14 DAY Egypt Explored MXEXCC-7

Transcription

1 14 DAY Egypt Explored MXEXCC-7 This tour visits: Egypt From the ancient pyramids and temples of Abu Simbel to the relaxed Red Sea resort of Dahab, this top-notch tour of Egypt covers all bases (all with the services of a local Egyptian Topdeck Trip Leader). Shop in Luxor's gold markets, climb Mount Sinai, tour the Valley of the Kings and channel your inner explorer. With a treasure trove of experiences this magical, you ll never want to leave.

2 The Bucket List More Inclusions Pyramids & Sphinx at Giza Plateau Egyptian Museum Nubian village visit 4-star Red Sea resort in Dahab Temples of Abu Simbel Temples of Luxor & Karnak Valley of the Kings & Temple of Hatshepsut Egyptology Tours at major sites in Egypt (entrance fees not included) Saqqara Step Pyramid, Coptic Cairo & Khan el Khalili 13 breakfasts 10 nights twin-share in 4-star hotels, 1 night twin-share in 3- star hotel, 2 nights aboard overnight coach Arrival transfer from the airport to hotel Transport Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader Trip Itinerary Day 1 - Cairo, Egypt Touch down in Cairo and let the adventure kick off at tonight s welcome meeting. - Airport transfer Day 2 - Cairo to Aswan via Overnight Coach Soak up the sights in Coptic Cairo, plus a visit to King Djoser's Step Pyramid at Saqqara, before spending the afternoon in a haze of spices, rose petals and wooden cats in the Khan el Khalili souk. Tonight, it s off to Aswan. - Saqqara Step Pyramid - Coptic Cairo - Khan el-khalili market Day 3 - Aswan In a country where only one inch of rain falls per year, the Nile is pretty popular. Sail away on a traditional felucca then jump ship for a motor boat and a cruise past Elephantine and Kitchener Islands before a chance to nosh with the Nubians. - Short felucca ride - Nubian village visit

3 Optional activities: - Camel ride - Nubian dinner Day 4 - Aswan Abu Simbel is a rock of (a thousand) ages, presided over by not one but four statues of Ramesses II. This afternoon, seize the opportunity to tour Aswan High Dam and Philae Temple on the banks of the Nile. - Abu Simbel Optional activities: - Philae Temple Day 5 - Aswan to Luxor Egypt's former capital is Luxor by name, luxurious by nature. The 200-acre sprawl of ruins, sacred lakes and chapels of Karnak and Luxor Temples collectively makes up the largest religious site in the world. - Karnak & Luxor temples Day 6 - Luxor to Cairo via Overnight Coach Take in a few of the 63 tombs at the Valley of the Kings on a guided tour (keep an eye out for ancient graffiti) along with the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon before heading back to Cairo overnight. - Valley of the Kings - Temple of Hatshepsut - Colossi of Memnon Day 7 - Cairo Twenty years of construction, 2.3 million stone blocks that weigh up to 50 tonnes each and mysterious mortar... Giza s pyramids will have you stumped (along with the famous Sphinx). Get that photo and explore the Egyptian Museum with an Egyptologist. - Egyptian Museum - Giza pyramids & Sphinx

4 Optional activities: - Nile dinner cruise Day 8 - Cairo to Dahab The Sinai Peninsula has all the hallmarks of a mirage. Except it s real. The fishing village of Dahab was overtaken by amphibious travellers lured by the Red Sea s treasure trove back in the late 80s. They found more than they could have ever dreamed of. Day 9 - Dahab Dahab might be Arabic for gold but the beaches here are like a diamond in the desert. Take the warm Red Sea, prime windsurfing conditions and some of the world s most epic dive and snorkeling sites, throw in a blissed-out hippie vibe and, well, we think you ll be pretty happy here. Optional activities (available over the next 4 days): - Diving - Snorkelling - Quad bikes - Hike Mount Sinai for sunrise - Camel ride Day 10 - Dahab Another day in paradise awaits you. Gear up for an eye-opening dive exploration, snare yourself a bargain at the village shops, or grab your goggles and snorkel and hit the world famous Blue Hole. Alternatively, do nothing at all. It s your vaycay. Day 11 - Dahab Fancy a seafood feast, fit for a sheikh? Satiate your appetite with a drool-inducing seafood feast at one of the many beachside restaurants in this superb seaside town. When your tummy is well and truly full, head back to the beach, where your toughest decision will be whether to doze or dip. Day 12 - Dahab Saddle up for a camel desert safari or hit the dunes on a quad bike, then kick back at one of the bedouin-style seafood restaurants. If you re up for an early start, a sunrise climb of Moses proportions to Mount Sinai is a worthy add-on to your trip. Check out St Catherine s Monastery

