AlanS
but did you drive a bit further south to neighboring Dahshur and get close to any of the pyramids
there (Bent Pyramid, Red Pyramid, Black Pyramid, etc.) or did you just view them from afar?
They intended to, but those sites were infested with the killer scorpions so they had to keep their distance!!
Lotusgirl
Thank you so much for this trip review. Im scheduled for the March 2022 trip and have been checking this forum regularly for info from past travelers. This trip is a little out of my comfort zone so hearing your report was so helpful. A question - at any time did you feel uncomfortable or a little unsafe? Thanks.
LisaTravels - I never felt that my personal safety was at risk. There is a guard on the bus for all of the tours, although it probably is not necessary.
The security in the Egyptian airports was very tight. As soon as you walk in, you and your carryon and luggage go through a metal detector and everyone is frisked. The women are frisked by a female, and she barely touches you. Be sure to have everything out of your pockets, and take your watch off ahead of time. After checking in, there is a similar security check (with frisking), but this time you also had to take your shoes off. The third screening consisted of checking your ticket.
Toward the end of the trip, as we were encountering more people at temples and the Egyptian museum, everyone became more diligent about wearing masks in enclosed spaces, walking past vendors and near other people. I always wore a mask on the tour bus. The staff in the hotels and the boat wore masks and I wore a mask inside those venues unless at the table in the dining room or cocktail area.
What a fantastic report LotusGirl. You just helped me make up my mind! Now that the GEM opening has been moved back-back-back we would have missed it on my October tour. I would have been so disappointed to have missed it. I've just moved it to February 2023. SURELY it will be opened by then and all the grand opening quirks will be worked out.
Since they are only offering 1 day at the GEM, we are going in 4 days early to have a full day on our own there. Touring 1 day in Alexandria, and a night dinner cruise on the Nile.
AustinGirl I'm certain the GEM will be open for your tour and I am truly looking forward to hearing all about it - so please report back on this sight upon your return.
That said, I considered delaying my trip for the chance to experience the GEM. I am so glad I did not as there are so many incredible sights in Egypt. Although I missed seeing the Solar Boat, I can honestly say I have no regrets on not seeing the contents on display in the GEM. The main artifacts of King Tut were still on display in the Old Egyptian Museum. I'm sure your tour will be SPECTACULAR!
AustinGirl
3:27PM
. . . . . SURELY it will be opened by then and all the grand opening quirks will be worked out.
. . . . . Since they are only offering 1 day at the GEM, we are going in 4 days early to have a full day on our own there. Touring 1 day in Alexandria, and a night dinner cruise on the Nile.
Each year starting in 2020 I said something similar about the GEM! How many times have they proven me wrong!?!? Maybe I'll get to see it in my next life!
Where did you see they are only "offering 1 day at the GEM?" I didn't see the GEM mentioned at all in any of the 2023 regular or small group J&E or Jewels itineraries?
After reviewing this older trip post - do any more recent Egypt: Jewels of the Nile travelers know if the group still visits Hatshepsut's Temple? Its not referenced in the itinerary but not everything is...
I believe both Jewels and Petra to the Pyramids tours only do a drive-by or quick photo stop at Hatshepsut's Temple (during the drive from Nefartari's tomb in the VOQ to the VOK.) We were on P-to-P and just stopped briefly for photos, slightly less time than at the Colossi of Memnon. FYI, pay attention or ask driver or guide to point it out, but not long after leaving Nefartari's tomb on the way to Hatshepsut's Temple, you'll pass right by the recently excavated Golden City of Aten (Google it). You can't see much from the bus window, but the serpentine walls are clearly visible. You also pass right by the Ramesseum and other temples which your guide may or may not point out. It is best to study a map of the west bank/Luxor Necropolis/VOK, etc. There is so much there to see!!!
