Did you know that Egypt is called a gift of the Nile thanks to Herodotus?

egypt pyramids gkiza cairo

Itinerary for travelling to Egypt

Find below the 8 day itinerary we created and finally followed including all costs in Egyptian pounds per person (Egyptian pounds EGP), Euro and dollars! We followed the Nile route from the south to the north, but those of you who have more time or have been before at the Nile once before you can visit El Almaine, the White Desert, the oasis of Shiva, the Sina Peninsula, the Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, the Red Sea, etc.

1 DAY 
Flight to Cairo-flight from Cairo to Aswan
Food at Kato Dool Nubian Resort
Overnight at Kato Dool Nubian Resort (read more here or watch our video here)!
Tour in Abu Simbel (200 EGP-photo pass 300 EGP), you can go only with an organized tour which either have to be pre-booked, or arranged at your accommodation. Keep in mind that the car starts at 4.30 in the morning so arrange your stay and transfer in advance (12 USD).

2 DAY

Excursion to Abu Simbel (starting 4.30 am, 3 hours way, return to Aswan at about 13.00 pm)
On the return take a motor Boat (150EGP) to the islet of Philae Temple (140EGP).
Nubian Village (enjoy a walk at the beautiful coloured villages, if you stay at Kato Dool congrats coz you are right in the village itself, if you stay eg. on Elephantine Island you have to get a motorboat to the Nubian villages).
Food at Kato Dool Nubian Resort
A Felluca ride to Elephantine Island (70EGP) and sunset. You can go to Unfinished Obelisk (80 EGP), Nubia Museum (100 EGP), Aswan Museum (70 EGP) as well.
Overnight at Kato Dool Nubian Resort (read more here or view video here)!

3 DAY

We say goodbye to Aswan and either we take a car to Luxor (that’s what we did 15 USD) or join a three-day cruise at the Nile to Luxor (more relaxed and restful program for 40USD)

Pay a visit to the temple of Horus in Edfu, explore the temple of Kom Ombo.
By car to Kom Ombo and to the Temple of Crocodile (100 EGP) and the Edfu temple (140 EGP).
You can also stop at the Mausoleum of the Agha Khan on the way to Luxor.
Drop off at Luxor (15 USD total transfer)! A train is more economical choice if you have more time!
Overnight at Luxor (11 euro/2 nights)

4 DAY

Wander through the royal burial sites the Valley of the Kings and Queens and the west bank of Luxor. Tour in Kings Valley (200EGP + 300EGP photo pass) where you can see 3 tombs of  Pharaohs (Ramses IV-IX-Meremtah (to Toutaghamon and Seti the cost is  €50 for each one) – (photo ticket = 15 € We think it is not worth it just enjoy the visit).
Memnon Colossi, Queens Valley & Hatsepsut Temple (100 EGP).
Food at Al Sahaby Lane (Rooftop with a view to the Luxor Temple and a cool evening breeze).
Sound and Light Show Karnak Temple (15 USD booking online capability, there are shows at almost every temple but from what we have read and tried if you are about to try one at least try this one at Karnak as it is not static, but do not expect much, its overpriced anyway..).
Overnight at Luxor (11 euro/2 nights)

5 DAY

At sunrise you can ride an Air balloon over the Nile (60 USD)
Luxor Temple (140EGP) – Located in the city center so you can just go on foot.
Karnak Temple (150 EGP) you can go there either on foot parallel to the river banks (30 ‘), either by horse cart (40EGP) or by taxi (50EGP)
Visit the market of Luxor, small but strong in terms of bargaining!
Visit the Luxor Museum and the Mummification Museum.
Food at Sofra.
Night Train to Cairo 10.55 pm – 9.00 am (80 USD) Day train (10 USD). For more information about trains in Egypt read here! You will definetely  need some help and you will find the links for the itineraries too!

