Our exciting Egypt family adventure begins in the lively city of Cairo, and takes us to Aswan, Luxor, and the Red Sea town of Hurghada. We ride camels & donkeys, sail on feluccas and cruise boats and ride in a horse drawn carriage. In Cairo we explore the Pyramids and Sphinx, and then visit the Egyptian Museum packed full of ancient treasures and Royal Mummies, before exploring the old bazaar. We take the overnight train south to Aswan where the Temple of Philae, High Dam and sunset felucca cruise awaits. Next our Nile cruise boat transports us down the Nile to Luxor, where we include the Sound and Light show at Karnak Temple, and go by donkey to the famous Valley of the Kings with its ancient tombs. The last few days of our tour are spent relaxing at Hurghada on the Red Sea. Here we take a boat trip to snorkel, and have free time at the beach, before returning to Cairo where our family adventure ends.

Cairo.  Arrive at Cairo Airport. Our representative will meet and assist you. An arrival transfer is included to your hotel.  Your pre departure meeting is at 6pm today to meet your tour leader and fellow travellers, then this evening is free for you to relax or explore a little.

An arrival transfer is included, so please ensure that you have provided Kumuka with your flight details. We must have received your flight details at least 2 weeks in advance to be able to confirm this service. Please note that the arrival transfer is included if you arrive on Day 1, or if you have booked pre tour accommodation at the joining hotel.

Cairo is the largest city in Africa with between 12 and 18 million inhabitants - nobody is sure, but there are quite a few. Driving is an experience, as it appears that Egyptian vehicle inspectors are fairly lenient and that the only roadworthy requirement on the cars is a workable horn, which must be continuously tested.

The city itself is fascinating. Apart from the rich history, there are good markets, restaurants, banks and even a metro (underground railway). In typical Egyptian style, there are no maps of the underground so you will have to ask the tourist police.

Cairo to Aswan. After breakfast, you will be taken on a guided tour of the Egyptian Museum. The museum houses more than 10,000 relics of ancient Egypt. There you can see the famous Tutankhamen Gallery and The Royal Mummies. The museum is home to millions of artefacts, mummies and reclaimed artworks alongside the extremely impressive Tutanhkamoun exhibition. 

Then you will see Coptic Cairo, the Hanging Church, Islamic Cairo, the Saladin Citadel, the Mohammed Ali Mosque, the old Cairo bazaar (Khan El Khalili) and the El Fishawey coffee shop. 

This evening we take the sleeper train (around 12 hours) up the Nile valley to Aswan. Overnight board on the sleeper train.

The sleeper trains used in Egypt have cabins with a sink and 2 bunk beds and small bag compartment. There are shared toilet facilities on board and breakfast and dinner is served. You may like to buy water and drinks and snacks in advance to take with you onto the train.

Breakfast included.

Nile Cruise, Kom Ombo & Edfu (Optional Abu Simbel).  For those that have chosen the Abu Simbel optional you will have a very early start this morning.  You can choose from either coach transport or a flight. Please note that it is advised that if you wish to take the flight option, that you request and book this in advance, preferably at the time of booking, as flights are subject to availability. If you prefer to take the coach option, then this can be booked locally through your local guide at a cost of approximately US$100 per person (subject to change).

Please note that entrance fees for Abu Simbel are not included in the option price and MUST be paid locally at Abu Simbel - the entrance fees are approximately US$25 pp

Not only are the two temples at Abu Simbel among the most magnificent monuments in the world but their removal and reconstruction was a historic event in itself. When the temples (280 km from Aswan) were threatened by submersion in Lake Nasser, due to the construction of the High Dam, the Egyptian Government secured the support of UNESCO and launched a world wide appeal. During the salvage operation which began in 1964 and continued until 1968, the two temples were dismantled and raised over 60 metres up the sandstone cliff where they had been built more than 3,000 years before.

For those that do not take the optional trip to Abu Simbel, there is a free morning. At about 1pm, we board our Nile Cruise ship. We take in the breathtaking scenery while cruising down the Nile, and visit Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples. At Edfu Temple you will learn the interesting history of this Greek built temple and explore the great hypostyle hall and famed falcons.  Rejoining our ship, we continue our cruise passing through the Esna lock.  Built by the British in the last century the lock was the first of many attempts made to tame the mighty Nile. From Esna we will continue to Luxor.

Nile Cruise Boat - breakfast, dinner included.

Please note that drinks are not included on the cruise. We recommend that you take your own water and drinks with you on to the cruise boat, as these can be purchased more cheaply in Aswan. Additional supplies can be purchased on shore stops.

