How do I figure this out?
Nov 11th, 2007, 06:14 PM
#1
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How do I figure this out?
I (single mother from east coast USA) thinking about taking my 17 year old daughter to Egypt to see the Pyramids (among other things....) Her suggestion. We would be traveling over Feb or April 2008 school vacation. Can probably squeeze in 9-10 days.
We have always traveled on our own (no tours) but never to a place so exotic and potentially dangerous.
What is the best compromise? I have read about private guides, etc., but not sure about the best way to go about arranging such a thing.
I would like to keep this somewhat affordable (college tuition coming up) but we both like nice hotels, etc.
I am at lost as to where to begin researching this.
We have always traveled on our own (no tours) but never to a place so exotic and potentially dangerous.
What is the best compromise? I have read about private guides, etc., but not sure about the best way to go about arranging such a thing.
I would like to keep this somewhat affordable (college tuition coming up) but we both like nice hotels, etc.
I am at lost as to where to begin researching this.
Nov 12th, 2007, 04:34 AM
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First, Egypt is no more dangerous than travel elsewhere these days.
You can do a search on this board for threads regarding Egypt itineraries to get some ideas and the tour operators used whether here in the US or in-country in Egypt.
If you'd feel more comfortable with a US based company, you can contact Isram Travel (located in NYC) or Gate 1 (in Pennsylvania). They do group tours, but small numbers and cover all that can be covered in the time you have. These two companies can also do a private itinerary composed of mini-pax, where you select 2-3/day pax covering Cairo, 3-4/days for Nile Cruise, etc.
You will also find an office of MISR, the official Egyptian Tour office in NYC, who can design a private itinerary for you.
A sample itinerary would be
Day 1 - Fly from US
Day 2 - Arv Cairo - o/n
Day 3 - Cairo, pyramids, sphinx, Saqqara, Memphis - o/n
Day 4 - Egyptian Museum, Bazaar - o/n
Day 4 - Fly to Abu Simbel; morning tour, fly to Aswan, board Nile cruise boat; afternoon felucca cruise - o/n boat
Day 5 - Morning visit high dam, Philae Island, cruise; afternoon visit Kom Ombo - o/n boat
Day 6 - Visit Edfu; afternoon visit Esna - cruise to Luxor - o/n boat
Day 7 - Visit Valley of Kings/Queens; afternoon visit Luxor and Karnak Temples - o/n boat
Day 8 - Leave boat; fly to Cairo - o/n
Day 9 - Cairo, last minute whatever; fly home.
Costs will vary depending on hotels and Nile boat chosen. Both Isram and Gate 1 offer lux or moderate rate itineraries. Participants on these tours vary in ages.
If you wish to do some private touring while in Cairo, you can contact Debbie at Casual Cairo at [email protected] who can assist in planning.
The above, is a place from where to start.
You can do a search on this board for threads regarding Egypt itineraries to get some ideas and the tour operators used whether here in the US or in-country in Egypt.
If you'd feel more comfortable with a US based company, you can contact Isram Travel (located in NYC) or Gate 1 (in Pennsylvania). They do group tours, but small numbers and cover all that can be covered in the time you have. These two companies can also do a private itinerary composed of mini-pax, where you select 2-3/day pax covering Cairo, 3-4/days for Nile Cruise, etc.
You will also find an office of MISR, the official Egyptian Tour office in NYC, who can design a private itinerary for you.
A sample itinerary would be
Day 1 - Fly from US
Day 2 - Arv Cairo - o/n
Day 3 - Cairo, pyramids, sphinx, Saqqara, Memphis - o/n
Day 4 - Egyptian Museum, Bazaar - o/n
Day 4 - Fly to Abu Simbel; morning tour, fly to Aswan, board Nile cruise boat; afternoon felucca cruise - o/n boat
Day 5 - Morning visit high dam, Philae Island, cruise; afternoon visit Kom Ombo - o/n boat
Day 6 - Visit Edfu; afternoon visit Esna - cruise to Luxor - o/n boat
Day 7 - Visit Valley of Kings/Queens; afternoon visit Luxor and Karnak Temples - o/n boat
Day 8 - Leave boat; fly to Cairo - o/n
Day 9 - Cairo, last minute whatever; fly home.
Costs will vary depending on hotels and Nile boat chosen. Both Isram and Gate 1 offer lux or moderate rate itineraries. Participants on these tours vary in ages.
