Current as of: December 26, 2024 - 12:13

Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Small Ship Cruises
  • Programmes: Culture
  • Activity Level:

    2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate

  • 9 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: AENA
  • Carbon Footprint: 118kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Discover ancient pyramids, temples and tombs as you travel through Cairo and cruise from Luxor to Aswan

Unlock the wonders of Ancient Egypt and cruise down the Nile on this adventure led by an expert Egyptologist. Starting in Cairo, we marvel at the Giza Pyramids and Great Sphinx, while also taking time to discover the modern side of the capital. Then cruise from Luxor to Aswan along the Nile, watching local life pass, while also visiting the spectacular Edfu and Kom Ombo temples. The lush banks and beautiful sunsets, together with the excellent on-board facilities, make this an unforgettable way to travel.

At a Glance

  • Accommodation: 6 Superior nights (4 Nile cruise boat, 2 hotels), 2 Classic nights (hotels)
  • Travel by minibus, cruise boat and one internal flight
  • Group normally 4 to 16, plus local leader. Minimum age: 16

Highlights

  • Join an expert Egyptologist to discover ancient wonders and cruise the Nile
  • Marvel at the magnificent Giza pyramids and mysterious Sphinx
  • Uncover thousands of years of history, visiting crumbling temples and pharaoh tombs
  • Journey down the Nile on a stylish boat with a pool and a felucca
  • Discover Nubian culture in the laid-back town of Aswan

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

It is suitable for all clients with average health and fitness. No experience of any activity involved is necessary. Most days involve early starts (especially Day 3 when we catch an early flight to Luxor) but this allows us to get the most from our time in Egypt and avoid the worst of the heat. Egypt can get hot, which can cause discomfort while travelling. The hottest months tend to be June to September when temperatures can hit over 40C (104F). Care should be taken to keep hydrated. The hotels and cruise boat we use on this trip are of a good standard, providing excellent levels of comfort.

Ramadan is expected to run from approximately 28 February-29 March 2025. One of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar, it is a special time to visit a Muslim country. Each evening, the streets empty as people head home to break the fast, followed by an air of festivity upon their return. Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips; however, their energy levels may be slightly lower than normal. Many tourist sites, restaurants and shops will have an amended schedule, but your tour leader will know how to adapt the itinerary to still experience all the inclusions on this trip and maximise your experience during this special time.

Group

There will be a local leader in Egypt who is a qualified Egyptologist and drivers and local guides where needed.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 16

Itinerary

AEN Map

Land Only

  • Start City: Cairo
  • End City: Aswan

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Start Cairo
Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

Welcome to Cairo, the capital of Egypt, where the ancient and modern worlds connect seamlessly.

Cairo flights can arrive late, and the visa process can take some time. Therefore, we recommend flying into Cairo a day earlier and adding an extra night at your start hotel. There are some excellent sightseeing options available in Cairo if you wish to see more. Speak to your sales representative to book.

Accommodation: Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel (or similar)

Day 2
Visit the Pyramids at Giza, the Egyptian Museum, El Azhar Mosque and Cairo's lively bazaar
Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

We begin our day with a welcome briefing with your leader (usually at 7am or 7.30 am) and a chance to meet the other members of your group.

Please have your breakfast before the briefing and be sure that you bring your insurance details as the leader needs to gather this information.

First on our sightseeing is a visit to Giza, home to the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus and the mysterious Great Sphinx. Only the throng of sightseers milling around their huge foundations keep you in the 21st century.

We next pay a visit to the incredible Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, which contains relics dating back to 4,000 BCE, including the fantastic riches of Tutankhamun’s tomb. Here is a unique opportunity to survey the many fabulous treasures of Egypt in one place and to set the scene for the rest of the adventure. For the remainder of our tour we experience modern Cairo with visits to Al Azhar mosque (the oldest mosque and university in Cairo and still very much in use) (could be closed without prior notice according to authorities) and the small alleyways and streets that make up the bazaar. Please note that we will need to cover up at the mosque (long sleeves and trousers, long skirt for women) and women will also need to cover their hair with a scarf.

Please note: When the Grand Egyptian Museum is fully open, we will go there instead of the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. 

