ducruiser01

My cruise is scheduled to arrive at Port Said in October next year. After careful consideration, I have chosen to book a city tour of Port Said with Nile Blue Tours, primarily because of their local presence. I want to note that I have already taken the Pyramids tour with Ramses Tours last year. If anyone has recently used Nile Blue Tours and has any feedback or comments, I would greatly appreciate hearing them.
 

Both Viking Mars and Azamara Journey cruises make stops at different ports in Egypt.

I recently had the pleasure of embarking on a Jeddah city tour, and I must say it was an incredible experience. From the moment I arrived at Jeddah Port, everything was meticulously arranged, and the tour exceeded my expectations in every way.

First and foremost, the team at Saudi Arabia Tours ( https://saudiarabiatours.net/ )

was incredibly professional and knowledgeable. They greeted me with warm hospitality, making me feel immediately at ease. Our tour guide, Ahmed, was not only well-versed in the history and culture of Jeddah but also displayed a genuine passion for his city. His insights and anecdotes truly brought the city to life and made the tour highly engaging.

The Jeddah city tour itself was a perfect blend of historical landmarks and modern attractions. We started by exploring the enchanting Old Town, known as Al-Balad. The narrow streets, beautiful architecture, and vibrant markets were an absolute feast for the senses. Ahmed expertly navigated us through the bustling alleyways, sharing captivating stories about the city's rich past.

One of the highlights of the tour was visiting the historic district of Al-Naseef. This iconic area is home to several beautifully restored buildings that serve as a testament to Jeddah's cultural heritage. Walking among the traditional coral stone houses and absorbing the atmosphere was truly awe-inspiring.

As we ventured further, we discovered the iconic King Fahd Fountain, an astonishing display of water and lights that gracefully decorates the Jeddah skyline. The sheer size and beauty of the fountain left me in awe, providing an excellent photo opportunity.

Additionally, the tour included a visit to the enchanting Corniche, a picturesque waterfront promenade stretching along the Red Sea. The views were simply breathtaking, and I spent a serene moment taking in the sight of the azure waters against the backdrop of Jeddah's modern skyline. It was a serene escape from the city's vibrant energy.

 The vehicles were well-maintained, and the tour itinerary was well-planned, allowing us to make the most of our time in each location without feeling rushed.

I also appreciated the opportunity to interact with the local culture and cuisine. Ahmed guided us to a traditional restaurant where we savored authentic Arabian dishes, tantalizing our taste buds with flavors unique to the region. It was a delightful culinary experience that added another layer of authenticity to the tour.

My Jeddah city tour with Saudi Arabia Tours was an absolute delight. From the knowledgeable guide to the well-structured itinerary, everything was top-notch. I gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the rich history and vibrant culture of Jeddah. I highly recommend Saudi Arabia Tours https://saudiarabiatours.net/  to anyone looking to explore this fascinating city, and I can't wait to plan my next adventure with them.

The entrance fee to the Tutankhamun tomb was approximately 300 Egyptian pounds, equivalent to $12. In addition, purchasing a ticket to the Valley of the Kings grants you access to three tombs of your choosing. Overall, the experience is definitely worth the price for anyone interested in exploring ancient Egyptian history.

I recently used Ramses Tours for shore excursions from Alexandria port to Cairo and a trip to Luxor from Safaga port, and I must say that they exceeded my expectations in both locations. The entire experience was seamless, and the knowledgeable guides made sure we didn't miss a thing.

My tour guide in Cairo was Mina, and in Luxor, I had Mohammed – both were proper Egyptologists. The transportation was comfortable and well-maintained, and we felt safe throughout the journey.

We just signed up with Ramses Tours. they are well reviewed on cruise critic, TA and highly recommended by Leo Guided Tours Israel.

I have just booked a tour from Alexandria to Cairo, Nada has been exceptionally responsive.

