Hi there,
I need some help—I’d like to bring an Egyptian friend to France, but booking an appointment for the visa on the TLS site is impossible!
Visa applications usually go through the TLScontact center, which is authorized by the French Consulate General in Cairo. You’re supposed to book an appointment via their platform, but I’ve been trying for weeks with no luck. Still no available slots!!
GETTING AN APPOINTMENT ON THE TLS SITE IS MISSION IMPOSSIBLE!
What can I do? Do you have any other suggestions, please?
Thanks for your attention and help,
39 similar discussions in English
Hi everyone,
Since I had trouble finding up-to-date info, here’s an update on some key points for Jordan/Egypt ferries as of August 2025.
Right now, AB Maritime is the only company still operating ferries. Other companies sometimes mentioned (Jordan Sinaï Hotel and Tour, Sinaï Ferry, etc.) have stopped running (no response by phone or email, and confirmed on-site).
On the Jordanian side, the fast ferry doesn’t leave from the port of Aqaba but from Tala Bay (20 km further south). There’s supposedly a slow ferry that departs in the evening from Aqaba port (according to a taxi driver), but I couldn’t find any info about it.
Currently, there’s one ferry per day in each direction for Aqaba/Taba and another for Aqaba/Nuweiba. But the schedules aren’t great for backpackers—and they’re not the same every day.
On the Jordanian side at Tala Bay, you access the port by walking through a large resort, go through border control before boarding the ferry (+ luggage check). You have to pay the exit tax of 10 JOD (12 €) to "someone sitting on a bench in front"!!! It’s true—you need to ask who to pay, or customs won’t let you through without the magic coupon. Oddly, I arrived early and managed to take a different ferry than the one I’d booked online by insisting (it wasn’t open for online reservations). I bought the ticket on the AB Maritime website. Confirmation by email was brief. Then you have to find another person outside the port who has the passenger list and will give you the actual ticket. (What a joy this organization is!) Luckily, everyone’s really friendly with tourists.
On the Egyptian side, arrival in Taba isn’t in Taba itself but at Taba Heights (20 km further south), in a hotel zone. Immigration can be more or less quick depending on your place in the queue at the single office... (free Sinai visa or paid Egypt visa). And outside... nothing. Nothing: no exchange bureau, no ATM, no drink or SIM vendor... A nightmare. No bus station. One or two taxis at prohibitive prices. Personally, I walked about fifteen minutes to the Strand Hotel to find someone who could actually help me (ATM out of service in that big resort). From there, two bus companies currently operate: Webus in small vans but you have to book at least 2 days in advance (frequent, fast, reasonable prices) or GoBus with large buses (only one per day, even cheaper). They head south to Nuweiba, Sharm El Sheikh, etc. A taxi from Taba to Sharm was quoted at 120 USD at the port exit!
For me, the ferry and GoBus schedules didn’t align at all. If I’d known about Webus earlier, I could’ve saved 6 hours of waiting...
On another note, a Taiwanese traveler I met also mentioned that the Hurghada-Sharm El Sheikh ferry is no longer running.
Basically, these border crossings and ferries are more suited to organized tours than backpackers, but it’s still doable.
Since I had trouble finding up-to-date info, here’s an update on some key points for Jordan/Egypt ferries as of August 2025.
Right now, AB Maritime is the only company still operating ferries. Other companies sometimes mentioned (Jordan Sinaï Hotel and Tour, Sinaï Ferry, etc.) have stopped running (no response by phone or email, and confirmed on-site).
On the Jordanian side, the fast ferry doesn’t leave from the port of Aqaba but from Tala Bay (20 km further south). There’s supposedly a slow ferry that departs in the evening from Aqaba port (according to a taxi driver), but I couldn’t find any info about it.
Currently, there’s one ferry per day in each direction for Aqaba/Taba and another for Aqaba/Nuweiba. But the schedules aren’t great for backpackers—and they’re not the same every day.
On the Jordanian side at Tala Bay, you access the port by walking through a large resort, go through border control before boarding the ferry (+ luggage check). You have to pay the exit tax of 10 JOD (12 €) to "someone sitting on a bench in front"!!! It’s true—you need to ask who to pay, or customs won’t let you through without the magic coupon. Oddly, I arrived early and managed to take a different ferry than the one I’d booked online by insisting (it wasn’t open for online reservations). I bought the ticket on the AB Maritime website. Confirmation by email was brief. Then you have to find another person outside the port who has the passenger list and will give you the actual ticket. (What a joy this organization is!) Luckily, everyone’s really friendly with tourists.
On the Egyptian side, arrival in Taba isn’t in Taba itself but at Taba Heights (20 km further south), in a hotel zone. Immigration can be more or less quick depending on your place in the queue at the single office... (free Sinai visa or paid Egypt visa). And outside... nothing. Nothing: no exchange bureau, no ATM, no drink or SIM vendor... A nightmare. No bus station. One or two taxis at prohibitive prices. Personally, I walked about fifteen minutes to the Strand Hotel to find someone who could actually help me (ATM out of service in that big resort). From there, two bus companies currently operate: Webus in small vans but you have to book at least 2 days in advance (frequent, fast, reasonable prices) or GoBus with large buses (only one per day, even cheaper). They head south to Nuweiba, Sharm El Sheikh, etc. A taxi from Taba to Sharm was quoted at 120 USD at the port exit!