6 DAY

Citadel of Saladin Cairo, Mohamed Ali Mosque (140 EGP), attention because on Fridays the Islamic mosques are closed due to praying, on other days women must have their heads covered (taxi 20 EGP = 1 euro).
Mosque Madrassa of Sultan Hassan (80 EGP)
Mosque of Ibn Tulun
Mit Rahina Museum (60 EGP), there lies a huge statue of Ramses 2.
Cairo Tower (Opening Hours: From 8 am to Midnight) (300 EGP).
Market KhanAl Khalili (with taxi or Uber 25-30 EGP) and El Gamaleya
Food in Abu Tarek for Kosharu Special (30 EGP)
Felluca Ride at the Nile, coffee  by the river (50 EGP).
Café Eish and Malh
Sweets Mandarine Koueider (Kiounefes and Basbousa (Samali))
Sweets in
Overnight Cairo to Tahrir Square or El Talaat Harb (30 USD/3 days).

egypt cairo

7 DAY

Tour with Egypt Day Tours in Giza Plateau – Pyramids – Sphinx – Egyptian museum the only one of the seven wonders of anscient world  that still exist (160 EGP-360 EGP Khufu’s’s Pyramid-100 EGP Khafre’s Pyramid) (read our detailed blog post with all the information you might before for your visit to the pyramids of Giza.
Camel Ride (Optional, we did not tried this one but if you choose to do so you can ride a camel for some money and find yourself on the spot that gives you a view to all the pyramids together).

As a special offer to anyone that comes through our blog, Egypt Day Tours will offer a 10% discount on any tour / activity  plus a free camel ride in case you are in the pyramids area. 

Tour the Egyptian Museum  to view the worlds largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities. (located next to Tahrir square) (160 EGP + 50 EGP photo pass + 300EGP inclusive tickets with Royal Mummies Hall) at 17.00 closes for half an hour and reopens with other prices (read our detailed post with all the information).
Dinner Cruise €13 (Optional) on the Nile or Felluca sunset (you can find a cruise at the marina Dok Dok close to the Four seasons hotel)
If you have one more day we suggest you to visit the other Saqqara pyramids, which are less famous but also less crowded. They are just around 30-40 km away from Cairo so it means an extra day for you, Bent pyramid- Dashur and Step Pyramid.
Overnight Cairo in Tahrir Square or El Talaat Harb.

8 DAY

One day excursion to Alexandria by train (53 EGP). For our tour we chose Egypt Day Tours while on our adventure with the train read more here!
Alexandria Library (70EGP)
Kavafis Museum (30 EGP + Photo Pass 25 EGP)
Kom El Dekka Roman Amphitheater (80 EGP)
Pompeys Pillar and Temple of Serapeum (80 EGP)
Saint Sava Church
Evangelismos Church
Catacombs of Kom Ash Suqqafa (80 EGP)
Fort Qaitbay (Lighthouse Faros of Alexandria once stood there)
Corniche
Return by train to Cairo (53 EGP).
For information about the tour and surprise gift for you who will choose it you will find here!

Visa

You can claim your visa at the airport! Do have 25 usd with you for the visa fees and proceed to passport control.

Taxis in Cairo and Alexandria

Taxis in general are very cheap with prices not exceeding 1 euro per race, in Cairo they are white while in Alexandria they are black and yellow. There are taxis with taximeter and taxis without one. Always ask before you enter if there is a taximeter and make sure the meter is switched on (at 6 EGP). If there isnt any taximeter just negotiat the price before you enter! Finally there is Uber as long as you have Internet connection!

From Cairo to Airport

The best solution is a negotiated taxi, around 120 EGP.

• SOUND AND LIGHTS SHOWS
• DAY TRAINS
• NIGHT TRAINS

Extra tip: Have cash everywhere except hotels and any fine restaurants!

 

Extra advice: You will be asked to gine baktsisi (tips) eg at the toilets of monuments and temples, be sure to keep some pounds on you.

Is it safe to travel to Egypt?

We have not experienced any danger and even until late  night there are people everywhere, people of all ages, genders and religions! Security checks are occuring at all points of interest.

Read more abut Egypt in our blog posts about Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza Plateau, Alexandria the city of Alexander the Great and our train adventure.

How much does a trip to Egypt cost?

For the above itinerary we spent in euro:

€400 movements (air, trains, taxis)
€170 for entry to points of interest
€65 Food
€49 Accommodation
€22 Miscellaneous
€4 Souvenirs
Total: €710 person

Combining the magic and mystery of life and death and the secrets of Pharaohs Egypt’s histrory is one of the most extraordinary and significant for the human kind! We wish that you soon find yourself travelling in this enchanting and mystical country and those of you who are about to do so, use the discount offer that we have for you in collab with Egypt day Tours!

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The post TRAVEL TO EGYPT – THE LAND OF MYSTERIES PHARAOHS AND NILE appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

Russia the Emperor Land

This article began as a joke with Olga to whom I said she has no right to make a promotion in her previous article about a trip to Moscow because of her half russian origin!

