Hello all. I am planning a trip to Egypt in January 2006 and I would very much like to hear any and all opinions on the Nile Valley and Red Sea tour. I am especially concerened about accomodations and optional excursions. I am not someone who needs 5* luxury, just something clean, safe and comfy. Another big concern: I will be traveling with my father who has difficulty walking great distances, so your opinions on the suitability of this tour will be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Re: Nile Valley & Red Sea
Dear P_M,
Thank you for your post.
The accommodations that we use on our Traveller style tours will be around the 2.5-3 star standard, and although they are clean, safe and comfortable will probably not be like what you are used to in the USA. The resort we use in Hurghada is very nice, as is the MS Melodie, our cruise boat. You will probably find you don't spend a lot of time in your hotel room.
With regards to the excursions and walking, you probably don't need to worry too much. The longest you will spend looking around sites is 2-3 hours, and although it can be tiring in the heat it is not vast amounts of walking. There is more "standing" listening to guides, so if your father would not be too comfortable with this we can make sure the tour leader is aware, and the guide can choose an appropriate talking spot where there is somewhere to sit, too.
The donkey ride to the Valley of the Kings is fantastic fun, but again if your father was not sure about doing this he would be able to take a taxi instead and meet the rest of the group there. The tour leader could advise on arranging this.
I hope this is helpful - if anyone else has other advice about this tour please don't hesitate to post.
Thanks!
Re: Nile Valley & Red Sea
I travelled on the Nile Valley and Red Sea tour in May 2004 and had a lot of fun. The accomodations are not the most luxurious, but is what I would categorize as "budget" and someone in Egypt told us that there is an eight star rating there instead of five. So 3 out of 8 stars sounds like a more appropriate rating for some of the hotels we stayed at (namely Salma Hotel in Cairo), although Hurgada was definitely a nicer hotel than the others. I am not a "back packing" type and have never stayed in a hostel, but I think the accomodations were a step above. I'm glad to hear that the company now uses a new cruise boat, since I didn't have much to recommend about the MS Amy. However, overall, my friends and I had a fantastic time. The small group size was a definite plus and allowed for more flexibility. Imaginative traveller provides excellent local guides and has a lot of flexibility to add any optional excursions that the group is willing to do. When I went in May, it was extremely hot in Luxor, and that would be the only area I would have been concerned for your father, since the group also opted to hike from the Valley of the Kings up through the Theban hills to see Queen Hatchepsut's Temple. But every site has places to sit and he can take a taxi between points if he doesn't feel up to the donkey rides. Other than that and maybe climbing inside the pyramids, there were no other activities that would require a lot of walking that was part of the tour. I hope this helps.
Re: Nile Valley & Red Sea
Thank you both for such helpful info, I really appreciate your input. It sounds like this will be a good trip for Dad, and I am so excited about this!! We are taking the January 22 departure so hopefully heat won't be an issue. We get enough heat at home in Texas. UGH. Anyway, thanks again for your nice replies.
Re: Nile Valley & Red Sea
Hello PM,
Just thought I would add my own thoughts. The Imaginative Traveller runs extremely well organised tours, their tour leaders are with the group 24/7. They are happy to reorganise tour plans to suit each tour.
Whilst the Salam Hotel in Cairo isn't a multi star facility, it is clean, with very friendly staff. The rooms are cleaned daily, with fresh linen etc changed on a daily basis.
The cruise boat Melodi I can't comment on as I haven't been on a tour with Melodi as yet. I can, however, comment on Amy. I have done 2 tours on Amy, the first in 1999. The second in Dec 03. Since the first tour in March 99, Amy had been refurbished & was very comfortable. I have always enjoyed the days onboard Amy & was sorry to hear that she had been replaced.
If your father doesn't feel up to walking, the best solution is to organise a taxi for him on a daily basis. This won't be overly expensive & will make him feel more comfortable. Ensure you carry plenty of water. Which is cheaper from the street vendors, just ensure seals are intact.
January will be much cooler. When I travelled to Egypt in Dec 03/Jan 04, I left Australia's 40 +c temps....at times I nearly froze BUT Egypt was experiencing one of it's coldest winters on record. I would suggest you take clothes that you can layer & pack a wind proof jacket.
If I can help in any way, please let me know. Hope you both have a wonderful holiday.....Debbie.
Re: Nile Valley & Red Sea
Thank you Debbie, and thanks once again to everyone.
Hi
The accommodations that we use on our Traveller style tours will be around the 2.5-3 star standard, and although they are clean, safe and comfortable will probably not be like what you are used to in the USA. PDF Password Remover for Mac