Egypt and tours

[diane.in.ny]

Thank you, Mia and Cynthia, for the assurances.

[Jade13]

We toured with Nile Blue tours. I must say I was pretty disappointed that Hazem (whom I booked well in advance to be our tour guide) couldn't do the tour (and only informed me when we got on board a week before we were to arrive). His substitute guide, Hani - was ok but not really interested in answering any questions we may have.

I dont recommend them.

 

Interesting.

 

Hazem is the only one that I have heard from where his company is arranging one day tours by charter from Alexandria to Luxor. In our case the guide would have to be someone else in Luxor and not from Alexandria or Cairo.

[Jade13]

Two days is a must must must! Egypt is one of my favorite stops on the cruise and I always wish I could stay longer :)

 

Nile Blue Tours is the greatest, they planned everything including hotel, rides, meals etc.

Im sure you' ll love Egypt!

 

Who was your guide?

[Jade13]

Nile Blue is Outstanding!

 

We recently (2008) used Nile Blue for two overnight excursions from our Seabourn Spirit cruise; Safaga to Luxor and Alexandria to Cairo . We had a wonderful experience in Egypt because of Nile Blue’s outstanding service in all aspects of our tours. In terms of price, they were lower than deCastro and much lower than the Seabourn excursion to Luxor (using the same itinerary and hotel). Nile Blue’s total price for the two overnight excursions, including hotels and all transfers - Luxor, Cairo, and airport - was less than the Seabourn excursion just to Luxor. We feel we received excellent value for our money. Hazem and his wife, Ghada, are fantastic!

 

My husband and I chose to book individual tours. We were delighted to learn that Hazem and his wife had come to meet us at Safaga and would personally escort us with their driver in a comfortable minivan during our overnight tour to Luxor. Hazem gave us great insight into Egyptian history and art as he guided us through the Valley of the Kings, the Temples of Karnak, Luxor, and Ramses III. He checked us into the Sonesta St. George Hotel, made sure that we got to the Sound and Light show that night, and was very conscientious about making sure that we made it back to our ship the following day with plenty of time to spare before sailing.

 

We disembarked our ship in Alexandria, where Hazem met us and escorted us with driver, again by comfortable minivan, on the three-hour drive to Cairo. We asked Hazem for a specially tailored tour in Cairo as we had seen the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, and Egyptian Museum a few days earlier on the ship’s tour to Cairo from Sokhna. Upon our arrival in Cairo, Hazem checked us into the Mena House Oberoi Palace (fabulous hotel), and set up our wake up call for the next morning for our drive to the airport. He then gave us a great tour of the Sakkara pyramid, Titi tomb, and Old Cairo, which included lunch at a wonderful restaurant with view of the Great Pyramids. He also stopped to pick up the beautiful personalized cartouches that we had ordered in Luxor. The following morning, he escorted us to the airport, again making sure that we made it to the airport with plenty of time to spare before our flight, and not leaving us until we checked into security.

 

We highly recommend Nile Blue Tours and will use them again when we return to Egypt.

 

Did they arrange your flights for you? So far, they are the only agency that I have heard from that will be able to provide a tour from Alexandria to Luxor.

[smeyer418]

Did they arrange your flights for you? So far, they are the only agency that I have heard from that will be able to provide a tour from Alexandria to Luxor.

Safaga is on the Red Sea fairly close to Luxor. No flight is necessary. Its not from Alexandria..

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Safaga

 

Luxor is almost directly west.....

[Mooder]

I've just today begun research for a cruise next year with an overnight stop in Alexandria. One problem we have is that half the family wants to see Valley of the Kings and the other half wants to see the pyramids at Giza. It appears that Ramses has an overnight excursion that does both? Is this doable or are we really compromising by not choosing one or the other? Thoughts? Thank you!

[Captain Canuck]

did it last year. overnight in Cairo..think it was $199 a person. stayed at the same hotel as the ships tours. you can customize the tour for what you want to see.

[MercedMike]

I've just today begun research for a cruise next year with an overnight stop in Alexandria. One problem we have is that half the family wants to see Valley of the Kings and the other half wants to see the pyramids at Giza. It appears that Ramses has an overnight excursion that does both? Is this doable or are we really compromising by not choosing one or the other? Thoughts? Thank you!

