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J&E Petra to the Pyramids Sept. 26th 2021 tour. My experience....... By Mil.

mil

Hello everyone... Hope you're all doing well.
This is my adventure...
So, the much anticipated day was finally here.. I could not be more excited and also anxious to see what the new normal at the airport would be like, we loaded the suitcases and carry on into the car, I checked my travel folder.. I had my passport, CDC cars, the PCR test, The Jordan QR form and finally some health forms.. ( which noone asked for) all ready to go, got to the airport ( Sea-Tac) 3 hours earlier.. not much action going on.. Emirates counter was closed, so I was 4th in line... Once the counter opened , heart started pumping! faster & faster.... I'm going on Vac. ,YES!!!!
So, moving along.. my check in took 5 min. or less- I was asked for the passport, QR form and PCR test - nothing else. )
Welcome to flight EK230 Sea-Dubai-Jordan. I waited at the gate.. and VIOLA!!!! "the parade".. all the Emirates crew.. walked in front of us! I Chocked... How exiting! I even took a video..

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20 min. later.. I was walking through the ramp to happiness!!!!

Flight was less than 1/2 full.. everyone had their own beds.. and service was best ever! , we landed in Dubai and transit to next terminal.. we had our temp. checked and that was it.! Airport pretty empty too... waited for our next flight an landed in Jordan @ 12:05 am- the Tauck rep. was already by the immigration area with a sign, he took our pass.-QR form, PCR test and in less then another 5min. we got our stamps.. we did nothing.. he collected our luggage and on to the Hotel, no traffic , so it took about 30min.
weather was pleasant.. maybe in the 70th. - got to the amazing hotel and on.. on a golf cart to our Villa- Villa #20. near the pools, rest. etc.. it could not be better-

We booked 2 pre-nights, so 1st day we spend it at the hotel, pool time, dead sea, Spa( which was amazing- specially my masseuse TIK- well known for being the best.

2nd day- we did a private tour to Amman- I set it up through the hotel- driver & car full day- went to visit, Citadel, Roman Amphitheater, the Royal Automobile Museum, The Blue Mosque, Rainbow ST. etc...

THE TOUR Part I:
it's Sept. 26th 1st day of Tauck tour- Cocktail and dinner great. only 16of us... excellent and the TD, a British guy that it's Amazing!
he follow all the introduction protocols and explained what the new Covid- regulations in each country were.. He enforce the freedom to do as you considered necessary regarding masks around and within the group and did mention everyone was fully vaccinated
Also re-assure that everyone near or within the tour would also be fully vaccinated.

here is a Black & white of our 1st day on the road.

we departed on time.... I do recommend to call the golf car ahead as stated- in the mornings they do get busy.. even if the hotel is not to full as it was when I was there..

So we headed to Jerash on time... got here and I personally enjoy the views during our way day...
Now Jerash was a little disappointment.. it looked abandoned and there was a lot of stage set ups for concerts etc.. not many people either, which was great- out and around , no masks needed.
we visited around and enjoyed a pipe recital. watch video

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After Jerash, we went for lunch at a nice rest. on the road -typical Jordanian food- Mezze etc.. Lots of food as always Tauck those.. Yumm everything delicious. later back to hotel.

Day 3 to follow ....

Comments

mil

Day 3: everyone back on the coach on time... My group was very good about being on time, no delays.

We said our goodbyes to all the excellent- friendly Kempinski staff (we spend 4 full days... ) and up on the coach...

Hotel suggestions: The Lebanese Rest. CODE it's the best -amazing food- 2nd by the Italian... the other I wasn't particularly impressed- Breakfast at the Obelisk was excellent too and Spa is Amazing. Their pools are incredible, they have one with dead-see water for those that don't like the sand or don't want to walk all the way down to the sea....
The round pool is super nice but be aware.. the entering ring has a granite floor, easy to walk in it, but as you get into de middle ring.. the floor is tiles, slippery to go out.

