Jan 14, 2020
Excellent work by a team of specialists that has brought Egypt closer. - Dear travelers, I will share with you the positive emotions gained from travelling in Egypt in December 2019. The trip was selected back in September 2019. Family (husband and wife and two children in 7th grade school). Tickets have been purchased for the direct flight Moscow-Cairo Aeroflot SU400-SU401. Flight inconvenient, arriving in the middle of the night, but direct flight. The plan consisted of sightseeing in Cairo and a trip to Luxor by train, where there are many historical sites that we had not been able to see earlier, during previous trips to Egypt in Hurghada. We decided that on December 27 and 28, 2019 we live in Cairo, on the night of December 28-29 we go to Luxor by train. In Luxor we live from 29.12.2019 to 01.01.2020. we return to Cairo, where we live from 02 to 03.01.2020. Departure at night on 04.01.2020 return. The hotels were selected through Booking.com. Looking for an inexpensive one with positive feedback. The choice in Cairo was the Abdeen palace hotel. Luxor has booked a stay at Aracan Eatabe Luxor Hotel. While waiting for the trip, he hoped to buy a train ticket online. But unfortunately, it was not possible to do so from Russia. Now, it's the main thing. While planning the trip, picked up tours and considered deciding in advance on the issue with guides. Of several proposals, he focused on ELENA. I don't know what made ELENA the choice. Probably a friendly and specific conversation from the beginning of the correspondence. Trusted her and didn't spare a minute. Unfortunately, I never got to see ELENA to express my gratitude for the arrangements made for the entire trip. Professionalism and a focus on quality work are immediately visible. Communication with ELENA took place throughout the trip, regardless of whether or not the tour is organized. I felt her support and attention all the time, in the hotel, at the train station, on the train, even late in the evening, when writing to her was uncomfortable, she chose her time and answered my questions. But that's not all! ELENA, together with its friendly team, managed to arrange for us to purchase tickets for the ERNST train to Luxor before our arrival. Of course, at my personal request, but it was very gratifying that the trust placed in me was complete, and I felt that I was being treated as someone close to me. At the same time, ELENA spent personal money before I arrived in Cairo. Thank you for that attitude from our entire family.
So, the cost of the day tour was totally fine. Prices start at US$ 130 ($1 : 16 Egyptian pounds). We had at our disposal a tour guide named ASMA, a LUXURY car with a driver. The tour time is about 6:00. I should like to point out that visits to all museums and historical sites are for an additional fee of 100 to 200 feet, with children under 12 years of age receiving a 50% discount. Therefore, the excursions are additionally charged upon entry.
27.12.2019 – visited near the pyramids of Giza (pharaohs Cheops, Heferin, Mekerin) (admission – additional payment), lunch at reasonable prices, then two museums, and a store with Egyptian sweets. (unfortunately, we should have taken more, because the sweets we bought ran out the next day, because they were very delicious!).
28.12.2019 – visited the Khan Khalili market (it is akin to Moscow Arbat, only with an Arab slant), then drove to a huge mosque, walked to the Christian church where Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary were hiding, and also visited the Jewish church. At about 12 noon we moved to the Cairo Museum where ASMA gave an unforgettable tour. After the museum, we were taken by car to Giza railway station. There we waited for about three hours for the train, which arrived 40 minutes late.
Arriving in Luxor, on 29.12.2019, we were met by a driver who was oriented towards us from the moment we got off the train. Not realizing we were being met in Luxor, I didn't even pay attention to the man, thought he was a taxi driver. And he walked patiently beside us. Then, after looking into the situation, I realized, because he asked me to talk on the phone. Once again, we were provided with a LUXURY car with a driver, and later we were joined by a tour guide. On this day we were able to look at the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Valley of Kings, go into a couple of tombs, see the Colossus of Memnon. We were also offered gift shops and ball rides. There was a lot of information, we were brought to the hotel by 3 p.m. and settled down. In the evening, my wife and I took a walk along the evening Luxor, to the Abd El-Hameed Taha market street. The wife didn't really like the salesmen's annoyance and we went back to the hotel. But I went back to that street and bought the real Kebab and Kofta (after our barbecue and Lyulya) It was a very good meal. Normal, but remembered, drooling!
