|
DEPART CAIRO:
You will be traveling the 400
miles to/from Luxor via overnight train. Prior to your departure on the train, you will need to pack a carry-on bag with overnight necessities, i.e., pajamas, change of clothes, medical, shaving and cosmetic supplies as
needed. Your suitcase will be left at the Cairo hotel in storage. Be sure to lock it. Travel light as space in your train cabin will be at a premium.
So that you are not charged for the extra night at the hotel
during which you will be on the train, and early check-out will be required. If you are sightseeing on the day of departure for Luxor, you will check out in the morning. If your schedule calls for a "free
day", you will check out at noon.
OVERNIGHT TRAIN:
Our staff will take you to the train station. Please remember that your are on the African continent. While the trains are considered
"modern" by Egyptian standards, you should not expect an Amtrak-type train. The train station may be crowded and dimly lit. A small flashlight may be helpful. Do use caution.
On board, each car is
divided into compartments. Each compartment contains an upper and lower berth, a small sink with hot water, controls for air conditioning, light switches and a call button. There is also a small place to hang clothes.
The toilet is located at the end of each car. We suggest that you bring along extra tissue and / or wet wipes. Since there are no shower facilities, we also suggest that you pack a zip-lock bag with a small washcloth,
soap and towel so that you can take a sponge bath at the sink.
A late, light dinner will be served on the train (plan for this by having a snack and beverage before departing the hotel). A continental breakfast
will be served in your compartment before you reach Luxor. You should use bottled drinking, brushing teeth, etc. Bottled water is available from the Cabin Steward.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
ET has already cared for the tipping of cabin stewards and porters. Unless you receive some special service from them, additional tipping is not necessary.
ARRIVE IN LUXOR:
Upon arrival, you will be
met by our agent who will assist you to a bus and then on to a hotel where, if you wish, you can leave your carry-on bag for the day (a small tip is expected by the hotel staff when you pick up your bag later). At the
appointed hour, your local guide will meet the group in the lobby.
At noon, you will return to the hotel for a lovely lunch (no additional charge). After the completion of the afternoon sightseeing, you will
return to the hotel again where you can relax, shop at the local bazaar and market place, gather your carry-on or have a snack prior to your late departure on the train. Plan to creatively use this extra time in Luxor.
In the evening, when it is time, our agent will meet you in the hotel lobby and escort the group back to the train station. Once again, you will have a late, light dinner (Probably the same menu), time to sleep, and an
early breakfast before you arrive at the train station in Cairo.
NOTE:
Those passengers who have purchased the flight back to Cairo will be transferred to the airport at the appropriate time. You will be met at the airport upon arrival in Cairo and transferred to the hotel.
ARRIVE CAIRO:
The group will be met by our agent at the train station. According to your group's unique schedule, you will either be taken by bus to the hotel or continue your day of scheduled Cairo sightseeing.
This schedule is distributed when you arrive in Cairo.
NOTE:
If you are returning to the hotel in the morning, your rooms may not be ready due to your early morning arrival. The hotel will try to have them available. Our staff will offer directions on storing your luggage until your room is ready.
PASSPORTS:
Your passport will be collected by our staff in Cairo approximately 24 hours before your departure. This procedure will allow you to by-pass the long lines which can develop at the airport.
Your passport will be returned to you at the airport before you leave.
CAMERAS:
In some cases, cameras are not allowed in tombs and you will be asked to leave them outside until your visit is over.
Travel conditions are rugged with much walking and many steps. Pace yourself so that you can make the most of this unique journey.
SPECIAL TRAVEL NOTES:
The opening and closing times of sites are
dictated by the government of Egypt. Therefore, there may be periods of "free time" between sightseeing and other activities such as lunch or your arrival and /or departure to/from the train station.
At the present time, King Tut's Tomb is closed for renovations. The site may not be reopened for public viewing by the time of your arrival. |
|
