Egypt: Top Rated! Tips, Secrets for Luxor?

[TLCOhio]

Next shows a sampling as we started to explore the Valley of the Kings.  Located on the west bank of Luxor, this has been the site of royal burials since around 2100 BC.  However, it was the pharaohs of the New Kingdom period (1550–1069 BC) who chose this somewhat isolated valley dominated by the pyramid-shaped mountain peak of Al Qurn (The Horn). Once called the Great Necropolis of Millions of Years of Pharaoh, or the Place of Truth, the Valley of the Kings has 63 different royal tombs.  Don't worry, we did not visited ALL of them.   These tombs have suffered greatly from the treasure hunters (to be more blunt, grave robbers), floods and, in recent years, the challenges of mass tourism.  

 

We did not visit King Tut's tomb as it was so small as he died at a very young age.  They started digging a tomb once a person becomes king.  Short life?  Smaller tomb!    Plus, all of the "goodies" from King Tut's tomb were taken to the main Egypt Museum in Cairo.  King Tut is so famous as it not until the early 1920's when his tomb had been discovered by Howard Carter.  Most of the other tombs has been stripped clean by these grave robbers much earlier in history.   The three we visited gave us an excellent sample.  Hopefully these visuals will verify that we saw some amazing samples of history.  To do pictures inside these tombs involves an extra $20 permit.  Was it worth it?  You be the judge based on this sample here in this and other posts.    The colors and designs are amazing!!  Agree??

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 245,614 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

Here is the first view as we approach the "Valley of the Kings" on the west side ("sunset") of the Nile River opposite the main part of Luxor on the right or east bank.  Then we entered the first of three different tombs that we toured this morning.  Very unique, colorful and special art and designs.  Such great craftsmanship going back about 3300 years.:

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This is the large area where the tomb of the King would have been placed.  But, all of the loose and moveable items were stolen many decades ago.:

 

 

 

 

 

Like this special three-headed snake that was not viewed as a positive sign?:

[TLCOhio]

Is that all that we experienced in Luxor's famed Valley of the Kings?  NO!!  Below are just a few more to finish up a small sampling the wonders there in these various tomb chambers.  One highlight in this second tomb was its large stone sarcophagus.  This carved container was used to house the wooden and decorated coffin.  This stone structure provided supplementary protection to the dead body.

 

As shown in the first picture, there were different openings for each of these 63 burial chambers.  Each tomb involved a decent number of steps, walking, etc.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Venice: Loving It & Why??!!  Is one of your future desires or past favorites? See these many visual samples for its great history and architecture.  This posting is now at 81,987 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1278226

 

Inside of this second tomb that we visited in the Valley of Kings, one of the highlights was the large stone sarcophagus contained within the burial chamber.  Notice in the fourth picture as to how decorated were many of the ceiling in this chambers?:

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[TLCOhio]

There was a question as to which tombs we visited.  As I re-call, two of the tombs we visited were for Ramesses III and IX.  As I understand, they rotate which tombs are open for each different day.  That helps make the staffing easier and helps to lessen the impacts on these fragile samples of history. 

 

Hatshepsut's Temple or Mortuary temple was dedicated to Amun and Hatshepsut and is situated next to the mortuary temple of Mentuhotep II.  The Polish Academy of Sciences from Warsaw is responsible for the study and restoration of the three levels of the temple.

 

Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.).  Now at 63,652 views:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

 

Near the Valley of the Kings, we did a "sales stop" as a location for a demonstration as to the various old stone carving and decorating methods used by the Egypt artists who families go back many centuries in these trades.  Yes, we bought a nice art sample to have at home as a memory from visiting Luxor.:

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Here are a few more photographic samples from visiting Hatshepsut's Temple near the Valley of the Kings.  Most of this Temple to the famed Queen was destroyed by her somewhat unhappy (with good reason) stepson.  Something about a King being killed, etc.??!!  Much of what we see now has been re-built.  Not totally authentic, but the overall look is good, plus having a spectacular setting with the background of these mountains.  Like the perfect blue skies?:

 

 

 

 

 

[TLCOhio]

After the Valley of the Kings and other stops in the morning and early afternoon, we headed to the Nile River for a lunch on a boat as we sailed on this famed waterway.  FUN!!  Good food, too!  YES, the setting was totally wonderful, scenic and very relaxing.

