Egypt with Virgin Holidays

Evening everybody

I've very fortunately come into possession of a 1500 Virgin Holiday voucher and the parents are quite keen on a trip to Egypt over Easter. Just wondering if anyone had any opinions on the following:

Travelling to Egypt with Virgin Holidays?
Whether Cairo or Luxor would be better for the Egypt newbie (parents are into the history/culture side of things)?
Whether it is better to get your visa in London or on arrival in Egypt (and any experiences of the Egyptian Consulate in London)?

Sorry for all the questions

Thanks in advance

Jonathan

Originally posted by jtlc2345
Evening everybody

I've very fortunately come into possession of a £1500 Virgin Holiday voucher and the parents are quite keen on a trip to Egypt over Easter. Just wondering if anyone had any opinions on the following:

Travelling to Egypt with Virgin Holidays?
Whether Cairo or Luxor would be better for the Egypt newbie (parents are into the history/culture side of things)?
Whether it is better to get your visa in London or on arrival in Egypt (and any experiences of the Egyptian Consulate in London)?

Sorry for all the questions

Thanks in advance

Jonathan

Jonathan

I can only help with your last question around the Visa. Assuming they are UK passport holders, you get your 'tourist visa' on arrival in the country, it is a very small cost and is like a small postage stamp that you stick in your passport which is then stamped as you go through immigartion.

Cheers

Mark[:D]

[HighFlyer]

Mark is bang on with the visas, dont waste time going to the Embassy, you can buy them on arrival for $15 each.

How old are your folks, and how long do you have for the trip? Cairo and Luxor are both amazing places. Cairo would tip it for the Pyramids, Sphinx and the Egyptian Musuem, though you could see all of that in a day or two, so you might want to consider doing a twin center with Luxor to see the Valley of the Kings. or even a few days in Sharm el Sheikh for some beach and relaxation.

Thanks,
Sarah

Thanks for the replies so far!

Mark - parents are actually Malaysian citizens so they don't need visas for stays up to 14 days - just need a visa for me.

Sarah - we'll probably have about 5 nights as I'm off from the Thursday to the following Wednesday of Easter. Parents are in their 50s and prefer taking things at a leisurely pace so although the twin centre option is a good idea, I think they would probably want to stay in one place.

Jonathan

[HighFlyer]

Jonathan,

Do VH do any Nile cruises? 5 nights in Cairo really is a very long time, especially as the city itself is not the most pleasant. I know my Mother quite fancies a cruise down to Aswan and back, which can be well priced and offers a relaxed way to see the sights outside of Cairo without the hassle of flying - and Egypt Air [;)]

Either way, have a great trip. If your parents are reasonably fit and not too claustrophobic, you can go inside the Great Pyramid and climb up to the burial chamber, which is something very special. Its a good idea to get your hotel to hire a guide and car for a few days. It doesnt cost much at all but ensures you are looked after and have readily available transport. They will happily take you to Cairo museum and wait outside (for hours!) then take you back.

I need to take my folks to Egypt at some point, so I'd be interested to hear how yours got on and what they enjoyed.

Thanks,
Sarah

I can highly recommend Luxor. Masses of history, culture and some good hotels (Sofitel Winter Palace). Whatever they choose they should have a good time.

Miopyk [8D]

Just to update:

Have booked five nights in Cairo at the Sofitel El Gezirah with bmi flights over the Easter weekend. Decided to concentrate on a single city holiday as we can always go back if required.

Thanks again for all the suggestions.

Jonathan