If you wish to do some private touring while in Cairo, you can contact Debbie at Casual Cairo at [email protected] who can assist in planning.
The above, is a place from where to start.
Nov 12th, 2007, 06:33 AM
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We took our (then) 13yr old son to Cairo and Luxor and I just booked the hotels and one flt ahead of time and we got guides as we needed them-mostly one for Luxor to tour the tombs/temples and he was from the AX office and an archealogist-great guide.
Nov 18th, 2007, 06:20 PM
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I too am a single mother and just this past summer took my daughter 17 to Egypt. Best compromise is to book private guide. As many others on this forum we used Debbie Senters of Casual Cairo Detours and we really enjoyed every minute with her. We were only in Cairo but I believe she can arrange a visit to Luxor or whereever you want. Probably for that time frame the two cities would be enough. She can tailor it to exactly what you want..she has a detailed website and responds quickly to emails. She can also suggest the best hotels based on your needs. Good Luck...
Nov 21st, 2007, 04:43 PM
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Turaj:
Would you be willing to share some of your experiences with me?
How long did you go for? Where did you stay? What did your daughter enjoy the most? And you?
Any tips would be much appreciated!
Would you be willing to share some of your experiences with me?
How long did you go for? Where did you stay? What did your daughter enjoy the most? And you?
Any tips would be much appreciated!
Nov 22nd, 2007, 02:18 AM
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Hello,
My sister and I travelled independently on our trip to Egypt, as we've done in Europe and North America. We spent most of our time on our own, but also booked a few days in Cairo with Debbie Senters (who we highly recommend!).
We visited Cairo and Luxor -- I'm an amateur Egyptologist so we spent more time in Luxor than most people would, so you might be able to fit Aswan in as well.
I booked all of our accommodation online. We stayed at a range of places, including Mena House, the Talisman, and the Four Seasons in Cairo, and Al Moudira and a villa in Luxor.
We stopped in Cairo on both ends of the trip -- the first time we stayed out near the pyramids and the second time we stayed in town. It was a good way to do things since we didn't have to decide which location we'd prefer, and it enabled us to get some custom crafts ordered and then pick them up when we returned (we stopped by the Khan the day we left Cairo for Luxor, and picked up the stuff on our way home). We bought a wall hanging for our mum and I had some cufflinks made. Debbie's guidance was invaluable in the Khan (though even she was impressed by my sister's haggling skills, honed by six months in India). We found the noise and general chaos in Cairo a bit overwhelming so it was nice to split our time there.
We took the overnight train from Cairo to Luxor, which was a lot of fun. The train is clean and quiet though the food is similar to airplane food. We did it because my sister loves train travel, but if budget is a factor it will save you some money as well.
After seeing the hordes of tourists from the cruise ships being herded around the monuments at warp speed, I was very glad that we'd decided to travel on our own rather than taking a cruise. We could visit when we felt like it, spend as long as we liked, and focus on whatever we felt was most interesting rather than being rushed through. We did enjoy a cruise on the Nile in a traditional felucca. (I'd wanted to book a dahabiyya, the old 1920s style boats, but we waited too long).
However, there are certain monuments which could be quite challenging to get to on your own (Edfu, etc). We also didn't feel the need for a guide due to my Egyptology studies (I effectively did a minor in the subject at university), and this may be a factor as well. If I hadn't had the academic background, we would have hired a private guide as both of us loathe the whole group tour thing which is a bit too reminiscent of school trips...
Something like this might work:
Cairo x3 (pyramids)
Luxor x3
Aswan x2
Cairo x2 (city)
You could either take the train or fly between Cairo and Luxor/Aswan.
Cheers,
Julian
My sister and I travelled independently on our trip to Egypt, as we've done in Europe and North America. We spent most of our time on our own, but also booked a few days in Cairo with Debbie Senters (who we highly recommend!).
We visited Cairo and Luxor -- I'm an amateur Egyptologist so we spent more time in Luxor than most people would, so you might be able to fit Aswan in as well.
I booked all of our accommodation online. We stayed at a range of places, including Mena House, the Talisman, and the Four Seasons in Cairo, and Al Moudira and a villa in Luxor.
We stopped in Cairo on both ends of the trip -- the first time we stayed out near the pyramids and the second time we stayed in town. It was a good way to do things since we didn't have to decide which location we'd prefer, and it enabled us to get some custom crafts ordered and then pick them up when we returned (we stopped by the Khan the day we left Cairo for Luxor, and picked up the stuff on our way home). We bought a wall hanging for our mum and I had some cufflinks made. Debbie's guidance was invaluable in the Khan (though even she was impressed by my sister's haggling skills, honed by six months in India). We found the noise and general chaos in Cairo a bit overwhelming so it was nice to split our time there.
