The Itinerary

The Itinerary

Egypt captures the imagination of all who go there. The awe-inspiring monuments, left by the Pharaohs, Greeks and Romans as well as the early Christians and Muslims are a testimony to the power of this civilisation. The Nile River flows from south to north. It is still the lifeblood of Egypt as it has been since the beginning of history.

Our five-day/400km bike ride is along the banks of this mighty river staying in a Nile cruiser each night. The route is one of contrasts: from flat to undulating and from fertile green vegetation to desert.

We cycle along the west bank towards Aswan, Egypt's southern-most city, famous for its Low and High Dams and surrounded by palm-studded islands

Then back along the east bank to the finish in Luxor, a fascinating place with the greatest concentration of monuments in the world.

Day 1 - Saturday 24 February
London - Cairo
Fly from London to Cairo with Egyptair. Late evening arrival and transfer to a hotel located close to the Pyramids to overnight.

Day 2 - Sunday 25 February
Cairo - Luxor
Morning visit to the Pyramids considered by the ancient Greeks to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World. They are Egypt's most visited monument and among the world's premier tourist attractions. After lunch we will have an afternoon visit to Chan el Challil market for some shopping. We will then have dinner near the airport and take an early evening flight from Cairo to Luxor. Coach transfer to the boat in Esna (1 hour approx.) which will be our base for the week ahead. On arrival we check into our cabins for the overnight.

Day 3 - Monday 26 February
Cycle Esna - Edfu
(52km approx.)
This morning we do the bike fitting in groups of about 15. We also get our first chance to see Esna in daylight. It is a small, busy farming town south of Luxor. Its main attraction is the Graeco-Roman Temple of Khnum built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Claudius. After lunch (about 14.30) we set off cycling south along the west bank of the Nile towards Edfu. The terrain on our first day's cycling is totally flat. Overnight on boat.

Day 4 - Tuesday 27 February
Edfu - Aswan
(110km approx.)
Part of today's ride takes us into the desert. For this reason the route is one of contrasts: from flat to undulating (with a couple of short hills) and from fertile green vegetation to yellow sand. We cross the Nile by small launches and go for a short cruise around the islands at Aswan to meet up with our boat. Aswan is Egypt's southern-most city and is beautifully situated on the east bank of the Nile. The river is very picturesque here as it flows down from the dams and around giant boulders and palm-studded islands.

Day 5 - Wednesday 28 February
Aswan - Kom Ombo
(44km approx.)
Cycle through Aswan to the Low Dam and then up to the High Dam. We return down hill to the island of Philae and then to the boat for a late lunch. We spend the afternoon on board and sail to Kom Ombo. The surrounding area is fertile with sugar cane and corn growing in abundance. In ancient times Kom Ombo was strategically important as a trading town on the great caravan route from Nubia and was the meeting place of the routes from the gold mines of the Eastern Desert and the Red Sea. This evening there is a chance to visit the Temple at Kom Ombo.

Day 6 - Thursday 1 March
Kom Ombo - Esna
(122km approx.)
This is the longest day of cycling as we head northbound on the east bank of the Nile. The terrain is mainly flat with a few small hills. We cross back to the west bank for our overnight stay. The last 20km is lined on both sides by tropical fruit trees.

Day 7 - Friday 2 March
Esna - Luxor
(80km approx.)
This is our last day of cycling on the west bank and we pass through agricultural villages en route. After around 63km we have a break at the Colossi of Memnon followed by a ride up to the Valley of the Kings to tour some of the tombs. It's then back on our bikes for the last stretch towards the Nile where the finishing line is set up. Overnight on boat.

Day 8 - Saturday 3 March
Luxor
Free day for relaxation and sightseeing in and around Luxor. Optional tours are available. Tonight we enjoy a celebratory meal on the boat.

Day 9 - Sunday 4 March
Cairo - Luxor - London
Morning flight from Luxor to London via Cairo.

This is a complex itinerary and may be subject to change