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NILE FAMILY ADVENTURE

Price from
£1,599
(per person)
Duration
9
Days
Tour Type
Family

HIGHLIGHTS

Pyramids & Sphinx, Tutankhamun exhibit at the Egyptian Museum, Camel ride at the Pyramids, boat trip to Philae temple, overnight Felucca cruise, Luxor temples & tombs
COUNTRIES : Egypt

This tour is carefully designed for families wishing to visit Egypt with their children. It mixes visits to the pyramids & sphinx, Cairo museums and Pharaonic temples and tombs with some more challenging activities including a short camel ride and a cruise along the Nile on a traditional felucca sailboat. We select our guides for their skills and experience with families & children, and group sizes are small to make sure you get as much as possible out of what we are sure will be a once in a lifetime holiday.

Starting in Cairo we head out to the mighty Pyramids and Sphinx followed by a trip to the vast Egyptian Museum, with its famous mummy room and Tutankhamun exhibition. Leaving Cairo we jump on board the sleeper train to Aswan where we visit the island Temple of Philae, enjoy a traditional Nubian meal and visit a local school. There is also the option to visit the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel. Next we take to the Nile for a cruise on a traditional felucca sailboat and enjoy watching rural Egypt pass by as we float down the river. Arriving into Luxor we take time to visit the pharaonic tombs in the Valley of the Kings as well as the monumental Temple of Karnak. Its then back on board the overnight train to Cairo where we take a tour of the city, including the mazy Khan-el-Kalili bazaar, before we transfer you back to the airport for your flight home.

We greet you at Cairo airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to settle into your hotel and relax after your journey.

  • OVERNIGHT:
    Cairo hotel
  • EXTRAS:
    Extra day in Cairo - pre-tour, Single room supplement (EGFANA)

We start today's tour with a bang, with a visit to the immense Pyramids & Sphinx at Gisa. We also include a camel ride at the pyramids, fun for all the family, and a great photo opportunity as well. We then head into the centre of town and visit the Egyptian Museum with its collection of mummies, and of course the familiar and famous Tutankhamun exhibit with the original golden mask on display. This evening we take an overnight sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan (approx. 12 hours, private twin cabins).

  • OVERNIGHT:
    On board train
  • MEALS:
    Breakfast, Dinner
  • EXTRAS:
    Cairo to Aswan flight upgrade

The River Nile is at its most picturesque here in Aswan and we take advantage of this with a tour to the beautiful island temple of Philae by boat. During term times we'll also visit a local school where we arrange a fun and informal joint English/Arabic language class with children of a similar age to your group. A Nubian meal is also included today.

  • OVERNIGHT:
    Aswan hotel
  • MEALS:
    Breakfast, Lunch

There is the option very early this morning for a tour to the temples to Ramses II at Abu Simbel, which have a fascinating story as they were completely dismantled and rebuilt piece by piece to escape the rising waters of Lake Nasser. If you don't do Abu Simbel, the morning is free to explore Aswan's busy and exotic bazaar, or relax in the hotel before we board our felucca sailboat for a few hours sailing on the Nile. We have a fun night's sleep on the deck of the boat and are looked after well by our Nubian crew (toilets and showers are available on a support boat that will join up with us from time to time, and an option to upgrade to a luxury Nile cruise boat is also available).

  • OVERNIGHT:
    On board felucca
  • MEALS:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • EXTRAS:
    Nile cruise upgrade, Abu Simbel overland

After breakfast, we enjoy some more sailing on the Nile today before driving to Luxor where we check into our hotel by the Nile.The rest of the afternoon is free.

  • OVERNIGHT:
    Luxor hotel
  • MEALS:
    Breakfast

There is the option today of a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the west bank of the Nile. Today's tour takes in the West bank of the Nile, visiting the Pharaonic tombs in the Valley of the Kings, and the unique temple to Queen Hatchepsut where we learn about her fascinating story. The afternoon is free to relax in the hotel, explore Luxor town, take another felucca trip on the Nile to Banana island, or perhaps visit the Mummification museum.

  • OVERNIGHT:
    Luxor hotel
  • MEALS:
    Breakfast
  • EXTRAS:
    Hot air balloon in Luxor

We tour one of Egypt's biggest and most impressive sites today, Karnak temple, with its huge temples, obelisks, statues and columned halls. The afternoon is free in Luxor before we head to the station to catch the sleeper train back to Cairo (approx. 9 hours). You can upgrade one or both train journeys to internal flights if you prefer.

