julieod

My husband and I just returned from our trip to Egypt a week ago. We were gone for 10 nights. It was a whirlwind and a really amazing trip. I get so many ideas and great advice from this message board that I thought I would share my experience and hope you find some of my tips helpful. As everyone warns you, there is a lot of hassle- especially in the tourist attractions from hawkers and with most of the taxi drivers – but you just have to get past that. In Cairo you will see traffic and crazy drivers. Within the first hour, we saw two near misses, one involving a pedestrian. Besides driving like maniacs, the taxi drivers really made the experience unpleasant with the haggling then changing the prices halfway through, etc. It’s really a shame that they do that, it just makes getting into a taxi stressful. We also found it funny that taxis also seem to honk at every car going by. In NY, you are fined for that  We saw virtually no Americans in Egypt- only one or two tour groups. Everyone thought we were from England (even with our NY accents). Most Europeans were on tours as well but you can really do it on your own. I booked all of my hotels through websites and since my Egyptair flight was sold out with them directly, I booked that through MISR Travel in NY (which required numerous calls). I got price quotes for the hotels from many travel agents in the US and Egypt and I paid less than half what they quoted me. However, most of theirs included transfers- maybe the drivers would have been better (but I doubt it). I was a little nervous about doing this but had no problem. I booked the EgyptAir small flights online and as long as you have the print out there was no problem. Also, we chose not to use guides. We really felt our travel guides were sufficient. A guide can provide more in depth information, it just depends on your interest.

We flew direct Egyptair from JFK- Cairo. The flight was ok- though the headphones didn’t really work on any chair- there was English in one ear and what appeared to be Japanese in the other (according to the flight attendant). Annoyingly, on the way home they played the same two movies again. One little thing I wish I knew, before you go through customs in Cairo, you must buy the visa at the bank at the far end $15 US cash. We waited in the customs line twice which was a waste of time.

We stayed at Mena House and since we landed at 12:30 p.m. we didn’t want to waste the whole day getting out to the hotel, checking in, etc. and then trying to go into Cairo. I was concerned with leaving our bags in the trunk so I booked a taxi in advance through www.thebluecab.com which was much more expensive (but not that much in the US) because if something went wrong at least I had a name and contact info, etc. Our driver was Ahmad who we were pretty happy with. He spoke a little English. It’s 35 EGP the first six hours and 15 EGP each additional. It was a nice car and although there was never anywhere to park- he circled and came back right on time. Just pay him the amount in the end- don't ask how much it should be- the price always becomes higher. We found with taxis that whenever we just handed them the proper amount of money- they took it and walked away- when we asked, “How much” it was always a lot more.

Clothing for the day- I had on capris which were fine and I saw some people with shorts on. If they didn’t like what you were wearing in mosques they gave you a robe to wear. Throughout Egypt at the temples, pyramids and sites shorts were acceptable (though I wouldn’t wear short shorts). In the city of Cairo, I felt it was a little more conservative and would dress more conservatively.

We didn’t really like Cairo and had just planned a few short stops in the city. We spent an hour for the Egyptian Museum (if I had a chance I would do this right before you head home when it would mean more). Then, we spent an hour at the Citadel and saw the Mosque of Mohammed Ali which was beautiful. If you are going on your own, you may want to bring a plastic bag to throw your shoes in (as the tour guides provided their people). Also, there are some nice views near the café. Ahmad got yelled at by some tourist police for stopping where he dropped us off and we were afraid he might not be there when we got back but after a minute we saw him and ran to jump in the car.

Our last stop for the afternoon was Khan al Khalili market. We hated it. Really, they only seemed to be selling t-shirts and junk and the hawkers were really horrible. My favorite thing that a man yelled, “How can I take your money”. While I know some have talked about bringing pens or pencils to the kids, all they seemed interested in was money and wanted you just to hand them some. We only lasted a half hour. If this isn’t your thing- skip it or just do a brief stop. We were thankful we told Ahmad 45 minutes and were happy to get out of the city. Also, plan the best order to see the sites or maybe ask while booking. We seemed to have to circle in the traffic a bit. On the way, we tried to ask Ahmad what order to go to the sites, but he didn’t understand.

