THE EXPLORER SOCIETY PRESENTS

THE ULTIMATE
GUIDE TO
EGYPT
HOW TO GO
WHERE TO GO
HOW TO GET THE BEST TRIP FOR YOU
© The Explorer Society 2022
Published 2022 - Updated Edition

To contact the authors or join the society:

The Explorer Society

theexplorersociety.com
[email protected]

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 ABOUT THE AUTHORS

MARTIN EDWARDS – CO-FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXPLORATION OFFICER

Originating from the UK, Martin’s rst real exploration
was in his early twenties when he backpacked for 12
months around the world. During this time he, as a
challenge, travelled over 7,000 km by public transport
between Nairobi and Cape Town. He has also
climbed Kilimanjaro twice, rafted the mighty rapids of
the Zambezi and kayaked with whales in the Cape.
Always with a thirst for adventure and exploration, he
is a successful two time ultramarathon runner, in one
case covering over 100km of mountainous terrain.
When not exploring new regions of the world, he is
happy to enjoy the great outdoors with his young family in Sydney.

CAMERON NEILL – CO-FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXPLORER

Apart from two small stints as an exchange student in
Japan in his teens, Cameron began his travel lifestyle
in earnest shortly after his 21st birthday. Living out of
a backpack for over 7 years he lived and travelled
through countries all over the world. Along the way
he also worked as an English teacher, a white-water
rafting guide, an alpine ski worker, a cruise ship
entertainer and a scuba divemaster. He also enjoys
lmmaking, photography and writing, with his work
published in a variety of publications. Now mostly
based in Australia, he spends much of each year
exploring new areas of the world with his wife and young son.

LIKE TO START PLANNING YOUR OWN ADVENTURE TO EGYPT?

GET IN TOUCH WITH US. WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN.
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CONTENTS
Prologue 5

A (Brief) Guide to Egyptian History 6

The Big Questions 9

“Is it safe?” 9
“Is it safe for women?” 10
“Is it hot?” 10
“What about Ramadan?” 11
“Do I need to do a tour?” 11
“Isn’t creating my own itinerary more expensive?” 12
“How long should I go for? 12
The weather and seasonality 13

Famous sites 14

Some sample itineraries 17

Common Itineraries 17
Alternate Options 18
Common Add on Segments 19
Final Word 20

About the Authors 21

PROLOGUE
Welcome.

If you are wondering whether you should go to Egypt, then let us solve that mystery right away.

Yes, absolutely you should.

Egypt is, and remains, one of the most fascinating locations any traveller can visit. Don’t take our
word for it. Take the word of the ancient Greeks, Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte, Agatha
Christie, T.E Lawrence, Winston Churchill and millions more who have stood in awe at the foot
of countless incredible monuments. We count ourselves amongst that number. Martin visited
almost yearly for a whole decade, exploring the sites in depth. Cameron still tells anyone who
will listen how his adventures in Egypt helped him, as a cocky young man, gain some
perspective and humility. After all, if anywhere can make you feel small, insigni cant and slightly
stupid, it’s Egypt.

Egypt is home to an education that cannot be taught, only experienced. From the remarkable
sights to the rich culture that has developed here over the many, many centuries, it provides an
amazing lesson in the history of humankind. Add into this the natural wonders of the coast, the
mystery of the desert and the serenity of the Nile and you have a destination that res all senses.

And it’s remarkably simple to do. We can prepare a trip that is relaxing and revealing, insightful
and inspirational and one that you will remember for a lifetime. We can’t claim all the credit. All
we do is prepare the best arrangements for you and let Egypt shine.

This guide is designed to answer the questions you may have about travelling to Egypt,
including a history lesson, common questions and some sample itineraries for you. Once you
have read through and had your interest peaked, we’d be delighted to chat with you about how
to make it happen.

Although, to be honest, we are also just happy to talk with you about Egypt in general. So many
stories to tell.

Happy reading.

