Hi, Marty.
I am a single female traveller booked for the Kingdoms of the Nile tour that begins April 2nd, and I have several questions for you.
First, what do people typically do during their free day at Aswan. Will the tour leader be with them that day at all, or do people go off in groups? I am concerned about going anyway alone and would just like to know what you'd suggest.
Second, will there be any opportunity to ride a donkey or a camel? It's not included in the tour, but I feel like this is something people have to do when they visit Egypt. Do members of this particular tour often opt to do this at an additional cost?
Can we get tickets to go in the pyramids the day we are scheduled to visit them? I know some have limits, so if we need to book tickets in advance I would like to know.
Thanks!
Cheers,
EB
Re: Kingdoms of the Nile
Hello Erica,
Great to hear you are on your way to Egypt, the weather will be wonderful at this time of year. Most of the group memebrs will be asking the same question you have and will either arrange their extra trips together with the assistance/advise of the Tour Leader, or ask the TL to arrange it for them. Here are just some of the activities you can enjoy on this day in Aswan.
In Aswan on DAY 6 group members can opt to visit ABU SIMBEL.
This can be booked from your agent or by you with Egypt Air when you arrive in Cairo.
Three years ago we ran trips for every group to Abu Simbel by road, but the authorities closed the road and the only way to visit now is by domestic flight. The flight takes one hour, one hour at the site and then return to Aswan.
Also in Aswan is the HIGH DAM & UNFINISHED OBELISK. This trip can be arranged by local taxi and your Tour Leader can assist you in booking this. Most of the group memebrs do this so don't be concerned about going alone.
A Felucca trip on the Nile is one of the most amazing things you can do in Aswan. The Felucca costs little for about three hours sailing and you can sail down the Nile in and out of the islands in one of the most beautiful towns in Egypt. While on the Felucca you can visit the Botanical Gardens on Lord Kitcheners Island.
In the evening time you can choose to visit the local bazaars, right on your hotel doorstep or
A: The Sound & Light Show at Philea Temple.
The S & L shows are in Cairo, Luxor 7 Aswan, but by far the most enjoyable is the Philea Temple show. The location is on a small island on Lake Nasser. Because of the small size there is never too many people so it's more enjoyable than luxor S & L that holds over one thousand people. It a taxi ride, then a small boat ride to the island. Many group memebrs visit this show.
B: A Nubian Dinner at the Nubian Village.
A boat trip tot he local village and a local Nubian home. Treditional food is served by the local women and they also do HENNA painting (hands or feet), something that's VERY popular with our groups.
In Cairo you can do a camel ride at the Pyramids but this is expensive and short. On your return to Cairo on Day 12 you can get your TL to arrange a camel trek at the Giza Pyramids for approx 2 hours. Not expensive and an great way to end your visit to Egypt.
Donkey rides can be done in Luxor on the afternoon of Day 10. This also will be an option so ask your TL in advance of your arrival to arrange it for you, this allows you the opportunity to get others involved.
Tickets for a visit inside the Pyramids can only be purchased at 8.30am daily or 1.30pm and are restricted to certain numbers per day.
Your group will arrive at the Pyramids at approx 9.45am. I suggest you speak to your TL on arrival to ask if there can be arrangements made by the Guide to obtain tickets later or in advance.
Hope this long but informative reply helps.
Cheers
Marty
The Imaginative Traveller
Re: Kingdoms of the Nile