Mt. Nebo, beautiful drive .. got there early, not many people.. love the site. we spend about and hour and on to Madaba, small walk to the St. George Church, where we saw a video first , about the original map of the area and about the mosaic that it's inside the church and the pieces missing. the church is pretty, not much ornaments but very significant .. there is a small room by the right side of the Altar that has some orig. Virgen Mary & Child paintings, nice to see.

from the church.. we walk around the center to a little Jewel for lunch.. another opportunity to eat delicious middle eastern food- starting with the Mezze- tons of appetizers.. etc.. and as we were eating , the TD will call discreetly 1 by 1 to have your first PCR test done. ( the Pregnancy test as I called) by the way the group was Negative all along!
The place is privately own by a young lady that is a fire cracker! she is hilarious, friendly and great cook and if she doesn't mentioned ask her who was the famous couple that visited for dinner at her rest. ... her eyes will lid up .
Once done with lunch , we walked back to the coach an on to road.... after picking up our police guard (good looking young guy) to be with us in the bus till our arrival to Petra- we had a stop 1/2 way there... in a place that sale goodies... restrooms super clean as all during out trip- most had toilet paper too... no need to tip anyone , but I did- Wadi Rum restrooms a little dark but also clean.

So, we got to Petra.. hotel right across the entrance.. perfect location, clean and not a Four Seasons , but best in town. rest of the day free.. so I went to the Petra Museum- free and just a few steps way.. Petra super safe.

Day 4th & 5th B&W

Early departure! first ones inside Petra... weather was delicious Mid 60's.. crispy morning
we walked down the Siq- my mom had to go on a golf cart.. due to a small - non eventful fall- but the TD wanted to make sure she was okay and able to see Petra.. so the golf cart was behind the group all the time.. no delays to the group either.. - TD was AAAMZING!!! funny. very on top of everything, very caring and always looking for the best for the best and safest for his group.
We were the first ones inside Petra, had it all o ourselves for about an hour.. than small groups of or couples started to arrived... also a few families with kids.

We saw the Treasury and had plenty of time to take lots of pictures.. then proceeded to walk up and around the complex on our way to the rest. which was final point. before the group divides , some to go hiking up to the Monastery, some to the Royal Tombs and some back to the treasure by camel or walking.
During this walk we got to see and the local guide told us about the caves, the way the Nabataeans live, we also saw the Temple of Dushares and the ruins.. etc.

Once all the camels were back to the Treasury we spend a little time and most got back to hotel on golf carts.. only one couple wanted to walk back. we got to hotel rested and later got ready for dinner Bedouin style- no more about dinner .. it's all a surprise.
Food as always excellent, incredible day!

Day 5:

Depart to Wadi Rum of final stop in Jordan before departing to Aswan Egypt. on our way to WR. we did dropped our guard Zachariah . )

Wadi Rum.. weather was great mid-upper 70's , crispy and also no one! I took great pics and it was a nice break ... the 4X4 drive is smooth , not so jumpy and they go at a good speed, for those worry about it. you can also request a stool to get on and off , if need it. -

Once done with Wadi Rum.. we had a small restroom stop and headed to the airport- uneventful flight- short , about 40min.
Bye Bye Jordan, I really liked the country, people are very friendly and I always felt save! food it's delicious and the cities are super clean.

Hello Aswan!!

kfnknfzk

mil - Thanks for sharing your adventure and I do hope your mother has recovered from her fall.

Smiling Sam

Mil - Nice report on the Jordan part of your trip. Look forward to your Egypt report.

mil

No issues at the Airport in Aswan... the will ask for pass.-and PCR test only.
You will fine at every airport security is very serious.. they pad you down, your handbags and carry-on go through a lot X-Ray machines and sometimes they will want you to open them.. no liquids, no scissors or twister... all that put in you checked luggage- in some cases they will make you take shoes off, but have them request it,-
Warning!!! Egypt will charge $ 30.00 per xtra bag, they don't care about the weight, they have a limit of 1! per person. Here for some reason.. we ended already with 3 bags and Amex sending me a have a nice trip message,
Stinkers!!!!

Welcome to Sofitel Legend Hotel! my favorite....

