Hi! My Mom and I are considering booking the Jewels of Egypt Tour and I have a couple of quick questions.
I love the idea of climbing Mt. Sinai, but how strenuous is it? My Mom works out 3 days a week for 30 minutes, but she does have a very slight limp due to a disability and I would hate for her to be left out of a group activity. I read that it takes a few hours to climb. Does that include a short rest break every once in awhile?
Also, I've read a few travel blogs where people have taken hot air balloon rides over the Valley of the Kings. I know this isn't a part of the tour, but I was wondering if it is possible to arrange this? My Mom has always wanted to ride in a hot air balloon and, if possible, I would LOVE to surprise her with that. If not, that's ok too! This tour sounds amazing and we are VERY excited about going to Egypt!!!
Thank you in advance!!
Jen
Re: Jewels of Egypt questions
Hi,
I climbed Mt Sinai in November. It would take a couple of hours to climb up, but I paid for a camel to ride, up the mountain, to the bottom of the stairs. It cost about 65 egyptian pounds. It took 30 - 45 minutes to climb the stairs as it was very slow moving because there were so many people trying to get up the stairs. You do it at your own speed, and can rest when you want. I have asthma and had to take a few breaks to get to the top. It was well worth it. Walking down was not a problem, but it took about an hour to get to the bottom.
Hope this helps
Catherine
Re: Jewels of Egypt questions
I took a fall in Syria and there was no way I was making up Mt Sinai - not after pulling up "lame" after Petra in Jordan. I rode a camel up and parked in the last "cafe" at the base of the stairs. I still took great photos etc and wasn't disappointed.
So don't worry about the climb. Lots of ways to skin a cat, but they all have one thing in common - you get a dead cat.
Re: Jewels of Egypt questions
Hello Jen,
Thanks for your posting. It seems as though the 2 responses below are spot on. The team here recommend the camel ride up to the stairs and your mum should be fine.
With regard to the hot air baloon ride I would recommend that you speak to the tour leader on arrival as he/she will have local contacts to book it with. It is dependant on the weather, so this can only really be confirmed locally.
It is a great trip and loads of the guys have been on it from the office here.
Let me know if you have any further questions and have a great time.
Re: Jewels of Egypt questions
Thank you for all of your quick responses!!! We decided to go for it and I just booked the tour a few minutes ago. We are so excited! Thanks again!!!
Jen