For me, the ferry and GoBus schedules didn’t align at all. If I’d known about Webus earlier, I could’ve saved 6 hours of waiting...
On another note, a Taiwanese traveler I met also mentioned that the Hurghada-Sharm El Sheikh ferry is no longer running.
Basically, these border crossings and ferries are more suited to organized tours than backpackers, but it’s still doable.
February 9 - Day 1
"So, my little wanderers, back at the decks? What’s this mystery destination you’ve got in store for us at the start of the year?"
Yes, the schoolyard bell’s ringing again! We’re hitting the road... or rather, the skies! At first glance, our destination might surprise more than a few. First off, simply because I was here exactly twenty years ago, and I don’t usually like retracing my own footsteps. Secondly, because the name of this place screams mass tourism—basically the opposite of what Flo and I look for.
Despite that, in this land of backsheesh, I’d promised myself I’d come back one day to experience it my way. And since Flo told me, during our wanderer chats, that this destination straddling Africa and the Middle East was in her top 2 travel dreams, the stars aligned for this roots-style trip to quickly make it onto our pharaonic festivities program! Unless you’re totally clueless in general knowledge, you’ve probably guessed by now—we’re off to Egypt! Of course, a few classics will be on our itinerary, but above all, we want to soak up a culture that can’t be appreciated in four-star resorts or on a Nile cruise boat. And let’s be clear, these next two weeks won’t be a walk in the park—neither for our two daughters who are joining us, nor for our bodies!
And that’s clear from the get-go: after our first flight, eight hours of trying (and failing) to sleep on Milan airport’s metal seats, our second flight, landing, passport stamps, our Uber ride, and our first Cairo kilometers, we finally drop our exhaustion at the little guesthouse we booked in Giza. Doesn’t all that energy deserve a little reward?
Oh, absolutely! And here it is: a full-on slap in the face for everyone! But just look at this view from our hotel terrace? For 20 € a night for four, even with this incredible view, I figured the room must be pretty shabby, right? Nope... Is the staff rude, then? Nope... Okay, so what’s the catch? You’re gonna tell me breakfast is included too? Well, yes! Honestly, this Egypt trip is off to a great start.
And the rest of the afternoon, spent rubbing shoulders with locals, only confirmed this vibe. After digesting our pyramid view, we dove into the hustle and bustle of our neighborhood with the goal of exchanging money, eating at street stalls, and testing the hospitality of the locals. Ten out of ten!
Eight little sun breads with baba ganoush and falafel? 80 pounds, or 1.5 €. A dozen Middle Eastern pastries? Same! 80 pounds! Two hawawshis, those little pita breads stuffed with meat and spices? 10 pounds each, or about twenty cents! Not to mention all those smiles and free "welcomes" left and right!!!
What a welcome! We end this first day with a sunset over the three sisters of Giza—where we’ll obviously be gawking tomorrow...
https://voyageforum.com/images/posts/small/1789072399-cCyLDYuFwPLAZTY.jpg
"So, my little wanderers, back at the decks? What’s this mystery destination you’ve got in store for us at the start of the year?"
Yes, the schoolyard bell’s ringing again! We’re hitting the road... or rather, the skies! At first glance, our destination might surprise more than a few. First off, simply because I was here exactly twenty years ago, and I don’t usually like retracing my own footsteps. Secondly, because the name of this place screams mass tourism—basically the opposite of what Flo and I look for.
Despite that, in this land of backsheesh, I’d promised myself I’d come back one day to experience it my way. And since Flo told me, during our wanderer chats, that this destination straddling Africa and the Middle East was in her top 2 travel dreams, the stars aligned for this roots-style trip to quickly make it onto our pharaonic festivities program! Unless you’re totally clueless in general knowledge, you’ve probably guessed by now—we’re off to Egypt! Of course, a few classics will be on our itinerary, but above all, we want to soak up a culture that can’t be appreciated in four-star resorts or on a Nile cruise boat. And let’s be clear, these next two weeks won’t be a walk in the park—neither for our two daughters who are joining us, nor for our bodies!
And that’s clear from the get-go: after our first flight, eight hours of trying (and failing) to sleep on Milan airport’s metal seats, our second flight, landing, passport stamps, our Uber ride, and our first Cairo kilometers, we finally drop our exhaustion at the little guesthouse we booked in Giza. Doesn’t all that energy deserve a little reward?
Oh, absolutely! And here it is: a full-on slap in the face for everyone! But just look at this view from our hotel terrace? For 20 € a night for four, even with this incredible view, I figured the room must be pretty shabby, right? Nope... Is the staff rude, then? Nope... Okay, so what’s the catch? You’re gonna tell me breakfast is included too? Well, yes! Honestly, this Egypt trip is off to a great start.
And the rest of the afternoon, spent rubbing shoulders with locals, only confirmed this vibe. After digesting our pyramid view, we dove into the hustle and bustle of our neighborhood with the goal of exchanging money, eating at street stalls, and testing the hospitality of the locals. Ten out of ten!
