The Journey

The route and the bikes are all being arranged by Classic Tours, this company specialises in sponsored charity challenge events.

My Itinerary

Day 1
UK — Luxor - Esna
We will fly from the UK to Luxor then after a short coach transfer we will have an overnight boat trip down the Nile to Esna.

Day 2
Esna — Edfu 52km approx.
We'll awaken in Esna, a farming town south of Luxor. This is where we will all be supplied with a suitable bike and start our sponsored ride. We will ride south along the west bank of the Nile towards Edfu. Thankfully, the terrain on the first day is totally flat, hopefully there won't be too many aches and strains at the end of the 52 km ride! Overnight we'll stay on the boat.

Day 3
Edfu — Aswan 110km approx.
This is going to be a long, hard day! Part of this ride will take us into the desert. The terrain will be varied; some flat and some hilly. We'll see everything from fertile green vegetation to yellow sand. After we have crossed the Nile by small launches we will go for a short (some may say, well-deserved!) cruise around the islands at Aswan and meet up with our boat.

Day 4
Aswan — Kom Ombo 44km approx.
We will cycle through Aswan to the Low Dam and then up to the High Dam. It is then downhill to the island of Philae and on to the boat for a late lunch. The afternoon will be spent on board as we sail to Kom Ombo. This area is fertile with sugar cane and corn growing in abundance. In the evening we will have the chance to visit the Temple at Kom Ombo.

	did you know..... The Aswan Dam (high) is 111m high and 1000m wide, construction took 10 years.

Day 5
Kom Ombo — Esna 122km approx.
This is going to be another hard day as this is the longest day of cycling. We will head northbound on the east bank of the Nile, fortunately the terrain is mainly flat with a few small hills. Once we have crossed back to the west bank, there is just 20km left before we stop for the night. This last part will be through a lush area of tropical fruit trees.

Day 6
Esna — Luxor 80km approx.
This will be our last day of cycling, hoorah!! After around 63km we will 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. Imagine the celebrations that will take place once we cross that line!

We will then return to the boat for a well-deserved rest....and for those who have any energy left, there will be the option to take a trip to the sound and light show at Karnak.

	did you know..... In February the mean temperature for Luxor is 17°C and there is no rain, in Newport it is 4°C with 6.6mm of rain.

Day 7
Luxor
This will be our chance to rest our tired and aching limbs, it will be a day for relaxation and sightseeing in and around Luxor. We will also have the chance to take an an optional excursion to The Valley of the Queens and in the evening we will have a celebratory dinner.

Day 8
Luxor - UK
Return flight to the UK.

Original map courtesy of www.theodora.com/maps used with permission.