Please note that occasionally the cruise may run in reverse from Luxor to Aswan - in this case the itinerary will be amended accordingly. The cruise schedule is also subject to change.

Luxor.  After breakfast we disembark our cruise ship ready to start a tour of the West Bank of Luxor including a donkey ride to the Valley of the Kings and visit to the Valley of the Queens. The tour starts with the world famous Valley of the Kings where you can enter some of the incredible tombs of the New Kingdom Pharoahs, like King Tutankhamun (optional). Then we go to the Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir al-Bahri). This is the mortuary temple of the only Pharonic Queen of Egypt with very unusual architecture. And we finish with the great Colossi of Memnon, the last remains of Amenophis III's temple.

We stay overnight at a hotel in Luxor. The evening is free to relax and maybe venture out to the night markets.

Breakfast included.

Hurghada.  After breakfast this morning we take a boat trip in the Red Sea, to snorkel. The rest of the day is free at leisure. In the evening you may like to enjoy the local cuisine in one of the many restaurants available.

Breakfast included.

Hurghada to Cairo.  The morning is free until we depart for Cairo at about midday. We travel by air conditioned private vehicle back to Cairo. The journey takes about 7 hours, but we have several stops along the way to break up the journey. Overnight in Cairo

Breakfast included.

Please note that there is an option to fly back to Cairo as opposed to going by road. Flights are subject to availability, and it is advised that if required, you prebook as early as possible to ensure seats. Prices and availability on request.

The Oasis Hotel

Cairo Alex Desert Rd,

Pyramids

12556 Cairo

Egypt

Tel: + 202 838 7333/7666

Fax: + 202 838 7916

Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible.

Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect.

This itinerary will be followed as closely as possible. However there may be times when it is necessary to change the route according to local conditions. There will be times travelling long hours as there will be days where we have to cover great distances. Weather patterns can change dramatically - high altitudes tend to be a lot cooler.

You are free not to participate in any of the included excursions. However, please note that there will be no refund for any excursions not taken.

Lastly, your tour leader is always conscious of everybody's views, but sometimes he/she will have to make an unpopular decision and your understanding will be appreciated in these circumstances.

The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 6pm THE DAY of the scheduled departure date. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your crew and fellow passengers. In each departure city we have named a joining hotel from where the tour will leave. It is your responsibility to make your way to this hotel.

PLEASE ADVISE KUMUKA OR YOUR AGENT IF YOU WILL BE ARRIVING LATE AND ARE THEREFORE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING.

In addition the crew will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting.

All passengers MUST bring:

1. Passport.

2. Vaccination Certificate.

3. Travel Voucher.

4. Travel Insurance Policy.

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Middle East trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides visa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this.

EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.

Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

In general, travel to Egypt is very safe, group travel even more so. However as in every country thieves may be about and you should always use your common sense in regard to your possessions. Take at least the same precautions you would take if traveling around your own country. Please do not worry yourself sick, yet at the same time be prudent and keep your valuables in a safe secure place whenever possible. All money and travel related documents should be kept in a secure place, NOT in your luggage. Concealing them under your clothing in a cotton pouch, money belt or pockets sewn inside loose clothing is recommended.

Do keep an alert eye open at all times and don’t be lulled into a false sense of security if nothing happens. Always listen to your tour leader’s advice at all times and heed any warnings given. Most of our hotels have safe deposit boxes in the rooms or a safe at reception, where we suggest you deposit your valuables upon arrival. If you are using the reception’s safe, put your valuables into a sealed envelope and sign across the seal to make sure it is not opened. Get a receipt on all occasions.

We suggest passengers budget for between US$20-30 per day (not including optional excursions) for personal expenses, souvenirs, evening out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget.

US Dollar cash is more widely accepted than pounds sterling when changing money. You will need to obtain the currency of the country you are visiting upon arrival. This will cover you for any initial expenses at or from the airport, and also during your trip. Most general expenses in restaurants and markets are payable in the local currency.

US Dollar cash are needed to pay for optionals. Credit cards are accepted in the larger cities. You can also get money from ATMs in most towns or cities. Do not however rely on using your credit card as your major source of funds. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most widely accepted credit cards. Visa being the most useful.

We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels and campsites there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where this is possible.Generally conditions will be warm and dry however do account for long sleeves and long trousers in religious or more remote areas. Also remember that if you are visiting the Western desert, Sinai desert or during the winter months, evenings can get a very chilly so don’t forget to pack a jumper or two.

