Help...pyramid excursions

[Arwen]

We are trying to decide which HAL, 12 hour Pyramid excursion to take.

1. Pyramids with a Nile Riverboat ride plus Lunch at a fine Egyptian restaurant.

2. Pyramids with Egyptian Museum of Antiquities.

3. Pyramids....visiting the Sakkara Pyramid. (This was rated the best on HAL's shore excursions on their website.

The Pyramids with lunch and Nile is listed as a 2 man rating. On all of our cruises we have signed up for 2 man excursions to be on the safe side. However, when we were in San Juan, PR, we signed up for the "City tour walk in Old San Juan" and while it was listed as 2 man, it was more like a 3 man and then some!!! I let HAL know that they needed to reconsider their rating on that one. :)

Also what is the restroom situation for such a long day? And once we get to the pyramids what is the situation? And food...restaurants or is it just concessions once you are at the pyramids?

Thanks everyone ....in advance!

Arwen

[mike-c52]

i did 14 day trip to egypt this june.obviously it was not with HAL but we visited all the sites you mentioned for your shore excursion choices. each one has its own merits and i'm sure you would enjoy any of them and have a great learning experience. my personal choice would be #2 pyramids and museum of antiquities. the museaum is amazing. its like walking back in time or into a indiania jones movie. we were there for about 4-5 hours one day and you could only see a small percent of the contents. if you go make sure to get to the mummy room early because they close before the regular museum closing. there is a small extra charge for that area.

as far as safety, we were a group of 14 and at all times during our trip we were accompanied by an armed guard. this is part of the tourist police supplied by the egypian government. in cairo our bus was also followed by a regular police car.
bathrooms are usually readily available but in egypt you are expected to tip the attendant. a one egypt pound coin is worth about 20 cents US.
i don't remember a restaurant at the pyramids. just vendors who were relentless. they will have soda and bottled water for sale. remember to bring water with you. it is important to stay hydrated. and whatever you do don't drink tap water.
egypt is an amazing country...enjoy!!!

[world~citizen]

This is a tough one.

There are a few cities where a day excursion will suffice. Cairo is not one of them.

If you have not been to Egypt before and you think it is a one time shot, may I recommend the Pyramids with a Nile Riverboat ride plus Lunch at a fine Egyptian restaurant.

You experience the Pyramids, and that is a no brainer. (Make sure you have a wide-angle lens) You cruise the Nile, and but for the Nile there would be no Egypt. Draw a black line across a white sheet of paper. The black line is the Nile and the white is desert - and that is Egypt. Finally, you savour Egyptian food and it would be a shame if you didn't.

This excursion will connect with all five senses and will lead to some truly wonderful memories to take home with you. They will be more powerful than any photographs you take, no matter how good a photographer you are.

Also, as the tour boat may be restroom equipped and the restaurant surely will be, it speaks to the other criteria you mention.

You miss the museum and thats a shame, but as I say, you need a lot of time to do Cairo, and a lot of time even to do the Museum. You pays your money and takes your pick.

What a wonderful adventure you have ahead of you. Whatever you choose, I suspect you will feel feel a tug later on to return. I hope you do.

Smooth sailing...

[cruisinggranmama]

I agree with world~citizen. We did a 10 day Nile cruise in 2008. The pyramids were the highlight of course. I would not say that Sakkara sticks in my mind like the museum did. It is overfilled with incredible artifacts.

But if I had to choose a few hours in Cairo I would go with the pyramids, Nile riverboat and lunch. It will definitely give you a memorable adventure and a real cross-section of Cairo/Egypt today.

Take your camera. My g-kids love to look at the photo book I made of this trip. Beautiful and educational.

[ehschief]

We did Egypt last year and did an overnight in Cairo. The port is so far from the Pyamids that your time is very limited. I don't know if Holland America offers the overnight but we did ours with a private tour company. It was called Rames. Even though the price is high it is a once in a lifetime experience.