ANECDOTE!

the daughter of the hotel owner,( that's what we were told) was getting married that same weekend we arrived to the hotel. Mr. Tauck was inform that our group might had to be re-located to a different hotel.. Hotel was closed for a the public. He reply NO!!
so we became the xtra 16 guess to a fav. wedding - they invited us and even send us a gift basket.

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Day 6th :
after an amazing breakfast... and hearing some complains from several fellow trip acquaintance.. because of the loud music, which I totally loved.

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we departed to the airport via Abu Simbel- another process- security check -pass. and if I recall well you need to show PCR test results.

Arrived to Abu Simbel... and after surviving the walk by the venders ... we finally got into the complex-

TIP ABOUT THE VENDERS: they are not as aggressive as vendors in other countries.. but make sure you do not tell them , " Maybe later" because they take it as a promise and will found you!
Just look at hem at the eye and tell them , no thanks. they will leave you alone.

Now Abu Simbel... OMG, that first view of the temples as you 're coming down from the entrance... still gives me Goosebumps, it is Amazing!!!
The temples are incredible, unbelievable, amazing! I cannot describe them.... I'm choking as I'm writing this ...
here as well you will have plenty of time to take tons of pictures, if you want to take them with your camera there is a fee, local guide will by your ticket, I used my Iphone 12p. max and had great result- for free.

for those that might have any walking issues- a golf cart can be requested too- no charge, they are available everywhere.
Once done with the visit, back to the airport and through security again....
Great easy flight, lunch is disgusting, a cold sandwich loaded with massive size beard- a slice of cheese and ham ... not good at all. some box juice and water.... no Champagne nothing...... as we arrived back to Aswan we did stopped by the Dam
We were told the story about the construction and came down the bus to take pics... than back to our hotel for a free afternoon or if interested, we were offer to visit as an independent visit- Td set up the taxi drives to the Unfinish Obelisk and the to the Museum, very close to the hotel.

About 12 of us went, then we still had about 2 ours to relax and change for dinner at the 1902 rest. - beautiful rest. all just for us.... great Champagne )))) I have a Champagne problem.... food was delicious... , Chef a total Character... came to say hi and to see how we liked the food, which was divine.
But, I do have a little of a problem with pre determine menus.... sometimes they are too fancy and not everyone wants to eat things that they cannot pronounce... and I do have a nice French base...but it was a little to much...

Next Day 7th...

Smiling Sam

Nice report, I anxiously await your Oberoi boat reports.

mil

TSmiling Sam , HI
That was coming... I finished and as I was going to post, the silly message took over. the boats can only cruise during day time in certain areas... but also it helps because it's not loud at night while at sleep Service is a butler style type.. you have always a young guy helping and opening the door for your room all the time . The key is kind of tricky , they even tell you to have patience...
I think I'm going to copy and try # 7 again..

mil

Day 7th:

we leave the fab. Hotel and on to the Oberoi Boat... on the way we do a stop at he St. Simone Monastery in the middle of lots of sand... no sand storms.. nothing to bother your eyes... but guess who are back? the Freaking Flies! , not to many.. and almost at the end of the visit.
we spend about and hour at the monastery and back on the bus... it got a little hot, maybe Mid 80's while at the monastery- again before you board the bus, SANITIZER !it's a most, also cold refreshing towels and a cold bottle of water.... now this is what I call travel!
The drive is very scenic and it's long enough to relax and enjoy, this 2nd bus did not had wifi.- the one in Jordan did. but the all have the charger for you phones.

Arrival to the Oberoi Cruise... Nothing can match the Oberoi quality! well yes .. there is but I still love it.
All the staff out to received us with a cold nice , refreshing drink, cold towel and the our best friend by know..... The Sanitizer !

TIP : Sanitize Dispensers and free masks are all over , in Jordan too, everywhere.

As Day 7th continues....

We ate lunch, OMG! the chef in this boat is Amazing! always best quality fresh products, food was incredible, portions are good too.

