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After starting in Cairo, Josh & Cari traveled almost 1000 kilometers south to what was once called "the edge of civilization" by 19th century British adventurers. Aswan is home to a large Nubian population like these friendly women below.
Josh took it one step further than the average tourist and agreed to a local shave and haircut. A bargain at $2!
Starting in Aswan, stretching all the way down to Sudan, is (arguably) the largest artificial lake in the world - Lake Nasser. The best view of the lake is from Abu Simbel, home of Ramses II's masterpiece.
In Aswan, the New Yorkers boarded our Princess Sarah felucca. They had the entire boat to themselves for a two-day/one-night excursion to Kom Ombo.
It's a little chilly in December, but remains a beautiful experience.
Our fantastic felucca crew prepared all of the meals on-board (Mahmoud, Hassan, and Luli).
Josh & Cari eventually made it back to civilization and enjoyed a guided tour of Karnak Temple with our Egyptologist Mostafa.
Backpacker Concierge works with a charming hotel on the West Bank of Luxor, the Sheherazade. As a British-Egyptian partnership, the lodging is simple, unique, and quiet. Josh & Cari spent the night and enjoyed a complimentary dinner from Backpacker Concierge here.
A twin room at the Sheherazade 
The Sheherazade facade
The amazing entrance
The hotel grounds, soon to feature a swimming pool (one of the first on the West Bank)A rugged add-on to any trip is a 2, 3, or 4 night jeep safari through the White Desert. In this itinerary, we arranged a two night program - one night in Dakhla and one night camping in the White Desert. The safari passes through Kharga where a local woman sells her hand-made baskets.
The "old" way of life still lives on in the oases.
Our safari coordinator and driver, Waheed, set up a one-of-a-kind camp for our pair in the White Desert.
Even though you're not really supposed to, Josh climbs one of the White Desert's chalky outcroppings. These monuments are scattered about the desert, making one feel like they are on another planet!
Waheed (in the upper left) invites Josh & Cari to one of the most important feasts in the Islamic calendar - Eid al Adha. This festival commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ishamel and is celebrated by sacrificing cows, goats, and sheeps and giving a significant portion to poorer individuals and families.
Customized Itinerary:
November 29 - Arrival in Cairo
November 30 - Sightseeing excursion to Giza, Saqqara, and Islamic Cairo. Overnight train to Aswan.
December 1 - Morning arrival in Aswan and free day to explore.
December 2 - Day-trip to Abu Simbel
December 3 - Beginning of one-night felucca sailtrek to Kom Ombo
December 4 - Arrival in Kom Ombo and transfer to Luxor
December 5 - Full day's sightseeing: Valley of the Kings, Hatchepsut's Temple, and Karnak
December 6 - Transfer to the Kharga Oasis to begin the two-night jeep safari. Overnight in Dakhla.
December 7 - Jeep Safari into the White Desert and overnight camping.
December 8 - Arrival in Bahariya itself and overnight in the safari camp outside of town.
December 9 - Transfer from Bahariya direct to Cairo International Airport for onward flight to Amman, Jordan.
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