HOW HOT IS EGYPT IN MAY AND REFERENCES FOR TOUR OPERATORS
Mar 24th, 2005, 10:17 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
HOW HOT IS EGYPT IN MAY AND REFERENCES FOR TOUR OPERATORS
Hi, We are planning a trip to Egypt aound the 1st week of May and will be travelling to Cairo, Nile cruise, visit to Abu Simbel and back to Cairo. How hot is May for travel? I have seen the names of A-Z travels and Travel In Style mentioned in a lot of discussions. Which one would you recommend? Does their pricing vary? Thanks!
Mar 24th, 2005, 12:09 PM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 23,138
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We went mid-April 2001 and it was HOT. Tours are usually very smart about the heat - they go to sites in early AM, take break in middle of the day, perhaps see something else late in day. Know specific info on operators you mentioned - but when comparing tours be very attentive to what they cover, especially in ways of meals, admissions, and any "optional" tours - like Abu Simbel.
Unless you have very low heat tolerance or a medical condition that makes you so, it is possible to enjoy Egypt in the heat - with reasonable precautions for sun exposure and dehydration.
Unless you have very low heat tolerance or a medical condition that makes you so, it is possible to enjoy Egypt in the heat - with reasonable precautions for sun exposure and dehydration.
Mar 27th, 2005, 08:12 AM
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just returned from an Isram "Treasures of the Nile" tour. All I can say is that Isram puts on a first class tour--from the first encounter with their traffic manager, Hamdy Basiouny, who walked me through the entry and baggage procedures to escorting me personally through the departure procedure on Friday morning. He took care of everything and made himself available at any time during my stay.
Next the tour guide: If I can say that Amal Kazem was amazing, it is an understatement. I have travelled extensively around the world, independtly and with groups, and this was by far, the most knowledgable, friendly, accommodating and professional guide I have ever have. She is hightly educated in the antiquities, speaks 4 languages fluently and knew exactly how to disseminate information to us. She went out of her way to fulfill any requests we had outside of the itinerary. By having done this job for more than 25 years, she knows everybody and it made transfers and entrances to the sites quick and efficient.
The itinerary was very comprehensive--she took us early to avoid the crowds (she referred to them as the enemy!) and adjusted the day's schedule according to weather, etc.
Speaking of weather, I would not recommend going to Egypt any later than March--the temperatures in Cairo were between 70 & 80 and farther south (in Aswan and Abu Simbel) 90+.
The ground transportation was excellent. The vehicles were clean, in good repair and the drivers were friendly, courteous and patient.
The Sonesta Sun Goddess was very nice--crew, food and service outstanding.
Egyptair--all international and internal flights were on time. The crew was friendly and the food was not too bad, considering the cutbacks with all carriers.
Hotel--Grand Hyatt Cairo--5 star--Nile view room, good service and a extensive breakfast buffet each morning. They also provided breakfast bags on the days that we left early in the morning.
Money: money is easy to change at the hotel. The exchange rate is the same all over Egypt. You will need lots of Egyptian pounds for odds and ends and tipping for the drivers, etc.
Clothing: I would recommend packing lightly--summer clothing and maybe one pair of shorts. You still need a scarf for the mosques and long pants. Definitely a hat and sunscreen and lip balm.
Food: make sure that you don't eat any fresh fruit that cannot be peeled or uncooked vegetables. Bottled water is a must for drinking and brushing teeth. Also, keep your mouth closed in the shower!!!!!
Please keep in mind that this is not a budget tour and consequently more is included than the other tour packages. If I can answer any questions, please post and I will respond.
Next the tour guide: If I can say that Amal Kazem was amazing, it is an understatement. I have travelled extensively around the world, independtly and with groups, and this was by far, the most knowledgable, friendly, accommodating and professional guide I have ever have. She is hightly educated in the antiquities, speaks 4 languages fluently and knew exactly how to disseminate information to us. She went out of her way to fulfill any requests we had outside of the itinerary. By having done this job for more than 25 years, she knows everybody and it made transfers and entrances to the sites quick and efficient.
The itinerary was very comprehensive--she took us early to avoid the crowds (she referred to them as the enemy!) and adjusted the day's schedule according to weather, etc.
Speaking of weather, I would not recommend going to Egypt any later than March--the temperatures in Cairo were between 70 & 80 and farther south (in Aswan and Abu Simbel) 90+.
The ground transportation was excellent. The vehicles were clean, in good repair and the drivers were friendly, courteous and patient.
The Sonesta Sun Goddess was very nice--crew, food and service outstanding.
Egyptair--all international and internal flights were on time. The crew was friendly and the food was not too bad, considering the cutbacks with all carriers.
Hotel--Grand Hyatt Cairo--5 star--Nile view room, good service and a extensive breakfast buffet each morning. They also provided breakfast bags on the days that we left early in the morning.
Money: money is easy to change at the hotel. The exchange rate is the same all over Egypt. You will need lots of Egyptian pounds for odds and ends and tipping for the drivers, etc.
Clothing: I would recommend packing lightly--summer clothing and maybe one pair of shorts. You still need a scarf for the mosques and long pants. Definitely a hat and sunscreen and lip balm.
Food: make sure that you don't eat any fresh fruit that cannot be peeled or uncooked vegetables. Bottled water is a must for drinking and brushing teeth. Also, keep your mouth closed in the shower!!!!!
Please keep in mind that this is not a budget tour and consequently more is included than the other tour packages. If I can answer any questions, please post and I will respond.
Mar 30th, 2005, 08:09 AM
#4
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 832
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We were in Egypt in early May 2004 and there was an early heat wave. Temps were around 115, which is hot, hot, hot. One day it was 124 and rising at about 10 a.m. Due to the heat, most sightseeing was scheduled early in the morning, with the afternoons spent onboard.
We traveled with GCT, which was okay, except there were about 130 people, divided into four groups, so it seemed as is we spent a lot of time waiting for all four buses to load, to get checked in at airports, etc. If I did it again, I'd probably choose a tour that specialized in much smaller groups.
Egypt is absolutely fascinating. ENJOY!
We traveled with GCT, which was okay, except there were about 130 people, divided into four groups, so it seemed as is we spent a lot of time waiting for all four buses to load, to get checked in at airports, etc. If I did it again, I'd probably choose a tour that specialized in much smaller groups.
Egypt is absolutely fascinating. ENJOY!
Apr 2nd, 2005, 01:37 AM
#5
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We got just got back from Egypt. I would highly recommend Airlink Travel. They are an Egyptian tour operator so much cheaper. I was nervous in the beginning in dealing with a local tour operator directly after getting a reference from a Fodor poster Alejandra. I checked for references and they also had good things to say about airlink.
Our tour guide was Mohammed (Big Mo) and he was just the friendliest most accomodating guide I've ever met.
I would definitely recommend Airlink Travel. Contact Farid Farah at [email protected].
Our tour guide was Mohammed (Big Mo) and he was just the friendliest most accomodating guide I've ever met.
I would definitely recommend Airlink Travel. Contact Farid Farah at [email protected].
