Pyramids excursion

[wishIweretravelling]

I've reviewed several strings on excursions to the pyramids at Giza, and appreciate the information in them.

 

We're faced with a delicious dilemna: whether to do a same-day trip to the pyramids from Alexandria, or do an overnight such that we leave Alexandria in the morning for Cairo/Giza, and then meet the ship the next evening in Suez. I'm looking for advice as to which is better, keeping in mind that the price difference is substantial (about $500 pp).

 

For the same-day trip, we'd bus to Cairo, and spend some time at the pyramids and a little at the Egyptian Museum, then bus back. All in 12 hours. For the overnight, we'd go first to the catacombs in Alexandria, then a little drive-by of other sights in Alexandria, then off to Cairo after lunch. In the evening, there would be a private viewing of the Egyptian Museum. The next day, we'd go to the pyramids in the morning, then off to Suez to meet the ship after lunch. Neither appears to involve going inside the pyramids (though that's not clear on the overnight one). It looks like what we'd get for the overnight but not the same-day would be a little bit of Alexandria, more time at the museum (and in a less crowded setting), and an earlier and more leisurely time at the pyramids. Of course, what we'd really be paying for is the hotel and the extra meals.

 

So, has anyone done one or the other? Is the same-day satisfactory? Is the overnight worth it?

 

Thanks in advance for your input.

[Toto2Kansas]

Trying to see it all in one day would be totally exhausting. Even over two days with the overnite it is really a busy two days. There is so much to see, and the trip to Giza is so long, there is no way I would try to do it all in one day.

The overnite gives you more time without having to transport back to the ship just as things are getting exciting.

 

We did the overnite, as you may have guessed, and we still could have used another week to see all the sites we were interested in. But the overnite was planned to see the main sites, and believe me when I say it took every available minute to see them over the two day period.

 

Doing the one day trip means most of the time you will be transporting to Giza and back and have a view of a lot of sand from the highway. Definitely consider the overnite. Unless you plan to visit Egypt again in the near future, as there is too much to see in just a few hours that a day tour would give you.

[whale-watcher]

There are many threads about reliable private tour operators who have arranged overnight Giza/Cairo tours for a fraction of the cost of the official cruiseline excursions, if the extra cost is an issue. We had been planning to use nile blue before we changed our travel plans for this summer (too hot to go to Egypt in the mid summer!)

[murphysmum]

Hello...

 

If the extra cost doesn't put too much pressure on you, I'd definitely do the overnight tour. The extra private time in the Egyptian Museum would be priceless. Many of the tours seem to focus on the Tut exhibits and mummies and there are so many other wonderful things to see.

 

I wouldn't worry about whether or not you go inside of the pyramid. It's not too exciting. The tombs at Luxor are much more interesting inside.

 

I'm curious where they'd have you stay for the overnight. There are a few very atmospheric hotels in Giza and Cairo...and some cookie cutter chain hotels.

 

Great country. Enjoy!

 

murphysmum;)

[martyap]

I have read that it is better to stay in downtown Cairo than in Giza. What hotel(s) do you recommend. I know Nile Blue Tours offers Le Meridien and Moevenpick in Giza, Sheraton and Pyramisa in downtown....and possibly the Marriott downtown.............Marty

[murphysmum]

Hello...

 

All of the five hotels that you mentioned are fine hotels, but all are chain hotels with rather generic rooms...some better than others. Of the five mentioned, the Marriott in Cairo is, in my opinion only, the most charming and atmospheric. You may want to "google" it and look at the unique architecture of the original old building and the overall charm of the hotel.

 

Choosing a hotel is very personal. Some people prefer a "known entity" and are more comfortable in a chain hotel. There are many good ones in Cairo and Giza.

 

I prefer boutique type hotels, and will always choose charm over function, although the two I'm recommending are full service hotels. My personal favorites are, in Giza, the Mena Oberoi with view of pyramids (old palace/hunting lodge-reeks with charm-rooms are great) or, in Cairo, either of the Four Seasons, preference being the Four Seasons Residence just slightly across the river from Cairo, technically in Giza, with view of the Cairo zoo. Nothing like waking to a view of thousands of ibis flying through the trees or a family of hippos coming out for the day. If it's clear, you can see the pyramids in the distance.

