Extraordinary, solo, three-week trip to Egypt.
Egypt
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Feb 15 - Mar 6, 2024
My extraordinary, solo, three-week trip to Egypt and Petra fulfilled a life-long dream. KimKim’s agents helped make this a fabulous, stress-free adventure every step of the way. My guides, including Mahmoud Gawish, Mohamed Kamal, “Jimmy” and others were all knowledgeable, thoughtful gentlemen. The drivers, including Said in Cairo, “Mr. Ferrari” and Shadi in Jordan, and private car were all top-notch. Multiple airport transfers were incredibly smooth. I may have forgotten some of the others who helped make me feel so welcome, cared-for and well informed. The Egypt agent, Lareine, was always responsive, helping me tailor the trip, choose congenial accommodations, answering questions and helping with itinerary tweaks during my trip. I am so glad I saw some places that others sometimes miss, such as the tomb of Seti I and the stunning temples of Abydos and Dendera. It was all magnificent. Thanks so much to all.
Hotel Reviews
I loved this delightful, unusual hotel in the heart of Cairo's old Islamic quarter. I was able to experience three different suites, each of them large and completely comfortable and charming. I appreciated the lovely fruit bowl in my room and the chocolate-covered dates on my bedside table. I enjoyed the busy neighborhood but some people might find it a bit noisy -- the hotel thoughtfully provides earplugs and I slept well every night. I spent many happy moments observing the lively scene from the balcony of the hotel Tea Room. The Zeeyara Roof Top Restaurant is excellent -- absolutely the best dining experiences I had in all of Egypt. Breakfast options were so delicious and the dinner menu was varied and always perfectly executed and presented.
Everything you expect in a first-class hotel -- comfortable, elegant guest room and public spaces. Thoughtful touches like the little rose by my bedside one evening. The gardens are absolutely phenomenal -- walking through them is a walk in paradise. Lavish breakfast buffet with excellent French press coffee. Best of all, for me, was sitting on the beautiful front terrace sipping a glass of chilled Egyptian Rosé wine watching the glorious sun set over the west bank of the Nile. Stuff dreams are made of.
The dahabiya trip was a definite highlight of my 3-week trip. My cabin and bathroom were comfortable, quite, very clean. The open, covered deck offered so many options of comfortable seating for lounging, reading, enjoying afternoon tea and our evening wine, as we glided down the Nile. Seeing so many timeliness vistas and then docking directly where our visits took us added a dimension of relaxation and ease to my adventure. It was lovely to be able to share the days and meals with my six other shipmates plus our two guides. All of our meals were delicious and varied, with plenty of fresh fruit and dessert options. The ship's crew go above and beyond to provide every service requested. This really is an experience not to be missed.