bobdevens

We are just beginning planning for a Fall 09 trip from the US to Egypt for about 10 days to include Cairo, Luxor, and maybe another destination. We are used to travelling independently, and arranging English speaking tours through the hotel or local tour offices when needed. A lot of the posts I see use private guides or arranged package tours. While we enjoy seeing the major historical sights, we also enjoy relaxing and exploring on our own spending time at markets, cafes etc.. Is this a practical way to visit Egypt? Any thoughts appreciated as we start our planning process.

Leslie_S

You'll probably get responses in favor of both modes of travel. If you are really into traveling independently it sounds like it can be done -- there are posts here where people discuss it.

However, after my trip there this past May I am soooo glad we booked with a group. The logistics of getting around the country (we had 10 flights in 2 weeks) and dealing with the little things that would come up at the airport or checking into hotels -- all was so smoothly handled by our tour operator and we had no worries or hassles. The Egyptologist they provided was fabulous and taught us so much about the different sights. I think trying to find a different guide in each city or area would be possible but add a level of stress to the trip. I just would not want to worry about if that would pan out each day or would something fall through and I'd be fumbling to come up with plan B, etc.

Also, although most people spoke English, there is definitely a certain amount of language barrier and there can potentially be confusion. Hours when sites or museums are open can change, etc. The one day we spent by ourselves in Cairo was quite something just trying to locate a particular museum -- the taxi drivers spoke very little English - had never heard of the museum, didn't know where the address was, etc. It was an adventure in hindsight but at the time quite frustrating.

Also, I got the dreaded mummy tummy at one point and was bad enough off that our guide called in a doctor (who knew doctors still make housecalls?) who treated me and gave me several medications that got me back to normal quickly. If I was alone in a hotel room trying to figure out how to get medical attention it would've been a whole different story.

For me, whatever downside there is to being in a group was far outweighed by having someone to deal with all of that.
And our group was really not a downside -- there were only 6-10 of us, a variety of ages represented from 30s to 60s, we all got along and it was nice to have other people to share the experience with.

So that's my take on it - I personally would recommend a tour (look for one that guarantees departure and also keeps groups small) but everyone is different. Enjoy your trip either way -- I absolutely loved Egypt and look forward to going back some day (again with a group!).

sunshine007

What about a custom tour? Arranged in advance with your likes & dislikes in mind. Casual Cairo (aka Debbie Sentours) is an American who lives here & runs a successful tour co. here. She can tailor things for you.

Also, you can arrange for a meet & greet at the airport to meet you at the airport & take you to the hotel & vice versa.

sandi

You can certainly travel independently in Egypt, by creating a custom tour - places to visit in Cairo (another vote for Debbie Senters at Casual Cairo), Nile Cruise with stops alone the river, Abu Simbel, etc.

We did this for our trip ('99), where we had our own guide/vehicle while in Cairo - visiting Giza, Sakkara, Memphis, Old/Coptic Cairo, Museum, Bazaar (even Aida at the Pyramids); on the Nile Cruise we went out on land tours with a boat guide for a small group of English speakers. We had plenty of private time in Luxor and Aswan to shop or visit museums.

So it's doable, in a fashion. Recently, a number of travelers have used a company called Lady Egypt. Another is Egypt Highlights. Both with good reviews. And, I'm sure Debbie might have some suggestions.

Never too early to start planning.

bobdevens

Thanks for the great perspective. The logistics in Egypt sound a little more challenging than we thought, and our main goal is to relax and have fun. Given this advice, we will probably start looking at some tour options, including a custom tour. Thanks to all.

sunshine007

The thing is, you can get around by yourself but having help is so much easier. It allows you to focus on the country & the things you are seeing rather than worrying about logistics.

You can get someone to "meet & greet" you at the airport if you decide to do it independently. Am Ex does it, I think. They'll meet you as you come off the plane & get your bags for you, take you to your hotel & check you in & vice versa. (Especially if you are coming from the West Coast of California. with masive jet lag.)

sunshine007

make that the West Coast of the US.