15 Day trip to Egypt - the travel notes, by Seafun

[adam2k]

We just booked this exact trip today for January 2009. Did you bring a laptop? Was there power at the seats on EgyptAir? Was there internet at the hotels or a computer room? Did you booked all of the optional tours through Gate 1 prior to the trip or did you do some of them on the spot? Thanks for taking the time to read this and reply.

 

adam

[seafun]

Debbie -- thanks for the nice comments -- I hope "your dream" trip comes true, like mine did! :) Make it a priority; you won't regret a minute of it.

And speaking of minutes... MVP - Keep counting down those minutes and days -- you're getting there... ;)

Adam -- I'm assuming by "this trip" you mean the Gate 1 trip. I did not bring my laptop, worried about possible power surges and the weight of the laptop and voltage converter. But it could be done -- laptop, voltage converter, extension coard and plug adaptor.

There was not power at the seats on my Egypt Air flight, but you may want to contact them directly as I'm not sure if they fly different planes to Cairo, and some might have it.

There was internet at the first hotel - Swiss Inn Pyramids, and I just checked and there is at the Hilton Pyramids next door -- even some Wifi -- and that's the hotel Gate 1 says they'll be using for your trip.

There was not internet available on the cruise ship (although internet cafes were close by when onshore.) But you could plug in your computer onboard, write notes (or incredibly long travel notes, LOL :D ), download photos (so you don't end up erasing them :o ), so that would be helpful, if you feel like lugging the laptop along.

There was not internet at the resort on the Red Sea, but it was a very new hotel, and they may have it by the time of your trip in January. There was nowhere close to the hotel for internet -- but possibly available at a nearby resort/hotel -- several miles away by taxi...

I booked and paid for most of my optional tours in advance, and then added some once we got there. Both ways work fine, but as noted, if you book at home and then you or they cancel, it is near impossible for a prompt refund.

Almost all the optional trips, plus some not mentioned on the website, are available once you get there, and most of them are available up to the very last minute.

HOWEVER -- I would definitely book the Abu Simbel trip in advance, to insure getting a reservation on the flights.

I hope that helps in your planning! :)

[seafun]

For those of you who want even more information on the Gate 1 trip, or other trips to Egypt, I'll give you the link to another forum, where we've discussed this trip at length, and answered lots of questions...

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294200-i9124-k1624311-Gate_1_travel_s_15_day_Egypt_with_Red_Sea-Egypt.html

 

Warning! These forums are highly addictive! :) Don't even go there unless you've got a couple hours to sit and read, LOL! Get some paper -- take notes... enjoy! :D

[adam2k]

You mentioned that you had uncovered a way to include a trip to Petra in Jordan. Can you e-mail me directly or post here please? Thanks.

 

adam@everythingadam.com

[Traveler50]

I asked on another blog, what extras should we pack. People on that blog had said that they were glad they brought toilet paper, snacks, and some prescription meds such as anitbiotics. I inquired about misquito spray, and whether we needed sweaters or would a long sleeve shirt be enough in September. Also, how crowded was the Egyptair flight? Do they alllow you to take the empty seats to sleep on? What about tips for the guides?

Was the trip to Alexandria worth the cost? Did you go to the bazar in Cairo? How safe did you feel? Where were the rooms for the GCT people in the Marriott?

 

Hi, I just now saw this post. For sure take some toilet tissue and expect to pay everytime you use facilities anywhere! We upgraded on Egypt Air to business class and so we were elgible for the First Class area in Cairo and guess what?....they even charged there...that was sort of a surprise. Business class on Egypt Air is about like coach on some airlines so I don't think it was worth the extra money. We had terrible service on the way over and some of the seats were broken so not much extra room. The plane on the way back was in better condition and the attendants were much better also....so it was more pleasant for that flight but it was not worth $1600 extra over coach. The EgyptAir flights were full.

We didn't really ever see any mosquitos but there were some tiny flies or gnats at some of the temples that were annoying so the spray might have helped for that...they didn't really bite me but some people said they did get bites. I would for sure take a long sleeve shirt or light sweater. It was cooler in Cairo and Alexandria and for the early moring flights it is a little cooler then. Layering is the way to go on those mornings. It was 112 degrees when we visited the Valley of the Kings and they said that was unseasonably warm. The final day when we got back to Cairo to spend one night it was unseasonably cool I think and it was very nice to return to that. Of course on the ship it is very comfortable and each cabin has it's on temperature control.

We loved staying at the Marriott and the rooms were scattered for the GCT groups. The first 5 nights we were in the Z Tower (overlooking some gardens) and on the return one night stay we were in the G Tower (overlooking a parking lot!). Some people were in the garden rooms both times. All the rooms were very nice with an individual balcony. The public rooms are beautifully decorated and there is an outdoor restaurant that is very pleasant

We were glad we took the excursion to Alexandria because we had not been there and it is a prettier and cleaner than Cairo. If you are with GCT you ride the train there and then you take the bus back so it is a long day but we enjoyed it.

