My husband and I going to Egypt and booked a tour ?

Question

Hi. My Husband and I booked a tour for our 1st anniversary to Egypt (http://www.affordabletours.com/search/it/tours/EGWE ) but we have couple of days before and after that we booked on our own. We were wondering what else could we see that we aren't seeing in the tour.

Please view itinerary before responding to question please. Thanks.

Answer 1

Make sure you do the Abu Simbel option, and allow more time at the Cairo museum than the tour seems to allow you.  I wouldn't bother going to Alexandria (quite disappointing).  I would implore you to go to Petra in Jordan which is stunning.  While Cairo has some really interesting things to see, it is a really trying city in terms of overcrowding/pollution/traffic etc. so you don't want to be there too long. If you have the opportunity to do a dawn hot-air balloon ride over the valley of the kings in luxor do it!

Answer 2

Sima:

That is almost a FULL itinerary.  However.....

You should definitely plan for at least ONE day (an overnight is even better) in Alexandria.  It is a beautiful city, and you should have no problem booking a room RIGHT on the Mediterranean.  The seafood restaurants are the best in the world...and you have a wide range from which to choose...My favorites are Khadoura (moderate), Santa Lucia (more expensive), and Taverna (least expensive).  

While not as filled with 'monuments' as Cairo, you can still visit the Roman Theater (only one found in Egypt), Pompey's Pillar and the remains of the Serapeum, the SPECTACULAR new Biblioteca (library), and the catacombs of Kom el Suqafa.  There are many churches and mosques that are worth your time, and if you are there on a Friday, you can visit the stunning Hasameim Synagogue on Nebi Daniel street..the only working synagogue in Alexandria.  It is also a GREAT shopping city.

You might also consider an additional night in Aswan, one of the most relaxed and friendly cities in Egypt.  The people are courteous, warm, and welcoming...and there are a number of good, native restaurants lining the Corniche. Try to check out some of the Island resorts, like Movenpick, and my favorite,  Isis Island resort and spa.  It may convince you to RETURN to Egypt. I have done so 32 times, and am always torn between my two favorite cities...Alexandria and Aswan. While being in Cairo is like being at the heart of the world, it can be overwhelming the first time around. It definitly needs a second viewing!  LOL

p.s. If you need more specific info...please post again.  For arrangements in either Alexandria or Aswan, check in with the local MISR travel agency, Egypt's oldest and largest. They can make the best and most efficient  arrangements for you...they have been my choice since 1979.

Answer 3

If you are saying that you have 2 days.

I would probably take the train to Alexandria.

It is fun to stay overnight at the Hilton Green Plaza.

Some of the sights up there are fun like the catecombs, Fort Quaitby which is the old pharoahs lighthouse (has been built over).

Just being at Green Plaza area is exceptionally nice.

Also the new library in Alex is so beautiful just to walk in it.

There are also some columns and statues and an amphitheater that are remains which are fun to see.

I think it is a 3 hour trip by train but please buy your tickets as soon as you are near any train station.

Also, if you stay in Cairo I would go to Khan El Khalili - the famous markets.

Go to the top of Cairo tower to overlook the city

Eat at Blue Nile #1 there is a choice of restaurants, sometimes I just feel like stopping there at Applebee's to have a good ole American hamburger.

Hire a taxi to just take you around. There are shopping districts like Helopilus

Lastly I would probably go back out to Giza there is a night light show on the pyramids, an ancient boat museum, some shops that you can just walk around or take another form of tranportation around the pyramids. Like riding in a horse drawn carriage.

Also on the way back from Giza to Cairo it is always fun to go to Mokkatam ........the cave church in the heart of garbage city.

You would be amazed at this massive place which hoolds 20,000 people in a service the rock carvings are beautiful too.

I leave for Egypt Friday and can't wait as it will be my 7th trip in 2 years. You will love Luxor it is so beautiful. But I only travel to poverty stricken areas.

Answer 4

at the beginning , go to Alexandria to spend 2 days .

stay in Palestine Hotel in Montaza Gardens , in a room looking onto the Mediterranean.

visit the Library , see the Greek Amphitheatre , The Citadel , have a meal at Fish Market , go around during the 2 days .

after your tour is over , go again to the Egyptian Museum bec it isnt given enough time .

go to Khan El Khalili bazaars and see Egyptian workmanship in brass , silver , and gold .

have a meal at Al Haty that serves grilled kebab and kofta , ie , lamb and minced meat.

enjoy your trip.

Answer 5

Alexandria,

We do prepare overday trips to Alexandria with / without guide

The Typical day starts from 7 am reaching Alex around 10am , we visit the catacomp , the Roman theater , the Qyuetbay citadel , Alexandria  library and end it up with Montazah gardens with the with lunch by the med sea ...

OR ... if you are fed up with the attractions and just wanna go there to see the place and relax we can provide the transfer from and to Cairo

OR you can go and do it on your own ... the train is a nice experience as well

if interested plz let me know

regards

Answer 6

Please check the following options:

Option-1: Alexandria,cleaopatra-IV place, cairo to alexandria by car / flight / rain. 1 night stay.

Option-1: Abu Simbel, site of the Temple of Ramses II (from ASWAN)

either by flight or by Special Bus. 1 day from aswan.

Option-2: Petra, Jordan by cruise / flight / car, 2 nights from egypt.