We took the overnight train from Cairo to Luxor, which was a lot of fun. The train is clean and quiet though the food is similar to airplane food. We did it because my sister loves train travel, but if budget is a factor it will save you some money as well.
After seeing the hordes of tourists from the cruise ships being herded around the monuments at warp speed, I was very glad that we'd decided to travel on our own rather than taking a cruise. We could visit when we felt like it, spend as long as we liked, and focus on whatever we felt was most interesting rather than being rushed through. We did enjoy a cruise on the Nile in a traditional felucca. (I'd wanted to book a dahabiyya, the old 1920s style boats, but we waited too long).
However, there are certain monuments which could be quite challenging to get to on your own (Edfu, etc). We also didn't feel the need for a guide due to my Egyptology studies (I effectively did a minor in the subject at university), and this may be a factor as well. If I hadn't had the academic background, we would have hired a private guide as both of us loathe the whole group tour thing which is a bit too reminiscent of school trips...
Something like this might work:
Cairo x3 (pyramids)
Luxor x3
Aswan x2
Cairo x2 (city)
You could either take the train or fly between Cairo and Luxor/Aswan.
Cheers,
Julian
Nov 22nd, 2007, 07:07 PM
#8
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Thank you- I will definitely consider this itinerary!
Not sure why I am finding this so overwhelming....I am sure that it will all work out- though any and all ideas are much appreciated.
Any thought of Feb versus April versus summer?
Not sure why I am finding this so overwhelming....I am sure that it will all work out- though any and all ideas are much appreciated.
Any thought of Feb versus April versus summer?
Nov 22nd, 2007, 08:43 PM
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"Any thought of Feb versus April versus summer?"
Feb - Very comfortable weather for touring and seeing sites, but if you want to swim, it will be a bit cold. Even in Luxor the pools may be closed for cleaning or recently cleaned and refilled with freezing cold water that you don't want to swim in probably.
April - Still OK for touring as far as temps go, but you risk sand storms disrupting your schedule. The risk isn't necessarily high and any good company would reorganize themselves if they can to keep you at more appropriate activities on a sand storm day, but the risk is still there. Beware of HIGH HIGH season during spring break and Easter.
Summer - Gulf Arabs cause high prices at the nice hotels. Believe it or not, summer is considered High Season at 5* hotels because a large influx of Gulf Arabs come to Egypt in the summer to escape their extremely hot weather. It's hot here, and moderately humid. If you are from Texas, Florida or even the East Coast in America, you won't be complaining though as your hot and humid is much worse than the Cairo hot and humid. Luxor and the Sinai are hotter though.
Feb - Very comfortable weather for touring and seeing sites, but if you want to swim, it will be a bit cold. Even in Luxor the pools may be closed for cleaning or recently cleaned and refilled with freezing cold water that you don't want to swim in probably.
April - Still OK for touring as far as temps go, but you risk sand storms disrupting your schedule. The risk isn't necessarily high and any good company would reorganize themselves if they can to keep you at more appropriate activities on a sand storm day, but the risk is still there. Beware of HIGH HIGH season during spring break and Easter.
Summer - Gulf Arabs cause high prices at the nice hotels. Believe it or not, summer is considered High Season at 5* hotels because a large influx of Gulf Arabs come to Egypt in the summer to escape their extremely hot weather. It's hot here, and moderately humid. If you are from Texas, Florida or even the East Coast in America, you won't be complaining though as your hot and humid is much worse than the Cairo hot and humid. Luxor and the Sinai are hotter though.
Nov 25th, 2007, 09:01 AM
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Our family travels independently everywhere around the world (e.g. we did a 2-week driving tour in South Africa in July), but for our 1-week tour of Egypt several years ago, we opted to go with an tour company. For us, it was a great decision. We had 3 nights in Cairo (at a hotel of our choosing) and a personal guide to the Pyramids and the Egyptian Musuem. We had a driver and escort to take us to and from the airport in Cairo. We were on a small (100 passenger) boat for our 4-day tour of the Nile and a guide with a lot of knowledge and good English skills. Also, since most of the people on the boat were Europeans, our English-speaking group for tours was small.
