Egypt Family Holiday Comfort Itinerary

Starting in

Cairo, Egypt

Physical Difficulty

2 / 5

Breakfasts included

6

Lunches included

1

Dinners included

3

Ending in

Cairo, Egypt

Accommodation

Hotels (6 nights), overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Transport

Private minivan , overnight sleeper train , flight

Explore the world of pyramids, mummies, tombs and bazaars on an eight-day exploration of Egypt for families. Dive into ancient history with expert local guides and see all the iconic sights, including the mighty Pyramids and the Sphinx, King Tut’s tomb, the Egyptian Museum and the Valley of the Kings. Cruise down the Nile on a traditional felucca and interact with a local family over a meal in a Nubian village. You and the kids will also have plenty of time to explore at your own pace, or just laze by the pool and soak up the Egyptian sun. Get your gang together and take a journey back in time.

Day 1: Cairo

Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. You and your family will be met on arrival at Cairo airport and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 5 pm this evening where you’ll meet your local leader and the other families joining you on your journey. Cairo is one of the great cities of antiquity and its history can be symbolised by two imposing landmarks – the Pyramids of Giza and the Mosque of Mohammed Ali. If you arrive with time to spare, perhaps get out and explore the busy streets of this city of contrasts. You may like travel along the river by felucca (a traditional wooden boat with broad canvas sails) or head out to explore the markets. After the meeting, head out for an included dinner at one of the boat restaurants on the Nile for an introduction to Egyptian cuisine and a chance to get to know your group.

Day 2: Cairo

After breakfast this morning set out to see some of the world’s most iconic sights – the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. The kids will stand in awe of the grand structure with towering limestone blocks For an additional charge you may be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu (although occasionally it may be closed to visitors). For lunch, you may like to stop at one of Cairo’s oldest fast food restaurants, founded in 1959. Afterwards, make your way to The Grand Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world's great collections of antiquities. Wander the treasure-filled halls of the museum and take in the masses of gleaming artefacts recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun – an impressive sight to behold. From gold jewellery to the famous golden death mask and his gilded sarcophagi, this pharaoh was certainly prepared for the afterlife. Head back to the hotel for a swim before an optional dinner out with the group.

Day 3: Cairo/Overnight Train

The first stop of the day is a visit to the Citadel of Salah Ed-Din. Located high atop Cairo, the citadel boasts magnificent views of the city. Built by the Arab hero Salah ad-Din, the citadel primarily functioned as a military garrison, as well as serving as a royal residence for over 700 years. Then, head to the Khan el-Khalili, one of the biggest and oldest markets in the world, made up of a labyrinth of narrow streets and passageways. The 'Khan', sprawling around an old area known as Al-Azhar, is a quintessentially Cairo experience. It retains a distinctly medieval feel, so be ready to play knights. You may want to explore the gold market, Perfume Street or the fragrant spice market. Your leader will suggest some places to grab lunch at the bazaar before the group head back to the hotel for a swim and freshen up. Tonight is a true local experience – an overnight train to Luxor.

Day 4: Luxor

Built around the ruins of the ancient Egyptian capital Thebes, the city of Luxor is a historical treasure trove. Upon arrival, head straight to the Karnak Temple, perhaps the most impressive of all the ancient Pharaohs’ monumental works. One of the world's most celebrated temple complexes, Karnak is a house of the gods built over a period of some 200 years. Your guided tour of this vast temple of impressive pylons, obelisks and chapels will reveal its finest sections, such as the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Temple of Amun. Arrive back at the hotel for lunch and a much needed swim and relax for the afternoon.

Day 5: Luxor - Aswan

Embrace another early morning, cross the Nile and drive to the secluded Valley of the Kings. Sixty-three pharaohs were buried here as part of their journey to the afterlife. In the company of a local guide, spend a few hours exploring some of the exquisitely decorated tombs. It is here that the burial site of the boy-king, Tutankhamun, was re-discovered by British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922. If you'd like to organise a visit to King Tut's tomb today, this can be arranged with advance notice – ask your leader for details at the beginning of your trip. On your way back to the river, spend an hour at the funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt's first female ruler. After some lunch in Luxor, hit the road to Aswan (approximately 4 hours). Tonight, your leader will take you on a wander around the bazaar followed by an optional dinner.