I was very happy with our decision to stay in Giza. We were only staying two nights and I had debated between Cairo and Giza. However, once we were there, I loved going to the pool, for drinks, and seeing the pyramids. They really are as breathtaking as I hoped they would be. It is very surreal to drive through the “suburbs” and hit the pyramids.

After leaving Ahmad, we checked into Mena House this was one of our favorite hotels in Egypt. We found the best rate at otel.com- $151 a night w/all taxes and breakfast- the room though was a garden room which faced the back of the hotel and the road. We were so exhausted that the traffic noises didn't bother us so much. The only issue we had is they tried to make us pay a 2nd time- not wanting to accept our pre-paid voucher- which they eventually did. Bring your vouchers and when you check in to ANY hotel confirm that they have it as prepaid. Make sure you request a renovated room- it was beautiful- really top of the line. Our bed was only two small beds- and they were going to move us to a bigger one the 2nd night- but the room wasn't renovated so we didn't go. Also- the front desk implied that the room was only $85 a night if you had called directly- not sure if that works- or if it’s just if you show up and there’s open rooms- but would be worth the international phone call.

After cleaning up, we headed over to the pool. The pool area was nice- only complaint is the bar closed at about 5- the first night we wanted to get drinks by the pool at about 7 p.m. and couldn't. It’s wonderful to look up at the pyramids no matter where you are. Both nights we were there- there were wedding receptions at the hotel. Apparently bagpipes are common in Egypt which we thought was interesting. I thought it was just a Scottish thing. Most people were dressed very Western though some of the older women were dressed more traditionally. We had drinks in the lounge on the lobby level and they kept bringing us great free hummus and pita which was nice.

Then, it was off to the light show. We had read that you can walk to the light show- DO NOT!!! It's not at the Giza entrance by the hotel- it's on the other side. We were hassled a lot and thought it was much closer-and felt a bit uncomfortable. A taxi would have been very cheap. Sit on the right side of the chairs. The show itself was as cheesy as everyone said. It was beautiful to see the pyramids lit up but a bit over the top. My husband did fall asleep at one point- it was a long day. When we were getting a taxi for the drive home, we went with the first man who stopped us. He led us to a red unmarked jalopy. The ride was fine- but I learned throughout the trip- do not go with the first person and if you don’t like the car, reject it. There’s always another taxi 10 feet down the road.

That night, we ate at Moghul House- I was really looking forward to it- but wasn't as pleased as I expected. It was very expensive (comparatively for Egypt) and while it was good- not as great as I read (though we do have great Indian food in NY). It was a nice dinner but one of the most expensive and we enjoyed Christo’s much more the next day.

The next day was for the pyramids. Breakfast hotel was the best we had in Egypt- some Indian dishes as well. Going to the pyramids was an easy walk straight up the hill- make a right out of the entrance- don't let anyone talk you into going another way- they lie to get you to come through their shop, camel stop, etc. We did the obligatory camel ride (had to say several times no lotus flower/papyrus stop and state that the price included going back- but it wasn’t too bad) for 40 EGP per person. The salesperson spoke English but the usual bait and switch our guide was a child and spoke little English. We did have to stop by their buddies for them to take pictures for basheesh. We loved the pyramids and walked all around the complex. My husband went in Cheops- I couldn’t do it- no chance if you are claustrophobic. We enjoyed some AC in the solar boat museum. Everyone told us to bring toilet paper to Egypt. We found that 99% of all places had some or a woman gave it to you for basheesh. If you didn’t have 1 EGP on you- they didn’t harass you.

We decided to hire a taxi to take us to Sakarra and Dashur for 80 EGP. Stupidly, we took the first guy, and came to a complete jalopy. Instead of just saying no, we went with this guy. After about five minutes, he was a complete jerk. It took forever to get there because the car was falling apart. The taxi drivers throughout Egypt try to tell you everything is “so far” to jack up prices when in reality it’s a 15 minute drive. We enjoyed Sakarra and the step pyramid and went into one of the tomb areas. When it was time to go to EGP he started screaming and yelling that he wouldn’t go. Finally, he agreed to take us, but after going to the Red Pyramid- my husband went in- again I couldn’t do it- he refused to go further b/c of the road. It was a little bumpy but other drivers said it was fine. **If you want to go there make sure you tell your driver you want to see all three pyramids and that his car is in decent condition. We fought with him again and he refused. The car started making noises on the way back and he had to stop. It was a bit of a disaster and was ruining my beautiful day. I was really wishing I had rehired Ahmad.