Eight little sun breads with baba ganoush and falafel? 80 pounds, or 1.5 €. A dozen Middle Eastern pastries? Same! 80 pounds! Two hawawshis, those little pita breads stuffed with meat and spices? 10 pounds each, or about twenty cents! Not to mention all those smiles and free "welcomes" left and right!!!
What a welcome! We end this first day with a sunset over the three sisters of Giza—where we’ll obviously be gawking tomorrow...
https://voyageforum.com/images/posts/small/1789072399-cCyLDYuFwPLAZTY.jpg
Hi,
I’d like to know if Uber works for a trip between Marsa Alam and Hurghada Airport? Thanks
With the admission price for the new Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, is an audio guide included, or can we get one as an extra? (I can’t find the info anywhere.)
Thanks
Hi everyone,
For an Egypt e-visa application, they ask online:
Country you’re traveling from
Now, if you’re French but leaving from Italy, for example, what do you put?
Has anyone been in this situation before?
Thanks
Hello,
We’d like to spend a week in Luxor and Aswan in February.
I’d asked a tour operator to organize the trip for us, but I think it’s way too expensive for what’s included.
So I’m going to try to plan it myself, and with your help if you don’t mind.
We’re 76 and 77 years old and in good shape, but I doubt we’ll be getting up at 6 a.m. every day. I bought a paper guidebook, but I haven’t read it all yet.
We arrive on a Saturday at 5 p.m. and leave the following Saturday at 6 p.m.
Here’s what I’d like to do:
The first three days in Luxor:
- Valley of the Kings: 3 tombs + Seti I and Ramses VI, and Hatshepsut; see the Colossi of Memnon along the way. Ramesseum???
First question: How much time do we need for this? I can’t figure it out. Can we see anything else the same day without feeling overwhelmed or too tired?
- Karnak Temple: Should we start with it or with Luxor Temple? How much time for both? Sound and light show in the evening? Or just Luxor Temple illuminated? Can the Avenue of Sphinxes be seen separately?
- Valley of the Nobles (2 combined tickets), Artisans’ Village, and Medinet Habu: Same question—how much time? Can we see anything else?
No one ever talks about lunch or going back to visit in the afternoon. Is it too hot? I saw there are one or two small restaurants near the temples—do you know any? Or is it better to go back to Luxor?
What’s a fair price for a taxi for a day like this? We’ll probably stay on the East Bank.
- Day 4: Then we’d like to go to Aswan, stopping at Edfu and Kom Ombo along the way. I’ve seen prices around 140 € for a private car with a driver.
- Day 5: Unfortunately, no matter how I rearrange the days, we’ll only have one day for Abu Simbel. I’ve seen prices around 140–150 €. I don’t plan on getting up at 3 a.m.—what time should we leave so it’s not too bad? We won’t have much time to explore Aswan after two days on the road plus a third to return to Luxor.
- Day 6: Philae Temple—I’ve read a lot of comments saying it’s a madhouse to get the boat. How much should we pay to avoid haggling for hours??? How much time for the visit? Return to Luxor—I was tempted to take the train, but so far I’ve only seen options very early in the morning. The price is also around 150 €. - Day 7: In Luxor, since our flight leaves at 6 p.m., I thought we’d visit the Luxor Museum. Does this itinerary seem reasonable? Is there another way to organize it? Of course, if you know drivers who offer good rates, I’m interested—but I want a good driver who doesn’t drive too fast, a car with AC and in good condition for the long trips (we’re not 20 anymore). Thanks for reading this far, and all your advice is welcome! Annaïck
- Karnak Temple: Should we start with it or with Luxor Temple? How much time for both? Sound and light show in the evening? Or just Luxor Temple illuminated? Can the Avenue of Sphinxes be seen separately?
- Valley of the Nobles (2 combined tickets), Artisans’ Village, and Medinet Habu: Same question—how much time? Can we see anything else?
No one ever talks about lunch or going back to visit in the afternoon. Is it too hot? I saw there are one or two small restaurants near the temples—do you know any? Or is it better to go back to Luxor?
What’s a fair price for a taxi for a day like this? We’ll probably stay on the East Bank.
- Day 4: Then we’d like to go to Aswan, stopping at Edfu and Kom Ombo along the way. I’ve seen prices around 140 € for a private car with a driver.
- Day 5: Unfortunately, no matter how I rearrange the days, we’ll only have one day for Abu Simbel. I’ve seen prices around 140–150 €. I don’t plan on getting up at 3 a.m.—what time should we leave so it’s not too bad? We won’t have much time to explore Aswan after two days on the road plus a third to return to Luxor.
- Day 6: Philae Temple—I’ve read a lot of comments saying it’s a madhouse to get the boat. How much should we pay to avoid haggling for hours??? How much time for the visit? Return to Luxor—I was tempted to take the train, but so far I’ve only seen options very early in the morning. The price is also around 150 €. - Day 7: In Luxor, since our flight leaves at 6 p.m., I thought we’d visit the Luxor Museum. Does this itinerary seem reasonable? Is there another way to organize it? Of course, if you know drivers who offer good rates, I’m interested—but I want a good driver who doesn’t drive too fast, a car with AC and in good condition for the long trips (we’re not 20 anymore). Thanks for reading this far, and all your advice is welcome! Annaïck
Hello everyone,
I’m going on a trip to Egypt, and I booked it through a travel agency (Fram). The trip is in October...
