WELCOME TO EGYPT 

A country of mythological proportion and one whose ancient civilization dates back as far as any that the world has seen, Egypt is a land of mystical beauty and incomparable legacy. We tour the world-famous historic highlights, like the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, now symbols of the country's mystery and glory, the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, which allows incredible opportunities for close-up exploration inside pyramid tombs, the colossal, 1,500-year-old Karnak Temple, with its tremendous pylon gateway near the Avenue of 1,000 Sphinxes that originally ran all the way to Luxor temple, and the bounties of the world's longest river; the Nile. Donkey-rides on stony pathways, camel treks through the desert and street tours by horse-drawn carriage add an element of authenticity to the experience as we explore the ancient past and contemporary faces of this first-rate destination.

ITINERARY IN BRIEF

Day 1 • Arrival in Cairo and transfer to our hotel in Giza.

Day 2 • We visit Memphis and Saqqara, the two most important sites in all of Egypt. Onto the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, the foremost Pharaonic monuments symbolizing Egypt's glory and mystery. Climb inside a pyramid!

Day 3 • Visit the famous Museum of Egyptian Antiquities and Coptic Cairo, the centre of Christianity in Cairo.

Day 4 • Fly to Abu Simbel—the imposing rock temples of Rameses II and his queen Nefartari. Travel to Aswan and visit the High Dam. Evening Sound and Light Show at Philae Temple, grandly situated on an island.

Day 5 • Travel by small boat across the River Nile; enjoy a camel ride to the early Christian Monastery of St Simeon. Stroll through botanical gardens on Kitchener's Island.

Days 6-8 • Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor with a visit to Edfu, a Greek-built temple dedicated to the god Horus. Visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, and Karnak Temple.

Day 9 • A morning excursion to the Valley of the Queens and workers' village.

Day 10 • Cross the River Nile to the West Bank and travel by donkey into the Valley of the Kings where we tour several tombs. Proceed to the funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Tea at a local home before returning to Luxor.

Day 11 • Fly to Cairo—We venture deep into the heart of Islamic Cairo and tour the Citadel, begun by Saladin in the 12th century.

Day 12 • Departure from Cairo.

INCLUSIONS Accommodation Internal transportation Breakfasts and dinners daily All meals on cruise Sightseeing and entrance fees Tips for hotel, porters, drivers Transfers (Land/Air) Services of a Tour Leader

EXCLUSIONS Lunches and some dinners Drinks Items of a personal nature Air departure taxes/fuel surcharges Visa fees (if applicable) Transfers (if early/late) Transfers (if Land Only) Tour Leader gratuities

 

OUT FACTOR

Though homosexuality is not explicitly outlawed in Egypt, most of the population agrees that it is not acceptable. That said, many gay tourists travel to Egypt and there is an underground “scene” just about everywhere. As an obvious visitor, you are likely to get plenty of commercial offers—"Want to try Egyptian banana?"—though such offers are best left alone, as authorities take a dim view of such things. As a “gay group,” we are unlikely to attract any unusual or negative attention, provided we remember where we are and respect local sensibilities.

Classic
Three and four-star hotel based, "soft adventure" trips that concentrate on the culture, history, and natural attributes of our destination. Though these are not "active" trips as such, you should be prepared for full days with some early starts and some walking on uneven surfaces through villages, cities, and archaeological sites.

Level 1
No particular physical activity is involved other than town/city walks and short walks to dinners and sites of interest, some of which are large.

PLEASE NOTE

This itinerary is correct at time of publishing. We reserve the right to make changes as necessary due to reasons beyond our control.