That night, after relaxing at the pool, we ate at Christo's and LOVED it. It's only about a block away- after crossing a crazy intersection. They ask you which fish or meat you want and they bring out an amazing array of mezzes. Half the price of Moghul House and really wonderful.

The next morning, we had the lovely 3 a.m. wakeup call to head to Abu Simbel. It really was wonderful. I loved that the woman statutes were bigger than elsewhere. From the airport, you board the bus and it drops you off at the visitor centre at around 8:15 a.m. Luckily, I asked what time it comes back (10 a.m.) because no one knows at the site. We were the only people on the bus not on a tour. You will have plenty of time to walk around the site. The egyptair bus comes to the top of the hill not where the rest of the tour buses. We were a little nervous about the bus coming back because no one was waiting, but there was no problem. Then, it was off to Aswan.

While in the US, we ordered a tax through aswan-indidivual.com. I was told it was 100EGP for an airport pickup to Old Cataract (should have been (40) and an additional 80 to view the High Dam and Unfinished Oblisque. While our driver Waleed did arrive in the nicest car of our trip- a nice new sedan- he wasn’t even the driver. We had to tip a second person at the end and Waleed wasn’t a guide- he didn’t accompany us in sites or provide us with much information. However, there was no hassle (but he did push us to book him again which we didn’t and it was only an hour for the most expensive ride of our trip).

We stopped from the airport at the Dam- there really was nothing to see- a few signs up and a picture of the Dam. The tower was closed. It was a 5 minute stop. Then, it turned out the oblisque was just down the street from our hotel- we could have easily walked there That was another strange stop- it’s just a quarry with rocks and at the top you see the outline of rock of the unfinished oblisque. We spent maybe 15 minutes there. While we had no hassle with this drive (though we were asked numerous times if we wanted to use him to go elsewhere or to the airport, etc- but every taxi did that) we felt a bit ripped off. We didn’t spend this much on drivers who took us around for a full day. When we arrived at Old Cataract- the whole trip- airport- dam and Oblisque- took only one hour.

While others had said to skip Aswan, in hindsight I would as well if I wasn’t going to stay at Old Cataract. We really loved the hotel. From arrival, we received a 2 category upgrade by the front desk- the only place that did that in Egypt for us. We had a huge beautiful garden room. I debated whether to just stay in New Cataract since it was so much cheaper but it was worth it for the charm. The pool was nice and no one was really there. They had a great plate of hummus, falafel etc. to order from the snack bar. It was beautiful to look over the Nile.

We were only there one night - Sunday- and went to the light show at Philae and were too tired to eat at 1902- after having a great breakfast there the next morning- we wish we had. The space was beautiful. We found the best rate through the accor website 120 EUR. The hotel said that it was very slow b/c of summer so we were lucky for that. Their concierge- as we found throughout Egypt- wasn’t that helpful. We always tried to find out how much taxis should be and they never seemed to know. The hotel was even wrong on the language at the light show.

Our trip to Philae required the usual hassle of two forms of transport- I believe we paid 50EGP there and back for the taxi and 60EGP for the boat. It was a Sunday, and only a German and French show were listed at the hotel and through what I was able to find on the web, however, when we got there, we found a late 10:15 English show. We weren’t going to wait around and were exhausted from our 3 a.m. wake up. I tried to pull out my Lonely Planet to walk through the temple but it was hard to see and while sitting through the second half, it seemed to go on forever. In hindsight, with no English and the touring we wanted to do so limited in Aswan- I would have gone during the day before going to the hotel. I’m glad I went to the temple- it was beautiful and interesting to take a boat there (ours had to be jumpstarted with a piece of rope several times). A better option may be to get a flight out of Aswan at 3 or 4 p.m. and see all three sites, unless you are interested in the other sites there. Philae you could probably see in about an hour and a half with travel time.