 

Our two days private excursion was set-up and handled through Love Egypt Tours.  They did an excellent job and our guide was super informative and interesting. 

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

AFRICA?!!?: Fun, interesting visuals, plus travel details from this early 2016 live/blog. At 45,131 views. Featuring Cape Town, South Africa’s coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

 

Here is the view from our boat, the Blue Peter, we prepared to enjoy lunch for just the four of us as we sailed on the famed Nile River.  Second is the view from the front of the boat. Third is the view of the Winter Palace sitting directly on the Nile.  It was build from use by the last of the Egypt Kings in the earlier 1900's.  It is a now a hotel and we stayed at this location.  We were in their newer addition, not the more pricy, older palace structure.  Beautiful grounds for this Sofitel hotel operation.:

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In this picture is what I believe to be a felucca, similar to the traditional, wooden sailing boat used commonly on the Nile River.:

 

Here is super smiling Milt with our expert guide, Abdul, after our wonderful lunch on the Nile River.  Our guide shared so much on the history and background for this area and his country during our two days with him and the staff from Love Egypt Tours.:

[TLCOhio]

For our first evening in Luxor, we arranged to do a special evening light and sound program at Karnak.  This is a complex of sanctuaries, columns, pylons and obelisks dedicated to the  the glory of the Pharaohs. This site covers more than 2 sq km and contains about ten cathedrals. At its heart is the Temple of Amun.  It was built, added to, dismantled, restored, enlarged and decorated over nearly 1500 years.   Karnak was the most important place of worship in Egypt during the New Kingdom.  Among its highlights are a hypostyle hall and a  forest of giant papyrus-shaped columns.   There was a three km paved avenue of human-headed sphinxes that once linked the great Temple of Amun at Karnak with Luxor Temple. Most of what you can see was built by the Pharaohs of the 18th to 20th dynasties (1570–1090 BC).  The quality of the music, narration, etc., with this evening program was very special and worth the added cost in attending. 

 

Was this a pretty good first day for visiting Luxor?

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Kotor/Montenegro:  Exciting visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this scenic, historic location. Over 45,055 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439193

 

Here are some highlights from attending the night program at Karnak in Luxor.  Very impressive and well done!!:

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[TLCOhio]

After a wonderful sunrise from our balcony overlooking the gardens at the Winter Palace Sofitel Hotel (pictured earlier), we would start our second day in Luxor by visiting Karmak.  But, this time, were there with fully sunlight under beautiful blue skies.  Like?

 

Construction at this complex began during the reign of Senusret I in the Middle Kingdom and continued into the Ptolemaic period.  Old stuff??!!

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Dubrovnik!  Nice visual samples, tips, details, etc., for this super scenic location. Over 45,201 views.    

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1439227

 

First, here is the view of the Nile River as we traveled with our private guide to Karmak.   Second are the welcoming stone rams as we enter Karmak.  These are big, BIG columns with many design/decorative carving on this stone. Notice some of the design touches on the bottoms of certain upper stone pieces?  Penny is shown learning more details from guide Abdul.:

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[TLCOhio]

These visuals finish up just a small sampling for ALL that we saw and experienced at Karnak.  Loved all about this site, both at night and during the daylight hours.  Karnak is considered as the second most visited historical site in Egypt; following only the Giza Pyramids near Cairo as receiving more visitors.  Yes, it is easy under why Karnak is so popular.  Per Wikipedia, the key difference between Karnak and most of the other temples and sites in Egypt is the length of time over which it was developed and used. Construction of these temples started in the Middle Kingdom and continued into Ptolemaic times. Approximately thirty pharaohs contributed to the buildings, enabling it to reach a size, complexity and diversity that is not seen elsewhere.   

 

OTHER TRIVIA?:  Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile takes place mainly on the steamship S.S. Karnak, as well as using the temple itself in one of its scenes.  Karnak is featured in the James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me.   Yes, I remember those scenes with Roger Moor and Barbara Bach.  Lara Croft visited Karnak for three levels in Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation.  

