Egypt, Jordan & Isreal?
Jan 20, 2020 13:10:53 #
Last week one of the hogs posted an interesting picture from a recent trip to Jordan. I was impressed by the photo but more importantly I started thinking that I may be missing some wonderful travel experiences and photo opportunities by ruling out visiting locations in this area over security concerns. My #1 bucket list destination my entire life would be Egypt and yet I have never seriously considered going there. If anyone has visited this region recently, I would appreciate hearing what you experienced, what you saw and what kind of group did you travel with (land tour only or part of a cruise)?
Regarding security, I can check the government travel advisories but it is always helpful to hear real time stories on what to expect. This is going outside my comfort zone but understanding the risks seems like a reasonable approach. I assume major tour companies are well aware of my kinds of concerns and take extensive measures to protect their customers. I would love to hear how you dealt with this issues.
Regarding security, I can check the government travel advisories but it is always helpful to hear real time stories on what to expect. This is going outside my comfort zone but understanding the risks seems like a reasonable approach. I assume major tour companies are well aware of my kinds of concerns and take extensive measures to protect their customers. I would love to hear how you dealt with this issues.
Jan 20, 2020 13:14:24 #
I've always wanted to go but, now might not be a good time, especially not in a small group.
Jan 20, 2020 13:16:03 #
Bob Mevis wrote:
I've always wanted to go but, now might not be a good time, especially not in a small group.
I have been saying this for 30 years. If not now, when?
Jan 20, 2020 13:23:59 #
If you think you should do it, then do it. If you think you should have done it, then it's probably too late.
This concept applies in many areas. chase
This concept applies in many areas. chase
Jan 20, 2020 13:34:20 #
Stan Wieg
Loc: Fair Oaks, CA
My wife and I are signed up for a Viking cruise on the Nile in December of this year - you might want to check out their site. We have had good experiences with their river cruise operations in Europe. Feluccas and crocodiles and deserts and camels and 4000 years of history - how can a photographer go wrong?
The long-delayed new Egyptian National History Museum is opening this spring and should be terrific too.
Probably mandatory to watch Death on the Nile again as preparation for the trip!
The long-delayed new Egyptian National History Museum is opening this spring and should be terrific too.
Probably mandatory to watch Death on the Nile again as preparation for the trip!
Jan 20, 2020 13:42:58 #
Stan Wieg wrote:
My wife and I are signed up for a Viking cruise on... (show quote)
We will be checking out Viking
Jan 20, 2020 15:27:33 #
I'll be in Egypt for 10 days in march as a scouting trip before leading a group later 2020-21. - cairo/giza, 4 day nile cruise & aswan. I was there 25 years ago and have wanted to go back for some time. us state dept has it as level 2 - 'exercise caution' - same as major european cities!
Jan 20, 2020 22:57:20 #
We just returned in Nov from our 2nd trip to Egypt - Cairo & Nile River Cruise Luxor to Answan. First time was 2017, Cairo, then to Jordan. We have also been to Israel and Morocco recently. In my opinion these areas are as safe as any large city in USA. (First time we returned two days after 50+ were killed in Las Vegas).
As for Egypt it is just beyond belief to visit. Each time we went with an Egyptian company called Memphis Tours (check web site & Trip Advisor with 4,500 positive reviews) booked by emails after viewing their web site. Touring was modern car with personal driver & tour guide for less than bus tours with other companies and able to customize their standard tours. Never ever did we feel unsafe anywhere or anytime on either trip.
If you have specific questions feel free to PM me.
As for Egypt it is just beyond belief to visit. Each time we went with an Egyptian company called Memphis Tours (check web site & Trip Advisor with 4,500 positive reviews) booked by emails after viewing their web site. Touring was modern car with personal driver & tour guide for less than bus tours with other companies and able to customize their standard tours. Never ever did we feel unsafe anywhere or anytime on either trip.
If you have specific questions feel free to PM me.
