sdtakethekids

We're planning a 8-day tip to Egypt with three kids (10,12,14). We've tentatively decided to skip the Nile Cruise and fly to Luxor instead. Here goes:

Day 1) Mena Oberoi no activities

2) Giza pyramids/Memphis museum

3) Fly to Luxor AM, Al Moudira hotel

4) Luxor

5) Fly to Sharm afternoon, Four Seasons Hotel

6) Sharm snorkeling

7) Fly to Cairo AM, Egyptian Museum, Ibn Tulun Mosque, Al Quhira walk

8) Fly out to Rome

Any comments or suggestions? Is it too hectic given the difficulty of getting to/from airports, etc? I don't know how much of a factor this is for the Luxor or Sharm airports.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

baracuda2

The Memphis Museum is quite small as is the town of Memphis. You will see similar, and more spectacular things, in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. I would skip Memphis. Instead go to Saqqara after the Giza pyramids.

What are your plans for Luxor? There is so much to see there I'm not sure one day will be enough time. If you plan to see most of what Luxor has to offer you may want to rethink this time span. Good luck.

sdtakethekids

I was hoping we could get a half day in Luxor after arriving from Cairo. Maybe that's unrealistic given transfers, hotel check in, etc.

We'll think about adding an additional day, though. Thanks.

Grcxx3

Okay - this is just my opinion - but this all seems very rushed. You will be spending a good bit of your time in airports, transfering to/from airports, and checking into/out of hotels.

Is snorkling a "must"?

Why are you splitting up Cairo? If you really want to fit in Sharm - I would do Cairo all in 1 stop, then do Luxor, then Sharm....and fly out of Sharm to transfer to your Rome flight.

Of course, I don't know the times of the Sharm-Cairo or Cairo-Rome flights - so maybe that isn't workable. In which case, I would consider flying into Cairo and going directly to Luxor, then Sharm, then back to Cairo.

Kids often like visiting the Citadel in Cairo and you have omitted that - along with a trip to the Khan el Khalili bazaar. I also think the kids would like a felucca ride along the Nile.

I just feel like you are trying to pack a lot into a relatively short time frame.

sunshine007

Grcxx3, I can't believe how we seem to agree on everything.

The trip is way too rushed. It reminds me of the package tours to Europe that we used to call "if it's Tuesday, it must be Belgium" after the movie.

If you only have 8 days, then cut out Sharm and go there another time when you can laze around for 5 or 6 or 7 days. It's easy to get to from Europe -- there are direct flights I believe.

You can "do" Luxor in a day, but more time is better.

If you add more time, then think about Aswan which I love. There aren't as many antiquities, but thee are things to do and it's on the Nile and quite pleasant.

No problems flying into Luxor or Sharm -- the airports are small and you don't need to get there hours in advance like in the US.

I really want to stay in Al Moudira sometime. Sounds like a great pick.

sdtakethekids

The consensus is right -- we will cut out Sharm.

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. We're going to spend more time in Luxor and not split up the Cairo piece (we can connect from Luxor to Rome).

sandi

Besides - and good to remember, it's going to be hot and the farther south you go, i.e., Luxor, the hotter it gets.

You're going to have to schedule your sightseeing in/around Luxor, such as Valley of Kings/Queens very early (6am) morning. By 9am, temps will be well over 100-degrees and time to be chillin at a pool; and for later afternoon or early evening.

Cairo also hot, but different heat with the tall buildings, traffic congestion and polution. Here too, take your time to schedule early and late day sightseeing.

Hats, spf, comfy shoes and plenty of water. Appropriate clothing when sightseeing in Cairo, no shorts, sleeveless, backless, halter tops... arms should be covered... loose fitting cotton is good. At other sites, walking shorts are fine.

The Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis and Saqqara have been here for 5,000 years, they'll still be around for your return visit!

PBMJ

Sharm is great - nice beaches, snorkeling, etc. BUT, there is so much to see and do in Cairo and Luxor, that I don't know if I would "waste" time at Sharm unless you really like to snorkel/scuba OR you're going to visit St. Catherine's Monastery.

My husband and I did a whirlwind tour of Egypt back in 2000 - that's how we travel - fast and furious. Anyway, I think dragging 3 kids along, you may want a slower pace than you have planned.

The Valley of the Kings/Queens in Luxor can take a day, depending on how many tombs you go into and other sites you see.

I would do Cairo, then Luxor, then fly out of Luxor to Rome (probably going through Cairo).

BTW - we stayed at the Meno House in Cairo - just a hop, skip and a jump from the Pyramids and there is NOTHING like looking out your bedroom window and seeing the pyramids!

We also stayed at the Old Winter Palace in Luxor (Old side) - BEAUTIFUL ROOMS, Fantastic service, beautiful grounds & pool.

Good luck and have a GREAT visit to Egypt!