 

Sorry, earlier, I got the spelling mixed up between Karnak and Karmak.  Pesky fingers doing the typing!!??  Also, apologize for any typos and other errors.  It can be challenging in doing live/blogs and being able to check properly all of the exact spelling and grammar details, etc.  Proofing your own writing, especially when on the run and being so busy, can be a difficult task.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Athens & Greece: Many visuals, details from two visits in a city with great history, culture and architecture.  Now at 30,222 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1101008

 

Finishing up at Karnak, here are four more views and samples for our sights at this location.  Yes, we were smiling and impressed!!:

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Next we visited a "Museum" for papyrus in Luxor.  It was mostly a "sales stop", but it was interesting to learn of its history and how this material was produced in ancient times. It was made from the pith of the papyrus plant.  Documents were written on sheets of such a material that is joined together side by side and rolled up into a scroll.  These were the early forms for books and documents.  Papyrus is first known to have been used in Egypt going back to the First Dynasty.  The papyrus plant was once abundant across the Nile Delta.:.:

 

Here is the Coptic Christian Church in Luxor that is among the largest in Egypt.:

[TLCOhio]

Now to finish our key highlights along the Nile River in this ancient city, we visited the Temple of Luxor.  This town was originally called Thebes and was founded around 1400 BC.  It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.  One of the top highlights at Luxor Temple is the granite statue of Ramses II. Per Wikipedia, to the rear of the temple has chapels built by Amenhotep III of the 18th Dynasty. Other parts of the temple were built by Tutankhamun and Ramesses II. During the Roman era, the temple and its surroundings were the home of the Roman government in the area.

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Panama Canal? Early 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through Panama Canal.  Our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Now at 26,573 views.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

 

Below are the long run of statutes as we approached the Temple of Luxor.  Second shows some sense of the "scale" as my wife stands next to the foot of the giant statue of Ramesses II.  Third is our guide, Abdul, explaining details for the carvings and the meanings on those statutes. Are these pretty big considering that they were constructed thousands of years ago before modern equipment and tools?:

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[TLCOhio]

To complete this sampling from the Temple of Luxor, below are my final seven visuals.  Have many more, but hopefully these either offer a good preview for those planning to visit here.  Or, to bring back nice memories for those who have visited in Luxor earlier.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

For latest live/blog, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

 

The Temple of Luxor is much more than just one structure.  It is a large complex of different artifacts, building columns, carvings, statues, etc.  At night, it is lighted in a spectacular manner.  Very impressive!!  Many of these columns suffered significant damage due to flooding before the New Aswan Dam was constructed and completed in the 1970's.  In the fourth pictures, part of the the Islamic structure building later within this complex is shown on the right-hand site.:

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Here is a statue of King Tut and his wife within the Temple of Luxor.  As has happened in many locations, certain of these items were unfortunately damaged over the years by either later rulers and/or the many foreign invaders, etc.:

 

 

[TLCOhio]

As our Nautica ship would be departing at 6 pm and we needed to leave Luxor a little after noon.  We wanted to be back at the ship around 4 pm.  Do not seek to cut timing too close to risk missing our ship's sail-away.

 

Need more visual "eye-candy" from this part of Egypt??  Have many more pictures that can be shared and/or to be used to answer any questions.  Just post on my live/blog and I will respond as to your information needs.   

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

SE Asia/Mekong River, Etc.!  Live/blog from early 2018, first adventure through SE Asia, stops in Hong Kong and Bangkok, before exploring all over Vietnam and Cambodia, seven days sailing on the Mekong River. Now at 46,193 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2591474

 

Here are two samples of "city-life" within Luxor as were preparing to depart in returning to our ship on Red Sea.  It's a busy city!! Here, the horse-drawn carriage is used more for tourism purposes.  Lots of motorcycles, cars, etc., within this town.:

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Along the green-belt area nearby to and north of Luxor, here are some samples as people carry on with their daily chores, including to deliver goods and services, etc.  Many carts and wagons are pulled by Donkeys. The fourth picture shows some of the various crops being grown on these private tracts of land that are supplied with water from the canal that runs north from the large Aswan Dam that now controls the flooding.:

 

 

 

 

These final two pictures give a sampling of transportation in this part of Egypt. First is one of the many trucks or vans that people would use to get around and move between various villages and locations. Doors would be left open in order to make it easier for people to jump on or exit from these privately-operated vehicles.  Notice the luggage on the top of the roof?  Cute having this guy on the back of the truck give me a "thumbs up!" signal.  Next, we passed through the town of Qena, north of Luxor. Here, we saw this example as to how one motorcycle could be used to transport a whole family.  They were nice and gave us friendly smiles and a positive thumbs up sign.:

 

[TLCOhio]

From the Sydney Morning Herald and other Fairfax newspapers in Australia last week, they had this headline: “Travel trends and destinations: The nine biggest things in travel right now”  with these highlights: “Travel is fashion. Destinations are trends. Sometimes you don't realise it, but there are certain places you'll want to travel to now because they've come into fashion.”

