Exploring Egypt

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Book online at rei.com/adventures or call 1-800-622-2236

Trip Details
Gear List
Deck Plans

Highlights

Trip Dates:

2008

Jan 10–19 *
Jan 14–23
Feb 7–16 *
Feb 11–20
Mar 6–15 *
Mar 10–19
Apr 3–12 *
Apr 7–16
Oct 9–18
Oct 13–22
Nov 19–28
Dec 11–20
Dec 15–24

*Indicates this is a Reverse Itinerary

Price:

2008
Cabin prices: from $4480 (per person based on double occupancy)
Sole occupancy: from $6270

Additional Fees:

Airfare to Cairo

Total Days: 10

Group Size: 40 passengers

Activity Level: 1 2 3 4 5

We have active trips for every skill level, novice to expert. These guidelines will help you select the level of adventure that's right for you.
1 2 3 4 5 Relaxed: Adventure travel at its most relaxed pace.
Activity: 1-3 hours most days
Distances: walk less than 3 miles most days
Surfaces: flat terrain
Elevation change: little to none
Altitude: less than 3,000 ft
1 2 3 4 5 Easy Active: Great for newcomers to active travel.
Activity: 2-5 hours most days
Distances: Hike up to 6 miles, cycle 10-30 miles most days
Surfaces: flat or rolling terrain with some possible steeps
Elevation change: up to 2,000 ft/day
Altitude: up to 6,000 ft
1 2 3 4 5 Moderate: For outdoor novices and above.
Activity: 4-6 hours most days
Distances: Hike up to 10 miles most days, cycle 20-40 miles most days
Surfaces: rolling or mountainous terrain with some steep ascents/descents and uneven trails
Elevation change: up to 3,000 ft/day
Altitude: up to 10,000 ft
1 2 3 4 5 Moderate Plus: Trips rated as Moderate Plus [3-4] are recommended for travelers seeking both moderate [3] and vigorous [4] activity levels. Please refer to daily trip itineraries for specifics.
1 2 3 4 5 Vigorous: Recommended for fit travelers with basic skills.
Activity: 5-8 hours most days
Distances: Hike up to 12 miles most days, cycle 30-50 miles most days
Surfaces: mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents and uneven trails
Elevation change: up to 4,000 ft/day
Altitude: up to 14,000 ft.
Experience and a doctors release may be required
1 2 3 4 5 Strenuous: A trip for experienced and very fit travelers.
Activity: 10+ hours/day
Distances: Hike 12 or more miles most days, cycle 50 or more miles most days
Surfaces: remote mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents, uneven trails with loose features.
Elevation change: up to 4,000 ft/day
Altitude: may well exceed 14,000 ft
Experience and a doctors release are required

Activities:

Cruising

Accommodations:

All staterooms are spacious suites facing outside with two large windows and sitting area. Each cabin has private facilities.

Exploring Egypt

Travel from Cairo along the Nile with distinguished Egyptologists who will reveal the complexities of Ancient Egyptian beliefs and rites. Observe the scientific and artistic brilliance of the ancient kingdoms and the cultural vibrancy that has been maintained from the earliest prehistoric settlements of the fertile Nile River Valley to life in Egypt today. Visit bazaars alive with color and fragrant with exotic spices that create a distinct appreciation of Egypt’s unique diversity. This is a true discovery of Egypt’s land, religions, arts and, of course, the awe-inspiring architectural, cultural and scientific achievements of the Pharoanic Kingdoms.

Exploring Egypt Itinerary:

+ Hide Details

Day 1 U. S./Fly Overnight to Cairo, Egypt
Depart this evening aboard an overnight flight to Cairo.
Day 2 Cairo
Arrive late in the day and transfer to the Four Seasons Cairo First Residence.
Day 3 Cairo
Explore old Islamic Cairo, a city of mosques, and the Mohamed Ali Mosque whose five domes can be seen throughout the city. The pace quickens at Khan el Khalili, a maze of bazaars with rich leather goods, hand-worked gold and fragrant spices. Then, at the Egyptian Museum, view astonishing masterpieces from ancient Egypt, and mummies of some of ancient pharaohs, including Ramses II. Enjoy a welcome dinner in the evening. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Cairo/Abu Simbel/Aswan/Embark
A private flight takes you to Abu Simbel, where the 3,500-year-old Temple of Amon and Re-Harakte houses the colossi of Ramses II. Rescued from rising Lake Nasser, the massive Great Temple of Abu Simbel now sits 200 feet above its original location. Nearby the Temple of Hathor was built for Ramses’ favorite wife, Queen Nefertari. Continue your journey by air as our private aircraft takes us to Aswan to board the Triton and have lunch. We visit Aswan's famous uarries of pink granite where you'll walk across the massive 1,162-ton unfinished obelisk. Discover lovely Philae Temple, a monument recording the enduring devotion to the Egyptian goddess, Isis. Sail by felucca along the cataract to Kitchener Island. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Aswan/Kom Ombo
See Kom Ombo’s temple dedicated to two gods: the hawk-headed Haroeris and crocodile-headed Sobek. Sail to Edfu and visit the Temple of Horus, considered the best-preserved Ptolemaic masterpiece of the ancient world. Then, relax as we sail along this calm, majestic river. (B,L,D)
Days 6-7 Luxor
Karnak and Luxor Temples, both dedicated to the god Amun-Ra, are located about two miles apart, but were once joined by a paved road lined with ram-headed sphinxes. Visit the Temple at Karnak, an architectural wonder that had been the most important sanctuary of Egypt, and the graceful Temple of Luxor, guarded by massive statues of Ramses II. Cross the Nile to Luxor’s West Bank and visit the Valley of the Kings, Queens and Nobles including the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which has been called the finest building in Egypt. At the Luxor Museum see a mural from the Temple of Aton. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Luxor/Disembark/Cairo
Disembark the Triton and fly by private aircraft from Luxor to Cairo, and transfer to the Mena House Oberoi Hotel, located at the foot of the Pyramids in Giza. The afternoon and evening are free. (B,L)
Day 9 Pyramids and Sphinx/Cairo
The most enduring symbol of the ancient world, and the only surviving of its seven wonders are the Pyramids at Giza. Learn how and why the pyramids were built then view the Sphinx, carved out of a rocky outcrop, with the head of Pharaoh Chefren and the body of a lion. There will be an optional visit to Memphis, the city that represents the uniting of Upper and Lower Egypt, and Saqqara with its Step Pyramid complex or Dashur with its bent and Red Pyramids. A memorable farewell dinner ends your expedition. (B,L,D)
Day 10 Cairo/Home
Fly home this morning or extend your expedition to Jordan.