Accommodation: Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Fly to Luxor; visit Karnak and Luxor temples. Board cruise boat; free afternoon to explore

We typically transfer to Cairo airport before sunrise for our flight to Luxor (flight times can vary but we need to be at the airport three hours before the flight so expect a wake up around 2am). A breakfast box will be provided. On arrival, we visit Luxor Temple and the huge Karnak Temple complex on the east bank of the Nile. Built more than 1,500 years, Karnak is a mixture of pylons, courtyards, halls and sanctuaries. The Hypostyle Hall has 134 columns, some of which are more than 75ft (23m) high. We arrive at our cruise boat in time for lunch on board before free time in the afternoon to relax or explore Luxor.

Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 4 - 5
Valley of the Kings; two days on the Nile with visits to Edfu and Kom Ombo en route
Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

This morning, we leave our boat very early morning (this timing is to ensure we are back at the boat for the commencement of the cruise time) for  a bus ride to the the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile. The valley contains the once-hidden tombs of more than 62 pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Seti I, Ramses III and IV. A discreet entrance in the hillside takes visitors underground; a series of corridors and antechambers leads us down to the burial chamber and sarcophagus. The walls are covered in brightly painted images and hieroglyphs – a map of the afterlife to ensure the king’s safe passage. One ticket allows us to see three tombs. The ticket usually allows entry into what are regarded as the most impressive tombs, but, if you have time, a visit to the tomb of Ramses VI (extra ticket), entry to Tutankhamun’s tomb (extra ticket), payable locally are recommended.

Visits to tombs are now strictly controlled to halt further deterioration of wall paintings – each tomb is periodically closed for a number of weeks.

On crowded days, make sure to have a quick visit to each of the included tombs if you want to add extra tombs as your leader will give a fixed meeting time in order to return to the cruise boat before it sails.

On return to our cruise boat we begin our voyage along the Nile, travelling upstream from Luxor to Aswan. Exact sailing and excursion times cannot be guaranteed for each individual trip but we will visit the temples of Edfu, famed for its roofed inner temples and huge Pylon, in the morning of Day 5. In the late afternoon on Day 5, we visit Kom Ombo temple, before setting sail for Aswan where we will overnight.

The sunsets over the Nile are truly stunning and travelling from Luxor to Aswan, enjoying the beauty of the verdant landscape, makes this journey special.

Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6
Continue Nile cruise; optional visit to Abu Simbel

Today there’s the option of a visit to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel 186mi (300km) to the south through the Nubian Desert. Built by Ramses II, the two temples are certainly some of the most spectacular in Egypt. Originally on the banks of the Nile, the temples were raised to a new site above the lake in the late 1960s, as the waters from the new Lake Nasser rose behind the Aswan High Dam. The four great seated statues of Ramses II stare east towards the rising sun.

You have the option to add this excursion by bus or plane, in both instances you are picked up from the boat early in the morning with a breakfast box, and arrive back to Aswan in the afternoon. We arrive at the destination around 8am, where we are given approximately two hours in the area to visit the temples. For those flying to Abu Simbel, please note that timing will be different.

 

 

Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7
Disembark cruise; tour of bazaar or optional excursion to Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam and Cleopatra's Unfinished Obelisk

After breakfast on board, we disembark and have a full day in Aswan. This is a laid-back town that reflects the character of its largely Nubian inhabitants, known for being friendly and hospitable. By virtue of its position on the old caravan route, it has always been a trading centre and we thoroughly recommend visiting the packed bazaar today, where merchants display spices, carpets, leather goods and countless other wares. There is also the option to visit the Nubian Museum, situated opposite our usual hotel in Aswan (please ask your tour director if you are interested and when it can be arranged).

Opened in April 1998, the museum chronologically charts the history and culture of the Nubian people. Alternatively, we can arrange an optional visit to Philae Temple. In the 1970s it was relocated by Unesco to Aglika Island after it became evident that the original site of Philae would submerge on completion of the Aswan High Dam. It represents a magnificent and enduring testament to both ancient and modern engineering. During this excursion we will also visit Aswan High Dam and Cleopatra’s Unfinished Obelisk.

Accommodation: Basma Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8
Optional visit to Nubian museum; afternoon felucca ride
Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

Today is our last in Aswan. Our morning is free to relax or book an optional excursion to St Simone Monastery or a nearby Nubian museum. In the afternoon, we explore the Nile by felucca, the traditional Egyptian sailing boat. Using the felucca, we can truly savour the tranquillity of the Nile and the beauty of the surrounding landscape, where the vast desert almost reaches the water’s edge. (The timings of the felucca sailing might be changed according to weather conditions).