We felt very safe while we were there. Most of the time we had an armed guard on our bus and they have tourist police everywhere sometimes they even escort the buses. They are very protective of their tourist. The Egyptian people are very friendly even though the vendors are relentless and can be annoying at times trying to get you to bargain with them...but sometimes they are fun too....and you can get some good deals!

 

And yes I always take some snacks when I go on a trip because it's handly to have something to munch on when you are so tired after your flight. You don't really need munchies if you take a Nile Cruise because there are 3 meals a day and you never get a chance to get hungry!

[seafun]

No, I did not discover the "magic route" to include Petra in a trip to Egypt. :(

 

But believe me, I sure tried. I looked at just about every possible way to do it that would fit into my "15 Day Egypt with Red Sea" tour.

 

The consensus of opinion I found is that the best way from (anywhere in) Egypt -- given limited time -- is to fly back to Cairo, fly from Cairo to Jordan, and then take an all day organized tour, or hire an English speaking guide and driver to take you there -- show you around -- wait -- and then take you back to the airport in Jordan, possible stay overnight after a very full day, then return to Cairo, and then Hurghada and back to your hotel via taxi, where your tour group is staying.

 

This all involves a huge amount of pre-planning, and a large amount of money. I decided I just wasn't up to the challenge, as much as I wanted to see Petra.

 

I'll include a link to another set of threads, LOTS of threads, all of which are about visiting Petra:

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g318895-i5612-Petra_Wadi_Musa.html

 

My initial findings were that it was possible (just barely), by using most of the three days (already paid for) at the all-inclusive resort on the Red Sea, and a whole bunch of money and planning. And much of what I've read suggests you really need more than one day at Petra...

 

So "Google" yourself silly, and try various searches, after reading all the responses on the link above.

 

My final feelings after lots of research? Petra is "worth it -- worth every effort and expense" according to everyone that's been there. But logistically, in the middle of the Egypt tour it's VERY difficult to pull it off well, without spending almost as much as the whole 15 day tour!

 

Sorry, but I did not find the "magic answer"... that almost everyone is seeking. :o

 

Hmm... sort of like Indiana Jones seeking the Holy Grail... oddly enough, filmed in Petra! :eek:

 

 

Sorry, I had to go there. :D

[Traveler50]

Sorry, but I did not find the "magic answer"... that almost everyone is seeking

 

This may not be the "magic answer" you are looking for but one suggestion!

 

If you book your trip to Egypt with GCT (Grand Circle Tours) they offer an extension to Petra & Amman, Jordan which is 6 days and I think it is $795. That also includes your flight there, accommodations, meals, and most tours.

If you need more information just let me know!

[seafun]

That sounds pretty tempting! :) I looked up their link for anyone interested:

http://www.gct.com/gcc/general/default.aspx?oid=175728

 

If you read the page and click around a bit, you'll find the actual itinerary and description of the Petra add-on.

This might just be my next trip to Egypt...:D

[Traveler50]

I think GCT does a great job at a reasonable price and if you give them my name you can get a discount if it is your first trip with them!

[tnsauerkraut]

TRaveler50,

 

Just got down pre-reserving the GCT 15 day Egypt trip with the Jordan add on for Feb of next year. Can't wait! ANy can't misses or don't bothers?

[Traveler50]

We booked all of the optional excursions (except for the hot air balloon) and did not regret it. I started not to book Spritual Cairo and it ended up being good so I was glad I didn't miss it. I think if I had it to do over I would do the hot air balloon because the people on our tour that did that said it was a wonderful experience. BUT I heard of other tours where they had bad landings and people got broken arms....that's when I backed out!

 

Some people in our group didn't book any optional tours and they were also happy with the trip because a lot of tours ARE included in the basic price. If I had to leave one optional tour out it would have been to the Temple of Dendera. I am glad I did it and I enjoyed it but by the time we got there we had already seen several temples and still had a few more to go. BUT it was different than the others and is in better condition. It still has a roof over it and some of the others don't. We even walked up to the top. Also it has vivid hieroglyphics and Cleopatra on the back wall...and that was interesting.

[sprinkles]

I can't thank you enough for this review. We will be doing this exact trip ourselves in Sept 2009. I had just started looking for reviews on Gate 1 when I stumbled on yours. My husband was a little hesitant about Egypt until I started showing him all your pictures. Thanks again for all the effort and time you put into this, just "magnificent".

 

Tammy

[smeyer418]

I suggest doing the hot air balloon if you can its worth the view and getting up at 3 am..

