Maria Nikolov

 

This was trip of a lifetime. Not only able to see the pyramids, long time dream come true, also during the beginning of the Egyptian Crises

To begin our tour was planed by Mohamed Mokhtar. With his guidance I was able to plan busy 10 days tour. Trying to include everything possible to see in Egypt for that time. Many changes took place during 21 exchanged emails. Mohamed Mokhtar was always responding very quick and professional.

On arrival in Cairo airport we was greeted by Mohamed Beshir. Wow he was so nice, professional, accommodating ..... He was our point of contact during our stay in Cairo. On the way to Grand Pyramid Hotel Mohamed Beshir explained to us that he see one day overbooked. That day was full and was ending with Nile Dinner Cruise 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM. The next morning we was flying to Aswan and pick up time was 4:30 AM. He reschedule the Nile Dinner Cruise for the free day in Cairo week later.

First full day in Cairo. 

We was pick from the hotel by Mohamed and midway met by Rehab Samir. She is a Egyptologist, Her professionalism and knowledge brought Cairo and Egypt history to life along with present day customs and religion. 

Memphis, then visit Giza, the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chefren and Mykerinus - Famous Sphinx.

Afternoon Sakkara area and visit to Sakkara Complex and the first pyramid ever build - Djoser.

Rehab stop by fruit stand and purchased several citrus fruits for us. She told us to try them and see how sweet and flavorful they was. 

That evening we enjoyed the Sound and Light Show. That show I would like to see it over again and again.

Second Day in Cairo, (20 January, 2011)

Rehab Samir pick us from the hotel and visited the Egyptian Museum, The Royal Mummies Hall visit was extra 100 LE and I expressed interest to see it she quickly purchased the ticked for me.

Same day we visited Saladin Citadel including Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque. Them Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue, Khan El Khalili Bazaar.

21 January, 2011

We left the Grand Pyramid Hotel at 4:30 AM on way to airport accompanied by Mohamed Beshir (what time he get up I don't need to know he is young and full of energy).

Arrived in Aswan Airport at 8:30 AM and greeted by Memphis Tour Rep. 

Our luggage was transported to Dolphin Nile Ship and we met Sayed Selim our Tour Guide for Aswan and Luxor during Dolphin Nile cruise.

Sayed took us to explore High Dam, Granite Quarries, Temple of Philae on Isis Island, 

Check-in for the boat was flawless. Food delicious. Staff friendly and professional.

Second Day on Dolphin Nile Ship started with delicious breakfast and sail to Kom Ombo then visit to Temple shared by two gods Sobek and Haeroris in Kom Ombo.

Afternoon sail to Edfu and visit Horus Temple in Edfu.

Third day on the cruise in Luxor. Visited West Bank and Valley of the Kings, the Temple of the Queen Hatshepsut, that afternoon visit to East Bank and Karnak and Luxor Temples.

Last morning on the ship as always delicious breakfast and transfer to the Luxor Airport.

On arrival in Cairo again we was greeted by the smile of Mohamed Beshir and he transfer us to Holiday Inn City Stars. This hotel was booked separately by us and have nothing to do with Memphis Tours, however I have nothing bad to say about the hotel...everything is positive. The rest of the day was free for us and Mohamed give us some ideas how to spend the afternoon.

25 January, 2011

Was free day to explore Cairo on our own and do some shopping. 

That evening Mohamed again pick us from the hotel for the Dinner Cruise on Nile River.

That was great with a lots of food, fun and dancing. That time we noticed that police boat was with us all the time protecting the Dinner Boat.

After dinner around 10:30 Mohamed took us back to the Holiday Inn and explained to that next day we are visiting Alexandria and pick up time is 7:30 AM.

26 January 2011

At 7:30 AM Mohamed and the driver pick us for tour to Alexandria. Remember Mohamed was with us last night after the dinner. Did he sleep at all? He look so happy and cheerful....Near Giza Rehab Samir was waiting and we continued to Alexandria. I even didn't notice the long drive Rehab was all the time entertaining us with history, everyday life, women duties in the household, marriage, children. 

We even talk about the Egyptian traditional food, recipes...

While in Alexandria we visited Qaitbay Citadel, Alexandria Library, Roman Cemetery, Catacombs, Montazan Palace.

Time to travel home ...27 January 2011 ....Oops Delta flight cancel. Received email we are schedule for the next morning flight. Informing Mohamed Beshir was the easiest think to do he is flexible as always. 

Well Friday, 28 January 2011 was the day that problems began but nothing to do with the Memphis Tours just with Delta Air.

Thanks to Memphis Tours we was able to enjoy every minute. Forgot to mention that all the drivers was very safe, professional, accommodating, cars clean.