Pre-set menus again... small buffet of a la carte for breakfast

Once done with lunch , we had time to get ready for our next visit:
The Philae Temple

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AlanS

To paraphrase you when you wrote about Abu Simbel, .... I'm choking as I'm reading this ... how will I ever last 149 Days?!?!?!?!

Ok, I'm going to ask a few questions (you've already answered many) and make a few comments.

How much time between arrival, customs/visa, baggage until you left for the Kempinski? Was there enough time stop at one of the kiosks (Orange or Zain) to get a Jordan SIM card for your phone before leaving the airport?
I know it was late at night, but do you know what route the driver took from Queen Alia Airport to the to hotel? Google maps shows two possibilities- a 4 lane highway the goes north back towards Amman before turning south towards the Dead Sea and another, shorter more direct route, but on a two lane road that takes about the same amount of time? Interestingly the two lane road goes through Madaba and Mt. Nebo so would be an interesting route during the day time.
Did you go for a float in the Dead Sea or just avail yourself of the pool(s)?
Thanks for the pics of the daily Go Sheets they explain a lot!!!!
Were your rooms so far from reception at the Kempinski that you really needed the carts?
I was puzzled about the "pipe" at Jerash until I watched the video- I was surprised to hear "Amazing Grace" played on a bagpipe in the Middle East!!! (fyi your videos played just fine.)
I've read the Khayl & Layl restaurant is great.
I noticed the go sheet for Day 5 said DO NOT LOCK LUGGAGE. Was the reason for that so they could be checked easier at the airport in Aqaba before the flight to Aswan? Just curious.
Do you have any idea how late the last people arrived back at the Movenpick after touring Petra?
Great news about the timing and seeing the Unfinished Obelisk- makes things a lot easier! Way to go Tauck!!
I hope we have the same great weather you experienced!
Was that the view of the Nile from your room at the Old Cataract? I believe you were looking at Elephantine Island, the anceint ruins there and in the foreground one of the Nilometers!!!

I'll stay tuned!!! Again, thanks so much! Fantastic photos by the way!! You have really outdone yourself! Unfortunately, you have set a new standard for trip reports that the rest of us mere mortals will find hard to come even close to!

mil

Here are some pics from The Monastery, menus, The Phila Temple and also the falucca. remember.. these are some pics that in most cases will not be the ones I'll keep, but the good ones I don't publish ... sorry. Also, I'm not sure if menu's change per tour groups, but these are ours.. Service on the boat it's butler style, always someone withing min. to help and always ready for the group as they come back to the boat.- the room keys are tricky! to say the least but as I went to my room 7 or 8 times, I only try it once.. there was always someone to open the door for me.

Monastery pics:

Breakfast , they do set up a mini buffet table- ceraals, fruits, drinks.. but the waiter does take your oder for everything else

dinner 1st night:

lunch and dinner menus:

Day 2 on the boat:

Day 3 on the boat :

The Philae Temple.. also empty which it's very sad fro the local economy.. but excellent for us... now as we were elaving small groups were also visiting.. So, things are starting to move a little....

and last to complete day 7TH , the Falucca cruise... another Tauck surprise.. I will not tell. )

mil

I forgot to mention... on Day 7th as we drove out of the monastery we got escorted for a good portion of the drive by 2 police units... now I did notice this was a military zone.. and also heard that apperntly here was where some tourist had problems.. several years ago. once back to the city the policy left.

also a couple of pics from my roon- double beds, my mom & I.

Smiling Sam

Mil - More tremendous information. The menus look fabulous.

mil

AlanS Hello!!!
before I go to Costco... I better answer some of your Q.?.

1-How much time between arrival, customs/visa, baggage until you left for the Kempinski? Was there enough time stop at one of the kiosks (Orange or Zain) to get a Jordan SIM card for your phone before leaving the airport?

-we did not spend a full hour at the airport, everything was really quick. maybe 40 min. at most. I would image if you ask the pick up guy , he could give you time to get one.... I did not see any shop open.