[MVPinBoynton]

We have been on a hot air balloon in Sedona and just loved it. I am concerned that flying over the desert might not be that interesting compared to a mountainous area like Sedona. Other than being on a hot air balloon ride, what makes a ride in Egypt special?

[seafun]

The hot air balloon ride in Luxor (usually about 45 minutes) starts across the Nile, very near the Valley of the Kings -- some of the companies are nearer than others -- so you see sunrise over the tombs and villages near the Valley. The photos are incredible!

The prevailing winds (usually) take you towards the Nile and some of the companies drift over the city of Luxor, and the Luxor temple before coming back down. Some stay on the "Valley" side and do not cross the Nile.

Most people rave about it -- a few have called it a religious experience! :eek:

Oh yes -- Welcome Sprinkles! Happy planning and dreaming! :)

[MVPinBoynton]

It sounds like a winner to me!

[seafun]

These are pictures of dawn, then up over the Valley, the tombs below, other balloons, etc.

 

http://www.thebauersphotos.shutterfly.com/action/pictures?ap=&a=67b0de21b353fcee45b2&pg=50

 

 

GRAB A TISSUE!!

NO DROOLING ON THE KEYBOARD! :D

[MVPinBoynton]

Thanks for the link. I can't wait. It does look great. 116 days to go.

[NautiqueBelle]

Thank you so much for sharing your Egyptian days and nights with all of us. I enjoyed reading every word...and also enjoyed your photos. Your work for our CC community is much appreciated.

 

Fabulous. Totally Fabulous! :D

[seafun]

I appreciate your beautiful message! :)

 

Now that my marathon typing job is but a distant memory, :rolleyes: I am so glad that I took all the time to write down my impressions in Egypt, and then followed up and fleshed out the notes, filled in the blanks and got it all down on "paper" once I got home.

 

I went back and reread the whole thing recently, and am amazed at how much I would have forgotten. It's great to have it all available to jog my memories.

 

But the wonderful response from everyone leads me to believe that many people have found it helpful, and that's a wonderful feeling. These boards have provided me with lots of invaluable information before trips and cruises -- I am honored that I was able to give back. :D

[travelbug2225]

Seafun,

 

What is the weather like in Feb? Was it very hot? We are trying to decide between Egypt and the Greece with Gate 1. We took the Danube River Cruise this year with Gate 1 in March and we had a wonderful time. We met another couple that we become a good friend and we decide to take the next trip together. I didn't know what to expect with the Egypt Nile Cruise. I take a look at the hotel it look very nice but I'm concern about the cruise since we have to be in that cruise for 7 days.

 

If you don't mind I'm asking how much did you pay for your trip? You mention on your post that it is very inexpensive and the price might go up next year. So, I was wondering if you get any promotion deal. I'm surprise to see that the price for 1 week and 15 days are about the same. What make you choose Gate 1 versus other company ?

 

Thank you for your help.

[seafun]

Whew! That's a lot of questions! :) Here we go...

The weather in February is still "cool" by Egyptian standards -- mid-60's in Cairo, occasionally low 70's at mid-day. It's cool at night, so a jacket or sweater for early morning trips and then you peel that off as the day heats up. The hottest weather was at Abu Simbel -- 70 or 75, but still quite manageable.

The hotels are very nice, but it's still a gamble on the cruise ship that Gate 1 chooses. Some are okay, some are sub-standard. And your room assignment onboard the ship makes a huge difference -- if you are on an upper floor and from mid-ship forward, most people liked their rooms fine. If you are assigned to a lower floor, and/or near the back, many people suffered a lot from engine noise, engine vibration, diesel smoke smell, etc.

On our trip in Feb, there were only 35 people and the ship wasn't totally full, so a couple people were able to change rooms. A friend just got back last week, and had a horrible time on the ship -- lower floor, near the engine vibration, and was unable to change rooms. And room assignment seems to be totallly random -- "baksheesh" did not help.

I ended up paying about $2800.00, as a single, on a trip that was advertised as "starting at $1999.00." That included airfare to and from Cairo from JFK in New York, all hotels and the cruise, all other transportation, transfers, etc., $270.00 for the single supplement (incredibly low -- no, make that "unheard of" in the cruise business).

The various taxes and fees, and all my side trips, tours and excursions, ($120.00 for all the Nile temples, pyramids, etc., $40.00 for the Pyramid Sound and Light, $243.00 for the plane trip to Abu Simbel, $100.00 for trip insurance, and maybe another excursion or two.) But for all I did, I felt the price was incredible!