 

I don't see such a tour on Ramses site. Valley of the Kings is a substantial way up the Nile from Cairo. I don't know how you could get there in a two day time frame unless you fly. If you did that you would miss a lot of other attractions around Cairo.

 

While we found Valley of the Kings interesting, the pyramids at Giza are THE defining symbol of Egypt, along with the Sphinx, and I don't think they should be missed. Usually you build an overnight excursion around Giza and then add on the other things you want to do, such as Saqqara, Memphis, Dashur, the Museum, Nile Cruise, Sound and Light, Khan el Khalili, the Citadel and Mosques, or whatever is important for you.

 

Check out our trip report and pictures at http://www.bully4.us/holyland2.html

 

and also our land tour including Valley of the Kings at

http://www.bully4.us/egypt8.html

 

While Valley of the Kings is very important historically and of great interest to students of Egypt, it is definitely nowhere near as spectacular as the Great Pyramids at Giza.

[Zukini]

I don't see such a tour on Ramses site. Valley of the Kings is a substantial way up the Nile from Cairo. I don't know how you could get there in a two day time frame unless you fly. If you did that you would miss a lot of other attractions around Cairo

 

I found a page on the Ramses site that details that overnight that combines the Valley of the Kings and Giza....a flight from Alexandria to Luxor is required.

 

Here's the link: http://www.ramsestours.com/luxor_overday1/

By the way, Mike, thanks so much for the wealth of information you've posted. I'm finding it all very helpful in planning my stop in Egypt next year.

[Mooder]

I don't see such a tour on Ramses site. Valley of the Kings is a substantial way up the Nile from Cairo. I don't know how you could get there in a two day time frame unless you fly. If you did that you would miss a lot of other attractions around Cairo.

 

While we found Valley of the Kings interesting, the pyramids at Giza are THE defining symbol of Egypt, along with the Sphinx, and I don't think they should be missed. Usually you build an overnight excursion around Giza and then add on the other things you want to do, such as Saqqara, Memphis, Dashur, the Museum, Nile Cruise, Sound and Light, Khan el Khalili, the Citadel and Mosques, or whatever is important for you.

 

Check out our trip report and pictures at http://www.bully4.us/holyland2.html

 

and also our land tour including Valley of the Kings at

http://www.bully4.us/egypt8.html

 

While Valley of the Kings is very important historically and of great interest to students of Egypt, it is definitely nowhere near as spectacular as the Great Pyramids at Giza.

 

Thank you, Mike. I appreciate your perspective. Here is a link to the tour I am talking about. http://www.ramsestours.com/luxor_overday1/. As you can see, it does involve flying. In addition, since first posting, I have discovered that the cruise line now offers this overnight itinerary to include both Luxor and Cairo with the pyramids. I completely agree that the pyramids are a must see and don't intend to miss them. My problem is satisfying the family members who have already seen the pyramids and don't feel the need to see them again.

 

I'd appreciate it if you could read the ramses itinerary for the Luxor overnight and tell me what you think of it and what I'd be missing in Cairo. Thank you!!

[cruisemom42]

Thank you, Mike. I appreciate your perspective. Here is a link to the tour I am talking about. http://www.ramsestours.com/luxor_overday1/. As you can see, it does involve flying. In addition, since first posting, I have discovered that the cruise line now offers this overnight itinerary to include both Luxor and Cairo with the pyramids. I completely agree that the pyramids are a must see and don't intend to miss them. My problem is satisfying the family members who have already seen the pyramids and don't feel the need to see them again.

 

I'd appreciate it if you could read the ramses itinerary for the Luxor overnight and tell me what you think of it and what I'd be missing in Cairo. Thank you!!

 

 

I read through the Ramses tour description -- wow, you are seeing a lot in two days. I think you'll be exhausted when you are done, but it does look like the tour hits the highest of the highlights in Cairo and Luxor. Just be aware that "early morning" (day 2) in Egypt is likely to be something like 4:00 am. Does everyone in your group have the stamina?

