We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Accordingly you should allow approx £15 per person for gratuitites for local staff.
Up-to-date information re:global exchange rates can be obtained at https://www.currencyexpress. com/explore/
Local Costs
| |
UK |
Egypt |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£0.70 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£1.00 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£0.75 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£2.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£6.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£8.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
£12.00 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
|
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
A single entry tourist visa for Egypt is required by all nationalities. For British passport holders with British citizenship, Egyptian visas can be obtained conveniently and inexpensively on arrival at the airport. You must purchase a visa stamp before proceeding to the immigration desk, at one of the banks located before immigration. Alternatively, visas can be obtained through your travel agent or through Explore’s visa service. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. Though malaria does exist in Egypt it is not normally found in the areas in which we travel. For the most up to date advice please consult your travel clinic.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Lone Parents
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentation confirming that the individual has authority to travel with the minor. It is crucial that you contact the relevant country embassy for further information on exactly what may be required. These details can be found on the Foreign & Commonwealth Website under the appropriate country www.fco.gov.uk/travel
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
Winter in Egypt is cool and dry, with average daytime temperatures between November and March reaching 18°C. During the summer, from April to October, these temperatures can reach around 32°C, even rising to 40°C. Rainfall is negligible, except in the Delta region, but be aware that nights in the desert can get cold, so be prepared for a serious drop in temperature as the sun goes down, especially during the winter months.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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One main piece and a daysac. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. Remember, you are expected to carry your own luggage – so don’t overload yourself.
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Clothing
Pack essentially for ’All Tours’ plus ‘Hot Conditions’. Pack as for ‘All Tours’ from November to March as night temperatures drop dramatically in the desert and warm clothing will be needed (particularly in December). We recommend a fleece, windproof jacket, woollen gloves and a hat at this time as mornings and evenings on the river can get cool. Don’t forget swimming costumes and ladies may find a sports bra a distinct advantage on the donkey trek in Luxor.
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Egypt is a Muslim country and it is important to dress with respect for local customs. Brief shorts/skirts should be avoided in towns and you should cover your head when entering a mosque. In more traditional towns and market areas we advise women to wear long loose fitting trousers or skirts and have shoulders covered to avoid unwanted attention. Men should also be aware that shorts are not generally worn by Egyptians.
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Footwear
Lightweight trail boots are essential. Trainers, shoes or sandals will also be useful for relaxing.
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Equipment
A torch, water bottle, insect repellent, high factor suncream, good quality sunglasses and a lip salve with sun protection are all essential. Please note that on the donkey trek and the camel trek we cannot supply hard hats – if head protection is felt to be necessary please bring your own with you to Egypt, as hard hats are not available to buy locally.
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
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General Information
Trip Summary
A 5th century philosopher once wrote of Egypt: 'Nowhere are there so many marvellous things…'. Little has changed over the intervening centuries and the Egypt of today is still a wonder to behold, from the majestic Pyramids at Giza, to the ancient tombs of the Valley of the Kings. This stunning family adventure explores something of this rich spectacle, as we travel down the Nile Valley by train and felucca, taking in some of the most spectacular testaments to Pharaonic power on earth and traversing the timeless landscapes of the longest river on the planet. We’ll journey to the site of Tutankhamun’s final resting place, visit the magnificent temple of Karnak by horse drawn carriage and enjoy the unique marine wonders of the Red Sea as we explore the cultural heritage of one of the world’s most fascinating destinations.
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Please note:
Please bring your own booster and baby seats and any specific food that your children may want to have (although the hotels have been specifically chosen as they offer a children’s menu) as well as general items such as pushchairs, nappies etc. These items may not be available to purchase locally.
Please note that if you bring a baby seat on tour, you will be attaching it to a lap belt in the transport used, not a 3 point seat belt.
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Optional Donkey Trek
The comfort and safety of both donkeys and their riders is of great importance to us. Given this, donkeys are available to travellers of 85kg/13st, or under.
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RAMADAN 2010 11th August – 9th September
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 restrictions to services and minor amendments to the itinerary. Restaurants may have limited supplies of fresh food available during this period.
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Please note: Parents of younger children please take careful note of the activities offered on this tour (both included and optional) and be aware that the decision to allow your child to participate is in the end your prerogative. Please don’t feel in any way coerced to participate if you feel unsure or if you think your child may find the activity too challenging.
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Country info
Area: 1,001,450 sq.km (386,990 sq. ml).
Population: 67 million.
Language: Arabic, English and French.
Religion: Sunni Muslim 90%, Coptic Christian 7%.
Local Time: GMT +2.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v. Round pin adaptors.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Maps & Books
Recommended Books: Christine El Mahdy: Tutankhamen, Christopher Pick: Egypt: A Traveller's Anthology, Agatha Christie: Death on the Nile, Mark Twain: The Innocents Abroad, Robert A. Armour: Gods and Myths of Ancient Egypt.
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