Pyramids

Sony

Hi everyone

I was reading a brochure the other day and came across a couple of pages on Cairo/Egypt----I dont know why i never thougth of going here before now...I plan to do a bit of travelling around the world either next year ot the one after but Im thinking of going to Cairo for a holiday early next year with the girlfriend.

It looks amazing but wondering has anyone been or got any tips on flights tours hotels etc>>??

Thanks a milllion

Poppy78

I would not advise going to Cairo or Egypt for a full two weeks. Lots of hawkers and security issues. The men are horrible to european women even if they cover up. There is a real lack of freedom for tourists there. All in All not a very relaxing break. If you really need to see pyramids (which are awe inspiring) I think there is overnight trips from cyprus and other places in the med.

I was in Cairo and at the Red Sea with my other half last year. We loved it, spent three days in Cairo and visited Giza and the Egyptian Museum which is unbelievable.
Browsed the bazaars and just soaked up the craziness of Cairo, it's a great experience. A must-see place if you've any sense of adventure.

I never had any hassle from Egyptian men, in fact I found the Egyptian people exceptionally friendly.
The only small issue I had was the 'baksheesh' - every single act of service warrants a tip. But when you consider how little Egyptians earn, it isn't really an issue at all, just a cultural difference we found.
Egyptians rely heavily on tourism and we were frequently asked if we would tell our friends to travel there (we have done!)

We then flew to El Gouna on the Red Sea for a week's scuba and relaxation.
Egypt is very, very cheap, so go for the best accommodation because you will be able to afford it!

Poncherello

Anyone know if there is a ferry from Sharm to Hurghada - seem quite close on the map ?
Also could you drive from Cairo to the Red Sea or is it an internal flight ?

Thanks

Poncherello

Poncherello wrote:

Anyone know if there is a ferry from Sharm to Hurghada - seem quite close on the map ?
Also could you drive from Cairo to the Red Sea or is it an internal flight ?

Thanks

We flew from Cairo to Hurghada with EgyptAir. The flight is about an hour, if I remember correctly.
You can get a bus but you will be escorted and it's a long drive. Fly if you can.

Not sure about a ferry from Sharm to Hurghada, but I think the distance is a little further than you may believe!

Meathlass

Poncherello wrote:

Anyone know if there is a ferry from Sharm to Hurghada - seem quite close on the map ?
Also could you drive from Cairo to the Red Sea or is it an internal flight ?

Thanks

There is a ferry, takes about 3 hours and costs about 60 euros (this was 3 years ago) The overland trip is very, very long so if you can afford it take the boat or fly from sharm.

I would definately say to go to Egypt. I was there for 3 months on my own and as a single female I got lots of hassle, even wearing a headscarf. It's much worse in Luxor as that's full of tourists, in places like Aswan and Alexandria you won't notice it as much. Cairo is an amazing city, especially the mosques and the pyramids on the outskirts. It is such a great country with so many different types of landscapes. You have the deserts, the cities (Alex and Cairo), the touristy resorts on the Red Sea with great diving, the mountains in Sinai, the Delta region and the Nile with all the sites along it. I wouldn't let the hessle put you off especially if you're travelling with a guy and have a bit of cop on about covering up. There are some great package holiday deals with Panorama and Budget as well.

ardmacha

Egypt is great if you have any interest whatsoever in the history of the world. There is considerable hassle from hawkers etc for people of any gender, better to accept this and not let it bother you. There could be some issues with terrorism, but there is considerable security around. Was'nt with a lady, but couples go there all the time. I spent ten days, which did justice to the monuments. There are charter flights to Luxor, which is worth several days in itself, then you can strike out to Cairo and Aswan by train or even better by boat.