Why don’t you write an article, then;> “was her answer.   I never back to a challenge, so… here i am!

Although “The term life journey” is one of the most common in terms when describing travel, it is not easy to think of something more precise for Russia. With an area far more bigger than the whole of Europe and history which has set the course of the world RussiA is an unforgettable experience for every traveller!

Moscow Russia bridgetomoscow.com

The legend named Moscow Third Rome, since the niece of Constantine Palaiologos married there after the fall of the city (the title of the Tsar is in fact the title of Caesar in Russian language and the eagle on the Russian flag is rooted in Byzantine double-headed eagle.). Arriving in Moscow what makes the first impression is the size. Everything is HUGE! The tails of cars, the volume of buildings and especially, the wealth of museums but also the palaces and the characteristic churches with the golden domes. Cadillac and Bugatti on Tberskagia Street, but also homeless outside of the Rolex Boutique a few straits below. The only thing that is certain is that the country is appropriate for social reflection.

The first shock… The Red Square

You’ll never forget the moment you walk through the gate of the Red Square. It’s true like getting into a fairy tale where the buildings are marshmallows. Facing three of the most beautiful buildings you’ll ever see in your life.

A warm coffee or a sweet in Gum, the largest department store located in the square is imposed as a walk afterwards as the center is extremely impressive.

The basics

Let’s face something in a low voice. Europeans with travel education often end up returning from museum to museum simply because they have nothing better to do or because we have badly planned our travel time. In Moscow this practice will simply lead you to wander around waiting for endless queues and controls (airport type) consuming an infinite time which they could devote to more interesting activities. So we present the most interesting and original museums that one can see.

• Diamond Museum: One of a kind!
• Space Museum: Remember that the Russians first conquered space and in Moscow Yuri Gagarin is a national hero.
• Pushkin Museum
• Lenin Mausoleum: You agree or not with his ideas belonged to the personalities who changed the world. The spectacle is staggering!

The Good stuff!

The surprises in Moscow never end. The city is immense and the only thing that limits you to its beautiful is your time and budget since the city is one of the most expensive in the world. With a good division of the two, you’re overlapped.

Moscow Russia bakeryandsnacks.com

Ritz Carlton-Red Square

It is really worth ride on the terrace of the Ritz for a coffee to see the breathtaking view of the Red Square. What will keep you there forever is the view of the seven “brothers”, the seven imposing buildings that Stalin built to symbolize the foundations on which a state must step.

Cafe Pushkin

My favorite! The Pushkin Café dates back to 1999 and is something you should not miss while you are in Moscow. Some people compare it to Cafe Greco in Rome.  Only it is much better!! The Russian cuisine is mixed with the French producing wonderful dishes (and sweets, try them!) but most importantly: Tsarist Russia revives before your eyes! Waiters with proepanastatikes Russian uniforms, pocket watches and some with the typical sideburns (!!) of the season put you 200 years behind.

Russian Ballet

If you’ve seen the Black Swan that gave Natalie Portman the ¨ Oscar now get ready to see it and live as you are in the birthplace of this art. The ballet was the entertainment of the Tsarist courtyard and there are many interesting stories among the dancers to gain the favor of the czars, but also to rise in the hierarchy, (for example the placement of broken glasses in the ballet of Prima Ballerina). Although you can enjoy the ballet and in St. Petersburg, the Bolshoi Theatre is located in Moscow. Book your tickets early as the prices can be extremely high and try to see it as a new experience as it looks nothing like anything you may have seen in Europe. (such as opera or Musical). I’m sure you’ll remember forever.

Red Square Street Food

Those who love street food, and know that we are many, do not forget to try the street food you serve in the Red Square. There are several shops with their own tables where you can sit right after the museum tour. The street food is basically grilled meat (chicken and lamb) neat or in sandwiches and also some special burger. They are delicious and really worth a try.

Always remember that the world is like a book. And those you dont travel only read the same one page!

We wait for your experiences and (всегда путешествие)!

