8 DAY Essential Egypt MXETCC-7

Transcription

1 8 DAY Essential Egypt MXETCC-7 This tour visits: Egypt Topdeck's Essential Egypt is the perfect way to discover the highlights of Egypt in style and safety. Starting and ending in Cairo, this fantastic short trip includes guided tours of the pyramids and sphinx at Giza, the Valley of the Kings, Luxor, the temples of Abu Simbel and more. Led by a local Egyptian Topdeck guide, our Essential Egypt is sure to be an unforgettable trip of a lifetime. The Bucket List More Inclusions Temples of Luxor & Karnak Egyptian Museum Nubian village visit Pyramids & Sphinx at Giza Plateau Temples of Abu Simbel Valley of the Kings & Temple of Hatshepsut Saqqara Step Pyramid, Coptic Cairo & Khan el Khalili Egyptology tours at major sites (entrance fees not included) 7 Breakfasts 4 nights twin share in 4* hotels, 1 night twin share in 3* hotel, 2 nights aboard overnight coach Arrival transfer from the airport to hotel Transport Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader

2 Trip Itinerary Day 1 - Cairo, Egypt Slip into the rhythm of 6.76 million bodies, join in a game of backgammon and find out why the Egyptians call this place Umm al-dunya or 'the mother of the world'. Just make sure to rock up in time for tonight's welcome meeting. - Airport transfers Day 2 - Cairo to Aswan via Overnight Coach There's old, and then there's the necropolis of Saqqara. Soak up some ancient history, meander Coptic Cairo and get your haggle on in Khan el-khalili market. Refuel with a mint tea or keep exploring. - Saqqara pyramid - Coptic Cairo - Khan el-khalili market Day 3 - Aswan Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, Lord Byron... They ve all done it. Go low tech with a ride on a traditional felucca sailboat down the Nile. Switch to a motor boat to take in views of the Mausoleum of Aga Khan and Tombs of the Nobles before we jump ship at a Nubian village. - Short felucca ride - Nubian village visit Optional activities: - Camel ride - Nubian dinner Day 4 - Aswan Kanye may lyricise that he is a god, but the great Pharaoh Ramesses II apparently bedded 1000 woman and fathered 90 children in his time. His four colossal statues at Abu Simbel are probably what Kanye has in mind when he looks in the mirror each morning. Yeezus! Visit the

3 Temple of Hathor - built in honour of his wife, Queen Nefertari - then drink in the magic of the Nile at sunset. - Abu Simbel Optional activities: - Philae Temple Day 5 - Aswan to Luxor G.L.A.M.O.R.O.U.S. Today we re travelling first class (in an air-conditioned mini bus) to Karnak for a touch of Luxor. Once the capital of ancient Egypt, it s now a history-strewn landscape of souks and temples. - Karnak & Luxor temples Day 6 - Luxor to Cairo via Overnight Coach Walk into the Valley of the Kings aka the place everyone in ancient Egypt was dying to get into, then fly the flag for girl power at the temple of Queen Hatshepsut before gawking at the Colossi of Memnon. - Valley of the Kings - Temple of Hatshepsut - Colossi of Memnon Day 7 - Cairo Walk like an Egyptian into King Tutankhamun s treasure chest at the Egyptian Museum home to over 160,00 relics then gain some perspective at the base of the 138-metre Great Pyramid of Giza. This hunk of ancient architecture could be remodelled into 30 Empire State Buildings. The Sphinx is its big-ass guard dog (or should that be lionman?). - Egyptian Museum

4 - Giza pyramids & Sphinx Optional activities: - Nile dinner cruise Day 8 - Cairo The trip ends here (well, breakfast first), but pop on that fedora and keep on exploring, Indy. New York may tout itself as the city that never sleeps but it s got nothin on the Big Mango. Accommodation On your trip you will stay primarily in superior quality, three- and four-star hotels on a twin-share basis. All hotels used are fully airconditioned. The 'More Inclusions' section on this document has a full breakdown of the accommodation used. Nile Cruise Alternative Interested in this same itinerary, but want to spend 3 of the nights on a 5 Star Nile Cruise Ship between Aswan and Luxor? Check out the Nile Discovery for the cruise version of this trip. As long as you give us at least 12 weeks notice, we are happy to switch you over to this itinerary without charging an amendment fee. You will of course need to pay the price difference though! Optional Activities On all trips we have arranged extra activities that we think will enhance your travel experience, but you have a choice as to whether or not you will participate. These are not included in the cost of your trip. They are usually organised on a group participation basis and should be taken into consideration when budgeting your spending money. None of the Optional Activities on your trip are operated by Topdeck, nor do they form part of your contract with Topdeck for your trip. Topdeck arranges the activity as an agent of the local supplier. Should you participate in any Optional Activities your contract will be with the local supplier and their conditions will apply. Please note: while we make every effort to keep these prices as accurate and up-to-date as possible, they are subject to change and in rare circumstances the actual price may vary slightly to what is published here.