 

Here is what was highlighted for Egypt as one of these top, most important locations to visit: "Egypt could once have been described as a classic destination, the sort of place you'd group with the likes of France and Italy, such was its popularity. And then things went seriously wrong, with terror attacks and political unrest leading to a sharp decline in visitors. Now though, people are going back. Only 5.4 million people visited the country in 2016; last year, nearly 9 million made the trek. And there's plenty of growth left in Egypt. Prepare to hear about this place a lot over the next few years."

 

Full story at:

http://www.traveller.com.au/travel-trends-and-destinations-the-nine-biggest-things-in-travel-right-now-h1eub5

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

For latest live/blog, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East.  Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

[TLCOhio]

From the Sydney Morning Herald and other Fairfax newspapers in Australia in the past week, they had this headline: “World's 10 most spectacular hot air balloon”  with details as to this option in both Luxor and at Wadi Rum Jordan.  

 

Here is one of the story highlights about WADI RUM, JORDAN: “The jagged mountains of southern Jordan make this one of the best ballooning spots in the Middle East. Unpredictable thermals mean you can't fly over Wadi Rum itself, but the desert scenery is still superb. As you take off at sunrise, the valley floor turns from black to orange, and rocky hills are splashed in red. Squint hard enough and you might spot the distant Red Sea.”

 

This is how they highlighted for LUXOR, EGYPT: "Glide above Luxor by balloon, away from the hubbub beneath, and you'll be mesmerised as thousands of years of civilisation sprout along the Nile's riverbanks in an unfolding of temples and tombs, railway lines and modern hotels, villages and date palms. As the sun comes up, it illuminates the immense columns of the temples of Karnak and Hatshepsut, with the silent Valley of the Queens hidden in the distant mountains."

 

Sound like a fun and interesting option?

 

Full story at:

http://www.traveller.com.au/traveller-10-ten-hot-air-balloon-adventures-h1f2by

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

For latest live/blog, see “Holy Lands, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Dubai, Greece, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East.  Now at over 13,000 views.   Connect at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

 

This is a picture used to illustrate this article to reflect ballooning over Wadi Rum in southern Jordan.:

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[decafnights]

Our cruise ship had an overnight in Safaga. We contacted Haitham Masoud, the Tour Operator for Ramasside Tours.  He proposed a two day itinerary with the option to be flexible.  All the admissions and the hotel were included. We opted for a 5 star hotel and it was still very reasonable. We were very glad we decided to stay overnight. We avoided 6 hours on a bus two days in a row, and we were able to start very early in the morning before it got oppressively hot.

Ibrahim, or guide, was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and explained everything in great detail. He also answered our questions about life in Egypt today.  On the first day, we went to the Karnack Temple, had lunch, and went to the Luxor Temple. That evening we went to the Sound and Light show at the Karnack Temple (offered as an optional extra). The next morning we went to the Valley of the Kings and the Hatshepsut Temple. We opted to skip lunch and head back to the ship.

Others have given detailed descriptions of the sights and posted beautiful pictures. I highly recommend Ramasside Tours. We appreciated the opportunity to be flexible and go at our own pace.  We were there in mid May and it was oppressively hot. In the afternoon, it "felt like 112".  The restaurant we went to the first day was not air conditioned where we were initially seated, and on the second day, the air conditioning was not working in the restaurant. They offered to try someplace else but we opted to return early. I mention this because it would be helpful to check in advance.  I also suggest checking in advance about whether the hotel has USB ports or adapters, or being sure you bring the correct one with you if you want to charge devices. Despite the heat, this was an amzing once in a lifetime experience for us.

[TLCOhio]

On 6/16/2019 at 6:03 PM, decafnights said:

Our cruise ship had an overnight in Safaga. We contacted Haitham Masoud, the Tour Operator for Ramasside Tours.  He proposed a two day itinerary with the option to be flexible.  All the admissions and the hotel were included. We opted for a 5 star hotel and it was still very reasonable. We were very glad we decided to stay overnight. We avoided 6 hours on a bus two days in a row, and we were able to start very early in the morning before it got oppressively hot.