Day 6: Aswan

Even to travellers in ancient times, Aswan was known as the legendary gateway to the kingdom of Nubia. Today, it’s still something of a frontier town, where the Arab Middle East meets Africa. Today is free for you to explore Aswan, or the surrounding area, at your family’s preferred pace. If you can wrangle the troops, you might want to visit the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel, located near the Sudan border. These two temples – one for Ramses II and another he dedicated to his wife Queen Nefertari – were cut into the cliff face in the 13th century and remain impressive in their scope and detail. Ask your leader for details on how to arrange a visit, but be aware you need a minimum of four people to participate in this highly recommended optional activity. If you would prefer to stay in Aswan and get a taste of contemporary Egypt, there’s plenty to do. The relaxed atmosphere makes Aswan a great city to wander and watch the boats cruise the Nile, plus there’s always the hotel pool nearby where you and the kids can cool off. In the early evening, take a trip across the river to a Nubian village and enjoy a traditional dinner at one of the local houses.

Day 7: Aswan - Cairo

This morning, take a water taxi over to the Temple of Isis at Philae. The Temple of Isis (the Goddess of health, marriage and wisdom) was rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated to Philae Island. It's a marvel of decorative pylons featuring some of Egypt's finest carvings – definitely one of the real gems of Upper Egypt. The afternoon will be free to relax and take a swim in the pool. Late this afternoon, board a flight back to Cairo. Check in to the hotel on arrival, then perhaps freshen up and head out for an optional final dinner with your fellow family travellers.

Day 8: Cairo

After breakfast, there are no activities planned for today and you are able to depart your accommodation at any time after check out. If you would like to spend some more time in Egypt, we don’t blame you! We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

Novotel Cairo El Borg, 3 Saraya El Gezira street , Zamalek, Cairo, EGYPT

Finish point

Novotel Cairo El Borg, 3 Saraya El Gezira street , Zamalek, Cairo, EGYPT

Important information

FAMILY TRIPS: Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.

AGE: Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old.

DISCOUNT: A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A single supplement is available on this trip.

INTERNAL FLIGHT: please note the standard check in luggage allowance is 23 kg for EgyptAir.

ARRIVAL AIRPORT TRANSFER: A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.

We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Egypt before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel Alerts page – intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general enquiries or questions about your booking, please contact your agent or adventure specialist, or visit us at www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Cairo office can be reached on Tel:

Intrepid’s Local Operator: +2 019 681 1067

Is this trip right for you

There is a fair amount of walking involved in exploring the pyramids, and it can get very hot in the summer. Be sure your family has appropriate clothing, sun protection and plenty of water to drink.

Evenings can get quite cool, so it's best to bring warm clothes too. Wearing layers is the best way to deal with the disparity in day and night temperatures.

Taking an overnight train is a fun experience, but keep in mind that facilities will be basic. Though there are lockable cabins there is a shared bathroom at the end of the carriage.

Why we love it

Egypt is home to some of the world's most amazing ancient icons. Explore the Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx and Valley of the Kings with expert local guides who know all the history., Experience a slice of contemporary Egyptian life and interact with locals along the way. See the Nubian way of life when you enjoy dinner at a local house in Aswan., Spend time weaving through streets, getting lost in a colourful bazaar and exploring the impressive Karnak temple in Luxor., Travel like the locals do on a comfortable overnight sleeper train – a fun experience where you’ll wake up to another exciting destination to discover!, Enjoy plenty of free time to do what your family loves doing on holiday – maybe that’s heading out for some more exciting tours, or just lazing by the pool and soaking up the sun.

Group leader

All Intrepid Family trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to assist your family to take the hassle out of your travels and help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for fun things to do and see - for both kids and parents, recommend great local eating venues that will even get the kids trying new things, and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.

Our leaders are not babysitters on this trip - we leave that to you (the experts), but they will make sure that group members of all ages are able to explore their destination safely and with as much fun as possible. Our group leaders are not responsible for looking after children at any time and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times throughout this itinerary.

Safety

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip.

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field:

www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

Visas

PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Last modified (date)

25 Apr 2024

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2024

Additional Information

Health

GENERAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 

Food and dietary requirements

While travelling with us you and your family experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. Please ensure you tell them of any dietary requirements you and your family may have. We know children can be fussy eaters at times so we do recommend you bring any snacks from home to have throughout the trip.

To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you and your family to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though.

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.

TIPPING
Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be.

OPTIONAL TIPPING KITTY
On Day 1 of your trip, your group leader or local representative may discuss with you the idea of operating a group tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and your group leader or local representative distributes tips for drivers, local guides, hotel staff and other services included on your trip. This excludes restaurant tips for meals not included in your itinerary. The group leader or local representative will keep a running record of all monies spent which can be checked at any time, and any funds remaining at the end of the tour will be returned to group members. We have found that this is easiest way to avoid the hassles of needing small change and knowing when and what is an appropriate amount to tip. Participation in this kitty is at your own discretion, and you are welcome to manage your own tipping separately if you prefer. Please note the tipping kitty excludes tips for your group leader or local representative.


