Shopping in Luxor

If you are wondering about what its’ like to shop in Luxor or Cairo Su Bayfield on her www.EgyptSites.com website has an excellent guide. Here’s an excerpt:

“Generally most goods and services in Egypt seem to be very good value, but there is a system of bargaining for everything you need, from hotel accommodation to taxis and souvenirs. Some of the larger tourist shops have fixed prices, but in the local markets (bazaars or suqs) bargaining is a way of life – so leave plenty of time for shopping. Asking prices will be very high to begin with and drop rapidly depending on how much interest you show and walking away will often be the way to get prices reduced. It is great fun to bargain and I work on the assumption that I can usually get things for around one third or one quarter of the original asking price. It depends on how much something is worth to me. Remember that Egyptian tradesmen need to make a living too. Shopping often means having a cup of tea or cold drink in almost every stall in the market and half an hour of general conversation (or translating letters from foreign friends) before getting down to the business of prices. You are under no obligation to buy, so don’t feel guilty if you change your mind. If you do make a purchase it is a good idea to keep plenty of small notes as vendors in smaller shops often don’t have change and you may have to wait while they go in search of your change”.

To read the full article please visit Su’s EgyptSites website.

Nile Cruise Podcast

I am just putting the finishing touches to our first Nile Cruise Podcast and it should be appearing here sometime tomorrow.

It includes a great interview with Eamon Lafferty who travelled on his first Nile cruise earlier this year on the King Tut.

Eamon was an easy and enthusiastic interviewee and I’m sure if you haven’t’ cruised the Nile before then you will definitely want to after hearing Eamon.

Watch out for the first Nile Cruise Podcast hear tomorrow.

Oberoi Zahra

Yesterday I mentioned the new luxury cruiser the Oberoi Zahra and the fact that it had just commenced service. Well today I can announce that if you wish to book a week’s luxury Nile cruise aboard the Oberoi Zahra then we can arrange that for you.

Oberoi Zahra

Here’s some more specifications about the vessel:

“The elegant Zahra offers spacious accommodation, personalised service and excellent facilities giving the opportunity for a truly memorable experience.

Accommodation:

Each of the 25 luxury suites are tastefully appointed with timber floors and elegant interiors. Large panaoramic windows provide an ideal environment in which to relax and enjoy the splendours of the Nile. All of the cabins are air-conditioned with mini-bar, Satellite TV and DVD player and an en-suite bathroom with bath tub, hair dryer and vanity mirror. Continue reading “Oberoi Zahra”

Luxury Nile cruise

Luxury Nile Cruise

Oberoi Zahra

I mentioned in an earlier post that when I take a holiday that, if I can possibly afford it, I like to stay in as luxurious surroundings as possible. After all most of us only get away once or twice a year.

Well…I just came upon news that a brand new luxury Nile cruise vessel, The Oberoi Zahra, set sail for the first time this week.

Here’s what I read…

“The Oberoi Zahra casts off on October 2nd as the hottest ship under the Egyptian sun. With only 27 spacious, panoramic-view suites, the Zahra is like a boutique hotel sailing down the Nile. Its five decks hold a four-suite Banyan Tree spa, a landscaped pool and the river’s only floating cigar lounge (lest your midnight Cuban craving go unfulfilled). If you’re feeling Pharoah-level-indulgent, spring for a 645-square-foot Grand Suite (the largest on the Nile) and watch Egypt pass by from the Jacuzzi on your private terrace”.

It sounds fabulous and it will be very expensive but you’ll be sailing in the height of luxury and, as you know, you get what you pay for.

I think you’ll agree by looking at some of the photos here that the Oberoi Zahra looks a fabulous vessel.

Oberoi Zahra bathroom

If you’d like us to arrange a Nile cruise on the Zahra please call Barbara on Freephone 0808 1089 100.