5 Aswan Camel Ride - US$26 Traditional Nubian Dinner US$15 Camel Ride & Traditional Nubian Dinner - US$41 Philae Temple & Nile High Dam - US$48 Cairo Nile Dinner Cruise: includes belly dancer, Darwish dance & live music - US$48 IMPORTANT NOTE: There are two USD rates of exchange in Egypt, the bank rate and the street rate, and these rates can be significantly different. As of 24 Oct 2016, for example, the bank rate is 1 USD = 8.88 EGP, whereas the street rate is 1 USD = 15.5 EGP. Banks will buy your USD (if you want EGP), but they will rarely be able to give you USD in exchange for another currency. As such, the functioning exchange is the street rate, which is clearly far less favourable if you want to purchase USD. Therefore, we highly recommend that you bring USD with you to pay for Topdeck optionals, which are calculated in USD. If you choose to pay for optionals in EGP, your Trip Leader must calculate the cost using the street rate, which will be much more expensive for you. Meals Your included meals are detailed in the 'More Inclusions' section of this document. Breakfasts are included every day on most trips (except on the first morning). A typical breakfast may consist of cereals with milk or yoghurt, bread, croissants, cold meats, cheese and a range of spreads, with fruit juice, tea or coffee to drink. It is rare to get a hot breakfast, though on some occasions there may be some hot food available as well. When included, evening meals are in local restaurants or you place of accommodation and are either two or three courses. In most cases table water is provided with the meals, and if you wish to purchase additional drinks you can do so at your own expense. If you have any dietary requirements we will make every effort to cater to your specific needs as long as you advise your travel agent or Topdeck Trip Consultant when you book. But please be aware that although we will do everything in our power to arrange it, we cannot guarantee that every restaurant we use will be able to cater to all dietary needs. We also cannot cater for tastes or dislikes, as most of our included evening meals feature a set menu. If you allow USD 20 per day in Egypt for meals not included you will be able to eat fairly well. No Tip Necessary Your Topdeck crew never expect tips themselves and will not ask for any; that s not what friends do! We also know how much tipping can cost you. So go ahead, spoil yourself with the money you will save by travelling with Topdeck (just don t forget Mum s souvenir).

6 Topdeck Travel App Our travel app has landed! With a range of awesome features including a Currency Converter, Budget Tracker, Check-In tool and Social Timeline you can plan your trip like a pro. Think of it like your very own Topdeck Trip Leader, always on call with the latest info, weather, maps and city guides to give you the trip of a lifetime, all in the palm of your hand. Please note: The Topdeck Travel App should only be downloaded once you have booked onto your trip. You will not be able to log in unless you have a Topdeck Booking Reference Number. Get it for iphone Get it for Android Passenger safety One of the best parts of travelling is experiencing the nightlife and entertainment each city has to offer. However, amidst the fun and excitement, it s important to be aware of your surroundings and personal safety as well. Before you hit the road with us, it s important to be aware of the following: When you re on a night out, remember to avoid walking alone, particularly through deserted areas like beaches and back streets. Always stick together, take a taxi where possible, and keep a note of your accommodation details so you can find your way back to your fellow Topdeckers if you become separated. In some countries, alcoholic measures can be considerably larger than what you may be used to. Try to keep track of what you re drinking, and if you see one of your trip mates looking a little worse for wear, take them back to your accommodation. Be cautious when accepting drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended. It s also important to be aware that what you might consider harmless flirting may be interpreted differently in some countries. Be yourself and have fun, but don t be naïve, and be mindful of the signals you are sending out so that you don t find yourself in an uncomfortable situation. Other Information Finances Entrance Fees Please note: while we make every effort to keep these prices as accurate and up-to-date as possible, they are subject to change and in rare circumstances the actual price may vary slightly to what is published here. Cairo, Egypt Adult Student Pyramids & Sphinx Complex EGP 80 EGP 40 Entrance inside Pyramid EGP 40 EGP 20