After reading my contract more closely, I saw that the visa would cost me 95 €, but if I apply for it in advance, it’ll only be around 25 €.
I can’t find the link that lets me do it myself, for a fee of course.
Can anyone help me? Thanks a million!
Hi,
I’ll be in Cairo in early November and I’m looking to join a group for a day trip to Saqqara, Dahshur, and Memphis. I’m staying in Giza.
Any agencies you’d recommend?
Thanks in advance,
Philippe
I’ll be in Cairo in early November and I’m looking to join a group for a day trip to Saqqara, Dahshur, and Memphis. I’m staying in Giza.
Any agencies you’d recommend?
Thanks in advance,
Philippe
The consulate tells me my French residence permit needs to be valid for at least 6 months after I leave Egypt, but my permit will only be valid for 5 months and a few days by my departure date from Egypt.
Is it still doable to get a visa on arrival (at the airport)?
Thanks in advance to anyone who can answer me.
Hi, it seems like you have to leave a deposit when you board the Nile cruise boat, and that it’s possible to pay in cash (in EGP). Could you confirm the amount per person in EGP? Thanks.
Hi,
We’d like to travel from Aswan to Luxor by private car, with stops at Kom Ombo and Edfu—but without a guide. I contacted an agency that’s offering the trip for 140 € for 3 people. I don’t really have a sense of pricing yet, but it seems a bit steep since the two cities aren’t *that* far apart. I get that the driver might have to return empty. Also, the agency wants us to leave early due to checkpoints where drivers have to report by a certain time. They’re also asking for copies of our passports in advance (government rules?).
Is this always the case, or is it possible to travel without these constraints? Thanks, Aquab10
We’d like to travel from Aswan to Luxor by private car, with stops at Kom Ombo and Edfu—but without a guide. I contacted an agency that’s offering the trip for 140 € for 3 people. I don’t really have a sense of pricing yet, but it seems a bit steep since the two cities aren’t *that* far apart. I get that the driver might have to return empty. Also, the agency wants us to leave early due to checkpoints where drivers have to report by a certain time. They’re also asking for copies of our passports in advance (government rules?).
Is this always the case, or is it possible to travel without these constraints? Thanks, Aquab10
Hello,
We’re heading to Hurghada for the end-of-year holidays—could you recommend some excursions for us (we’re a couple with our 14-year-old son)? Any trustworthy agencies you’d suggest? Do we need a visa?
Looking forward to your tips. Best regards
We’re heading to Hurghada for the end-of-year holidays—could you recommend some excursions for us (we’re a couple with our 14-year-old son)? Any trustworthy agencies you’d suggest? Do we need a visa?
Looking forward to your tips. Best regards
Hello fellow members,
Hope you're all doing well—it’s really great to see the site up and running again! Back in 2022, I booked a round-trip flight to Cairo/Paris via eDreams. The outbound was with Saudia: Cairo > Jeddah > Paris. The return was supposed to be in September 2022 with Aegean: Paris > Athens > Cairo. At the end of July, I got an email saying my flight was canceled by the airline. I immediately requested a refund, and they told me it would take 6 months to process. And since then—nothing. I’ve followed up with eDreams multiple times, but they just redirected me to Aegean, whose contact seems impossible to reach.
Do you have any leads or a contact address to follow up with them? Have any of you had similar experiences? Were you eventually refunded?
Amina
Hope you're all doing well—it’s really great to see the site up and running again! Back in 2022, I booked a round-trip flight to Cairo/Paris via eDreams. The outbound was with Saudia: Cairo > Jeddah > Paris. The return was supposed to be in September 2022 with Aegean: Paris > Athens > Cairo. At the end of July, I got an email saying my flight was canceled by the airline. I immediately requested a refund, and they told me it would take 6 months to process. And since then—nothing. I’ve followed up with eDreams multiple times, but they just redirected me to Aegean, whose contact seems impossible to reach.
Do you have any leads or a contact address to follow up with them? Have any of you had similar experiences? Were you eventually refunded?
Amina
Is there an official website or list of certified Egyptologist guides in Egypt? And most importantly, what are the normal prices for a full day or half day? There’s so much scamming and crazy pricing—depending on who you contact, it can range from simple to quadruple!!!!
Thanks
Hi everyone,
We’re going on a Nile cruise.
My question:
We’re taking off from Brussels Airport to land in Cairo.
Then we have to catch a second flight to Luxor.
How does that work—do we pick up our luggage, do we have to exit and then re-enter the airport?