We went during the end of March/beginning of April during our children's Spring Break. The weather was quite warm, but gorgeous. I would not want to do this trip in the summer.
Going with a semi-guided tour group was great for us. It made everything easy and pleasant for our once-in-a-lifetime trip to Egypt.
We went during the end of March/beginning of April during our children's Spring Break. The weather was quite warm, but gorgeous. I would not want to do this trip in the summer.
Going with a semi-guided tour group was great for us. It made everything easy and pleasant for our once-in-a-lifetime trip to Egypt.
Nov 29th, 2007, 08:19 PM
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Sorry to be a pain. I do not really want to go the tour route, though safety is of utmost important, as I will be traveling alone with an 18 year old daughter.
Did anyone feel unsafe while traveling to Egypt independently?
Did anyone feel unsafe while traveling to Egypt independently?
Nov 30th, 2007, 04:18 AM
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While I posted above, a few companies that do group tours, both will do independent trips. Also, Julian above indicated he and his sister travelled independently. And, when we visited Egypt (and Jordan), travelled on our own.
For the time we spent in Cairo, we had prearranged a guide/driver for sightseeing, even arranged for a night at the opera setup near the Pyramids (amazing). Except for the days we spent on the Nile Cruise, though on our own (meeting other independent travelers), when we did the land/temple tours at Kom Ombo, Edfu, Esna etc, with a small group of English speakers & guide; also visited Valley of K&Q, Hatshepsut Temple, Nefretari Tomb. We did the Karnak and Luxor Temples on our own.
At no time did we feel unsafe, not even when one night we found ourselves turned-around (lost) in the Souk in Luxor. Simply walked over to a group of men smoking their hubble-bubble, asked for directions, thanked them... then continued on our way.
Debbie can help you with things to do in/around Cairo (Alexandria, if you want) and assist with a Nile Cruise, if interested.
We were two women, one of whom is blond (which tends to grab attention in Egypt) no problems... people were warm, friendly and very helpful. Visited the Bazaar on our own, by taxi to/from; not a single driver was a maniac... too fast, and always on the meter.
It's doable and safe.
For the time we spent in Cairo, we had prearranged a guide/driver for sightseeing, even arranged for a night at the opera setup near the Pyramids (amazing). Except for the days we spent on the Nile Cruise, though on our own (meeting other independent travelers), when we did the land/temple tours at Kom Ombo, Edfu, Esna etc, with a small group of English speakers & guide; also visited Valley of K&Q, Hatshepsut Temple, Nefretari Tomb. We did the Karnak and Luxor Temples on our own.
At no time did we feel unsafe, not even when one night we found ourselves turned-around (lost) in the Souk in Luxor. Simply walked over to a group of men smoking their hubble-bubble, asked for directions, thanked them... then continued on our way.
Debbie can help you with things to do in/around Cairo (Alexandria, if you want) and assist with a Nile Cruise, if interested.
We were two women, one of whom is blond (which tends to grab attention in Egypt) no problems... people were warm, friendly and very helpful. Visited the Bazaar on our own, by taxi to/from; not a single driver was a maniac... too fast, and always on the meter.
It's doable and safe.
Mar 1st, 2008, 11:08 AM
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Hi,
After spending much time looking at other vacation options (Italy,Greece, etc) I am back to Egypt- seems that it would be the most interesting and fun!
Looking at mid April.
Is it too late to arrange this?
Can anyone recommend a company that will arrange flights, guides, etc. but that will not be a large tour?
Thanks to any and all help and advise!
After spending much time looking at other vacation options (Italy,Greece, etc) I am back to Egypt- seems that it would be the most interesting and fun!
Looking at mid April.
Is it too late to arrange this?
Can anyone recommend a company that will arrange flights, guides, etc. but that will not be a large tour?
Thanks to any and all help and advise!
Mar 2nd, 2008, 06:48 PM
#16
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Thanks for previous replies! I am now fairly desperate to get something booked- not much time!
Looking in to private guide (Kensinton tours?) still open to other suggestions.
Please- more info- we are very excited about this trip, but totally ignorant.
Weather mid April?
Hotel suggestions? Are there any flight deals out there?
Looking in to private guide (Kensinton tours?) still open to other suggestions.
Please- more info- we are very excited about this trip, but totally ignorant.
Weather mid April?
Hotel suggestions? Are there any flight deals out there?
