best of Luxor

[mrsann]

My partner and I are going to Egypt on April 24th.The first week spent on a Nile Cruise and the second week in Hurghada.Will we be able to take a balloon flight over th eValley of the Kings and about whatprice should we expect to pay please Any more tips for outings and adventures would be welcomed.We are experienced travellers in the over 65 age group but fit and healthy

[jno]

The Independent says �60 including haggling:

http://travel.independent.co.uk/news_and_advice/article347515.ece

[puzzled54]

We paid �90 each last year, that was arranged thru our travel company. Be prepared for an early start as you will see the sun rise! In fact, be prepared for lots of early starts. If you are on a Nile cruise, you will probably have lots of outings arranged, and it's best to go on the organised ones. If you go anywhere by yourselves, be prepared for lots of hassle. We went on a Nile cruise last year and enjoyed it so much that we have just had a weeks holiday in Luxor and Aswan by ourselves, but more relaxed than last year.

[jake-the-peg]

I did this in 2001 but we spent a couple of days in Cairo too which was one of the best bits.

Somethings are quite awe inspiring no matter how much you expect the pyramids fall into that category. The museum in Cairo with Tutenkhamun's death mask is also fabulous - if you can extend a day or too and see Cairo (largest city in Africa) I'd say do it!

Hurghada's an OK resort but it is very much that nothing particularly special, but be prepared for the coach trip between Luxor and Hughada, some of the coach drivers think that approved stopping distances from the coach in front are in the region of 8 feet!

Other than that Nefertiti's tomb is suposed to be by far the most beautiful but it is fragile and visitor numbers are strictly limited so if you can book in advance it's probably wise - I never managed to see it.

[bug123]

I went on a Nile cruise last year and it was simply the best holiday I have ever had! Our boat offered quite a few extra excursions on top of the standard ones (such as Karnak and Luxor temples, Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens) and I would advise you to make the most of them. Extra trips on our boat included a hot air balloon ride, light and sound shows to Luxor and Karnak temples and a trip to Abu Simbel (this was quite expensive but worth every penny). I think the balloon flight cost about �80 each - I didn't do it but heard fantastic reports from those who did. As mentioned earlier, be prepared for a lot of early starts. It is worth it though - you get to the sites before the heat of the day and before they get too crowded and then you can spend the rest of the day lazing on the boat watching the world go by! If you get a chance in Luxor I would recommend you go to the Luxor museum - lots of amazing artefacts from King Tuts tomb. It is said that it is nearly as good as Cairo Museum but a lot less crowded. Also try and go for afternoon tea at the Old Winter Palace - silver service, fancy cakes and a really good cup of tea in amazing surroundings for about �8 a head.

Take an umbrella with you - it really helps to keep the sun off you when you are on excursions. Keep lots of small change on you as the Egyptians expect tips for everything! You will also need to pay to use the toilets (sometimes you can get away without paying if you take your own loo roll!) You have to be quite firm when out and about otherwise you will be dragged into shops and shown all manner of things! If you look at something, the shopowners take it that you are interested and will really push you for a sale. And if you do buy anything, don't forget to haggle!

I am sure you will have the most fantastic time - be prepared to see some amazing sights and most of all, enjoy!!