Kato Dool Nubian Resort lies at the west bank of the river Nile at a traditional Nubian village which is famous for its kind people and its colourful vibes! It’s definitely the most amazing place to stay in Aswan, with the most cheerful staff willing to help you out with anything you might need so that you enjoy an unforgettable experience!

For more inspiration watch our video here!

aswan kato dool nonstoptravellers

Nile views

Felluca ride at the Nile river

Food at Kato Dool

Facilities

Nubian village and the market

• Kato Dool is a Nubian word means “the Big House”
• Kato Dool is your gateway to the best Nubian Experience in Aswan, the place surrounded by the Nile and simple colored cozy homes that helps your brain to travel away and feel the real meaning of relaxation.
• The hotel offers 8 different unique bedrooms all are Nile view.
• And another 5 Triple rooms Nile view too second line.
• Kato Dool located at the Tourists Dock, easy accesible on felluca.
• It provides a luxury Nubian accommodation at the Nile River.
• There is a Nubian restaurant with 8 different menus, where all kinds of drinks and shisha are served.
• They can arrange you some tours to explore the whole city of Aswan & the Nubian land.
• They can provide airport, station transfer with the cheapest prices ever.
• Kato Dool is:

The post HOTEL REVIEW – KATO DOOL NUBIAL RESORT IN ASWAN appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

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.

Visa for Israel

The visa to enter and stay in Israel comes out as soon as you arrive at the airport. Beware only because the passport is not stamped but they give you a paper instead which you should not miss especially if you are going to enter Palestine territories.

jerusalem israel

How to get from Ben Gurion Tel Aviv Airport to Jerusalem

The first option is to take the 485 bus outside the airport. The bus is located on the Platform 3 on the 2nd floor at gate 23 and takes about 50 minutes to reach Jerusalem. It makes around six stops so check out the one that suits you best.

The second one is by train, the new fast train of Israel which in just 20 minutes will reach you to Jerusalem. At the airport, search the counter in green colour, take out a RAV Kav card and scroll quickly and easily.

From Jerusalem to Ben Gurion Airport take the bus from 220 Jaffa Street-16ils

How to get from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem bus 480, 405

Things to do and see in Jerusalem

Quarters

• Christian Quarter
• Jewish Quarter
• Islamic District
• Armenian Quarter

jerusalem israel

Via Dolorosa

After the many cultural changes that took place in the area over the centuries, 14 stops of Christ Golgotha were established:

1. Praetorium. The place of the death sentence of Jesus.
2. Praetorium. Jesus receives the cross.
3. Corner of El Ouad Street the first fall of Jesus due to the weight of the cross.
4. Armenian Catholic Chapel. According to the folklore tradition, the meeting of Jesus and his mother was held there.
5. House of Simon of Cyrenaean. The Roman soldiers are on the job to carry the cross for a few meters
6. The house of Veroniki. According to legend (The Veil of Veronica), Saint Veronica wipes with her veil the face of Jesus and is depicted in it miraculous the image of his face.
7. Gate of conviction in the Latin chapel where the second fall of Jesus took place.
8. Jesus meets and comforts the daughters of Jerusalem entering the Church of Resurrection where the third fall of Jesus was held.
9. East of the Holy Court
10. Chapel of Armenians and Syrians, where Jesus is stripped to begin the process of crucifixion.
11. Golgotha outside the chapel of the Latin Calvary
12. Golgotha outside the chapel of the Greek Orthodox
13. Point where Jesus was taken off the cross.
14. Holy Tomb

Shopping – markets

• Yeluda
• Old city markets
• AD Dabbagha Market
• Beit Habad Streets
• The three markets
• Signs of an interesting

jerusalem israel

Places of interest

• Alexander Nevskjy church
• Arch of The Virgin Mary
• Armenian monastery
• Christ Church
• Church of the holy Sepulchre
• Church of the redeemer
• Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate
• Greek Catholin Patriarchate
• Room of the last Supper
• St James cathedral
• The Greek orthodox patriarchate
• Via dolorosa
• Kings David tomb
• The western wall
• The temple mount – All Haram Al sharif
• Al Aqsa mosque
• Dome of the rock
• Tower of David museum
• Yad Vasem museum

Watch our video to have an idea about Jerusalem!

