Precious Memories: Port Said, Egypt Overnight Tour with Ramses

11/16/2012 (Saturday) -- Port Said to Cairo

Cagney's started serving breakfast at 5:30 this morning and when we got there at 6:00 we were the only ones there. They took our orders and served the food quickly so we could be on our way. DC, MC, and DD decided to have room service instead of joining us at Cagney's. We joined the Cruise Critic Roll-call group for an overnight in Cairo tour with Ramses for the next two days and our gathering time was 7:00.

Carlos escorted us down to the gangway through the 'secret passage' again. Our passports stamped and we were out to the port area. It was chaotic out there. Vendors lined the exit and tour guides all gathered around to meet their groups. There is not a parking lot per se, so all the buses were parked along the sidewalks. Armed personnel was evidence everywhere to direct traffic. Buses had to move carefully in those tight spaces to form a caravan to go into Cairo.

6:00 at Cagney's

outside the port area

vendors inside the port

buildings near the port

Port Said is pretty nice and clean.

Things started to change as we moved farther away from the port.

as our caravan passed by

comfortably resting, he was smiling at us

Egyptian National Museum

After the three-hour drive from Port Said, our first stop in Cairo was the Egyptian National Museum. We were told that we should leave our cameras on the bus otherwise we would have to check them in before entering the museum. That is why I have no pictures of the museum. The building that was charred by fire last year during the revolution is still standing there which gives an erring feeling of the place.

It was very busy at the museum with tourists from all over the world. It didn't seem to be a big facility but it certainly housed many national treasures. It was hard to keep up with all the information given by the guide but it was really worth the visit.

After the National Museum, we went for a boat ride on the Nile which is just close by. It was beautiful riding down the Nile. There are many hotels along the river and we had a relaxing ride to the restaurant where we had our lunch.

Our guide in the middle

Hilton

the charred building

Four Seasons

Our boat dropped us off at a restaurant called the "Nile Lily" which is right on the Nile. Lunch was buffet style with many variety. The problem was they did not keep up with refilling the dishes so many plates were empty, especially the fried fish filet and chicken stir-fried, which I liked. We were warned many times by NCL staff and our guide that "if it's not cooked, peeled/skinned/or opened by yourself, do not eat or drink it." So we dare not touching the salads or fruits on the buffet table but we still had a good lunch.

This waiter just came in and posed as I was taking a picture of the river. Cute!

Giza

Our next stop was the pyramids which are in Giza. It was just amazing to be there in person, seeing and touching them. Unfortunately we only had half an hour there, so we had to make our round really quick. We decided not to go inside the pyramids and just admire them from the outside.

After taking many pictures, we went for the panoramic views of the pyramids and the camel ride. The camel ride was amazing! It was definitely scary but exciting at the same time. The camel rides were arranged through our guide and was already paid for and included in the tour. But at the end the handlers still asked for tips.

He wanted $20 from us just for posing. We gave him a few dollars instead. He wasn't even our handler.

The Sphinx is down the hill but when we got there it was too late to get in.

Before going to the hotel, we were taken to this papirus institute, mainly for people to shop.

demonstration of paper making

Le Meridien Hotel

Our tour included an overnight stay at the Le Meridien which is right in Giza very near the pyramids. Some rooms even have the view of the pyramids. Room was fine, comfortable and clean.

The bathtub can be dangerous. It is a little narrow and can be slippery because of the curves. The piece of glass swings open so I had to make sure that I grabbed the handle on the wall and not the glass when I moved around.

After freshening up we gathered at the lobby for our guide to take us to the dinner cruise.

There was a wedding at the hotel that evening.

Dinner Cruise on the Nile
We had a choice of going to the Sound and Light Show or the Dinner Cruise on the Nile for the evening for an added charge. Most of us in our group chose the Dinner Cruise which cost $55 per person. The dining area was very tight with tables very close to each other so it was very difficult to move in and out of. Imagining having a buffet dinner under such circumstances. Because of the low ceiling air conditioners were blowing cold air on top of our heads throughout the night which made it very uncomfortable for us. Food was OK, nothing special. After dinner I went up to the deck to enjoy the night view of the Nile instead of staying in for the belly dancers.