This was the experience of Sakis from his trip to Moscow, it was his own narrative and his own travel story! Thank you very much for the wonderful article, we very much appreciate your gift to our blog! If you liked the story of Sakis and would like to share some travel history with other travelers you can send it to us via our contact form and do not forget to do subscribe in our newsletter:

Meet Sakis:

Μόσχα Ρωσία Moscow Russia

To whom they may concern… I am Sakis, the man who wrote this article for you. In case you wannna know my story, I come from a little town with big dreams, an amazing family, friends and a brother. I had the privilege to have an amazing mother who is the greatest traveler I’ve ever known, (only compared to Olga!). For whatever came later she is to blame…! Since I was 9 when I travelled for my first time to Czechs Republic I knew that I would travel till I die.  Several years later I have been to many countries and the more I travel the less i think they are.  My purpose is to give you information’s to manage your travelling time the best you can only from places I have been. Always Remember … The world is a book and those who do not travel only read the same page! e-mail: slekkas00@gmail.com ● Nationality: Hellenic ● Date of birth: 16/09/1996

*feature photo legersholidays.com

The post TRAVELLING IN MOSCOW appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

We combined the journey to Moscow with the one to St. Petersburg for which we will write you of course a next article (impossible to fit them both in just a few lines), but in the case you can only visit Moscow, lets find out more.  The trip to Moscow is so much easier than you can imagine! First of all, Russia is a large European country and is indeed very close to Greece. In recent years access is very easy and affordable!

How and when to travel to Moscow

In Moscow you will arrive by air from Athens, Thessaloniki, Kavala and why not from Sofia airport! Airline tickets can found on average at about €150 but for economy enthusiasts you can travel through Bulgaria even with €30 return tickets trip (as long as you keep track of the airline offers often). It goes without saying that in the winter months tickets are cheaper but we do not recommend winter trip because you will not be able to enjoy the beauties of Moscow at-40 points! Prefer months such as May or September. But always keep in mind that even then there will be enough cold.

What you can do and what to see in Moscow

The most striking point of Moscow is none other than the magnificent Red Square! It is a huge square that emits power thanks to its deep red color. At the same square stands the fairytale Cathedral of St. Basil the most famous temple of Russian Orthodox tradition. Moving on to the square you will visit the Kremlin, which has been the centre of Russian political power for several centuries and has been a centre of Soviet power once! In the same square you will visit Lenin’s mausoleum and the huge, luxurious Gkoym department store. In this area we will recommend other places of interest, gardens, squares, the Bolshoi etc. There’s just so much to write that it simply doesn’t fit in a single article! We will tell you how to visit the Moscow Space Museum as well!

What to eat

The food is also a huge chapter and here we can help you since we have a personal opinion because of the half origin of Olga! We reemphasize that all food even in restaurants in central places is very very cheap! You will definitely try Piroshki in various variants with potato, cheese, egg etc., Barenika with potato or minced meat, pelmeni (tortellini) and Soups! Our beloved one is called Borsch and you will find it with less than €1 in all the restaurants in Moscow! It goes without saying that there are known fast food chains but of course… The decision is yours! Coffee and even a cup of tea in Russia can be found everywhere even in outdoor vehicles! In the streets you will corn that is a favorite dietary habit-delicacy of the Russians, and you will see them enjoying it in the many parks you will meet as you exploring the the city! Finally do not forget to try vodka! Authentic Russian and of course very cheap vodka!

Transportation

Ah, here we are talking about an entire history, an underground museum that reaches 18 floors below the earth. We refer of course to the Moscow Metro which is one of the oldest metro in the world and has one of the largest networks worldwide. You may have heard the quiz? What is the largest and cheapest museum in Moscow?  And yes, it’s the subway! The Moscow metro will just love it! It has infinite stops, it is very fast, almost every 1 minute comes a train, it is very very economical, has Internet (well read… It has internet 18 floors under the earth) and you can spend endless hours from station to station as it is an underground museum full of history and art! Statues, paintings, mosaics and countless exhibits suggesting the greatness that this city once lived!

Stay – accommodation

Staying in Moscow as strange as it may seem is too cheap, at least for European citizens it certainly is. Russia’s currency of ruble has deteriorated quite a bit in recent years, resulting in a loss of power over strong currencies like euro! Searching through the known platforms we use and we have written to you in our previous article, you will find both hotels and cheap apartments around the center at very good prices! Do not be afraid of distances if you find cheaper accommodation because you will be moving with the incredibly economical metro of Moscow, fearlessly and especially quickly throughout the city and its surroundings!

What to buy as a souvenir

Matrioskes! The famous dolls that are enclosed in each other, are typical examples of Russian folk art!

Cost of travel for one week?

We’ll tell you in the next article along with the trip to St. Petersburg, keep in mind that the price will surprise you… Positively!

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