2- I know it was late at night, but do you know what route the driver took from Queen Alia Airport to the to hotel? Google maps shows two possibilities- a 4 lane highway the goes north back towards Amman before turning south towards the Dead Sea and another, shorter more direct route, but on a two lane road that takes about the same amount of time? Interestingly the two lane road goes through Madaba and Mt. Nebo so would be an interesting route during the day time.

4 lane highway.-airport-Amman-Hotel. no traffic.

3,4 and 5 -
Did you go for a float in the Dead Sea or just avail yourself of the pool(s)? - I did both the pools (9) total & the Dead sea.

Thanks for the pics of the daily Go Sheets they explain a lot!!!!-
Welcome! ,I thought it would help.

Were your rooms so far from reception at the Kempinski that you really needed the carts? -

the reception is on the main building.. the social part of the resort, pools, Spa, Breakfast rest., gift shop, live music, entrance to the dead sea are all on the other side of the resort, south from the reception bldg. , not too far.. but it is faster and easier to get the golf cart, our room was down in the Villas area Villa # 20 ... not on the main bldg. where the Tourist stay )) )))

6,7 and 8-

I was puzzled about the "pipe" at Jerash until I watched the video- I was surprised to hear "Amazing Grace" played on a bagpipe in the Middle East!!! (fyi your videos played just fine.) -

happy to hear about the videos.. I was not sure on how'if it would work.. I woke up at 4:30am this morning and have been working in 3 things all at the same time.. loading pics, videos, answering emails... I just ate lunch. That's another thing.. as you come back, you'll hungry all the time.

I've read the Khayl & Layl restaurant is great.
Excellent! a lot of food, all delicious! great service , beautiful place, nice horses.

I noticed the go sheet for Day 5 said DO NOT LOCK LUGGAGE. Was the reason for that so they could be checked easier at the airport in Aqaba before the flight to Aswan? Just curious -

I did not noticed- but no need, thay are all charter flight and Yes! just in case they need to check the bags.

9,10,11 and 12.

Do you have any idea how late the last people arrived back at the Movenpick after touring Petra? - Nope , but they had time to shower and get dressed before we left for dinner... actually they even had time to visit the Happy Hour.. as usual. )

Great news about the timing and seeing the Unfinished Obelisk- makes things a lot easier! Way to go Tauck!!,
Yes.. I thought about you, since I jnew you has ask about it.

I hope we have the same great weather you experienced! In Shalah , possite mind! and hopefully no freaking flies!

Was that the view of the Nile from your room at the Old Cataract? I believe you were looking at Elephantine Island, the anceint ruins there and in the foreground one of the Nilometers!!!

I was on the 6th floor, Amazing View, the rooms are all mini suites! beautiful and huge! they all look to the Nile. That hotel is Amazing , i don't wanto to ruin the surprise.. but not even my pics will give you an idea on how amazing it is... also I added the letter the bride & groom sent us with the basket. enjoy

2 balconies on by the room, 1 by the bathroom.. nice view from the Tub,-.

Smiling Sam

Mil - The Old Cataract hotel looks amazing!

mil

Ok! I'm about to loose my behindny.... I have to get up, take a shower and go to Costco... I will be back. XOXOXOX to all.

mil

Smiling Sam it's a Sofitel legend... top of the top! only 5 legends in the world.

Lotusgirl

MIL - many thanks for your helpful reports. Was laundry service available on the boat?

BKMD

Great report, Mil!

My Egypt Jewels of the Nile trip is 1 year and 2 weeks away.

SE travel

Thank you, thank you Mil. What an amazing report. We go on the Dec 5 tour. Your information is so helpful and fascinating and reassuring.

mil

I'm back from Costco! ... to be seating back in the computer is a dream.... Costco as always it was crazy!

Lotusgirl Hi,
I have no idea and now .. that you mention it, I did not see any Laundry bags anywhere in the room.
but before I forget, theguys at the Oberoi will prepare a night surprise in your room every night! lat one is Hilarious and also Scary... I hear couple of screams as the ladies got into the room... All in great spirit!