 

Now, I realize that the Oberoi's and Four Season's are also chain hotels, but they are just so beautiful inside that each one seems special...and the dollar is fairly strong in Egypt so you're not spending a fortune.

 

If I had only one night to spend, I would, as you say, choose Cairo. You really need a car to get from place to place in Giza. The Cairo traffic is a nightmare, but the Residence is in a quiet neighborhood and you feel you've reached an oasis when you get to your room. You can easily return to the Museum from this location.

 

Wherever you decide to stay, you'll have an amazing time. Enjoy!

 

murphysmum;)

[wishIweretravelling]

Thanks for the input. That's really helpful. While I generally like to go with guides other than the ship's excursions, it makes me uncomfortable when the timing with getting back to the ship is this close. I prefer the protection of the ship's tour. Even though they say they aren't responsible, I've sailed on this line a number of times, and they do take care of the people on the tours they arranged.

 

The hotel on the overnight is indeed the Four Seasons (goes a long way to explaining the price differential).

[NAS-KARR]

Thanks for your comprehensive hotel review~ ~ ~just what I'm looking for. You left out the Le Meridian Pyramids in Giza though, any special reason ?

[VoyageVirgin]

We were in Cairo last month (2 1/2 days) - on a little whirl wind tour of Europe and had to go to Giza as well. We did stay at the Sheraton Cairo and the rooms were being upgraded but were not quite finished. Very friendly accommodating staff. Traffic was/is amazingly constant to say the least. They said there is 20 million people living in Cairo with another 2-3 million commuting each day from the outlying countryside to work.

 

Did the Antiquities Museum on our first full day - which took approximately 4 hours and we skipped the special mummy room. You will notice that there is a huge amount of antiquities and very little proper storage. A shame what deterioration has occurred to items the museum has had for years - so little room and money.

 

We did book a tour through the Travel Agency in the hotel for approx 880 Egyptian pounds (about 175 Cdn) for the two of us - included private airconditioned car - with driver and an English speaking tour guide who took us through Cairo into Saqqara - Carpet making factory - The Papyrus Institute (picked up some lovely hand painted papyrus) The Emporium - gold, silver and knock off relics - huge store - lunch then onto Giza - which was phenomenal - the guide then offered to take us to the "perfumery" but we declined - way too much to take in for one day - but we certainly got our money worth. Be forewarned about the "baquesh" situation. Everyone will try to help you - but there will be a fee attached.

If you approach one of the government uzi toting guards they will allow you to stand on the pyramid and take your picture - for a fee. The camel driver will offer to take a picture of you and your companion with your camera - and then want a fee - they don't seem to want E.P. but love paper money US or Euro - no coin. Want soap to wash your hands after you use the washroom - better have some "tip" available. They are not agressive about it - very friendly - but man were we "baqueshed" out by the time we left. Sorry didn't mean to go on so much - just really wanted you to be forewarned.

 

Giza is fantastic as well as the museum so if you can swing it financially I'd do the overnight tour with the ship for that "just in case" scenario.

 

Enjoy - It is wonderful - don't forget your hat and sunscreen back on March 17th it was 30 degrees celcius (about 80 F.)

[murphysmum]

Hello....

 

Crys....I think you'll find that staying at the Four Seasons is money well spent. If you happen to be there mid-afternoon, they have a really exceptional tea in the lounge area. We stopped to relax one afternoon and they served so much food we never went out for dinner.

 

NAS-KARR....The Meridien in Giza was one of the hotels mentioned by Crys as a choice. I didn't mention it specifically as it's one of the hotels that, for me, is very much a generic chain hotel. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it and it does have a view of the pyramids. However, the pyramid views are much better from the Mena Oberoi and the rooms have much more of an Egyptian flavor. The Meridien just reminds me of one of the many hotels in Palm Springs; it could be anywhere. It's only my personal preference for hotels with character...nothing wrong with it.