When we finally did Petra to the Pyramids after COVID, I added a post stay and hired a private guide to take us to Meidom (first pyramid by King Sneferu who also built Red and Bent Pyramids and was head of the great pyramid-building dynasty- his was father of Khufu, he was grandfather of Khafre, and great grandfather of Menkaure, builders of the 3 largest Giza pyramids). My wife and I both entered the Meidom pyramid. The next day we returned to see more of Saqqara for a closer look at the step pyramid, the remains of the causeway of the valley temple of Unas and the truly incredible Serrapeum (not to be missed!). We also went to nearby Dahshur where I explored the interior passages and burial chambers of the Bent Pyramid. I had wanted to see the interior of the Djoser's Step Pyramid which is even more impressive, but we ran out of time. I also found a little time when we first arrived in Aswan to visit the nearby quarry with its famous unfinished obelisk. It is only about a mile from the Old Cataract. Our TD and local guide helped us arrange for a taxi. Once there we asked for a site guide who could speak English- the guide we ended up with could only point and say "Obeliska, obeliska" :'( It was still impressive- It was about 2/3 or more complete and if it hadn't cracked and subsequently abandoned, would have been the largest Egyptian obelisk ever!!
Don't be disappointed if they change your boat and you cruise on the Philae instead of the more modern "looking" Zahra. While the exterior looks like most of the old Nile cruisers, Oberoi completely reworked the Philae, reduced the number of cabins by half and enlarged them. It is a totally new, modern, and fabulous boat on the inside!!
Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan
Philae
Zahra (parked behind us when we visited Kom Ombo and Crocodile Museum)
Meidum pyramid (70 mi. south of Cairo on desert highway- good road)
Typical photo I took during brief stop at Temple of Hatshepsut
Interior of one of the two burial chambers in the Bent Pyramid
Well - at least we (hopefully_) get to see Hatshepsut's Temple, even if its from a distance. I was a little disappointed that they have taken Saqqara off the itinerary, but as I read it, they did so in order to give us more time at the GEM, which I appreciate. I'm on the Philae - it looks great to me! Very excited for this "bucket list" trip!
Saqqara and nearby Dahshur are really worth a visit. Just a few years ago they opened the underground corridors and burial chamber to the Bent Pyramid- pretty impressive- the whole area is. While walking around the southern side of the Bent Pyramid and looking at the causeway to pyramid of Unas, I noticed what I thought was a ('solar') boat pit, similar to the ones next to the Pyramid of Khufu at Giza where they discovered the boats that are now in the GEM. Our guide who hadn't known it was there confirmed what it was. P-to-P is my #1 Tauck tour.
Yeah - have a full free day before tour starts and am trying to figure out the safest way for two women to see Saqqara. Or, depending on how we feel we might just relax and rest up from our travel day..,🤷♀️
JaneP - I arrived 2 days early and did a private tour (Viator) to Alexandria. It was about 2 hours by car each way (driver provided then handed off to guide, and vice-versa)), but it was worth it. Alexandria is very different than Cairo, right on the Med, and it was a welcome relief getting out of Cairo's terrible air pollution. Some interesting Greek and Roman ruins there.
You might get a chance to visit the waterfront where they are hauling ashore huge pieces of the Alexandria Lighthouse, statues, etc. that stood nearby. They have also been doing a lot of digging in the city and at Taposiris Magna (30 mi. west of Alexandria) in an effort to rediscover the old city and find the possible tomb of the most famous Cleopatra (VII).
So torn…I have some more research to do. I really want to see Saqqara but Alexandria sounds interesting too…was actually thinking I might have to do two tours in Egypt to see everything I want to see.
Not sure if you’re being tongue-in-cheek, Mike, but no. They have never found her burial site but one female Egyptologist has been searching and finding more and more clues that suggest she could be near Alexandria. National Geographic has a great series called “Lost Treasures of Egypt” - new season should be starting this Fall - they feature a lot of this particular Egyptologist…I can’t recall her name right now but she’s originally from the Dominican Republic and gave up a law career (I think it was ) to go to Egypt…it’s pretty interesting.