  • OVERNIGHT:
    On board train
  • MEALS:
    Breakfast

After arriving back in Cairo and checking into our hotel, we have a short tour to explore the mosque and museum at the Citadel overlooking the city, and to wander around and possibly do some haggling and souvenir shopping in the busy Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. We'll visit a traditional local Koshari shop for a snack lunch and in the evening we include a farewell dinner to say goodbye to your Egyptologist guide and fellow travellers.

  • OVERNIGHT:
    Cairo hotel
  • MEALS:
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The tour ends today and your time is free until we transfer you to airport for your flight home.

  • OVERNIGHT:
    N/A
  • MEALS:
    Breakfast
  • EXTRAS:
    Extra day in Cairo - post-tour
Included:
  • Accommodation in 4 & 5-star hotels & resorts
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • All transfers, including 24-hour airport transfer service
  • Sightseeing tours & Egyptologist guides as per itinerary
  • All transport in AC minibus/coach & sleeper train
  • Tipping kitty (approx. US$45)
  • Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary


Excluded:
  • International flights (available on request)
  • Visa costs (available on arrival for most nationalities for US$25)
  • Travel insurancee (compulory, available on request)
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
  • Tips for tour guide & drivers
  • Hotel gala dinners (if charged by the hotels on 24 & 31 Dec, see Tour notes)
  • Sleeping bag (recommended for the felucca Nov-Feb)
  • Any other items not mentioned above

Notes:

Hotel Gala Dinners
Many of Egypt's hotels and Nile cruise boats arrange a very special gala dinner in the evening on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Payment for these is often optional on Christmas Eve (24 Dec) but may be compulsory on New Year's Eve (31 Dec), whether you attend or not. Prices can range from around US$50 to over US$150 per person. Final decisions on prices and whether dinners are compulsory are made relatively close to the time. Gala dinner prices are therefore not included in our prices above, and will be added to your booking if required. More information is available on request.

Nile Family Adventure accommodation
The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we use most often on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level. In general, specific hotels cannot be guaranteed on our group tours, but you may select your preferred options if you are booking a tailor-made trip.
oasis-hotel-cairo.jpg
Local rating
Our rating
Oasis Hotel
Cairo, Egypt

The Oasis hotel is located just a few minutes drive from the Great Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx, and is set within 9 acres of beautiful landsca...


Note: The following information is provided from our own visits & research, the hotel itself, and our clients' experience of using the hotel.

Introduction:

The Oasis Hotel really is, as its name suggests, an oasis in the immense city of Cairo. The hotel is located just a few minutes drive from the Great Pyramids of Giza, and is set within 9 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens. It is one of the few good 4-star rated hotels in Cairo, and we use it on many of our tours with a 'standard' comfort rating.

Location:

The Oasis hotel is located approximately 10 minutes drive from the Great Pyramids (too far to walk), 1 hour from Cairo International Airport and 30 minutes from Downtown Cairo and the Egyptian Museum. As there aren't many bars and restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the hotel, a complementary shuttle bus service operates throughout the day - although many guests chose to stay within the hotel complex as there are plenty of facilities and different bars & dining options there.

Accommodation:

The Oasis has a total of 300 guest rooms including 6 executive Suites and 1 royal suite. Most are single storey chalet-style rooms, though there is a new 2-storey extension (no children are allowed in the new section though). Connecting rooms and extra beds are available for family parties.

All guest rooms are furnished to a high standard and overlook the perfectly maintained gardens. The rooms also all feature Satellite TV, Air-Conditioning, Direct Dial Telephone, Mini-Bar, Wireless Internet and Music Channels.

Bars & Restaurants:

The resort features several dining outlets, mainly located around the pool area, making dining at this hotel a relaxing experience.
Bedouin - This modern restaurant serves mixed international cuisine with influences from Lebanese, Syrian and Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant is open 24 hours a day and provides both buffet and a la carte options.
La Terrazza - This restaurant is one of the hotel's a la carte options and offers cuisine from various parts of Italy. The restaurant is open daily for dinner.
Palmyra - This buffet style restaurant offers a large variety of international cuisines.
Palm Garden - Palm Garden is a Syrian and Lebanese restaurant and nightclub open daily from 10pm. You can enjoy a meal next to the waterfall whilst taking in one of the live shows.
The hotel also offers a section of coffee shops and bars that serve an extensive menu of western snacks in addition to ice creams & western snacks ideal for children and cocktails for the adults.

Facilities & Services:

The hotel has a large free-form swimming pool available to guests featuring both shallow and deep areas with easy access steps in the shallow end, in addition to the swimming pool, the hotel has many other services available such as a health club and spa, fully equipped gymnasium, children's playground, free shuttle bus to Downtown Cairo and 24 hour room service.

