Optional tours
– Descriptions
If there’s one
optional tour that EVERYONE really should do, this is it! You will be arriving
into
Your guide will take you around
the “hillside” to the front of the Great Temple of Ramses II, where
you will be taught all about the importance of this great pharaoh, the temple
façade, and particular statues and images that you should take note of inside
the temple. As tour guides are no longer allowed to speak to you inside the
temples, this is your best opportunity to learn about what you will see.
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After about half an hour inside the main temple, you
will move on to the nearby |
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Twin (US$) |
Single (US$) |
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$ 205.00 |
$ 150.00 |
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$ 150.00 |
$ 100.00 |
*This option is only
available when your
The longest reigning and
most famous of the ancient pharaohs, Ramses II, built 2 magnificent temples on
the Egyptian border with Nubia during his reign from 1279 – 1213 BC. The
main temple is a grand monument to himself, with four seated statues of Ramses
II gracing the front of the temple, each a massive 20 meters (65 feet) high.
From left to right, they depict the pharaoh from youth to elder, and are
totally awe inspiring when you see them for yourself. Nothing can prepare you
for the immensity of these statues!
The second temple is a
monument to Ramses favourite wife, Queen Nefertari, and the Goddess Hathor.
Although it is a smaller temple, the detailed wall paintings, beautiful statues
and general ambience of this temple intrigue many visitors as much as the
larger temple does.
Rediscovered in 1813, the
temples were unearthed and partially restored over the following years. In the
1960’s, the Egyptian government was building the Aswan Dam, which meant
that the original site of the temples would be covered in water. UNESCO came to
the rescue, and the two temples were systematically dismantled and raised to a
site 65 meters (213 feet) higher and 210 meters (689 feet) north-west of the original
site.
Even with the so-called
technological advances today, UNESCO were unable to replicate the precise,
biannual suns rays reaching inside the main temple and touching the statue of
Ramses II seated in there. It used to happen on February 20th and October 20th,
but following the move, it occurs on February21st and October 21st - one day
later. Even more amazing is that the original 2 dates are believed to be Ramses
II date of birth and pharaonic coronation.
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Twin (US$) |
Single (US$) |
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By air |
$ 205.00 |
$ 150.00 |
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By bus* |
$ 150.00 |
$ 100.00 |
*This option is only
available when your
Sunrise hot air balloon
over the West Bank &
This is fantastic! You
will be woken by the cruise staff at around
A bus will meet you at
the
Take-off is smooth and
serene, and you soon find yourself floating silently over the villages, temples
and ruins of the
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After your landing, you will be picked up in a mini bus and taken to
the offices of “Balloons over |
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When you have finished breakfast you will be taken by mini bus to meet up with those of your group who did not do the hot air balloon tour. If that’s the case, you can spend the rest of the morning rubbing in what a brilliant experience they’ve missed, just like we do when we finish the balloon tour! |
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Please note that it is extremely quiet and peaceful in the balloon…until they need to fire up to fly higher. The frequency of the flame depends on the daily weather, but it doesn’t happen too often, and it’s only for a few seconds. The noise is nowhere near as loud as an aircraft, but it is quite loud, so be prepared. In Summer, the temperature is quite comfortable, but in Autumn, Winter and Spring, it can be cool to cold, so please dress accordingly.
Single price:- US $ 200.00 Two or more price:- US$ 175.00
Sound and light show at
the pyramids:
One of the main reasons for tourists to visit
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Many
people have said that they find the Sound and light show at the pyramids to
be inferior to those at |
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For this tour, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the entranceway to the sound and light show. (For independent travellers, please note that you will be invited to sit in the restaurant at the rear of the seating enclosure, which affords great views because it is slightly raised. I don’t recommend that you sit there unless you are prepared to pay for fairly pricey drinks – tea, coffee, soft drinks etc). The normal seating is more than adequate, and often you can find a seat apart from the hordes to watch in isolated peace.
The show times differ from night to night, season to season, language to language, but the English version is one of the most popular, so is usually on at the most advantageous time. The show runs for around 45 minutes, taking you through the history of the Sphinx and pyramids, which famous people have passed by, what life was like in ancient Egypt, and an unusual perspective on the lot from the Sphinx’ point of view.
At the end of the show, you will be met at the entranceway and driven back to your hotel.
US $ 32.00 per person (Twin or Single)
Khan el Khalili Bazaar tour:
Like stepping into a
scene from “I dream of Jeanie” when she visits
You can buy anything from clothing to light fittings, souvenirs to fresh foods, and all in a truly fascinating atmosphere. Please barter – it’s half the fun – and please stick to the agreed price – it’s offensive to barter then not go through with the deal. You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the outside of the bazaar, where you’re given a point of reference to meet after your shopping experience. Then…you’re on your way to a really memorable experience!
I usually head first to the famous “Fishawi Café”, where I’ll smoke a shisha (Egyptian water pipe) of apple tobacco, sip a fresh mint tea, and watch the life of the market wander past. For any particular items that I want to buy, I’ll either go for a wander to find them, or ask one of the shop-keepers, who are so helpful that they’ll usually run around to the other shops to get what you want for you! (Mind you, usually at a price, no matter how small).
After an hour and a half, you’ll go back to your pre-arranged meeting point to be driven back to your hotel.
This tour can be taken during the day, or at night. Personally, I’d recommend going twice – the first time during the day, to get your bearings and do the full shopping bit, then after dark, to experience the different atmosphere. Nights are my favourite now, because I can shut my eyes and listen to the voices and smell the herbs, spices and bakery items as I imagine they’ve smelt there for centuries.
Some of the walkways are
uneven, so please make sure you wear sensible shoes or sandals.
US$ 20.00 per person (Twin or Single)
Camel market tour in Cairo:
This is an absolute hoot! The first time I went to the camel markets in Cairo I met a baby camel who loved eating seeds from our cupped t-shirts, and followed us around everywhere. This is one place that can only be described as “the real Cairo”!
The markets are only open for sales one day each week, but it really doesn’t matter whether or not the sales are happening – you’ll still enjoy the place. Actually, I kind of like it when the sales aren’t on, because you have more opportunity to meet the folk who work at the sale yards and learn about their lives because it’s quiet.
This tour starts with a pick-up from your hotel and a drive to the sale yards, on the outskirts of Cairo. Once at the sale yards, you’ll be shown through each area, and told how the sale process works. Then, on sale days, step back and watch the mayhem!
After sale, watch how the
camels are transported to their new homes…a real laugh!
When you’ve had enough, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel.
I strongly recommend comfortable, closed shoes for wandering around the auction yards. Also, please be prepared for the need for a shower when you get back to the hotel – camels are not known for their sweet aroma!
US$ 35.00 per person
(Twin or Single)