7 Egyptian Museum EGP 85 EGP 45 Mummies Room in Egyptian Museum EGP 100 EGP 65 Saqqara EGP 80 EGP 40 Aswan, Egypt Adult Student Abu Simbel EGP 115 EGP 70 Luxor, Egypt Adult Student Karnak Temple EGP 80 EGP 40 Luxor Temple EGP 60 EGP 30 Valley of the Kings EGP 104 EGP 54 Temple of Queen Hatshepsut EGP 52 EGP 27 Kom Ombo Temple EGP 40 EGP 20 Edfu Temple EGP 60 EGP 30 Changing Money Cash points/atms are widely available and are the safest and easiest way to access cash. Most major credit cards are accepted throughout the region. We recommend that you bring yours along in case you see something special, which you hadn't budgeted for. Please note credit cards cannot be used to pay for Optional Activities. It is advisable you notify your bank or credit card issuing company of your intention to travel as for security reasons, banks and credit card companies sometimes block cards when withdrawals are unexpectedly made overseas. British pounds, Euros and US dollars are easily exchanged in Egypt and are an alternative to using ATMs. US dollars cash can also be used for some purchases. NOTE: You may not be able to exchange other currencies. IMPORTANT NOTE: There are two USD rates of exchange in Egypt, the bank rate and the street rate, and these rates can be significantly different. As of 24 Oct 2016, for example, the bank rate is 1 USD = 8.88 EGP, whereas the street rate is 1 USD = 15.5 EGP. Banks will buy your USD (if you want EGP), but they will rarely be able to give you USD in exchange for another currency. As such, the functioning exchange is the street rate, which is clearly far less favourable if you want to purchase USD. Therefore, we highly recommend that you bring USD with you to pay for Topdeck optionals, which are calculated in USD. If you choose to pay for optionals in EGP, your Trip Leader must calculate the cost using the street rate, which will be much more expensive for you. Upon arrival at Cairo airport it is advisable to cash up about EGP 200. This will cover any expenditure on your Cairo sightseeing day and give you flexibility until you need to change more money where you can get a better exchange rate. On your trip you will be given the opportunity to change money at either a bank or hotel. Bear in mind for the end of your trip that changing Egyptian pounds back into dollars or other major currencies can be complicated and the exchange rate will certainly be unfavourable. So keep an eye on the amounts you take out so you're not left with a huge surplus at the end of

8 your trip. Spending Money Based on past experience, we recommend at least EGP (approx USD 55-70) per day to cover your normal expenses including sightseeing, small souvenir shopping and non-included meals. If you wish to purchase expensive souvenirs, you will need to budget for more, or use your credit cards for these purchases. Remember, this is a rough figure only and spending habits vary greatly between individuals according to their budget and habits! Tipping Although you may not be accustomed to tipping at home, tipping (known locally as 'baksheesh') is an important way of life in Egypt and is something that is done by locals as well as tourists. When travelling with Topdeck, tips are already included on anything that forms part of your itinerary, including bus/coach drivers, included meals, hotel staff, local guides, etc. This includes your Topdeck Trip Leader. That means you do not have to tip for any of these included services! However, you will need to tip for services that are not included, so please take this into consideration when working out your budget. For example, you will need to tip at non-included meals when you pay for the meal yourself, even if your Trip Leader has helped organise it, and you will need to tip for anything you do on your free time. Your Trip Leader can advise you what an appropriate tip amount is. A general rule when tipping is if the service warrants it, tip what you think is a fair amount, and if you do not think so, then do not tip or tip less than normal. Also, do not get bullied into tipping and disregard any comments that you have not given enough. Topdeck Top Tip: it is a really good idea to hide away somewhere a small amount of cash and/or extra card; this will really come in handy in the unlikely event that you lose your wallet or any other kind of emergency. Insurance It is compulsory for all passengers to take out comprehensive travel insurance before the trip departs covering cancellation, medical expenses including repatriation, loss or damage to baggage and personal belongings, money and personal liability. World Nomads provide comprehensive travel insurance for people from over 140 countries. For more information go to You must bring a copy of your travel insurance policy with you on the trip. Your Trip Leader will make a record of your travel insurance details at the start of your trip, e.g. the name of the insurance company, the 24 hour emergency telephone number, and your policy number. These will be sent to our operations team to ensure that if you lose your policy details, they can be easily retrieved. Passports & Visa Please make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after the last day of your trip. Some countries will refuse entry if there is not at least six months validity on your passport after your departure date from their country. Depending on your nationality, you may require a visa to enter Egypt. Some nationals can obtain a visa on arrival at Cairo airport. These are available at all banks at the airport, which are open to meet all flights. The cost of a visa on arrival is currently US$25 for a single entry visa.

