Ancient Egypt - Legendary Nile Day 1

Finally, the time has come. 

The suitcase is packed. We will be picked up at 11 AM and taken to the airport.

On time at 12:25 PM, 3 hours before departure, the check-in counter opens. However, the employee was completely out of place. 

1. According to him, there were no more aisle seats available. However, other passengers checking in after us got some.
2. He wanted to check our luggage directly to Luxor. No, we want to go to Luxor later as can be seen from the booking.
3. Other guests already received their boarding passes for the Cairo - Luxor flight in 2 days. Let's see what happens with the luggage.

With a departure at 15:25, it did not work out. The plane was not yet ready. My companion is passing the time with a Hugo.

Shortly after, however, we finally took off. 

Boarding was chaotically Egyptian. Seats in the second-to-last row were claimed by Egyptair employees. As a woman, despite asking, there was no help with the hand luggage from the male staff. Nothing has changed in all these years 🤣. 

Takeoff at 16:10. The delay was minimal.

After 1.5 hours of flying, there was a surprise.  On Egyptair, there is actually a hot meal on a 4-hour flight. Selections were chicken and beef. 

Due to the tight space and turbulence, no photo of the warm meal.

The immigration card was given directly after dinner. My classic photo above the clouds was somewhat sacrificed due to the middle seat and dirty windows.

Despite the delayed departure, we landed quite punctually in Cairo. Local time is 8:40 PM. Very bumpy landing, the captain probably needs a bit more practice. 

The tour guide from Trendtours welcomed us immediately upon entering the airport building and provided us with the necessary visa sticker in the passport. Then we went through passport control and to the baggage claim. We had to wait until everyone had their luggage. Someone had to go to the restroom and others needed to buy a SIM card. The room number was to be written on the luggage tag. Unfortunately, one traveler was always missing, and others were not listening to the tour guide. Consequently, everything took longer. 

It is now 9:20 PM. Now we are sitting on the bus. First, we are going to a restaurant for dinner. Travel time about 45 minutes. 

As is customary in Egypt, the ride took a bit longer. We reached the Queens Cleopatra Restaurant at 10:30 PM. Here a buffet awaits us. Drinks are to be paid for by ourselves. To be honest, at this time and after a dinner on the plane, one doesn't really need anything more, right? I limit myself to something from the dessert section.

Suddenly, it had to go quickly again, although some guests were still not finished. Back into the bus and off to the hotel. On the way, there was information from the tour guide Mr. Walid about the itinerary, the tour guide on the round trip, additional excursions, and especially about the tips that need to be paid the next day. 

Visa 28€ per person 

Tip 65€ per person 

Optional excursions 

Excursions in Cairo 40€ per person 

Aswan city tour 25€

Luxor carriage 20€

Especially the matter of the tip will need to be clarified with the tour operator. The brochure stated 3€ per day/person and it was voluntary. 

We reach the hotel at 11:45 PM. The Swiss Inn makes a good impression. Check-in went very quickly. First a nightcap at the bar and then off to bed. The alarm clock rings at 06:00 AM. Departure at 07:00 AM.