 

Appreciate these above great comments, details and follow-up.  YES, doing the overnight stay in Luxor might cost a little more, but it is very, very smart.  There is so much wonderful to see in and around Luxor that you need the time and gaining a break from the long drive helps much.   

 

From USA Today newspaper and the AP newswire two days ago, they had this headline: “Egypt suspends hot air ballooning in Luxor after 11 tourists swept into the desert” with these highlights: “Egypt has suspended hot air ballooning rides over ancient sites in Luxor after strong winds took 11 tourists off course the day before and forced them to land in the country’s southern desert.  Local authorities said on Friday the rides would not resume until an investigation is completed.  This news comes a year and half after a tourist died in Luxor after a hot air balloon crash. That January 2018 incident also injured 12 people, and Egyptian authorities said the crash was caused by strong winds that forced the balloon off its course.”

 

Interesting development and situation.  We did not have time to do such a hot air balloon adventure, but glad we avoided those high winds.  

 

Full story at:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2019/06/21/egypt-hot-air-ballooning-suspended-in-luxor-after-tourist-incident/1525982001/

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 247,120 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

 

 

[jessaz]

On 6/17/2019 at 12:03 AM, decafnights said:

Our cruise ship had an overnight in Safaga. We contacted Haitham Masoud, the Tour Operator for Ramasside Tours.  He proposed a two day itinerary with the option to be flexible.  All the admissions and the hotel were included. We opted for a 5 star hotel and it was still very reasonable. We were very glad we decided to stay overnight. We avoided 6 hours on a bus two days in a row, and we were able to start very early in the morning before it got oppressively hot.

Ibrahim, or guide, was excellent. He was very knowledgeable and explained everything in great detail. He also answered our questions about life in Egypt today.  On the first day, we went to the Karnack Temple, had lunch, and went to the Luxor Temple. That evening we went to the Sound and Light show at the Karnack Temple (offered as an optional extra). The next morning we went to the Valley of the Kings and the Hatshepsut Temple. We opted to skip lunch and head back to the ship.

Others have given detailed descriptions of the sights and posted beautiful pictures. I highly recommend Ramasside Tours. We appreciated the opportunity to be flexible and go at our own pace.  We were there in mid May and it was oppressively hot. In the afternoon, it "felt like 112".  The restaurant we went to the first day was not air conditioned where we were initially seated, and on the second day, the air conditioning was not working in the restaurant. They offered to try someplace else but we opted to return early. I mention this because it would be helpful to check in advance.  I also suggest checking in advance about whether the hotel has USB ports or adapters, or being sure you bring the correct one with you if you want to charge devices. Despite the heat, this was an amzing once in a lifetime experience for us.

Thank you for sharing this detailed review.

[TLCOhio]

On 7/8/2019 at 3:30 PM, jessaz said:

Thank you for sharing this detailed review.

 

YES!!  Great added background from decafnights.  Have been reading recently some added news coverage about scrubbed, major airline flights to Egypt.  BUT, have also heard from others saying that the Egypt government does an excellent in having very good security in these tourist-sensitive areas of this historic country.  Any others having recent experienced there in Egypt?

 

Just completed yesterday, for our first time, flying into Calgary, seeing Jasper/Banff National Parks, doing the Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, having three days in Vancouver, then sailing up to Alaska, doing a post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  As mention earlier, next on our priority list is a first-time trip for exploring in early 2020 various South Pacific islands, including Fiji, Samoa, Bora Bora, etc.   Would commence this 18-day cruise in mid February from Auckland.  We plan to get there a week ahead in order to explore more of New Zealand's North Island and be escaping from the Midwest winter cold.  In 2014, we did Wellington, Napier/Cape Kidnappers, Tauranga/Rotorua and Auckland/Waiheke Island, etc.  Will welcome all good suggestion for other exciting opportunities and fun locations in NZ's North Island.  More good photo opportunities??

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Just completed Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Lots of visuals and details!!  That live/blog is at: 

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

 

Or, you could simply do a quick Google search with these terms: 

“Live Terry/Ohio Muse Alaska”

[CanKata]

On 12/30/2017 at 11:06 PM, h2so4 said:

We did an overnight off the ship this year when we docked in Safaga ... private with Ramses (Ramassides) and were very happy with the experience. http://2totravelrtw180.blogspot.com/2017/07/day-126-luxor-from-safaga-egypt.html ... this is the link to the first day's blog post ... the next post covers the second day. We did not pay the extra to go to Seti or any of the extra-pay tombs because we will be going back for a land/river cruise vacation in 2019 (fingers crossed) and will have more leisure time, plus (we hope) more comfortable temps for an extended visit.

