What is the status of this tour's departures in late September and October? That is, which have enough people to be guaranteed departures or are at least very near that point? I'm asking because I need to think about arranging airfare from the US as well, and that locks me in.
Also, can I book this directly, or do I need to go through an American agency?
Re: Jewels of Egypt
Hello Warren,
We still have availability for the jewels of Egypt start dates-
23SEP07
30SEP07
07OCT07
These have all reached minimum numbers. We would prefer if you booked with an American Agent as they are able to help you with flights and insurance.
I hope that this helps
Kate
Re: Jewels of Egypt
It definitely helps to know that they have all met their minimums.
Do you deal with particular American agencies--or just any?
I usually arrange my own flights and insurance--the flights because we live in the middle of nowhere and so there are several airports equally (in)convenient to us. But the problem with my dealing directly with you would probably be in how to get the $ to you, unless y'all take credit card payment.
The trip information mentions a tour of the "real" Cairo for those staying an extra day, but I don't remember the details on that. How would we book that, and how much would it cost.
Also, I was wondering if there was any kind of "Petra extension." I hate to ask that, since you have to many choices of tours. I know there is another one that combines Egypt and Petra. But I've grown attached to the idea of that 7 day Nile cruise, so I thought I'd ask.
Thanks.
Re: Jewels of Egypt
Hello Warren,
Here are our American agents info:
Adventure Travel Company
Tel: (1) 800 467 - 4595
Web: [url=http://www.atcadventure.com/usa]http://www.atcadventure.com/usa[/url]
Email: sanfrancisco@atcadventure.com
We have a Cairo Back Street break (BBEC)that we can arrange to add on to any of our Egypt tours at either the beginning or end. Just ask your agent for information.
We don't have an extension that visits Petra, it may be something that we can arrange for you through our Taylor Made service. Once again this can be arranged through your agent.
Happy planning
Kate
Re: Jewels of Egypt
I am actually thinking of combining the Jewels of Egypt tour with Jordan Connection, even though the itineraries duplicate each other a bit. I was thinking of doing the Backstreet Tour on the intervening tour, but have realized that doing that requires two intervening nights, not two. Wonder if there's any way around that?
Anyway, and I'm sure this has been asked elsewhere, but I don't know where, I've also realized that I'd be traveling there during Ramadan. I've read the standard literature on Ramadan travel from Im Trav but was wondering if traveling then would have any serious effect on, say, the Oct. 7 departure of Jewels of Egypt (our most likely date). I would expect some extra problems, but I'm laid back. Would some things likely be impossible to visit at all?
Re: Jewels of Egypt
Never thought about that, hope it isnt affected too much. What sort of things would be affected?
Im going on the 7th October on teh JoE tour, cant wait
Re: Jewels of Egypt
I'm looking forward to it as well, though I haven't booked it yet.
In addition to the Ramadan question and Backstreet Tour questions, I am confused about the dates on the itineraries for two of the Jordan tours I am considering for afterward.
Jordan Insight and Jordan Connection are both 8 day tours which normally begin and end on Monday. But the 10/22 departure looks one day short, ending on Sunday, while the 10/29 departure is one day "long," ending on Tuesday. These departures don't cost any more or less than the others. Am I missing something?
I really need to know exactly when they end to plan return flights.
Re: Jewels of Egypt
Hi Warren,
In relation to your question regarding Ramadan. I was doing the JOE during Ramadan last year - we didn't have any issues. Tour guides just ask that if you are travelling by bus etc you be back at the specified time so that the bus driver etc can break fast ASAP.
I'm travelling during Ramadan again this year so it didn't deter me...
Loza
Re: Jewels of Egypt
Thanks, Loza. Your reply is very helpful regarding the Ramadan question. I guess one of the things that concerns me, that I failed to articulate before, is the part about not eating or drinking in public during the day. I know my wife and I are going to need to keep well hydrated, and we're used to traveling about with large, conspicuous water bottles. My wife needs a lot of water, but I also know from experience that I can get in bad shape in a hurry if I don't watch it. Food is a concern, too, but less so. Power bars can help.
I guess the ImTrav staff is fasting from answering my questions. 8*)
Maybe I've been spoiled by the quick, thorough responses I received when I was planning on going to India/Nepal.
Re: Jewels of Egypt
Hello Warren and everyone,
Thanks for all your posts. I have travelled during Ramadan before and you should be prepared for comparatively slower service and shorter opening times (as you will have already read on our Ramadan info sheet). However this is a fascinating time to be travelling and to see the streets clear when the call to prayer sounds to break the day's fast is an amazing thing. Some people even try fasting as well, to get an experience of what it is like, however I wouldn't recommend this if you will feel ill if you don't drink or eat!
With regards to eating and drinking during the day, you can still do this as long as you are reasonably discreet about it, for example carrying your water bottle in a bag, and being discreet about when you are eating and drinking. Your tour leader will also be able to give you advice but please don't worry that you will need to dehydrate yourselves as it's important that all the travellers stay fit and healthy while on tour.
You mentioned in one of your earlier posts that you were interested in a Backstreet Break but didn't have 2 extra nights to spare. There is a way around this and if you want you can just book the day city tour without the extra accommodation for USD 20 as an addition to your tour booking through your agent.
I have checked our dates for the Jordan Connection and Jordan Insight tours and the 22 and 29 Oct tours end on the 29 Oct and 05 Nov respectively (Mondays) - I hope this helps? I've checked our website and see where you are getting these dates from so I have notified our web team to get these changed as soon as possible and apologise for the confusion this caused you. They definitely both finish on the Mondays.
I hope this helps answer all your questions Warren but if you have any further queries please let us know - many thanks!
Re: Jewels of Egypt
Hi Warren,
I think the main thing is the eating in public (there is no issues when in bars and restaurants). I think most Egyptians understand that tourists wouldn't be able to handle their climite without water. But just to be respectful it's best to not advertise it...
Re: Jewels of Egypt
Hi Loza - I agree with what you have said and think that sums it up - thanks for all your input!
Re: Jewels of Egypt
Thanks, Kelly.
That answers and clarifies everything--for the moment. Great news about the Backstreet Break option. As I've e-mailed you privately, we're now considering traveling later in the year, so I guess I may be looking at the advisability of traveling to Egypt and Jordan in November or even December.