Accommodation: Basma Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9
End Aswan

You’ve marvelled at the Great Pyramids, gazed at King Tut’s treasures and journeyed down the Nile. Now, however, it’s time to start your return journey home. Of course, if you’re not quite ready for the adventure to end, talk to your sales representative about extending your stay – Egypt has a lifetime of wonders to discover.

Meals included: Breakfast

Extend Your Trip

Alexandria Extension

 

Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

Extend your adventure with a pre-trip exploration of Alexandria, a magnificent port city on the Mediterranean coast founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE.

Day 1: Arrive Cairo

Arrive in Cairo today with a chance to settle in and enjoy the hotel facilities before travelling to Alexandria tomorrow.

Accommodation: Steigenberger Pyramids (or similar)

Day 2: Alexandria Library

Transfer (three hours) from Cairo to Alexandria. En route, visit the Monastery of Saint Bishoy, an ancient Coptic Orthodox monastery in the Wadi El Natrun.

After arrival, explore the Alexandria Library (Bibliotheca Alexandrina), a modern homage to the Great Library of Alexandria, which was one of the largest in the ancient world. The contemporary construction is a magnificent feat of design, housing numerous galleries, cultural venues and more.

Accommodation: Metropole Paradise (or similar)

Day 3: Visit the Alexandria National Museum and Catacombs

Delve further into the cultural importance of the city at the Alexandria National Museum and Catacombs. The museum showcases the history of Alexandria and Egypt with more than 1,800 artefacts, while the catacombs are the largest-known Roman burial site in the country.

Accommodation: Metropole Paradise (or similar)

Day 4: Return to Cairo via El-Alamein with visit to Military Museum

Catch a return transfer to Cairo today for Day 1 of the main trip. On the way, visit El-Alamein, the site of two defining battles in the Second World War. We also have time to visit El-Alamein Military Museum to increase your understanding of these decisive conflicts.

Accommodation

Cruise boat and hotels

Nile Style Egypt cruise

We stay in four-star hotels (local rating) and spend four nights navigating the Nile on a cruise boat. Below are the places we typically stay during our time in Egypt.

Cairo: Steigenberger Pyramids Hotel (nights 1-2)

Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

With views over the Pyramids of Giza from the outdoor swimming pool, this elegant property is the ideal place to begin your Egyptian adventure. The pool also has a swim-up bar. Rooms are spacious, a perfect spot to rest after your day’s adventure. Why not ask your sales representative about upgrading to a Pyramids view room?

Nile: M/S Nile Style cruise boat (nights 3-6)

Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

Climb aboard this stylish cruise boat for an unforgettable journey on the longest river in the world. It has 77 air-conditioned cabins, each with a view over the waters while sailing, allowing you to relax in peace and watch the world drift past.

Much of your free time may well be spent on the spacious sundeck, which has a dipping pool and plenty of cushy loungers (shaded and unshaded). Elsewhere, there’s a gym, sophisticated lounge bar and elegant restaurant.

Aswan: Basma Hotel (nights 7-8)

Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

On the highest hill in Aswan, directly opposite the Nubian Museum, the Basma occupies a privileged spot. Rooms come in a mixture of styles, many with views over the city or the Nile, and you can spend your free time cooling off in the expansive pool.

The property is also home to The Lotus restaurant, which serves an eclectic mix of international and local cuisines, plus the Vienna Cafe, where you can enjoy light bites, hot drinks and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Worth knowing

  • In common with all Nile cruises, the M/S Nile Style moors next to other boats at night, meaning you may only have a view of the river from your cabin while sailing.
  • The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance, however we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We will endeavour to inform you of any changes in advance which could, on rare occasions, be at late notice.

Single supplement from £ 475

Food & Drink

All breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners included.

In the itinerary, we state which meals are included on which day. For meals not included, we suggest you allow approximately US$15 for lunch and US$20 for dinner (this differs according to the type of restaurant you are looking for). Food in Egypt involves kebabs, chicken, stews, pita bread, falafel, beans, vegetables, pickles and salads. Dishes tend to be simple and wholesome, and vegetarians can be catered for, though the options may be somewhat limited.

