Cairo in 72hours?

[Alanslegal]

Hey guys,

I'm in the decision-making phase of whether to visit Cairo, Egypt for my next set of travels in late June 2010 and any input from you may sway my decision

This stop is part of a RTW holiday, in a westerly direction, and I can only be in Cairo for 72 hours all up. I do know that since it is their Summer time I am expecting the weather to be like those experienced on the planet Mars.

Sooo... should I do it? yes? no? maybe?

And if anyone has any suggestions, then shooot away

FWIW I have looked at accommodation and will likely stay the Le Meridien Pyramids for $200usd for 3 nights.

 

[Dave Noble]

72 hours is time to do pyramids et al in Cairo quite nicely.

I have done it by arriving on evening of day 1 , doing a day tour on day 2 and departing in the morning on day 3.

Given that Mars average temp is around -63C with a max of around 20C I suspect Cairo will be warmer

Dave

 

[ksthommo]

Go for it, check out the pyramids and museum.
Also you have to sample the local beer, Stella, not one of the best.

 

[Travel Guru]

It depends how you handle the heat; I was in Oman back in May, and in the middle of the desert it was hitting 47 degrees which felt hotter than the fires of hell.

Personally I wont ever be going back at that time of year again, but if you dont mind the feeling of your skin burning the second you step outside, then go for it :mrgreen::mrgreen:

TG

 

[browski]

The Cairo experience is so horrible that the obvious answer is to just not go there. There is nothing to be gained by going to Cairo, and nothing to be regeretted by avoiding it.
Humans seem to have a fascination with the Giza Pyramids, and feel they must cross this off there list of "things to see". The whole experience will be a major disappointment.

However, if you are compelled to go, like a lemming to a cliff, then 72 hours is the maximum you'd allow yourself to do it. 24 hours would be better.

Personally, I'd give the Giza Pyramids a miss, and go see the "Bent Pyramid" of Dahshur - it is about 40kms south of Cairo. You can actually climb up the external pyramid steps and then traverse down the internal pyramid tunnel and explore the internal chambers.

The difference between Giza and Dahshur will be the 2000 Tourist Coaches missing from Dahshur. Beware that the Dahshur pyramids are relatively unknown, even for local taxi drivers.

 

[Alanslegal]

Thanks for the replies guys, I'm a tick the box kind of person so 3 days should be plenty to go to CAI, jump out take a photo with me and the pyramids, a dinner cruise on the Nile, and a few bits and pieces.

Interesting angle browski - will definitely take your input into consideration. I too have heard it's a bit of a chatic mess, so will be ensuring I have a driver / guide from arrival to departure.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

The Cairo experience is so horrible that the obvious answer is to just not go there. There is nothing to be gained by going to Cairo, and nothing to be regeretted by avoiding it.
.

Like wow!!!

Just goes to show how we each like different things.

I spent several weeks in Egypt and Cairo the Xmas after 9/11 and had a fantastic time.

Yes like any city, and particularly very big ones, there are pros and cons.

But IMO well worth a visit even if only for 72 and in the height of summer.

 

[browski]

Like wow!!!

Just goes to show how we each like different things.

I spent several weeks in Egypt and Cairo the Xmas after 9/11 and had a fantastic time.

Yes like any city, and particularly very big ones, there are pros and cons.

But IMO well worth a visit even if only for 72 and in the height of summer.

I once spent 7 days in my bedroom and had a great time; but I wouldn't recommend my bedroom to others

 

[cryan]

If you have never been before, you have to go. Took 3 teenagers and hubby Xmas 2008 and was such an eye opening experience for all of us. Wouldnt rush back, but very Glad we went. Get up and out early in the day the heat will be bad.

 

[rtyuiop]

I'll join the people saying they found the heat, crowds, and insanity well worth it (although I was there when it wasn't *much* hotter than a really hot BNE day). To the point that I can actually see myself going back to Egypt one day.

The Cairo museum is going to be an absolute shocker in the middle of summer - big building with not much airflow and no air con, do the maths. Absolutely *great* exhibits with shockingly bad presentation, but still definitely worthwhile.

Anyone know when the new Giza museum is supposed to be opening?

Danny

 

[MrJetset]

The Cairo experience is so horrible that the obvious answer is to just not go there. There is nothing to be gained by going to Cairo, and nothing to be regeretted by avoiding it.

