| Egypt - summer (10 posts) |
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Allo, folks,
I'm subjecting myself to the summer heat of Egypt this July. Does anyone have any suggestions? I plan on taking my Camelbak and very light clothes, but there's always little tidbits you only learn from being there.
Also, I'll be using a pre-set tour schedule, but will be looking for opprotunities to break away in Cairo, Luxor, and Abu Simbel. Any suggestions on what to do or see off the beaten path? Thanks!
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Hi, Ive just come back from a week in Egypt. Booked a cheap week in Luxor and took the train to Cairo for three nights. The trains are excellent and VERY cheap £6 for a first class airconditioned, big seat for the 10 hour journey cairo to luxor, and the scenery on the way is fabulous. Cairo was much more comfortable, being several degrees cooler, and I wouldn't wish to be there any later in the year than we were! I booked the Gresham Hotel in Cairo for something like £2 each per night and we had our own bathroom and air conditioning. It's very basic, as the price would suggest, but it's right in the centre, and the people were lovely, very friendly and welcoming. Don't do the sound and light at Luxor, its far too long and boring and expensive. Go out as early as possible, not just for the heat-we got to the pyramids at Giza before 8 am and there was nobody around. It was magical - much better without all those damned tourists! Have a great time
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Make sure those clothes are VERY light, because in July it is almost unbearable heat (around 50 degrees)! I agree with the do things early or late, as you just can't go out in the mid-afternoon heat. We didn't stay in places with a pool, but you can pay like 10 Egyptian pounds to hang out for the day at the pool area in some of the big hotels. In Cairo, the bar @ the Hilton has fantastic air-con, beer is a bit pricey but they serve unlimited free crudites at the bar Make sure you cover your arms & wear trousers or a long sarong as the women tend to spit at you if you don't
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because of hot in summer you have to suggestion
first to make your tour program at morning and finish it before the noon time and
second turned your trip to be in the north of Egypt and it is also so interesting
including Cairo (pyramids,Egyptian museum.),Alexandria(under water museum,the old roman city of Alex.),port said (you can have a trip in Suez canal),Sinai (holly mountain........),Rosetta city(houses back to 500 years ago and the old market...............
if you need more information you welcome e mail me
regards and have a nice time in egypt
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When in Cairo, beware of the papyrus "Musuem" scam. Someone will offer to take you to the pyramiads with a small stop at the "musuem".
Also, don't let the hassling get to you. keep in mind it's the only way alot egyptians make any money.
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I had a bit of a problem with it because we're vegetarian and I didn't really find many places. Maxims in Luxor is very good, with international cuisine. The bill was about £6.50 for two of us, and we had plenty to eat. In Cairo there are plenty of fast food outlets, but that wasn't what I wanted - you can have a Dominos pizza anywhere. We bought lovely fresh fruit from the market, again very cheap, but I think I would try to research a bit more in advance next time. The Felafel chain was recommended, but again, not good for vegetarians.
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Another tip is to try the taxis for excursions, instead of the travel agents. We had a taxi take us to the pyramids and sphinx, to Memphis and Sakara all in one day. He picked us up at 7.30 am and dropped us off at 1.30 pm. He was very patient, stopping anywhere I wanted for as long as I wanted, to take photographs, and we went for many miles. All this for £10. We gave him £15 and he was overcome and almost in tears with gratitude. Made me feel guilty. And try to avoid the guides who latch on to you everywhere you go; some of them are useful and give good information, but they can be a complete ripoff. Only by the end had I learned how to say no at the very beginning, because they start by just talking to you; before you know it, they're guiding you round whether you want them to or not.
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I visited Egypt in Oct / Nov 04 and found it really interesting. I would advise you to check out coptic cairo and the citidel but to go as early as possible as when they are crowded you won't see a thing. With the mueseum - i'd advise you to check the opening times at the entrance, when we were there it closed early as we were there during Ramadan but you can never be too sure.. If you do go it will take more then one visit to see everything !
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And I have to admit too to loving the khan el khalili. Im pretty good at refusing to buy things I dont want, and found a great area full of old second hand and antique bits. I needed a brass ball for my antique bed, couldn't get one for love nor money here,and got some made while I was there! There are real artisans in Egypt, the like of which are increasingly rare in Great Britain.
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Thanks for info, i m planning my holidays Egypt this summer.
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