Egyptian Family Adventure
Egyptian Family Adventure
Egyptian Family Adventure
9 Days Starting in Cairo and ending in Hughada
Visiting: Cairo, The Egyptian Museum, Great Sphinx of Giza, Al Azhar Park, Al-Azhar Mosque, Nubian Village, Aswan, Aswan Low Dam, Philae Temple, Luxor Governorate, Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple Entrance, Colossi of Memnon, Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate
Tour operator:
Tour code:
FEN
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
8 - 20
Age range:
9-16
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Spectacular ancient monuments, vast desert and golden beaches make Egypt an exciting destination for all. We begin our adventure in exciting Cairo visiting the world-famous Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx; even the smallest children will be amazed at these magnificent wonders of the ancient world! Catching the overnight sleeper train to Aswan, we experience vibrant Nubian culture and bustling bazaars before drifting along the Nile on a traditional felucca. Downstream in Luxor, we explore the hidden tombs of the Pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings. We round off our holiday at the beach resort of Hurghada, where we venture beneath the waves to discover the brightly coloured fish and corals of the Red Sea.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Cairo.
Location: Cairo
Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Pyramids Park Resort or similar
The group flight usually arrives in Cairo this evening. The welcome briefing
will either take place this evening or tomorrow morning. Our family friendly
hotel is close to the pyramids, meaning that there is less distance to cover
for the sightseeing the next day.
Day 2 : Morning At The Pyramids And Great Sphinx Of Giza; Optional Visit To The Egyptian Museum.
Location: The Egyptian Museum, Great Sphinx of Giza
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pyramids Park Resort Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you'll enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of two of the city's most
celebrated sights. At Giza, to the west of the city, the enigmatic Sphinx and
Great Pyramids stand on the edge of the empty desert overlooking the city,
providing a great contrast between the ancient and the modern faces of Egypt.
More than 4000 years old, the pyramids are the only one of the Seven Wonders
of the Ancient World that remain intact - a testimony to the ingenuity and
skill of their builders. The afternoon is free to relax at our hotel, explore
Cairo, join an optional excursion to Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur or visit
the famed Egyptian Museum – home to the world’s largest collection of
ancient Egyptian artefacts including the incredible golden riches of
Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Day 3 : Afternoon Cairo Tour; Board Sleeper Train In The Evening.
Location: Al Azhar Park, Al-Azhar Mosque
Accommodation: Sleeper train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After a leisurely start to the day we will transfer to Al Azhar mosque which
dates back to AD970 and is Cairo’s oldest. The mosque is still frequently
visited by locals to this day and we will need to cover up (long sleeves and
trousers) to enter - as when entering all mosques. Women will also need to
cover their hair with a scarf. We then have time for lunch and an explore of
Al Azhar Park before moving on to the historic centre of Islamic Cairo for a
walk around the bazaars of Khan el-Khalili. This evening we transfer to the
railway station and board our sleeper train to Aswan (which takes
approximately 12 hours).
Day 4 : Arrive Aswan; Afternoon Felucca Ride.
Location: Nubian Village, Aswan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Basma Hotel or similar*
Meals Included: Breakfast
We arrive in Aswan during the morning. To travellers in ancient times, the
town was legendary as the entrance to the kingdom of Nubia. Today it's still
something of a frontier town. With its mixed population of Egyptians and
Nubians, Aswan is quite unlike any other town in the country, and a
fascinating place to visit. By virtue of its position on the old caravan
route, it has always been a trading centre and we thoroughly recommend a
visit to the packed bazaar today where merchants display a wealth of exotic
spices, carpets, leather goods and countless other wares. There will be time
to relax after the train journey or visit a nearby Nubian village before we
board a traditional felucca in the afternoon and explore the Nile. Along the
way we will have a glimpse of rural life along this fertile valley and the
golden dunes beyond.
Day 5 : Aswan Dam And Philae Temple; Transfer To Luxor.
Location: Aswan Low Dam, Philae Temple, Luxor Governorate
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Iberotel Luxor or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
We begin today with a visit to the Philae Temple and Aswan High Dam. In the
1970s the temple was relocated by UNESCO to Aglika Island after it became
evident that the original site of Philae would submerge on completion of the
dam. This morning represents a magnificent and enduring testament to both
ancient and modern engineering. After lunch we drive north, following the
path of the Nile to Luxor (approx. 4 hours). Known in ancient times as
Thebes, Luxor was the capital of Egypt's New Kingdom for some 500 years. Upon
arrival there may be some time to see some of the town before dinner.
Day 6 : Explore The Valley Of The Kings And The Colossi Of Memnon; Evening Light Show At Karnak Temple.
