15 DAY | Pyramids & Beaches
MXEPCC-7
This tour visits: Egypt
As value-for-money tours of Egypt go, Topdeck's Pyramids & Beaches is up there
with the best. Starting and ending in Cairo, this top-notch tour visits Aswan, Abu
Simbel, Luxor and Kom Ombo, and then spends five relaxing days by the Red
Sea in Dahab. With more epic excursions and Instagram-worthy sights than you
can poke an ancient Egyptian relic at, this is an adventure not to be missed.
The Bucket List
More Inclusions
Pyramids & Sphinx at Giza Plateau
14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Temples of Abu Simbel & Kom Ombo
5 nights twin/triple share in 3-star hotels, 4 nights
Valley of the Kings & Temple of Hatshepsut
twin/triple share in a 4-star hotel, 1 night in a twin/triple
Felucca Sailing on the Nile
share in tourist class hotel, 2 nights aboard a felucca
Egyptian Museum
sailboat, 2 nights aboard overnight coach
Relax on the Red Sea in Dahab
Arrival transfer from the airport to hotel
Saqqara Step Pyramid, Coptic Cairo & Khan el Khalili
Transport
Egyptology tours at major sites (entrance fees not included)
Awesome English-speaking Trip Leader
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - Cairo, Egypt
Get smacked with a high-voltage dose of mosques, churches, palaces and papyrus sellers as you make your way through Cairo, the City of a
Thousand Minarets. Get briefed with the gang tonight.
Included today:
- Airport transfer
Day 2 - Cairo to Aswan via Overnight Coach
Remember the time of ancient Egypt filled with jewels, King Tutankhamun’s tomb haul and of course, mummies, at the Egyptian Museum.
Then, witness the last survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - the Great Pyramid of Giza - and snap a Sphinx selfie.
Included today:
- Egyptian Museum
- Giza pyramids & Sphinx
Meals:
- Breakfast
Day 3 - Aswan
Recover your strength in laid-back Aswan. Opt to visit the Philae High Temple, Aswan High Dam and check out the Nubian’s roofless houses
in one of the driest inhabited places in the world.
Meals:
- Breakfast
Optional activities:
- Philae Temple & Nile High Dam
- Nubian village
- Camel ride
- Nubian dinner
Day 4 - Aswan to Felucca Sailing
Pharaoh Ramesses II four statues, standing at 20-metres tall, flank the entrance to Abu Simbel. Hint: get your camera ready. After doing the
rounds, fling your gear onto a felucca for the next life-changing chapter.
Included today:
- Abu Simbel
- Felucca sailing (sleeping bag required)
Meals:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 5 - Felucca Sailing
Sail down Egypt’s ancient trading highway, where chilling out and eating traditional Nubian dishes is the order of the day. Ah, bliss!
Included today:
- Felucca sailing (sleeping bag required)
Meals:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 6 - Felucca Sailing to Luxor
A chance to lose yourself in Luxor’s 200-acre sprawl of ridiculously opulent temples, tombs and... mummified crocodiles? Yep, for real.
Included today:
- Kom Ombo
Meals:
- Breakfast
Optional activities:
- Karnak & Luxor temples
Day 7 - Luxor to Cairo via Overnight Coach
Watch your step on a guided tour of the Valley of the Kings. With 50 new mummies discovered in 2014, who knows what else lies beneath.
Tick ‘em off: Temple of Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon.
Included today:
- Valley of the Kings
- Temple of Hatshepsut
- Colossi of Memnon
Meals:
- Breakfast
Day 8 - Cairo
Back in the Big Mango, opt to see Christianity’s ancient influence in Coptic Cairo, haggle your way through Khan el Khalili market, tour
Saqqara Pyramid or just join in a game of backgammon at Fishawi’s cafe and keep the mint tea flowing.
Meals:
- Breakfast
Optional activities:
- Saqqara Step Pyramid
- Coptic Cairo
- Khan el-Khalili market
- Nile dinner cruise
Day 9 - Cairo to Dahab
Dahab (meaning gold) has the midas touch for divers, windsurfers and real-world defectors. Y’all ready for this?
Meals:
- Breakfast
Day 10 - Dahab
Wake up to the blinding beauty of Dahab and see why some people call this place the Koh Samui of the Middle East. Coral reefs, turquoise
water and Bedouin-style cafes lining the sand = absolutely #nofilter necessary. Cue heaps of activities for you to curate your ideal coastal
getaway.
