Trip of a Lifetime - You should go now! - Cairo, Egypt
Cairo, Egypt
Where I stayed
Viking River Cruise
What I did
Egypt River Cruise
Many wonderful temples
Viking River Cruise, Egypt and Egyptologist Amr Shaheen are the perfect combination for a trip of a Life Time!
From the time my sister and I landed at the Cairo airport until twelve days later when we left Cairo, Viking was there " twenty-four seven." The Viking Representative met us at
the baggage claim area and took our luggage to the motorcoach, escorted us the beautiful Hotel Sofitel El Gezirah and made sure we were checked in properly.
Our room's balcony overlooked the Nile River with a wonderful view of Cairo. We had dinner on the patio facing the Nile at one of the hotel's many restaurants.
The next morning we met our Egyptologist and Program Director Amr Shaheen. Little did we know he was going to give us the best and most enjoyable tour of Egypt
imaginable. His passion for and knowledge of Ancient Egypt was incredible. He made every site we visited come alive and his humor was priceless. Everyone simply
could not stop talking about what a wonderful guide he was. The Egyptians and hotel staff were very friendly and welcomed us back after a decline in tourism for a
long period of time. Egypt felt very safe, but Viking always had escorts and security for us at every site. Especially in Cairo, where our first two security guards were
especially vigilant. This made for a very relaxed and enjoyable visit. American dollars are widely accepted and actually preferred. Be sure to bring plenty of one dollar bills
for tipping. We brought $100.00 in ones and should have brought more. We tipped ship crews, hotel staff and bus drivers with American Dollars. Hotel and Ship Charges
were put on a credit card. The ship crew must be in cash only, either American Dollars or Egyptian Pounds. Viking River Cruise is the only way to truly see Egypt
.
more...
Day One
Arrived at hotel around 2:00 pm and relaxed a while before having dinner on our own.
Day Two
After buffet breakfast and a welcome briefing by Amr, we boarded our air-conditioned motorcoach for the visit to Sakkara and the Giza Pyramids. After the visit to the
Step Pyramid at Sakkara we had an opportunity to enter the pyramid of "King Titi". It is easy to go inside and it's walls are beautifully decorated. It is worth going inside
and not stressful eve if you are a little claustrophobic. On to a typical Egyptian Lunch at "Andrea Restaurant". We really enjoyed the fresh baked Egyptian bread and
trying Egyptian cuisine for the first time. Since I love Middle Eastern food, it was quite a treat. After lunch we proceeded to the Giza Plateau and our first stop was
the Camel Ride. Viking had arranged a large group of Camel owners to accommodate our group of 28. Each person had their own camel and guide. It was a real
experience and one not to be missed. It was paid for by Viking and they had taken care of the tipping. You could tip if you wanted to, we tipped $2.00 American dollars...
When we arrive at the Pyramids there were no crowds. It was explained that at the height of the tourist season before the uprising, they call it the revolution,
there would have been as many as 70 busses. The day we were there we only saw three. If you ever want to go to Egypt, now is the time. The sites are not crowded at all
and some you have all to yourself. There are simply no words to describe how you feel when you stand before the three giant pyramids. I had to pinch myself to realize
I was really there. Amr took us around back of the Pyramids where we were the only ones there. It gave a wonderful photo opportunity to be the only one in the
photograph. This was only the first of many special things that Amr had in store for us. I am sure that we saw things no tour other than Viking would see. After seeing
the Sphinx and buying a few souvenirs from the vendors on site, we returned to our hotel for some free time. Later in the evening we joined the group for dinner in the SUD
restaurant. The food was wonderful. It was a beautiful night, so we walked along the Nile on the private pathway of the Hotel.
Day Three
Breakfast Buffet then a visit to the Citadel and the Mosque of Mohammad, also called the Alabaster Mosque. Amr always advised us when cameras could be used.
When necessary left our cameras and personal items on the motorcoach safely. Cameras were not allowed in the Egyptian Museum. The Citadel provided a
beautiful view of the city high atop a hill. The highlight of the day was the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. King Tut's display boggles the mind in splendor.