So, now....got myself a glass of wine, some cheese and crackers,,, my dinner tonight, Oh by the way.. I only gained 3 lb. I'm so happy )

Day 8th .

1st temple of the day was kom Ombu... one side dedicated to the crocs and the other to the falcons... pretty interesting also we saw some momified crocs... this temple is literally next to the boat only 10 steps up the stairs and you are in. Also the funny vendors.. that will tell you they are no harrasing you , they just want to give you a geat deal... Remember... NO THANKS, HABIBI and keep moving.

TIP :
They will take local currency as well as US dollars- almost everyone in both Jordan and Egypt.... everywhere.
Do take a lot of $1.00 bills, they will become super helpfull as you walk around the vendors if you want souveniers..
Cold water and a towel will always be provided by the bus driver as you come back from visit.

The Temple:

AlanS the last picture is for you )

After the visit to the Kom Temple we sail to Edfu- and we visit the temple , great temple ! There was a presentation of the Edfu temple. on the boat, but no one went... you can see that on the National Geo, channel ) everyone wanted time off to go to the pool etc...

The tour those spend good length of time in every temple, plenty to take pictures.. I also wonder around as I could listen the guide on the whisper.. That way I could take pics, without missing any info. ... some did follow after realizing that temples are kind of small and with tons of great carvings... a waste to just take just a couple of pics! and since they were mostly empty.. there was no way to miss the group.

Once we were done with the visit, we went back for some free time... I went straight to the pool my Spa treatment was at 6:00 pm then dinner
After dinner the bar.... or Club Lounge. The bout has a great cigar room, a library and also a small section with some board game tables.. wifi was excelent, but only for media use , facebook, instagram etc.. not for business stuff.
On that night we did sail during nightime and docked early in the morning. Day 9th is next.

mil

Sorry guys! I missed the pictures of the Abu Simbel Temple, Day 6th.
here are some... :

mil

now Day 9th

Another Big day... Best to come! early start again... we departed the boat onto the coach early to beat the crowds, not like there was any, but just in case... and it did payoff as we were leaving an ocean of tourist invaded the Karnak Temple-
The temple is impressive and same not to big in size as the previous ones.. a lot of construction around the entrance, making it better and more appealing to future visitors... Egypt is going through renovations a cleanerning, modernizing all services in the cities.. making the country more beautiful, cleaner and touristic, without loosing their essence.
The president has a great vision on what he wants Egypt to be in order to compete with neighbors like Jordan ( super clean & safe) and UAE also.

The Temple.. great history and also well preserved.. as it is.. they where restoring some of the columns while we visited. interesting to know that the project is manage by women and the restorations are done only by women. ( Girl power!)

Warning, there are some vendors on your way out, but they are really friendle and not so persistent. I bought a couple of magnets by missed buying one that would say LUXOR thinking I would find one at the Luxor temple.... well guess what - no magnets on sale at the Luxor temple. Uhmmm

Pics.:

next we left the Karnak and drove on the coach to the Luxor Temple, very close from the Karnak... see how many buses were at the parking after and hour of us being inside, as we were leaving about 300 people were getting in.. MASK UP! Tauck... people are coming !

the Luxor Temple in comparison almost empty as we got in.... but I don't think for would be for to long....

Luxor temple was incredible too... very well kept and interesting to see how the colums had a very distintive and different shape from the others... I'm just saying... it could have very well built by men only ))

Pics. :

Last one.. my mother.. wearing the scarf the TD just gave everyone... the temp. started to get hot. - mid-high 80's

in the afternoon after lunch on the boat we headed to the WestBank!
Tomb time... Valley of the Queens and Valley of the Kings- not a long drive.. about 30 min. from the boat.-
In the VQ , there was no one.. only a couple from Spain and us... after a quick lecture.. the group was divided into 7 each ,as that was the # of people allowed at a one time to visit Nefertiti's Tomb. the one and only at the VQ.

Warning!
-no pictures allowed. not even because we were Tauck ) but they are in the internet if you want to show what the inside looked like.
Impressive!, Beautiful!, unbelievable the colors, best Tomb ever. well ... worth the xtra $100.00 that cost to see it,- all already paid on our tour.

