Ancient Egypt / Nile Have I left it too late?

We travelled in February, the hottest it got was 24 degrees we actually had a spot of rain one morning and it was only 14 degrees, very unusual for Egypt.
I was vey wary of getting 'A bug', but we only drank bottled water supplied on the boat, and avoided anything like salads that may have been washed, And ice. I also kept hand sanitiser on me at all time, and we were fine.
A steward told me the water was fine to drink for them, but the different minerals etc is what upsets our tummies as we aren't used to them.So happy I took the plunge and did it.

Following with interest. I'd love to see the pyramids and ruins but I hate the idea of cruises, can't tolerate temperatures above mid 70s and have a horror of contracting a stomach bug (my elderly father and stepmother had a terrible time with that when they went and I've heard from others who've been that this can be an issue. I admire and envy anyone who goes anyway and has a good time!

Cateq, I experienced much the same in Damascus in the very early 70s. At the time we seemed to be the only tourists around! I had long blonde hair, and in the souk, a lot of women dressed all in black, with thin veils over their faces so you couldn’t see their eyes, kept crowding up and touching my hair.
I’d never seen women so completely veiled before - they absolutely creeped me out!

It was a very memorable trip, though - inc. Byblos and Baalbek, Homs, and the castle Crak des Chevaliers - virtually no one else there - you could almost still smell the horses! - with Beirut in its wonderful heyday - Paris of the Middle East - at both ends.

I feel so sad about what’s happened to those countries since.

And, if you still think it is going to be toooo much, you could try to catch the Alice Roberts' programmes, where she travels through Egypt by train, and of course the glorious versions of Death on the Nile.

Claremont

Great news- didn't see the date.

Last year was another world altogether.

Actually, just checked and she has just got back!!

She had a wonderful time.

Great news- didn't see the date.

Last year was another world altogether.

mrsba asked last year.

She's been, enjoyed it and come back safe and sound.

gigi1958

Maybe it's just me but I would not feel comfortable traveling anywhere in or near the Middle East.

Same as me, and that includes Cyprus. So so close to Syria, and with military bases that make it a target.

Witzend

PS, IMO it’s a mistake to try to cram too much sightseeing in. Even the most spectacular tombs just become ‘samey’ if you see too many. Shortly before that holiday I’d seen an American on some travel programme about Egypt, saying that it was all too easy to get ‘tombed out’, which to me sums it up nicely.

Yes, totally agree with this, trying to sort through my 100's of photos trying to remember which is which!I don't think I could have coped with any more tombs and temples, whilst the guide was full of knowledge I found I couldn't take it all in and just wanted to look in my own time.

JackyB

Well done, mrsba.

Didn't see this when you first posted.

I had to smile at the title: "Am I too late for ancient Egypt?"

Only by about 3000 years!

😄

Well done, mrsba.

Didn't see this when you first posted.

I had to smile at the title: "Am I too late for ancient Egypt?"

Only by about 3000 years!

PS, IMO it’s a mistake to try to cram too much sightseeing in. Even the most spectacular tombs just become ‘samey’ if you see too many. Shortly before that holiday I’d seen an American on some travel programme about Egypt, saying that it was all too easy to get ‘tombed out’, which to me sums it up nicely.

We spent a week at Luxor with dds and my mother, who was then about 80. She was still reasonably mobile and managed the tombs etc. We did the Valley of the Kings (with the tombs) in the morning, an early start before it got too hot, and spent much of the afternoons in the gardens/around the pool. My mother enjoyed sitting in a chair under a tree and reading a book.
We stayed at the Old Winter Palace, which was lovely, and despite being a ‘single’ my mother was given a nice big room with a big balcony.
Afternoon tea (or G&Ts!) on the terrace, watching the sun go down over the Valley of the Kings was a lovely feature, too.

All this was quite a while ago, though.

Been there, loved it. Didn’t go into the Pyramids as we were told it was very difficult , bending and claustrophobic. Did the usual touristy things, camel rides, museum etc.

Great update, thanks mrsba
It’s a fantastic way to see the wonders and experience something if Egypt

mrsba

I'VE BEEN!
Thank you everyone I've just come back from the most wonderful,magical trip down the Nile. Tired now but so glad I did it.
I won't bore you with all the details!

I am so glad to hear you decided to go and that you enjoyed it so much. I too would like to hear more when you're rested

Lovely to hear your news mrsba. My first Nile cruise with late DH was just after my mother died. I’ve had two more since then, one with my sister.
It’s a trip one never forgets, absolutely magical.

Just booked last minute, cruise from Luxor to Aswan and back, lovely temperature only about 25 degrees. Everyone was so kind and helpful, I was intending to just sit on the boat all week, but chatting with the guide gave me confidence that I'd be able to cope with some of the trips, between everyone in our group and of course husband I was helped all the way up and down any awkward steps. so a dream come true saw the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatsetshup, temples of Karnak and Luxor and some other smaller trips. Well worth it

mrsba

I'VE BEEN!
Thank you everyone I've just come back from the most wonderful,magical trip down the Nile. Tired now but so glad I did it.
I won't bore you with all the details!

Please do!

I won't be going so tell me all about it

I'VE BEEN!
Thank you everyone I've just come back from the most wonderful,magical trip down the Nile. Tired now but so glad I did it.
I won't bore you with all the details!

gigi1958

Maybe it's just me but I would not feel comfortable traveling anywhere in or near the Middle East.

Same here- things could get very serious at anytime. I mentionned Cyprus some time ago and was laughed at. But I wouldn't go there either. Far too close and far too militarily linked to the 'West'.

Go over Christmas or new year. Perfect weather and we did it with teenagers as I was tired of the Christmas hoohaa.

biglouis

*Maybe it's just me but I would not feel comfortable traveling anywhere in or near the Middle East*

I travelled solo to many Middle Eastern countries - including Egypt, Syria, Iran, Lebenon and Jordan. I always wore hijab and was never bothered by local males as I simply blended into the background. The problem is that such countries are not often well adapted for less mobile travellers although individuals that you meet may be kind and helpful.

Cover your legs and wear a scarf as a sign of respect is the way to go.

Maybe it's just me but I would not feel comfortable traveling anywhere in or near the Middle East

I travelled solo to many Middle Eastern countries - including Egypt, Syria, Iran, Lebenon and Jordan. I always wore hijab and was never bothered by local males as I simply blended into the background. The problem is that such countries are not often well adapted for less mobile travellers although individuals that you meet may be kind and helpful.

Having been, forget Cairo it’s a horrible dump, Luxor is lovely, Valley if the Kings does need walking over uneven paths a river cruise would be no problem.

Go with a tour group you should have no problems, you will be escorted, maybe with an armed guard ( we were) but it is worth it.