Exploring Egypt Itinerary:

+ Show Details

Day 1 U. S./Fly Overnight to Cairo, Egypt
Day 2 Cairo
Day 3 Cairo
Day 4 Cairo/Abu Simbel/Aswan/Embark
Day 5 Aswan/Kom Ombo
Days 6-7 Luxor
Day 8 Luxor/Disembark/Cairo
Day 9 Pyramids and Sphinx/Cairo
Day 10 Cairo/Home

Note on Itinerary:

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Cruise Cost Includes:

All accommodations aboard ship and hotels as per itinerary, all meals and non alcoholic beverages aboard ship; meals at hotels as indicated in the itinerary, air transportation within Egypt, all shore excursions and sightseeing with the services of an Egyptologist, entrance fees to mounuments and museums, transfers to and from hotels and gratuities to drivers. Visa fee for entering into Egypt (applicable to US citizens only).

Not Included:

International airfare; passport fees; alcoholic beverages; extensions; personal items; baggage/ accident/ cancellation insurance; and gratuities to ship's crew and Egyptologist (at your discretion).

Activity:

This trip is rated as an easy adventure cruise [1]; excursions include city walks, which average about 1 - 2 hours of activity most days. Beginners are welcome.

Weather:

Egypt's climate is hot and dry most of the year. During the winter months—December, January and February—average daily temperatures stay up around 68°F on the Mediterranean coast and a pleasant 80°F in Aswan. Maximum temperatures get to 88°F and 122°F respectively. Winter nights only get down to 8°C (45°F), a very Egyptian version of chilly.

Reservations:

An advance payment of approximately 10% of your voyage cost is required at the time of reservation to confirm your place; payable by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover or check.

Final Payment:

For trips eight nights or less, final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. For trips nine nights or more, final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.

Cancellation Policy:
For Expeditions 8 Nights or Less
Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start	Per Person Cancellation Fee
90 or more days	$150*
89-60 days	Advance payment cost
59-30 days	50% of trip cost
29-0 days	No refund
For Expeditions 9 Nights or More
Number of Days Prior to Expedition Start	Per Person Cancellation Fee
120 or more days	$150*
119-90 days	Advance payment cost
89-60 days	25% of trip cost
59-30 days	50% of trip cost
29-0 days	No refund

*Note: You will be issued a $150 Lindblad Expeditions Travel Certificate.
This policy is in accordance with the cruise company and REI Adventures’ standard payment and cancellation policies do not apply.

General Information:

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

Exploring Egypt

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary. This will help you and the field staff.

Weather

Gear Checklist

Official Papers

Valid passport

Airline tickets

Luggage

Medium-size duffel bag or soft sided suitcase

Daypack (approx. 2000 cu. in.) to carry your camera, water bottles, lunch and extra clothing

Luggage tags and luggage locks

Passport pouch or money belt

City Clothing

Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for travel and daily wear

Clothing

Hiking pants, synthetic, quick-drying

Hiking shorts, synthetic, quick-drying

Long-sleeve shirts

T-shirts

Hiking socks

Liner socks

Casual socks

Underwear

Swimsuit

Clothing Accessories

Sun hat

Bandana

Footwear

Comfortable shoes with rubber soles

Extra pair should one get dusty or dirty

Outerwear

Rain jacket, waterproof and breathable

Rain pants, waterproof and breathable

Lightweight jacket or sweater

Travel Accessories

Canteen or water bottle (though bottled water is provided on all elements of transportation)

Lightweight flashlight (and spare batteries) for illuminating the inside of the tombs.

Sunglasses and retainer strap

Sunblock and lip balm

Toiletry kit

Personal first aid kit

Hand sanitizer gel

Insect repellent

Several Ziploc plastic bags

Pocket tissues and moist towellettes

Optional Accessories

Watch with alarm or travel clock

Electrical adapter plug / converter

Camera, film and spare batteries

Spare contact lenses or glasses

Reading and writing materials

Travel pillow

Ear plugs

Umbrella

Things to Consider

Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
Please remember that Egypt and Jordan are predominantly Moslem countries, with conservative standards of dress. These apply particularly to women: except on board the cruise ship and by swimming pools, it's best not to wear bare-backed dresses or short skirts.
For the welcome and farewell dinners, as well as for your stay at the Four Seasons Cairo at the First Residence and the Hotel Mena House Oberoi, you may want to have something a little dressier—a blouse and skirt or simple dress for women and a sports jacket for men. A tie and even a jacket are entirely optional.
Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores or REI’s Direct Sales (800-426-4840) is also happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI’s website at www.rei.com. The “Expert Advice” section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

Exploring Egypt

Triton