I'm going from memory here - all the way back to my college years, but what I remember is that Antony committed suicide in Egypt after his defeat by Octavian, but Cleopatra came to him before he died, and was with him when he died. Romantics say that he died in her arms. Her sister had been paraded in a “Triumph” in Rome and Cleopatra was determined not to suffer the indignity and humiliation of being dragged in chains through the streets of Rome, so she committed suicide, also.
Octavian (later Augustus) was upset by her suicide but allowed her to be buried next to Marc Antony.
Their burial site has not been found (yet).
[Shakespeare wrote about them in the play "Antony and Cleopatra."]
Interesting. I must have missed that 😁 on the National Geographic show they always talk about cleopatra’s tomb and I guess I assumed she was not with him? Since they haven’t found it I guess we really don’t know. 🤷♀️
Egypt Peeps - Did you take "hiking shoes" or just regular tennis shoes? I read somewhere that hiking shoes with sturdy ankles and thick soles were recommended and another where plain ol' tennis shoes were good enough. Most of the places we go seem fairly flat and walkable but I'm wondering how much "cobblestone" type areas there are where maybe you'd want a sturdier shoe?
I’ve taken hiking shoes to Peru/Galapagos, Greece and England and West Country and appreciated them in each place - not a boot…but a sturdy shoe with a little more ankle support and a thick sole with good traction (Merrill). They really help stabilize walking on cobblestone type surfaces. My athletic/walking shoes are more flexible and the soles are thinner. I’ll probably take them “just in case.” 😁
Sorry for all the questions - starting to pull my stuff together for packing....does Tauck give you a water bottle on this trip? Trying to decide if I should pack one.
Comments
They intended to, but those sites were infested with the killer scorpions so they had to keep their distance!!
The ones I was talking about are in Saqqara/Dahshur.
Lotusgirl
Thank you so much for this trip review. Im scheduled for the March 2022 trip and have been checking this forum regularly for info from past travelers. This trip is a little out of my comfort zone so hearing your report was so helpful. A question - at any time did you feel uncomfortable or a little unsafe? Thanks.
LisaTravels - I never felt that my personal safety was at risk. There is a guard on the bus for all of the tours, although it probably is not necessary.
The security in the Egyptian airports was very tight. As soon as you walk in, you and your carryon and luggage go through a metal detector and everyone is frisked. The women are frisked by a female, and she barely touches you. Be sure to have everything out of your pockets, and take your watch off ahead of time. After checking in, there is a similar security check (with frisking), but this time you also had to take your shoes off. The third screening consisted of checking your ticket.
Toward the end of the trip, as we were encountering more people at temples and the Egyptian museum, everyone became more diligent about wearing masks in enclosed spaces, walking past vendors and near other people. I always wore a mask on the tour bus. The staff in the hotels and the boat wore masks and I wore a mask inside those venues unless at the table in the dining room or cocktail area.
What a fantastic report LotusGirl. You just helped me make up my mind! Now that the GEM opening has been moved back-back-back we would have missed it on my October tour. I would have been so disappointed to have missed it. I've just moved it to February 2023. SURELY it will be opened by then and all the grand opening quirks will be worked out.
Since they are only offering 1 day at the GEM, we are going in 4 days early to have a full day on our own there. Touring 1 day in Alexandria, and a night dinner cruise on the Nile.
Now I have to find another tour for 2022!! YEAH!
AustinGirl I'm certain the GEM will be open for your tour and I am truly looking forward to hearing all about it - so please report back on this sight upon your return.
That said, I considered delaying my trip for the chance to experience the GEM. I am so glad I did not as there are so many incredible sights in Egypt. Although I missed seeing the Solar Boat, I can honestly say I have no regrets on not seeing the contents on display in the GEM. The main artifacts of King Tut were still on display in the Old Egyptian Museum. I'm sure your tour will be SPECTACULAR!