On to Luxor. We really enjoyed our stay at Moevenpick. I was afraid I would miss being in town, however, I loved coming back to our little island. We tried to check in to the hotel at about 11:30 and first they couldn't find a room that was cleaned- after pushing- they found one but with two double beds pushed together. To wait for a queen- it would have been hours. The room we had was far out and very rustic and basic. I was told there were no renovated rooms available - even though the hotel wasn't that full. I had a great rate of $66 a night plus taxes through orbitz and I think they didn't feel my room should be updated for that rate.

We spent the afternoon relaxing at the pool- lunch is just fair- the service is extremely slow and the only thing good there is the tomato & mozzerella salad. We didn't love the menus here or at Moevenpick Golf in Sharm. You are stuck with the overpriced food and not a great selection- why no Egyptian food?

We did find a GREAT taxi driver in Luxor- who bases out of Moevenpick- Sayed, car #847. The taxis just line up and the men wait all day to be called- some days never getting called. If you want a taxi the front desk will call for one- request him- his car is in decent condition (a big plus) and he speaks good English and was fair. We used him three times and the second he was insulted when we wanted to talk pricing saying "We were his friends"- sure we were for the day- but I used the prices on the sheet you are given (best hotel to do this) and hand them the money when you leave and he was fine. We always tipped him nicely for making our drive pleasant. Tell him the Americans from NY recommended you. The first day after going to Luxor and Karnak temple- he took us for tea- his treat - when he tried to take us to an alabaster factory and stop for lunch at "his brother's restaurant" that we didn't want to the second day- he didn't push us- just asked once.

The temples are open late so it was nice to relax at the pool and then head over to the temples after 4 p.m. We hit Karnak then saw Luxor Temple at sunset which made for some nice pictures. I loved the avenue of the sphinxes lit up at dark. We walked up and down it a few times. We decided to eat in the souk- we went to Um Hashim- pretty easy to find- we had great tahini and baba ganoush. My husband loved the veal kebab and I liked the vegetable tagen. There were no other tourists and they were very nice in there.

The next day, Sayed picked us up and took us to Valley of the Kings. Go early- it’s hot. We followed Lonely Planet guide and went to Metarapath- the nicest, Ramses I- was very Indiana Jonesish – with traps and weird hallways. We went to Tutthomis III which was just ok. I would pick something that looks more interesting. King Tut’s is worth the extra to go to it. We were there probably about 2 hours. We had thought about walking to Deir al Bahri – Temple of Hatsheput but were glad we didn’t- it was too hot. It was interesting that the statutes look like a male pharaoh though she was female but that was the custom. We spent about 40 minutes here and stopped at Medinat Habu. While this was a really nice temple- we had a bit of temple fatigue and spent about 40 minutes here. We stopped for a photo to see the statues at Colossi Memnon and then back to relax at Moevenpick.

As for Moevenpick, the infinity pool is beautiful (though very cold) - you can't beat the view. Everyone is gone by about 6 p.m. so it's quiet to watch the sunset. Big tip if you have a late flight- We only stayed one night and had a very late night flight at 10 p.m.- we tried to book the room for another night but they said they couldn't. We asked if there was somewhere we could change- they said no. I found changing bathrooms by the pool but they were locked by 7 p.m., so we just used a bathroom to change. After the fact, we realized that we should have asked where the health club was- there would have been showers and a nice changing room.

Our last stop was Sharm. We were very excited about our stay at Moevenpick Golf here because of the grounds. We were due for some R&R after a hectic four days. We love a lazy river- and the one here was very nice though the there were lumps in the liner of the pool which could have used a redoing. The seawater pool was drained for two days while we were there and we were very disappointed that the two slides were closed for days- but we enjoyed them the other 3 days. Near the pool the astro turf really needed replacing as well. The rest of the hotel, lobby, restaurants, etc. were very nice. Hopefully with the buyout of the hotel, they will put some money into the hotel to really make it a 5 star resort. We went to the beach are one day and found it nice as well- we did a little snorkeling (not big snorkelers) so it was fine for us.