Jan 20, 2020 23:08:59 #
To wet your appetite we climbed inside one of the Pyramids of Giza to the Tomb Room, some 300+' up a 3-1/2x4' tunnel, the Great Sphinx, church were Moses was found, where the holy family stayed, the old market bazaar, papyrus making, dinner cruise on the Nile (first time), Egyptian Museum (cameras welcomed), Solar Boat, saw mummies, Valley of The Kings tombs (down inside 3 plus King Tut's tomb & mummy), early morning hot balloon ride over Valley, Nubian village, and more ancient temples then I can remember. That was the first day! <grin>
Jan 21, 2020 08:00:54 #
It’s been a while but would second Stardust’s recommendation of a car and driver. You control where you go and how long you stay- often an issue if you are taking pictures- and although it’s hard to hide being a tourist you don’t stand out nearly so much as a large group. We were 4- went with our then teenage children- and it was cheaper than bus tours. A wonderful country and people were very warm and friendly.
Jan 21, 2020 09:32:56 #
LXK0930
Loc: Souh Jersey
katu41 wrote:
Last week one of the hogs posted an interesting pi... (show quote)
I have been to Israel several times, the last in April 2019. No security issues at all. In fact, my son was working there, and had no reservations about sending his 6 yo daughter by herself to the store. Try that in the USA?
I was in Jordan (Petra) about 10 years ago. Again, no security issues. (BTW... Petra is a must on anyone's bucket list).
I was in Egypt about 35 years ago. Again, no security concerns, but situation may be different now. I understand that there are now many restrictions on the antiquities. I was able to crawl (actually, more like slither) through the Great Pyramid to the burial room.
Anyway, I would not be concerned about Israel and Jordan. I would think twice about Egypt
Jan 21, 2020 09:36:29 #
We did the Egypt/Jordan/Israel trip in June and enjoyed every minute of it. Took Canon 80D and the Canon 18-135 lens. Occasionally wanted more reach, but not worth the hassle of another lens. We were part of a land tour with Israel Tour Consultants. Never felt threatened anywhere, even in downtown Cairo. Two weeks was long enough only for an introduction. Cairo, pyramids, old churches, traditional Mt. Sinai, Petra, Mt. Nebo, Tel Aviv, 2 days in the Galilee area, 3 days around Jerusalem. Backed up images from SD card every night on WD My Passport Wireless Pro. Shot everything in RAW. Trip of a lifetime.
Jan 21, 2020 09:48:50 #
My wife and I are going to Egypt next month for a 2 week tour, and yes there have been security issues in the past and some people we know think we're brave (we're not) . We live in Myrtle Beach and the local news reports several shootings semingly every week. I also think of a hotel owner in Toledo Spain who's afraid to go to the USA because of all the gun violence! We're fit 70 yr olds and this is high on the bucket list. A year ago we took a 2 week Morocco tour (Cornell University/Odessey tours) that was supurb and had (almost) invisible security--I doubt many of our small group even realized it! On a more photographic aside, I've decided against lugging a heavey camera bag and am going with a high quality bridge camera and a stereo point-and-shoot!
Jan 21, 2020 11:31:08 #
Security issues can change in a heartbeat. Buy travelers insurance. Now you’re fine To go though.
Pick a travel mode: bus and planes or Nile Cruise. Check out companies. Look at reviews talk to friends. Buy your tour and don’t look back.
Pick a travel mode: bus and planes or Nile Cruise. Check out companies. Look at reviews talk to friends. Buy your tour and don’t look back.
Jan 21, 2020 12:37:18 #
I'm originally from Israel. We visit there frequently, last time was in March 2019. Israel is safe just like the US. I can't speak about Egypt and Jordan.
Your best bet is to go on a guided tour. I recommend OAT - Overseas Adventure Travel. I've gone with them 15 times already and will use them again, twice, this year. They're very professional and have excellent guides and travel arrangements. They'll not take you to dangerous locations so if you go with them be assured it's safe. As an example, OAT cancelled Turkey trips some years ago but recently reintroduced them when it became safe to go there.
Your best bet is to go on a guided tour. I recommend OAT - Overseas Adventure Travel. I've gone with them 15 times already and will use them again, twice, this year. They're very professional and have excellent guides and travel arrangements. They'll not take you to dangerous locations so if you go with them be assured it's safe. As an example, OAT cancelled Turkey trips some years ago but recently reintroduced them when it became safe to go there.
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