Each year starting in 2020 I said something similar about the GEM!
How many times have they proven me wrong!?!? Maybe I'll get to see it in my next life!
Where did you see they are only "offering 1 day at the GEM?" I didn't see the GEM mentioned at all in any of the 2023 regular or small group J&E or Jewels itineraries?
After reviewing this older trip post - do any more recent Egypt: Jewels of the Nile travelers know if the group still visits Hatshepsut's Temple? Its not referenced in the itinerary but not everything is...
Jane - on our 2021 tour, we did not actually visit the temple - we had a photo stop only.
Thx, Lotusgirl
I believe both Jewels and Petra to the Pyramids tours only do a drive-by or quick photo stop at Hatshepsut's Temple (during the drive from Nefartari's tomb in the VOQ to the VOK.) We were on P-to-P and just stopped briefly for photos, slightly less time than at the Colossi of Memnon. FYI, pay attention or ask driver or guide to point it out, but not long after leaving Nefartari's tomb on the way to Hatshepsut's Temple, you'll pass right by the recently excavated Golden City of Aten (Google it). You can't see much from the bus window, but the serpentine walls are clearly visible. You also pass right by the Ramesseum and other temples which your guide may or may not point out. It is best to study a map of the west bank/Luxor Necropolis/VOK, etc. There is so much there to see!!!
When we finally did Petra to the Pyramids after COVID, I added a post stay and hired a private guide to take us to Meidom (first pyramid by King Sneferu who also built Red and Bent Pyramids and was head of the great pyramid-building dynasty- his was father of Khufu, he was grandfather of Khafre, and great grandfather of Menkaure, builders of the 3 largest Giza pyramids). My wife and I both entered the Meidom pyramid. The next day we returned to see more of Saqqara for a closer look at the step pyramid, the remains of the causeway of the valley temple of Unas and the truly incredible Serrapeum (not to be missed!). We also went to nearby Dahshur where I explored the interior passages and burial chambers of the Bent Pyramid. I had wanted to see the interior of the Djoser's Step Pyramid which is even more impressive, but we ran out of time. I also found a little time when we first arrived in Aswan to visit the nearby quarry with its famous unfinished obelisk. It is only about a mile from the Old Cataract. Our TD and local guide helped us arrange for a taxi. Once there we asked for a site guide who could speak English- the guide we ended up with could only point and say "Obeliska, obeliska"
:'( It was still impressive- It was about 2/3 or more complete and if it hadn't cracked and subsequently abandoned, would have been the largest Egyptian obelisk ever!!
Don't be disappointed if they change your boat and you cruise on the Philae instead of the more modern "looking" Zahra. While the exterior looks like most of the old Nile cruisers, Oberoi completely reworked the Philae, reduced the number of cabins by half and enlarged them. It is a totally new, modern, and fabulous boat on the inside!!
Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan
Philae
Zahra (parked behind us when we visited Kom Ombo and Crocodile Museum)
Meidum pyramid (70 mi. south of Cairo on desert highway- good road)
Typical photo I took during brief stop at Temple of Hatshepsut
Interior of one of the two burial chambers in the Bent Pyramid
Well - at least we (hopefully_) get to see Hatshepsut's Temple, even if its from a distance. I was a little disappointed that they have taken Saqqara off the itinerary, but as I read it, they did so in order to give us more time at the GEM, which I appreciate. I'm on the Philae - it looks great to me! Very excited for this "bucket list" trip!
Saqqara and nearby Dahshur are really worth a visit. Just a few years ago they opened the underground corridors and burial chamber to the Bent Pyramid- pretty impressive- the whole area is. While walking around the southern side of the Bent Pyramid and looking at the causeway to pyramid of Unas, I noticed what I thought was a ('solar') boat pit, similar to the ones next to the Pyramid of Khufu at Giza where they discovered the boats that are now in the GEM. Our guide who hadn't known it was there confirmed what it was. P-to-P is my #1 Tauck tour.