I had seen some of his treasures on tour in American, but nothing compared to this array of possessions. The mummy room is not to be missed. There is a
mall extra charge to enter, but you see the mummy of Ramses the Great and Queen Hatshepsut among other notable rulers. We returned to the hotel for lunch
and afternoon of free time. We took advantage of the optional tour of the Khan el-Khalilim Souk (bazaar). Very crowded , but gave you a flavor of the Egyptian
culture. Included in the optional tour, Viking arranged an outdoor dinner at an ornate restaurant located in a beautiful park. The sunset was incredible and the food
wonderful. Everything was first class and no detail was overlooked.
Day Four
After breakfast we transferred to the Cairo Airport for our flight to Luxor. Of course, everything was arranged for a smooth, hassle free trip. Upon arrival our luggage was
transferred to the MS Mayfair and was waiting in our room when we arrived at the boat. We had time to freshen up before lunch and then embarked on our excursion to
Karnak temple. It is hard to describe seeing the giant columns first hand. The carvings and pictures that are still very visible after 4,000 years are unbelievable.
Some of the colors are still vivid. The size of the statutes are over powering, which was the obvious intention. It was quite warm, but worth the discomfort.
Luxor temple was smaller, but none-the-less beautiful and grand and right across from the boat. Returned to the boat for Tea Time. An array of special treats
and tea was served on the sun deck. Time to sit, relax and really take in all the wonderful things you had seen. Dinner was served at 6:00pm and there was an
optional Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple which we choose not to attend. At 9:00 pm there was entertainment in the Abstract Lounge. A Traditional
Belly Dancer and a Whirling Dervish performed. The Whirling Dervish put on quite a show. I don't know how he didn't pass out from all the twirling he did.
Day Five
Buffet Breakfast then on to the Valley of the Kings. Cameras were not allowed. The tomb of "Tut" was an extra charge, but who goes to Egypt without seeing
the famous tomb of Tut Ankh Amun. His mummy is there as well as one of his gold sarcophagus and golden death masks. Even though it was a small tomb, it
is not to be missed. The Viking provided ticket allowed for entry to three other tombs Some were very large with beautiful walls and others very accessible and
well decorated.. All the ones we chose to view were incredible. Next was Queen Hatshepsut's temple which was amazing. It was quite a climb to the top, but what a special place to visit. Beautifully carved out
of the side of a mountain. On the way back to the MS Mayfair we visited the Habu temple and the Colossi of Memnon. Lunch was served as we cruised along the
Nile to Esna. Afternoon on the sundeck enjoying the sites of water buffalo, men fishing as they did in ancient times, mud brick houses, Egyptians with donkey
carts loaded with various goods and the beautiful green land that became the Sahara Desert within sight. Quite a beautiful contrast of all things along the river.
Later in the afternoon an entertaining lecture by Amr on the next day's events, then dinner and to bed.
Day Six
We arrive in Edfu. After breakfast we visited the temple of Horus, one of Egypt's most complete and well-preserved ancient houses of worship. Amr gave the most
interesting and informative lectures at all the sites we visited. No one ever got bored or ready to move on. Just the opposite we kept him busy answering questions
Wanting to hear more of his stories about what we were seeing. The Ancient Egyptians had quite an imagination and how they came up with some of the myths
were unbelievable even to Amr. Amr told the story of Osiris, Isis, Seth, and Isis's sister, Nephthys, with a participation from some of the group being the characters. We all had a great time with this. It really was a fun excursion. Earlier that morning there was an optional Hot Air Balloon ride
that many of our group took and really enjoyed. We chose not to go. It was very early and heights are not our thing. Lunch onboard and cruising down the Nile toward
Kom Ombo. Once onshore on Kom Ombo we visited the Temple of Sobek, the crocodile god and Horus. Everything is duplicated and symmetrical and each god has its
It's own gateway, chapel, courtyard and columns. The temple has wall carvings of medical instruments very much like the ones used today. There was evidence
that brain surgery was performed and the patient lived for many years. That evening we dined onboard as we cruised to the city of Aswan.