Other services include:

  • Basketball and Tennis Courts
  • Free Parking
  • Bank
  • ATM Machine
  • Valet and Laundry Services
  • Luggage Store
  • Gift Shop
  • Massage, Sauna and Jacuzzi
egypt-sleeper-train.jpg
Local rating
Our rating
Sleeper train
Cairo, Luxor & Aswan, Egypt

On the sleeper train you have a private twin-berthed cabin, which features two large seats; fold down beds with mattress, sheets, pillow, blan...


On the sleeper train you have a private twin-berthed cabin, which features two large seats; fold down beds with mattress, sheets, pillow, blanket; storage locker and wash basin. An airline style evening meal and breakfast are included. The carriage steward will make up and put away your beds in the evening and morning. All transfers between your hotel and the station are also included (these may well be separate to the main group if train times are very different on your dates). Single cabin supplements apply.

Note: We can arrange an internal flight upgrade for anyone not wishing to use the sleeper train.

isis-corniche-aswan.jpg
Local rating
Our rating
Pyramisa Isis Corniche Hotel
Aswan, Egypt

Situated on the banks of the River Nile close to the centre of Aswan, comfortable 4-star hotel offers a wide range of services and friendly st...


Note: The following information is provided from our own visits & research, the hotel itself, and our clients' experience of using the hotel.

Introduction:

The Pyramisa Isis Corniche Hotel is a medium sized hotel located right on the banks of the Nile in Aswan. It is rated in the Egyptian 4-star category. Overall however, hotel standards throughout Aswan don't live up to the rest of the country, but we are happy to use this hotel for tours with our Standard comfort rating.

Built in 1982, this hotel is under new ownership and therefore has a welcoming feel, with different types of rooms available and a good level of service, making it a friendly and relaxed hotel for your time in Aswan. Its location on the banks of the Nile means that all the feluccas used on our standard tours can simply pull right in and pick you up direct from the hotel.

Location:

This hotel has one of the best locations in Aswan, perched right at the edge of the Nile on the Corniche. It is only a 5 min drive from the train station and only a 30 minute drive to the Philae Temple and the Aswan Dam. The swimming pool and bar areas look out across the Nile and this is a great place to watch feluccas on the Nile basking in the setting sun.  It is just over the road from the main bazaars and there are some good eating options nearby and ATM’s within easy walking distance.

Accommodation:

The hotel has almost 100 rooms and many of these have either Nile views or pool views and are available as twin beds or doubles. All come complete with Satellite TV, en-suite, phone, mini-bar and Air-con. It is usually no problem for us to arrange triple rooms. There are also electrical sockets in each room for charging phones and cameras.

Bars & Restaurants:

There is an Italian restaurant on-site as well as the main Hotel restaurant overlooking the Nile where a comprehensive buffet breakfast is served every morning. Egyptian and Western food is available. A fully licensed bar is also available to enjoy the perfect sun-downer looking out over the river after a full days tour.

Facilities & Services:

The hotel has a great swimming pool that looks out on to the Nile as well as a well equipped health club with sauna, massage, Jacuzzi, steam bath and gymnasium all with very reasonable prices where you can unwind and relax. The hotel also has a business centre where you can access computer treminals with internet access or make use of the wireless connection.

Other services include:

  • 24 Hour Reception
  • Safety deposit boxes
  • Laundry Service
  • Luggage Storage
  • Credit Cards Accepted
  • Foreign Exchange
  • Feluccas on hire
felucc-sailboats-aswan.jpg
Local rating
Our rating
Felucca Sailboat
Aswan, Egypt

Feluccas are very basic traditional Nile sailboats and make for an extremely relaxing and enjoyable way to travel down the river....


Felucca Sailboats

Feluccas are simple boats without cabins or electricity and you sleep on deck on mattresses with blankets and cushions provided. Canvas walls, mosquito netting and a roof are erected at night. You may want to bring a sleeping bag or extra blanket during the winter months (November to February) when it can get cold a night. Mosquito repellent is recommended for the evenings and early mornings, and wearing long sleeves at night is a good idea. Life jackets are provided for non-swimmers. Unfortunately, swimming in the Nile is not recommended both for health reasons and due to the strong currents - there are pools to enjoy in your Aswan and Luxor hotels.

Our Nubian crew will man the boat and prepare & cook all your meals on board or on our facilities boat. The food is simple but varied and filling and they will also serve Egyptian tea and Nubian cake. Water, soft drinks and beer can also be purchased. You keep a tally of what you've had and then pay for them at the end of the trip. The crew will also entertain you in the evenings when we may sing songs or just sit and chat around a camp fire.

Feluccas are dependent on the wind, and occasionally if the winds are too light or strong we may need to adjust the itinerary slightly.