Yeah - have a full free day before tour starts and am trying to figure out the safest way for two women to see Saqqara. Or, depending on how we feel we might just relax and rest up from our travel day..,🤷♀️
JaneP - I arrived 2 days early and did a private tour (Viator) to Alexandria. It was about 2 hours by car each way (driver provided then handed off to guide, and vice-versa)), but it was worth it. Alexandria is very different than Cairo, right on the Med, and it was a welcome relief getting out of Cairo's terrible air pollution. Some interesting Greek and Roman ruins there.
You might get a chance to visit the waterfront where they are hauling ashore huge pieces of the Alexandria Lighthouse, statues, etc. that stood nearby. They have also been doing a lot of digging in the city and at Taposiris Magna (30 mi. west of Alexandria) in an effort to rediscover the old city and find the possible tomb of the most famous Cleopatra (VII).
Wasn't Cleopatra buried with Marc Antony?
So torn…I have some more research to do. I really want to see Saqqara but Alexandria sounds interesting too…was actually thinking I might have to do two tours in Egypt to see everything I want to see.
Not sure if you’re being tongue-in-cheek, Mike, but no. They have never found her burial site but one female Egyptologist has been searching and finding more and more clues that suggest she could be near Alexandria. National Geographic has a great series called “Lost Treasures of Egypt” - new season should be starting this Fall - they feature a lot of this particular Egyptologist…I can’t recall her name right now but she’s originally from the Dominican Republic and gave up a law career (I think it was ) to go to Egypt…it’s pretty interesting.
…Kathleen Martinez is her name.
@JaneP - No, I was serious. I went back and researched it and it appears that Antony and Cleopatra were buried together. Here's an article from Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomb_of_Antony_and_Cleopatra
I'm going from memory here - all the way back to my college years, but what I remember is that Antony committed suicide in Egypt after his defeat by Octavian, but Cleopatra came to him before he died, and was with him when he died. Romantics say that he died in her arms. Her sister had been paraded in a “Triumph” in Rome and Cleopatra was determined not to suffer the indignity and humiliation of being dragged in chains through the streets of Rome, so she committed suicide, also.
Octavian (later Augustus) was upset by her suicide but allowed her to be buried next to Marc Antony.
Their burial site has not been found (yet).
[Shakespeare wrote about them in the play "Antony and Cleopatra."]
Interesting. I must have missed that 😁 on the National Geographic show they always talk about cleopatra’s tomb and I guess I assumed she was not with him? Since they haven’t found it I guess we really don’t know. 🤷♀️
@JaneP - Cleopatra was perhaps more interesting than Marc Antony so she outshines him in history
Egypt Peeps - Did you take "hiking shoes" or just regular tennis shoes? I read somewhere that hiking shoes with sturdy ankles and thick soles were recommended and another where plain ol' tennis shoes were good enough. Most of the places we go seem fairly flat and walkable but I'm wondering how much "cobblestone" type areas there are where maybe you'd want a sturdier shoe?
I thought the issue would be sand
Sneakers. IIRC, the only trip I've brought hiking shoes was Switzerland.
I recommend athletic/walking shoes with good tread. Uneven, rocky areas and sand. Also, very dusty/dirty, so white would not be optimal.
I’ve taken hiking shoes to Peru/Galapagos, Greece and England and West Country and appreciated them in each place - not a boot…but a sturdy shoe with a little more ankle support and a thick sole with good traction (Merrill). They really help stabilize walking on cobblestone type surfaces. My athletic/walking shoes are more flexible and the soles are thinner. I’ll probably take them “just in case.” 😁
Sorry for all the questions - starting to pull my stuff together for packing....does Tauck give you a water bottle on this trip? Trying to decide if I should pack one.