Long time lurker but I simply had to post in response to this. Cairo is an amazing city, rich in culture and history. Like any seasoned traveler who enjoys experiencing other people and their culture, the trick is to avoid the tourist trap experience of Cairo.

For 72 hours in Cairo I would recommend:

A visit to Al-Azhar Park, an oasis in the middle of the city.
Lunch at the Kebabgy at the Sofitel El-Gezirah overlooking the Nile.
A drink at Aubergine bar (where the young and funky of Cairo hang out) or visiting a nightclub boat on the Nile (the boats are generally moored).
Taking a felucca on the Nile at night where they play loud music, people dance, and you risk your life all for 2 Egyptian pounds. You must get up and dance.
Shopping at Citystars in Heliopolis.
Drinking tea and smoking Sheesha in the small hours of the morning.
Dinner at Abou El Sid.

If you want to visit the Cairo Museum, the Citadel including the Mohamed Ali Mosque or the Pyramids of Giza then I would do so in the morning to avoid the crowds of Russians, Germans and English. Do Khan el-Khalili at night.

Also, use the new yellow Cairo Cabs that are new vehicles with meters. They are very regulated so you don't need to haggle like in the black and white cabs. You won't need a guide, you'll find everywhere I have recommended, and places tourists frequent the locals speak English, German, French etc.

The Starwood hotels are pretty old in Cairo, until the the new St Regis opens. I'd recommend the Grand Hyatt which is new, and is on the Nile. I strongly recommend the Meet and Assist at the airport where they meet you at the gate, handle all of your formalities for you, and drive you to the hotel. It saves a lot of stress and time.

You should be able to google all of the above. Also see the BBC's 'The Real.... Cairo' watch it and you'll see what I mean. See http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/real_cities/cities/cairo/default.stm

 

[Alanslegal]

Thanks again everyone for their input, I have decided to go for it.

I have just completed a booking reservation with Egypt Air flying BKK to CAI to BCN. I have just received my confirmation but you know what??

I entered me and my travelling partner's names BACK to FRONT! :shock: And this is a the cheapest of cheap fares, changes not permitted etc bla bla bla

Contacted their Australian Office within minutes, left a voice mail. Also emailed Egypt Air's online contact to ask for a name rectification. We'll see how things goes

GOSH, never do things on the rush again!

 

[MrJetset]

Thanks again everyone for their input, I have decided to go for it.

I have just completed a booking reservation with Egypt Air flying BKK to CAI to BCN. I have just received my confirmation but you know what??

I entered me and my travelling partner's names BACK to FRONT! :shock: And this is a the cheapest of cheap fares, changes not permitted etc bla bla bla

Contacted their Australian Office within minutes, left a voice mail. Also emailed Egypt Air's online contact to ask for a name rectification. We'll see how things goes

GOSH, never do things on the rush again!

That may not be a glitch. When I book travel through my corporate travel agent it reads surname firstnameMR.

The EgyptAir customer service team generally respond in 24 hours or so. I would avoid their local office which is one travel agent, and deal directly with them.

FYI - Since they have joined Star Alliance they have significantly improved their services and have moved to a new, dedicated terminal at Cairo International airport.

 

[stryker]

Personally, I'd give the Giza Pyramids a miss, and go see the "Bent Pyramid" of Dahshur - it is about 40kms south of Cairo. You can actually climb up the external pyramid steps and then traverse down the internal pyramid tunnel and explore the internal chambers.

Really, Cairo isn't that bad. It's in the Middle East, so judge everything by those standards. There are much worse places in the world...

I certainly wouldn't give the Giza pyramids or the sphynx a miss, as they are quite spectacular and unique, but arranging a car and driver for a day would be good, as they could also take you to the pyramids of Memphis and Saqqara, which are only a short dive away and much less crowded (eerily quiet if I recall correctly).

Anyway, this is what my wife and I did several years back and we enjoyed it immensely.

Stay at the Windsor hotel in the city, if you can (I assume it's still going). It's old British Raj style, with massive rooms and old-fashioned Egyptian entertainment in the evenings.

 

[Alanslegal]

That may not be a glitch. When I book travel through my corporate travel agent it reads surname firstnameMR.