Gates

• Golden Gate
• Damascus Gate
• Dung Gate
• Herods Gate
• Jaffa Gate
• Lions Gate
• New Gate
• Zion Gate

jerusalem israel

Food-coffee-night life

For food, its all about falafel of course! You will find it everywhere fried in large cauldrons with colorful vegetables waiting to be served along with the falafel. The prices are a bit pinched but they will leave you satisfied.

For breakfast try either the sweet yellow fluffy buns that you will find by street vendors being sold or visit the wonderful bakery we discovered in the Islamic quarter. Just take the road to Herods gate! The owner is really amazing and will be happy to introduce to you all the staff! Try the ones with the baked meat or cheese.

Coffee we tried only in the Islamic quarter, Arabic  coffee, tastes a lot like the greek one but much more aromatic!

For your nightlife escapes we suggest you go to the Yeluda market! A whole market is transformed into cool bars, and anything you like from food and drinks or for dessert! Crowded and full of great graffiti, we personally liked it very much and it is worth to visit it a least once in the late evening.

Accommodation

Staying in Jerusalem can be rather expensive. We recommend trying a hostel located outside the old town and close to the Yeluda market. The rooms are maily mixed dorms! Make the best choice for you by clicking here! 

How safe is to travel to Israel

You may wonder if it is safe to travel to Israel. Israel, however it sounds, can be said to be the safest city in the world. A trully moerdm city, full of technology and equiped with camera systems everywhere while is being policed from soldiers all over the streets. Do not forget that a hitch can happen everywhere and it is not an absolute feature of certain cities. As we have said before, we need to respect the local habits and religions and you will be fine (e.g. in the wall of tears if you find yourself on a Friday afternoon when Sabbath starts, photos are prohibited!). Just enjoy your stay, be careful and dont trying anything stupid!

The post TOP THINGS TO DO IN JERUSALEM appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

Today we have a surprise destination for you! A destination that will definitely go up in the next few years due to tourism, a place that is a perfect city break, a lowl budget one, ideal for both short getaways and long adventures on the ski slopes or on mountain trails.

For more travel inspiration watch our video!!!

Thermal baths in Tbilisi

It is all about Georgia, Tbilisi, which is also its capital city. But let’s get to know Georgia a little better through some interesting facts:

• And lets start with the name! We call the people of Georgia, Georgians, “Workers of the Earth “, they call themselves Sakartveli and the rest of the World Gurtjistan which means wolves. The legend has it that the name Georgia has been given by the Greeks as we are talking about a nation who is more than capable with farming!
• The country declared independence from Soviet Union in 1991 9th of April.
• The official currency is the GEL with the Lari subdivision and exchange rate with the Euro is 1 to  3 approx.
• The old capital of Georgia was the Mtskheta which is now under the protection of UNESCO as well as many monuments of the country.
• The country is in dispute with Russia because of the territories of Aphazia and Ossetia, in case some of you are interested in learning more…
• The country is famous for its good tasty wine and is known for its special wine that matures in pots.
• Also it is a rising winter destination because of the Snowy Mountains, the low budget resorts, the trails  of the nature and the hot baths!
• In summer Georgia is transformed into a well known tourist resort as well with the seaside Batoumi.
• The river Kura or Mtkvari that permeates the city, also crosses Turkey and Azerbaijan.
• Before its christianisation Georgia had pagans (visit the Uplistsikhe Caves and meet myths about Pagan gods, Berikan Pagan ceremony).

