26th July 2008, I'm still around....just back from Vancouver
26th July 2008, I'm still around....just back from Vancouver
Member since:12.12.2001
Reviews:47
Members who trust:21
CURRENCY : Egyptian Pound (£1.00 = approx 10 Egyptian) TIME DIFFERENCE: +2 GMT FLYING TIME : Approx 4 1/2 hours In October this year my partner and I managed to pick up a bargain break to Egypt for 7 night’s bed and breakfast for the princely some of £798 for the two of us, courtesy of Mr Thomas Cook
Our trip started two weeks before departure as we had to have the following vaccinations before leaving: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Polio and Typhoid. Please note these vaccinations are not mandatory these days but according to the Foreign Office website they are recommended. Be warned, the Polio vaccination tastes like what I imagine would be sweaty socks that have been worn by cows for 3 months and not washed!
We landed at Luxorairport at approx 21.30 local time (+2 GMT) and as it’s a developing airport we were bussed to the terminal, which is basically an over sized marquee placed in the desert! As soon as we left the plane the warm air hit us, not muggy but dry heat. On leaving the airport be prepared to have loose change with you for tipping the locals who place your case on the
bus, they are not employed by the tour companies but they do it anyway, they take sterling, US dollars or local currency.
THE HOTEL
Our hotel was called the MercureInn and is part of the ‘Accor’ hotels group (think Ibis), it was a 30 minute air conditioned coach ride from the airport into central Luxor and is set back in a complex off the road reached by a private drive way. Our hotel had air conditioned rooms and pool view balconies over looking Luxor Temple. During our stay we had the option of many tours to do, below are the ones we decide to do……
Luxor Temple
From the spectacular Avenue of the sphinxes to the awesome remaining obelisk (according to history the other being given to the French as a gift) Luxor temple has to be seen to be believed. Built about 3000 yrs ago, it vibrates with the history of many kings and pharaohs such as Rameses and Tutankhamen, today it still has a functioning mosque which was originally built on top of the silt covered ruins. Excavation in the late 19th century has left the mosque about 10 metres above ground level. Entrance fee 20 Egyptian pounds.
Karnak Temple
Originally connected to Luxor Temple by the Avenue of Sphinxes, larger than Luxor Temple it could take a couple of days to view in it’s entirety but we managed it once during the day and once at night at it’s famous sound and light show which uses lighting and the voices of I think Richard Burton and Liz Taylor, narrating the story of Karnak Temple and it’s inhabitants.
Valley of the Kings
This day trip started very early at 5.30am, the sun is already up and warming the country at this time!! Situated on the West bank of the Nile it is home to many of the Kings that ruled the 20th dynasty, it is also home to the famous view of the Crown of Thebes. (Think raiders of the lost ark and Bond). It is most famous for the tomb of Tutankhamen of which the actual mummified body and inner tomb is now in a museum in Cairo but you can still see the original outer tomb and some treasures actually left, admission to the actual tomb is limited to small parties but we encountered little queues. Be warned most decent trips arrive here early in the morning to avoid being around at midday as the heat reached 41c in the valley whilst we were visiting. Our admission here was included in our day trip. Separate fee for Tutankhamen Tome 30 Egyptian Pounds
Nile Cruise
The Nile can be a bit smelly during the day however on our evening dinner cruise it wasn’t too bad. Our boat was a 3 storey affair, with a roof top terrace and bar and dining room on the bottom floor, at 3hrs long it gave us a chance to see Luxor and the Nile by night which was truly magical giving the tranquillity of the air and the sunset which here was most magical. Our time on the boat gave us the chance to see belly dancing and a traditional whirling dervish.
There were many trips available to us such as a day trip to Cairo to see the pyramids but we didn’t fancy the nine hour trip overnight by train however it is possible to fly there from Luxor with an escorted trip. There are many local companies offering all sorts of trips to places, some are cheaper than the trips offered by your holiday reps but these can be using inferior non air conditioned coaches or they proclaim that a particular sight is closed on your day trip, it pays to be cautious.
SAFETY TIPS
Since the problems with in 1997, Egypt has really spiced up its security for Tourists; they have 2 types of Police: Tourist – these are stationed outside all Hotels and Museums National – these are at keys entry points to cities and local transport hubs
It is not advisable to drink the tap water but it is ok for cleaning your teeth with, I found that a local water called Baktara is quite reasonable but always check that the seal is intact before opening and preferably purchase from your hotel.Expect to pay about 3 eygptian pounds.
Eating out is mediocre, best to stay in hotel or ask for recommendation, we paid about 110 eygptian pounds for a meal for two. Quite cheap £11 approx.They do have a Mcdonalds though!
Most locals in the streets like to haggle with you for goods or services, some of these are carriage drivers, taxi drivers and traders. Whilst we were there many taxi drivers and carriage drivers would drive up beside us and badger us for business, at first it seems like they are hassling you but it’s not so bad, you just need to be strong with them and say no Thank you a few times and then they go and badger someone else for a bit!!!
Haggling in shops is second nature here don’t be afraid to barter, its good fun. Overall I found my first visit to Egypt very enjoyable and nothing like the bad stories I had heard of, the people there do their utmost to help you, the cleanliness of hotels is second to none and finally you can’t beat the weather.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
We stayed in Luxor for a week, just before the shootings of 1997, and had a great time there, I would love to go back again. Nice review too.......Roy
Lush1 06.03.2005 12:38
We spent a few days in Luxor, while travelling down for some diving. To be honest I found the begging and selling really annoying. Everywhere we went there was someone trying to trick you into buying something, and when you didnt some became quite aggitated and agressive. Due to that I personally would never go back.
Vodkaboy 31.01.2004 19:50
Nice review. I spent a few days in Cairo in late 2002 but never made it to Luxor - saving it for next time. Sounds like it is definitely worth doing.
NH Hotels, the hotel chain leader in Europe, with more than 300 hotels in 20 countries in Europe, Latin America and Africa. Enter into our web site and find the best available tariff at all times
Nov 18th, 2003
very helpful by (93%):
helpful by (7%):
