Egypt in Nov
Oct 27th, 2003, 04:23 AM
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Egypt in Nov
We are planning a trip to Egypt the week of Thanksgiving.(22-29, to be exact. Based on what I've read so far, Nov should be okay - right?
Ok - now here are the questions:
1.Should we stay at the Marriott or any of the Sheratons. If the latter which one?
2.What sites in Cairo would you recommend doing on the same day?Taking into account time and proximity.How many days would we need in Cairo?
3. Would we regret it terribly if we did not do Luxor/Aswan? Is a day trip there worth it?
Not going with a tour, how tough will it be to swing all this on our own in such a short time...help!!!!
Ok - now here are the questions:
1.Should we stay at the Marriott or any of the Sheratons. If the latter which one?
2.What sites in Cairo would you recommend doing on the same day?Taking into account time and proximity.How many days would we need in Cairo?
3. Would we regret it terribly if we did not do Luxor/Aswan? Is a day trip there worth it?
Not going with a tour, how tough will it be to swing all this on our own in such a short time...help!!!!
Oct 27th, 2003, 07:14 AM
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The temple of Karnak in Luxor is the greatest sight in Egypt, at least in my opinion. And so is the Valley of Kings. It is almost eerie to step inside the tombs of the pharaoh's, and think that they lied there hidden for thousands of years, and now I AM INSIDE.
Oct 27th, 2003, 08:01 AM
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Be aware that you will be visiting during Ramadan.
It began today and lasts a month. Be respectful of Muslims and do not eat or drink in public (tourist restaurant OK, I'm sure).
The festival at the end, El-al-Fitr lasts 3 days or so, and public transport can be impossible at that time as everyone is visiting friends and relatives. I understand it is quite a party!
Oct 27th, 2003, 10:56 AM
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Is that a full 7-days in Egypt? If yes, you can cover alot of ground.
You can spend 2-days in Cairo area - Day 1 - visit the Pyramids & Sphinx in morning; then Memphis & Saqqara in afternoon.
Day 2 - visit Bazaar and Old Cairo in am; then Egyptian Museum in afternoon.
You can then arrange a 3nt/4dy cruise on Nile (there are 4nt cruises, so be sure you get the shorter one). This will allow you to visit the stops along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. Then 1-day you'll spend either in Luxor or Aswan. From Aswan you can do the short 1/2 day to Abu Simbel and back.
I would suggest you get a cruise that starts in Aswan so you can do the Abu Simbel first, then board the boat and sail north to Luxor. Best to fly to Aswan/Abu Simbel and fly back from Luxor to Cairo. You might have a half-day left so get a hotel close to the airport for your return flight in the evening or following morning.
Alot depends on flight schedules and arranging the shorter cruise. While there is plenty to do in Cairo, you would be disappointed if not doing the cruise as the temples along the Nile are amazing and, of course, Luxor and Karnak Temples in Luxor, as well as the Valley or Kings & Queens in Luxor are amazing.
Granted you will be in Egypt at the end of Ramadan, but business still goes on, though some small shops might be closed and as Queenie mentions you shouldn't eat in front of Muslims who are observing, especially in Cairo. The cruise boats keep to their schedules and meals are served and tourists eat aboard.
I've been with a number of Muslims during Ramadan, and unless they brought it to your attention, though you would notice that they don't partake in meals, drink water, etc. they still go about their days as usual.
You can spend 2-days in Cairo area - Day 1 - visit the Pyramids & Sphinx in morning; then Memphis & Saqqara in afternoon.
Day 2 - visit Bazaar and Old Cairo in am; then Egyptian Museum in afternoon.
You can then arrange a 3nt/4dy cruise on Nile (there are 4nt cruises, so be sure you get the shorter one). This will allow you to visit the stops along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. Then 1-day you'll spend either in Luxor or Aswan. From Aswan you can do the short 1/2 day to Abu Simbel and back.
I would suggest you get a cruise that starts in Aswan so you can do the Abu Simbel first, then board the boat and sail north to Luxor. Best to fly to Aswan/Abu Simbel and fly back from Luxor to Cairo. You might have a half-day left so get a hotel close to the airport for your return flight in the evening or following morning.
Alot depends on flight schedules and arranging the shorter cruise. While there is plenty to do in Cairo, you would be disappointed if not doing the cruise as the temples along the Nile are amazing and, of course, Luxor and Karnak Temples in Luxor, as well as the Valley or Kings & Queens in Luxor are amazing.
Granted you will be in Egypt at the end of Ramadan, but business still goes on, though some small shops might be closed and as Queenie mentions you shouldn't eat in front of Muslims who are observing, especially in Cairo. The cruise boats keep to their schedules and meals are served and tourists eat aboard.
I've been with a number of Muslims during Ramadan, and unless they brought it to your attention, though you would notice that they don't partake in meals, drink water, etc. they still go about their days as usual.