Thanks for your help, tips, and advice, etc.…
I’ve read everything and its opposite in travel guides and online. It seems that hotel owners—and the government—require tourists to pay in foreign currency rather than the local one (pounds). This is a huge problem for me since I’ll be in Egypt for 3 months. I can’t exactly walk around with thousands of dollars on me (I’m from Quebec). I could pay with a credit card—easier—but I think there’s an extra fee. Is that really the case? But what do I do if a small-town hotel doesn’t accept credit cards??? I thought about using a WISE debit card, but again, what if the place doesn’t have a payment terminal??? Can I hope that some establishments in less touristy areas might accept payment in pounds? And most importantly: does the same issue apply to paying for entry to archaeological sites??? A big thank you for your insights—I’m totally in the DARK here!!!
Marc Lamarre
Marc Lamarre
Hello,
There are two of us, and we’re spending a few days in Luxor (after a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, likely with Terres d'Égypte). On the way back, we’ve planned: - The evening of April 17th: the Karnak Sound and Light show - April 18th: a hot-air balloon ride - After the balloon ride on April 18th, we’re heading to Marsa Alam to join a group leaving for Sataya; our boat departs on the 19th.
Do you know what the cost of a Luxor to Marsa Alam transfer is? I’ve seen prices that vary wildly—some double what others quote—and I’m not sure what budget to plan for.
Can we organize the Karnak Sound and Light show and the hot-air balloon ride on our own, or is it complicated? If you also know of a reliable local agency for transfers and excursions, I’d love to hear about it.
Thanks for your tips!
There are two of us, and we’re spending a few days in Luxor (after a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, likely with Terres d'Égypte). On the way back, we’ve planned: - The evening of April 17th: the Karnak Sound and Light show - April 18th: a hot-air balloon ride - After the balloon ride on April 18th, we’re heading to Marsa Alam to join a group leaving for Sataya; our boat departs on the 19th.
Do you know what the cost of a Luxor to Marsa Alam transfer is? I’ve seen prices that vary wildly—some double what others quote—and I’m not sure what budget to plan for.
Can we organize the Karnak Sound and Light show and the hot-air balloon ride on our own, or is it complicated? If you also know of a reliable local agency for transfers and excursions, I’d love to hear about it.
Thanks for your tips!
We just got back from a trip to Egypt: 2 days in Cairo, then a week on the Nile with a cruise through a tour operator.
An incredible discovery of the Pyramids of Cairo—such an emotional moment! Then a wonderful stroll along the Nile, where we leisurely soaked in the "life" along this river.
An exceptional guide who transported us back less than 4,000–5,000 years BC...
But here’s the thing—because there’s often a "BUT"—the flip side is discovering a *very* polluted country! Even on the Nile, the number of boats is staggering (I went barefoot on the boat one day, and by the end of the day, my feet were black with soot?).
In Cairo, with nearly 20 million inhabitants, there’s trash everywhere (except around the airport and villa areas). We even saw a dead cow with stray dogs eating its "innards"—but no one seemed bothered! By the way, there are *tons* of wild dogs in Egypt and very few... cats!
One day after our arrival, we had to pay our entry visa to the guide on the bus—and *only* in cash? 95 EUROS???? A disgrace, since the visa price is $25 (as stated on the visa stamp)... Someone needs to explain where that money goes???
The excursions (optional ones) are *five times* more expensive than the posted rates for tourists. There are two prices: one for Egyptians (which makes sense, given an average salary of 360 euros/month). On top of that, the cruise manager asked us to pay half in cash and half by card (we refused and paid everything in cash). First time I’ve ever seen that payment method for excursions—where *does* the money go?...
During a stop in Aswan, we wanted to visit the Nubian Museum (amazing!). We took a carriage, and before leaving, we agreed on a round-trip price of 20 euros for 4 people to take us to the museum. It was all good with the driver—who called himself "Michel" and his poor horse, Rambo. On the way back, of course, he caused a scene, demanding *much* more... We refused and gave him the 20 euros we’d agreed on. But then, as if by chance, this same carriage driver stopped for a man who asked us to exchange two 20-euro bills and 10 one-euro coins for a 50-euro bill. I pulled out my 50-euro note while talking to Michel, and the other guy claimed I’d given him a 10-euro bill?? He handed me the bill—so you get the scam!
So, be *very* careful with carriage drivers and their "colleagues"!
Drinks on board are outrageously priced—a simple beer (Stella) costs 5 euros, and the wine is undrinkable...
Tips are expected in euros—they won’t accept Egyptian pounds... and of course, you’re constantly harassed to exchange 5-euro or 10-euro bills, or even more! They end up with tons of coins, so we did it at first, but after a while, it’s just not possible—they insist way too much!
I’ll stop here—it’s already quite long. So, a mixed-feelings trip overall...
philippe
philippe
I’m stuck in the airport on a layover, so here’s what I wish I’d known before I left! :)
When I arrived, I got scammed right away at the VODAFONE stand in the airport. They sold me a 20 GB SIM card for 10 €—cash only because their terminal wasn’t working—and it stopped working the next day… After that, I got an Orange SIM in town for 10 €, and it worked perfectly.
I’d booked my airport transfer online with B… for 7 €, but it’s even cheaper on the spot with Indrive—I paid 4 € for the return trip. Indrive helps you avoid getting ripped off, because scamming is basically the national sport here…
Naama Bay, along with Old Sharm, is the heart of the nightlife: a few bars with music and shisha, and tons of shops selling knockoffs. The beach is nice, but there aren’t any corals.