9 It is recommended that you contact your local Egyptian consulate to ensure you can obtain a visa on arrival, or to determine if you need to obtain a visa prior to travelling. Remember that some visas can take up to six weeks to acquire, so don't leave it until the last minute. Also bear in mind that the validity of the visa often runs from the date of issue rather than date of entry into the country. Please check with an Egyptian consulate or embassy prior to departure as requirements do change periodically. IMPORTANT NOTE: Your booking includes a transfer from the airport to your joining hotel on Day 1. On flight arrival in Cairo, follow the signs for immigration and baggage collection. You will be met by a Topdeck representative (holding a Topdeck sign) before you clear immigration who will assist you with obtaining your visa and progressing through customs. On occasion, our representative is not able to meet you before immigration. If this is the case, you need to purchase your entry visa from one of the bank stalls just before immigration, then proceed through immigration yourself. NOTE: not all nationals can obtain a visa on arrival in Egypt (please ensure you check with the Egyptian Embassy before travel). Our representative will then meet you before you collect your luggage. The transfer to the hotel can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic. In order to make sure a representative is at the airport to meet you, you will need to contact your Topdeck with your flight details at least five days before you travel. If you have any difficulties finding the Topdeck representative and you have already cleared immigration at Cairo airport, please contact us on one of the local Egyptian mobile numbers listed in the General Information section of this document. If for any reason you need to make your own way to the joining hotel, the address of our usual hotel is listed in this document. You can take a taxi from the airport to the hotel. However, note that on occasion, we move our groups to different properties. If you need to make your own way, please confirm the hotel location prior to departing the airport by contacting us on one of the local Egyptian mobile numbers listed in the General Information section of this document. Transport Depending on your trip, you could be travelling in a modern air-conditioned coach or mini-buses, a traditional Nile sailing felucca, and/or a 5 star Nile Cruise Ship. Importantly we own all of our coaches, meaning we can be sure they are well serviced and of a high standard. The quality of all other types of transport has been thoroughly checked and verified by our local offices to ensure they meet our specific requirements. All transport is included in your trip price, and will ensure you arrive at each destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore. Health & Safety We want to make sure you're having the time of your life while travelling with us. Therefore, if you suffer from any kind of medical condition or allergies, we will need to know at the time of booking, or at least six weeks prior to the departure of your trip.

10 If you require regular medication, you must have a sufficient supply before your trip departs, as it may be difficult to obtain while travelling. You must be able to administer your own medication, as Topdeck Road Crew will not be able to administer it, and there are no guarantees that there will be anyone with first aid training on board. Strict food and water hygiene is essential to avoid diarrhoea. Make sure food has been properly prepared, drink only boiled or bottled water and keep in mind that ice will likely come from tap water. Also take precautions against insect bites and sunburn. During the hot summer months it is advisable to carry bottled water in your day-pack at all times. Vaccinations We recommend that you ensure your tetanus, diphtheria, typhoid, polio and hepatitis vaccinations are up to date. Please consult a medical practitioner for the relevant requirements prior to travelling. Safety note If you are arriving a few days before the start of your trip, please be advised not to accept offers from people to visit specialty shops or to take guided tours. These people are not associated with Topdeck and therefore we can't be responsible for the service you receive from them. Your Topdeck trip includes professional guides who will accompany you to all the sites mentioned in your itinerary. General Information Currency Egypt-the currency unit in Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP), divided into 100 piastres. In Egypt British pounds, euros and US dollars are widely accepted, so carrying some cash in small denomination notes is helpful. It is generally always possible to change money into local currency after arriving in the country, and the easiest way is to make a withdrawal from a local ATM. Power Egypt uses the same two-prong plug as used in Europe (CEE 7/16 standard) and a ingle adaptor will work throughout the country. Voltage Throughout Egypt the voltage is a uniform 220v. If the voltage is the same or similar in your home country your appliance will comply. If you have a 110v appliance you will need to use a transformer to avoid damaging your appliance. Contact Us Should you encounter any difficulties meeting your transfer from the airport to the starting hotel, depending on which country you are in you can contact a Topdeck representative on the following: Tamer Adel - Operations Manager Mobile: +(20) Osama Yousef - Topdeck Representatives Supervisor