Martin Edwards & Cameron Neill

Co-Founders: The Explorer Society

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1.
A (BRIEF) GUIDE TO EGYPTIAN HISTORY

Let’s start at the beginning. As in, the very beginning. It helps to be able to visualise the story of
Egypt when planning out a trip, otherwise, it all just becomes names and temples.

As you can imagine, Egyptian history is long and complex, with a rich and vibrant backstory. It’s
both a boon for storytelling and a challenge. It is a struggle to make many millennia distinct
from each other and avoid them all falling into a vague sense of ‘the past’. So, if you are
planning to visit Egypt or have visited Egypt and want to clear up your memories, then here is
The Explorer Society’s (brief) guide to Egyptian history.

Note: This is not a de nitive history guide that could be considered strictly academic. But, as
frequent Egypt travellers, we think this is one that best helps wrap your head around it.

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First things rst, most of what we consider to be ‘ancient’ Egyptian history ts into ve distinct
Kingdoms:

The Old, the Middle, The New, The Late and The Ptolemaic.

These are often interrupted by what is termed Intermediate Periods. So, in a nutshell, it goes
Kingdom, Intermediate Period, Kingdom, Intermediate Period and so on.

We are just going to focus on Egyptian history that took place ‘Before the Common Era’, better
known as BCE (or BC). To get an idea of how many years ago it occurred, add 2022 (the current
year) to it.

Let’s start at the very beginning.

Pre-dynastic period – around 3100 to 2600 BCE

Formed around 3150 BC, the areas of both Upper and Lower Egypt were uni ed under a ruler
named Menes into one dynasty, that inevitably lasted for millennia. For the rst time in recorded
history, Egypt exists as a single entity.

Old Kingdom – around 2600 to 2100 BCE

This is the ‘Age of the Pyramids’. During this time many pyramids were constructed, including
the famed Pyramids of Giza. As you can tell by the name, this period is a long time ago, over
4,600 years prior to you reading this. This kingdom ends with a mighty famine.

Intermediate Period – around 2100 to 1950 BCE

After the dissolution of the Old Kingdom, there was great political upheaval for about 150
years. During this time Egypt was once again two separate kingdoms.

Middle Kingdom – around 1950 to 1640 BCE

Reunited again! Strong oods occurred during this time, which generally provide good
conditions for food and peace. This prosperous time also saw a period of stable government.

Intermediate Period II – around 1640 to 1520 BCE

Invaded to the north, the Egyptian kingdom loses Lower Egypt (which is actually the north of the
country) to the bloodthirsty Hyksos who invade and rule their new territory. Well, this is the story
told by ancient Egyptian history. Common modern belief is that instead of being invaders they
were actually instead residents of the north who seceded. Either way, they are eventually forced
out and defeated by Ahmose I who rst reunites the kingdoms, and then rewrites the stories.

New Kingdom – around 1520 to 1075 BCE

This is one of the strongest periods for Egypt as a dynasty, with many of the sights people now
visit built during this time. It is the time for famed pharaohs like Ramses II, who ruled for 67
years. It is also the time for others like Hatshepsut, Akhenaten and Nefertiti. This is also when
Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel all came to be. It’s worth reminding you
that this is at least 1,000 years after the pyramids were built.

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The boy king Tutankhamun was also in this period. It should be noted that Tutankhamun didn’t
do much as a ruler and was largely forgotten for 3,000 years. However, we found his tomb intact
and unplundered, very rare in Egyptology, hence his modern fame.

Intermediate Period III and Late Period – around 1075 to 332 BCE
Not a great time for the Egyptians to be honest. This is a period of constant invasion, from
Nubian, Libyan and Assyrian forces. On a bright note, it’s during this time the Temple of Philae is
built (in what is now Aswan). Over this period the kingdom splits and re-joins numerous times
before nally being invaded and ruled by the Persians. That is, of course, until much later when
it is conquered by Alexander the Great on his great rampage east, who founds Alexandria after
himself as the new capital. After his death, Egypt is ruled by his trusted General, Ptolemy I.