 

One thing to factor into your planning is that delays seem to occur with some frequency for cruise ships arriving in Egypt. I assume that with a group of 40 you'd have a special chartered flight, but it might be worth asking Ramses the question about how a delay in starting out would be handled.....

 

I do understand your dilemma in trying to satisfy everyone. (Although can't quite get not wanting to see the pyramids again.....I'll be seeing them for the third time this fall.....:)) However, if I KNEW this would be my one and only chance to visit Egypt, I probably would also strongly consider this tour in order to see Luxor, which is fantastic.

[Mooder]

I read through the Ramses tour description -- wow, you are seeing a lot in two days. I think you'll be exhausted when you are done, but it does look like the tour hits the highest of the highlights in Cairo and Luxor. Just be aware that "early morning" (day 2) in Egypt is likely to be something like 4:00 am. Does everyone in your group have the stamina?

 

One thing to factor into your planning is that delays seem to occur with some frequency for cruise ships arriving in Egypt. I assume that with a group of 40 you'd have a special chartered flight, but it might be worth asking Ramses the question about how a delay in starting out would be handled.....

 

I do understand your dilemma in trying to satisfy everyone. (Although can't quite get not wanting to see the pyramids again.....I'll be seeing them for the third time this fall.....:)) However, if I KNEW this would be my one and only chance to visit Egypt, I probably would also strongly consider this tour in order to see Luxor, which is fantastic.

 

Thanks, CM, I appreciate your thoughts so much. My brother has seen the pyramids twice, and the Valley of the Kings is something he's wanted to see for some time. So, at one point, I suggested we split up for those two days. That may still be the best option, but when I saw the tour that does both, I thought it was worth considering. Good question for Ramses - I've read about some of the delays myself.

 

Exhausted I can handle, disappointed family members, not so much. ;)

[MercedMike]

Thank you, Mike. I appreciate your perspective. Here is a link to the tour I am talking about. http://www.ramsestours.com/luxor_overday1/. As you can see, it does involve flying. In addition, since first posting, I have discovered that the cruise line now offers this overnight itinerary to include both Luxor and Cairo with the pyramids. I completely agree that the pyramids are a must see and don't intend to miss them. My problem is satisfying the family members who have already seen the pyramids and don't feel the need to see them again.

 

I'd appreciate it if you could read the ramses itinerary for the Luxor overnight and tell me what you think of it and what I'd be missing in Cairo. Thank you!!

 

Wow! That is quite a tour. You are really hitting all the major five star spots of Egypt in two days! If you are up to the pace, it would be a wonderful trip.

 

What are you missing? Well, lots of things that are fun to do and interesting. Does your time at the Museum allow for the Mummy Room? It is a DON'T MISS to me. Sakkara and Dashur are interesting pyramid fields, but do not compare with Giza. Memphis has that stunning fallen statue but that is about all. The Citadel and the Mosques are of great interest. Felucca ride or dinner cruise on the Nile? AND the big question, what about shopping? Are any of these in your priorities? Clearly, when we did the 10 day trip, it was much more comprehensive. You can't do it all in 2 days.

 

If it looks right for you, do it!!

 

In point of fact, if you have people in your group saying, "EWWW, not those pyramids again!" they could probably split off from the group, grab a cab and head to Khan el Khalili or some other place if they are brave.

[Uniall]

Has anyone had experience with EgyptShoreExcursion.com (not dot net) :confused:

 

If so, give me a report, please.

[WeBeGone]

Has anyone had experience with EgyptShoreExcursion.com (not dot net) :confused:

 

If so, give me a report, please.

 

There has been lots of activity to remove posts by people working for tour companies and posting as if they are cruisers. One person in particular hijacked a roll call to make tour bookings.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1263002

 

We all must be careful and warn others when we see abuses.

[Uniall]

There has been lots of activity to remove posts by people working for tour companies and posting as if they are cruisers. One person in particular hijacked a roll call to make tour bookings.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1263002

 

We all must be careful and warn others when we see abuses.

 

Thanks for the advice, it's well taken.

 

John

[lorgisca]

We also booked the ship's tour and are considering Ramses. However, I'm a bit worried that they don't require payment until the end of the tour. That makes me feel insecure.

 

Any thoughts about that?