[capecodder2]

I agree with about all said above. Sakkara is interesting, but can't touch the Museum or the Nile cruise. It is a long day and if you need a 2 man day, I would agree with the Pyramids and Nile cruise. As said, it is a shame to miss the Museum but time is a factor and you will not have time to do it justice - and sometimes you can see their best antiquities at a large art museum at home on a traveling exhibit. Lunch on the pyramid and museum tours is usually at a hotel in Giza (home of the pyramids) and very nice. Rest room facilities are usually available on the bus (it is a long ride) and at hotels, etc. Cairo is fascinating with the mix of old and new, people are very friendly. Do enjoy!

[luvcruisn']

In 2008, I did the pyramids and Nile excursion. At the pyramids, one vendor was so aggressive, he put the merchandise in my hand, and wouldn't take it back. I really didn't want it, and unfortunately I had to drop it into the sand as the only way to stop him pursuing me. Our Nile excursion was very nice - we did the excursion on the river and had lunch on the riverboat. This excursion may have changed since then, but the meal was very good, and we had some "whirling dervishes," dancing while the meal was being served. There was also an open deck on the boat upstairs, where people could stand and watch the river.

I heard the other excursion - to the Museum of Antiquities, was good also, but the time at the museum was limited. Check how much time you would actually have at the Museum, if that interests you more.

[dragonlady2411]

Having spent 2 weeks in Egypt, I personally would go for the museum. Chances are the restaurant would not serve traditional Egyptian food anyway, and how much time would you spend cruising the Nile? I cruised from Aswan to Luxor for 4 days, so I can't comment on what you would see in Cairo on the Nile. The museum is incredible and there is so much to see, but if you go, make sure you see the mummies and King Tut's things (check first to make sure the major items are not travelling somewhere, as they were in Melbourne recently).
The hawkers at the pyramids are absolutely awful. Don't accept anything (it's free, they say) and pretend you don't understand what they're saying. My friend and I pretended to speak a language (made up) and they finally gave up. It is hot and there's not much shade to speak of, so take lots of water. If you buy bottled water, make sure it's sealed and don't let them open it for you. And don't particularly trust the tourist police.
This makes it all sound awful, but it's not, as long as you can get past being hassled.

[Krazy Kruizers]

A number of years ago we did a Cunard cruise where we spent 2 full days and docked at Alexanda.

Best tour was riding the camels up to the pyramids. We warned to pay each of the owners of the camels individually as they do not share tips.

We loved the museum as well.

Even back in the 90's our buses were all police escorted and there were check points where the buses had to check in from time to time.

We took lots of quarters for the restrooms -- and I carried an extra roll of toilet paper.

Each day our lunch was at a very ritzy hotel -- we drank onnly the bottled water that was supplied on the tables and on the buses.

Back then Cunard gave each person a liter bottle of water for everyone of our ports -- free -- nice touch.

[capecodder2]

Yes, the vendors at the Pyramids are very agressive (and in many other places as well). NEVER look them in the eye, just keep on walking no matter if they touch your arm or try to get your attention. Once you look them in the eye, they take that as a "yes". We Americans are use to looking people in the eye as a gauge of honesty or whatever, but many cultures in the world do not do this unless you are familiar with the person. It is hard sometimes, but it works everywhere there are vendors pursuing you. Look straight ahead and keep on walking.

[Cruising-along]

In 2006 we took the HAL excursion pyramids and Egyptian Museum of Antiquities (your #2). Thoroughly enjoyed it. The bus (our transportation for the day) had a restroom onboard. We were served lunch at the elegant Mena House Oberoi Hotel. The food was lavishly amazing, and was a mixture of western and Egyptian.

I don't remember any concessions at the pyramids, but we really didn't need any as our more than adequate lunch was provided. Bottled water was provided by the tour. The vendors are extremely aggressive, but our armed guard kept them away from us.

If we go again we want to do the Pyramids and Nile River Cruise.