Our room was a nice size- with a sitting area- but had an awful view- of the courtyard. With only 40% occupancy- you would think they could have given us a better room. However, I did want a big bed not 2 doubles and that seems to be an issue for them. Two mornings we were awakened by construction- once ripping up tile in the hall and another- from above us- both before 8 a.m. which is very annoying. The breakfast was good- nothing out of the world- we enjoyed better elsewhere- and if you go after 10- things did not look so fresh.

We ate at the lebanese restauarant one night- overpriced and nothing special but Osama was a great waiter- with only 2 tables he spent a lot of time with us and took us for picture shots where the president receives dignitaries. The last night we ate in the Chinese buffet- very expensive for Egypt- for 2- with 2 beers- $85 and it was very disappointing.

Na’ ama bay itself is a tourist trap and the usual hassle. The shuttle times from the hotel are bad so you usually have to take a cab in. We enjoyed Tam Tam Oriental Cafe- if you go on their show night - I believe Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday - get their regular menu if they try to push the more expensive pre fix menu on you. Food was very good and the show was great. We even participated in the dancing - which is very unusual for my husband. It's located at Ghazala Hotel- make sure when you go into Na'ama Bay for dinner you know exactly where you are going- otherwise people will try to push you into their restaurant. We also ate at Abou es Sid on top of building next to Hard Rock- that was also good- but not one of our faves. I learned that I didn't like koshari- but they had a nice mezze plate.

Also, there's a little convenience store not too far in on the right- where water is extremely cheap- stock up there!

We wanted to do a day trip to Mt. Sinai and had A LOT of problems trying to book it. It was going to be about $250 for a driver from the hotel so we tried finding a taxi on our own with no real look. I suggest booking from the US. After trying w/several different people we ended up going through a British company Longwood for $125. Everyone thought we were crazy leaving at 7 a.m. for the climb as most tourists go at night. We had a van pick us up with a driver who spoke virtually no English and he had to pick up someone at the tourist info center (wearing a suit)- who said nothing other than hello. We weren't sure what he was there for- but when we stopped at numerous military stop points - he handed them a piece of paper. At one of our stops- he got up and we noticed a large gun holstered in the back of his pants which made us nervous- but it was fine.

It did take 3 hours to get there and we hired a Bedouin guide to go up. We only saw four other people coming down by camel (we passed two buses as well on their way out) and two others coming up. So it was amazing to have the mountain to ourselves. We are physically fit 33 year olds and it was a tough hike up the camel trail and the steps of repentance were tough. The view at the top was wonderful and it was amazing to have it to ourselves. There were lots of boxes with junk they sell in them that it looked like they set up at night, so we were glad for the silence. Everyone thought we were crazy w/the heat- but it wasn't that bad. I think it would be hard doing it in the dark. We decided to do the steps down- VERY hard- my knees were jelly and I didn't think we'd make it all the way down. The guidebooks just say camel path up and steps down- if you have bad knees- go the camel route down. We were unsure about the appropriateness of tipping the guy w/the gun, and waited for him to get out at the end and request his tip- but he didn't- so we just gave a lot to the driver and said it was for both of them. We were just happy to have made it home safe and sound and they seemed fine with it. They spoke no English and on the way back the driver handed us the phone to speak to the original person who booked the trip. We were waiting for a problem or another fee, but he was just asking if it went well. This was very nice. It did take us about 4 - 4 1/2 hours to get up and down and we really didn't stop much. We liked the quietness and having it to ourselves. We didn’t want to do this our last day and it took a few days to book so we went a day the monastery wasn’t open so I can’t comment on that. It really was a lovely experience to be on the mountaintop.

On our last night, our flight wasn't until after midnight- as they will only extend your room very late- till about 2- but the health club facilities are very nice- if you don't want to get the room for the extra night- just use that.

The grounds at the hotel were great and very big. We didn't even make it to the pool by the new wing- try to get a room there- I think it's called the Royal Wing- you can see the sunset there- and no one is around. It wasn't overrun by kids either- but it was low season for them. Bring your own raft- they are pricey there- the gift shop wanted me to buy an inflated one for 170EGP- though the last night I found some that had to be blown up for 40 or 60. One of the towel guys gave me a raft two days but then he left for his week off so I was on my own. The hotel staff is on for 7-8 weeks then off for 10 days.

