Egypt... Nile cruise & Jordan
Discussion
OK will try not to be Victor Meldrewish.
Trying to find the right package that includes Egypt, a Nile cruise and Jordan without wasting days doing feck all lying around at Hurghada etc!
Ideally its quite simple really.
Fly into Cairo. 3 nights. 1 night up to Alex and back.
Fly to Aswan. 2 nights with a day trip to Abu Simbel
5 days cruise down the Nile.
Back to Cairo from Luxor....train or fly.
Fly to Amman and join a Jordanian tour package.
Fly out of Amman
Many want 2/3 days doing naff all at Hurghada....wasted.
Not long enough in Cairo....including an Alex trip....There are enough Jordanian ones so thats no probs.
Not many tell you in black and white whether entrance fees are included or not....its hidden. Or you have to ask.
Plus add ons are double or triple the actual cost of the visit. Ie The sound and light show at GIza. £99 pp to you Sir. Same as a day trip to AS.
So what package did you do....was it worth it, what would you change/add on?? Did you do it all yourself...I am tempted....how difficult can it be????
So of the prices....I DONT BELIEVE IT.
Trying to find the right package that includes Egypt, a Nile cruise and Jordan without wasting days doing feck all lying around at Hurghada etc!
Ideally its quite simple really.
Fly into Cairo. 3 nights. 1 night up to Alex and back.
Fly to Aswan. 2 nights with a day trip to Abu Simbel
5 days cruise down the Nile.
Back to Cairo from Luxor....train or fly.
Fly to Amman and join a Jordanian tour package.
Fly out of Amman
Many want 2/3 days doing naff all at Hurghada....wasted.
Not long enough in Cairo....including an Alex trip....There are enough Jordanian ones so thats no probs.
Not many tell you in black and white whether entrance fees are included or not....its hidden. Or you have to ask.
Plus add ons are double or triple the actual cost of the visit. Ie The sound and light show at GIza. £99 pp to you Sir. Same as a day trip to AS.
So what package did you do....was it worth it, what would you change/add on?? Did you do it all yourself...I am tempted....how difficult can it be????
So of the prices....I DONT BELIEVE IT.
Many years ago I did it. Fab trip. We didn't pay for any of the extras (notably Abu simbul , was about £150 each for a rushed day trip which didn't interest us)). Not interested in a light show of the great pyramid. Want to see it in the day !
Our tour had a train instead of a flight down which was great. Was a super cheap last minute job
Looked at it recently. Try distant journeys. They will customise your trip and they are very clear about what is included. Just used them for a month long tour of India. Impeccable
Our tour had a train instead of a flight down which was great. Was a super cheap last minute job
Looked at it recently. Try distant journeys. They will customise your trip and they are very clear about what is included. Just used them for a month long tour of India. Impeccable
Edited by Griffith4ever on Thursday 23 January 07:17
Cheers Griff.
We did do a self tour of Vietnam/Cambodia/Laos and Thailand ourselves 6 years ago. 3 months in total ...found it quite easy....(with Travelfish) as a guide.
I am quite a confident old fart....68...and probably wont have a prob doing it all myself its the blatant ripoff I hate.
Thought a bit about the trip last night watching Man City lose biggly...
Fly into Cairo. Hotel in town. 2 days, then train up n back to Alex. (I also want to take a minibus to Ismailia's cemetery as my Great Unk is in there somewhere). Up to Giza hotel 2/3 nights Might do that vice versa...Giza first the Cairo......Sleeper train to Aswan. 2\3 nights day trip to AS. 4/5 day cruise back to Luxor..2 nights. Day train back to Cairo. Then fly onto Amman and join a package tour there and fly out.
We did do a self tour of Vietnam/Cambodia/Laos and Thailand ourselves 6 years ago. 3 months in total ...found it quite easy....(with Travelfish) as a guide.
I am quite a confident old fart....68...and probably wont have a prob doing it all myself its the blatant ripoff I hate.
Thought a bit about the trip last night watching Man City lose biggly...
Fly into Cairo. Hotel in town. 2 days, then train up n back to Alex. (I also want to take a minibus to Ismailia's cemetery as my Great Unk is in there somewhere). Up to Giza hotel 2/3 nights Might do that vice versa...Giza first the Cairo......Sleeper train to Aswan. 2\3 nights day trip to AS. 4/5 day cruise back to Luxor..2 nights. Day train back to Cairo. Then fly onto Amman and join a package tour there and fly out.
I've done a week self-drive tour of Jordan twice, turned the whole thing into a PDF guide that I know a fair few people have used since.
Happy to send it to you if you drop me a PM if you think it would be of help.
I avoid anything organised by others for the exact reasons you note, I have no interest in stopping for shops where the trip organisers get a kickback etc!
