We're due to take the Nile Valley and Red Sea tour in March. We're particularly looking forward to Abu Simbel, but I'd be interested in people's views on the best way to go there. I'm not a great fan of flying so would rather go by coach, but I've heard that although it's supposed to be only a 3-hour trip, it can end up taking as many as 6, so that the excursion takes up the whole day. Can anybody advise?
Many thanks
Re: Abu Simbel
Hello Seb,
The Imaginative Traveller offers an option for you to visit the temples of Abu Simbel. I have never known it to take 'all day' and in general the travel time one way is 3hrs.
Here's a snippet of the information we provide in our Trip Dossiers for all trips that include an opportunity to avail of this option.
Have a great trip.
Marty
The Imaginative Traveller Online
ABU SIMBEL OPTIONAL EXCURSION
The road between Aswan and Abu Simbel is open now, making it possible for us to operate an optional excursion by road to this magnificent site. Most itineraries allow time for a visit to the Temples of Abu Simbel whether by road or by air.
By Road
Re: Abu Simbel
I was actually at Abu Simbel approx.2 weeks ago...I went by Toyota Coaster (mini bus/coach)which was very comfortable-as you can sleep all the way( I took my sleeping bag for extra comfort)!It also took only about 2hrs 50mins to get there!-not 6 hours! Have fun!
Re: Abu Simbel
I did Abu Simbel last year and it was the highlight of my trip. I would say that flying in was spectacular, if you sit on the right side of the plane you get an amazing few from the air and it was well worth the flight. I hear you about the flying thing, but it isn't a tiny puddle jumper, it is a large commercial airline and you are only in the air for about 30 minutes.
Re: Abu Simbel
I did the abu simbel trip last year and took the very early flight. It was well worth the effort. Very quick and like the other respondant said - big commercial plane. I would certainly recommend flying so you can make the most of your short time there. It really is a wonderful place to visit.
Re: Abu Simbel
I did the Nile Valley Red Sea tour in November and most of our group went on the bus to Abu Simbel, 3 chose the plane. I believe there were 10 of us plus our tour leader Ian. We had a fairly full coach bus as we picked up a few extra people from other tours. The convoy left at 4:30am and we were there in about 3 hours. The buses race so I don't think it will take 6 hours. If you do take the bus instead of the plane, take your pillow from the hotel. I was the only one that did and it made my sleep much more comfortable than everyone elses.
I'm sure you'll have an great time, I had an awesome experience in Egypt.
Laura
Re: Abu Simbel
All of our group (Dec 2 BTP) were given the choice of bus or plane and we were all glad we took the bus. We all slept on the way there (about 3 hours), had plenty of time to see the fabulous temples, and then had a great ride over awesome desert (seeing mirages and cool, Pyramid-like hills) on the way back. We all had time to share our impressions. Time is a good thing. Why rush?
We were back in plenty of time for a great lunch at an English pub (highly recommended).
I can't speak for flying - I'm sure that was great too, but all of us were very happy with the bus, and although I love to fly, I've been on enough commercial airliners, thanks! (Now I don't feel bad for missing it as I thought it was a little plane like the one I took through the Grand Canyon)
In any event, good that you are going to ABU as it is well worth it. Have fun! [img]http://www.imaginative-traveller.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]
Re: Abu Simbel
Ooops! Sorry, I said we were back in time for the English Pub - that Pub is in Luxor, but still don't miss it! We were back by lunchtime and did some shopping in the souks (markets) at Aswan.
Aswan is really a different world from Cairo. One thing not to miss - Nubian villages and villagers (especially the "museum" small house on Elephantine Island is nice to visit. The big museum is also interesting about Nubian Egyptian culture and the effects of the Aswan Dam, but if I were making a choice, I'd see Elephantine Island (the real thing). We by chance met a special man named Ahmed Erkabh who knows lots about the culture because he's lived there forever, but he also is well read and speaks very good English.
Again, enjoy your trip, and remember that it goes by very quickly, so take your time. [img]http://www.imaginative-traveller.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]