Which trip is best?

Re: Which trip is best?

I've just got back from the Nile Safari after taking ages to work myself up to it. I know that doesn't cober Mt Sinai but some of our group carried on there afterwards I think? We had a fantastic group, an amazing tour leader and I could never have dreampt of how much we'd see and do. The sites are only one part of it. Meeting new people and seeing a totally different culture has been amazing. I feel so much better for it. Perfect blend of relaxation and sight seeing. Even tho I went alone and I'm not the most outgoing guy in the world I've totally loved every second of every day!

I'm sure all the tours must be very good. Although I really enjoyed being on the Amy and wouln't want to have missed that. The felluca wasn't on this tour tho (not my cup of tea).

Re: Which trip is best?

Hi Chile Girl,

I went on the Sailtrek & Sinai tour in January and had an outstanding time. Before I booked the tour I had pretty much the same requirements as you - I wanted to see the Pyramids, travel on a felucca and get to the Sinai region.

The tour covered everything I wanted and more. The sights in Aswan and Luxor are amazing as well, particularly if you take the optional journey down to Abu Simbel, which I'm sure you'll never forget.

There are various modes of transport throughout the tour, but the felucca is unforgetable - very peaceful and the scenery is stunning.

I've read posts from other people recommending the various tours they've been on, so it is hard for me to compare, but I would have to say the Sailtrek & Sinai gave a great overview of Egypt with not a single moment of boredom - I had a fabulous time from start to finish and I really recommend the company too.

I hope you enjoy yourself, whichever tour you chose.

Best wishes.

Re: Which trip is best?

Thanks ClubH - it sounds very exciting! Did you spend much extra time in Cairo at the beginning or end of the trip? Is it worth spending a few days? Also, do you know about Egyptian visas for New Zealanders - do you have to arrange them in advance or can you get them on arrival? Thanks!!

Re: Which trip is best?

Hello chile girl,

I would strongly urge you to spend some extra days before or after your tour to have a good look around Cairo. It is well worth the extra money & effort. You can do a dinner cruise on the Nile at Cairo which features both belly & sufi dancing. There is the vast experience of Khan El Khalili (where you really can shop til you drop) , the Museum, the Citadel & many many other sites to visit. It is worth having another day to spend at the great pyramids. (one of my favourites) & you may want to include the sound & light show there.

I would also suggest that you get your visa before arrival if possible. I believe they are available on arrival, but it would be awful to fly all that way & then for what ever reason have your application knocked back.

I have done both the Nile Safari & the Jewels of Egypt. I enjoyed both very much.

A felluca cruise around the Aswan area is just beautiful, an everlasting memory. Abu Simbel is well worth the expense & time to visit, you will just be blown away when you see this wonderful temple for the first time. The carvings & art work are amazing.

Have a wonderful time, wish I could join you.......Debbie.

Re: Which trip is best?

Hi again,

I would agree with Debbie that it is preferable to arrange your visa before you leave. I'm 99% sure they can be arranged on arrival but I'm never keen to take that risk!

As a fellow Kiwi, it was very easy to sort out the visa before departure here in London, though I'm unsure how easy it will be to arrange wherever you are. The cost was around

Re: Which trip is best?

Hello Everyone,

I forgot to mention Dashur ( both the bent & red pyramids...I've been inside the red pyramid, not much to see but amazing anyway). Dashur is so very peaceful, away out in the desert, no noise or vendors!

Saqqara, have been there twice now & am still amazed by this the first pyramid. Built long before stonehenge, just to give an idea of it's age. But it was much busier the second time around, with a lot of tour buses.

If you would like to venture further afield, perhaps a few of you might be interested in seing the collapsed pyramid at Meidum & or the Faiyum Oasis.

There are many & varied things to do with an extra few days in Cairo. Just try to plan abit ahead so that you can approach Im Trav with idea of arrange it through them or so you can organise with your tour leader/ companions.

If you do make it to Khan El Khalili make certain you try the Egyptian pancakes, especially the banana....yum.

Wish I could be there too!! All the best ....Debbie.