Tastes from Georgia

For Georgian food we can talk for hours, its really tasty! Briefly we recommend you to try:

• Khachapuri Pie
• Ajarian Khachapuri Pie which has been awarded as Number 1 by the world-renowned culinary magazine taste.com
• Lahmajoun
• Natakhtari Beer
• Churchkhela
• Wine
• Chacha drink 55 degrees of alcohol
• Khinkali Kalakuri

The highlights of the city

• Freedom Square
• Bridge of Peace
• Metekhi Temple (12th century)
• Anchiskhati Church
• Mtatsminda or David Mountain
• Hot baths
• St. George’s Church (Kashveti Church)
• Tbilisi Sulfuric Baths
• The Government House
• Tbilisi Botanical Garden
• The cable car Narikala Fortress
• Sioni or Zion Cathedra
• Mother of Georgia
• The clock on Shavteli Street where every day at 12.00 and 19.00 a pleasant melody is heard and called The circle of life
• The old walls
• The old town, totally hipster!
• Armenian TV producer
• Statue Tamada Sufra Proffessor the wise banker with the horn in the hand who announced the toasts.

Practical issues

SIM card for your smartphone can be found  free with very cheap Internet cost at the airport just before your exit. Wifi  is everywhere and it is  for free!
Currency exchange can be found in many central locations.
The museums are closed on Mondays.
There is a mall where you can do some shopping! There is also a bazaar which is more easily accessible (flea market)!

Transportation

Transportation from the airport of Kutaisi  to Tbilisi is really easy as Georgian Bus buses departing according to your flights. Tickets can be purchased on Internet or just before leaving the airport.  In the city we were by feet, actually we did 50 miles in less than 2.3 days! The city is pleasantly walked has comfortable sidewalks, underground and aboveground crossings in which all… All drivers stop for the pedestrians! There are taxis, just download the application Yandex (uber-type) those of you who intend to use them and finally there are the yellow buses starting from the central square of freedom!

Nearby Adventures

• Ski (two ski resorre)
• Trekking (Summer months)
• Uplistsikhe Cave Town
• Stalin Museum
• Gori Fortress
• Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin
• Mtskheta
• Jvari Monastery
• Svetitskhoveli Monastery
• Samtavro Monastery
• Bebris Fortress (The Elder’s Fortress)

We recommend on the first day a Free walking tour with Giorgi! He will show you the whole city and  it is  far most the best Walking tour we have ever tried and trust us we have  joined a lot of tours so many years of travelling. On the same afternoon, a cable car ride can be experienced.
On the Second day an excursion to monuments located outside of Tbilisi is a must. Information can be found here.
On day three… for ski lovers, skiing! For lovers of hiking, hiking! For lovers of relaxation, warm baths!

Suggestions for exit and food

Drink (all Hipster places so if you are not fun of it you will not like them)

• Warsawa
• Art Cafe
• Moulin Electrique

Food

• 21
• Khinkali House
• Meama

Coffee

• Art Cafe
• Moulin Electrique

Budget per person for three days
Airtickets with Wizzair €30
Hotel “Good ” €50 the three-day
Transportation to and from airport €12
Food €10 in a good restaurant with beer and salad
Beer €1.5
Pies 1-3 € (from the shops that buy the locals are under €1)
Sweet delicacies locally made with Muto and walnuts €0.60
Coffee 0.30-1.30 € (in the local shops more economical)
One day excursion outside Tbilisi €20
Free walking tour as you wish, eg. 10 €
Cable Car €1.30
Souvenirs €5 (eg. 10 magnets)
About €160 per person, the weekend!

We hope you enjoyed our post and visit Georgia soon!

Modloba means thanks!

The post BEST OF TBILISI – TRAVEL IN GEORGIA appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

The video contains photos from our tour in India, from the cities of New Delhi, Old Delhi, Agra and Jaipur! Each of these cities has its own unique history and culture!

Is it worthy visiting all of them? Our answer is a big yes !!! Each city has its own character, while the rotation of images for the traveler or tourist has brought India amongst the best exotic travel destinations worldwide!

Watch the video on our YouTube channel!

Get in our balloon and have a nice “trip”!

The post INDIA… THROUGH A SHORT VIDEO appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.