Ptolemaic Dynasty – around 305 to 30 BCE

This period saw Egypt become a strong country again. Well, sort of. It’s not the Egypt it used to
be. After the rst two Ptolemaic rulers (easily remembered as Ptolemy I and Ptolemy II) the rest
were fairly useless, propped up by the Roman empire. It might have had something to do with
their practice of marrying siblings in order to consolidate power. These rulers are also very
distinctly ‘not Egyptian’ and very much Greek. It’s believed that only the last ruler, Cleopatra,
really bothered to learn the language of her people. This dynasty ended after its inner turmoil
and its involvement in the Roman Civil War saw it fall to the Roman Empire. The very end of this
period is the time of Julius Caesar, Cleopatra and Mark Antony.

Once again, it’s worth noting that this is 3,000 years after the Pyramids were built and even
1,500 years after Abu Simbel and Luxor. You, reading this right now on a computer or mobile
phone, are living closer in time to Cleopatra than she was to the Pyramids being built.

And of course, all of that occurred in BCE, before the beginning of the Common Era and the
next 2,000 years of Egyptian history! That following 2,000 years sees Islamic Conquest,
Napoleonic invasion, British colonialism, Egyptian independence and the Arab Spring
revolution. And on it goes.

Even with this extremely condensed version, you can see why Egypt is a fascinating place to
visit. Head there to walk in the footsteps of the past and see some of the greatest achievements,
and failures, of the human species.

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2.
THE BIG QUESTIONS

L et’s get the negative stuff out the way rst. We know it probably seems strange to start the
book listing all the common issues people have with travelling to Africa. And, if they were
true, it would be. The problem is that most of the problems aren’t problems at all and the
real problem is the non-problems that people think are problems!

So, let’s go through common questions, or hesitations, asked to us at various speaking events,
expos and talks over the years, usually in a low whispered tone.

“IS IT SAFE?”
Millions of people travel to Egypt every year, and the overwhelming majority have no issue of
any sort. Time spent travelling in Egypt is usually spent in a combination of ‘in city’ and ‘on-site’
travel. Whilst in a city normal precautions should apply, including being aware of pickpockets
and general crime. Whilst on-site, usually a historical site, scams are more prevalent. This
includes demanding payment for assisting tourists with directions or taking photos of them and
the 'free gift in return for donation' scam. At the pyramids, the old favourite is the 'let you up on
a camel but won’t let you down until you pay' scam. In all of these locations, a bit of self-
awareness and street smarts will hold you in good stead.

Dressing appropriately and respecting local cultural norms will also see you avoid many such
issues that could arise. Whilst it may be different from what you are used to at home, remember
that you are not at home. You are in someone else’s home.

Major terrorist attacks, although rare, have happened in Egypt. Indeed, nding a destination
that hasn’t suffered from terrorism nowadays is exceedingly dif cult. Perhaps the most infamous
one was the attack at the temple of Hatshepsut in 1997, although there have been sporadic
incidents in the years since. No destination is terrorism-free, and travel to Egypt or any
destination carries some inherent risk that must be acknowledged. Whether that risk is realistic
must also be acknowledged.

In the past 30 years, major security resources have been devoted to keeping tourists safe,
including armed security around most tourist sites. Despite the look of it, the presence of armed
guards is a sign of its security and commitment to safety, not of its danger. To repeat the rst
line of this section, millions of people travel to Egypt every year, and the overwhelming majority
have no issue of any sort.
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“IS IT SAFE FOR WOMEN?”
Before we dive deeper into this, it again is worth noting that you aren’t visiting to change the
existing culture. You are there to visit a new one, involving both its good and bad aspects.