Our flight back to Cairo from Sharm didn’t get us in until 1:30 a.m. I had requested the Novotel shuttle to pick us up, but they never came. I thought you could walk there, but it’s not recommended at that time of night. I’m sure it’s fine during the day. When we arrived at the hotel, I had to yell to check in because there was bad loud music at the hotel bar. Our flight to NY was at 10 am and after some issues of requiring the room to be quiet, we received a room on the fourth floor that was extremely far but quiet. The room was very basic and a bit shabby. I paid $74 through hotelland.com but saw it over $100 and it certainly wasn’t worth that. It was not nice at all. However, I must say, it was convenient and the shuttle ran on the half hour back to the airport. I would go with the Moevenpick which is next door. Happily, our flight back to NYC was uneventful, but long.

Something that also amazed me, we learned a few words in Arabic, hello, thank you, no thank you (most importantly). If I said “Salam alaikum” people asked if I spoke Arabic. Apparently, no tourists even try with the pleasantries.

All in all, it was an AMAZING trip. The sites were breathtaking. You really can do everything on your own just have to get past the hassle. In a way, it’s better if you book in advance, but then you feel ripped off since it’s several times the actual price. I was pretty careful with the food and didn’t drink any water/ice but the last few days and for the week after I got back, my stomach was bad. Just expect it. Also, I expected the money to be dirty and it wasn’t. Have a great time if you are planning your own Egyptian adventure. If you have any questions, while I’m not an expert, I’d be happy to respond.

aravind

Julie,
That was an awesome trip report. Glad that you had such a great time. We are planning a trip for this Dec and your report is really useful. Thanks for sharing it with us.
aravind

julieod

Thanks Aravind- glad it was read- it was a lot of work and there's not a lot out there for Egypt. I'll check on here for the next few weeks but if you or anyone has any questions closer to your trip feel free to email me at [email protected]

Enjoy- you'll have a great time. If you are there during ramadaan- make sure you are aware of closing times- i hear much shuts down.

Julie

Bob1

Thanks for the long report. We are heading there on a tour in November. Looking forward to it! Your report helps.

MyDogKyle

Thanks for the report -- I'm always happy to read about someone's experience in Egypt, as I'm hoping to make it there myself in the next few years.

Abbyo

Great info Julieod. Thanks.
We are Canadians and we are going there in Aug. with 3 children aged 16, 13 and 11. We only have 4 days and plan to do things on our own by taxi as I really hate the rip off prices of the pre-booking agents. Will there be taxis that can take all 5 of us? Will my 13 year old daughter who is taller than me with long blonde hair and looks beyond her years stick out like a sore thumb?
We're looking at the Oasis Hotel in Giza; did you notice it?
Did you feel your belongings were safe when you left them in your room? We will be enroute to Kenya, which is actually our "main event" and don't want to have our camera etc. stolen before we even get there.
Thanks for any advice.

sunshine007

Your daughter should bring some scarves or a hat to cover her head. Egyptians like children a lot & are fascinated by blond hair. While she probably won't be harassed, she may get tired of people touching her hair.

Casual_Cairo

I would be much more concerned with what your daughter "with looks beyond her years" wears in Eygpt than about her hair.

She needs to dress modestly and appropriately or it won't matter a lick what color her hair is.

Be certain you take clothes along that do not expose BREASTS, THIGHS, SHOULDERS, THONG STRAPS or BUTT CRACKS.

You'll probably be offered thousands of camels for her. Make sure she is dressed appropriately and laugh it all off in fun rather than have to worry what the boy is gropping for when he jumps in beside her for the photo opportunity.

It can be a lot of fun, but the boys need to be kept at bay and that is your husbands job, or her brothers job. Make sure they do it.

Abbyo

Thanks for the advice; we know that we must remain conservative in our dress code.

Yes, even here in Canada some (unfortunately not all) of us parents frown upon our daughters showing breasts, thong straps and butt cracks. Shoulders and a little thigh (OK, just a little above the knee) I can handle.