Personal Effects:

Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music cassettes/CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen

NOTE:

If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.

As a general guideline, clothing should be lightweight, loose fitting, hard-wearing and easily washed.  In Egypt's hot summer months, cotton clothing is much more comfortable than man-made materials like nylon.  You should bear in mind that Egypt has conservative attitudes towards dress, particularly in remote areas.  Make sure you allow for climate changes and remember that even in very hot countries, night-time and early morning temperatures can be cold.

With this in consideration we advise the following clothing to take with you;

Depending on the season - a jacket or sweater, rain jacket, hiking boots or trainers, thick socks, flip-flops or waterproof sandals, shorts, light slacks (men), loose-fitting pants or long skirts (women), short sleeves, t-shirts, hat, underwear and socks. 

You will need an electrical adaptor is you have any electrical equipment or a phone to charge.  All appliances require a double round pin type plug for 220 volts AC, 50-hertz.

On the Nile Cruise Ship there is ample deck space, a large sundeck with a swimming pool and a spacious shaded seating area with its own bar. It is here you will witness the most fabulous views of the majestic River Nile. Open Buffet meals are served in the air-conditioned restaurant and there is a lounge bar where you can enjoy your evening listening to music or playing cards. The air-conditioned twin-bedded cabins each have a private en-suite bathtub, shower, toilet and sink. The rooms offer a large panoramic view of the river.

Like any crossroads culture, Egyptian cuisine has picked and chosen those ingredients and food that grow best as well as best meet the flavor and nutritional needs of their people. Bridging Africa and Asia as it does, Egypt has a lot from which to choose.

The shish kebab style is extremely popular and is served either with or without the skewers but always with traditional accompaniments: greens and tomato salad, tahini sauce and pita bread. So you can stuff your own sandwich if you want. Bread is always whole wheat pita, coated with coarse ground wheat, round, fragrant and sheer heaven when hot from the oven. Often pita plus a dipping sauce, tahini, hummus or babaganoush, makes a fast food meal and a healthy, delicious one at that.

Eggplant, mashed as the main ingredient in babaganoush, is also used in Egyptian moussaka with a mild white cheese. Okra, cabbage, cauliflower and potatoes show up frequently, stewed with tomatoes and garlic. Rice is a universal constant and was consistently wonderful, even for breakfast! The grains mix short basmatilike rice with longer brown and nutty tasting rice.

Although Egypt is a Muslim country, most of the hotels serve alcoholic drinks (during Ramadan, some hotels will close their bars). Locally produced spirits and wine are OK, and the local beer “Stella” is quite good.

A basic lunch and dinner (main meal + salad) in a local restaurant will cost you between £3 and £6 (US $5 and US $10), a soft drink about £ 0.50 (US $0.90).  The beer prices differ depending on the region (town) and the atmosphere of the bar-pub-restaurant etc. A bottle of beer will cost you around £1.50 (US$2.50) and bottle of wine will cost approx. £ 6 (US$ 11) in a backpacker pub and bar.

Please also bear in mind that haggling is a way of life in the Middle East. Haggling should always be relaxed and can be a lot of fun – you will find most shop owners are very friendly and will probably invite you in for a cup of tea to break the ice before the haggling starts.

Egyptian summers are hot and dry in most of the country and humid in the Delta and along the Mediterranean Coast. In recent years the humidity has spread to Cairo and the city swelters in August. Winters are mild with some rain, but usually there are bright, sunny days and cold nights.

There is a short spring and autumn and during the 50 days (khamseen) between the end of March and mid-May, dust storms can occur sporadically.

If you are traveling between November and March on a tour that includes trekking in the Sinai or cruising on the Nile you should expect temperatures to fall considerably at night. At this time of year temperatures can often fall below freezing near Mt. Sinai.

You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.

All types of camera film are readily available in the Middle East however it is often cheaper to purchase it in your country of origin or through duty free.

As a guideline, most people use approximately one to two rolls of 36 per week. Fast film (200-400 ASA) may be useful at times and black & white film is nice to use for portraits of local people. A zoom lens is also useful.

Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission.It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations. Most Middle Eastern countries have very strict rules about taking photos of army, police or any official personnel; restrictions apply at borders and in any government buildings. Please exercise care in this regard as the penalty may be to have your film and/or camera confiscated.

E-mail is the easiest way to stay in contact with family and friends, and Internet Cafés can be found either in, or close to the places we stay. Most mobile phones work in Egypt, and International phone cards are readily available for use from a public phone.

Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback

Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com