General

DAY 1:  Depart London – Cairo (Egypt)

Depart on your international flight from London Heathrow Airport on your scheduled flight to Cairo in EGYPT. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey.

Welcome to EGYPT, one of the world’s greatest ancient civilizations.

Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, clear immigration formalities, collect your luggage and follow sign for Exit. Watch out for our guide who will be holding a placard with ‘Welcome Cobra Holidays’ written on it. You will be greeted at the airport by our English speaking guide, board your coach and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to recover from jet lag and get ready for the adventures awaiting you! (Cairo is 3 hours ahead of UK GMT).

In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.

Meals: Dinner                                                                                           Overnight: Cairo

DAY 2: Cairo – The Pyramids & Sphinx of Giza

This morning after breakfast we include a fascinating full-day excursion to the legendary Pyramids and the Sphinx. The great Pyramids of Giza stand on a rocky plateau on the western bank of the Nile. They are the most measured, studied and debated monuments in the world and stand as a lasting testament to the geometrical accuracy and technical skill that went into their making. The Great Pyramid of Cheops alone is constructed from two-and-a-half million hand-carved limestone blocks and reaches a point at 450 feet above the ground.

Close to the Pyramids lies the magnificent Sphinx, a huge statue of a recumbent lion with a human head believed to be fashioned in the likeness of the pharaoh Chephren.

During the afternoon you will visit the world-famous Egyptian Museum in central Cairo, which houses one of the world’s richest collections of artefacts, including treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun.

No visit to Cairo is Complete without a stop at the Khan El-Khalili bazaar, where you will be transported back in time to an old Arab souk.

Shop owners calling you to their stalls, the scent of spices, the hustle and bustle of trade, and the many beautiful objects that can purchased will have you lost among alleys for hours.

Put your haggling skills to the test when buying statuettes, spices, souvenirs, silver jewellery, t-shirts, galabiyyas, belly dancing costumes, or anything for that matter. When your shopping’s done, do not miss out on a traditional cup of tea at the famous Fishawi’s cafe.

Return to Cairo for dinner and overnight.  In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner                                                                        Overnight: Cairo

DAY 3: Cairo – Flight to Luxor, Temples of Karnak & Luxor, Nile Cruise Embarkation

Early this morning you will transfer to Cairo airport for the short flight to Luxor (flying time approximately 1 hour), where you will join, a 5-star Nile cruiser, your base for the next four nights.

Luxor is a huge open-air museum set on both sides of the mighty Nile, where awe-inspiring sights will be brought to life thanks to the knowledge of the Local Guides who will accompany you on your cruise. Your first stop will be made at the vast Temples of Karnak and Luxor. Dedicated to the God Amun, Luxor was originally connected to Karnak – the oldest and most imposing temple complex, famous for its pillared halls, one of which boasts 134 gigantic columns.

Highlights include the Avenue of Sphinxes, the great Hypostyle Hall and Queen Hatshepsut’s pink granite obelisk. According to legend, a wish made beside the sacred temple lake is certain to come true!

During your cruise all meals are served on board your ship, which overnights in Luxor this evening. This evening after dinner enjoy the entertainment on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner                                                Overnight: Nile Cruise

DAY 4: Full Day Luxor

Today’s included excursion is to the mesmerising Valley of the Kings. Here 64 tombs, including that of boy king Tutankhamun, have been discovered. As you descend into one of the tombs you will be astonished by the condition of the intricate carvings and colourful hieroglyphics that adorn the walls.

On today’s tour you will also visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, dedicated to the cow-eared goddess Hathor, and see the Colossi of Memnon. Lunch is served on board as your cruise continues and passes through the locks at Esna, where your ship docks overnight.

This evening after dinner enjoy the entertainment on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner                                                Overnight: Nile Cruise

DAY 5: Edfu Temples & Kom Ombo

Enjoy a leisurely buffet breakfast on board this morning before taking an included horse and carriage ride through the streets of Edfu to visit the wonderfully-preserved Temple of Horus. There’s time to shop for souvenirs if you wish before you rejoin your ship for lunch.

Relax on deck as your ship sails on to Kom Ombo, where you’ll catch your first glimpse of this picturesque waterfront temple which is dedicated to two gods – Sobek the crocodile god and Horus the falcon-headed god. The unique layout features two temples in one, with each side having its own gateways and chapels. Your ship docks in Kom Ombo tonight.

This evening after dinner enjoy the entertainment on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner                                                Overnight: Nile Cruise

DAY 6: Aswan

As you take breakfast on board your ship you’ll notice the river scenery change from fertile fields to rocky banks and desert slopes as you cruise to Aswan, described by many as the most beautiful of Egypt’s river towns.

Included today is a visit to the unfinished obelisk, the Aswan High Dam and the island temple of Philae. The dam’s 364ft high walls contain Lake Nasser, the world’s largest man-made reservoir at approximately 300 miles in length. We also include a trip aboard a Felucca sailing boat around Elephantine Island and past the Mausoleum of the Aga Khan. With so much to see, we also include High Tea at the wonderful Old Cataract hotel.

This evening after dinner enjoy the entertainment on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner                                                Overnight: Nile Cruise

DAY 7: Aswan – Disembarkation, Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple

This morning, after disembarking from your cruise ship, explore Aswan, an ancient frontier town. Take a tour to Philae Temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. Arrive by motorboat and marvel at the Temple’s beautiful island location. Stop at a local perfume shop. During your visit, you can watch the creation of perfumes. Select a fragrance and choose from a wide selection of glass bottle containers. Continue to the spectacular Aswan High Dam, an engineering miracle when originally constructed in the 1960s. The dam brought an end to the Nile’s devastating floods. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure or join the optional Nubian Village visit. On this tour, board a motorboat and cruise along the Nile River to a Nubian village. Along the way, admire the sweeping views over the river.

Upon arrival, visit a traditional Nubian village in Aswan. Get an insight into the culture, history, and lifestyle of one of Africa’s oldest civilizations. Enjoy a drink at one of the colorful rural houses, nestled amongst the natural scenery. Walk through the local market to get a taste of the unique culture and traditions

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner                                                Overnight: Aswan

DAY 8: Aswan – Flight from Aswan to Cairo

After breakfast, transfer to Aswan airport for your flight to Cairo. In the afternoon we proceed for Half Day Coptic Cairo with lunch. Make your way to the Old Cairo, this area is the original home of the Coptic Christians, one of the world’s oldest Christian denominations. Here, visit the Hanging Church that was built in the 7th century.

Admire the courtyard and interior with its elaborate wooden screen, marble pulpit and icons. Proceed to Abu Serga, a 5th-century Coptic Church and hear how the church was built over the site of a cave, believed to have sheltered the Holy Family during their flight into Egypt.

Then, tour the Ben Ezra Synagogue, once a Christian church.

In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner                                                                        Overnight: Cairo

DAY 9: Flight to London

Today, you will be transferred to Cairo International Airport to board your flight for London Heathrow Airport.

Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey.

Meals: Breakfast                                                                   

On arrival at London Heathrow Airport, follow signs for arrival/baggage claim, clear immigration, collect baggage and follow sign for exit.

** Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful holiday. **