Egypt.....7th to 14th March 2012

Pharaoh’s Birds (Nile Cruise)

For a truly marvellous and memorable relaxing birdwatching and cultural tour, Egypt has few competitors. Egypt’s recorded history, dating back some 6,000 years is well known. In the land of the Pharaohs, a unique civilisation developed along the life giving waters of the River Nile, leaving behind a monograph and inheritance of a wealth of artefacts, pyramids and temples.
However, not only is the Nile Valley classed as one of the greatest historical regions on Earth, but also a fantastic and prime birdwatching location, as it is situated on a main avian migratory route both in Spring and Autumn.
For birders with a taste for the past this tour is difficult to beat. There can be countless numbers of herons, wildfowl, shorebirds and hirundines and even some of the temples and tombs are decorated with bird art, dating back several thousand years.
Even when on a cultural visit to some of the top historical sites there is a chance to birdwatch, perhaps encountering some much sought after and rare bird species, such as Lanner Falcon, Egyptian Nightjar and Pharaoh’s Eagle Owl.
In just one week over a 100 bird species are possible and while cruising the Nile we may see: Black-necked Grebe, Squacco Heron, Little Bittern, Senegal Thick-knee, Gull-billed Tern, Sociable & White-tailed Lapwings, Temminck’s Stint, Pied Kingfisher and Little Green Bee-eater amongst a host of others.
After flying to Luxor, our Nile Cruise will incorporate visits to some of the greatest historical sites including Luxor & Karnak Temples, Valley of the Kings, Aswan and Abu Simbel – a tour not to miss.


Day 1: Depart UK on a flight to Luxor. On arrival we will be met by our courier and transferred to our cruise vessel, our base for seven nights. Dinner will be served on board.

Day 2: After breakfast on board a visit to the East bank of the Nile is scheduled, including Luxor and Karnak Temples.

Day 3: Breakfast on board followed by a visit to Valley of the Kings; Hatsheput’s Temple; Memnon Colossi and Valley of the Queens. After dinner on board we set sail for Edfu.

Day 4: In the morning we will visit Edfu Temple. In the afternoon we sail to Kom Ombo to visit the Temples of Haroeris and Sobek.

Day 5: A visit to Aswan High Dam; the Philae Temple and Unfinished Obelisk. Lunch and dinner served onboard.

Day 6: After breakfast on board there is an optional morning visit to Abu Simbel, by air or coach. In the afternoon we sail to Edfu. Lunch and dinner will be served on board.

Day 7: Breakfast on board followed by morning sailing to Luxor. Afternoon at leisure where the plan is to visit a well known birdwatching site.

Day 8: After breakfast we disembark and transfer to Luxor Airport for the return flight to the UK.

As well as visits to historical sites there will be plenty of birdwatching opportunities, particularly as we cruise along the Nile. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are taken on board.

Tour ref: AA1227

Cost: £1,845 (approx)
Deposit: £400
Single Room Supplement: TBA

Leader: John Miles as Principal Leader

Maximum Group: 16 plus Leaders

Includes: Return Charter Flight UK (Gatwick/Manchester), accommodation on board the cruise ship (based on twin occupancy), all meals on board, transfers and ground transportation (except on any optional excursions), entrance fees to historical sites on the itinerary and services of leaders.

Excludes: Travel Insurance, Visa Fee, Drinks and items of a personal nature.