Watch out: the beaches are all paid, costing around 2 to 3 € each time, and you’ll be packed in like sardines on sun loungers that are all squished together! Only hotels have private beaches, often with a shuttle running once or twice a day. Good to know if you’re thinking of renting an apartment…
Another issue with apartments is the food—there’s not much variety in the small supermarkets.
There’s apparently a free beach in Hadaba, but I couldn’t find it. I did find Shark Bay, which is amazing… but it’s a bit far.
At first, I rented an apartment, but I ended up switching to all-inclusive stays at different hotels for the same price…
AVOID booking with STAYFORLONG!!! I booked an all-inclusive stay through them, and when I arrived, the hotel told me it was only half-board! I couldn’t get in touch with them at all… That site is a total scam.
In early February, it’s chilly at night but hot in the sun during the day. The pool water is pretty cold, but the sea is fine for swimming.
The corals are incredible! Take advantage of them!!!
That said, once you’re out of the water, there’s not much else to do…
When I arrived, I got scammed right away at the VODAFONE stand in the airport. They sold me a 20 GB SIM card for 10 €—cash only because their terminal wasn’t working—and it stopped working the next day… After that, I got an Orange SIM in town for 10 €, and it worked perfectly.
I’d booked my airport transfer online with B… for 7 €, but it’s even cheaper on the spot with Indrive—I paid 4 € for the return trip. Indrive helps you avoid getting ripped off, because scamming is basically the national sport here…
Naama Bay, along with Old Sharm, is the heart of the nightlife: a few bars with music and shisha, and tons of shops selling knockoffs. The beach is nice, but there aren’t any corals.
Watch out: the beaches are all paid, costing around 2 to 3 € each time, and you’ll be packed in like sardines on sun loungers that are all squished together! Only hotels have private beaches, often with a shuttle running once or twice a day. Good to know if you’re thinking of renting an apartment…
Another issue with apartments is the food—there’s not much variety in the small supermarkets.
There’s apparently a free beach in Hadaba, but I couldn’t find it. I did find Shark Bay, which is amazing… but it’s a bit far.
At first, I rented an apartment, but I ended up switching to all-inclusive stays at different hotels for the same price…
AVOID booking with STAYFORLONG!!! I booked an all-inclusive stay through them, and when I arrived, the hotel told me it was only half-board! I couldn’t get in touch with them at all… That site is a total scam.
In early February, it’s chilly at night but hot in the sun during the day. The pool water is pretty cold, but the sea is fine for swimming.
The corals are incredible! Take advantage of them!!!
That said, once you’re out of the water, there’s not much else to do…
Hi everyone,
I’m planning to bike around the Mediterranean. I’m supposed to go through North Africa, but it seems a bit complicated. Visas and travel in Algeria and Egypt only work if you book a hotel (no nights spent outside?). Libya is generally very unclear, and it seems you can only travel there with a local guide (which doesn’t exist for bike trips). If necessary, I’d skip Libya, but neither a bus ride nor a boat detour seems possible to enter Egypt.
Does anyone have tips on how to get around these issues and secure a visa?
Thanks for any advice!
I’m planning to bike around the Mediterranean. I’m supposed to go through North Africa, but it seems a bit complicated. Visas and travel in Algeria and Egypt only work if you book a hotel (no nights spent outside?). Libya is generally very unclear, and it seems you can only travel there with a local guide (which doesn’t exist for bike trips). If necessary, I’d skip Libya, but neither a bus ride nor a boat detour seems possible to enter Egypt.
Does anyone have tips on how to get around these issues and secure a visa?
Thanks for any advice!
Hi! I’m planning a trip to Egypt in July with my 14-year-old daughter. We’ll spend a week in Cairo visiting different sites, and then we’d like to take a cruise for several days (4 to 6 days) from Luxor to Aswan. Should I take the train or a flight from Cairo to Luxor? Thanks for your advice!
Best, F
Best, F
Hello,
Taking the boat from VENICE to Alexandria is easier than going through Tunisia and Libya.
We’re putting together a group to split costs for a trip in 2011 or early 2012.
Inshallah.
I’m looking for people who’ve recently crossed the Libyan Desert—sand sea, oases, etc.—with their 4x4s.
Any info is welcome, thanks in advance.
Things like:
Entry formalities for the 4x4.
Agencies and guides for the desert.
Military requirements.
Fuel, etc.
Thanks again.
Saharan greetings.
Hi there,
I’m planning my next trip outside Europe for next year, but unfortunately, I don’t have a choice with the dates—it’s late June to early July. Last year, I went to Japan for three weeks, and it was constantly 36-37°C with over 90% humidity. It wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t impossible either.
For Egypt, I know it’s a period to avoid if possible, but I’m thinking that by the sea, it might be manageable. Otherwise, I’ll consider another destination.