Whichever you choose, enjoy! :)

[ger_77]

We've had the good fortune of being to Egypt twice - the first time we took the Pyramids & Museum of Antiquities tour, and the second the Pyramids & Nile In Style cruise. The Museum of Antiquities wins hands-down - there is just so much to see. I've said this before, but when we got to the case displaying the golden mask of King Tut, I just stared at it, wanting to burn the impression into my brain because I thought "I'll never see anything like this ever again." The sheer volume ofprecious artifacts contained in the Museum of Antiquities is unlike any other.

We enjoyed our Pyramids and Nile dinner cruise, but after the dinner, it was really anti-climactic getting back on the bus for the long ride back to the ship. If / when (yes, I'm thinking we'll go back again!) we return, we'll certainly look for an excursion that just has the Museum of Antiquities, as you could certainly spend an entire day or more in there exploring all the different rooms.

Whatever you decide, I'm sure you will enjoy your tour experience in Egypt.

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)

[RuthC]

I took the HAL Pyramids & Nile River cruise in '09. It was a long, long day, but quite worth it.

There was a rest stop on the way down, with our first tour stop the Pyramids. It was probably not the best day to be there as, besides all the tourists, there was a Komen Run For The Cure going on, and it was a madhouse.
The only vendors I saw at the Pyramids were the camel drivers. I wanted one picture of me with a camel, and then the hussle started. The security officer from my bus wandered over, and all of a sudden our deal was honored.

We then made the mandatory "shop stop" with restroom facilities.

Lunch was on the river boat itself, and was excellent. Please know, there was a long flight of stairs down to the dock, then a short walk to the boat. So, keep that in mind if the reason for the 2-man tour maximum you need involves stairs.

[Captain Canuck]

been twice
first time did the ships day tour..long bus ride in..convoy of 50 buses with police escort.then horde of buses hit the pyramids at the same time...did not do the museum that time. did the nile cruise lunch...it stays in the city so not that much to see. food was okay..buffet style

second time did an independent overnite in Cairo (nileblue)..stayed at the same hotel as the ships tours..12 of us on a 24 seater bus...guide took us to places before or after the main buses..we got in and out faster and saw more...
museum was dirty but still great to see...classics was my minor in uni
independent was about 70% cheaper than the ships tour..and we joined the bus convoy on the drive into Cairo

[ClevelandOhio]

We visited Egypt last fall on the Prinsendam. We too struggled with the same choices. First of all, before you make your decision, rent the movie Cairo Time and you get a little preview of how amazing Egypt is.

Now for choices ... we opted for the 4 Wheel Drive tour in the Sahara of the Sakkara and a host of other unnamed pyramids that were in the desert. This was a wise choice and the ride through the desert will remain as one of the most memorable days of my life. We had never done one of the 4 wheel drive tours. You do not drive the vehicle. There was an Egyptian driver who drove and we sat in the back seat. The vehicle was old and did not have air conditioning. So off we went with a dozen other cars off road into the Sahara to visit several pyramid sites.

My wife says she felt like Lawrence of Arabia! There were huge clouds of dust as the cars struggled to get up and over the dunes as they followed each other on the cross country excursion. At one point in time I looked out the window and could see 12 or 13 pyramids in various levels of disarray on the horizon. We were far out in the desert and you could barely make out the skyline of Cairo in the distance. We made several stops during this portion of the trip at other very unusual pyramids and ruins.

We then reboarded our buses and drove to Giza to see the 3 pyramids along with Sphinx. This stop was also unforgettable. The size and majesty of the pyramids was even more impressive than I had imagined. Lunch was at nearby to Giza luxury hotel.

The bus had a restroom. We traveled with an armed guard who would have been happy to have on my team had there been any issue. Of course there were no issues. The vendors were no more aggressive than any other place. This excursion was in no way strenuous.

We had a great day and our only regret was that we didn't get to see the Nile and the museum. Ah, such sweet dilemmas. :) But we have resolved that problem by booking the world cruise on the QM2 this spring and returning to Cairo where we will play catch up. That's a really nice solution.