Statistically, Egypt is a very safe country for everyone, regardless of gender. That being said,
despite being further developed for women’s rights than other areas in the Middle East, Egypt
(and Cairo in particular) remain a prime area for the harassment of women. Historical and
religious attitudes toward the place of women in society and the expectation of women’s
modesty mean that for foreign visitors, it can be a shock. Both men and women in Egypt largely
believe that if a woman dresses in ‘revealing’ clothing (with ‘revealing’ being a relative term),
then she is inviting the attention she receives. Dressing modestly, despite what you may be
used to, will go a long way to minimising the chances of a negative encounter. Whilst you don’t
have to wear a headscarf or hijab, you will blend in more if you do cover your head to some
degree. This can be a scarf or even the hood of a jacket. In other areas of the country like Aswan
or Luxor, with high tourism visitation, you can dress a bit more freely. At major landmarks around
Luxor and at Abu Simbel, you can pretty much wear what you like. Take a scarf or shawl to cover
up bare shoulders if you plan on walking through the town. As a bonus, it can also prevent
sunburn.

The atmosphere can be similar to countries with a machismo culture, like those found in
Southern Europe or Latin America. If you have visited these countries, then the attention isn’t
too dissimilar. Avoid walking alone at night (good advice for anyone really) and visiting bars
alone. If travelling by metro in Cairo, there are two dedicated cars for women only that are
labelled on the platform. Use these if you’d like to prevent unwanted attention. Staying in public
areas and raising your voice, if needed, will also dissuade people as well as asking for directions
from shopkeepers or other women, instead of men on the street. Some women prefer to wear a
ring to indicate they are unavailable, although whether this is a successful tactic depends on
many other factors as well.

Egyptians are, on the whole, very friendly and welcoming to travellers of all ages and genders.
They are proud of their country and want to show you the great things it has to offer. Preventing
opportunities for an incident is just one way to ensure you see great things as well.

“IS IT HOT?”
Well, yeah.

Egypt sits between the Sahara, the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, and large sections of it
are desert. Divided south to north by the Nile river, the main fertile soil is obviously on either
side of this vital waterway, and has been for millennia. This has meant that for as long as the
country has existed, main trading sites and settlements all hugged the riverbanks. This also
means that the modern cities of Cairo, Luxor and Aswan also do the same, as well as most of the
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monuments and attractions that people come to see. This includes Karnak and Luxor Temple,
Cairo, the temple of Philae and many more. So, whilst the true desert may be hot and dusty, the
main attractions are often tempered by the nearby Nile river and green belt that grows from
either side.

Also, typically whilst in Egypt, you tend to begin your day early. In doing so you avoid the main
heat of the day, then relax during that peak and venture out again when the sun begins to go
down. The peak of the day may be used to travel to a new region, relax on a cruise boat or by
the pool and just take a nap to rest the brain, overwhelmed by the depth of the history.

Also, Egypt does have air-conditioning. So, there’s that.

“WHAT ABOUT RAMADAN?”

Ramadan is in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is a chance for Muslims the world
over to reconnect to their faith through fasting, prayer, community and re ection. Taking place
usually in April or May, Ramadan sees most restaurants and stores operate on reduced hours as
they undergo a fast from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan can also cause some minor disruptions to
your schedule as it can affect transport options.

Although tourists aren’t required to fast or abstain from drinking during daylight hours, it is
worth showing some extra consideration when you do so. After all, someone who is abstaining
from natural urges and temptation doesn’t need a tourist guzzling drinks and gorging food in
front of them. Most tourist places will have limited options available for tourists to eat in, and
although you won’t be left starving it is more dif cult to nd open dining options. That is, of
course, during the day. In the evening these same places come alive as locals break their fast
and celebrate their faith and community.

Although there are some considerations and concessions to be made, it also allows a chance to
take part in an incredible cultural experience. Ramadan is a time of feast and deprivation.
Sharing in a cultural event like this, alongside locals and over a billion others, is a great chance
to gain a deeper understanding of the people you are visiting.

“DO I NEED TO DO A TOUR?”

No.

