Any advice for a trip to Egypt?

[Hilary]

I'm just starting to look into a short trip for my mum to see the pyramids (a long-held ambition of hers) in Feb / March next year.

I haven't yet got much of a feel for the where/when/how, so if anyone out there has any tips on where to start, it would be very much appreciated.

 

[pokemon_master]

Not many personal experiences from me, but I guess the best advice I can give is to bring lots of water. It can get very hot out there!

 

[wils]

Sorry Hilary - I was only 11 when I went so much of the logicistics passed me by.

I do remember the Son illumiere (sp?) at the pyramids/sphinx which was incredible.

 

[Laurafoster]

No personal experience from me, but id be interested in the answers too. Im hoping to go in the next year or 2!!

 

[wickesy]

We stopped off in Egypt during a cruise round the Med when I was 18. One of the things I remember is that far from the pyramids being out in the middle of the desert they are actually within walking distance of the city. The other memory is of the camel owners and souvenir sellers refusing to take no for an answer!

 

[Tikitoi]

Sorry no advice, but would love to hear about your trip!

 

[carolfoy]

Davids right - the pyramids are amazingly close to the city centre, you can walk out to them, or ride by camel or horse. To be honest 3 nights is enough as Cairo is such a bustley, dirty and pretty dangerous city. There are several hotels that offer pyramid view rooms such as The Mena house Oberoi, The Meridien and the four seasons and The Hilton Nile is located right next to the egyptian museum so that would be very convenient.
Good operators are Kuoni, Travel2, Peltours and LOngwood.

 

[CustardTart]

We stayed at Le Meridien in Cairo for a week a few years ago. We booked thro' BA. Room was fab with a view of the Pyramids and the hotel facilities were v good. We booked a guide thro' hotel reception and he organised a few energetic days sightseeing for us - took us to and talked us thro' the Pyramids and the Sphinx (the highlight of the trip for me), the Egyptian Museum (absolutely fantastic day - even my DS8 enjoyed our hours there), other Ancient Egyptian sites. He even took us shopping! All in all, a v memorable, busy holiday.

 

[Cyrano]

Davids right - the pyramids are amazingly close to the city centre, you can walk out to them, or ride by camel or horse. To be honest 3 nights is enough as Cairo is such a bustley, dirty and pretty dangerous city. There are several hotels that offer pyramid view rooms such as The Mena house Oberoi, The Meridien and the four seasons and The Hilton Nile is located right next to the egyptian museum so that would be very convenient.
Good operators are Kuoni, Travel2, Peltours and LOngwood.

Yes the pyramids are surrounded by a fairly run down area as part of the city. Most locals are excluded by virtue of the gates and prices. Cairo is reputed to be the most densely populated city... it definitely feels like it.
Be prepared to be hustled and have your strongest resolve for bartering

 

[Hilary]

Thanks for the tips - I'll let you know how I get on with booking something

 

[Ware Bears]

Good luck with your plans I have been lucky enough to go to the Pyramids twice.

 

[Graeme]

I've been a few times and loved every minute. Only to the Upper Egypt areas though, Luxor, Esna, Edfu, and Aswan. Luxor and Aswan are the two bigger towns and there are some fantastic temples and tombs there.
We cruised with Thomson and it was absolute luxury. We were advised that the Valley of the Kings on Luxor's West bank was more impressive than the pyramids, at least in terms of the interior decorations, and I certainly found it awesome. I've never managed to get back to do the pyramids though so I can't say if it actually was.
Aswan was a lovely place. Carefully restored temples and an atmospheric souk which was well patrolled by police so you felt safe and relaxed.

 

[Boo Boo Too]

Hi

I went to Cairo about 18 months ago. Went there to compete in a sporting event, but did get to do a bit of sight-seeing too.

My tips:
- you will need an egyption visa to enter the country. We got ours from the embassy in London.
- book a GOOD hotel (big Western brands are good - Le Meridien, Hyatt, Sheraton etc.). Having good security, well prepared food and safe water are very important.
- arrange for the hotel to send someone to meet you at the airport, escort you through immigration and take you to the hotel. We had someone do this: it made things a lot simpler, quicker and smoother (although I still managed to get propositioned by an immigration official... ).
- Be careful where you eat: eat at the hotel and places recommended by the hotel. The food can be spicier than you are used to and, more importantly, not always prepared to the same hygiene standards that you are used to... Your hotel will have (and be able to recommend) restuarants that specialise in local cuisine that WONT tie you to the bathroom for 3 days afterwards... It is worth taking a good supply of imodium "just in case".
- Shorts and and skimpy tops are ok within your hotel compound, but NOT a good idea outside (no matter how hot it is). Egypt is a strongly muslim country. Even in troussers and t-shirt, western women attract a LOT of attention (starring, shouting, car horn-blowing etc). In places of religious significance (i.e. the Mosque of Mohamed Ali) the need for covering up is even stronger and you must remove your shoes.
- I would also "dress down" on the jewellery side as well - it is a very poor country: so keep things plain looking (i.e. I didn't wear my diamond engagement ring, just my plain gold wedding ring).
- You should be able to arrange any tours through your hotel: they will arrange a trusted and good guide for you. We didn't have much time, so did the Egyptian Museum, the Mosque of Mohamed Ali (the prophet, not the boxer...), the pyramids and the sphynx in one day. The guide and his driver took as around these places, got us to the front of the queues, bought all of the tickets, gave us the guided tour etc. Remember to tip them generously.
- Would HIGHLY recommend visiting the Eqyptian Museum (http://www.egyptianmuseum.gov.eg/) - the most amazing things that I have EVER seen. You need a few hours there and go early (the earlier the better!) - it gets INCREDIBLY busy with coach loads of tourists.
- If you want to do the pyramids properly, then you need to go there early too. The pyramids have a quota for the number of people that they will allow to go inside (I believe that you pay extra for this) - it is about 200 a day, I believe. So, if you want that experience, you are probably looking at being there at about 9am (check with the hotel)...

Have known people who have done a Nile Cruise and thoroughly enjoyed it - that may be something that you would like to incorporate into your trip (especially if it is a "once in a lifetime" thing). You could look at organised tours that include a cruise and several other places outside Cairo.

You REALLY don't want to be there in high summer - it gets ridiculously hot and (mentioned above) women have to cover up. We went in mid-March and it was even beginning to get hot then... (80s/90s). You would need to check with the appropriate travel guides, but I would say winter or early spring were good times to go (before April).

That's all that I can think of at the moment... Hope that my comments give you some practical help

Boo

 

[Hilary]

Thanks for some great tips!