Hi there
I have a few questions about the Kingdoms of the Nile tour starting 30 April. When we visit the pyramids will we be entering the Cheops Pyramid ( I have heard that it is now resitrcited to 150 visitors per day)? Similarly will we be entering Nefertari's Tomb?? What specific tombs do we enter at the Valley of the Kings?? I have also been told that Seti I, Saptah, Tawsert/Sethnakt and Seti II are closed.
Do we enter the Tomb of Sennofer at Luxor?
Will there be time on the tour to see the sound and light show at Giza and also Luxor?
How much time is there on Day6 at Abu Simbel. When we would arrive in Abu Simbel?
I know there are alot of questions but I would very much appreciate any information you can provide. Our travel agent could not answer any of these questions?
Re: Kingdoms of the Nile
(Posted 28th Jan - Re-posted 29th Jan)
Hello Dancal,
Some answers to your questions.
Pyramids:
The tour covers entry to the Pyramids & Sphinx plataue. To enter INSIDE the Pyramids you need a ticket which is issued on entry-Limited to 150 per day and must be purchased before 9am- or after 1.30pm daily. Cost is $13.00. Speak to your Tour Leader about obtaining the tickets and getting there early enough and he/she will assist you.
Nefertaris Tomb:
Is limited to 100 visitors per day, and is not included in any of our tours. The entry fee is $33.00 per person for a limited time of 10 minutes inside the tomb. Your TL can advise you on when the best time is available for you to visit. It is not included in the tour and your visit to the tomb will be outside of the itinerary, in your free time.
VALLEY OF THE KINGS:
At the Valley of The Kings the entry ticket allows you to visit THREE tombs. As this is winter, much repair and excavation goes on and which tombs are open depends on the authorities.
As of today: Seti 1 - Ramses 1 - Ramses 6 - and Horemheb are closed.
Our guide usually visits Ramses 4 as the reliefs and the tomb is beautiful, large and has enough room for the groups to move, plus the walls are a mass of colour. Excellent for photos (Photographing costs extra and no flash is allowed)
Mernbtah (Son of Ramses II) tomb is a second choice as it is beautiful, with the tomb inside in perfect condition.
Ramses 9's tomb would be reccommended by the guide for the thrid tomb as it shows complete and unfinished work where the chief artist has sketched work for the workers to follow and as the king died work stopped. So the work is seen in many stages from start drawings on the walls to the perfect finished drawings.
Sapath is open and would not be reccommended as only a portion of the tomb is complete.
Toawsert is open.
Sennofer is not located in the Valley Of The Kings but in the Deir El Bahri area at the Tombs of the Nobles. This area is not included in this tour.
On DAY 10 of the itinerary you can choose to REMAIN on the West Bank and do some exploring of your own. A taxi can be hired after the group tour ends and is well worth the extra time.
SOUND & LIGHT SHOW'S:
Days 2 & 3 in Cairo allow you to make arrangements to visit the S & L show at the Giza Pyramids. Your Tour Leader will suggest the best ways to get there and the timings for the English shows.
In Luxor on Days 9 & 10 you have time to visit the Karnak S & L show.
Both shows cost $10.00 to enter, not including transport.
ABU SIMBEL: This is not included in the tour and is an option, you can book this prior to arrival with your agent, or book yourself with Egypt Air when you arrive.
Sadly there is only approx 2 hrs at the site. In past years when we arranged our trips by coach we spent the mornings at Abu Simbel. Now the only way to get there is by Egypt Air and you are restricted to their schedules. However the visit is worth it and memorable. There is NO exact time of arrival in Abu Simbel as this is decided by the availability of flights when booked by our Cairo office, depending on the number of the group. Usually it's early morning.
Your questions required this long reply, hope this helps you some.
Cheers
Marty
The Imaginative Traveller
Cairo, Egypt