Day 1: Arrival in Hurghada in the evening Day 2, 3, 4: Hurghada Day 5: Hurghada, then drive to Luxor in the early afternoon Day 6: Luxor Day 7: Luxor, then drive back to Hurghada in the late afternoon Day 8, 9, 10, 11: Hurghada Day 12: Return flight
For the Hurghada trip, either rent a car or—easier—a private car/van. Is it worth adding an extra day in Luxor?
During the stay, we’re planning activities like camel rides, quad biking, jeep tours, snorkeling, and jet skiing.
Thanks for your replies
I’m planning my next trip outside Europe for next year, but unfortunately, I don’t have a choice with the dates—it’s late June to early July. Last year, I went to Japan for three weeks, and it was constantly 36-37°C with over 90% humidity. It wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t impossible either.
For Egypt, I know it’s a period to avoid if possible, but I’m thinking that by the sea, it might be manageable. Otherwise, I’ll consider another destination.
Day 1: Arrival in Hurghada in the evening Day 2, 3, 4: Hurghada Day 5: Hurghada, then drive to Luxor in the early afternoon Day 6: Luxor Day 7: Luxor, then drive back to Hurghada in the late afternoon Day 8, 9, 10, 11: Hurghada Day 12: Return flight
For the Hurghada trip, either rent a car or—easier—a private car/van. Is it worth adding an extra day in Luxor?
During the stay, we’re planning activities like camel rides, quad biking, jeep tours, snorkeling, and jet skiing.
Thanks for your replies
Hello everyone,
I’m looking into planning a trip to Egypt (first time!)
Important context: My wife has difficulty walking. Maybe what I’m looking for will turn out to be complicated. We’re traveling as a couple for 10 to 14 days.
The initial plan is: - Land in Cairo: visit Cairo and the surrounding area (still figuring out how long to stay) - Head up to Luxor: preferably by boat, otherwise by train, or as a last resort, by plane See what sights there are along the way - Hot-air balloon excursion in Luxor: Need to look into this - Then go either to Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh (via ferry) for some beach time and diving (2/3 days)
The goal for this first trip isn’t to see everything at each destination, but rather to be on the move and experience the journey.
My question is about whether it’s possible to travel up the Nile one-way without doing a round-trip cruise from the starting point. Is this doable? If so, how does it work? Through a local agency?
Should we do this trip in this direction, or would it make more sense to go the other way, starting from Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada?
Thanks in advance for your tips! 🙂 Laurent
I’m looking into planning a trip to Egypt (first time!)
Important context: My wife has difficulty walking. Maybe what I’m looking for will turn out to be complicated. We’re traveling as a couple for 10 to 14 days.
The initial plan is: - Land in Cairo: visit Cairo and the surrounding area (still figuring out how long to stay) - Head up to Luxor: preferably by boat, otherwise by train, or as a last resort, by plane See what sights there are along the way - Hot-air balloon excursion in Luxor: Need to look into this - Then go either to Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh (via ferry) for some beach time and diving (2/3 days)
The goal for this first trip isn’t to see everything at each destination, but rather to be on the move and experience the journey.
My question is about whether it’s possible to travel up the Nile one-way without doing a round-trip cruise from the starting point. Is this doable? If so, how does it work? Through a local agency?
Should we do this trip in this direction, or would it make more sense to go the other way, starting from Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada?
Thanks in advance for your tips! 🙂 Laurent
Hi,
I was planning a trip to Hurghada at the end of March, but it's the end of Ramadan.
Some people are telling me I should avoid it.
What do you think?
Thanks
During our trip to Egypt at the end of January, beginning of February, we plan to visit the White Desert and nearby oases for 3 to 4 days, starting from Cairo.
If my initial agency searches weren't conclusive, I now have a "too many options" situation.
Here’s an alphabetical list of my first findings.
If you’ve had any experience (good or bad) with any of these agencies in the White Desert:
badawiya.com
edengardentours.com
westerndeserttours.com
whitedeserttour.com
whitedeserttourseg.com
whitedesertegypttours.com
Please share your feedback.
badawiya.com
edengardentours.com
westerndeserttours.com
whitedeserttour.com
whitedeserttourseg.com
whitedesertegypttours.com
Please share your feedback.
After a perfect first experience as a couple with Memphis Tour in 2020—where we left an outstanding review—we’ve just returned from Egypt with our family of six plus a baby, and we have numerous complaints:
On the day our cruise was supposed to depart, the boat stayed docked in Aswan for over 24 hours without starting the Nile navigation as scheduled. We only left the next day at 3:30 PM for a quick stop/visit to Kom Ombo at 6:00 PM, followed by nighttime navigation until arriving in Esna at 2:00 AM!
The next day, we departed at 9:30 AM and arrived around noon in Luxor, where the boat docked in the middle of nowhere, 12 km from the city center!
In the end, we were charged for 4 days on the magnificent Nile but only got a maximum of 5 hours and 45 minutes of daytime navigation!
And, to top it off, there was no stop in Edfu—meaning no carriage ride to the Temple of Edfu, which was advertised as one of Egypt’s largest and best-preserved temples. Instead, without informing us, they replaced it with a visit to Esna.
During a West Bank visit in Luxor, we had to wait for our kids, who were with another guide for a longer tour. When our guide contacted Memphis Tour, they refused to let us visit the Temple of Medinet Habu (just 5 € away) on our own! We were forced to go through them and pay 25 € per person.