 

Hi Everyone,

 

We will be cruising on the Celebrity Equinox in October and originally booked the ships' tour for an overnight in Cairo. After reading many favorable reviews on Ramses Tours and doing much research we decided to cancel the ship tour and book with Ramses.

 

They are offering us a comprehensive 2 day tour similar to Celebrity but with additional sites included and at a more reasonable cost. And this is a tour for just the 2 of us so we are looking forward to a very personal tour. So far Ramses has been very pleasant to work with and we can't wait for our visit to Egypt.

[trishs]

We also booked the ship's tour and are considering Ramses. However, I'm a bit worried that they don't require payment until the end of the tour. That makes me feel insecure.

 

Any thoughts about that?

 

I don't think you should worry about that. I have read so many good post on Ramses tours and the others are paying at the end.

[tees]

We have an overnight booked and are now starting to wonder if we're going to be safe with what may be happening in Gainesville in a couple of days. Anyone else concerned?

[smeyer418]

We have an overnight booked and are now starting to wonder if we're going to be safe with what may be happening in Gainesville in a couple of days. Anyone else concerned?

Egypt is perfectly safe there is hardly any street crime as we know it. rare pickpockets and a rare terrorist incident. They rely on Tourist dollars and are afraid of tourist no coming.

if you are talking about over nighting in Florida before you leave that is much more dangerous.

[janina]

We also booked the ship's tour and are considering Ramses. However, I'm a bit worried that they don't require payment until the end of the tour. That makes me feel insecure.

 

Any thoughts about that?

 

Hi Everyone,

 

We will be cruising on the Celebrity Equinox in October and originally booked the ships' tour for an overnight in Cairo. After reading many favorable reviews on Ramses Tours and doing much research we decided to cancel the ship tour and book with Ramses.

 

They are offering us a comprehensive 2 day tour similar to Celebrity but with additional sites included and at a more reasonable cost. And this is a tour for just the 2 of us so we are looking forward to a very personal tour. So far Ramses has been very pleasant to work with and we can't wait for our visit to Egypt.

I m usually more worried if they want payment up front. Such as the ship cancels last minute or the tour provider doesn't show. With all the reviews on cruise critic, I'm not worried at all about Ramses. I've booked an overnight with them in October.

[Captain Canuck]

we did the day trip into Cairo with the ship on our first visit there. Convoy of 50 buses. Split up a bit in Cairo but still hit all the sites with massive numbers. Did Nileblue overnight last time. Our 24 seater bus went with the convoy and their armed tourist police guards for the drive in...but then we split off and did the sites when they were not very busy. tourist police at all the major sites..very safe....Nileblue was about 20% of the ships tour..not 20% off.20%

[Uniall]

Well, we went and booked with Ramses Tours and I sent a courtesy email of declination to Egpyt Shore Excursions. They wrote back, not to try to change my mind, but to express their surprise and gratitude that I let them know we booked elsewhere.

 

Anyway, in our exchange of emails, I learned that the majority of their business is small group bookings made by TAs in the US and Canada, not direct with the customers. Thus, satisfied customers usually wrote to the TAs, no the tour company. That would explain the lack of customer ratings.

 

On similar note, has anyone booked the two separate day trips in Egypt (Cairo and Alexandria) doing the overnight on ship? If so, is there a "convoy" back to the ship or is the "convoy" only traveling from the ship???

[Mzhelen]

We have an overnight booked and are now starting to wonder if we're going to be safe with what may be happening in Gainesville in a couple of days. Anyone else concerned?

 

If that idiot goes thru with it, then I would just err on the side of caution. For instance, dress a little more conservatively (cover your shoulders & legs in Cairo), and try to stay with the more touristy-areas. If you have a guide, I wouldn't worry. Remember, tourism is the #1 industry there so they want to protect and coddle the tourists.

[WeBeGone]

On similar note, has anyone booked the two separate day trips in Egypt (Cairo and Alexandria) doing the overnight on ship? If so, is there a "convoy" back to the ship or is the "convoy" only traveling from the ship???

 

With it being 3-4 hours each way, most people overnight in Cairo. To sleep on the ship is just a waste of precious time in Cairo. The convoy is only from the ship in Port Said.