We should expand this somewhat. You can do a tour if you want and indeed there are plenty of
reasons you might choose to do one. You might have a restrictive budget and nd that a tour
could enable you to see more. You may be a solo traveller and wish to spend your whole trip
with a new group of potential friends. Or you may nd a trip that is almost tailor-made for you,
with all of your requirements and wishes taken into account.

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In those cases, great! We have tours that we use at The Explorer Society because they have
proved very popular over the years. That being said, you don’t need to do a tour. Most tours are
great for top-level views of destinations. They are an approximation of the interests of the
average traveller and therefore try to cater to that type of person. We often see people trying to
edit their wishes to t into a trip, or a few trips, rather than thinking the reverse. Don’t adjust the
dream you have for your Egypt trip by picking the closest option from a selection of tours.
Instead, if this is you, create the itinerary that ful ls those dreams.

We know what you are thinking.

“ISN’T CREATING MY OWN ITINERARY MORE EXPENSIVE?”

Sometimes yes, but not necessarily. It can actually be cheaper. Not being restricted to the tour
means you can mix and match the accommodation level to suit you, perhaps staying in more
budget accommodation than the tour offers. You could also choose to spend your money
differently, perhaps some luxury for special areas and more affordable accommodation for the
rest. You might also nd that parts of the tour don’t interest you or suit you. If it is custom
created then you can ignore those parts, perhaps choosing to instead travel cheaply to the next
area and saving yourself the accommodation and activity costs of the entire section.

It is also worth noting to be mindful of companies that only offer tours in Egypt and don’t offer a
custom option for anyone except groups. Whilst many are good, some will design the tour to
suit their own bottom line or marketing pitch rather than your best itinerary. They will insist you
have to do a tour, and preferably theirs, for vague safety reasons and because it offers ‘all the
highlights’. This is why you may see companies have itineraries that bounce all over with
minimal days spent in each location. They are focused on the business, their tour schedules,
combinations of tours and ful lling their contracted allocations. The priority is often not your
experience.

If you have spoken to an expert and found a perfect tour, then by all means take that tour. As we
said, there are many out there and we’d be happy to recommend a few. But, consider a custom
itinerary for your trip before you make that decision. After all, it is your trip.

“HOW LONG SHOULD I GO FOR?”

Egypt requires a minimum of a week in order to visit the north, central and southern districts of
Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. If a Nile cruise is chosen then allow a few extra days and a few extra
more if you plan on heading into the desert or onto the Sinai Peninsula.

The team at The Explorer Society believes that slowing down to appreciate the destination is
best, provided you aren’t sacri cing the trip quality to prolong its length. We also understand
that everyone is different, so these sample itineraries are general and ultimately it will depend
on your own expedition’s requirements.

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3.
THE WEATHER & SEASONALITY

D
espite the link between the two, when we talk about the weather and the seasonality in
Egypt, we are talking about two separate things. The weather in Egypt (technically the
climate, but we digress) refers to the daily temperature, the amount of rainfall and the
conditions you’ll encounter meteorologically on your trip. Seasonality refers to the amount of
tourism that occurs at any given time of the year.

Often, they are linked. But it should be noted that the seasonality doesn’t indicate the best and
worst time to go, just the busiest and the quietest. At The Explorer Society, we rmly believe that
there is no right or wrong time to go anywhere. Instead, we think that each time of the year
offers different experiences that better suit different travellers.

November to February: Egyptian winter nights can get cold, especially in the desert regions,
be prepared to wrap up warm.

March to May: One of the best times to visit, when the days are warm with temperatures into
the high twenties, but the nights are cool. This climate is pleasant and perfect for exploring.

June to August: Egypt’s summer months are very hot, with temperatures reaching up into the
forties. However, it is still worth considering a trip at this time if you are not adversely affected by
heat, as you will have the historical sites almost to yourself.

September to November: One of the best times to visit, when the days are warm with
temperatures into the high twenties, but the nights are cool. This climate is pleasant and perfect
for exploring.