Facility Boat

Our felucca suport boatOur new facilities boat makes the whole felucca experience more enjoyable, with a clean toilet and hot showers on board, as well as massage beds and a hygienic kitchen.

The boat doesn't shadow the felucca all the way, as we don’t want to spoil the peaceful experience of sailing down the Nile. It will however join up with you as and when required through the day and moor with you at night.

As well as the toilet, showers and kitchen facilities, there is also a sun deck where traditional Nubian massages are available.

The boat also helps us ensure that we do our bit to protect the Nile and its surroundings. Over the years, some areas on the banks of the Nile have been somewhat spoiled by the number of people staying overnight on feluccas and not using proper toilet tents or being respectful to their local environment.

We've had some great feedback from travellers using the boat so far, and we feel it really improves the experience of what is already many people's highlight of their trip to Egypt.

nile-palace-luxor.jpg
Local rating
Our rating
Steigenberger Nile Palace Hotel
Luxor, Egypt

This hotel, formerly Le Meridien Luxor, is a modern hotel built in 2001. It is ideally situated right on the banks of the Nile and is within e...


Note: The following information is provided from our own visits & research, the hotel itself, and our clients' experience of using the hotel.

Introduction:

This hotel, formerly Le Meridien Luxor, is a modern hotel built in 2001.  It is ideally situated right on the banks of the Nile and is within easy reach of all the major sites of Luxor. The hotel has views of the Nile and the Valley of the Kings on the opposite bank. The outdoor pool, restaurants, cafes and shops are all located in a central courtyard area.

The location and the high standards within the hotel make this one of our first choice hotels for stays in Luxor on our small-group tours, and for private & tailor-made trips (together with the Sonesta St. George hotel).

Location:

The hotel is centrally located next to the Nile in the heart of the tourist area of Luxor with shops and bazaars within a short walk. It is just 1.5 kilometres from the train station and 10 kilometres/15 minutes from Luxor International airport.

Accommodation:

The hotel offers excellent standards of accommodation and the rooms are spacious and modern. The 302 rooms and suites are located on 6 floors built around the courtyard. The standard rooms overlook Luxor or the courtyard area and upgrades to Nile view rooms are available on request for a small supplement. There are also disabled and non-smoking rooms available.

All rooms have deluxe en-suite bathroom, private balcony, air-conditioning, Satellite TV, mini-bar, safety deposit box, telephone, hairdryer and electrical sockets.

Bars & Restaurants:

The hotel has a number of bars and restaurants to choose from. The main hotel restaurant is the Nubia which is open from 6.00-10.00 am for breakfast and then 6.00-10.00pm for dinner, serving local and international dishes. There are two other restaurants within the hotel which are open for both lunch and dinner. These are the Casa de Napoli Italian restaurant serving pizza and pasta and El Tarboush serving Lebanese dishes.

For light meals and snacks during the day there is the Tropicana poolside bar and the Cafe des Delices which is located in the courtyard.
In the evening there is the Nile bar & lounge, which is open until 2.00am, and you can enjoy views of the Nile while trying out the various cocktails on offer.

Pasha's Pub also has views of the Nile and has regular evening entertainment.

Facilities & Services:

The freeform outdoor pool which is heated in winter has views of the River Nile and the Valley of the Kings and is the perfect place to relax after a day spent sightseeing or exploring Luxor. Guests also have free use of the leisure centre and gym within the hotel and other activities such as golf are available nearby. The are various shops within the hotel including gift and souvenir shops, a beauty salon and foreign exchange services.

Other services include:

  • 24-hour room service
  • Babysitting (on request)
  • 24hr Concierge Service
  • Laundry Service
  • Business centre
  • Porters
  • Games room
  • Library
  • Lifts
Nile Family Adventure options

Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time in the destination you're visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.

All accommodation based options (e.g. Single supplements, extra nights, cruise upgrades) should be booked and paid for in advance so that we can make the appropriate arrangements. Other options may either be booked and paid for in advance or while you are on the tour, though we recommend booking in advance to ensure there are no issues with availability.

Many options are priced the same throughout the year, but some may incur single or high season supplements - full details are given on the tour reservation form or on request.

Single room supplement (EGFANA)
Price from
£329
per person



Single room supplement (EGFANA)
Min numbers: 1 person

This supplement should be added if you have any single adults (12yrs plus) in your party who require a single room throughout the tour. If you..


This supplement should be added if you have any single adults (12yrs plus) in your party who require a single room throughout the tour. If your family has just one child under 12, then an extra bed or mattress will be provided in the same room as the parents. If your family has three children, you can choose whether the third child shares a room with the parents or with the other children. We will request connecting or adjacent rooms for children wherever possible. These are subject to availability and allocated on check-in and unfortunately cannot be guaranteed in advance. Please contact us if you have any questions about rooming arrangements for your family.

