Search results
FR
More options

Keyword matching drives the results; the remaining options refine the query on the backend.

Search results
Review of Memnon Reisen agency for a pyramids excursion
by Caro0478 · 2025-02-17 · 5 replies
Hi, We’re heading to the Tropitel Sahl Hasheesh hotel with family from April 19 to 26 and we’d like to visit the pyramids in Cairo. I found an agency that looks interesting: Memnon Reisen, but when it came time to pay the deposit, I got worried it might be a scam—the account is based in Dubai. Has anyone heard of them or used this company before? Thanks for your help.
Questions about visiting the Pyramids and the Giza Plateau
by Bullus · 2025-02-10 · 1 reply
Hi there, I’m making a quick trip to Cairo and plan to visit the pyramids... and I’ve got a few practical questions for those who’ve been before: - Can you buy tickets online before arriving? If so, what’s the official website? - If buying on-site, can you pay in euros? Or by credit card? Or do you absolutely need local currency? - Which entrance is best? The one up top, near the Great Pyramid of Khufu, or the one down by the Sphinx—probably less crowded but seems a bit "jumbled" from a video I saw? - During Ramadan, I think the site is open from 8 AM to 4 PM. Not keen on sharing the pyramids with busloads of tourists... Would you recommend arriving at 8 AM? What about the morning haze at that time? - Coming from the "New Cairo" area, is Uber the best way to get to the pyramids? I read there’s a metro not too far from the pyramids, but I have no idea if it goes to New Cairo. - How much do vendors hassle you on-site? Is it just at the entrance or also inside the site itself? Thanks so much in advance for your tips and experiences! !
Is it possible to travel from Cairo to Luxor by boat one-way only?
by French95 · 2025-02-09 · 7 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
My experience in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt – things I wish I’d known
by Jmmoms · 2025-02-07 · 11 replies
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…
2- or 3-night Nile cruise
by Romanetag · 2025-02-04 · 2 replies
Hi there,

We’re heading to Egypt from April 19 to 28 and would love to do a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, but on a small boat—like a felucca or dahabiya—to avoid the big touristy cruises. Ideally, we’d like a 2- to 3-night cruise between April 20 and 25, since we arrive in Cairo on the 20th and need to be back there by the 25th for an event.

Our budget is around 500 € per person, and we’ve already contacted Terre d’Égypte, but they’re fully booked for those dates. Does anyone have recommendations for reliable agencies or companies that offer this kind of cruise? And if, unfortunately, we can’t find something that fits, do you have any recommendations for French-speaking guides on the ground who could take us on tours between Aswan and Luxor from land?

Thanks so much for your help! !
Visiting Abu Simbel from Aswan (Egypt)
by Fredzi · 2025-02-02 · 5 replies
Hi there,

I’ve booked a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan. The excursion to Abu Simbel is offered as an option, but for a family with 2 kids, it comes to 500 € for a lot of bus travel and very little time on site. Is it possible to find a local agency, taxi, or guide on the spot who’d offer the trip for less? Do we have to travel in a convoy? Thanks for your tips! Fred
Hotel in Hurghada with direct access for snorkeling
by Magnifica · 2025-01-27 · 1 reply
Is there a hotel in Hurghada located near the sea with direct access for snorkeling on your own? Thanks
Experiences with MIATERRA travel agency in Quebec
by Exposbill · 2025-01-26 · 10 replies
Hi there, I’d love to know if anyone’s familiar with this travel agency and whether you’ve used them before. The agency is called MIATERRA, it’s based in Longueuil, but they seem to only have a website. Thanks in advance!
Hotels between Safaga and El Gouna
by Capitaineb · 2025-01-22 · 1 reply
Hi, We’re looking for a comfortable and independent hotel for a couple, small property, between Safaga and El Gouna for 3-4 days in April. Any suggestions? Thanks, Christian
Looking for a local agency in Cairo (Egypt)
by NewGaby · 2025-01-19 · 8 replies
Hi everyone,

We’re heading to Cairo in April 2025 and would love to do a 3-day desert excursion. Either the trip to SIWA or the classic "Bahariya Oasis and White Desert" circuit, ideally private or in a small group.

We’d prefer to go through a local agency in Cairo. Does anyone know a reliable one?

Thanks in advance!

