Viking Egypt

[gooch47]

I tried a search but nothing showed up.

 

We are looking at a Viking River/Land Cruise called "Pathways of the Pharaohs" which is an Egyptian cruise on the Nile River. We just received the brochure a few days ago and are really curious about this.

 

Has anyone done this before? We are a little concerned about security. We've heard rather alarming stories from fellow cruisers who talk about being escorted by armed soldiers or having police or soldiers ride tour busses with you in Egypt.

[stcruise]

Have not done Viking in Egypt, but did do a National Geographic tour run by Abercrombie & Kent.

 

Yes, you will most likely be escorted by police and/or security guards (armed) throughout most of your trip. They are now doing this especially for tours with Americans on them. This is a result of attacks that have been at tourist sights, although most of them occurred during the 1990's.

 

Did I feel safe in Egypt? I absolutely did! The majority of Eyptians were pleasant, friendly and helpful. There are a lot of people trying to sell "stuff", but a polite "no" will send them on to the next person. I felt safer here than I have in some Caribbean islands.

 

Would I go back to Egypt - in a heartbeat!

[gooch47]

Thanks. I was beginning to feel like no one ever visited Egypt. (Just kidding).

 

We're almost certain we are going to take this. It would make three of the world's major rivers (Amazon, Yangtze, and Nile) for us in one year and we kind of like the sound of that.

 

Interesting, your comment about the friendly Egyptians. We also found that to be true in Turkey and we hadn't expected that.

[OBX Cruisers]

Hope the review of our Viking "Pharaohs" trip I just posted today in this same section helps you too:)

[gooch47]

Thanks! I'll look for it right now.

[jtrandall]

My wife and I (with another couple) are booked for 12 days (Land/River tour) in Egypt Oct. 2010, then extending to Jordan for 5 more days. We are really looking forward to this trip. My understanding is that our tour is full, right now. But you never know about cancellations.