 

I hope that you both enjoy your respective trips to Egypt. I can't wait to return.

 

murphysmum;)

[NAS-KARR]

Sorry to be such a pest, pls answer me one more thing (atleast for now), between Meridian and Oberoi, which is the closest to the P's ?

[murphysmum]

Hi!

 

To answer your question, the Oberoi is definitely closer to the pyramids. If you go to the Mena Oberoi web site, you'll see the close up view from the Palace Pyramid view rooms; you're looking directly at the pyramid with nothing to obstruct the view.

 

The first time we arrived at the Oberoi it was about 2AM. After entering the room, I went directly to the balcony to look for the pyramid. All I could see was what appeared to be a dark sky and I asked the porter where the pyramid was. He stood behind me with pride and pointed to the "dark sky", then told me to look left and right. The looming "dark sky" was the Great Pyramid; to the left and right I saw a dark blue sky and sliver of moon framed by palm trees grown on the hotel property. The next morning we ate breakfast on the balcony with the same view in daylight. It was pretty amazing and the room was lovely with period furniture.

 

The Le Meridien actually does have views of the pyramids, but from more of a distance and, if I remember correctly from having lunch there, views of a few rooftops and other buildings in between. It's a lovely hotel...nothing wrong with it. It's just not the Mena House.

 

For those on a budget, the Mena Oberoi has some rooms around the pool, recently redone, with about 1/2 of them having a view of the pyramids although probably 1/4 mile further than those in the Palace section of the hotel.

 

I hope this is helpful.

 

murphysmum (Janed);)

[NAS-KARR]

That was most helpful~ ~ ~I just have to remember the "Palace section", Thats the one I want, how it doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

 

Grazie e CIAO,

[Chesie]

We will be going over in October. Originally had plans to stay at LeMeridian but heard they are in the middle of renovations so went with Marriott. Going with a large group. Might want to check on that before bookings.

 

Nancy

 

Sorry to be such a pest, pls answer me one more thing (atleast for now), between Meridian and Oberoi, which is the closest to the P's ?

[murphysmum]

Hello Steve...

 

About that arm and leg? I just checked the prices at the Mena House, as we're actually going back with friends in early 09. Right now, they're showing $230 for the Palace Pyramid View rooms and only $20 less for the pool rooms I mentioned (very little charm except for view) with the pyramid view. Compared to other hotels in Giza or Cairo, that's a very good price. Since these rooms don't all have balconies, a well placed $10 (a lot in Egypt) at the desk at check in will likely get you the balcony. I had booked directly with the hotel and made this request in advance and it was honored without "baksheesh". If you look at their web site, Picture Gallery, P. 9, you'll see the balcony view and the road up to the pyramid in the far left lower corner. Enjoy!

 

Chesie...I think that you're very lucky to have moved to the Marriott. I had mentioned it above as one of the chain hotels in Cairo with a lot of atmosphere/history and it's reasonably priced. However, it appears that a lot of tour groups are now using the new Marriott near the airport...large, luxurious, fairly expensive and pretty generic. If I remember correctly, it's also more expensive than many of the other hotels with more character....and this entire discussion with NAS-KARR started with the premise that my personal choice is hotels with a more boutique, unique charm.

 

You can't have a bad time in Egypt, no matter where you stay.

 

Enjoy....

 

Janed - murphysmum;)

[Andiamo!]

Why don't you email Nile Blue Tours at info@nilebluetours.com? My guess is that you could probably arrange a private overnight tour, staying at the Mena House Oberoi with entry fees, lunches and the Sound and Light show at the Pyramids included for about $400 pp. (You may even choose to skip the show, since you'll be able to see some of the colorful visual effects from your room anyway, and the narration isn't that great.) I'm just guessing at the price, (I know that inflation in Egypt is terrible right now), but our group is doing an overnight (Port Said, Cairo, Alexandria) in the fall, staying at The Cairo Marriott and we're only spending $295. Just tell them you'd like to be back to the ship with plenty of time to spare, and you can't go wrong. Either way, the overnight is highly recommended. You will love it!