Transport

Road transport is by private air-conditioned mini/midi-bus (could be coaster or bus according to group size) and Egypt’s roads are generally good. Travelling is normally restricted to a few hours a day and the mode of transport is varied. As detailed above, during our trip we use a cruise ship and felucca.

Weather & Seasonality

Rain is very rare in all parts of Egypt and most days are sunny and clear. Summer temperatures can exceed 40C (104F) but this is particularly true for the period between June and September. The winter months can be surprisingly cold, especially on the Nile or at night. The average daytime maximum in Cairo in January is 20C (68F), night time minimum is 8C (46F). In the summer, these temperatures are 35C (95F) and 22C (72F) respectively. Daytime temperatures are slightly higher on average in Aswan.

Joining Instructions

Start hotel: Cairo Pyramids Steigenberger Hotel, Cairo – Alexandria Desert Rd, Kafr Nassar, Pyramids, Giza Governorate 3515011
Phone: +20 2 33772555
Recommended arrival time: Hotel check-in is from 2pm
Airport: Cairo International Airport (CAI)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately a one-hour drive from Cairo International Airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times. (For the group transfer you need to know that you will be waiting for other travellers arrival and luggage, otherwise you can prebook a private transfer)

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to Aswan International Airport (ASW) that is scheduled to align with a flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join or to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Cairo
Location end: Aswan

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Internal flights in the destination country (Cairo/Luxor) are subject to a weight limit of 50lb (23kg). As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check the airline website for the latest information prior to your departure.

  • As Egypt is a muslim country, when entering a mosque or place of worship you need may need to cover your knees and shoulders
  • Warm sweater (November to March) or a light sweater (April to October)
  • Warm jacket or fleece (November to March only)
  • Long-sleeved shirts (for evening and/or sun protection)
  • Sunhat
  • Backpack
  • Water bottle
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses and lip salve
  • Lightweight walking shoes
  • Light wet-weather top
  • Swimwear

Medication

Some medicines that are prescribed or available over the counter in your home country may be controlled substances in Egypt. Please check with your nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate about the customs requirements for any medicines you plan on carrying. You should also check your local government’s advice about carrying prescribed medication in Egypt.

Binoculars

We do not recommend taking binoculars or monoculars into Egypt as on occasion these have been confiscated either on arrival or within the country. Drones are also forbidden.

Water included

The use of plastic bottles is an issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment, and we would like to reduce our impact. In your vehicle, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water is available throughout; please bring a bottle to refill along the way.

Optional Equipment

  • Camera
  • Torch (flashlight), which can be useful for the temples

Practical Information

Passport

Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.

Visa

Egypt

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally need a visa to enter Egypt. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/egypt
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/egypt
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Egypt.html

If you are obtaining your visa online, please ensure you have a scan of your passport ready. The file size should be small and ideally saved as a JPEG or PDF otherwise you might not be able to load it on the visa application.

You will need to provide your host’s information on the application – please use the following details:

South Sinai Travel
79 Merghany Street
Cairo
Egypt
Telephone: +20 22418 7310
www.southsinai.com
salwa.ibrahim@southsinai.com

Please note, Egyptian officials have requested tourists carry a copy of their passport with them while in the country. Please also note, some prescribed medicines are controlled substances in Egypt.

Vaccinations and Health

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements; however, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A vaccines are recommended. Although not usually advised, other vaccinations to consider include rabies and hepatitis B.

There is evidence that Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS) is spread by contact with camels.  This trip includes the option of a camel ride, which is undertaken at your own risk; we suggest that you visit the Travel Health Pro website which includes information about the virus.

Local Time

Egypt's time zone: Africa/Cairo (UTC +02:00)

Electricity

Egypt's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 220V, 50Hz

Ancient Egypt & Nile Cruise

Money

Egypt's currency: The official currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP), though US dollars are also widely accepted

ATM Availability

There are ATMs in many parts of Egypt and you can use Visa, Mastercard and Switch using your normal PIN. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and tourist bazaars. It is also possible to purchase larger items, such as carpets, with some major cards. American Express is not accepted in many places while Visa/Mastercard are widely used.

There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into the country, and we do not recommend you pick up Egyptian currency prior to departure.