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4.
FAMOUS SITES

Pyramids of Giza
This doesn’t need any introduction. The three pyramids of Giza are one of the most, if not the
most, famous monuments known to mankind. For thousands of years, they have stood as a
symbol of Egypt, in all its glory. Spend time around the base of the pyramid and wonder at how
it was made, so long ago, with such perfection. Nearby sits the iconic Great Sphinx, itself a
famed world site.

Saqqara and Memphis

Located about 50 kilometres (20 miles) south of Cairo, Saqqara is home to the Djoser pyramid,
one of the rst pyramids and the rst large stone building in the world. This mortuary region
served as the burial ground of nearby Memphis, the rst capital of Ancient Egypt and one of the
most important cities of the ancient world.

Egyptian museum
The Egyptian Museum has so many priceless antiquities from the ancient world that they could
lend out a fraction to any other museum around the world and people would ock to see it. It
contains ancient stone tablets, artwork and monuments of all sizes. Most famously, it also is
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 home to the golden death mask and sarcophagus of Tutankhamun. The museum (now newly
relocated to the Giza plateau from its former Cairo home), is a must-do.

Abu Simbel
One of the most impressive monuments in all of Egypt, the twin rock-cut temples near Aswan
are a worthy addition to any Egyptian trip. A short ight from Aswan lands you right on the
shores of Lake Nasser, with the monument relocated here in a massive operation when the Nile
was dammed in the 1970s. The temples, one dedicated to Pharaoh Ramses II and one to his
wife Nefertari, stand tall as historical monuments to their long reign.

Luxor and Karnak Temple

Luxor is also well known by its ancient name: Thebes. This city was known everywhere across the
old world, and the twin temples of Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple bear witness to this
glorious past. Joining by a recently restored avenue of sphinxes, these temples showcase the
might and ingenuity of the old world.

The Valley of the Kings

Used primarily during the New Kingdom, this valley was the burial ground of the nobility and
pharaonic leaders. Over 63 beautiful hand-painted tombs rest beneath the grounds, the walls
decorated with Egyptian mythology and funeral practices. The most famous tomb belongs to
Tutankhamun, discovered intact in the early 1900s.

The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

Built near Luxor, this temple to the ancient queen Hatshepsut is considered to be one of the
nest examples of ancient architecture to be found. Although her name was largely erased after

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her death, her temple remains a symbol of her power and is one of the most memorable sites to
visit in Egypt.

Philae Temple
Moved and reconstructed to a nearby island after the Aswan High Dam caused it to be
inundated, the temple of Philae was the home to the cult of Isis and has captivated travellers for
centuries with its rich history. Relatively new compared to some surviving monuments of Egypt
(around 2,000 years or so), it is a great way to step through the mythologies of the Egyptian
gods as interpreted through later conquering nations.

Edfu
Edfu Temple was built during the Ptolemaic period of Egypt and the walls are covered with
inscriptions about life during this time, making it an invaluable resource to compare with earlier
periods. Dedicated to the god Horus, the imposing view it presents on arrival makes it pretty
impressive to see as well!

Kom Ombo
An unusual dual temple dedicated to two deities, the mirror image temple of Kom Ombo
celebrates the falcon-headed god Horus and the crocodile-headed god Sobek. Each half of the
temple mirrors the other, with twin halls and sanctuaries. The Kom Ombo temple also had a
large pool in which Nile Crocodiles were raised, the belief being if ancient Egyptians
worshipped them then the crocodiles wouldn’t attack them. Mummi ed crocodiles can still be
seen on site.

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 5.
SOME SAMPLE ITINERARIES
Here are some suggestions for trips of all budgets that cover a wide range of destinations. You
don’t have to do these, but they can help to give you a starting point of what is popular and
why.