5 for a collection of ancient books second in size only to the Vatican. Day 13 - Dahab to Cairo After four days of solid gold beach action, nap off that sun exposure on the way back to the city of a thousand minarets. Day 14 - Cairo As a 3000-year old mummy would say, that s a wrap (after breakfast)! Where to next? Accommodation On your trip you will stay primarily in quality, three and four-star hotels on a single or twin-share basis, depending on what you have booked. The 'More Inclusions' section on this document has a full breakdown of the accommodation used. 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. Aswan - Egypt Camel ride US$30 Traditional Nubian dinner US$18 Camel ride & traditional Nubian dinner US$48 Philae Temple & Nile High Dam US$55 Cairo - Egypt Nile dinner cruise (includes belly dancer, Darwish dance & live music) US$55 Dahab - Egypt Diving in Dahab:

6 Intro dive (for beginners) US$48 1 or 2 dives (for certified divers) US$41 per dive 3 to 5 dives (for certified divers) US$38 per dive 6 or more dives (for certified divers) US$36 per dive Blue Hole (includes transportation, lunch, snorkel mask) US$45 Camel ride US$30 Desert safari (quad bikes) US$58 Day trip to St Catherine & Mt Sinai US$55 *minimum 4 people to operate Meals 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. Included evening meals are in local restaurants or your place of accommodation. 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 Customer Service 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. Your included meals are detailed in the 'More Inclusions' section of this document. Important note on Ramadan: As many Middle Eastern countries are of Islamic faith, it is important to remember that many restaurants and shops will either be closed or operating on reduced hours during this time. Some Optional and Included Activities may also be affected. Despite some of these restraints, Ramadan is an incredibly important and sacred month for Muslims. When equipped with some basic knowledge, you ll have the chance to immerse yourself in this special tradition and experience all its highlights. 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). 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.

7 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 Currency 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. Please note: You may not be able to exchange other currencies. Please 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 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 Changing Money Cashpoints/ATMs are widely available and are the safest and easiest way to access cash.

8 Most major credit cards are accepted throughout the region. We recommend that you bring yours along in case you see something s 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 cred Upon arrival at Cairo airport it is advisable to cash up about EGP 200. This will cover any expenditure on your Cairo sightseeing da 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 Spending Money Based on past experience, we recommend at least EGP (approx USD 55-70) per day to cover your normal expenses incl 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 Egyp When travelling with Topdeck, tips are already included on anything that forms part of your itinerary, including bus/coach drivers, However, you will need to tip for services that are not included, so please take this into consideration when working out your budge 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 unlik Entrance Fees 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 circum

9 [ENTRANCE FEES CAN REMAIN AS WHAT S CURRENTLY ONLINE] Insurance It is compulsory for all passengers to take out comprehensive travel insurance before the trip departs covering cancellation, medical 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 insu Passports & Visas Some countries may refuse you entry if there is not at least six months validity on your passport after your departure date from their Depending on your nationality, you may require a visa to enter Egypt. Some nationals can obtain a visa on arrival at Cairo airport. T Please note: this may be subject to change at any time. It is recommended that you contact your local Egyptian consulate to ensure you can obtain a visa on arrival, or to determine if you n 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 vali 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

10 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, 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 oth Health And 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 medica If you require regular medication, you must have a sufficient supply before your trip departs, as it may be difficult to obtain while tr Strict food and water hygiene is essential to avoid diarrhoea. Make sure food has been properly prepared, drink only boiled or bottle 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 General Information Power Egypt uses the same two-prong plug as used in Europe (CEE 7/16 standard) and a single 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 com Contact Us Should you encounter any difficulties meeting your transfer from the airport to the starting hotel, depending on which country you a Tamer Adel - Operations Manager

11 Mobile: +(20) Mariam Kamal - Operations Mobile: +(20) Osama Yousef - Topdeck Representatives Supervisor 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 m Emergency Contact Our Customer Service team is on hand 24/7 to help* Please call from within Australia, from within New Zealand, from within North America, 0 * Please note our Customer Service team may be closed over bank holidays. Please check out over these times. What to Bring 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 wan We recommend soft bags, suitcases or frameless backpacks, plus a small day pack or carry bag. No external framed bags please, as Please note: Due to space and weight restrictions on our coaches, passengers with too much luggage on departure morning may be told that they 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 things to pack: 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 The hotels don t cater for winter temperatures as well as they perhaps could so we recommend you bring something warm to sleep i Sleeping bag A sleeping bag will be required for part or all of your trip and you will be required to provide your own. Final Checklist Passport (with visas if required!) Airline e-ticket Insurance Policy (you must bring these details with you) Camera; batteries; chargers; conversion plug