Location: Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple Entrance, Colossi of Memnon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Iberotel Luxor or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rising early, we cross the Nile and drive to the secluded valley where 63
Pharaohs were buried as part of their journey to the afterlife. We have time
to explore some of the exquisitely decorated tombs of these ancient rulers.
It is here that the burial site of the boy-king, Tutankhamun, discovered by
British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922, can be found. Afterwards we
visit the massive stone statues of the Colossi of Memnon and stop by the
A.C.E animal hospital to learn about the efforts taken to improve animal
welfare in Egypt. Later this evening we visit Karnak Temple for a sound and
light show which recounts the dramatic history of ancient Thebes in an
extravagant and fun way.
Day 7 : Transfer To Hurghada; Submarine Ride And Snorkelling In Red Sea.
Location: Hurghada, Red Sea Governorate
Accommodation: Minamark Beach Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we leave behind the green Nile valley and drive through the
barren Eastern Desert to the Red Sea (approx. 4 hours). Our destination is
Hurghada, a vibrant beach resort ideally located for activities out at sea
and in the nearby desert. After lunch we board a semi-submersible vessel in
the style of a yellow submarine and explore the coral wonderland beneath the
surface of the Red Sea. There will also be time for some snorkelling before
returning to dry land.
Day 8 : Free Day At The Red Sea Or For Optional Activities In The Sahara Desert.
Location: Red Sea Governorate
Accommodation: Minamark Beach Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is free to relax or enjoy the many optional activities in the area (see
the Optional Activities section of the trip notes for details of what is
available).
Day 9 : End Hurghada.
Location: Hurghada
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our trip ends today. Those on the group flights will be taken to airport for
the flight to London.
What's Included
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Meals
8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners.
* All breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
* All accommodation (see accommodation section)
* All transport and listed activities
* Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
What's Not Included
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Visas or vaccinations
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Single accommodation (available on request)
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Travel insurance
Food
All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners included.
Food in Egypt involves such things as kebabs, chicken, stews, pitta-bread,
felafel, beans, aubergine and other vegetables, pickles, salads. Dishes tend
to be simple and wholesome. Western dishes are normally available and
vegetarians can be catered for if they accept that the options may be
somewhat limited.
Accommodation
We use a range of four-star (local rating) properties throughout this trip. Below are the places we typically use during our time in Egypt.
Cairo: Helnan Dream Hotel (nights 1 and 2)
In Cairo we typically use the Helnan Dream Hotel which is a short drive to the Pyramids and is located next to the Dreamland Amusement park, a great place to visit if you arrive a day or two before the tour starts. The Helnan has a large pool, a children's pool and hot tub. It has great sitting areas around the pools and an indoor and outdoor restaurant.
Cairo to Aswan: Sleeper train (night 3)
We travel from Cairo to Aswan on the overnight sleeper train. We stay in first-class cabins, which are compact and have bunk beds. Bedding is provided. The train tends to shake due to the condition of the track and is quite noisy. Earplugs are a good idea. A basic dinner and breakfast are provided, you may wish to take snacks with you. There is a shared toilet in each carriage.
Aswan: Basma Hotel (night 4)
On the highest hill in Aswan, directly opposite the Nubian Museum, the Basma occupies a privileged spot. Rooms come in a mixture of styles, many with views over the city or the Nile, and you can spend your free time cooling off in the expansive pool. The property is also home to The Lotus restaurant, which serves an eclectic mix of international and local cuisines, plus the Vienna Cafe, where you can enjoy light bites, hot drinks and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Luxor: Steigenberger Nile Palace (nights 5 and 6)
In Luxor, we stay at this rather grand hotel beside the Nile. There’s a pool overlooking the river plus a spa and fitness area. The selection of dining options is vast and includes: Nubia, a Nubian-themed eatery; the Nile Bar and Lounge, which serves light bites and is well worth visiting during sunset; and The View, where you can enjoy ‘creative culinary art’ with vistas over the Nile and Theban mountains.
Hurghada: Sea Star Beau Rivage (nights 7 and 8)
Enjoy a private sandy beach with sun umbrellas, sunbeds and wind protection or hop into the swimming pool when you stay at the Sea Star Beau Rivage. The are also two outside lounge areas, a cafe and a bar, plus an eight-hole mini-golf course.
Worth knowing
The sleeper trains in Egypt are fairly dated so although classified as first class you should be prepared for a lower standard than Western countries.
Wifi is chargeable at the Sea Star Beau Rivage (approximately US$6.40 a day) and only available close to the reception area, not in the rooms. Please also note, Hurghada is a resort town and some guests could be in party mode.
Check out our Q&As
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 9 years old.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Oct 26, 2024 - Nov 03, 2024Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.