COMMON ITINERARIES
Classic Egypt
Duration: 9 days, beginning in Cairo
Classi cation: Usually found in 4-5 star options
Highlights: Cairo, Luxor, Nile Cruise, Aswan
Combining four nights in Cairo with four nights on a Nile cruise, this itinerary focuses on the
highlights of this incredible destination. Uncover thousands of years of ancient history in one of
the world’s oldest and most interesting countries. Witness the Great Pyramids of Giza and the
iconic Sphinx, constructed some 4,500 years ago, and spend some time on the River Nile,
cruising from Luxor to Aswan, taking in the historical sites that dot its banks.

Deluxe Egypt
Duration: 12 days, beginning in Cairo
Classi cation: 5 star
Highlights: Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Nile Cruise
Mixing luxury and history, this itinerary is all about taking things at a slower pace and watching
the world of Egypt soak into your bones. After a few nights in Cairo, taking in all its sights, you
then spend 7 nights cruising down the Nile. This extended cruise time enables you to visit
various temples, ruins and sights of interest before returning to comfort, only unpacking your
bag once the whole time onboard. Finish off your trip with some nights in Cairo to focus on
interests.

Christie’s Egypt
Duration: 13 days, beginning in Cairo
Classi cation: 5 star
Highlights: Cairo, Luxor, Nile Cruise, Aswan
Explore the world through the eyes of a character in an Agatha Christie novel, the author herself
a lover of the country. Wake up next to the pyramids in Giza, stay at the Winter Palace in Luxor
and of course, the famed Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan. An itinerary of varying historical time
periods, be swept up in the romance of early exploration.

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 Complete Egypt
Duration: 17 days, beginning in Cairo
Classi cation: Usually found in 4-5 star options
Highlights: Cairo, Alexandria, Nile Cruise, Lake Nassar, Red Sea
No trip to Egypt is ever long enough, but this one gives you the luxury of time. Visit the wonders
of the Nile delta, Cairo and the Giza Plateau and Lake Nasser itself, arriving at Abu Simbel by
water. Finish off your trip with time in the Red Sea, either relaxing or experiencing some world
class diving.

ALTERNATE OPTIONS
Nostalgic Egypt
Duration: 12 days, beginning in Cairo
Classi cation: Usually in 4-5 star options
Highlights: Cairo, Luxor, Nile Cruise, Aswan
A step back in time, this itinerary combines time in Cairo with time spent sailing down the Nile
onboard a traditional dahabiyya. Sailing with the wind, this enables silence as you sail and to
soak in the atmosphere of Egypt. Stop along the riverbank and visit the locals as you relax and
witness the history of Egypt.

Secret Egypt
Duration: 12 days, beginning in Cairo
Classi cation: Usually found in 3-5 star options
Highlights: Bahariya Oasis, Siwa Oasis, Alamein, Alexandria, Cairo
Desert plains cover some 90% of Egypt's landmass, yet amongst these arid deserts lie deep
depressions of life-giving water, where oases have existed for centuries. Located 350 km from
Cairo amongst the spectacular White and Black deserts of Egypt, Bahariya Oasis was the
discovery site of a remarkable necropolis. This area contained 105 gilded gold mummies dating
from the Greco-Roman period. From here, continue travelling off-the-beaten track to Siwa Oasis,
a supreme desert oasis with its date and palm groves being fed by the waters of 300 freshwater
springs. Combined with the ancient port city of Alexandria and the world war two battle elds of
Alamein and you have an Egypt that few rarely see.

Life on the Nile

Duration: 15 days
Classi cation: Usually found in 4-5 star options
Highlights: A long cruise up the Nile
Sail on a Nile cruise from Cairo all the way to Aswan (approx. 890 km) and explore the beauty of
the river. Traditional cruise programs offer a cruise journey from Luxor to Aswan (approx. 280
km) which is the southern part of the Nile in Egypt. While embarking the cruise from Cairo, you
can admire the beauty of the northern and the middle parts of the Nile where ancient Egyptians
lived and left behind beauty, romance and wealth of history.