You might also check with GCT - Grand Circle Tours, since they do a similarly priced trip to Egypt, and their cruise ships seem to be nicer from what I've heard. No, I don't get any promotional deal from any of the travel companies, LOL. :(

I was also surprised to see that several of the 8 day, 10 day and 15 day tours are all about the same price. When I checked, round trip airfare alone to Cairo was about $1100.00 Plus there's two more flights inside Egypt and transfer to the Red Sea, so the package ends up being pretty reasonable.

I chose Gate 1 because their travel dates fit perfectly inside my two week vacation window from work, and because the price was so good. I knew going in that it would not all be super-deluxe, but I went to Egypt to see the sites, not to be in the most glamorous hotels (although all the hotels were quite nice) and I've already been on world-class cruises, so I knew the cruise ship would not compare to those.

Knowing what I know now, I would advise -- if you are picky -- you might want to spend more on a different company, so the cruise ship is a better one. Personally, I got lucky in my room assignment, and I felt it was an excellent value for the money.

Many people would not have been satisfied -- and I wouldn't have either if I'd gotten a bad, noisy, smelly room. I've also heard that in the last Gate 1 trip that just got home last week, there were 150 people in the group!! A far cry from our very comfy 35, split between two big tour busses. My friend said the logistics of getting 150 people organized was horrible, and he was very disappointed (although he raved about the world class Egyptologist that they had).

So every trip has plusses and minusses -- my trip in February was very good and I was very satisfied. The feedback I've been hearing lately on Gate 1 is making me hesitant to recommend them wholeheartedly, but I still think it's an awful lot of bang for your vacation buck.

If you are used to first class plane trips, balcony cabins and suites on cruises, and concierge class service at every turn, then this trip probably is not for you. If you are a happy traveler, open-minded and eager to explore the world with all its various flavors - both good and bad - then you'll probably love this trip.

Regardless of which company you choose, I would definitely urge you to visit Egypt. It is spectacular!! :D

[Traveler50]

You might also check with GCT - Grand Circle Tours, since they do a similarly priced trip to Egypt, and their cruise ships seem to be nicer from what I've heard.

 

I would put in a plug for GCT because I just got back from a trip to Egypt with them. The hotel in Cairo for 5 nights (also one night at the end of the trip) is a very, very nice Marriott that was a former palace and it was a wonderful place to stay. The price from JFK was a little more (but not much) but I think more is included in the base price with GCT and it is for 15 days and does incude all flights. They do not do the Red Sea part of the trip but do offer a day trip to Alexandria on the train from Cairo (that one is optional and was $110). Abu Simbel was a little cheaper with GCT but that one is well worth it I think. We went 4/12 - 4/26 and Cairo was pleasant but it was pretty hot the day we were in the Valley of the Kings. They said it was unseasonablly hot that day but I think late March or earlier in April might be a better choice as far as being comfortable. The price is a little higher in Jan., Feb, March for that reason AND less expensive in the summer months.

 

I thought April would be a nice in between choice. Also, I was very pleased with the GCT ship even on the main floor...the price goes up about $200 for each deck higher. The rooms are all the same size on each deck and I liked the main deck because you only have to go down one flight of stairs to the dining area. If you want to go back to your room after breakfast before a tour it is very convenient. Our cabin was towards the front of the main deck so I don't know if that made a difference or not. I didn't hear anyone complaining about their rooms and the food was wonderful. This was my 4th trip with GCT and I have always been pleased with them.

Also you can do a pre-extension trip to Israel and a post-extension to Jordan for only $795 and that includes the flight.

 

Oh, and I can get you a $100 discount if you give my name and this is your first trip! Otherwise I have no connection to them except just being pleased with the mission of their tour company...and that is to provide a reasonably priced trip that is also a learning experience for the traveler.

 

I agree with seafun....not matter which company you choose...I would definitely urge you to go!....~K

[seafun]

A friend has just returned from the 15 Day Egypt tour and sent me the link to his pictures -- all 700! :D

 

For those of us who have been, or are going, they are quite fun to go through. He honored my request and got up at dawn as they sailed away from Luxor, and took a lot of the photos I had lost. When you see his photos of sunrise on the Nile, you'll see why I was so upset to lose those photos! :eek:

 

I hope you enjoy them! :)

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUrl?from=ShowTopic&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww1.snapfish.com%2Fshare%2Fp%3D308201211320850000%2Fl%3D374338217%2Fg%3D6220661%2FcobrandOid%3D1000131%2Fotsc%3DSYE%2Fotsi%3DSALB

[MVPinBoynton]

Seafun,

Thanks for posting the link. There are over 900 photos. It is nice to keep seeing different views of this amazing place. I can't wait to be able to use my ultra-wide angle lens in the temples. We are going to have so many pics to go through to pick out the ones for our review and album. It will be a lot of work, but so much fun to be able to capture and share what should be an unbelievable experience.