Whatever choice you make you will love your trip.

[cruisemom42]

I've been to Egypt four times now (including a land trip) and have more or less done all the offered options. My vote would be for the Pyramids and the Museum.

The cruise -- you have to realize it is completely in the city. You won't be seeing papyrus and desert, you'll be experiencing high rises, city density, and smog. Not that I didn't enjoy it (I did it as an early morning/breakfast cruise) but I definitely would not pass up seeing THE pre-eminent collection of artifacts -- and especially the finds from King Tut's tomb. There is so much to see. I especially enjoyed seeing the royal mummies (an extra charge but well worth it).

And my second choice would be seeing Sakkara -- but you need to have sufficient time to see all there is to offer there, not just a quick stop to see the Step Pyramid. For example, there are some nobles' tombs with wall paintings that are almost as beautiful as the ones in the Valley of the Kings (a great option if you don't think you'll ever get to Luxor).

[Yaya&Papu]

We were on the Rotterdam in 07 and did this tour thru HAL. It is a long, very full day - but so worth it!! We had a wonderful, knowledgeable guide all the way. There was a convoy of busses from Alexandria to Cairo with police escort. Bus has a restroom. HAL provided us with a "snack bag". First stop was the Museum with the guided tour and some free time with the treasures of King Tut. Did not have time to see the mummies. Museum was crowded with tourists (many Egyptians, too) and not air-conditioned. It would be very hard to enjoy the museum fully without a guide. Then we crossed the street as a group to go to the lovely hotel for a buffet lunch in a huge ballroom. Water and beer (I don't remember about soft drinks) were provided. Food was good and a mixture of Egyptian and western foods. Nice and clean and spacious restrooms available.

After lunch it was back on the bus to the Pyramids and Sphinx. We spent a good while at the Pyramids as we were given the opportunity to crawl inside one of them. (did not do that - and the people who did said it was hot, very tight to get in, and claustrophobic) Plenty of time for a camel ride and shopping - lots of police presence. Back on the bus to go to the Sphinx and a little walking - not strenuous.

Back on the bus and a stop at a jewelry store/gift shop - with more restrooms. One had the opportunity to pre-order (while on the bus) a necklace drop with one's name in hieroglyphics. Then it was the long bus ride
back to the port but with a short driving tour of Alexandria. At the port there was a long row of stalls with more souvenir vendors, so if one did not buy anything along the way, there was a last chance to buy.

I would recommend this tour in a heartbeat. Never felt rushed although I was wishing for much more time in the museum (could spend months in there). It was just about dark when we returned to the ship and I do not recall what we did for dinner (maybe Lido or room service)

[Oakman58]

Having spent 2 weeks in Egypt, I personally would go for the museum. Chances are the restaurant would not serve traditional Egyptian food anyway, and how much time would you spend cruising the Nile? I cruised from Aswan to Luxor for 4 days, so I can't comment on what you would see in Cairo on the Nile. The museum is incredible and there is so much to see, but if you go, make sure you see the mummies and King Tut's things (check first to make sure the major items are not travelling somewhere, as they were in Melbourne recently).
The hawkers at the pyramids are absolutely awful. Don't accept anything (it's free, they say) and pretend you don't understand what they're saying. My friend and I pretended to speak a language (made up) and they finally gave up. It is hot and there's not much shade to speak of, so take lots of water. If you buy bottled water, make sure it's sealed and don't let them open it for you. And don't particularly trust the tourist police.
This makes it all sound awful, but it's not, as long as you can get past being hassled.

DW and I did a 14 day tour of Egypt with a 7 day Nile cruise and I think Dragonlady2411 hit the nail on the head. Don't miss the treasures of King Tut at the museum or the mummy room. When we visited in 2009 there was an extra charge to see the mummies. BTW, the mummies are unwrapped so you will be viewing their bodies including that of Ramses the Great.

