I am trying to plan a trip to Egypt and want to do as much as I can. I do not mind roughing it, but would prefer a cruise boat to a felucca if for a few nights. Must have Abu Simbel included, and also need to go to Petra. Can anyone please let me know their experiences and plus and minuses if any for any of the trips on IM. I have looked at quite a few brochures of various Companies and now I am confused!I am a 55yo woman but 25 at heart! and travelling alone. Do I need to add a single supplement or can I share?
Which tour to do??????????????????
Re: Which tour to do??????????????????
Hello Chriscross,
Thanks for your enquiry!
I think that you sound most suited to the River and Reef tour (EARI), it is an adventurer style tour but includes 3 nights on board the M/S Melodie cruise boat. There is also a single supplement if you would prefer not to be paired up with someone to share the accommodation with.
I hope that this helps!
Kate
Re: Which tour to do??????????????????
Hello Christine,
I havent checked what tours are available that combine both Egypt & Jordan, so not able to help you there. Like yourself, Im an "older" traveller, have wandered through Egypt a number of times (always with Im Trav) now & am always looking forward to go back again. I too, like my comfort, have plenty of get up & go....& I want to see it ALL. I always pay the single supp, as I prefer to have some time out when I feel like it!!
I would suggest that you choose a tour that includes a cruise onboard Melodie as opposed to a felucca cruise. Melodie is just a pure indulgence to a tired body. The Nile River soothes the soul as you glide along the tranquil waters.........ahhhhhhhhhhhhh.
Hope you are able to choose a tour without too much trouble. Kindest regards.........Debbie
Re: Which tour to do??????????????????
Hi Christine, My husband and I did the 2 week Egypt and Jordan Caravan tour in September and it was a wonderful trip. It obviously included both Egypt (including 4 nights on The Melodie) and Jordan (including the amazing Petra). We had a great time. Our son from London joined us for the trip - he paid the single supplement and was glad he did especially on the Melodie where the cabins are tiny. It would be hard sharing such a small space with someone you don't know well.
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It is now 2 years since I went to Egypt. By timing my trip I split Egypt and Jordan Caravan into its component bits,Nile Safari and Jordan Connection and in between did Alex & Siwa`Oasis tour . Friends from Brisbane did the Alex`tour first without splitting the second tour ( it's cheaper). I have only ever paid single supplement once in my life. I find sharing with a stranger not unnerving but it would certainly be cosy on the melodie with 2 people.( I didn't share on any of three sections)
Re: Which tour to do??????????????????
Tangam - you went in September : can you advise what the weather was llike and also were you there uring ramadam?
Re: Which tour to do??????????????????
I'll just agree with those who urge you to go for the single supplement. The hotel rooms would be OK to share, but the rooms on the Melodie--you don't want to share one of those with a stranger, especially not the bed. The room's arranged so that one has to crawl over the other to get out of bed. You'll enjoy the cruise immensely.
Re: Which tour to do??????????????????
If you want to do it all with IT, it looks to me like like the Egypt & Jordan Caravan would be the logical choice. My wife and I went to Petra (and other parts of Jordan) on our own after the Jewels of Egypt tour, but we spent quite a bit getting there (could have spent less though).
Re: Which tour to do??????????????????
Hi Christine,
I was on the Egypt & Jordan Caravan Late Nov -early Dec 2007 and the weather was perfect.
As Tangam pointed out there were 4 nights cruising The Nile on the Melodie. Abul Simbal was an optional activity on this tour. Petra is included on the tour. You should also try the Petra by Night optional, it is so different at night lit up by hundereds of candles.
Also if you want to see pyramids surrounded by desert you should take a side trip to Dashur & Saquara. We hired a cab for half a day for 30 egyptian dollars each between four people and he drove us around for half a day to both places and waited for us. The pyramids of Giza are close to the city and chock a block with tourists. At Dashur & Saquara, The Step & Red Pyramid we were the only ones there, and you don't have to pay extra on top of the entrance fee to enter The Red Pyramid.
We had a 60+ yr old travelling with us and she did just fine. She did have some trouble going down the Red Pyramid, but she made it. She also travelled on a single supplement.
Hope that helps.
Re: Which tour to do??????????????????
Sorry i haven't answered before this, Chriscross. The weather in September was hot and dry, but being Aussies, we're used to that aren't we? Whenever we were at a temple or site our guide always found some shade for us while he spoke to us and of course we were up very early to beat the heat and the crowds.
Yes, it was Ramadan while we were there. It was an interesting time to visit Egypt. We ate our usual meals but mostly at hotels and tourist sites and almost always buffets, which we got a bit sick of. We tried to be discreet when drinking (water) in public (tourist) places and didn't really have any problems. Just expect that everything will stop at about 5.45pm while the locals break their fast. Our ferry had berthed at about this time at Aqaba in Jordan and had to sit on the ferry for an hour and a half while everyone around us (including the crew too, obviously) was eating! It all adds to the experience.
Have a great time.