River and Reef Nov 10

Re: River and Reef Nov 10

Hello,

Regarding the Abu Simbel visit I suggest that you read the Egypt country dossier which provides a more detailed insight into the options available inc. a flight option.

Regarding the trains, was this a posting in the forum as I believe the trains are two separate trains altogether?

Re: River and Reef Nov 10

Hi Meganaw,

It really is an early start for Abu Simbel but trust me, it is worth it. The bus is quite comfortable and mostly everyone slept there and back, the hotel/boat lets you take your pillow. Don't let the early start make you miss this site, it is one of the most amazing in Egypt, even more so than the Giza pyramids in my opinion.

Joanne

Re: River and Reef Nov 10

Hello Megan,

I have to agree with Joanne, don't miss the trip to Abu Simbel, if you do you will miss some of the best artwork in Egypt.

You will also miss out on seeing this enormous Temple that they cut into blocks & transported to higher ground & into the specially made dome, that it is now housed in. An amazing feat of preservation.

I haven't gone by bus but flew, which was interesting as it gave an idea of just how big Lake Nasser really is!

Hope you have a wonderful time......Debbie.

Re: River and Reef Nov 10

Hi Megan,

I'd agree with the Debbie and Joanne, don't miss out on Abu Simbel. It is just an amazing temple and I was just blown away by how huge everything was.

I didn't do a tour with Imaginative, but with another tour company, but it would be pretty much similar. I took the early morning bus to Abu Simbel. We had to be up at 3am to get into the bus for the convoy. The bus trip to Abu Simbel is about 2 hours, so you can sleep on the way.

Don't let the early morning start deter you. I think a lot of us were pretty excited about joining the bus convoy and going to Abu Simbel to be worried about it.

Re: River and Reef Nov 10

Hi,

I agree with the others - I also did River and Reef and went to Abu Simbel - the bus was a big comfortable bus with reclining seats, we were given breakfast boxes to take with us, and pillows from the boat, and seeing sunrise over the desert was one of the most beautiful things I saw (see photo here - this was taken from the moving bus so I was pretty happy with how it came out --> [url=http://www.melissalawrence.com/albums/as10.jpg]http://www.melissalawrence.com/albums/as10.jpg[/url] )

Also, on the way back, we got to stop and get out into the desert and take photos of mirages, which as pretty cool as on this trip there wasn't much other time in the desert. (Mirage photo --> [url=http://www.melissalawrence.com/albums/as2.jpg]http://www.melissalawrence.com/albums/as2.jpg[/url] )

And of course, you get to see Abu Simbel, which is amazing!

Have a great time, it's a brilliant trip.

Re: River and Reef Nov 10

Hey Melissa!,

Are you in London now?? You certainly get around! Good on you!

Although I am a litte jealous as Egypt is only a short flight away from you there

Kind regards.......Debbie.

Re: River and Reef Nov 10

Hi Debbie - yes, I moved back to the UK from Australia in May (and then immediately went off on holiday to Turkey with Imtrav - and I'm already looking at booking my next trip!)

Cheers,
M

Re: River and Reef Nov 10

Hello Melissa,

Well now I'm really jealous!! ...only joking of course!! I haven't been to Turkey yet but it's on the list along with Morocco & Jordan....Someday.

Hope you have a wonderful time on your next trip, at least it's a lot shorter flight now

All the best.....Debbie.

Re: River and Reef Nov 10

thanks guys for all the great info.
and the pictures you posted Melissa are really great.

really looking forward to the trip - my partner and i have been counting down the days for about 6 months now - we're doing an 'around the world' trip and leaving in 40 days now!

by the time we get to Egypt we will have already done a whole month in south east africa - my first trip to such diverse cultures - so should be a real eye opener for me.

Ed - i can't remember where i saw the info regarding the trains. i thought it was in one of the tour dossiers. i'm sure if the conditions had changed you would know about it.

thanks again
Megan

Re: River and Reef Nov 10

"TRAIN CHANGES .. there have been indications that this may change at some point in 2005 and that tourists will be required to use the more expensive 'sleeper' train. Whilst we are lobbying against this change, if legislation is introduced we will unfortunately be compelled to use the sleeper trains and to charge a US$35 surcharge per journey. Please ask our online consultant for further details at the time of booking"

This is on the page that sets out the basic details. I am going on River and Reef as well and would like to know if it has changed

Thanks

Re: River and Reef Nov 10

Hello,

The situation remains the same and there is no surcharge.