Geographic Situation

Situated on the north-eastern tip of Africa, Egypt coasts the Mediterranean Sea to the north, and the Red Sea to the east.

Details

What: My dream vacation to Egypt
Who: Me and 2 of my closest friends
When: This trip will take place in the beginning of June 2012, after graduating university
Goal: To learn more about ancient Egyptian history, and modern Egyptian culture
Motivation: To witness first hand the many structures built in ancient Egyptian times, and to learn more about the significance of those structures to ancient Egyptians
Budget: $6000
Duration: 2 weeks

Why Egypt?

Of all the places on this vast planet, why did I choose Egypt as the destination for my dream vacation. Well, ever since I was a young child I have always had a deep fascination with ancient Egyptian history. To this day I am intrigued by ancient Egyptian civilization, their beliefs on the afterlife and their significant architectural accomplishments considering the lack of technology at the time. The reason I wish to visit Egypt is to witness first hand those accomplishments of ancient Egyptians, the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, Abu Simbel, the Temples of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. By visiting these places, I hope to gain a greater understanding of why pharaohs in ancient times vested so much time and manpower into constructing such massive structures such  as the Temples of Karnak. I also hope to learn more about ancient Egyptians belief in the afterlife and why pharaohs bodies were preserved or mummified. Egypt is my dream destination because of my profound interest in the ancient Egyptian civilization and my thirst to experience first hand the many structures which were an integral part of ancient Egyptian society.

When? Who?

This trip will be taken at the beginning of June of 2012. This is the ideal timing for my dream vacation because the trip will take place during a transitional period in my life. I will graduate university in April of 2012, and will soon be tied down by the obligations of the so called "real world," and so this trip will allow me to entertain my greatest youthful desire, to visit Egypt. I am also delighted to say that I will not be travelling alone, I will have the company of my 2 closest childhood friends Corey and Owen. Corey and Owen are both also students pursuing studies at a different university. It will be nice to spend some time with old friends and also to share in new experiences.

Costs

There are various costs associated with my dream vacation to Egypt, including airfare, rail fare, hotel accomodations and other day to day costs. I will outline those costs here:

Airfare

Round trip - Toronto to Cairo, and Cairo to Toronto - $2000

I spoke to a representative of Expedia.ca, she told me that the average cost of a round trip flight from Toronto's Pearson International airport to Cairo in June is $2000, however if I book my trip well in advance I may be able to take advantage of special fares and pay as low as $1400.

Railway Transportation


One way - Cairo to Luxor - 90 LE = $16

One way - Luxor to Aswan - 41 LE = $8

One way - Aswan to Cairo - 109 LE = $20

Total individual railways costs = $44

While in Egypt we will travel domestically by train to visit the various sites. We chose to travel within Egypt independently rather than with a planned tour because we believe it is important to get off the beaten track and experience Egypt the way Egyptians do.

Movenpick Resort Aswan

Hotel Accommodations

Cairo - The Ramses Hilton -
$150/night x 6 nights = $900

Luxor - The Sheraton Luxor Resort -
$90/night x 3 nights = $270

Aswan - Movenpick Resort Aswan -

The Ramses Hilton - Cairo

$150/night x 3 nights = $450

Total hotel costs = $1620

Individual hotel costs = $1620/3 = $540

We chose these hotels because they generally received good reviews from  visitors and also because they were reasonably priced. The two images to the right are the Movenpick Resort in Aswan and the Ramses Hilton in Cairo.


Day to Day Costs


After doing some research I have budgeted an additional $150 per day for day to day costs such as food, cab fare, and admission costs.

$150 x 14 = $2100

Total Cost = $2000 + $44 + $540 + $2100 = $4684

Travel Tips

Cairo, Egypt is located at about 30 degrees north latitude, meaning it lies on an area of the earths surface characterized by low rainfall and intense heat. Travelers have been recommended to:

• Stay hydrated, in the desert climate of Egypt it is always important to stay hydrated. 
• Be certain you drink only bottled water, which is readily available, also make sure the seal has not been broken on the cap before drinking
• Bring a hat and sunblock to protect you from sunburn
• Bring comfortable walking shoes, were going to be up and about everyday so it is very important to be comfortable
• Bring a good guide book, the Lonely Planet Guide on Egypt has been recommended by www.touregypt.net
• If you are bringing a cell phone, or any electronic device that needs to be charged, make sure you purchase adapter converters for Egyptian electrical outlets
• Be weary of pick-pocketer's, especially in tourist areas
• Dont hesitate to bargain with merchants, as it is customary in Egypt

It is important to remain weary of differing customs when travelling abroad. In general, according to Tourism Egypt, Egyptians are very accommodating of tourists, and "will go out of their way to help you and respond to any questions you have" (http://www.touregypt.net/Culture.htm). But there are some important customs to keep in mind while in Egypt, they are invitations and the concept of Baksheesh. 

