Egypt Family Adventure – Ancient Treasures
Global Drift Family Adventures are designed for families travelling together (i.e. each party booking requires at least one parent or legal guardian accompanying any children). Child friendly adults may join this trip. We have a minimum age for children of 7 years old Please see footnote at the bottom of the page re Family tour group size |
Day 1 - arrive Cairo Cairo is a city with a wondrous history and a heaving mass of humanity. As today is arrival day there are no activities planned but we will meet this evening and enjoy dinner in one of our local favourites Day 2 - Cairo We are headed this morning to one of the words most famous historical sites.
The awe inspiring Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus as well as the stunning Sphinx in Giza. A camel is the best way to approach and we have our friendly 'ships of the desert' all saddled up ready to go. The pyramids were built for the Pharaohs comfort in the afterlife. They are the only remaining wonder of the ancient world. We also visit the 'step' Pyramid of Sakkara. Today will leave you breathless yet we have only just begun our ‘Hunt for Ancient Treasures’ journey Day 3 - Cairo to Aswan This morning we visit the Egyptian Museum home to the famous Tutankhamen Gallery and The Royal Mummies. Here we get close to many of the treasures of the past including the astonishing Death Mask of Tutankhamen.
Later we visit some of Cairo’s other sights such the Hanging Church, the Saladin Citadel, the
Mohammed Ali Mosque and the old Cairo bazaar (Khan El Khalili). A refreshment in El Fishawey’s coffee shop is a must.
This evening we board our sleeper train up the Nile valley to Aswan. The cabins have a sink and 2 bunk beds and toilet facilities are on board Day 4 - Aswan On arrival into Aswan we transfer to our hotel for some free time planned to explore or relax. In the afternoon we tour to the famous High Dam of Aswan. The creation of the dam in 1971 made it necessary to relocate several famous monuments. We will also visit the romantic Temple of Philae dedicated to Isis and the Unfinished Obelisk.
In the evening we will enjoy a sunset felucca cruise on the Nile River in our traditional boat. The river here is at its most beautiful running through the golden desert and sweeping past green islands covered in palms Day 5 - Nile Cruise & Kom Ombo & Edfu (Optional Abu Simbel) For those that have chosen the Abu Simbel visit (optional) you will have a very early start. The temples at Abu Simbel are among the most magnificent monuments in the world and their removal and reconstruction is also a historic event in itself. When the temples (280 km from Aswan) were threatened by submersion due to the construction of the Aswan Dam, UNESCO stepped in. During the subsequent relocation the temples were dismantled and raised over 60 metres up sandstone cliffs where they had been built more than 3,000 years before.
For those not wishing to take the optional trip to Abu Simbel, there is free time in the morning. After lunch we all board our Nile Cruise ship. Breathtaking scenery awaits while cruising down the mighty river. We stop for a visit to the Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples then pass through the Esna lock and continue on to Luxor Day 6 - Nile Cruise Ship – Luxor We arrive in Luxor in the early morning. After breakfast we tour the East Bank of Luxor including a horse drawn carriage to the Luxor temples. We visit both the massive Karnak and historic Luxor temples. Karnak is a gigantic temple complex which is over 3500 years old and dedicated to the powerful Ram Headed god Amun. In the evening we enjoy a sound and light show at the Karnak temple before returning to our cruise boat Day 7 - Luxor This morning we tour the West Bank of Luxor and take donkeys for the ride to the Valley’s of the Kings and Queens. The tour starts with the world famous Valley of the Kings where we can choose to enter some of the incredible tombs of the New Kingdom Pharaohs such as King Tutankhamen (optional). We visit the Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir al-Bahri), the temple of the only Pharonic Queen of Egypt with very unusual architecture. We finish with the great Colossi of Memnon, the last remains of Amenophis III's temple. This evening is free to explore Luxor and perhaps enjoy the night markets and a local meal Day 8 - Hurghada We take an early morning bus convoy to the coastal resort of Hurghada, our base on the Red Sea. The afternoon is free to enjoy the beach or some of the many optional activities. Hurghada was founded in the early 20th century and until a few years ago remained a small fishing village. Today it has become the foremost resort of the Red Sea and an international centre for aquatic sports Day 9 - Hurghada We have a boat trip planned in the Red Sea and enjoy some fantastic snorkelling on the coral reefs. The rest of the day is free to your own pursuits. In the evening we can enjoy the local food delights in one of the many nearby restaurants Day 10 - Hurghada Today is free to relax and enjoy the Red Sea beach lifestyle. There is snorkelling, swimming, scuba diving and great food on offer Day 11 - Hurghada to Cairo We depart for Cairo and travel by private vehicle back to Cairo. We have several
stops along the way to break up the journey and arrive in time to enjoy our last night in the capital Day 12 - depart Cairo You are free to depart at your leisure today |
Trip Options
| Single Travellers: | Inquire | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Accommodation: | Single Inquire | Details |
| Double Inquire |
Family tour group size can be higher than 16 depending on adult/child ratios. For this tour we may take as many as 20 travellers
Local Payment
Your Local Payment is collected by your group leader in cash at your group meeting on Day 1 of the trip and is part of your tour price. The money is spent locally on your tour.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Extra Accommodation
Pre and post trip accommodation is offered on most journeys pending availability. Please indicate in your enquiry if you require any rooms before or after your tour and the amount of nights requested.
Single Traveller
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
However, for those that would prefer a single room for the tour we do offer a single supplement.
It must be stated however that on many of our tours we stay in small family owned guesthouse accommodation. In certain instances with full groups the passenger combinations may not always allow you to enjoy a single room. Please keep this in mind when booking your single supplement. We will however, always do our best to accommodate you.
Please make your request for this service a minimum of 3 months prior to your journey.
The quoted extra payment is for the entire trip.
Single Travellers
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
Due to the exploratory nature of this journey no single supplement is offered.
Airport Arrival Transfer
Global Drift offers an optional arrival transfer to your hotel at the quoted fee.
In your trip dossier you will receive directions on how to make your way to your starting point hotel. It is quite easy and possibly cheaper than we are able to offer it.
Should you require this service please advise us at the time of your booking.