nile rover question

Re: nile rover question

Hello Kate,

Whilst I haven't experienced the Nile Rover tour, I thought I'd reply anyway. You will find that most of Im Travs tours have time available for you to do what ever side trips you wish. When I travelled on the Nile Safari tour back in March '99, I stayed on the West Bank after our visit to the Valley of the Kings, as I really wanted to visit Hatshepsut's temple. Another tour member who also wanted to visit this site went with me. We had lunch on the banks of the Nile & then went off to the Temple. Afterwards meeting up with the rest of the group.

On my last tour in Dec'03/Jan '04, I wanted to see some extra sites not included on the tour. I asked Im Trav if they could organise these extra's for me. I'm certain if you contact someone on this site they would be happy to assist you with this. Your other option would be to speak to your tour leader, who will be in an excellent postion to give you information on how to organise side trips.

I strongly suggest you travel with a tour as you would find it difficult to organise on your own, especially if you have a very small amount of time available.

Hoping you have a wonderful time. Kind regards....Debbie.

Re: nile rover question

Thanks so much for your reply, Debbie. I found it quite helpful

Re: nile rover question

Hello Kate,

It's my pleasure to help fellow travellers to this wonderful country! I hope you have a wonderful holiday.

As always, I'd love to be there with you!! Kind regards......Debbie

Re: nile rover question

Hello Kate,

Thought I'd put my comment in here as well. I haven't been on the Nile Rover either, only the Jewels of Egypt but as I had a small tour group who wanted to see a lot at Luxor we really got the most out of it. We got to Luxor to go on the cruise boat down the Nile and that morning we went to Karnak Temple which was included in the tour. When we cruised back up to Luxor after a week on the Nile, we went to Valley of the Kings in the morning as part of our tour. And this was where our tour group got busy - the rest of that morning we spent also going to... Valley of the Queens, Deir Al Meidina (spelling?) also known as the workers village, Tombs of the Nobles, Hatsheptsut's temple, Habu temple, and even the Colossi of Memnon. And that was all in the morning, we then had the afternoon free in Luxor to do what we wanted, so it is possible!

Re: nile rover question

Hi Kate.

I just returned from the Nile Rover tour. They always give you some free time in each city or town. You'll have 2 days in Luxor. It's not listed on the tour, but your group will hike out of the Valley of the Kings. On the hike, you'll see the Valley of the Queens, Tombs of the Nobles & the top of Queen Hatshepsut's Temple. You can also stop at the Colossi of Memnon on the donkey ride back. The second day is free, so you can take a taxi to the stuff you passed on the hike.

I highly recommend you go with a tour first to get a lay of the land. Matt, my tour guide was great. He gave us a lot of info & tips (what to wear, what sites are open, where to shop & how to get around). It really helped me when I was in Cairo & Alexandria alone after the tour.

Some people on this forum may disagree with me on this point, but it's challenging being a female traveller in Egypt. Egyptian men will ogle & proposition you constantly. Some will try to touch, too. Western women will get hassled regardless of size, shape, age or race (especially blondes). It's not bad in the cities (Cairo & Alex), but Matt definitely didn't want us girls to go out alone in the smaller towns (Luxor, Aswan, etc.). And I have to agree with him.

Aside from all the unwanted male attention, I had a great time in Egypt & so you will. Di

Re: nile rover question

I just wanted to add on the comment of being a solo female traveller. I travelled on my own but mostly stayed with my tour group. The only time I didn't I went for a walk down the corniche in Aswan because I wanted to see the Mummification museum and no-one else in my group wanted to. Just in that 5-10 min walk I was hassled about 5 times, mostly by people selling things but as long as you know how to handle it, you're fine. You can get hassled the same way when you're in a group as well, I just saw it as part of the experience of being in egypt. I still had an amazing time!

Re: nile rover question

Not to belabour this point, but I wasn't referring to the vendors. All the girls on my tour (early 20's to late 30's) certainly got hassled by vendors everywhere. But the difficult part for us was the ogling, inappropriate comments & the occasional touching from the local males (non-vendors). Two of the girls even got groped. The local males refrained from touching us when we were with the guys on our tour. Of course, it didn't stop any of the come-ons.