Invitations

It is customary in Egypt to refuse anything you are offered the first time. So "(unless you are dealing with someone who is used to western frankness) you should do the same. If the offer is from the heart and not just out of politeness, it will be repeated (http://www.touregypt.net/Culture.htm)."

Baksheesh

It is important never to tip anyone who considers themselves to be of equal social standing to you (such as businessmen, or other professionals). It is considered an insult, and you may seriously offend them (http://www.touregypt.net/Culture.htm).

Currency

The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound, but American currency is also widely accepted.

1 Canadian dollar = 0.98 of an American dollar = 5.63 Egyptian Pounds (http://www.xe.com/ucc/)

Egyptian Coins denominate in 5, 10, 20, 25 and 50 Piastres, there is also a 1 Pound coin.

Notes are in denominations of 25 Piastres, 50 Piastres, 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 Pounds.

From YYZ to CAI

Itinerary

We will be departing from Pearson International airport on a flight which will last for about 15 hours. A great part of day 1 will be spent travelling at an altitude of 30,000 km. Also, since there is no direct flight from Toronto to Cairo, it is likely that we will be taking a connecting flight through London's Heathrow airport.

Cairo - Days 2-8

Luxor - Days 8-11

Aswan/Abu Simbel  - Days 11-14

Cairo

After a long 15 -20 hr flight, we will arrive exhausted at Cairo International airport. Once we get through customs and baggage claims we will take a cab to check in to the Ramses Hilton. It is likely that the first night in Cairo will be spent close to our hotel, perhaps only going out for some food or a leisurely stroll. Since it will take some time to adjust to the different climate, culture, and customs in Egypt we will spend the next day exploring the city and visiting the world famous Museum of Egyptian Antiquities.

King Tut's Sarcophagus

Museum of Egyptian Antiquities

On day 4 we will take a cab from the hotel to visit The Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. The Great Pyramids of Giza are the oldest wonder of the ancient world and the only wonder to remain standing to this day. The largest of the 3 Great Pyramids of Giza is the Pyramid of Khufu, it is believed that this pyramid was constructed as a tomb for the pharaoh Khufu who reigned around 2500 B.C.E. How this pyramid was built without any modern technology is a question that still puzzles many archaeologists today.



Other activities I would like to do while in Cairo:

• Go shopping at Khan Ali-Kalili open air market
• Visit Cairo Tower, to take aerial photographs of a bustling Cairo
• Visit the Saqqara Pyramid (step pyramid)

Luxor

After we spend one week in Cairo, we will depart for Luxor on the 8th day of our trip. Luxor is the gateway to The Valley of the Kings, it is also in close proximity to the Temples of Karnak. The Valley of the Kings is a valley in Egypt where ancient pharaohs and nobles were buried. It is also the burial site of Egypt's most famous Pharaoh, Tutankhamun.

The Temples of Karnak is a vast complex of temples constructed for the many gods of ancient Egypt. The Temples of Karnak were built and enlarged over a thirteen hundred year period, every god and goddess of ancient Egyptian religion is depicted within the complex.

Other activities I would like to do while in Luxor:

• Hot air balloon ride

Aswan

After our stay in Luxor, we will be travelling further south to the city of Aswan. Aswan is a beautiful city in the south of Egypt, situated on the Nile River. We will be staying in Aswan for 3 nights and will be visiting the Abu Simbel temples which are located nearby. The Abu Simbel temples were carved out  of the mountainside  during the reign of Pharaoh Rameses II, during the 13th century B.C.E. Archaeologists believe that they were constructed as a lasting monument to himself and his queen Nefertari.

Other activities I would like to do while in Aswan:

• Nile Cruise
• Visit the Aswan market

Expectations

I feel strongly that travel in general broadens the mind and I am confident that our trip to Egypt will be a valuable life experience. We will be given the opportunity to experience a completely different culture and lifestyle and I believe we will come back to Canada having learned many things about ancient Egyptian civilization as well as modern Egyptian culture. I am excited to create new experiences and spend time with old friends, it going to be a great trip!