Optional tipping kitty for this trip: USD40 per person (can be paid in local currency).

YOUR LEADER
You may also consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline US$5-7 per person (in a currency relevant for your destination) per day can be used. 

CONTINGENCY FUNDS
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

COMMISSIONS
Intrepid understands that the receipt of commissions in exchange for recommending particular shops or services is ingrained in the culture of the tourism industry. For this reason, we have established a centralised fund for contributions from recommended suppliers so these can be collected and distributed back into the business. Actively managing the receipt of commissions helps us maintain the level of quality you expect on one of our trips. Travel is always an adventure so Intrepid cannot explicitly guarantee the quality of a product but we aim to provide the best value trips in the market. Please let us know via the feedback form completed after your trip if we are successfully meeting - or exceeding - this objective.

What to take

CLOTHING, CLIMATE & EQUIPMENT:
Below is a suggestion of what you might find useful to take on this trip.

In summer (Apr-Oct), light cotton clothing is adequate for kids and adults alike, with a light sweater or sweatshirt, just in case. Remember long sleeved shirts and long trousers to guard against the sun! In winter (Nov-Mar), night-time temperatures are low – perhaps as cold as 4°C and it can be windy, making it feel even cooler. Given this you should pack accordingly - a windproof outer layer, a warm mid-layer (wool or fleece) is essential, as are long, warm, trousers. If you particularly feel the cold you may also wish to take a hat and gloves.

* Comfortable shoes or trainers
* Sandals/flip-flops for relaxing
* Sun-hat
* Torch (or touch from your phone)
* High-factor sunscreen & lipsalve
* Waterbottle
* Insect repellent
* Sunglasses
* Hand Towel (ONLY for trips travelling on a Felucca)
* Personal first aid kit
* Toilet paper (for both the overnight train and those trips travelling on a Felucca)
* A laundry service may be available in some hotels, but we recommend taking biodegradable travel detergent clothes can be washed as you wish.

You and your family should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage, although you won't be required to walk long distances with it (max 15minutes).

Many travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are also convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

WATER BOTTLE:
Consider bringing your own water bottle to refill along the way. We recommend at least a 1.5litre capacity. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.

Climate and seasonal

SUMMER IN EGYPT
As the days get warmer, temperatures can start to soar, particularly in Upper Egypt (Luxor and Aswan). From April to October, to avoid the midday heat, some days start very early (for example - 5am). Please be prepared for this - our schedules are designed to make touring as comfortable for you as possible.

A couple of rules

We like to think our Intrepid travellers are all connected by a love of adventure and passion for seeing the world in a different way. We've laid down a few non-negotiable rules to ensure everyone feels connected, comfortable and safe on our trips.

We ask that you respect your fellow travellers, group leader or local representative, and local people and places we visit in all circumstances. We don't tolerate any forms of violence and expect that you follow the local laws, customs and regulations in any destination we travel to. Any behaviour contrary to the above, including any behaviour that prevents our staff from performing their duty of care or continuing the itinerary as planned, may result in travellers being removed from the trip.

If you consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you to abide by local alcohol laws.

To ensure the well-being of everyone on the trip, all decisions made by group leaders or local representatives and ground staff are final.

Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip.

By travelling with us, you agree to comply with these rules and the laws and customs of all countries visited.

If something is concerning you during your travels with us, please speak to your group leader or local representative immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section.

Accommodation notes

GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS:
Family of two - All family groupings of two will be put into a twin room.
Family of three - Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in a handful of places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that, in practice, a triple room will often simply be a twin room with a mattress on the floor or a further bed squashed in. Where it is impossible to provide a triple room, you will have to decide which of your party takes the single room.
Family of four or more - You will most likely stay in two twin rooms. If and wherever possible we will aim put you in a quadruple room. Whilst we will do our very best to ensure that families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over where you will be put. You need to come prepared for this.

Transport notes

SECURITY WHILE TRAVELLING
Occasionally you may experience a Tourist Police Escort in your vehicle and whilst not common convoys between select towns or regions are possible. This practice has been implemented by local authorities to monitor the safety and security of visitors to Egypt.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:

Your fellow travellers

As you and your family travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow families will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too (for both parents and children). We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow  families is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you and your family have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow families booked on your trip prior to departure.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
A selection of optional activities are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only and are subject to availabilities. For our families we have priced an all inclusive package including entrance fees, transport and local guide where relevant to assist you with budgeting the exact amount required on tour. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination. The optional activities listed in your itinerary are activities that are available to you as a guideline and have been checked locally.

The decision to partake in any activity not listed above is entirely at your own discretion and risk. If you do have any complaint about or problem with, any such optional activity your claim should be directed to the activity provider and not to Intrepid Travel.