30.12.2019 ELENA from Cairo organized a tour guide AHMED in Luxor. Again there was a LUXURY car, the driver. This guide turns out to have been a participant in the shooting of the program "Eagle and Reshka". AHMED held some very interesting excursions in Luxorsom and Karnak Temple. The children enjoyed not only listening to it but even asking questions.
31.12.2019 we gave ourselves a break from the excursions and just walked around Luxor. The city is sunny in December, but there is no debilitating heat. The waterfront in town is just a song! You can go out and enjoy life. There are cafes and restaurants where you can sit and eat. My son and I had a walk in Luxor that evening. I hope he has many impressions of what he saw in real life in the city.
01.01.2020 ELENA from Cairo organized a trip with tour guide AHMED to Kena city, Dendera temple. AHMED had a wonderful tour. You could see that he was additionally preparing for his interaction with us, because he was not only telling us, but he was also additionally showing specially prepared photographs to refine his story. The Goddess Hathor of the Dendera temple complex is so remembered that the children secretly brought home a small pebble from the temple wall for our eldest daughter. Which means they believed AHMED's interesting story.
The journey back and forth to Kena in a comfortable car was interesting and passed by unnoticed because we became very close at AHMEDOM and he enjoyed telling us about Egyptian life, the history of Egypt not only in the past but also in the present life. It was all very informative. The tour ended with us arriving at the Luxor train station, where AHMED escorted us to a local restaurant and arranged for the local host to sit with our suitcases at his train station. The restaurant menu is not varied, but the price and quality are excellent, beyond praise!
On the way, on the train, I found myself forgetting my jacket on the trip to Kena. It's not a big deal, but after talking to ELENA, she told me she'd try to help her get back. Friends you will not believe, but 24 hours later, on 03.01.2020, my jacket arrived in Cairo! That's what really struck me! ELENA, you're a magician! I don't know how to thank you, but what you've done is just family-friendly, kind.
03.01.2020 we had another excursion organized by ELENA. The guide was ASMA. We still had a LUXURY car with us. We went to the Citadel, the mosque of Muhammad Ali, we went to see the city of the garbage collectors and the Christian monastery of St. Simeon. After a sensible lunch, we were taken to the airport.
Our trip to Egypt is over but I still feel, a week after my arrival, the warmth and kindness with which we were welcomed and escorted. And the greatest credit for that is ELENA.
Before the trip, many of my friends terrified us of the tension and possible problems with the locals, theft and looting. When I went through Egypt, I saw that the country was, of course, very poor and that there might be cases of trouble, but nothing even came close to indicating any tension. Indeed, there are many police and military on the streets. But public order is high everywhere, and tourists are given special attention by the police and military. It felt like it. But what thefts and robberies can you talk about if forgotten jackets come from town to town! No! Egypt is a wonderful country! My family and I are very much looking forward to finally opening up a connection to Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh. But in the meantime, those who are considering going or not going to Egypt - I will say: EGYPT is waiting for YOU here safely and interestingly. Perhaps through the eyes of tourists this is embellished, but this country is worth looking at not only the beautiful red sea, but also its many historic cities. CAIRO, LUXOR, KENNA - unforgettable excursions. ASWAN didn't wait for us. But still ahead!
By hotel: in Cairo Abdeen palace hotel - not recommended
In Luxor - Aracan Eatabe Luxor Hotel – what you need !
ELENA, we're really looking forward to seeing you again! Thank you for the wonderful guides ASMU and AHMED. These are the real professionals in their business. If there is a chance to celebrate their work, please do so !
Review provided by Tripadvisor