Like many people, you might enjoy indulging in a little retail therapy when you are on holiday. As well as being relaxing and fun, this can be the perfect way to source mementos of your adventures.If you head off on a Nile cruise, you will find plenty of opportunities to buy products – although you may not have experienced shopping quite like it anywhere else. Egypt has many markets and bazaars and walking around these buzzing centres of activity can provide you with a real insight into local culture.Among the best places to find such experiences are the cities of Aswan and Luxor. For example, there is a wonderful spice market in Aswan and the back streets of Luxor are filled with interesting bazaars.When taking time to shop during your Nile cruises, bear in mind there is a fine art to sourcing goods in this country. The most important thing to be aware of is haggling. Although in high-end shops, supermarkets, coffee shops, restaurants and so on such negotiations are not appropriate, they are often expected in the traditional markets.If you are not sure how to approach this task, you can engage some local help and it pays off to do a little homework concerning the real value of the items you intend to buy. Then, before you begin haggling, have a firm idea of how much you are willing to pay.Also, bear in mind that haggling is only really worthwhile when you are buying high value items. If you are buying cheap things, paying the full price can be seen as a gesture of support for small traders.Being aware of issues like this can help you enjoy your Nile cruise holidays to the maximum.
Archive for the ‘General Information’ Category
Shopping Egypt style
Saturday, January 21st, 2012Time to Get to Grips with a Good Book
Wednesday, January 11th, 2012For us, no Nile cruise is complete without a reading list, a cool drink and a little shade. We know every holidaymaker is different, but our Egypt Nile cruises really are a solace for avid readers. We do our best to keep life aboard the ships laid back, quiet and lavish. Of course, we make sure all travellers are entertained and given every opportunity to explore, but we also know how priceless a little peace and quiet can be. Here are a few fiction and non-fiction titles we think should be on the reading list of folks looking to learn about Egypt and have some literary fun on holiday!
Non-Fiction
Remesses: Egypt’s Greatest Pharaoh, by Joyce Tyldesley – This is one of our favourite historical books because of the jovial tone and colourful insights into the life of both Egypt’s pharaoh and his people. Mighty warrior and extravagant architect, Ramesses was certainly one of Egypt’s most interesting and illustrious rulers. How to Read Egyptian Hieroglyphs, by Mark Collier – Although more of an academic teach-yourself course, our Nile cruises are intrinsically linked with the ancient language. There’s no better time to swot-up and get some practical challenges!
Fiction
River God, by Wilbur Smith – A real page turner full of all things we want from an exceptional holiday read. True love, honour, revenge – they’re all in there. One of the best things about Smith is his incredible passion for historically accurate research.
Forge Your Own Path with Egyptian Car Rental
Thursday, November 3rd, 2011Our Nile cruise and stay holidays are expertly organised, but we know sometimes the adventurer inside you might want to take-off on a solo day of exploration.
The reputation of much of Africa in terms of car travel and the tourist tends to be rather negative, but in our years of experience a little foresight and good driving skills can help you make the most of your Nile cruise holiday with a day’s safe driving across Egypt’s landscapes.
Who Can Drive?
Anyone with a full U.K driving licence and International Driving Permit (about £6, available from main Post Offices) can rent a car and drive in Egypt. We work with www.holidayautos.co.uk. You’ll also need to carry your passport.
Is It Dangerous?
Cairo is one of the biggest, fastest, most terrifying cities in the world for unfamiliar drivers. Some of the main issues are a) the lack of road markings, b) the local faster-is-better attitude to driving, c) the incessant noise of car horns, and d) driving on the right side of the road. However, once outside the cities, roads are habitually quieter and the driving experience far more serene.
Safety
One of the things we’re serious about on Nile cruises is hydration. Egypt is HOT, making sensible hydration an unfamiliar must to the U.K traveller. NEVER rent a car and drive ANYWHERE without an adequate supply of water, a map and plans left with one of our holiday reps or a family member.
A Working Holiday in Progress
Tuesday, June 21st, 2011“Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labour in freedom.” (Albert Einstein)
To work in an environment that’s free and motivating is to produce great work. Is there anything more inspiring than the great culture and landscape of Egypt? A change is apparently as good as a rest, so how about a working Nile cruise to get the little grey cells moving?
Our Nile cruises are famed for being the epitome of idle relaxation and old world escapism in an age of perpetual rushing. Whilst this makes for ideal vacation conditions, it also makes for excellent working conditions for some folks. We don’t mean natives of Egypt, but rather writers, designers and creators of all kinds.
Nile cruise holidays during off-peak times of the year are particularly popular with folks who need a little inspiration, some work&play relaxation, or just a week of solace and a stunning panorama to get down to work.
We can offer cruises at full board or all inclusive rates, allowing diligent folks to get on with a valuable week of work in one of our lavish cruise ship suites without a care in the world. Choose from more than thirty Nile cruises, all 4* and above (with added “Superior” or “Luxury” ratings when we think 5* doesn’t quite do the package justice!)
If you’re thinking of a working holiday, get in touch with our cruise advisors and see which of our luxurious cruise ships and holiday packages could best suit your needs.
Foreign Office Update on Egypt 15/02/2011
Tuesday, February 15th, 201115/02/2011 15:07
Breaking News: We no longer advise against all but essential travel to Luxor.
Please click onto the following link to see the latest update from the Foreign Office website;
