Visit Egypt for one day by flying from Paphos to Cairo. It is completely worth while. It takes one hour by flight. This one day excursion can be booked with any local Travel Agent. You can expect to pay about 345 Euros (£200 Cyprus pounds) per person travelling with Louis Travel.
The Trip
The day is packed with lots of things to do. Once in Cairo, a Guided Tour Representative quickly transports everyone to a coach, which takes you to your first destination - Citadel of Saladin.
The coach drove through Heliopolis, an elite residential suburb of Cairo the professional guide points out places of interest and introduces everyone to the long history and rich culture of Egypt 'en route' to their first highlights, being a mosque called Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali. A tour of this place is taken inside. To go inside, women must have their elbows and knees covered. Everyone is advised before visiting the Mosque to bring a shawl or cardigan and make sure they wear something suitable to cover their knees. If not, at this place a robe will be given to any woman who wants to go inside, but are not suitably covered.
The next stop is the Pyramids of Giza and the Mighty Sphinx. The coach guide gives lots of information, such as do not take your belongings when walking around. Take as less as possible, because you will be stopped along the way and asked to buy souvenirs. Tourists walk around the pyramids and pay 2 Euros (£1 Cypriot last year) to go inside them, which is indeed very squashy and tight when walking down the steps. It’s dark inside and if the weather is hot, it will be humid whilst going inside, so brining along some water is advised. If anyone is claustrophobic, then this will not be suitable.
There is only a tomb down the bottom once inside. Most people do go in, because of the history and experience of doing so. It is dusty and hot when walking all around the area of the Pyramids if you are there in the high summer season.
The Mighty Sphinx is a short walk from the Pyramids, where pictures can be taken and souvenirs bought. Also, there are camel rides here too.
Afterward, the coach takes everyone to a five star hotel called the Meridan hotel where a four course lunch is served. The food is excellent. Egyptian spreads are laid out amongst the huge buffet of food.
After lunch, the Papyrus Institute and shopping at oriental bazaar, where tourists have the choice to buy an Egyptian 18 carat gold chain and pendant with their name written on it in Egyptian. Egyptian painting scrolls with a name written on it in Egyptian can be bought too or a painting.
Next, the visit to the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities where the Guide gives an intense tour and explanation of all Egyptian history. There you will see Tutankhamen and visit the Mummy room. The Mummy room is not to be missed. The history and look of these Mummies are very unique. An extra 2 Euros (£1 Cypriot) has to be paid, as this is an extra.
Next, a Cruise on the Nile with folkloric presentation, belly dancing, cold sandwiches, cookies, coffee / tea and a complimentary glass of wine. As you cruise down the Nile, whilst eating and drinking and watching the entertainment. After eating, you may go outside onto the deck and take pictures of the Nile.
You are then taken back to Cairo airport and travel by air back to Paphos. During this flight you are given snacks, which are included.
This excursion is highly recommend by many tourists that visit Cairo for the day from Cyprus. It is a busy day outing with lots to do.
If you are thinking of booking this during the high season, then keep in mind that the weather in Egypt can be 40 centigrade. It is, also, popular trip and it does get booked up very quickly in high season, as flights for one day only leave Paphos on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Denise Larkin