I'm not trying to put anyone off. It's just better to be prepared for this aspect of Egyptian culture.

Re: nile rover question

Hello Di,

I am sorry that your group experienced this sort of behaviour. I myself have never experienced that sort of response from the locals. The worst I got was a chap who veered across the road & brushed slightly against my arm.

The first question that comes to mind is how were the women dressed? If we wander about badly dressed then we have to expect the worst. I am NOT saying that you were badly dressed, am just asking.

Secondly I guess it depends on where you have come from & whether you have had a sheltered life. I have had some shocking things said to me by men right here in Australia. So if I can cope with it here....well I can cope with it anywhere. Let's be honest....there are in your face men everywhere.....right??

Hope your next holiday is better........Debbie.

Re: nile rover question

To answer your questions:
A) We were dressed appropriately; no exposed shoulders, knees or low necklines. Our tour guide pointed out the "dress code" to us on the first day, just in case anyone was unaware of it.
B) We're all are outgoing, urbanites; have travelled extensively & been exposed to many cultures. We've all been hit on before, so it's not a new experience.

I agree there are pushy men everywhere. It's simply the sheer volume that was so annoying. I'm just pointing out that one should be aware & prepared.

Re: nile rover question

Hello Di,

That's a fair enough statement. The good thing is that it doesn't always seem to happen.

Perhaps just certain times of the year? I don't know, was just a thought.

The main thing is for people to enjoy their holidays & not become too focused on what may not even happen.

If it were me I would embarrass the hell out of them by making a huge scene about it. Egyptians do NOT enjoy that sort of thing.

I have walked around Cairo, Aswan & Luxor alone (this includes at night) with my long flowing mane of blonde hair streaming behind me.....& felt quite safe.

One thing I have found over the years is that urban males can not hold a candle, in regards to sexist remarks, to their rural counterparts. The country boys are way out in front!!

Once again, hoping everyone enjoys their holiday. Kindest regards.....Debbie.

Re: nile rover question

Just adding my perspective on this: I think it's very much a personal thing, and depends on your mood at the time. My sister and I would wander round and she would get irritated by the attention, while I was usually completely oblivious to it until she pointed it out. But it also depended on my energy levels - after a long day if I was hot and tired, I would find the constant attention a bit wearing. It also made a massive difference when there was a male with us.

Re: nile rover question

Hello Melissa,

I totally agree with what you are saying. It is an individual reaction & as you say on a day when you a feeling ill, low....what ever, the impact would be compounded.

But I would like to just say, that we girls shouldn't let this put us off the trip of a life time. For most this irritation will fade & what will remain is the memory of this amazing country.

I have to state that I have never felt more welcomed into a strangers country, home & family than I have in Egypt. I have made lifelong friends from my first tour in March '99.

Maybe I am just one of the lucky...don't know. But I wouldn't hesitate to step onto the bigbird & fly back there.

Hope everyone enjoys their holidays, as always....I wish I were going too!! All the best.......Debbie.

Re: nile rover question

While I am certainly interested in the dialogue about the level of harrassment...I am very excited to hear from somebody who has been on the Nile Rover trip and enjoyed it I booked the trip and will be leaving on Wednesday...can't wait. One quick question about the dress though...I am packing long pants and shirts for walking around...but is it o.k. to wear a tank top and/or shorts on the boat? I won't bother bringing them if it's not a good idea. Thanks for all the feedback, Kate

Re: nile rover question

Hi Kate

I did the nile and beyond tour, and when we were on the felucca we wore shorts and tank tops, and also in the desert during the day. If you do come accross some of the farmers, they will stop and stare, but normally you are just passing by on the river, so it's not too bad. I would take a few of them, and just keep a long sleved shirt with you in case.

Have a great trip.

Nile Rover tour at Christmas

Just wondering if any1 has done a tour during the Christmas period & if so what (if any) differences to expect.
Any jump in prices for attractions or even just day 2 day things? Is it extremely busy during this time.
I hope to visit with my girlfriend & this is the only time which suits us both.

It will also b our 1st time in Egypt so all other info gladly welcome.

Mark