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 COMMON ADD ON SEGMENTS
Destination: Alexandria, Egypt
Duration: 3 days or longer
Classi cation: Usually in 4-5 star options
Highlights: Home to Cleopatra, the Pharos Lighthouse and the most spectacular library of
antiquity
Alexandria, founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great has been a crossroads for trade and
culture for 2,500 years. An engaging mix of the ancient and the modern, Alexandria is a
fascinating insight into Egypt's eclectic heritage.

Destination: Lake Nasser, Egypt

Duration: 4 days or longer
Classi cation: Usually in 4-5 star options
Highlights: An incredible cruising experience, many sites are only accessible from the lake
A Lake Nasser cruise offers a wonderful scene of endless desert landscapes and staggering
monuments, whose shimmering colours change dramatically under the burning desert sun.
Whilst arriving at the stunning temples of Abu Simbel by water is, for many, an experience that
is truly unforgettable.

Destination: The Red Sea and the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt

Duration: 3 days or longer
Classi cation: Usually in 3-5 star options
Highlights: Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada,
The Red Sea and the Sinai Peninsula provides a perfect relaxation spot after a cultural tour. From
the heights of Mount Sinai you can gaze across landscapes that have changed little since
Biblical times, whilst the azure waters of the Red Sea offer relaxing beaches, staggering marine
life. Excellent hotels, superb weather and one of the world's meccas for diving, snorkelling and
water enthusiasts alike.

Destination: Jordan
Duration: 5-7 days, beginning in Amman
Classi cation: Usually found in 4-5 star options
Highlights: Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea
Explore Jordan and discover the incredible Lost City of Petra carved into the sheer rockface by
the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago. This is in addition to all the other wonders of
Jordan that you will discover along the way, from moonlike deserts of Wadi Rum to the Dead
Sea, Earth's lowest point on land.

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FINAL WORD
Thanks for reading this book and we hope it has informed you, entertained you and inspired
you to visit this amazing country. When you do decide to look into taking a trip, we hope you
remember the experts at The Explorer Society and get in contact to start planning out the trip
that best suits you.

If you aren’t at that stage yet but enjoyed this book, you can sign up to join the Society (for free)
as an honorary guest and hear all the latest from The Middle East, Africa, South America,
Antarctica and more. This includes modern developments, new travel styles, historical accounts
and entertaining tales with loose handles on reality.

Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you on the Nile.

The Explorer Society team

Web: theexplorersociety.com

Email: [email protected]

You can also nd us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and more.

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 ABOUT THE AUTHORS

MARTIN EDWARDS – CO-FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXPLORATION OFFICER

Originating from the UK, Martin’s rst real exploration
was in his early twenties when he backpacked for 12
months around the world. During this time he, as a
challenge, travelled over 7,000 km by public transport
between Nairobi and Cape Town. He has also
climbed Kilimanjaro twice, rafted the mighty rapids of
the Zambezi and kayaked with whales in the Cape.
Always with a thirst for adventure and exploration, he
is a successful two time ultramarathon runner, in one
case covering over 100km of mountainous terrain.
When not exploring new regions of the world, he is
happy to enjoy the great outdoors with his young family in Sydney.

CAMERON NEILL – CO-FOUNDER AND CHIEF EXPLORER

Apart from two small stints as an exchange student in
Japan in his teens, Cameron began his travel lifestyle
in earnest shortly after his 21st birthday. Living out of
a backpack for over 7 years he lived and travelled
through countries all over the world. Along the way
he also worked as an English teacher, a white-water
rafting guide, an alpine ski worker, a cruise ship
entertainer and a scuba divemaster. He also enjoys
lmmaking, photography and writing, with his work
published in a variety of publications. Now mostly
based in Australia, he spends much of each year
exploring new areas of the world with his wife and young son.

LIKE TO START PLANNING YOUR OWN ADVENTURE TO EGYPT?

GET IN TOUCH WITH US. WE CAN MAKE IT HAPPEN.
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