Hi folks! I am looking for some advice about TT's egyptian tours. I am a 33 single woman and may be traveling alone this summer. I'd like to do one of the egyptian tours. Can anyone give me some advice on your experiences? I'm not sure which tour to choose, and I'm also wondering what the cruise is like, especially if I take it for 7 nights, and if I can expect to meet new friends of all ages in my tour group and on the cruise. Thanks!

Kristin

We did the Grand Tour of Egypt with Trafalgars' sister company in 2006 and their BB is currently loaded with tons of info regarding Egypt and Turkey. These two countries are a very popular destination with their BBers right now

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bilbar,

Kristin,
We did Egypt and the seven-day cruise with the sister company over the past Christmas/New Year holiday. It was wonderful. The sightseeing was amazing. Riding the Nile for seven nights (one of them New Year's Eve) was one of those "I can't believe we're here" experiences. Trafalgar people were on our boat (the Giselle). They seemed to be having a great time.

By the way, Bill: I saw your post on the other board about considering Israel/Jordan for this year. We are as well. Are you looking at a specific tour? I seem to recall that TT used to do an Israel and Jordan together--or maybe it was Israel, Jordan, Syria--but I can't find it here at the website. If we do Israel, we'd definitely want to see the ruins in Jordan.

I agree, to be that close to Petra and Mt. Nebo and not visit I would always regret. It seems that no one has a tour that combines both countries and the distance is too great to just do one or the other however, Insight's Israel tour is conveniently timed to end two days prior to the start of the Jordan tour. Coincidence, I think not, good planning on their part, I think so. Our tour window is either mid-May or Mid-June as a few family matters are yet unresolved.

I am also looking for advice on Egypt tour, especially if you have been on one when the Esna Lock was closed. We are going in June this year and apparently that is when it closes. Love to hear of anyone's experiences. Does it effect the cruise very much

Hi SKI,

I was on a tour (not TT) in January when Esna lock was closed. I was sailing downstream along with what seemed like a million others on tour boats. Rather than sailing onto Luxor, the boat docked at Esna…time for more shopping or wandering around and looking at the Temple (my choice). Then in the morning we were all put onto a convoy of buses which headed to Luxor. The road followed the river for quite a bit. Its only 50 km. IMO, none of the sights were missed. You stop at Edfu, Kom Ombo before Esna and then all the sights of Luxor like the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple etc. are visited as usual. While I was not on a TT, I saw Insight and I'm sure TT were out there.

Have a great trip
Yaya

Thanks Yaya for the info. We are doing 7 night cruise from Luxor to Dendera down to Aswan back to Luxor. I hope not too much time will be spent on bus. Sort of defeats purpose of cruise. Did you think it spoilt the cruising aspect?

Hi SKI,

I went on a 3 night cruise from Aswan to Luxor. The Esna to Luxor leg by bus was about 50 km and took about an hour. It might have been nice to cruise that last bit and go through the Lock but my priority was to see the ancient sites so I didn’t really give missing a bit of the cruise a thought. In my case, the Lock was unexpectedly closed. It was something to do with low river levels and a boat stuck somewhere.

I’m guessing in your case you’ll have two legs by bus if you are leaving from and returning to Luxor. Perhaps your Travel Agent can find out more precise details of your cruise. Hope it all works out.

Yaya

Thanks YaYa for your information. It is very difficult to find out exactly what happens. I have asked travel agent and have also emailed TT can't seem to get definite answer. We will just have to wait and see. As you say the antiquities are the most important thing. Would have chosen another time of the year to go but we had to go at this time. Can't wait, something I have wanted to do forever.
Also is it better to book trip to Abu Simbal before we leave or after we have arrived?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Explora Dora,

I am also a 33 year old (almost) single woman and am going to Egypt in September/October. I am looking forward to it and am looking forward to sharing my tales with you all!

Having just returned from a TT Real Egypt tour, at this point all I can advise you is to NOT opt for any tours that Trafalgar offers that involves a train journey.

The train journey was a bad experience. Late by 2.5 hours, bad food (a few got the mummy tummy due to that) and just not a pleasant experience.

Spend the extra $300 and opt for one that flies you around.

Thanks Wponent, you have just answered a question that i posted previously.

quote:

Having just returned from a TT Real Egypt tour, at this point all I can advise you is to NOT opt for any tours that Trafalgar offers that involves a train journey.

Xponent we have friends who are in Cairo. They have sent a text message today to say that the weather is 38deg., and they were swimming in the hotel pool. They know about the train, and that it is always late. The advice from their TA was to bring their own snacks etc. They had toilet paper, and Wet Ones also. They are also taking a regional train when they finish their Egyptian tour, and this will be in Italy. I believe these trains have very dirty washrooms.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to how much money to allow per day while travelling in Egypt. We are doing the Wonders of Ancient Egypt tour shortly and I know meals are provided on the boat section, but was wondering about the cost of food, drinks souveniers. What did you allow? Would appreciate any help