Note: The price shown is a low season price. Slightly higher prices may apply during high and peak seasons - the exact price for your dates will be shown on the online booking form and is always available on request.

Child discount - under 12 (EGFANA)
Price from
£-250
per person



Child discount - under 12 (EGFANA)
Min numbers: 1 person

This option can be selected for all children aged under 12 at the date of travel who will share a room with one or two adults. A smaller disco..


This option can be selected for all children aged under 12 at the date of travel who will share a room with one or two adults. A smaller discount is available for children under 12 who will stay in their own adjacent or connecting room.
We recommend that you contact us for a specific quote for your whole family based on the number and ages of your children, and the number of rooms you'll need.

Extra day in Cairo - pre-tour
Price from
£50
per person



Extra day in Cairo - pre-tour
Min numbers: 1 person

This option adds an extra day to the start of your tour, staying in the same hotel as the main tour itself (subject to availability). Your air..


This option adds an extra day to the start of your tour, staying in the same hotel as the main tour itself (subject to availability). Your airport arrival transfer is still included. Prices shown are per person and based on two people sharing.

Note: Single room and peak season supplements apply.

Extra day in Cairo - post-tour
Price from
£50
per person



Extra day in Cairo - post-tour
Min numbers: 1 person

This option adds an extra day to the end of your tour, staying in the same hotel as the main tour itself (subject to availability). Your airpo..


This option adds an extra day to the end of your tour, staying in the same hotel as the main tour itself (subject to availability). Your airport departure transfer is still included. Prices shown are per person and based on two people sharing.

Note: Single room and peak season supplements apply.

Cairo to Aswan flight upgrade
Price from
£120
per person



Cairo to Aswan flight upgrade
Min numbers: 1 person

This option provides an upgrade from the overnight sleeper train to an internal flight with Egypt Air...


This option provides an upgrade from the overnight sleeper train to an internal flight with Egypt Air. An extra night in the hotel in Cairo is included before you fly to Aswan. Flight times vary and are subject to availability. Single room supplements apply.

Abu Simbel overland
Price from
£125
per person



Abu Simbel overland
Min numbers: 1 person

This option takes you from Aswan to see the amazing temples built by Ramses II at Aswan. We travel overland and return to Aswan by midday...


The temples built by Ramses II at Abu Simbel are one of Egypt's highlights, and have a fascinating story behind them to go with their impressive size. When Lake Nasser was flooded, the final water level was going to submerge several temples, the most important of which being Abu Simbel. The temple was therefore dismantled completely and rebuilt further up the hillside where it sits today. The temple stands today as a testament to Ramses II and the great building prowess of the ancient Egyptians, as well as to modern engineering. We depart Aswan early in the morning to join an escorted convoy which departs Aswan at around 04.30. This gets us to Abu Simbel to see the temples in the light of the rising sun, and we then have a guided tour with one of our Egyptologists and some free time before we drive back to Aswan (approx. 3 hours drive each way, with around 2 hours at the temples). All transfers, guide, and entrance fees are included. The tour itinerary is designed so you will not miss any other activities if you choose this option. Note - we choose the overland route to get to Abu Simbel as the flight times there are unreliable and the journey using the flight is much more segmented (you get more rest on the coach), not to mention it is much more expensive to fly.

Nile cruise upgrade
Price from
£160
per person



Nile cruise upgrade
Min numbers: 1 person

If you'd like some more luxury than the basic felucca sailboat cruise, you can upgrade to a 3 night luxury Nile Cruise boat...


If you would prefer some more comfort and luxury than the felucca, then you can upgrade to one of the Nile's famous cruise boats. You join the boat in Aswan and spend 3 nights on board. Sightseeing tours in Aswan and Luxor are done with the main group, but you visit the temples at Edfu and Komombo with the on-board Egyptologist.

On board you enjoy the comfort of an en-suite AC cabin, a restaurant, bar, sun-deck, shop and plunge pool. All meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners) are included. Drinks are not included but may be purchased on board.

Single cabin supplements apply, and triple cabins are not available.

Hot air balloon in Luxor
Price from
£125
per person



Hot air balloon in Luxor
Min numbers: 1 person

A trully memorable, approx 1-hour, early morning flight over the West Bank of the Nile in Luxor...


This popular optional tour starts early in the morning so that you experience the sunrise over the Valleys of the Kings & Queens, temples and desert. We endeavour to use the earliest flights of the day as they are timed to fit with the rising sun, this means that times may vary. You get around 1 hour in the air.

nile-family-adventure-map.jpg
Nile Family Adventure tour notes

The detailed Tour Notes below have been written to give you some more detailed information about how the tour runs, what to expect, and how to prepare for your holiday. We recommend downloading an up to date copy of these shortly before you travel in case of any changes.