Happy to send it to you if you drop me a PM if you think it would be of help.
I avoid anything organised by others for the exact reasons you note, I have no interest in stopping for shops where the trip organisers get a kickback etc!
K50 DEL said:
I've done a week self-drive tour of Jordan twice, turned the whole thing into a PDF guide that I know a fair few people have used since.
Happy to send it to you if you drop me a PM if you think it would be of help.
I avoid anything organised by others for the exact reasons you note, I have no interest in stopping for shops where the trip organisers get a kickback etc!
Happy to send it to you if you drop me a PM if you think it would be of help.
I avoid anything organised by others for the exact reasons you note, I have no interest in stopping for shops where the trip organisers get a kickback etc!
Cheers, that wouldnt worry me at all, have driven all over the world....
romft123 said:
K50 DEL said:
I've done a week self-drive tour of Jordan twice, turned the whole thing into a PDF guide that I know a fair few people have used since.
Happy to send it to you if you drop me a PM if you think it would be of help.
I avoid anything organised by others for the exact reasons you note, I have no interest in stopping for shops where the trip organisers get a kickback etc!
Happy to send it to you if you drop me a PM if you think it would be of help.
I avoid anything organised by others for the exact reasons you note, I have no interest in stopping for shops where the trip organisers get a kickback etc!
Cheers, that wouldnt worry me at all, have driven all over the world....
Did a self drive in Jordan too, some really amazing roads and lovely people. Though this was before things kicked off in Syria so don't know if the experience will still be the same.
Not possible to do a self drive in Egypt, I'd probably just find a local tour guide/driver at each place and tell them you'll give them a nice tip if they avoid the scam shops. We used Memphis Tours and they were great.
Not possible to do a self drive in Egypt, I'd probably just find a local tour guide/driver at each place and tell them you'll give them a nice tip if they avoid the scam shops. We used Memphis Tours and they were great.
I cannot comment on your trip directly but we’ve been to Egypt many times, (not recently), and have done a trip there where we booked it all ourselves, (much ad-hoc), and always had great experiences.
Things that might be interesting:
1. Abu Simbel - we’ve done it once when on a Nile Cruise. We got up at 3am, flew down there and were on site around 7am. We were there until about 11am which we found plenty of time, (and we are pretty avid history fans), then flew back.
2. 5 days down the Nile was amazing. Watch the world go by for most of the time. Stopped at so many places but were never rushed.
3. We’ve been to Jordan on a day trip from Taba. Amazing but we were there for a short time albeit plenty to see Petra in a relaxed fashion but nothing else. Would love to see more of the place although our bus was stoned! It was Ramadan though and we were stoned in Israel too.
4. Doing Cairo on our own there is SOOOOO much to see. We booked into a hotel for a week, (might have been 10 days), and were clearly in the minority (literally the only ones not there for more than 2 nights). We were introduced to a “local guide” by one of the management staff at the hotel after enquiring about a hotel car to see the sights. Clearly a relative or someone who he gave kick backs to but this was the BEST thing ever. We were collected at a side entrance by an amazing chap in a very well cared for but VERY old Peugeot estate with AC shoe horned into the dashboard, (litterally pipes coming out, into a “device” but it worked well). He took is all over and we did 3 trips - Bent Pyramid, Red Pyramid, Step Pyramid and others outside Cairo which we’d only ever dreamt of as well as going to the Giza Pyramids and Museum again.
Overall for an experienced traveller I would say Egypt is perfectly do-able on ones own and, (luckily both in safety and experience), we have had a fantastic time!
Things that might be interesting:
1. Abu Simbel - we’ve done it once when on a Nile Cruise. We got up at 3am, flew down there and were on site around 7am. We were there until about 11am which we found plenty of time, (and we are pretty avid history fans), then flew back.
2. 5 days down the Nile was amazing. Watch the world go by for most of the time. Stopped at so many places but were never rushed.
3. We’ve been to Jordan on a day trip from Taba. Amazing but we were there for a short time albeit plenty to see Petra in a relaxed fashion but nothing else. Would love to see more of the place although our bus was stoned! It was Ramadan though and we were stoned in Israel too.
4. Doing Cairo on our own there is SOOOOO much to see. We booked into a hotel for a week, (might have been 10 days), and were clearly in the minority (literally the only ones not there for more than 2 nights). We were introduced to a “local guide” by one of the management staff at the hotel after enquiring about a hotel car to see the sights. Clearly a relative or someone who he gave kick backs to but this was the BEST thing ever. We were collected at a side entrance by an amazing chap in a very well cared for but VERY old Peugeot estate with AC shoe horned into the dashboard, (litterally pipes coming out, into a “device” but it worked well). He took is all over and we did 3 trips - Bent Pyramid, Red Pyramid, Step Pyramid and others outside Cairo which we’d only ever dreamt of as well as going to the Giza Pyramids and Museum again.
