Egypt Family Adventure

Meals Included
12 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 5 Dinners

Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with Gap Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to Gap Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Transport
Private van, Sleeper train, Camel, Donkey, Horse drawn carriage, Plane, Walking

Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

Accommodation
Comfortable hotels (11 nts), Sleeper train (1 nt)

Day 1 Cairo
You are welcome to arrive in Cairo at any time, as today is a designated arrival day with no planned activities. Please make sure that you have informed your Gap Adventures sales representative or travel agent of your flight arrival details so we can arrange for your arrival transfer to our joining hotel. See Joining Instructions for more information. Please note that there will be an important welcome meeting this evening at our joining hotel. Please check the hotel notice board for more information on the location of this meeting or ask at reception. Please bring your passport and travel insurance documents to this meeting, as you will be required to fill out some important pre-trip admin documents, as well as turn in your Local Payment (where applicable) in the specified currency. After learning more about our tour and plans for the following day, you are welcome to join our leader and your travelling companions for an optional dinner nearby. If you arrive early there are plenty of things to see and do in this amazing city. Visit the Saladin Citadel of Cairo one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, or to really get a feel for the place, get lost in the bazaars and join the locals for a coffee in a local cafe.

Day 2 Cairo, Overnight train (B,D)
Begin the day with one of the real highlights of any trip to Egypt, a visit to the three pyramids of Giza. While once located in remote desert, they now touch the suburbs of modern Cairo. No matter how many photos or documentaries you have seen, your first glimpse of these marvels of the ancient world will take your breath away. As a qualified Egyptologist, your tour leader is able to expertly explain the facts and myths behind these three mammoth works of art. You will also visit the mysterious Sphinx with its lion’s body and man’s face. Time permitting there might be the chance to see inside one of the two smaller pyramids, take a ride around the pyramids on camel back or visit the fascinating Solar Boat Museum with displays on one of the pharaoh’s funerary barges - it may just be the oldest boat in existence! (NB. Extra entrance fees apply to all of these sites/activities) In the evening we transfer to the railway station to board our overnight train to Aswan. Accommodation on the sleeper train is in comfortable twin-share bunk-bed compartments with lockable doors. The beds convert into seats when not in use and luggage is stored under the bottom bunk. Bedding is provided and there is a small wash basin with soap and a towel provided. Shared toilet facilities are at the end of each carriage. A simple “airline style” dinner is provided, but most guests prefer to eat before boarding the train. Drinks are available to purchase and there is a bar car for socialising. In the morning you will be brought a simple continental style breakfast around two hours before arrival. Overnight on sleeper train. Estimated Travel Time: Cairo to Aswan, 12hrs (overnight train)

Days 3-4 Aswan (2B,1D)
Our train is due to arrive in Aswan early in the morning, but as ever, we should be prepared for "Egypt time"! Aswan has a distinctively African feel to it. Small enough to walk around and graced with the most beautiful setting on the Nile, the pace of life is slow and relaxing. Enjoy some free time in the morning to perhaps browse in the souk, full of the scent and colour of spices, perfumes, scarves and baskets or take a walk along the Nileside corniche and admire the scenery. In the afternoon we board a local boat known as a felucca, to explore this area of the Nile from the water. Crossing to the West Bank, it's time to board our camels for a short hour-long ride to view the ruined sixth century monastery of St. Simeon. Once again boarding our felucca, we sail past the Agha Khan Mausoleum and make a stop at the botanical gardens on Kitchener Island. Later, we visit a Nubian village, where we'll take a walk around the community and there may even be the chance for you to peek into a school, before we enjoy a traditional dinner at a local home. This is a great chance to meet some of the kids of Elephantine Island who will be very happy (and curious) to meet you. There is often music in Nubian houses and your leader may be able to organise some drumming for you. An option on Day 4 is a very early start to head out to the magnificent temple of Abu Simbel. Leaving Aswan at around 4am you travel deep into the desert to the site of these enormous temples, on the shores of Lake Nasser. You can spend around two hours at the temples and then return to Aswan by about 2pm. The round trip drive is around 5 hours. There is also the option to fly to the Temples. Please ask your tour leader for more information on both of these options. With the rest of your day, it is possible to take a half-day tour to visit the Unfinished Obelisk, the High Dam and the island Temple of Philae. You may like to visit the modern Nubian Museum to learn more about Aswan's local people. Ask your tour leader for more details. Overnight in Aswan (2 nights).

