Kings, to explore the final, intricately decorated, resting places of some of Egypt’s mightiest kings, including Ramses II, Tutankhamun and Seti I. With time to relax, or continuing exploring at your leisure, you can also experience the Nile Valley from the unique aspect of an early morning balloon flight, take in the timeless majesty of the river from a felucca and enjoy the vibrant colour of Luxor’s souks and villages, before our exhilarating adventure comes to a close.
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Please note:
RAMADAN 2010 11th August – 9th September
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 restrictions to services and minor amendments to the itinerary. Restaurants may have limited supplies of fresh food available during this period.
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Optional Donkey Trek
The comfort and safety of both donkeys and their riders is of great importance to us. Given this, donkeys are available to travellers of 85kg/13st, or under.
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Country info
Area: 1,001,450 sq. km.
Population: 67 million.
Language: Arabic, English and French.
Religion: Sunni Muslim 90%, Coptic Christian 7%.
Local Time: GMT +2.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v. Round pin adaptors.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Maps & Books
Recommended Maps: There are a number of maps available of Egypt and the Nile Valley, including some that specifically highlight the treasures of Ancient Egypt, such as the Atlas of Ancient Egypt by John Baines and Jaromir Malek.
Recommended Books: Tutankhamen Christine El Mahdy, Egypt: A Traveller's Anthology, Christopher Pick, Death on the Nile Agatha Christie, The Innocents Abroad Mark Twain, Gods and Myths of Ancient Egypt Robert A. Armour, Naquib Mahfouz: The Cairo Trilogy, Rough Guide to Egypt, Kent Weeks: The Treasures of Luxor and the Valley of the Kings.
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