5 – 13 November 2005
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This is the Emmanuel Healthcare's annual bike ride in support of the Nazareth Hospital and this year, takes us into new territory. Egypt captures the imagination of all who go there. The awe-inspiring monuments left by the Pharaohs, Greeks and Romans, as well as by early Christians and Muslims are testimony to the power of this civilisation.

The Nile River flows from south to north and remains the lifeblood of Egypt, as it has been since the beginning of history.

Itinerary

Saturday 5 November
Fly London to Cairo, arriving early evening.

Sunday 6 November 2005
Cairo - Luxor - Esna
Morning visit to the Pyramids and after lunch a chance to shop at Chan el Challil market before our flight to Luxor. We then transfer to Esna to meet our boat. Esna is a busy farming town whose main attraction is the Graeco-Roman temple built by Emperor Claudius.

Monday 7 November
Esna – Edfu 52km
In Esna, we board the Nile cruiser, which will be our home for the duration of the bike ride. This morning is spent with th ebike fittings. After lunch, we set off along the west bank of the Nile and a very flat run to Edfu.

Tuesday 8 November
Edfu – Aswan 110km
Part of today’s ride takes us into the desert – a route of contrasts from flat to undulating and fertile green to yellow sand. We take a short cruise around the islands at Aswan, Egypt’s southern-most city. The Nile is very picturesque here as it flows down from the dams around giant boulders and palm-studded islands.

Wednesday 9 November
Aswan – Kom Ombo 44km
We cycle from the Low Dam to the High Dam and return downhill to the island of Philae for a late lunch. The afternoon is spent sailing through a highly fertile area, to Kom Ombo, a strategically important trading town in ancient times as it lay on the great caravan route from Nubia and the gold mines of the Eastern Desert. In the evening, we visit the Temple at Kom Ombo.

Thursday 10 November
Kom Ombo – Esna 122km
This is the longest day of cycling as we head northbound on the east bank of the Nile. The terrain is mainly flat and for the last 20km the route is lined by tropical fruit trees on both sides. We cross the river for an overnight stay on the boat.

Friday 11 November
Esna – Luxor 80km
Our last day of cycling takes us through agricultural villages to the Colossi of Memnon and a break from cycling for a ride up the Valley of the Kings to visit some tombs. The last stretch, about 20km, takes us to the finishing line and a well-deserved rest. In the evening, there is an optional excursion to the Sound and Light show at Karnak.

Saturday 12 November
Luxor
A free day for sightseeing in and around Luxor, with an optional tour to the Temple at Karnak and Luxor. We finish the challenge with a celebratory meal.

Sunday 13 November
Fly from Luxor to Cairo and then on to London.



Emmanuel Healthcare, also known as EMMS International is a medical mission active since 1841, involved in primary healthcare programmes in India, Nepal, Malawi and Israel as well as supporting students with grants for their electives, and providing medicines to mission hospitals in many countries throughout the world.

If you wish to take part in this event, click here and ask for an information pack.