Meals:
- Breakfast
Optional activities:
- Diving
- Snorkelling
- Quad bikes
- Hike Mount Sinai for sunrise
- Camel ride
Day 11 - Dahab
Another day in paradise awaits you. Gear up for an eye-opening dive exploration, snare yourself a bargain at the village shops, or grab your
goggles and snorkel and hit the world famous Blue Hole. Alternatively, do nothing at all. It’s your vaycay.
Meals:
- Breakfast
Optional activities:
- Diving
- Snorkelling
- Quad bikes
- Hike Mount Sinai for sunrise
- Camel ride
Day 12 - Dahab
Fancy a seafood feast, fit for a sheikh? Satiate your appetite with a drool-inducing seafood feast at one of the many beachside restaurants in
this superb seaside town. When your tummy is well and truly full, head back to the beach, where your toughest decision will be whether to
doze or dip.
Meals:
- Breakfast
Optional activities:
- Diving
- Snorkelling
- Quad bikes
- Hike Mount Sinai for sunrise
- Camel ride
Day 13 - Dahab
When you get bored of sun, swimming and snorkelling, slap on some sunscreen and make your way to the top of Mount Sinai for a holy
sunrise and mingle with the monks at St Catherine's Monastery, where history can be traced back 17 centuries. Then, saddle up for a camel
ride or explore the desert by a more mechanical steed (aka quad bike). After four days here, the only thing you'll wish for is at least four
more.
Meals:
- Breakfast
Optional activities:
- Diving
- Snorkelling
- Quad bikes
- Hike Mount Sinai for sunrise
- Camel ride
Day 14 - Dahab to Cairo
Commit the scene of Dahab to your memory bank as we carry your salt-soaked bones back to Cairo.
Meals:
- Breakfast
Day 15 - Cairo
All good things must come to an end. Even that bowl of kushari. Don’t cry, it’s only hot sauce! And you’re in the best position to keep on
exploring. Peace out after breakfast.
Meals:
Breakfast
Accommodation
On your trip you will stay in tourist-class and three-star hotels, selected for their good locations and services. Rooms are shared on a single,
twin or triple-share basis, depending on what you have booked. The 'More Inclusions' section on this document has a full breakdown of the
accommodation used.
Optional Activities
On all trips we have arranged extra activities that we think will enhance your travel experience, but you have a choice as to whether or not
you will participate. These are not included in the cost of your trip. They are usually organised on a group participation basis and should be
taken into consideration when budgeting your spending money.
None of the Optional Activities on your trip are operated by Topdeck, nor do they form part of your contract with Topdeck for your trip.
Topdeck arranges the activity as an agent of the local supplier. Should you participate in any Optional Activities your contract will be with the
local supplier and their conditions will apply.
Please note: while we make every effort to keep these prices as accurate and up-to-date as possible, they are subject to change and in rare
circumstances the actual price may vary slightly to what is published here.
Cairo - Egypt
Nile dinner cruise (includes belly dancer, Darwish dance & live music) US$55
Saqqara Pyramid, Coptic Cairo & Khan el-Khalili US$50
Luxor - Egypt
Karnak & Luxor temple (East Bank US$70
Aswan - Egypt
Camel ride US$30
Traditional Nubian dinner US$18
Camel ride & traditional Nubian dinner US$48
Philae Temple & Nile High Dam US$55
Dahab - Egypt
Diving in Dahab:
Intro dive (for beginners) US$48
1 or 2 dives (for certified divers) US$41 per dive
3 to 5 dives (for certified divers) US$38 per dive
6 or more dives (for certified divers) US$36 per dive
Blue Hole (includes transportation, lunch, snorkel mask) US$45
Camel ride US$30
Desert safari (quad bikes) US$58
Day trip to St Catherine & Mt Sinai US$55 *minimum 4 people to operate
Meals
Breakfasts are included every day on most trips (except on the first morning). A typical breakfast may consist of cereals with milk or yoghurt,
bread, croissants, cold meats, cheese and a range of spreads, with fruit juice, tea or coffee to drink. It is rare to get a hot breakfast, though on
some occasions there may be some hot food available as well.
Included evening meals are in local restaurants or your place of accommodation. In most cases table water is provided with the meals, and if
you wish to purchase additional drinks you can do so at your own expense.
If you have any dietary requirements we will make every effort to cater to your specific needs as long as you advise your travel agent or
Topdeck Customer Service Consultant when you book. But please be aware that although we will do everything in our power to arrange it,
we cannot guarantee that every restaurant we use will be able to cater to all dietary needs. We also cannot cater for tastes or dislikes, as
most of our included evening meals feature a set menu.
