bholson

We are going on an eight day trip over New Year's week. With two days in transit, a four day/three night Nile Cruise and Cairo. We are going wih Isram Travel. Is that too short? any feedback on the company?
Thanks

sandi

the only thing you will actually be missing is Abu Simbel unless Isram provides it as an option when you're in Aswan. It's usually just a morning trip and back by noon or 1pm.

On the cruise you will make the scheduled stops and see everything, but won't have the extra day in Luxor even though still on the cruise boat. If you'd list exactly what you visit, along the Nile, in Luxor and while in Egypt, we could better advise what might not be included.

bholson

Thanks Sandi
We have a day and a half in Cairo (the half day being the day we arrive).
There is an optional tour to Abu Simbei the next morning when we arrive in Aswan, which I hear is a must. Then it appears as if we catch up with the tour (missing Aswan Dam and quarries) and join them for the ride to Philae. Sail that night to Kom Ombo and the following day in Edfu and Esna then sail that night to Luxor. The next day in Luxor and the following half day and then fly to Cairo that afternoon.Thanks

sandi

bholson - seems to cover just about everything. Yes, Abu Simbel as must, and missing the dam and unfinished obelisk is not much of a miss. Seems you'll do all the sites along the Nile, as well the time in Luxor. It only appears that Cairo will be tight. Gather you'll do the Pyramids, Sphinx, Museum and the Bazaar.

Be sure to catch one of the Light & Sound shows. I've only seen the one at Karnak which we enjoyed. If you choose this one have a small flashlights as most of the show walks the grounds at Karnak in the dark, before reaching the sitting area for the last part of the presentation. Others have commented that the L&S at Philae is very good; others that the one at the Pyramids was a disappointment though the setting is great. It'll have to be up to you based on which nights you'll feel up to it and where you'll be.

Sure it's a short and tight trip, but if you feel you've missed something, all the more reason to return. You'll enjoy Egypt and the warm and welcoming people. Happy travels.

bholson

Thanks for all of the great info!!
My mother and I are heading out the week betweeen Christmas an New Year's. Can't wait! We chose Isram because they included flights from the US and the air is so expensive over the holidays that the increased price of that particular tour made up for the savings on the air. I don't know of many operators that include air in their programs. We haven't committed yet but are close--any suggestions? I would suspect that an Egyptian agency would be less pricey but can't find one.

Chris_GA_Atl

We did that same tour with Isram in 2001, plus we added some time in Sinai and then a few more days in Cairo at the end. We had a great experience with Isram, and our guide (Hesham) was really excellent. Have a great time!