Any hard currency, including British pounds, euros and US dollars, can be exchanged on arrival at the airport or at local banks/exchange offices. Your tour leader can assist with exchanging money throughout the tour. When you leave Egypt it is possible, though not always easy, to re-exchange Egyptian pounds into foreign currency. It is easiest to try to budget wisely to avoid having too many Egyptian pounds at the end of your tour.

Additionally, US dollars can be used to pay in Egypt; change is usually given in Egyptian pounds, so we recommend bringing low denomination US dollars if that is your preference.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

Optional Excursions
Prices are per person and in US dollars as this is the most stable currency used in Egypt but excursions can be paid in any hard currency (including British pounds and euros). Payment cannot be made in Egyptian pounds. When booking and paying for these tours locally a three percent charge will be added for all card payments. The flight to Abu Simbel is to be requested with Exodus at the time of booking your tour. We will then check availability.  Unless indicated otherwise, the below prices are based on a minimum of six people taking part and are subject to change. Please note that prices include entrance fees, guide, private transport and police permissions.

Cairo (only possible pre-tour or if arriving early on Day 1): the following rates for (minimum six travellers) available for pre and post tour in Cairo.

  • Sound and light show, Giza: US$48  “Does not run everyday.”
  • Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque: US$40
  • Coptic Cairo including Coptic Museum: US$38
  • Visit Sakkara and Memphis: US$66
  • Entrance fee to go inside Great Pyramids during the Pyramids area visit: US$30
  • Grand Egyptian Museum: US$65

Aswan: the following rates for (minimum six travellers)

  • Tour of Philae, High Dam & Obelisk: US$54
  • St Simone Monastery (accessible by foot or on a camel): US$36
  • Animalia Nubian House: US$25 *please see Responsible Travel section
  • Sound and Light show at Philae: US$52
  • Abu Simbel flight excursion: from GBP £396, USD$435. This must be requested with Exodus at time of booking your tour. If you do not request the flight at this time we cannot guarantee seats will be available if trying to book locally. Flight timings vary but the flight duration is approximately 45 minutes.  The length of time in the temples depends on the Egyptair flight schedule and is not controlled by Exodus. It should however be longer than an hour.
  • Abu Simbel road excursion: from US$150 (book locally). Depart Aswan at approximately 4.30am for the 3hr 30min transfer to Abu Simbel. The temple visit itself takes around two hours. Depart approximately 10am and arrive back in Aswan at around 1.30pm.

Luxor: the following rates for (minimum six travellers)

  • A.C.E Luxor Animal Hospital (time permitting) FREE
  • Sound and light show, Karnak Temple: US$52
  • Queen Hatshepsut’s temple: US$18

Paying for optional excursions by credit card is recommended.

Tipping

Baksheesh is part of Egyptian life, and small tips are expected by most people working in the tourism industry (drivers, hotel staff, railway porters, restaurant staff etc). To simplify this process for our clients, Exodus has agreed with our team of tour leaders to recommend a ‘tipping kitty’ for all trips to Egypt. Your tour leader will explain this at the start of the holiday, and will collect the suggested sum from those who wish to participate. Your tour leader will then take care of all the tipping on behalf of the group. While your participation is highly recommended, it is not compulsory. Your leader can provide details of the distribution of the money as required. For groups of 12 or more clients, the contribution is suggested as US$45 per person. For groups of fewer than 12 clients, the contribution is suggested as US$50 per person.  The leader will usually collect Egyptian pounds for the kitty.

If you feel that your leader has performed well over the course of your trip, you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal, but as a guide, about US$4 per person per day would be reasonable. The ‘tipping kitty’ explained above is entirely separate from any contribution to the tour leader. Tipping is in USD / Sterling or Egyptian Currency according to the daily rate of exchange.

Sustainability and Impact

At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.

As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.

Important Information

Water safety

This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.

Binoculars and drones

We do not recommend taking binoculars or monoculars into Egypt as on occasion these have been confiscated either on arrival or within the country. Drones are also forbidden. 

This trip goes near an area deemed unsafe to visit by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whose advice we follow when operating our trips. While our itinerary doesn’t go to these areas, you should familiarise yourself with your local government’s advice if you are planning any pre- or post-trip travel. Any independent travel to areas currently against your local government advice is entirely at your own risk and unlikely to be covered by your travel insurance.

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

Seatbelts

All vehicles used by Exodus should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by Exodus based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.