Your included meals are detailed in the ' More Inclusions' section of this document.
Important note on Ramadan: As many Middle Eastern countries are of Islamic faith, it is important to remember that many restaurants and
shops will either be closed or operating on reduced hours during this time. Some Optional and Included Activities may also be affected.
Despite some of these restraints, Ramadan is an incredibly important and sacred month for Muslims. When equipped with some basic
knowledge, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in this special tradition and experience all its highlights.
No Tip Necessary
Your Topdeck crew never expect tips themselves and will not ask for any; that’s not what friends do! We also know how much tipping can
cost you. So go ahead, spoil yourself with the money you will save by travelling with Topdeck (just don’t forget Mum’s souvenir).
Topdeck Travel App
Our travel app has landed! With a range of awesome features including a Currency Converter, Budget Tracker, Check-In tool and Social
Timeline you can plan your trip like a pro. Think of it like your very own Topdeck Trip Leader, always on call with the latest info, weather,
maps and city guides to give you the trip of a lifetime, all in the palm of your hand.
Please note: The Topdeck Travel App should only be downloaded once you have booked onto your trip. You will not be able to log in unless
you have a Topdeck Booking Reference Number.
Get it for iPhone
Get it for Android
Other Information
Finances
Currency
The currency unit in Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP), divided into 100 piastres.
In Egypt, British pounds, Euros and US dollars are widely accepted, so carrying some cash in small denomination notes is helpful.
Please note: You may not be able to exchange other currencies.
Please note:
There are two USD rates of exchange in Egypt, the bank rate and the street rate, and these rates can be significantly different. As of
Therefore, we highly recommend that you bring USD with you to pay for Topdeck optionals, which are calculated in USD.
If you choose to pay for optionals in EGP, your Trip Leader must calculate the cost using the street rate, which will be much more
Changing Money
Cashpoints/ATMs are widely available and are the safest and easiest way to access cash.
Most major credit cards are accepted throughout the region. We recommend that you bring yours along in case you see something s
Please note: Credit cards cannot be used to pay for Optional Activities.
It is advisable you notify your bank or credit card issuing company of your intention to travel as for security reasons, banks and cred
Upon arrival at Cairo airport it is advisable to cash up about EGP 200. This will cover any expenditure on your Cairo sightseeing da
and give you flexibility until you need to change more money where you can get a better exchange rate.
On your trip you will be given the opportunity to change money at either a bank or hotel.
Bear in mind for the end of your trip that changing Egyptian pounds back into dollars or other major currencies can be complicated
Spending Money
Based on past experience, we recommend at least EGP 400 - 500 (approx USD 55 - 70) per day to cover your normal expenses incl
Remember, this is a rough figure only and spending habits vary greatly between individuals according to their budget and habits!
Tipping
Although you may not be accustomed to tipping at home, tipping (known locally as 'baksheesh') is an important way of life in Egyp
When travelling with Topdeck, tips are already included on anything that forms part of your itinerary, including bus/coach drivers,
However, you will need to tip for services that are not included, so please take this into consideration when working out your budge
Topdeck Top Tip:
It is a really good idea to hide away somewhere a small amount of cash and/or extra card; this will really come in handy in the unlik
Entrance Fees
While we make every effort to keep these prices as accurate and up-to-date as possible, they are subject to change and in rare circum
Insurance
It is compulsory for all passengers to take out comprehensive travel insurance before the trip departs covering cancellation, medical
You must bring a copy of your travel insurance policy with you on the trip. Your Trip Leader will make a record of your travel insu
Passports & Visas
Some countries may refuse you entry if there is not at least six months validity on your passport after your departure date from their
Depending on your nationality, you may require a visa to enter Egypt. Some nationals can obtain a visa on arrival at Cairo airport. T
Please note: this may be subject to change at any time.
It is recommended that you contact your local Egyptian consulate to ensure you can obtain a visa on arrival, or to determine if you n
Remember that some visas can take up to six weeks to acquire, so don’t leave it until the last minute. Also bear in mind that the vali
IMPORTANT NOTE: Your booking includes a transfer from the airport to your joining hotel on Day 1. On flight arrival in Cairo,
follow the signs for immigration and baggage collection. You will be met by a Topdeck representative (holding a Topdeck sign)
before you clear immigration who will assist you with obtaining your visa and progressing through customs. On occasion, our
representative is not able to meet you before immigration. If this is the case, you need to purchase your entry visa from
one of the bank stalls just before immigration, then proceed through immigration yourself. NOTE: not all nationals can obtain
a visa on arrival in Egypt (please ensure you check with the Egyptian Embassy before travel).
