Land of the Pharaohs - a Family Holiday in Egypt (EXFEG)

Duration: 14 days (may vary)
Areas: Egypt
Tour types: Family Adventures, History & Culture

Description

THE GRANDEUR OF LUXOR - ANCIENT THEBES
Luxor has attracted travellers for centuries. Many ancient kings have left their mark here, and one of Luxor's highlights is the Valley of the Kings - where most are buried, deep in the rock. But the grandest 'tomb' of all belongs to a Queen: Hatshepsut. Like those of the kings, her funerary temple lies at a safe distance from the Nile - although, far from being hidden away, it occupies an area the size of a large pyramid. We visit these sites by donkey, while a horse-drawn calesh takes us to Karnak temple and on a tour of the surrounding villages.

ABU SIMBEL & NILE CRUISE
Following the Nile Valley, a train takes us to the exotic town of Aswan, where the lifegiving Nile floodwaters have been tamed by the High Dam. Here, we sail back in time amongst the tiny islands of the Nile by felucca (the boat used by Egyptians throughout history). We also explore the desert dunes by camel and can visit the colossal temple of Abu Simbel (optional), dedicated to the most famous pharaoh of all: Ramses II. Then we return to Aswan to enjoy a traditional meal with a Nubian family before boarding our comfortable Nile riverboat to enjoy a 3-day cruise back to Luxor, via Kom Ombo and Edfu temples.

WONDERS OF THE RED SEA & CAIRO
Moving on to the busy resort town of Hurghada, we experience a different aspect of Egypt: the Red Sea. Its warm waters are great for snorkelling and offer a dazzling show of multi-coloured fish and coral. Finally we travel to the bustling capital, Cairo - the biggest city in Africa, dubbed 'the city that never sleeps'! We head first for the Great Pyramids of Giza, on the sands outside the capital, where the brave can venture into the very centre of a pyramid (optional), and also see the enigmatic Sphinx. More amazing sights confront us at the Egyptian Museum - with its mummified creatures, weaponry and jewels.

Tour itinerary

Day 1

Join Luxor.

Day 2 & 3

In Luxor: visit Karnak by calesh; donkey trek to Valley of Kings and Hatshepsut Temple. Train to Aswan.

Day 4

Optional visit to Abu Simbel; PM felucca sailing; dinner in Nubian village.

Day 5

Camel trek to St Simeon's Monastery; sail to Kom Ombo.

Day 6

Sail Esna Lock via Edfu Temple.

Day 7 & 8

Return Luxor; optional balloon flight; transfer to Hurghada on Red Sea.

Day 9 & 10

In Hurghada; boat trip to islands and reef snorkelling.

Day 11

Long drive to Cairo.

Day 12

In Cairo: visit Giza Pyramids and Sphinx; Egyptian Museum.

Day 13

Free in Cairo.

Day 14

End Cairo.