[luvcruisn']

After lunch it was back on the bus to the Pyramids and Sphinx. We spent a good while at the Pyramids as we were given the opportunity to crawl inside one of them. (did not do that - and the people who did said it was hot, very tight to get in, and claustrophobic)

I did crawl into one of the pyramids. It was dark at first, and several people found it claustrophobic and left the line of people going in. Once in, it was a little lighter, and not too bad to make your way up to the tomb. I didn't find it any hotter than the outside temperature, it may have actually been a little cooler inside. In the room where there was an empty coffin, there was also an Egyptian holding his hand out for a tip. I tipped him $1.00 US, and left to go back. It was an interesting experience.

[MrsMuir]

We are returning to Egypt a year from yesterday (!!!) for 12 days so we can see some of what we saw in a blur on our '08 Rotterdam excursion. A combination of the heat and a poor guide made for a disappointing day overall. Our guide gave us about 20 minutes at the Great Pyramid, threatening to leave anyone who took longer. Even so, she held the bus and dragged back one couple who took much longer. She punished us all by limiting us to a mere 10 minutes at the Sphinx -- not enough time to walk there and back from the bus, especially in the heat. We had no time for the ubiquitous camel ride on the next stop, which was an overlook. There was plenty of time -- about an hour -- for the gift shop/restroom stop.

Lunch at the Hilton was wonderful. The Museum was a bit hard to navigate and my bad eyes had trouble reading the dim little signs. Worse, I got overheated in the un-air-conditioned building, and I couldn't see over and around the mob of tourists (just like the Hermitage, only hotter). Having seen the King Tut Exhibit in Seattle long ago, I finally had to go outside and sit in the shade to cool off. It sounds like an awful thing to do, but I suffer greatly in the heat; always have. While sitting there in a cool breeze I vowed to return to Cairo and spend more than a day there.

I don't mean to put a damper on your expectations, but far better to expect less and to be pleasantly surprised. I think our experience wasn't typical, judging from the other responses here and from our shipmates, who were on other buses and weren't so rushed at the Pyramids. I mentioned this disappointment on my comment card at the end of the cruise, and I'd like to think that HAL has addressed this issue. Please understand, however, that a one-day shore excursion will give you only a taste of a great city such as Cairo.

Linda

[bcnvcanada]

If mobility is a issue I would suggest the pyramids and the Antiquities museum as there is a lift in the building. The cruise requires walking down a step ramp to the boat and walking back up the ramp. If not, my personal choice would be the Pyramids and Sakkara. It is an activie site and wonderful. You will see many small pyramids and learn how they built the pyramids. Egypt, please note has changed post revolition. Most people are please to have visitors again. I would not go down town if you are there on a Friday. My guide would not take us downtown as there is oft time demostrations after prayers on Fridays. Please have an open mind about Egypt. It is a country in the middle of changing and the majority of the people are having a hard time getting along.

[Arwen]

I was having a difficult time choosing which HAL Egypt tour to sign up for because it will be such a looooong day. :eek: The longest tour we have ever done was 8 hours and that seemed like too much.

We are leaning towards the Pyramids and Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. I checked out info on TripAdvisor and found some interesting info.

And it is true, that Egypt is going through a tough time right now. I checked and found that this museum, near Tahrir Square was vandalized this past January during the uprising. Some vandals tore off the heads on two mummies, and stole some small artifacts, but it was "the people" who formed a human chain across the Museum's entrance that saved the very valuable artifacts and items from damage and theft. I had read from reviews on TripAdvisor, that the artifacts are safe, but there that was still a lot of dust and that many artifacts remain in the open or piled up.

Despite that, people raved about the museum's contents.

Thanks for all of your help and the sharing o your experiences.:)

[world~citizen]

No decision is a wrong one.

The one thing for sure is that there is so much to see, and in your case, so little time.

I truly hope once that door has been opened a crack you will want to push it wide open. Hopefully, you can get back someday, with time to get more in.

Smooth sailing...