This tour features an overnight felucca cruise.  Feluccas are very basic traditional Nile sailboats and are a fun and relaxing way to travel down the river. You sleep on the deck of the boat (mattresses and some blankets are provided, but we suggest that you bring a sleeping sheet, blanket or light sleeping bag during the winter months of November-February). There are no toilet facilities on board, but you will be joined several times each day and at night by our support boat where a toilet and warm showers will be available.  Mosquito nets are provided for use while you are sleeping but you should bring mosquito repellent for the evenings and early mornings. Your Nubian boat crew will cook all your meals while on board and entertain you in the evenings.

Our trips feature a mix of different transport options. We want you to feel like you’re really experiencing the country you're travelling through, but at the same time we want you to finish journeys refreshed enough to enjoy the next stage of the tour. In Egypt we do not use any public tourist buses or overnight coach journeys as we know that people don't sleep on board and end up very tired for the following few days. All the vehicles we use are air-conditioned, many are fitted with speed limiters, and all are inspected and checked daily. Some 4WD vehicles used on desert safaris may not always have air conditioning where they are only used for short periods.

For the overnight train journey between Cairo and Aswan this tour uses the overnight sleeper train. You will have a private lockable twin cabin on board which holds two large seats and fold down beds which the carriage steward will make up for you in the evening. Sheets, blanket & pillows are provided. The cabin also contains a wash basin and storage cupboard. An airline tray-style evening meal and breakfast are provided. The Cairo-Aswan journey takes around 12 hours.

We take an internal flight with Egypt Air from Hurghada to Cairo at the end of the tour (this is more expensive but removes the need for a long drive of around 7 hours, and leaves more time available to spend in Cairo that afternoon).

You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation.

Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination.  You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions.
In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for the countries in this region are:

Egypt: Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A
Jordan: Tetanus, Hepatitis A
Israel: Hepatitis A, Poliomyelitis
Lebanon: Dipheria, Hepatitis A

Malaria is not generally present unless it has been contracted abroad; you do not need to take malaria prophylactics.

More information is available here: Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon

Note: We are aware of some places in Egypt using ‘black henna’ instead of pure brown henna. Black henna contains a chemical dye PPD (paraphenylenediamine) which can result in severe allergic reactions and resultant scarring. To be safe we recommend avoiding any henna tattoos while in Egypt unless you are certain they are using pure brown henna.

Passports should be valid for at least six months after your departure from the country. Please do not bring an almost full or almost expired passport. Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities.

We recommend that you contact your closest Egyptian consulate or embassy for current information for your nationality.

In general official advice is that all nationalities obtain their Egypt visas in advance, as we cannot guarantee that you can get them in the airport. An online e-visa is available through https://visa2egypt.gov.eg/eVisa/. Please do not use any other website as there are many scam sites offering Egypt e-visas.
In practice however, many nationalities (including British and European, Australian, New Zealand, USA, Canadian) can and do obtain their visas on arrival in Cairo airport. The process is much quicker and simpler, the cost is currently US$25 p/p and must be paid in hard currency (i.e. GBP, USD or EUR) - you'll be given change in local currency if necessary. There are no forms to fill in and you don't need to bring passport photos. Visas are issued at one of the bank desks in the immigration hall, before you get to passport control. Our representative will have met you by this stage and will assist with the process.

All African and Indian nationals, and some others, will need to obtain their visas in advance.

For further information on your visa requirements, please either contact us or your local Egyptian embassy/consulate.

The time in Egypt, Jordan and Israel is GMT plus 2 hours. Daylight saving adjustments have historically been applied in some years but not others. At present it appears that there will be no daylight saving changes in Egypt 2016 and beyond, though this may change at short notice (with a resulting impact on flight times and schedules). In Jordan and Israel, daylight saving of one hour is generally applied between the end of March and the end of October, making it GMT plus 3 hours. Exact dates vary from year to year and sometimes the changes may be scrapped altogether.

Sockets are two round pronged and 220 volts (Type C). Universal adaptors are available in most airport shops if you don’t have one already. Standard European adapters will work fine, though sometimes they may feel a little loose in the sockets. All hotel rooms have electrical sockets where you can re-charge cameras, phones etc. Hair dryers are normally available on request from the hotel reception if not in your room already.
If you have US appliances (110 volts) you will need a voltage converter as well as a plug adapter.