[NAS-KARR]

Who are you addressing your post #16 to ??

[Andiamo!]

Who are you addressing your post #16 to ??

 

I'm not sure now, but I think I was addressing it to you since you wanted to stay at the Mena House Oberoi and you were hoping it wouldn't cost an arm and a leg - or it could have been Crys. I may have been reading the posts without reading the names each time and mixed the two of you up. I'm six hours ahead of the east coast so can I use the late hour as an excuse? :o

[NAS-KARR]

The only reason I aksed was I never inquired about tours nor am I interested in any tours or in any other hotel that doesn't have a near-by view of the pyramids like the

Mena and the Le Meridian do. Thanks juist the same.

[Andiamo!]

The only reason I aksed was I never inquired about tours nor am I interested in any tours or in any other hotel that doesn't have a near-by view of the pyramids like the

Mena and the Le Meridian do. Thanks juist the same.

 

Sorry Nas-Karr!

 

It sounded like you might have been planning one as well and I saw they had a good deal with the Mena House Oberoi (discount prices as a tour operator) so I thought I would pass on that information. Our group ended up staying at Le Meridien since it was less expensive, but the Mena House was really tempting.

 

"My guess is that you could probably arrange a private overnight tour, staying at the Mena House Oberoi with entry fees, lunches and the Sound and Light show at the Pyramids included for about $400 pp."

 

That hotel looks sooo gorgeous! I hope I will get the chance to stay there one day with DH and the girls. I think I even read somewhere it was rated as the best hotel in Africa.

 

Anyway, have a great time when you go!

[CruisePrincess6]

Has anyone done the overnight tour with Celebrity. If so, what did you think of it?

 

Irene

[MercedMike]

We did the overnight in Cairo and loved it.

 

However, we stayed at the Nile Sheraton. This was hugely convenient. In the morning we walked across the street for a felucca ride on the Nile, then back across the street to be at the doors of the Egyptian Museum the second it opened. Our guide whisked us right up to the mummy room and we were all alone in there with the royal mummies. Half an hour later it was crowded so you could hardly move.

 

Check out our review and pics at http://www.elite.net/~thehalls/holyland2.html

 

On a previous trip we stayed at the Mena Pyramids and it is really a great experience to see the pyramids loom up out of the darkness. If you do it, make the sacrifice to be up at daybreak.

 

Check out our review and pics at http://www.elite.net/~thehalls/egyptmain.html

 

Have a GREAT cruise!

[WeBeGone]

We stayed at Le Meridan, in a "view room" - NOT. :( By the time we got to the room it was after 10, the Sound and Light Show was over, the pyramids were dark so there was no view of anything. :mad: The next morning it was so foggy we could see nothing. :eek: My opinion is forget about paying for a view room if you're only there overnight.:confused:

 

In Feb we stayed 5 nights at the Marriott and LOVED IT !! Loved the room, loved the view of the Nile, loved the 12 restuarants, loved the casino, loved the sheesha with friends in the garden, loved the shops, etc etc.

 

Choosing a hotel for one night is a whole different game than a several night stay.

[MercedMike]

We stayed at Le Meridan, in a "view room" - NOT. :( By the time we got to the room it was after 10, the Sound and Light Show was over, the pyramids were dark so there was no view of anything. :mad: The next morning it was so foggy we could see nothing. :eek: My opinion is forget about paying for a view room if you're only there overnight.:confused:

.

 

The thing about cruising is that we see most of the world in a short port call. Wherever we go, one day (or part of a day) is all we are ever going to get. So I say go for it! You might lose. That's travel. But if you win, and get that magnificent view of the pyramids breaking through the dawn, then you used your one chance well!

[MVPinBoynton]

Mike,

I noticed that when you were on your Nile Cruise in 2005, you were there during Ramadan. We will be on our Nile cruise this September during Ramadan. Our tour leader who has been in Egypt during Ramadan, said that it is a special time to be there with all the celebrations, decorations and other holiday things going on. I realize that tour times will be limited some; but did you find it to be a major problem and were the Ramadan celebrations interesting?