Days 5-7 Luxor (3B,1L)
This morning we will make our way by private vehicle to Luxor. Our first stop will be to explore the Temple of Kom Ombo. In a scenic location, right on the banks of the Nile, Kom Ombo was dedicated to the Crocodile God and you can still view the remains of an ancient mummified crocodile, which was worshipped here thousands of years ago. In the middle of a bustling village, our next stop, Edfu Temple, is the most completely preserved temple in all of Egypt and thus fascinating to wander through. When we arrive in Luxor we will have some time to settle in to the hotel and maybe even a quick dip in the pool before sunset when we jump aboard our horse and carriage for an orientation tour of Luxor. There is an ancient temple right in the centre of Luxor and you'll be able to see how beautiful it looks lit up at night. On Day 6, it's time to cross to the West Bank and have a turn at travelling by "Egyptian Mercedes"- otherwise known as a donkey! You'll be amazed by the huge Colossi of Memnon, giant statues that are all that remains of an ancient temple. Then we head off into the desert, to the Valley of the Kings. Get ready for some narrow passageways as we head down into the Pharaohs' burial chambers. There many wall paintings relate mostly to the Egyptian afterlife. You won't believe how bright the paint is after so many centuries - it could have been painted yesterday! Queens were powerful too in ancient Egypt and the impressive Temple of Queen Hatsheput seems to rise right out of the surrounding rocky stone. We enjoy our lunch at a local restaurant with great views over the Nile before heading back to our hotel in Luxor. Spend the afternoon playing in the pool or go shopping for bargains in the bazzar. On the morning of Day 7, we will find out all the gory details of how mummies are made at the Mummification Musuem. The rest of the day is yours to take a stroll along the Nile Corniche, visit the majestic Karnak Temple or just spend the afternoon playing in the pool at our hotel. In the evening, your tour leader will take you to a local cafe and teach you how to play the game of backgammon, a fun board game, while the older members of the family can take the chance to enjoy an Egyptian coffee and perhaps indulge in smoking a sheesha pipe. Overnight in Luxor (3 nights).

Days 8-10 Hurghada (3B,3D)
After enjoying an early breakfast, we will travel by private minibus to the Red Sea town of Hurghada. Upon arrival we'll check-in to our beach resort and the remainder of your time here will be free to relax or enjoy some water sports such as swimming, scuba diving, wind surfing or snorkelling. You might want to head into town for a spot of shopping. Your time is yours to do as little or as much as you and your family decide. Overnight in Hurghada (3 nights). Estimated Travel Time: Luxor to Hurghada, 5 hrs

Days 11-12 Cairo (2B)
Today we take a short flight back to Cairo. We can't miss the famous Egyptian Museum where we'll get a chance to check out the treasures of Tutankhamun's tomb and you can see what a mummy looks like without its bandages! Afterwards, it's time for us to take a step back in time - a visit to Pharaonic Village is like a time machine waiting to take you on a fantastic journey to the days of the Pharaohs. Khan El Khalili bazaar, in Old Cairo is a bit like Aladdin's cave and a great way to go home with a few treasures as a reminder of your fantastic adventure. On our final night, why not finish up a wonderful adventure with dinner and entertainment sailing on a cruise boat on the Nile. Overnight in Cairo (2 nights). Estimated Travel Time: Luxor to Cairo, 1hr (flight time)

Day 13 Cairo (1B)
You are free to depart at any time today. Please note that check-out time from the hotel is normally mid-morning, but luggage storage facilities are available. We are able to organise extra post-trip accommodation if you wish to extend your stay for a few more days. Please ask at the time of booking.

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
8/2/2010 - 8/14/2010	$1,329
8/16/2010 - 8/28/2010	$1,329
10/25/2010 - 11/6/2010	$1,329
11/22/2010 - 12/4/2010	$1,329
12/18/2010 - 12/30/2010	$1,429
12/20/2010 - 1/1/2011	$1,329
1/31/2011 - 2/12/2011	$1,329
3/14/2011 - 3/26/2011	$1,329
4/18/2011 - 4/30/2011	$1,329
5/9/2011 - 5/21/2011	$1,329
6/6/2011 - 6/18/2011	$1,329
7/4/2011 - 7/16/2011	$1,329
7/18/2011 - 7/30/2011	$1,329
8/1/2011 - 8/13/2011	$1,329
8/15/2011 - 8/27/2011	$1,329
9/12/2011 - 9/24/2011	$1,329
10/24/2011 - 11/5/2011	$1,329
11/21/2011 - 12/3/2011	$1,329
12/17/2011 - 12/29/2011	$1,329
12/19/2011 - 12/31/2011	$1,329
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Group Leader Description
This Gap Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.