The local currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound, often denoted ‘LE’. The Egyptian Pound can vary significantly in value against the British Pound, but sticks fairly close to the value of the US Dollar. You do not need to arrange to bring any Egyptian Pounds with you to Egypt, as change facilities are available in all the hotels, airports and banks. You should try to obtain and keep hold of small denomination notes or coins on you during the tour as these are useful for toilets, tips and small purchases. ATMs are readily available in major towns and many local shops will accept VISA/Mastercard or Amex, but may charge fees of up to 10% - check before you pay. Travellers cheques are not recommended as they can not be changed in many places now, and can incur high fees.

While in Egypt you will need sufficient funds to cover meals not included in the itinerary, drinks, snacks, souvenirs and personal expenses such as laundry. These should generally all be paid for in Egyptian Pounds. You may also need to pay for the tour Tipping Kitty and site Entrance Fees while you are in Egypt. Payments for these may be made to your tour guide in hard currency (USD, GBP, EUR) at the start of your tour. Please see your tour Included/Excluded details for more information and guideline amounts for these.

It is difficult to recommend a level of personal spending money which will suit everyone as this can differ greatly, but as a guideline, we would suggest allowing USD 15-25 per person per day as a minimum. Allow more if you plan on doing lots of shopping, or buying many alcoholic drinks.

We run small-group departures on this tour starting on Saturdays that aim to coincide with school holidays. All departures are guaranteed to run with a minimum of 2 travellers and a maximum of 16. Departure dates and prices are listed on our website and on a separate dates & prices sheet available on request. If none of our departure dates match your children's school holidays, please let us know and we may be able to add a new departure date. The tour is also always available privately on any date for a small supplement.

If you would like to book a place on this tour, please complete the online reservation form on our website (via the Dates & Prices tab on the tour page). You can pay your deposit or full balance online, or just hold a reservation if you prefer. We will then contact you with more details about how to complete your booking. Payments may be made by debit or credit card (subject to a card processing fee), or by making a bank transfer or posting us a cheque/bank draft. Full details will be provided in your booking confirmation email. Please contact us if you would like any more information or have any questions before making a booking.

Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event). More information...

You may arrange your own insurance, or you can take advantage of a comprehensive policy that we can arrange for you through Endsleigh Insurance which has been designed to be suitable for our tours. The policy is available to travellers of all nationalities and you do not need to live in the UK  to take out the policy. For full details of cover provided, prices and to apply for one of our policies, please complete travel insurance application form.

Note: Any country that borders the Mediterranean is considered as 'Europe' for the purposes of travel insurance (including Turkey, Israel, Egypt and Morocco). If you are doing a tour that visits one country in 'Europe' and one that is 'Worldwide' (for example, an Egypt and Jordan tour), then you need a 'Worldwide' policy. When completing the form you should enter your travel dates including any extra days involved in overnight flights or connecting travel between your home and the tour. Our policies are not able to cover any extra time or activities other than your tour and options booked with us and your travel to & from home.

If you plan to arrange a hot air balloon flight locally, or do some scuba diving during your tour, you should check the small print in your policy to make sure these are covered (these are covered in our policy). Please also check the maximum altitude that you will be reaching and that full cover including emergency evacuation is provided up to this altitude.

IMPORTANT:  We must have your travel insurance details (policy number and type of insurance) before you depart or you may not be allowed to join the tour.  If you haven't told us already, please let us know the details when you can. You should take a paper copy of your insurance policy with you as you may be asked to show this at the start of the tour.

We are a UK registered company and an ABTA Member (Y4447) and you can be confident when booking with us that your money is safe and protected. Financial failure insurance is provided through Affirma to protect all customers for the land portion of their tour.
Please see our website or booking conditions for more information.

It is impossible not to have an impact on the local environment, cultures and eco-systems when you travel. However, it is very possible to try and ensure that these impacts are as limited, or positive as possible. We are committed to ensuring that we try to leave our host countries in a better state than we found them and encourage and assist our travellers to help us with this.
The following are a few simple tips that require very little effort on your part but which will help ensure that any effect you have on the locations you visit is positive rather than negative.

  • Don’t prejudge: Things in different countries will almost certainly be different. That doesn’t make them worse or inferior, just different.
  • Communicate: Don’t expect locals to speak your language. Take the trouble to learn a few words or phrases of the local language. Don’t worry about sounding silly. Most locals are patient and accommodating and appreciate you making the effort to communicate in their language.
  • Conserve energy: Be careful not to waste valuable resources. Use local resources sparingly. Switch off lights, air-conditioning and fans when you leave the hotel room and don’t waste water. Remove superfluous packaging. Many countries have far less efficient waste disposal systems than ours. Remove packaging from newly acquired items before leaving home.
  • Don’t litter: No matter how untidy or dirty the country you’re travelling in may look to you, avoid littering, as there is no need to add to the environment's stress. Many of the countries we visit have a tough challenge dealing with rubbish and waste. Please consider taking home as much plastic waste as you can (e.g. water bottles).
  • Choose environmentally friendly products: By using environmentally friendly (bio degradable) sun creams, shampoos and detergents you can help reduce pollution.
  • Respect local customs and traditions: As you are a guest in these countries, you should also comply with the local customs. If you are friendly and well mannered, the locals will reciprocate and it will only enhance your experience. It’s important to follow dress and behaviour guidelines especially when visiting religious or sacred sites (your tour leader will advise you how best to do this).
  • If a client commits an illegal act the client may be excluded from the tour and Egypt Uncovered shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. No refund will be given for any unused services.