 

We may have visited some of the other ports on your itinerary, so feel free to browse the archive ... or easier, click on the Itinerary Tab at the top and use the list to get to specific ports.

We are happy to hear that you were happy with Ramassides. We have used them to book a one-day tour of Luxor on November 17, 2019. So far we are pleased with their response time and clear communications. 

[caveman1948]

We have booked an overnight shore excursion to Luxor from Safaga port through Ramasside Tours for this coming November.  While we have not done the tour yet, what I can say at this point is that all communications and reservation arrangements by their representative Haitham Masoud have been excellent. Looking forward to our visit.  

[Crstone45]

We have just returned from Luxor and I would like to thank you and the information you shared here - it helped me a lot on my trip and enabled us to maximise our time there. 

[TLCOhio]

On 11/9/2019 at 12:41 PM, Crstone45 said:

We have just returned from Luxor and I would like to thank you and the information you shared here - it helped me a lot on my trip and enabled us to maximise our time there. 

 

Appreciate these great comments and follow-ups. Wonderful sharing, including about Ramasside Tours.  While we did not use that firm.  We used  “Love Egypt Tours” at  www.loveegypttours.net.

 

In my view, the two key "points/tips/insights" relate to staying overnight in Luxor and using a private, small-group tour.  It's a long drive from the port and maximizing your time in historic and interesting Luxor is vital to "ABSORB" all of the character, sights and charm from visiting this area.  Personally, I like to write to two or three top tour firms, tell them your personal needs/interests and see what they offer/suggest.  

 

I continue to monitor the "situation" in Egypt.  Hope things stay stable and safe there for visitors.  It's a "MUST-SEE" location!!

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Barcelona/Med: June 2011, with stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Great visuals with key highlights, tips, etc. Live/blog now at 249,450 views.

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[helmslady]

Thank you so much for all of your wonderful information and beautiful photos which we have valued for our upcoming Oceania cruise in May 2020.  We are starting to make our touring plans and, after reading TripAdvisor and CC reviews such as yours, we decided to book our Safaga to Luxor tour with Ramasside Tours and have corresponded with Haitham Masoud who has responded to all of our queries quickly and clearly and trust this will be a highlight of our upcoming cruise.  Thank you again TLCOhio we really enjoy all you post and blog.

 

[Scenic Wanderer]

Like other have mentioned above, we have booked a private day excursion to Luxor from Safaga port for 10 people through Ramasside (Ramses) Tours for March 2020. The effortless ability to book the tour and the prompt communication by their representative Haitham Masoud made it a pleasure to deal with Ramasside.   Looking forward to our visit

[zuanpopo]

Our group of 31 people booked a Luxor one day from Safaga with Haitham Masoud at Ramasside Tour, the booking is a breeze, the communication between Haitham and us is always smooth with no delay. What ever questions you have, he answers them immediately. We have not taken the tour yet but really looking forward to it, hope the tour is just as wonderful as Haitham's services. I highly recommend Haitham Masoud at Ramasside Tour if you want to tour Egypt.

[stylecruizin]

On 11/30/2019 at 1:42 PM, zuanpopo said:

Our group of 31 people booked a Luxor one day from Safaga with Haitham Masoud at Ramasside Tour, the booking is a breeze, the communication between Haitham and us is always smooth with no delay. What ever questions you have, he answers them immediately. We have not taken the tour yet but really looking forward to it, hope the tour is just as wonderful as Haitham's services. I highly recommend Haitham Masoud at Ramasside Tour if you want to tour Egypt.

Hi   Iv read a posting   on which you have made a comment  regarding ncl jade March 2020   Luxor tour  with   30 + people  just wondering are you on this ship  as a tour guide 

[zuanpopo]

5 minutes ago, stylecruizin said:

Hi   Iv read a posting   on which you have made a comment  regarding ncl jade March 2020   Luxor tour  with   30 + people  just wondering are you on this ship  as a tour guide 

 

No, we are all classmates and classmates' family members and friends. We know each other, it is like a big reunion. I am not a tour guide by any chance.