The likelihood of her brothers protecting her??? Slim to none! (they'd sell her for far less than a thousand camels---Ok, truthfully, they'd give her away) We'll put dad on the task.

Casual_Cairo

Well, if those brothers of hers think they will be able to pick up an Egyptian girl as easily as they would give their sister away, they have a lesson to be learned. They would be thumped on by any Egyptian brother here that had a sister they laid a hand on.

Tell them to be careful too.

sunshine007

Of course Debbie is right about conservative clothes, but I know a young lady in the 10 to 13 year range who was terribly bothered because of her long blond hair, yet refused to cover her head. The people bothering her were not just men on the make -- they included women of all ages and men who were not lusting after her. It would have been avoided had she covered her hair with something.

sunshine007

I've been thinking about the original post. I think that some of the problems that julieod had on her trip (taxi drivers changing fares, not knowing about the $15 for the visal, etc.) would have been alleviated had you had some sort of guide or tour to lead you around. It's a trade off -- more money for the guide/tour vs. more hassle.

mowmow

My very beautiful 13 year old daughter was dressed very conservatively, but still attracted a fair amount of attention.

We ignored harmless whistles, and flirting, etc., but I kept her very close to me, and twice chased off a group of inappropriate acting boys. It got tedious after a while, and she got really sick of everyone looking at her. Thank heavens we were in a tour group and with them most of the time. There was definitely safety in numbers.

She was harassed by a man on our flight from Amman to Cairo and we ended up trading seats to get her away from him. The other men around us seemed to think it was all very funny until I asked one of them if he would have liked his 13 year old daughter treated that way. He quietly said no, then the mood toward the perpetrator changed immediately. They tried to make him apologize to us when we disembarked and it got pretty ugly and almost started a fight. I think the man was intoxicated. My daughter refused to get on the same bus to the terminal with him, so they had to send out another bus to pick up our group. The stewardess called security at the airport, and we saw them talking to him.

Your daughter will be fine as long as she is with at least one parent. Don't let her wander off with her brothers, though. If you feel a male's behavior is inappropriate, speak up immediately. They'll respect your intervention and back off right away.

sunshine007

Oh, that's too bad!

Casual_Cairo

Well done mowmow! Glad you and your daughter handled the situation the way you did. It served him right and put all those other guys in their rightful place. Again, WELL DONE!

samg

Julie,

Great report!!

Could you, or anyone else, advise on the following.

We are going on a 8 day Egypt tour in OCT.
The first 6 days are preplanned, 2 days Cairo and a 4 day Nile cruise ( from Cairo to Luxor). The last 2 days are open.

The travel agent suggest we take them in Cairo, but we were thinking of 1 extra day in Luxor and 1 in Cairo, or 2 in Luxor.

Also, we would like to see the temples of Abu Simbel. It seems the would be easier to reach from Luxor than Cairo.

Any info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks...

Sam

tinlizzy2

julieod- I really liked the trip report. Especially glad you included the websites you used for booking and told about the hotel room conditions.

Sunshine- good advise. I'm only in the planning stages and couldn't decide on a nile cruise or independent tour but am I right that by time you factor in the cost of the hotel, onward transportation, guides, and entrance fees the cruise cost is pretty darn close to a do-it on your own.

How are Egyptians towards adult females with blonde hair?

Casual_Cairo

Blonde hair, red hair, brown hair or rainbow hair, they love foreigners, and they love females. How you behave, dress, and conduct yourself in general is going to have a lot more impact on how you are treated than just the color of your hair.

There are plenty of blondes around here and many of them are Egyptians - only their hairdresser knows for sure.

01pat23

Dear Julieod,

Many thanks for your comprehensive report. I must admit I was having 2nd thoughts about 'going alone' but your comments were reassuring. I had no problems in Jordan last year but Egypt seems much bigger! I was particularly interested in your climb of Mount Sinai - something I want to do.

Many thanks.

Pat

Luisah

Thanks for posting Julie. Your report is very interesting and helpful.

I didn't quite understand this: <<before you go through customs in Cairo, you must buy the visa at the bank at the far end $15 US cash.>>

Do you mean the far end of the arrival hall? Is it a bank window? Is it not marked "visas"?

Thanks.