Instead of letting us wait in front of the temple for our kids and the other guide, they dropped us off alone for a full hour in what they called an "alabaster factory"—which was just the usual overpriced tourist shop where all guides take you.
I’ll skip the overly simplistic meal at Philae: grilled chicken and rice with no dessert or coffee. And the amateurish organization where the guide on the boat wasn’t even informed about the next day’s exact program.
Finally, despite our repeated priority requests and Memphis Tour’s promises during booking, there was no baby car seat provided for several long trips—even though the traffic is certainly colorful but not always reassuring.
Nor was the promised baby bed available on the boat—only a third adult bed. We had to insist strongly to get one.
Even though the complimentary carriage and felucca rides in Luxor were nice, they don’t make up for everything else.
This is despite the skills and kindness of the guides and boat staff.
Since 2020, we’ve sent several groups of friends to Memphis Tour for their Egyptian trips, but that definitely won’t happen again in the future.
Too bad
On the day our cruise was supposed to depart, the boat stayed docked in Aswan for over 24 hours without starting the Nile navigation as scheduled. We only left the next day at 3:30 PM for a quick stop/visit to Kom Ombo at 6:00 PM, followed by nighttime navigation until arriving in Esna at 2:00 AM!
The next day, we departed at 9:30 AM and arrived around noon in Luxor, where the boat docked in the middle of nowhere, 12 km from the city center!
In the end, we were charged for 4 days on the magnificent Nile but only got a maximum of 5 hours and 45 minutes of daytime navigation!
And, to top it off, there was no stop in Edfu—meaning no carriage ride to the Temple of Edfu, which was advertised as one of Egypt’s largest and best-preserved temples. Instead, without informing us, they replaced it with a visit to Esna.
During a West Bank visit in Luxor, we had to wait for our kids, who were with another guide for a longer tour. When our guide contacted Memphis Tour, they refused to let us visit the Temple of Medinet Habu (just 5 € away) on our own! We were forced to go through them and pay 25 € per person.
Instead of letting us wait in front of the temple for our kids and the other guide, they dropped us off alone for a full hour in what they called an "alabaster factory"—which was just the usual overpriced tourist shop where all guides take you.
I’ll skip the overly simplistic meal at Philae: grilled chicken and rice with no dessert or coffee. And the amateurish organization where the guide on the boat wasn’t even informed about the next day’s exact program.
Finally, despite our repeated priority requests and Memphis Tour’s promises during booking, there was no baby car seat provided for several long trips—even though the traffic is certainly colorful but not always reassuring.
Nor was the promised baby bed available on the boat—only a third adult bed. We had to insist strongly to get one.
Even though the complimentary carriage and felucca rides in Luxor were nice, they don’t make up for everything else.
This is despite the skills and kindness of the guides and boat staff.
Since 2020, we’ve sent several groups of friends to Memphis Tour for their Egyptian trips, but that definitely won’t happen again in the future.
Too bad
Hi there,
I’m traveling solo to Egypt. Could you give me a rough idea of the budget for:
meals
hotels
taxis including tips
visits...
Just an estimate, of course.
For 15 days, what would the price range be, considering there’s an overnight train and a Nile cruise?
I’d like to compare with a travel agency. Is it more worthwhile to go through an agency despite the downsides of group travel?
Otherwise, if a travel buddy is interested in this country, why not?
Thanks a lot!
Hi everyone!
We’re heading to Egypt for two weeks at the beginning of April. Here’s our current itinerary:
|02/04/2026 - Cairo (arriving at 8:00 PM)
|03/04/2026 - Cairo|
|04/04/2026 - Dahshur / Saqqara / overnight in Giza
|05/04/2026 - Giza / Cairo|
|06/04/2026 - Cairo - Abu Simbel
|07/04/2026 - Abu Simbel to Aswan
|08/04/2026 - Aswan
|09/04/2026 - Aswan
|10/04/2026 - Aswan to Luxor
|11/04/2026 - Luxor
|12/04/2026 - Luxor
|13/04/2026 - Luxor
|14/04/2026 - Luxor to Hurghada/Safaga
|15/04/2026 - Hurghada / Safaga
|16/04/2026 - Red Sea / Cairo|
|17/04/2026 - Cairo
|18/04/2026 - Cairo (return to Belgium at 10:00 AM)
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this itinerary, but mostly I’m wondering if it’s possible—and worth it—to take a one-way flight to Abu Simbel. We’d like to spend a night there to take our time visiting the site early in the morning and catch the sound-and-light show in the evening, then head to Aswan with a private driver or by bus.
Your feedback would be super helpful in planning this part of our trip!
Have a great day! 🙂 Luis
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this itinerary, but mostly I’m wondering if it’s possible—and worth it—to take a one-way flight to Abu Simbel. We’d like to spend a night there to take our time visiting the site early in the morning and catch the sound-and-light show in the evening, then head to Aswan with a private driver or by bus.
Your feedback would be super helpful in planning this part of our trip!
Have a great day! 🙂 Luis
