---

geekguy1 saw things this way:


Cairo and the pyramids are A MUST SEE, December 13, 2010
Reviewer: geekguy1

Pros: How much there was to see

Cons: Nile dinner cruise

We opted to use RamsesTours.com for our overnight stay in Cairo. We were met promptly at the port and taken to a large, clean van. I was raised in NYC where driving is considered a contact sport, but Id perhaps rather stuff hot pokers into my eyes than try and negotiate a car in Egypt. Nevertheless, our driver made driving (safely) in Egypt look almost simple! Our guide, Islam Said, was knowledgeable about all of the places we visited, giving us good history and advice throughout the long trip from Alexandria to the pyramids and at the various sites we visited, even those that we added that were not on their regular tour. Our only problem was the Nile Dinner Cruise, which everyone thought was a waste of money (institutional quality food, high prices for drinks, overly loud music, hokey belly dancer and Whirling Dervish-type dancer). The Cairo Museum had some fantastic displays, especially the King Tut exhibit, but also had its downside, namely many exhibits without any clarifying information about what was displayed. Hopefully this will change when the new museum is built. Ramses booked us at the Mercure Cairo Le Sphinx hotel (formerly the Sofitel). A few reviews to the contrary, we found the hotel to be clean, spacious, with a view of the pyramids and with an excellent included breakfast.

---

dorijo saw things this way:


Egypt was awesome, especially Cairowo, September 1, 2010
Reviewer: dorijo

Pros: We felt safe and saw as much as possible on a two-day tour

Cons: The limited time we had in port, just overnight

We hired a private tour company (Ramses Tours). They picked us up at the ship and we drove to Cairo. The guide spoke perfect English and certainly knew his stuff. He took us to the Citadel first, then Coptic Cairo, then the Egyptian museum and the Ali Khan Bazaar after lunch. We saw so much all day long we finally broke for lunch at 4 p.m. We were supposed to have a felucca ride but it was getting windy and cold so we skipped it and checked into our hotel, Le Meridien in Cairo. It was a beautiful hotel and we were upgraded to a room overlooking the pyramids. We were two couples on this very inexpensive tour. The next day we went to Sakarra where we went into two tombs, just incredible! Then out to the country to see the Ramses statue then on to the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx. The highlight of our tour was riding a camel with the Sphinx and the Pyramids behind us. Our camel guides took pictures that we used for Christmas cards. On our way back to Alexandria we stopped at a Zoo. There were women baking bread in clay ovens there as well. We then left for Alexandria and saw the Library, Lighthouse and a little driving thru the downtown streets before going back to the ship. We arrived 10 minutes to 7 p.m. and the ship was leaving at 7 p.m. Our guide assured us we would make the ship on time and he was right. What an adventure and seeing so many historical places that I dreamed about in school growing up. It was the best trip ever. I would love to go back and go to Luxor and and sail on the Nile someday. The people were friendly and we always felt very safe.

---

nz_lynno saw things this way:


Alexandria - gateway to the pyramids of Giza, July 23, 2010
Reviewer: nz_lynno

Pros: The atmosphere, grand buildings

Cons: Organized ship excursions, not enough time in the right places

I visited Alexandria on the Norwegian Jade in January 2010. It's a great way to visit the gateway to the Pyramids. I missed the wonderful Library of Alexandria because of fog on arrival - unable to dock for hours and the consequent shortening of our excursion. The sights and sounds of the city are eye-opening and I would have loved time to wander around. I didnt go down the catacombs as I find confined spaces claustrophobic. Would like to return.