Group Size Notes
Max 15, Avg 10

Your Fellow Travellers
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.

Highlights
Giza Pyramids and Sphynx, Dinner with a local family, Valley of the Kings, Hatsheput Temple, Sail in a felucca, Desert camel ride, Learn to pay backgammon with your tour leader, Donkey ride at the Valley of the Kings, Learn how mummies are made

Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Important Notes
1. If you arrive a day or two early in Cairo and wish to do some excursions, we recommend that you wait until you get to the joining hotel and contact our local staff for more information on available tours and excursions. Tourists are frequently over-charged for excursions bought from vendors on the street or at the airport. 2. As we have designed this trip especially for families, there are very few long driving days involved. The exceptions are if you wish to join the optional excursion to Abu Simbel by road (about 3 hours each way); and the drives from Aswan to Luxor and Luxor to Hurghada are approximately 4 hours each trip. These journeys will be made by private air-conditioned bus. 3. Ramadan 2010: Depending on the lunar cycles, around August 10th for a month. 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 limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-muslims throughout the day. 4. US Dollars that are series 1996 or earlier are not accepted and very difficult to change in regions of East and Southern Africa, as there are a lot of forgeries in circulation.

Single Travellers
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

What to Take
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labelled and restricted to one backpack, soft compact suitcase, or sports bag (maximum 15kg) plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited. Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags. It is important to pack clothes for warm to hot days and cool evenings. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable.

Checklist
Suggested Items: •Light fleece top •Light windproof/waterproof jacket •Small towel and swimwear •Sun hat •Personal clothing for mild to hot weather (See also "What to Take" and "Local Dress" sections of this dossier) •Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes •Sport sandals •Sunblock •Flashlight/headlamp •Sunglasses •Toiletries (biodegradable) •Watch or alarm clock •Water bottle •Purification tablets or filter •Pocketknife •Money belt •First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking) Optional Items: •Camera and film •Reading/writing material •Binoculars •Cover for backpacks Documents: •Passport (with photocopies) •Travel insurance (with photocopies) •Airline tickets (with photocopies) •EUR/USD cash •Credit or debit card (see personal spending money) •Gap Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier •Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required

Visas
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements. Many nationalities including all Western European and Arab countries, USA, Australia and New Zealand are able to obtain a one-month single entry visa on arrival at Cairo International airport (follow directions to the visa payment desk on arrival at the terminal and have your cash ready) or at the Egyptian land border. The cost is USD15 or equivalent in EUR/GBP. All change will be given to you in Egyptian Pounds. Please note that for other nationalities it is necessary to organise your visa before you travel. It is vital that you check the conditions attached to your particular passport and make the necessary arrangements in advance.

Departure Tax
Departure tax is usually included in your air tickets. If you depart Egypt via Nuweiba Port, there is a departure tax of approximately 9 USD.

Tipping
Egypt has a very strong tipping culture - it is customary and even expected to tip small service providers such as restaurant and bar waiters, hotel staff, reception, cleaning personnel, bell boys, taxis and van drivers. Tips are regarded as an essential means of supplementing income for those working in the tourism industry. Even though this might not be customary to you, nor such common practice in your home country, it is generally expected and of great significance to the people who will be assisting you during your travels. Depending on your preference and/or that of the group, you may choose to tip individually, organize the tipping with your travelling companions, or, your Tour Leader will offer to collect the tip money at the beginning of your tour and tip as a group with your participation as the tour progresses. A recommendation for tipping small service providers is about $3 USD per day, depending on the quality of the service (this does not include your Gap Adventures Tour Leader). Feel free to ask your Tour Leader for the breakdown/distribution of the tips. Note that if you have been very disappointed by a particular service, please inform your Tour Leader right away, and the tip will be adjusted accordingly. Also, at the end of your trip if you felt your Gap Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is also expected and appreciated. The precise amount is entirely a personal preference, however $20-25 USD per person per week can be used as a general guideline.

Health
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. DRINKING WATER: It is advisable to drink bottled water in Egypt. There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. Though malaria does exist in Egypt, it is not normally found in the areas where we travel. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes, as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

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