Our representative will then meet you before you collect your luggage.
The transfer to the hotel can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending
on traffic.
In order to make sure a representative is at the airport to meet you, you will need to contact your Topdeck with your flight
details at least five days before you travel. If you have any difficulties finding the Topdeck representative and you have already
cleared immigration at Cairo airport, please contact us on one of the local Egyptian mobile numbers listed in the General
Information section of this document.
If for any reason you need to make your own way to the joining hotel, the address of our usual hotel is listed in this document. You can take
a taxi from the airport to the hotel. However, note that on occasion, we move our groups to different properties. If you need to make your
own way, please confirm the hotel location prior to departing the airport by contacting us on one of the local Egyptian
mobile numbers listed in the General Information section of this document.
Transport
Depending on your trip, you could be travelling in a modern air-conditioned coach or mini-buses, a traditional Nile sailing felucca,
Importantly we own all of our coaches, meaning we can be sure they are well serviced and of a high standard. The quality of all oth
Health And Safety
We want to make sure you’re having the time of your life while travelling with us. Therefore, if you suffer from any kind of medica
If you require regular medication, you must have a sufficient supply before your trip departs, as it may be difficult to obtain while tr
Strict food and water hygiene is essential to avoid diarrhoea. Make sure food has been properly prepared, drink only boiled or bottle
Vaccinations
We recommend that you ensure your tetanus, diphtheria, typhoid, polio and hepatitis vaccinations are up to date.
Please consult a medical practitioner for the relevant requirements prior to travelling.
Safety note
If you are arriving a few days before the start of your trip, please be advised not to accept offers from people to visit specialty shops
General Information
Power
Egypt uses the same two-prong plug as used in Europe (CEE 7/16 standard) and a single adaptor will work throughout the country.
Voltage
Throughout Egypt the voltage is a uniform 220v. If the voltage is the same or similar in your home country your appliance will com
Contact Us
Should you encounter any difficulties meeting your transfer from the airport to the starting hotel, depending on which country you a
Tamer Adel - Operations Manager
Mobile: +(20) 100 534 0350
Mariam Kamal - Operations
Mobile: +(20) 100 111 4103
Osama Yousef - Topdeck Representatives Supervisor
Mobile: +(20) 122 197 9097
In Cases of Emergency
While we hope you never have to use it, if for any reason you need to contact someone from Topdeck, whether it be that you have m
Emergency Contact
Our Customer Service team is on hand 24/7 to help*
Please call 1300886332 from within Australia, 0800525366 from within New Zealand, 18006071399 from within North America, 0
* Please note our Customer Service team may be closed over bank holidays. Please check out
www.topdeck.travel/about-topdeck/contact-us over these times.
What to Bring
The golden rule is to travel as light as you can. Only bring what you really need and leave plenty of space for things you might wan
We recommend soft bags, suitcases or frameless backpacks, plus a small day pack or carry bag. No external framed bags please, as
Please note:
Due to space and weight restrictions on our coaches, passengers with too much luggage on departure morning may be told that they
The following is a suggested clothing list only, based on our experience.
• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes
• 1 pair of smart-casual shoes
• 1 pair of thongs/jandals/flip-flops
• 2 pairs jeans/trousers
• 2 pairs shorts/skirts
• 4 shirts/t-shirts
• 2 sweaters/jumpers
• Smart casual evening wear
• 1 rainproof jacket
• Underwear and socks!
General things to pack:
• Swimming costume
• Beach Towel
• Toiletries
• Hat & Sunscreen
• Basic medical kit (including plasters, aspirin etc.)
• Washing powder
• Insect repellent
• Conversion plug
Optional things to pack:
• Torch
• Travel pillow
Travelling in winter
While the daytime temperatures can be mild in the winter months in the region, the evenings are generally cold, especially in Upper
The hotels don’t cater for winter temperatures as well as they perhaps could so we recommend you bring something warm to sleep i
Sleeping bag
A sleeping bag will be required for part or all of your trip and you will be required to provide your own.
Final Checklist
Passport (with visas if required!)
Airline e-ticket
Insurance Policy (you must bring these details with you)
Camera; batteries; chargers; conversion plug