Mar 2nd, 2008, 06:58 PM
#17
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I would "second" the previous suggestion to contact Debbie at Casual Cairo ([email protected]). I am sure she can assist you. I have not used Debbie, but I met her when I was in Cairo last fall and several other people here at Fodors have used her with high praise.
I'm sure Debbie can suggest hotels as well. Depending on exactly what you want to do - I think a night or two at the Mena House would be great. Altho it is outside the city, the view of the pyramids is such a treat. Then maybe a Nile Cruise, then back to Cairo for a day or two -staying more in town.
Can't really help you with flights. I know EgyptAir flies direct from JFK and I think that is the only direct flight from the US. Others transit through Europe.
I'm sure Debbie can suggest hotels as well. Depending on exactly what you want to do - I think a night or two at the Mena House would be great. Altho it is outside the city, the view of the pyramids is such a treat. Then maybe a Nile Cruise, then back to Cairo for a day or two -staying more in town.
Can't really help you with flights. I know EgyptAir flies direct from JFK and I think that is the only direct flight from the US. Others transit through Europe.
Mar 4th, 2008, 01:09 PM
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Hi,
just returned from a last minute trip to egypt with my daughter. I travel a great deal and generally plan on my own with help from this wonderful forum.
contact amanda at Lady egypt in Cairo. she just planned a wonderful trip for us. she got a very good feel of the trip that I wanted , which was non cruise to save time and see more. we felt VERY safe. Lady Egypt provided guides, drivers and reps to meet us everywhere and I felt it was very good value. mid april is getting warmer so you will want to be out and about early, but you will have a great time.
any questions, ask. we did 3 days in cairo and area, flew to luxor for 4 days where we really liked the old winter palace and did the balloon ride, did day cruise to dendara to give daughter feel for the nile and it goes north so we were only cruiseboat on the river , and then did convoy to aswan with stops at temples onl the way and then flew to abu simbel and stayed overnight at the seti I which you daughter would really like the whole experience there. we went back again for the sunrise and later walked around the town. we also walked all over cairo. the only difficult or dangerous part is crossing the street, but just get in a crowd of locals and it works. we then had another day and a half in cairo.
flew lufthansa which has good flight schedule. did the afternoon flight leaving and overnighted at FRA on the way home which made the trip much more pleasant. if you live in ny area you can also take egypt air.
have fun and don't worry you will have a great time.
Bonnie
just returned from a last minute trip to egypt with my daughter. I travel a great deal and generally plan on my own with help from this wonderful forum.
contact amanda at Lady egypt in Cairo. she just planned a wonderful trip for us. she got a very good feel of the trip that I wanted , which was non cruise to save time and see more. we felt VERY safe. Lady Egypt provided guides, drivers and reps to meet us everywhere and I felt it was very good value. mid april is getting warmer so you will want to be out and about early, but you will have a great time.
any questions, ask. we did 3 days in cairo and area, flew to luxor for 4 days where we really liked the old winter palace and did the balloon ride, did day cruise to dendara to give daughter feel for the nile and it goes north so we were only cruiseboat on the river , and then did convoy to aswan with stops at temples onl the way and then flew to abu simbel and stayed overnight at the seti I which you daughter would really like the whole experience there. we went back again for the sunrise and later walked around the town. we also walked all over cairo. the only difficult or dangerous part is crossing the street, but just get in a crowd of locals and it works. we then had another day and a half in cairo.
flew lufthansa which has good flight schedule. did the afternoon flight leaving and overnighted at FRA on the way home which made the trip much more pleasant. if you live in ny area you can also take egypt air.
have fun and don't worry you will have a great time.
Bonnie
Mar 6th, 2008, 04:11 PM
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Thanks to all.....I have not done as much research as I should do, as I kept changing our destination.
My daughter mentioned Egypt and I thought- why not?
But I am running out of time!(April spring break).
My main fear is that it will be TOO many museums, temples, etc. for my daughter- am I wrong on this?
My daughter mentioned Egypt and I thought- why not?
But I am running out of time!(April spring break).
My main fear is that it will be TOO many museums, temples, etc. for my daughter- am I wrong on this?
Mar 6th, 2008, 04:15 PM
#20
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one more thing- I seem to be stuck in the middle of spending more than I have to- but as we will probably never get there again, I will spend what I need to to to see and experience the best of the area.
Any suggestions for the best hotels, cruise, etc, for the money?
Again- feeling desperate here, as we are running out of planning time!
Any suggestions for the best hotels, cruise, etc, for the money?
Again- feeling desperate here, as we are running out of planning time!