The EgyptAir customer service team generally respond in 24 hours or so. I would avoid their local office which is one travel agent, and deal directly with them.

Yeah EgyptAir did respond to my email advising "Regarding your email kindly be informed that you have to send us copy of the passports in order to add remark on your reservation".

I know my name was entered back to front because of the saved settings, as well as Check My Trip forces me to enter my PNR and my last name as ALAN (which is really my first name). Same results happen with my travelling partner's booking.

Thanks for the input Jock28. Some informative points about Cairo and welcome to AFF if this hasn't been mentioned in this thread or other threads.

 

[adrian]

The Le Meridian has great views - make sure you ask/pay for a room with a view of the pyramids.

 

[stryker]

Yeah EgyptAir did respond to my email advising "Regarding your email kindly be informed that you have to send us copy of the passports in order to add remark on your reservation".

I know my name was entered back to front because of the saved settings, as well as Check My Trip forces me to enter my PNR and my last name as ALAN (which is really my first name). Same results happen with my travelling partner's booking.

Thanks for the input Jock28. Some informative points about Cairo and welcome to AFF if this hasn't been mentioned in this thread or other threads.

Ala, if it's such a hassle for you, then perhaps just don't go.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Really, Cairo isn't that bad. It's in the Middle East, so judge everything by those standards. There are much worse places in the world...

I certainly wouldn't give the Giza pyramids or the sphynx a miss, as they are quite spectacular and unique, but arranging a car and driver for a day would be good, as they could also take you to the pyramids of Memphis and Saqqara, which are only a short dive away and much less crowded (eerily quiet if I recall correctly).

Anyway, this is what my wife and I did several years back and we enjoyed it immensely.

Stay at the Windsor hotel in the city, if you can (I assume it's still going). It's old British Raj style, with massive rooms and old-fashioned Egyptian entertainment in the evenings.

Yes we stayed at the Windsor too (Pallin inspired) and also hired acar with driver for the day to see the other pyramids.

At the bent pyramid (as it was the Xams after 9/11) when we arrived the local police were glad to see us as they had not seen any tourist for days and even let us get onto their official police camel!!!!

Giza should also not be missed as one can go deep inside as well including lying in Rhamses coffin!!

 

[Alanslegal]

Ala, if it's such a hassle for you, then perhaps just don't go.

It was my error for entering my name back to front during the booking process, and thus I bear the consequence of chasing the airline to amend my booking.

Anyway, concerning the name issue, I sent scans of my passport and EgyptAir has replied back "Concerning your email we would like to inform you that there is no problem in switching the family name and the first name in your reservation as long as the spelling is like the passports"

A clarification email was replied back "once the tickets issued we cant make any changes or switchig in names on your reservation but we add a remark on it and its confirmed with no problem in it".

I would guess that I am good to go!

 

[browski]

Long time lurker but I simply had to post in response to this. Cairo is an amazing city, rich in culture and history.

If culture is a euphemism for excrement, we are in agreement.

For 72 hours in Cairo I would recommend:

A visit to Al-Azhar Park, an oasis in the middle of the city.

I've been here too. Really, this is your highlight?

Lunch at the Kebabgy at the Sofitel El-Gezirah overlooking the Nile.

Ahhh, the pristine Nile. You could swim from one side to the other and be more likely to collect an STD than be attacked by a croc.

A drink at Aubergine bar (where the young and funky of Cairo hang out) or visiting a nightclub boat on the Nile (the boats are generally moored).

Wow, a booze cruise

Taking a felucca on the Nile at night where they play loud music, people dance, and you risk your life all for 2 Egyptian pounds. You must get up and dance.

A booze cruise on a dodgy boat?

Shopping at Citystars in Heliopolis.

Really, a mall? That's what you are going with? I went to the cinema at this mall, they censored Batman (Dark Knight)

Drinking tea and smoking Sheesha in the small hours of the morning.

Kill me now

Dinner at Abou El Sid.

Cannot comment, don't think I've been there.
You know as much as we might like to get all fuzzy with wonderment and awe of other countries, a reality check needs to be given sometimes.
This is a country where the amazing ancient Egyptians constructed an ill-conceived but nontheless impressive pyramid..........yet modern Egyptians cannot construct a 2 storey apartment block.