Review rated by 16 Ciao members on average: very helpful
This year I went on one of the most amazing holidays I have been on. I went to Egypt. My trip to Egypt took months of planning and was in fact very difficult to book. This stemmed from the fact that I had a clear idea of where I wanted to go in Egypt and when.
I wanted to start in Luxor. This was primarily because I could book a cheap return flight to Luxor via Thomas Cook. I wanted to board a Nile Cruise in Luxor for 5 days (4 nights). Many cruises last for 7 days as they go to Aswan and return to Luxor. I wanted to travel from Aswan to Cairo - on the sleeper train. From Cairo I then wanted to go to a Red Sea beach resort,
wasn't bothered which one.
After months of trawling around Travel Agents, none of who could offer my perfect package, I discovered a company called ATB holidays on the internet. From day one they were fantastic. I told them what I wanted to do and they were so accommodating. I could start my trip around Egypt any day of the week, so I could really hold out for the cheapest flights. I found this flexibility quite surprising since i was boarding a cruise ship on day 2. I assumed they would leave on set days - but apparently not.
ATB Holidays booked in my sleeper train from Aswan to Cairo and an internal flight to Hurghada form Cairo. They also created an individual itinery for us and included all sights that we were keen to see, including booking us on a hot air balloon ride over Luxor and the Valley of the Kings.
The trip was expensive at approx £2000 per person, but no more so than the holidays sold in tour operator's brochures, and this one was tailor made.
Upon arrival we were met at Luxor airport by an ATB representative. They escorted us to our hotel in Luxor - the New Winter Palace. Not a 4* in my book, a bit grubby, but we had a top floor room overlooking the Nile, so we couldn't complain too much.
On day two we visited the valley of the Kings - we had a personal tour guide with us on all trips! We then boarded the Nile Style cruise. A fantastic boat. It was only half full, so there were plenty of sun loungers and seats in the bar. We were the only English speaking couple on the boat, but it really did not matter. The Cruise was amazing and we stopped at many places as we made our way south to Aswan.
From Aswan we boarded the sleeper train to Cairo. This was not what I expected at all. The website we had looked at showed a buffet carriage and bar. Instead we were shut in a small poky room with 2 fold our beds. It wasn't the best experience I have ever had, but it wasn't the worst. If we hadn't had 'expectations' it would have been fine.
Cairo was great. What made it for me was going inside a Pyramid. I thought this was amazing. Others have said they don't like the fact the Pyramids are right on the edge of the City, but that is how the Egyptians chose to develop it, it is just like us building around Edinburgh Castle! We stayed in the Marriott in central Cairo - a lovely hotel, if a little impersonal because it is so large. It is also being renovated and we were not lucky enough to get a newly refurbished room.
The flight to Hurghada was fine. Plenty of room, we flew with Egypt air. Personally I did not like Hurghada that much. It did not have much appeal after having been to Luxor, Aswan and Cairo. But it was nice to chill out. The hotel - another Marriot - was beautiful. Although the food was a little limited and it was quite far out of town.
The trip back to Luxor was long - we travelled on a bus for 6 hours! But the following day we flew over the Valley of the Kings in a hot air balloon - amazing experience! So calm!
ATB holidays were amazing through out this trip. They turned up like clockwork and even gave us alarm calls for our early starts! The tour guides spoke excellent English and were well versed in Egyptian history. The only downside to them was they tended to take us to a retail outlet at least once a day. We ended up buying rugs, perfume, crockery etc. a few times is fine, but it was starting to spoil our time, there are only so many rugs you can buy, but it is very difficult to say No. they definitely see us as a large walking pound(£).
Street sellers were also problematic. You could not walk 100 metres without being harassed for something whether it be a horse and cart, selling spices or t-shirts. It did start to grate a bit by the end of the two weeks. However, we found if you walked off the beaten track you would be left in peace. Girls - Just remember to respect their religion and cover arms and legs to avoid unwanted attention!
All in all a fantastic holiday and I would love to do another Nile Cruise and return to Cairo!
Oh, I can equate to this 100%, as we did almost the same thing a few Years ago, and it was brilliant, but took us 2 weeks, we started and returned to the Luxor Hilton though. I'm tempted to go and get the Pics out now after reading this !!!!!.........Roy.....
28.09.2006 18:22
My son has just come back from a holiday to Egypt, liked the country hated the people.
28.09.2006 09:29
Oh, I can equate to this 100%, as we did almost the same thing a few Years ago, and it was brilliant, but took us 2 weeks, we started and returned to the Luxor Hilton though. I'm tempted to go and get the Pics out now after reading this !!!!!.........Roy.....
27.09.2006 20:50
Good review, sounds very nice ; )