Pics:

Next the Valley of the king... a 20 min. drive , the site was only open for us, no one else.

PureLuxury

mil Fantastic report...thanks for sharing!

mil

PureLuxury hello...
Having some issues now... I guess computer is telling me to stop I will continue tomorrow, glad you like it.

PureLuxury

mil..."Once all the camels were back to the Treasury we spend a little time and most got back to hotel on golf carts.. only one couple wanted to walk back."

Mil...I am assuming the camels were for the people who were returning from lunch and headed back to the main entrance/hotel. Did Tauck arrange a photo opportunity to sit/ride on a camel at the Treasury for people who were continuing on with a hike to the Monastery?

mil

so Day 9th will continue tomorrow.. I'm tired and so it's the computer.. But before I go, here is the map of the st resort in Jordan, The Kempinski Ishtar , my villa was 2000
and also the dinner menu for the dinner at the 1902 rest. Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan.

and the 1902 rest. menu

good night everyone....

mil

9 swiming pools, but only 7 available to the public- such a problem.....

PureLuxury

Mil. Great photos from your iPhone 12P. Did you also carry a DSLR? If yes, did you use a wide angle or zoom lens.

Warning! no pictures allowed. not even because we were Tauck ) but they are in the internet if you want to show what the inside looked like. Impressive!, Beautiful!, unbelievable the colors, best Tomb ever

Too bad no photos allowed in Queen Nefertari tomb. I considered buying the new iPhone13 Pro to capture a great shot in low light. Could you possibly tip a guard to look the other way?

mil

PureLuxury
"Mil...I am assuming the camels were for the people who were returning from lunch and headed back to the main entrance/hotel. Did Tauck arrange a photo opportunity to sit/ride on a camel at the Treasury for people who were continuing on with a hike to the Monastery? "

Yes! the golf cart waited for the camels from those coming from rest. but I believe the ones from the Monastery had same service as the came down and towards the rest,- someone with camels were waiting... all camels had our names. ) and Yes, pictures were taken.

mil

PureLuxury , I have a Iphone 12 pro max and it worked amazing in low light ! the wedding video was taken with the phone from a 6th floor at night, I do want the 13, it is Amazing.
I had the same thought.... about paying (giving a donation to..) the guard, but it is NOT! possible.. it's more then 1 guard and they are not to friendly. I did carry a DSLR took 2 lenses, wide angle & oom, which was the one I used most.
But if I get next year the Iphone 13 I will leave camera home... to heavy.

AlanS

Another fantastic installment!!!!

Questions:

I assume it was a daytime cruise to Kom Ombo and Edfu. Was there any commentary from the boat or TD about features visible along the banks of the Nile, e.g. tombs of the nobles in Qubbet al-Hawa (w. bank just north of Elephantine Island) or quarries and temples in Gebel el-Silsila (w. bank just north of Kom Ombo)?
Did the ship moor at a dock on the north or south side of the Esna locks? Do the Nile boats moor with bow facing upstream (south) like the river boats in Europe?
Day 9 in Luxor seems very busy and tiring? Yes, no?
They supposedly just finished redoing the Avenue of the Sphinxes between the Luxor and Karnak temples- but you went by bus- I guess it would be too far to walk and too time consuming?
Too bad about no photos in Nefartari's tomb.
Did you make a photo stop at Hatshepsut's temple in Deir el Bahari before heading to the VOK? How close were you able to get? How about photo stops at other sites in that area- Colossi of Memnon/Temple of Amenhotep III, Medinet Habu, Ramesseum, Golden City of Aten (a recent discovery and already on Google Maps )?
The map of the Kempinski was very helpful! Do you think Tauck got suites because hotel was empty except for the wedding party?
I've gained 5 lbs just reading the menus!
Did you have Voxes/Whispers listening devices at all major sites in Jordan and Egypt?
Eagerly awaiting The remainder of Day 9/VOK report with special interest about photography privileges.

Thanks again!