Dates: 08 Mar - 16 Mar 2008 Min sponsorship: £2500 Registration fee: £199 Contact:ndcschallenges@ndcs.org.uk
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ITINERARY
Day 1
London – Cairo
Fly from London to Cairo. Overnight in a hotel located close to the Pyramids.
Day 2
Cairo - Luxor
Morning visit to the Pyramids. After lunch we will visit the Chan el Challil market. This evening we fly to Luxor before transferring to the boat in Esna, which will be our base for the week ahead.
Day 3
Cycle Esna – Edfu
Morning bike fitting. Esna 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 we set off cycling south along the west bank of the Nile towards Edfu. Overnight on boat.
Day 4
Edfu – Aswan
Today’s ride takes us into the desert with contrasting environments, from flat to undulating 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 before meeting up with our boat. The river is very picturesque here as it flows down from the dams and around giant boulders and palm-studded islands.
Day 5
Aswan – Kom Ombo
Today we cycle through Aswan to the Low Dam 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 the ancient trading town of Kom Ombo. This evening there is a chance to visit the Temple at Kom Ombo.
Day 6
Kom Ombo - Esna
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.
Day 7
Esna – Luxor
Our last day of cycling on the west bank and we pass through agricultural villages en route. After around 63km we 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 and the finishing line. Overnight on boat.
Day 8
Luxor
Free day to explore Luxor, with optional tours available. Tonight we enjoy a celebratory meal on the boat.
