Trip to Egypt

[joannie10]

I am off to Egypt at the weekend. I was wanting to go up Mount Sinai on Monday night therefore thought it be best I book the trip before I get there but struggling to find tour operators that can help. My actual travel agent said I cannot contact the hotel in advance for their help and everyone recommending i use Charm of Sharm but they do not have trips on the Monday night - does anyone know any other companies? Also who am i best to book a day trip to Cairo with - going to go for the long bus trip.

thanks

[Buenchico]

There seems to a rather important piece of information missing from your question. You've not told us whereabouts in Egypt you'll be staying!

If I take a guess and assume that you'll be based in Sharm el Sheikh, then you can book a trip, next Monday night, with Egyptian Highlights. Their booking agent is Hostel World. The cost is US$65 + US$25 single person supplement (if applicable) + US$2 service (part of which goes to UNICEF).
Here's the link:
http://www.hostelworld.com/english/tours/tourdetails.php
(Make sure you click the 'Tour Details' tab. Don't forget your sleeping bag!).

This might help with the trip to Cairo:
http://www.sharm-el-sheikh.com/CulturalTours/CulturalTou rs.htm
Otherwise try phoning the Sharm el Sheikh tourist office:
0020 62 762704. Or you could try the Egyptian State Tourist Office in London, 020 7493 5283.

Chris

[joannie10]

Sorry, yes I should have said I am staying in Sharm. Thanks for your info I shall look into that.

[ICEMANSAV]

Also in Naama bay there is a tour organiser that offers very cheap trips, its directly across from the Hard Rock Cafe. I just got back from Sharm last week and would recommend flying to Cairo as to avoid the 6 hr there 6hr back bus journey!

Also upon arriving at the airport go directly to the Visa kiosk if you play to go outside Sinai, i.e. Ras Mohammed national park, as if you don't get it then, its too the back of the line!

Hope you have a fantastic time, you will enjoy it!

ICE

[joannie10]

ICEMANSAV :

I am getting conflicting info re the visa cost. Did you travel from the UK? We are travelling from Glasgow and I was told the Visa cost �12-�15 which I thought I would pay for using Egyptian Pounds. I am going to Sharm but a friend who went to Hurghada in September said that they were told to pay �10 and it had to be an English �10 note(know Scottish currency is rarely accepted even in England). Can you help?

[ICEMANSAV]

Hi Joannie. Yes it is a UK Sterling � 10 note at the airport each. So if 3 of you � 3 x � 10 note or 1 x � 20 and 1x � 10. They do not accept coins or � 5 notes at the airport. They will not accept Egyptian either ( strange I know! ). I saw lots of Scotish currency being rejected out there, so try to get sterling. Also take some U.K pound coins for tips, they like those out there. Note it is currently approx. 10 egyptian pounds to 1 english pound, also the money can be confusing between the smaller demonination and the larger currency, so keep an eye out. Plus do not pay more than 50 egyptian pounds for a taxi ( about �5 ) anywhere inbetween Naama bay and the hotels.

You will have a fantastic time, I'm jealous! :-)

[Octavius]

The climb up Mt Sinai (presumably for sunrise?) is a long and sometimes difficult climb, so be warned. It will easily take an average 30 someting bloke 3-4 hours to go up, stumbling over jagged rocks in parts.

[Cetti]

Hi Joanie.

My son took this trip about 4 years ago and has told me that you can book the Mt Sinai hike from any hotel on arrival. As Octavius has said it's a 4 hour climb, but on a well trodden path and help is at hand if you need it as the locals are very willing with donkeys and camels to offer their services. A long uphill journey but seeing the sunrise makes it all worthwhile. Have a great time!