All porters are employed and equipped following guidelines set by the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG).

You can stay in touch with us online by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We post updates on relevant travel news in our destination countries, special offers and discounts and other interesting travel related news and information.
www.facebook.com/EgyptUncovered
www.twitter.com/encounterstravl (yes, without the 'e')

It is important when considering and preparing to travel anywhere in the world that you have a good understanding of the country you are visiting, its laws and customs, and the possible risks and situations that may occur. This includes specific risks related to your itinerary (eg. does it involve water & can you swim, are you fit enough for the activities included), as well as more general risks such as terrorism and natural disasters.

General details and links to more information about health risks, visa requirements, money, and travel insurance are given in these tour notes. We recommend that you re-read all these before your departure as well as the small print of your travel insurance policy so you know exactly what is covered and what is not.

You should take copies of your important travel documents with you and ideally also store them online securely as a backup. Make sure that you have given us your emergency contact details and told that person where and when you are travelling. Ensure you take enough money with you and that you have access to emergency funds.

Finally, you should read through and stay updated with the current official government travel advice for your destination. We are registered partners with the UK Foreign Office's 'Travel Aware' campaign which provides further useful and invaluable information.

'Travel Aware' campaign

Nile Family Adventure dates & prices
If you would like to do this tour privately just for your family or together with some other families you like to travel with, we can certainly arrange this for you. Please contact us for details and prices.
Start Date End Date Price (P/P) Offer Price Note
30 Apr, 2024 08 May, 2024 £1599 - - Book now
25 May, 2024 02 Jun, 2024 £1599 - - Book now
27 Jul, 2024 04 Aug, 2024 £1599 - - Book now
10 Aug, 2024 18 Aug, 2024 £1599 - - Book now
26 Oct, 2024 03 Nov, 2024 £1599 - - Book now
21 Dec, 2024 29 Dec, 2024 £1599 - - Book now
tripadvisor winner 2014 and 2015
EGYPT Reviews
Service

Posted Apr 16, 2018
While we initially heard back from the sales representative in Egypt to complete some forms for all 4 travelers after purchasing our package, we have not heard back since. That was over a month ago. I have requested information, but have not received a response. This is a concern, especially as the time nears to make specific travel plans all the way from the USA to the Middle East, where there is so much political instability & unknown tensions. We need someone on that end to be in touch with us on developments, so that we'll have peace of mind about even proceeding with this expensive trip that we've already paid for. Thank you, Debra
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Service

Posted Apr 16, 2018
they helped me beat down my credit card/bank to allow my card to be used for the purchase! yes I would recommend them
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Service

Posted Apr 08, 2018
Great communication, very prompt with all communications. I would use Encounters Travel again and recommend highly.
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Service

Posted Mar 30, 2018
I liked the variety of tours to choose from. It was easy to book online. They had a very good “special” which ideally suited us.
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Service

Posted Mar 29, 2018
Great first hand advice on the trips we discussed - friendly and informative.
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Service

Posted Dec 20, 2017
EncountersTravel was great to work with. They responded so quickly and made it very easy to get the trip that we desired.
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Posted Dec 13, 2017
Easy to contact and book!
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Service

Posted Dec 12, 2017
Excellent customer service.
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Product

Posted Dec 04, 2017
Service rating : We were shown a lot of sights in a few days.

If possible, we would have wanted more interaction with the local people.
Product : Amazing value for the price. We loved our guide, Big Mo!
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Service

Posted Dec 03, 2017
First time using Encounters. I will most definitely use them again for future adventures. They make sure you're having a great time. We were kept busy from sun up to sun down. I felt completely safe throughout my tour. They didn't miss a beat. I had the most amazing time, an awesome experience. Thank you.
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Service

Posted Nov 22, 2017
Everyone is very professional and knowledgeable. They are patient with many questions and show sincere interest in their customers.
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Product

Posted Nov 21, 2017
Service rating : Great staff and customer service. My time in Egypt was wonderful!
Product : See above review for more details.
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