Oct 27th, 2003, 02:28 PM
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Thanks to all who responded. We are aware that Ramadan will be coming to an end when we arrive in Egypt. We plan on being respectful as any good traveler is of all cultures. Can someone let me know their opinion of the Marriott versus any of the Sheratons in Cairo?
Oct 28th, 2003, 04:05 AM
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Cannot comment on the Marriot, but there are a number of Sheratons in Cairo. On our return to Cairo at end of time on Nile, we spent an extra day to catch up on sights and shopping.
We stayed at the Sheraton el Gazeriah (sp) on Gazeriah Island located in middle of the Nile. It appeared to be more a business hotel, though quite a number of tourists (individuals or small groups). Great restaurants with seating indoors or out on terrace overlooking the Nile - quite beautiful at night.
Our rooms were on the lower floors (we have this thing about not being higher than 8th floor - height of fire ladders) and noticed then ('99) these rooms and not been redecorated (probably have been since then), though those on upper floors had been. However, the rooms were large, clean, small terrace (we faced south). Service was attentive and housekeeping was great for the few requests we had.
There is also a casino that opens about 10pm - currency used is USD.
Took taxi from hotel to the Bazaar and Old Cairo for the day - were on our own, and taxi back to hotel - inexpensive.
Not familiar with the other Sheraton which as I remember from our terrace view is on the West bank of the Nile.
Check out the Sheraton site and see what other info you can obtain and rates.
We stayed at the Sheraton el Gazeriah (sp) on Gazeriah Island located in middle of the Nile. It appeared to be more a business hotel, though quite a number of tourists (individuals or small groups). Great restaurants with seating indoors or out on terrace overlooking the Nile - quite beautiful at night.
Our rooms were on the lower floors (we have this thing about not being higher than 8th floor - height of fire ladders) and noticed then ('99) these rooms and not been redecorated (probably have been since then), though those on upper floors had been. However, the rooms were large, clean, small terrace (we faced south). Service was attentive and housekeeping was great for the few requests we had.
There is also a casino that opens about 10pm - currency used is USD.
Took taxi from hotel to the Bazaar and Old Cairo for the day - were on our own, and taxi back to hotel - inexpensive.
Not familiar with the other Sheraton which as I remember from our terrace view is on the West bank of the Nile.
Check out the Sheraton site and see what other info you can obtain and rates.
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Oct 31st, 2003, 04:08 AM
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The El Gezira Sheraton is a very nice hotel especially if you stay in the Tower rooms, however, be aware that the staff attitude here is really poor. You will be treated as a nuisance. For my money the Marriott is the best place to stay in Cairo. Nice rooms, attractive public areas, one of the best buffet breakfasts anyplace and staff that is attentive. They usually have some good rates on their website as well.
Nov 9th, 2003, 10:04 AM
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We've been slow to make reservations for our Nile cruise. But now we are not sure what to do regarding the Nile lock at Esna for the 1st 2 weeks in December.
Are there other options to seeing all the sites along the Nile.?
Any suggestions are welcome.
Are there other options to seeing all the sites along the Nile.?
Any suggestions are welcome.
Nov 10th, 2003, 04:05 AM
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suz539 -
Ok that clarifies the dates. Well, if I recall correctly Esna was the last stop prior arriving in Luxor. We had departed from Aswan (Upper Egypt) and traveled north towards Luxor, so we made the stops between Aswan to Esna which I believe were three. We saw the sites at all these stops.
And from early post on this board "Esna Lock" 11/1/03, those GCT clients were advised that they would be taken by bus further north to the additional 3-days (they were on a 7-day cruise) of sites and returned to Esna to sleep.
In your case for the short trip you'll be taken only to Luxor where you'll visit the Valley of Kings & Queens, Luxor and Karnak Temples; whether they return you to Esna to sleep or put you up in a hotel in Luxor, I can't say.
I would contact the company that is doing your Nile Cruise and ask them specifically which direction your cruise will be following, whether your cruise will be impacted by the Esna Lock close, and how they handle it. If this is satisfactory, go for it - one nite less on the Nile isn't so terrible as long as you won't be missing the sites themselves.
Ok that clarifies the dates. Well, if I recall correctly Esna was the last stop prior arriving in Luxor. We had departed from Aswan (Upper Egypt) and traveled north towards Luxor, so we made the stops between Aswan to Esna which I believe were three. We saw the sites at all these stops.
And from early post on this board "Esna Lock" 11/1/03, those GCT clients were advised that they would be taken by bus further north to the additional 3-days (they were on a 7-day cruise) of sites and returned to Esna to sleep.
In your case for the short trip you'll be taken only to Luxor where you'll visit the Valley of Kings & Queens, Luxor and Karnak Temples; whether they return you to Esna to sleep or put you up in a hotel in Luxor, I can't say.
I would contact the company that is doing your Nile Cruise and ask them specifically which direction your cruise will be following, whether your cruise will be impacted by the Esna Lock close, and how they handle it. If this is satisfactory, go for it - one nite less on the Nile isn't so terrible as long as you won't be missing the sites themselves.
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