Day Seven
After an early breakfast we visited the temple of Isis located on the island of Philae. This is where Amr told the story of Isis, Orisis, Seth, and Nephtys in a most
entertaining way. On the way back to the boat we stopped at a jewelry store where we purchased our cartouches. Late that afternoon we took a felucca boat ride
on the Nile, passing by the Old Cataract Hotel, Mausoleum of Aga Kahn and Kitchner's Island. That evening six of us had dinner in the 1902 restaurant of
the Old Cataract Hotel. Agatha Christie stayed there and wrote "Death on the Nile". It was fantastically beautiful with a moorish design. We were treated like
royalty, which had actually stayed there. The food was out of this world. The chef came out and introduced himself and we had pictures made with him.
The Maitre'd gave us a tour of the hotel and the Nile Terrace. Wonderful night and one to be remember. I had read that no one but registered guests we
allowed beyond the gates, so before we left, I emailed them and told them when we would be there and ask to make reservations. They answered promptly that
we would be welcomed. The first night onboard, I mentioned that we had plans to eat there and two couples said they would like to go. I called the restaurant and
Asked for an extension of the reservation from two to six and they were happy to comply.
Day Eight
After breakfast, we took a short flight to Abu Simbel. The Ms Omar Khayam was waiting for us. Lunch was served at 1:00pm, at 2:30 we left to visit the
amazing Temple of Abu Simbel, built by Ramesses II. It was an OMG moment when you first saw it. It was definately overwhelming...Next to his temple was one
dedicated to his favorite wife, Nefertari. Twice a year the sunrise shines through the door on Ramesses. One is October 21st. We were two days early, but four
went at sunrise to see the event. Victoria and Barbara from our group. We would have gone, but there was a very steep staircase to climb. On the regular planned
tour, the ever accommodating Viking provided a motor boat for those of us that found the stairs too much to deal with. It was one of the highlights of the trip. Back on board
ship we had cocktails and dinner at 7:00 pm
Day Nine
We set sail for Kars Ibrim..The morning was spent cruising Lake Nassar and enjoying a unique perspective of the Egyptian landscape. After lunch we sailed to
the other side of the lake where we visited the temple of Amada. It is the oldest surviving temple in Nubia and was built by Thutmose III. We returned to the boat
for cocktails and dinner.
Day Ten
Buffet breakfast was served at 6:30am and we joined the shore excursion to Wadi el Seboua. We toured the temple of Dakka dedicated to the ibis-headed Thoth
and the nearby Greco-Roman temple of Meharakka. It was fantastically remote and very much in the Sahara desert. Needlless to say very hot, but strangely beautiful.
There was a lone temple guard outside a small temple selling souvenirs. He had a small table spread with handmade Egyptian goods and did quite well with our
group. we bought several handmade bracelets and a mother-of-pearl tambourine. It was a little bizarre to find this little display in the midst of the Sahara Desert.
Lunch at 12:30pm and afternoon sailing to Aswan enjoyed on the sundeck with tea served at 4:30pm. Pure luxury all the way. After dinner at 7:30, we were treated
to a Nubian dance show and another whirling dervish. The Nubian dancers included our group in a sort of Nubian (?) Congo Line which was great fun and
most entertaining to watch.
Day Eleven
After breakfast we took a short motorboat ride to visit the Temple of Kalabasha, the largest free-standing Nubian temple. The temple is dedicated to Isis and the
Nubian solar and fertility deity, Madulis. The tour then continued to the beautiful Nubia Museum. Artifacts well displayed and exhibits that went into great detail
about the Nubian culture and civilization. We personally found the Nubians very friendly and had a wonderful attitude towards tourists. After lunch at a local
restaurant we went to the airport for the flight to Cairo. Upon arrival we checked in to the amazing City Stars Hotel for a one-night stay. It was so grand and
beautiful it seemed a shame to be there only for a few hours. We had a farewell buffet dinner with the group and Amr. He was given high praise from everyone
and a standing ovation for the wonderful time we spent with him. He made Egyptian History come alive and we learned so much from him. High Praise indeed, for
Viking Cruise and Amr Shaheen.
Day Twelve
We were escorted to Cairo airport by the Viking representative and checked in by him. There were few problems because Lufthansa pilots were on strike, but was
sorted out by United. Soon we were on our way home after the most wonderful trip of a lifetime and a greater understanding of the remarkable Ancient Egyptians.
Thank You, Viking River Cruise and Amr Shaheen!
Gayle Schmidt