Margarita

I have transporation questions about traveling from Cairo to Luxor. Is it easy to self-arrange once in Cairo? Or better to have arranged prior to arriving in Cairo? How long does it take to travel by bus? by train? Does anyone have recommendations as to which outfit to go with? Once in Cairo, is it easy to make arrangements to Giza for the day? <BR>Thank you.

Paula

There are many travel agents/boat operators so that arranging a trip down the Nile is not a struggle. <BR> <BR> For a number of reasons no one goes to Luxor by car or bus. The main reason is the time involved in driving thru an area that is not picturesque plus can be hostile at times. <BR> <BR>Once in Cairo there is no problem getting to Giza which is an hour on a good day to get to from Cairo. Actually no guide is needed since the Pyramids can be seen for many miles and it is easy enough to wander around the area without a guide. There are plenty of self-proclaimed guides available but none are necesary.

Margarita

Your response is greatly appreciated. <BR> <BR>Since travel to Giza from Cairo is not a problem, I take it that it can be arranged once on the spot. Are local busses advised or is it better to take a taxi? Approximately how much can one expect to pay for a taxi ride to Giza from Cairo? <BR> <BR>Travel from Cairo to Luxor must be with air and train. Is this also easy to arrange once on the spot? <BR> <BR>Once in Luxor, is it easy to make arrangements to reach the Valley of the Kings and other monuments? <BR> <BR>Can anyone recommend a hotel in Luxor that is midpriced? <BR> <BR>I received an email message from a travel arranger in Cairo with an outline of tours. I estimated we would spend about 30 minutes at each sight if we followed the plan. Does anyone know if these tours are rush, rush, rush? <BR> <BR>Thank you, <BR>Margarita

Paula

Forget going by bus - Cairo busses are packed to the roof and then some with people. Stick with a taxi - bargain hard - you should not have to pay more than $7 for the ride. <BR> <BR>You can arrange your tour by yourself at the hotel where you stay. Also it is not difficult to tour the Giza Plateau by yourself without a guide. Just bring your trusty guidebook and go to it. There are plenty of pseudo-guides at the plateau so if you feel the necessity you can get one there. However the quality and information may be very questionable.

Paula

Forget going by bus - Cairo busses are packed to the roof and then some with people. Stick with a taxi - bargain hard - you should not have to pay more than $7 for the ride. <BR> <BR>You can arrange your tour by yourself at the hotel where you stay. Also it is not difficult to tour the Giza Plateau by yourself without a guide. Just bring your trusty guidebook and go to it. There are plenty of pseudo-guides at the plateau so if you feel the necessity you can get one there. However the quality and information may be very questionable.