Overall for an experienced traveller I would say Egypt is perfectly do-able on ones own and, (luckily both in safety and experience), we have had a fantastic time!
Soft Top said:
Abu Simbel - we’ve done it once when on a Nile Cruise. We got up at 3am, flew down there and were on site around 7am. We were there until about 11am which we found plenty of time, (and we are pretty avid history fans), then flew back
Did similar, the aim is to see sunrise at AS. You’re doing a return flight so it’s never going to be cheap. The alternative is an overnight convoy across the desert with armed escort, but the flight is recommended. The upper Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor with stop-offs at various temples and ancient sites is a great experience, the more up-market the boat you’re on, the betterEdited to add gratuitous pic of Abu Simbel at sunrise
Edited by mikef on Friday 24th January 10:11
romft123 said:
OK will try not to be Victor Meldrewish.
Trying to find the right package that includes Egypt, a Nile cruise and Jordan without wasting days doing feck all lying around at Hurghada etc!
Ideally its quite simple really.
Fly into Cairo. 3 nights. 1 night up to Alex and back.
Fly to Aswan. 2 nights with a day trip to Abu Simbel
5 days cruise down the Nile.
Back to Cairo from Luxor....train or fly.
Fly to Amman and join a Jordanian tour package.
Fly out of Amman
Many want 2/3 days doing naff all at Hurghada....wasted.
Not long enough in Cairo....including an Alex trip....There are enough Jordanian ones so thats no probs.
Not many tell you in black and white whether entrance fees are included or not....its hidden. Or you have to ask.
Plus add ons are double or triple the actual cost of the visit. Ie The sound and light show at GIza. £99 pp to you Sir. Same as a day trip to AS.
So what package did you do....was it worth it, what would you change/add on?? Did you do it all yourself...I am tempted....how difficult can it be????
So of the prices....I DONT BELIEVE IT.
You couldn’t pay me to sleep on a boat in Egypt.Trying to find the right package that includes Egypt, a Nile cruise and Jordan without wasting days doing feck all lying around at Hurghada etc!
Ideally its quite simple really.
Fly into Cairo. 3 nights. 1 night up to Alex and back.
Fly to Aswan. 2 nights with a day trip to Abu Simbel
5 days cruise down the Nile.
Back to Cairo from Luxor....train or fly.
Fly to Amman and join a Jordanian tour package.
Fly out of Amman
Many want 2/3 days doing naff all at Hurghada....wasted.
Not long enough in Cairo....including an Alex trip....There are enough Jordanian ones so thats no probs.
Not many tell you in black and white whether entrance fees are included or not....its hidden. Or you have to ask.
Plus add ons are double or triple the actual cost of the visit. Ie The sound and light show at GIza. £99 pp to you Sir. Same as a day trip to AS.
So what package did you do....was it worth it, what would you change/add on?? Did you do it all yourself...I am tempted....how difficult can it be????
So of the prices....I DONT BELIEVE IT.
https://youtu.be/nZxf2p6V2Oo?si=-t_4azHvRWHRa2mr
paralla said:
That was an ocean cruise, very different from a river cruise. You couldn’t pay me to go on an ocean cruse anywhere…
We stayed in Cairo for a week at the end of our tour. Fascinating city, and yes, we made our own way about, inlcuding walking , though gave up with the heat and reverted to cabs.
Good to hear positive, cultural feedback rather than the usual, "biggest s
tole on earth" kind of stuff from all the other threads from people who went for a 2 week fly and flop.
I also enjoyed the cruise immensely. Sunset at call to prayers time is a surreal experience. The whole thing is like being in an Indiana Jones movie.
Good to hear positive, cultural feedback rather than the usual, "biggest s
tole on earth" kind of stuff from all the other threads from people who went for a 2 week fly and flop.I also enjoyed the cruise immensely. Sunset at call to prayers time is a surreal experience. The whole thing is like being in an Indiana Jones movie.
Agree Griff. Those moan a lot about certain places never actually saw the town/city/country.
When we travel its usually by local means....some of the buses we took in Vietnam and Laos were quite fun! (We were early 60's then).
Have done a few cruises in my time, mainly on grey coloured ships! And only 1 "civvie" cruise.
I do like the idea of say a week driving around Jordan....At least that way we can pick our accom to suit us and my wallet. If I can manage 3 months around SEA I am sure I can manage 2/3 weeks Egypt.....
Just now have to get a timeline done to make sure we are in the right place at the right time....Ie Aswan 3 days before the Nile trip northwards...
Tripadvisor is a good tool for smaller trips around, ie to AS in the south. A cruise line organised trip is double/treble what I can book myself. Same as other ventures no doubt.