11 Mobile: +(20) In Cases of Emergency While we hope you never have to use it, if for any reason you need to contact someone from Topdeck, whether it be that you have missed a trip departure meeting, have become separated from your trip on the road or any other unforeseeable problem, the following options are available to you. London Office Your best recourse to assistance during the day is to call our team between 8am-9pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am-4pm on Saturdays UK time. Tel: +44 (0) Emergency Contact If you need to contact Topdeck outside of the above hours the following number is available: Mobile: +(44) Please remember if it is a genuine emergency, we of course want you to call us; however, if it can wait until the next day, we ask that you call during our office hours. Thank you. What to bring We recommend soft bags, suitcases or frameless backpacks, plus a small day pack or carry bag. No external framed bags please, as they damage other bags on the coach. Please limit your luggage to a maximum of 20kg. Luggage must not exceed dimensions of 70cm in height, 45cm in width and 25cm in depth. Only one piece of luggage is allowed. Please note that due to space and weight restrictions on our coaches, passengers with too much luggage on departure morning may be told that they cannot take their entire luggage with them. Luggage storage facilities are usually available at the departure point, if they are not available you will have to make your own arrangements to have it stored or shipped home. Any luggage left behind will be at your own risk and you will be required to pay any costs incurred. Suggested packing list The golden rule is to travel as light as you can. Only bring what you really need and leave plenty of space for things you might want to buy. Don't forget you will have to carry your bag around yourself before and after the trip, as well as in and out of where you're staying while on your trip! The following is a suggested clothing list only, based on our experience. 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes 1 pair of smart-casual shoes 1 pair of thongs/jandals/flip-flops 2 pairs jeans/trousers 2 pairs shorts/skirts 4 shirts/t-shirts 2 sweaters/jumpers

12 Smart casual evening wear 1 rainproof jacket Underwear and socks! General Things to Pack: Swimming costume Beach Towel Toiletries Hat & Sunscreen Basic medical kit (including plasters, aspirin etc.) Washing powder Insect repellent Conversion plug Optional: Torch Travel pillow Travelling in winter While the daytime temperatures can be mild in the winter months in the region, the evenings are generally cold, especially in Upper Egypt, on the feluccas and in the desert. We recommend that you bring warm clothing including a warm coat for use in the evenings. The hotels do not cater for winter temperatures as well as they perhaps could so we recommend you bring something warm to sleep in. You need a good sleep at night to enjoy the daytime activities. The winter is not the busiest season, so the mild days can make sightseeing more enjoyable than during the heat of summer, and provided you have some warm clothes, walking through street markets without the crowds is a joy. Sleeping bags A sleeping bag will be not required for this trip. Final checklist Passport (with visas if required!) Airline tickets (where applicable) Insurance Policy (you must bring these details with you) Camera; batteries; chargers; conversion plug Topdeck ekit global phone card, SIM card or phone Keep in touch & stay secure Claim your free Topdeck Global SIM card before you leave for your trip! Just follow this link to claim yours: use your Topdeck Booking Reference and purchase a minimum of $20 calling credit. The Topdeck SIM is a roaming SIM and designed just for travellers. Drop it into your unlocked handset and enjoy huge savings on

13 international calls, SMS and Data, when travelling throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Africa and the Middle East. Every SIM card also includes the ekit Travel Journal. The Travel Journal automatically updates your location to Google maps on a daily basis. This allows you to keep track of where you've been, and with the option to publish this on Facebook and Twitter you can easily show-off your travels to friends and family. Not only does this provide a hassle free way of keeping in contact, but you can text in your own journal updates or photos and receive free notifications when people comment on your Facebook timeline. Free SIM card and US$10 bonus call credit, when you purchase US$20 of call credit Coverage in over 190 countries (including all of Europe) Free shipping to Australia, UK, Europe, USA and Canada Save up to 90% on international calls Data from $0.49/MB Pre-paid so no worry about bill shock! Please check that your handset is unlocked with your phone provider before you depart. You will be unable to use SIMs with a locked handset. For more information visit the previous URL or phone our dedicated 24/7 Customer Service on: Australia: UK: USA: Canada: Security Use ekit's travel vault and avoid hassles along the way. You can securely store all your important documents online, passport number, insurance and visa information and travellers cheques details. Refer to the ekit brochure or visit Starting to get excited?!