Gaby
Looking for a travel companion for Egypt in February 2025
by JLG27 · 2025-01-17 · 2 replies
My usual travel buddy isn’t available. I’m looking for someone to join me from February 13th to 28th in Egypt for a classic trip off the beaten path—Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria, and Abu Simbel.
Tips and advice for a 3-week trip to Egypt
by Nicoenvoyage · 2025-01-08 · 9 replies
Hi everyone! 🙂 I’m planning a 3-week trip to Egypt in July 2025, and my itinerary isn’t set yet. I’ve traveled solo as a backpacker before and I’m really into history. Here’s how I’m thinking of organizing it: Since I’ll be arriving and departing from Cairo, I’m thinking of visiting the Giza sites on the 2nd day and saving the city of Cairo and the Grand Egyptian Museum for a few days before my departure, after seeing the sites where the collections come from. After Giza, I’m planning two days of visits to Saqqara: the first in North Saqqara with the tomb of Horemheb, the Pyramid of Unas (entering), the Step Pyramid of Djoser (entering), the Serapeum of Saqqara (entering), the Pyramid of Teti (entering), the Mastaba of Mereruka (entering), the tomb of Maia, and the Imhotep Museum. Does that sound doable in one day? The idea is to have slept in Saqqara the night before to arrive right at opening. The second day would include the Red Pyramids (entering) and admiring the Bent, White, and Black Pyramids from afar in the morning, then the Pyramids of Pepi I and Pepi II, the tomb of Mehu (entering), and the ruins of the Pyramid of Djedkare Isesi in the afternoon. Does anyone know if there are drivers who can take you to these places and what the price range might be? The ruins of Memphis don’t really excite me (maybe I’m wrong), so I might just stop by the museum with the giant reclining statue. I get the impression that the buildings in Abusir are closed to the public—maybe I got that wrong? 😉 It seems complicated to visit the sites of Tell el-Amarna and around Tuna el-Gebel in terms of transport. Next, I’d like to visit the sites of Abydos and the temple at Dendera. I understand it’s necessary to go to Luxor first and then head back to Abydos and Dendera to visit them comfortably in one day. By the way, do you know if negotiated prices with a local guide would be lower than those from agencies like Get Your Guide (110 € if I’m alone)? How many days do you recommend for visiting the tombs in Luxor? I’d like to see a lot of them—would 3 full days be enough? After that, I’d really like to visit the sites of Esna, Edfu, and Kom Ombo on the way to Aswan. The only options I’ve found for this kind of route are by boat. Do you think it’s possible to hire a taxi for the day to make the trip to Aswan with these stops (and at what price!)? After Aswan, I’ll visit the temples of Philae and Abu Simbel over two days. Then, the rest of the trip is less clear: I’m considering visiting Alexandria and Rosetta. Maybe also, depending on how many days I have left, the sites of Bubastis (I’m having trouble understanding the significance of the remaining ruins) to continue to Tanis, which looks nice (is it?). But again, there’s the question of transport to get there.

This is quite a long post for a first message—sorry for all the questions! Have a great evening, Nico
First trip to Egypt: what to know before leaving?
by Larzac12540 · 2025-01-07 · 2 replies
Hello everyone and HAPPY NEW YEAR! Amateur Egyptologist here, 🙂 and I’ve finally planned a trip there before age catches up with me. I’ve booked a 10-day tour with our dear Amandine Marshall and her favorite agency (which I won’t name to avoid advertising).

The organizer’s fact sheet recommends:

Personal gear - Sunglasses - High-SPF sunscreen - Toiletries (preferably biodegradable products) - Hat or cap with neck coverage

Personal first-aid kit - Aspirin/paracetamol - Anti-diarrheal tablets - Throat lozenges - Antiseptic cream - Insect bite cream - Bandages and adhesive tape - Any regularly used medications or toiletries

What luggage should we bring? - Travel bag (70 liters) or suitcase. - Small backpack (30 liters) for day trips.

What should we pack? - Shoes: opt for "trekking" or mid-mountain hiking shoes with thick but flexible soles, preferably made of canvas. Choose shoes with good ankle support. - Lightweight, loose-fitting canvas pants that are comfortable and versatile. - Shirts/T-shirts: 2 or 3 shirts, preferably long-sleeved to avoid sunburn. T-shirts are also recommended, but watch out for sunburn. - Sweater or fleece for the evenings, as winter nights can get chilly.

Would any seasoned Egypt travelers have any tips or suggestions to add? Thanks!
Excursions and activities around Dahab (Egypt)
by Bibouns51 · 2025-01-03 · 1 reply
Hi everyone, Heading to Egypt this coming February, I’m planning to visit Dahab for some diving in the Red Sea. While looking into other things to do and see in the area, I’m wondering whether it’s better to book ready-made excursions or if it’s possible—and preferable—to hire a taxi for the day (Mount Sinai and St. Catherine’s Monastery, Nuweiba, and Colored Canyon). If you’ve tried either option, I’d love to hear your feedback. And if you have any other activities to recommend in the area, I’d be happy to read about them! Thanks in advance, Franck
Safety in Egypt for a solo female traveler
by VoyageForum · 2024-12-30 · 5 replies
I’ve often been told that traveling alone in Egypt as a woman can be dangerous, and that it’s absolutely necessary to have a companion. Is this really the case? Can I travel there without running into major problems?
Sailing the Nile by felucca from Aswan: which stops?
by Bibouns51 · 2024-12-28 · 1 reply
Hi everyone! I’m heading to Egypt this coming February for the third time, and I’d love to sail up the Nile from Aswan for 2 days and 2 nights on a felucca. Traveling with a backpack, I’m not looking for luxury and prefer stops in the cultures and villages along the Nile rather than temples (already visited). For example, I’d like to stop at Daraw for the Tuesday livestock market. What are your similar experiences, and how far can we sail upstream in 2 days? Also, what kind of prices can we expect, given we’ll be 2 adults and 2 teens? Finally, is it better to book in advance or on the spot in Aswan without spending too much time there? Thanks in advance

You might also like