Cheers for the replies.....keep them coming. Up next.....FLIGHTS!
Mike
When we travel its usually by local means....some of the buses we took in Vietnam and Laos were quite fun! (We were early 60's then).
Have done a few cruises in my time, mainly on grey coloured ships! And only 1 "civvie" cruise.
I do like the idea of say a week driving around Jordan....At least that way we can pick our accom to suit us and my wallet. If I can manage 3 months around SEA I am sure I can manage 2/3 weeks Egypt.....
Just now have to get a timeline done to make sure we are in the right place at the right time....Ie Aswan 3 days before the Nile trip northwards...
Tripadvisor is a good tool for smaller trips around, ie to AS in the south. A cruise line organised trip is double/treble what I can book myself. Same as other ventures no doubt.
Cheers for the replies.....keep them coming. Up next.....FLIGHTS!
Mike
Shaoxter said:
Did a self drive in Jordan too, some really amazing roads and lovely people. Though this was before things kicked off in Syria so don't know if the experience will still be the same.
Not possible to do a self drive in Egypt, I'd probably just find a local tour guide/driver at each place and tell them you'll give them a nice tip if they avoid the scam shops. We used Memphis Tours and they were great.
Jordan is still great, despite the regional issues. I'm there every month. Actually, I've just come back from Syria, which is buzzing at the moment.Not possible to do a self drive in Egypt, I'd probably just find a local tour guide/driver at each place and tell them you'll give them a nice tip if they avoid the scam shops. We used Memphis Tours and they were great.
Now it might be idea 4, Do the above Egypt trip myself.....(well with Mrs Romft of course), then fly to Amman....car hire!
South to Petra, keep going across the border to Israel, up the other side to visit Masada and Jerusalem then up and back across to Amman again.
Wonder if the car hire would be happy with that?
Most tours of Jordan are £1400 pp . I reckon I can do the same except no faffing at Uncle Abduls special tourist shop etc for £1k for the both of us!
South to Petra, keep going across the border to Israel, up the other side to visit Masada and Jerusalem then up and back across to Amman again.
Wonder if the car hire would be happy with that?
Most tours of Jordan are £1400 pp . I reckon I can do the same except no faffing at Uncle Abduls special tourist shop etc for £1k for the both of us!
romft123 said:
Now it might be idea 4, Do the above Egypt trip myself.....(well with Mrs Romft of course), then fly to Amman....car hire!
South to Petra, keep going across the border to Israel, up the other side to visit Masada and Jerusalem then up and back across to Amman again.
Wonder if the car hire would be happy with that?
Most tours of Jordan are £1400 pp . I reckon I can do the same except no faffing at Uncle Abduls special tourist shop etc for £1k for the both of us!
Currently, there are no direct flights between Jordan and Israel, so road is the only way. Car hire companies in Jordan are pretty relaxed about most things. It would just be a question of insurance for them. I can find out if you like. The only, minor, consideration is that the border crossings with Israel and West Bank are open, but might close at no notice - they have, albeit briefly, on occasion over the past year. South to Petra, keep going across the border to Israel, up the other side to visit Masada and Jerusalem then up and back across to Amman again.
Wonder if the car hire would be happy with that?
Most tours of Jordan are £1400 pp . I reckon I can do the same except no faffing at Uncle Abduls special tourist shop etc for £1k for the both of us!
A propos of nothing, an Arab Israeli acquaintance drove over from Tel Aviv to Amman to see me a few months ago and at the border, the Jordanians stuck a temporary Jordanian plate (literally a peel off sticker) over the Israeli plate!
I am reading that its all but impossible to drive a rental across the border......your own car...fine, but not a rental.
So we would have to do a 1 way to Aqaba.....then a one way up to Tel Aviv. This would double the cost. So maybe a round trip of Jordan. Bin the car at Amman, bus over the Jerusalem then rent in Israel......Or just Bin Israel!
So we would have to do a 1 way to Aqaba.....then a one way up to Tel Aviv. This would double the cost. So maybe a round trip of Jordan. Bin the car at Amman, bus over the Jerusalem then rent in Israel......Or just Bin Israel!
romft123 said:
I am reading that its all but impossible to drive a rental across the border......your own car...fine, but not a rental.
So we would have to do a 1 way to Aqaba.....then a one way up to Tel Aviv. This would double the cost. So maybe a round trip of Jordan. Bin the car at Amman, bus over the Jerusalem then rent in Israel......Or just Bin Israel!
Makes sense. A round trip of Jordan would be a very nice drive.So we would have to do a 1 way to Aqaba.....then a one way up to Tel Aviv. This would double the cost. So maybe a round trip of Jordan. Bin the car at Amman, bus over the Jerusalem then rent in Israel......Or just Bin Israel!
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