I visited Egypt in February 2010. We left on a Sunday night for a 10 day tour through Egypt. We flew Egypt Air which was a very good and a smooth flight. On arrival we were met by our tour director to transfer us to the hotel. I never thought that Cairo could be so cold because you assume that you are in the desert and it should be warm. Please remember to take something warm because when you land early in the morning it can get cold especially during the winter.
We stayed at the 4 Star Oases hotel for a few days. Each room of the Oases is designed to meet the most sophisticated traveller`s need. Each room has individually controlled air conditioning with a private bathroom, hair dryer, multi lingual satellite TV program with music channels and wireless speed internet. The first day we just relaxed.
The next day we left to visit the Ancient Pyramids. It was cold in the morning but it was all worth it. It is everything that I expected and more. We went into the second pyramid and it was a bit scary as you go into it especially if you have watched the movie - The Mummy.
We also went to the panoramic view where you can see and take great pictures of all 3 pyramids together. Then we went to see the Sphinx, make sure your camera is ready for it. All the history around it makes you realise how wonderful Egypt is. After all the excitement we ate and visited a few more pyramids. To see the local Egyptian on the road and their homes and their way of living was so exiting and different!
The Egyptian Museum is a must to see. Here you can see all the treasures that were found in some of the tombs and make sure you budget to see the sarcophagus of the mummies.
One thing that also stood out is the Perfume shop because Egypt is the major source of perfume oils. Make sure you visit it and the market by night as well.
The next few days we visited Luxor. We took an overnight train from Cairo to Luxor. We could not sleep due to the excitement but the train was a comfortable journey. Make sure you book the sleeper train. Luxor is a must visit for everyone. We stayed at the 5 Star Sonesta St. George Hotel. It is an amazing hotel and the rooms have a classical elegance and contemporary décor that are reflected throughout the 328 guest rooms and suites, combining eternal style with generous comfort. Richly marble bathrooms and soft lavish fabrics create a relaxing atmosphere, complemented by stunning panoramic views of the Nile River.
There is so much to do. We did a felucca cruise, the local boat of Egypt and cruised down the Nile. We also woke up early one morning and went hot air ballooning where you could see the sunrise and we saw the temples from the sky along with the vegetation.
The Places that we visited in Luxor were:
- Karnak known as the world’s largest open air museum
(Please make sure you have water and comfortable shoes)
- Temple of Luxor by night
- Temple of Hatshepsut: The queen who would be king
- Valley of the kings
- Nefertari`s Tomb
- West Bank and much more….
After all the excitement in the days we relaxed at the hotel and enjoyed the winter sun, had a swim in the pool and enjoyed the Jacuzzi.
After Luxor we went to Dahab at the Red Sea for a few nights where we relaxed!
Egypt is a "must see" visit for everyone. It has historical places to visit and has the combination of relaxation, adventure and history. I will go back any day because there is so much to do and to go and see.
Dahab to be continued…
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