On 9/7/2018 at 5:24 PM, texancruzer said:

 

We did a 15 day tour with Gate 1 Tours in Nov. 2010 (the Nov. before the January riots)

I cannot say enough that this was THE trip. We have travelled a lot to quite a few countries but this one - its the one. Our tour was mind-blowing to say the least. It included 2 nights in Cairo then flew to Luxor where we boarded our Nile cruise for a total of 7 nights. Leisurely down to Aswan where we spent 2 nights aboard the ship. We did the optional tour to Abu Simbel which was a major must do for me. Then back to Luxor where we disembarked and bused to Hurghada all inclusive for 2 nights. Its on the Red Sea where my husband and I did an amazing scuba dive. Then flew to Cairo and spent 1 night near airport before flying home.

WE SAW AND EXPERIENCED SO MUCH BUT IN A WONDERFUL WAY. Our guide Ayman was truly remarkable and did many things with us above and beyond the itinerary. We remain friends on Facebook.

 

Poor and dirty - yes. Beautiful and amazing - yes.

We found the people to be warm and friendly and genuinly happy we were there. They are poor and they are proud. So much history and intrigue - I only remember half (maybe ;))

 

The only thing I can say is "don't go for the food" You have to be very very careful. They tried very hard in hotels and on ship to please Western style meals but eh - not so much.

 

Tips: Be respectful. This is their country. While they are poor they are proud of their country and history. Take pictures respectfully. Ask. Most will hope for a small $ if you do. Some will ask outright others just a hand out. As soon as arrive buy Antinal. It is the local med for Mummy Tummy. As careful as you will be - it will happen. Trust me. Its not awful but more of a nuisance. Antinal works. You need an Egyptian med for an Egyptian bug. Cheap and available everywhere. We stayed at Le Meridien in Cairo and I got "it" on the second day. Ice at hotel was told safe - nope. Had a rum and coke with ice and BAM! Hotel had Antinal - $3.00 a box. We bought a second box halfway thru as husband also had experience with MT. 11 in our group and all but one had various experience with it.

Try everything !!!! Sheesha. While I don't smoke it was something unique and well, when in Rome....... Apple flavored was nice.

Bargain when shopping. Start at @ 1/3 what they ask. Work your way up until you are both happy.

Do a falluca ride. Boats with tall sails on the Nile. It will take you back hundreds of years .....

Ride a camel at the pyramids ! You will have a picture that will make all your friends envious.

Take time to soak up Egypt - people watch.

And as for the new museum. I'm sure it will be nice. But I love love loved the old one. Dusty and chaotic. Felt like Indiana Jones. We wandered all over. Saw the mummies, Tuts items and much much more.

Valley of the Kings - its hot in the tombs - especially the ones you go deep into. Even in Nov. We did not have to pay extra for Tuts. It was all included in our tour. We saw Tuts and 3 others. Not all tombs are open at the same time. They rotate so as not to damage with too much tourist traffic. You will be blown away by what they did so long ago for their pharaohs.

 

Enjoy - we never felt unsafe - altho we had an armed guard with us at pyramids and a large gun on the back of the cruise boat (covered in tarp) See as much as you can. You can rest when you get home 😄

 

 

PS : More about dress - it appears they may be a bit more strict about dress. I wore capris and short sleeve blouses most of the time BUT I always had either a long sleeve shirt (lightweight) or a scarf to cover for mosques. We did not find that we needed to cover when visiting tourist areas such as temples etc in rural areas and definitely not in Valley of the Kings or Abu Simbel etc etc. Use common sense. PHOTOS - there were a few places we were told no photos. Aswan dam and Abul Simbel (inside) but pretty much everywhere else was a go. Again - when taking photos of people (not in a crowd tho) ASK FIRST. Not sure I would venture to Sharm el Sheik. In a location that is hot spot. Hurghada was on the East side of main coast of Egypt.

Appreciate very much these great details.

Thank you 

We spent one day there on the beach. There were enough sunbeds at the beach or at the pool. Otherwise beautiful views of the distant skyline of Abu Dhabi and great water for swimming

Wondering if anyone has recently used Ramasside for a tour in Egypt? Will be using them in a few months and was wondering if someone could give a review of how their recent tour was with them. Any info will be most appreciated.

you can just get the visa 'stamp' in your passport on arrival.

You can see a lot without having to get on or off. 

We are scheduled for a Celebrity Equinox cruise in October with two days in Israel.