Since I greatly benefited from the advice I found here, I thought it only proper to return the favour and post some of my thoughts on travelling to Egypt. I'm sure most of what I am posting will have already been written before but worth repeating.

First, the service we received from Insight and their local associates was top-notch. We were met at all our locations as arranged. Ex: At the end of the trip, we had to leave for the airport at 2:30am. Our rep was waiting for us in the hotel lobby as arranged and escorted us right up to the flight reservation desk at the airport.

The accomodation at the Cairo Marriot was first class with the staff, room, food and amenities all being 5 star. From previous advice, we easily found 'Drinkies' (beer/wine) and Mobil (water 2.50LE as opposed to 24-35LE at the hotel) on 26th of July Street. There is a little bakery/chocolate shop just past Mobil with the best baklava around. In addition, pretty good pizza at Thomas's. Best food and atmosphere in the area is at Abou el Cid (good idea to make reservations). Try one of the bar's on the corniche's (waterfront) on the Nile. Stopped and had drink/eats at Bora Bora. Great atmosphere.

Walked all over Zamalek and a no time did we feel uncomfortable nor unwelcomed. Crossing the streets is an experience not to missed. Anyone remember the old computer game 'Frogger'? Negotiate taxis with return trip (including tip) before getting in and even then be prepared for a bit of an arguement at the end. If you plan to go to the Cairo tower try picking a day that is not too hazy and allow a 30 minute wait (line-up) before getting to the top.

Money: I should have waited and exchanged all my money at the hotel. With an exchange mart and a bank, I found transactions quick and easy. In addition, I was given a far better rate than I did here in Canada. Get a roll or two of 1 LE coins at the hotel. This will sure help you with barkeesh (tips) during the trip

Clothing: Sensible but not conservative. In fact, we assumed it would be more restrictive than it was. The Egyptians were very accomodating of us westerners. My wife did not feel uncomfortable nor threatened at anytime. I wore a shirt and pants on our visit to the Mosque and for dinner at night but otherwise, shorts and T-shirts. My wife wore skirts/capri pants and tops with shortsleeves and tank tops. Some tourists on day excursions from the Red Sea resorts were dressed very skimpy and it was obvious the Egyptians along the Nile locations were not impressed.

Health: Drink LOTS of (sealed) bottled water. We were supplied with one complimentary bottle each every day on tours. We ate pretty much everthing in moderation but avoided street meats (although some of it looked pretty tasty). We never really felt ill but did pop an occassional Antenal pill (readily available in the hotel or local stores or even your guide) when a slight stomach cramp came on and that worked wonders.

Shopping: Haggle for everthing. No matter what, offer a very low price and never accept anything over 30-40% maximum of what their first offer was. Most times you will get the item for a great deal less. Be prepared to walk out of the store before getting YOUR best price. Be respectful and always smile. Sometimes tiresome but all part of the game and can be fun. Don't rush in to making a purchase as you may find it cheaper at another town and if not, you will be making a return visit on the home leg of the cruise.

We found Edfu was the most aggressive and Aswan/AbuSimbel (Nubia) the least. However, they are less willing to haggle in the south. Wait until you try haggling over the side of the boat at the Esna locks Only pain in the rear was the incessant hustling. Generally cannot look at items in peace or just walk along the street (horse/buggy operators will follow you for miles trying to convince you really need to take their ride!) but you will soon get used to it and learn to ignore it. Avoid handshaking in the markets,. It is not always about friendship but rather being physically pulled into stores. Also be very wary of being given a 'gift'. Remember, nothing is for free in this world

People: Generally great, helpful and courteous in the north but more aggressive. Very friendly and relaxed in the south. Most people could speak English or a little French. Hotels and guides - multiple languages. Check with your guide or ship crew where you can go safely at each port. We were advised to stay aboard at Dendara but otherwise, safe along the waterfronts at all our other stops

We cruised the Nile on the MS Giselle. Very fortunate as our group (6 Aussies, 3 Canucks) and all other groups on board totalled ~30 passengers. Being in such a small group made it feel more intimate and family-like. Needless to say, the service was very good and personal. Top marks to the restaurant staff. Almost felt like our own private yacht!

Our tour guide Walid Wafaie, was a perfect gentleman. Very well informed, patient and with a great sense of humour. Also with a group of 9, you were not waiting around for stragglers and as a result probably saw much more.

Be ready to be amazed. No pictures can give you the sensation you will get when you come face to face with King Tut's mask, cruise the Nile or walk up to the Temple of Karnak. The hyroglyphics and the paintings in the tombs (Valley of the Kings) are breathtaking. The pyramids are great although the carnival atmosphere did make it slightly anticlimatic. The ride on the camel sure made up for it and not to be missed (50LE for about a 20 minute ride)

Initially, I was going to pass on the side trip to Abu Simbel but was talked into it at the last minute. Best decision made. It is well worth it.

Anyway, my apologies for babbling on but as you can tell I don't regret taking this trip for a second and I am still buzzed about the experience.

Cheers
Paul

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Paul48,

Glad you had such a great time.

Good report Paul...glad you had a good time.

My wife and I went in January 08 and found the temperature quite comfortable. We too had a wonderful time and would love to go back especially since we didn't get to go to Alexandria.

When was it you went? What was the temperature like?

We just got back. There from July 27-Aug 8. 45 deg. everyday but somehow we survived Unfortunately, due to our schedules, we can only travel overseas in July and August!

Now next on the list Turkey or Morocco

Paul,

Did you take Canadian dollars with you or American ? Would you recommend that we exchange Canadian dollars here at home in Canada into American dollars then exchange those US dollars at the Marriott hotel in Cairo or just exchange our Canadian dollars at the Marriott hotel. Need someone elses experience please.

Hi Paul,

Great trip report, sounds like you had a good time. We're going on the Egypt Splendours tour in Oct. Did you get a chance to try interbnet access anywhere? Was it available on the Giselle etc?

Thanks,
Bud

Paul48,

Thanks for the info. I'll be leaving in a month and will wait until I get to the Marriot for cash.

Jill

We actually bought most of our LE here at home but bought more in Egypt. Used my VISA card at the exchange mart. You can also use your ATM card at the bank. Both are located in the Marriot and both gave MUCH better rates than home. Toronto ~4LE to 1CDN, Marriot (Cairo) ~5.20LE to our dollar.

At most of the scheduled shopping stops (papyrus, alabaster, carpet, perfume - my least favourite part of the trip. I called it 'Trapped' shopping), the stores would accept most currencies (US, CDN, AUS, UK) as well as VISA, Mastercard, etc.

Internet. Yes available at the Marriot (fast) and Giselle (Very slow). On the advice of the crew, we used the local internet cafe at a couple of stops during the tour instead (20LE for 20mins). The speed was actually pretty good.

Hi Paul,

Thanks for the help. Did you bring a laptop with you or did you use the computers at the Marriot & on the Gisselle for internet access?

Thanks,
Bud

No I didn't bring a laptop but I did see people using them at the Marriot. There is an internet cafe in the hotel lobby and every room is hooked up for service but not sure about wireless.

Service on board the Giselle was only when the boat was docked. Same with most audio-visual entertainment. They would show 3 movies throughout the day when we were sailing nad somewhat of a TV service when docked. About 12 stations, most in Arabic, one French, one German and CNN Europe. VERY annoying presenters on CNN. More likegame show hosts than journalists