I am beginning to think about our 2002 Fall vacation. We want to go to Athens, a couple of the Greecian Isles, Ephesus,and Istanbul. While in the Greecian Isles, I have been thinking about Create and then Egypt for a day. ( just want to see the pryamids) With our polical scene right now, would you go to Egypt?

From the State Department's travel advisory:<BR><BR>"Following an attack by extremists on tourists in the Upper Egypt town of Luxor in November 1997, Egyptian law enforcement and security officials took measures to enhance security at airports, international hotels and tourist sites throughout the country. There have been no attacks on tourists since that time. Effective police operations in the past few years and the heightened security posture throughout Egypt, particularly since September 11th, have made it more difficult for extremist groups to conduct terrorist operations. However, the threat has not been eliminated.<BR><BR>The U.S. Embassy periodically receives information concerning extremists' intentions to target American citizens or interests in Egypt. In light of this information, we urge Americans to be vigilant and exercise good security practices while in Egypt. Americans may contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Cairo for the most up-to-date information concerning the security situation in Egypt." <BR><BR><BR>

My parents went to Egypt in November and had a very nice time. They were on a tour with knowledgeable guides. In deciding to go, post 9/11, they got lots of mixed views from the Fodors travel boards. You may want to take a look. By the way, aren't they the Greek Isles rather than the Greecian Isles?

We were in Egypt last October, and it was the most magical part of our 7 week trip. I would go again in a minute. I don't think there's any more reason to be concerned about political problems than the other two countries you plan to visit.<BR><BR>It seems like a pity to spend just a single day. But if that's all you have, I'd do it. Those three countries would be a fascinating trip. We wanted to go to Turkey, but we just ran out of time.<BR><BR>If you want details, email me or see the Cairo pages on my travelogue: <BR>www.costumegoddess.com/travelog.htm<BR><BR>I've already sent two sets of travelers to my cab driver friend in Cairo, knowing he'll take good care of them. <BR><BR>

I wouldn't travel to Egypt now. Not so much out of fear as out of disgust for the country's policies. And I would let the official Egyptian Tourist Office know why.<BR><BR>On Monday the U.S. State Department released its annual "Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2001." Egypt is, shall we say, not exactly at the top of the list.<BR><BR>The country is also on Ammesty International's Human Rights Violations Watchlist. From their website: <BR><BR>"Amnesty International is concerned that for hundreds of complaints of torture in Egypt which have been filed over the past few years, no thorough, prompt and impartial investigations have been conducted. The Egyptian authorities have also failed to disclose their findings on a number of cases where torture is believed to have caused or contributed to the death of detainees ... we continue to receive reports of people from all walks of life who have been tortured and ill-treated in detention "

was in Egupt for 2 weeks in January this year. Had a great time and felt safe.

Went last year and would go again if I had the time...

I came back from Egypt yesterday. Didn't have any problems and the people were nice and friendly. <BR>To John: almost every country (including the US and many European countries) is criticised by Amnesty International for human rights violations. Whilst there are problems in Egypt, it is no reason not the visit that country.

I see no reason not to go to Egypt, but would question the logistics of getting there for a day trip from Crete or any other Greek island.

Would agree with some of the above posters. I think you would be safe, but it is a lot of logistics and cost to go through for spending a day. You can fly to Cairo from Istanbul or Athens, but the cost is not cheap, even though the distance is not great. If you were to do it, I think you should at least plan on two days. And to save some money, perhaps you could have Cairo at the beginning or end of your trip, so that you do not have to purchase a r/t ticket from either Athens or Istanbul to Cairo.

Nowhere I have been so carefully protected as in Egypt. I felt totally safe, and I am a woman and I was travelling alone. Besides I had hilarious time, Egyptians have massive sense of humour. I was in Luxor, and I spent a whole week in that small town. And could easily have spent another week, too. <BR><BR>I don´t know how long your fall vacation is, but with your plans, it has to be at least a month to enjoy it. Istanbul alone would take a week. I suggest that you skip Egypt this time, and go there the next time. See the pyramids, wonderful Cairo museum, take the train down to Luxor and stay there a few days (Karnak and Luxor temple areas, Valleys of Kings and Queens with stunning graves), go to Assuan and Abou Simbel... and enjoy the friendly people´s company. <BR><BR>

NOPE

Thanks everyone for all the good information. It is very much appreciated. Elaine: I have tried to do a search on this site regarding someone who had posted to say they found very economical transportation from Crete to Egypt. I have yet to be able to find it however.

Elina, please be careful making blanket statements like<BR>“Besides I had hilarious time, Egyptians have massive sense of humour…” Remember, you’re on Fodor’s and someone might accuse you of being a racist… You might be implying that Egyptians have a better sense of humour than Americans or the British.<BR><BR>I’ve read some notable plebeian attacks on people asking very simple, straightforward questions about the differences in people and cultures in this forum. <BR><BR>Just close your eyes and keep repeating to yourself the pious of mantras, “We’re all just the same…we’re all just the same…we’re all just the same…”<BR> <BR><BR>Then, I’ve always been curious about why, if indeed we’re “all just the same…” does anyone bother to travel?<BR><BR>

In reply to Sjoerd, I think that a country's human rights record is relevant to my choice of where to travel. Was it you who was equally dismissive of my concerns about Turkey a while back? <BR><BR>I am definitely not trying to start an argument, and have no intention of criticizing anyone's decision to travel anywhere, but in answer to a question "Would you go to Egypt?", with specific reference to the political scene, the human rights attitude of a country is relevant. I disagree with your phrase "it is no reason not to visit that country" - it may be a very valid reason for some people, if not for you. While I agree no country is perfect, do you draw the line anywhere: e.g. Burma? There are some places that I don't choose to give tacit (and financial) support to.

One day in Egypt is unfair.<BR>But if you think that's ok in comparision to the time in the rest of your destinations, go along. You will regret. If you beleive Istanbul or whatevever is worth 4 days, Egypt deserves an eternity. Do not even think of a one day visit, that is ridiculous.<BR>Plan for Egypt, and Egypt only, for at least a fortnight. It is incredible, and it will take all your time.....<BR>Bjorn, Oslo

In a heartbeat.

They are very protective of their foregn tourists in Egypt. It's probably safer than most US cities. You ought to see the pyramids at least, and at most, once.