Full-Day Cairo Tour from Hurghada by Bus

Great experience Especially in the Egyptian museum Spend how much time you can in there Some guides including ours was a bit to pushy there to finish quicker and insisted for a boat trip on Nile even if that wasn't in our trip itinerary here's a bit of a mafia there as you can see they work together

It has been a lifelong dream of mine to visit Egypt and see the museum and pyramids. Firstly, the journey to Cairo. Be prepared! I was picked up at 02:30 (stated pick up time 02:00) and some people had been on the bus for an hour and a half or more already. You won’t get much sleep on the bus as first we stopped at a corale point to leave in convoy. I didn’t understand why as there was absolutely no attempt to stay together and buses made their own way alone. Next we stopped at a truck stop for comfort breaks. We arrived at Cairo museum and met our guide who seemed to want to talk purely about how much money we could spend at the pyramids! I arranged with home to leave my group and meet later at the exit so I could experience the museum without his sales patter. Next, I went on the optional Nile boat trip which, to be honest, was barely worth the money. It was, however, more comfortable than being on the bus. Our guide told us that they had phoned the restaurant and it was so busy that we would make an extra stop at a Bedouin family house for a “free” cup of tea. This was simply another excuse to try to part us from our money and a complete waste of time. The restaurant, when we arrived, was of course completely empty. The food was good, drinks were extra and expensive. We eventually arrived at the pyramids and were given a maximum of an hour to explore! This time was eaten into even more because our guide insisted on introducing us to his “very good friend” who would give us a “very good deal” on tatty souvenirs. Finally we had around 50 minutes to take in the pyramids. A lifetime waiting for 50 hurried minutes. We had so little time to visit the Sphinx and it was now so late in the day that we could only view it in silhouette from the roadside. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. We still had time, however, for another pointless, unscheduled stop at a papyrus shop; a final opportunity to hand over even more money. We rejoined the bus and were invited to give tips. Very few people obliged. I would not take this trip again.

A disasterously run down bus where we had to sit cramped on the back seat, which broke down for two hours on the outward journey. An unpleasant and unhelpful guide in charge of the transport. The English speaking guide was helpful, kind and considerate at the museum and at the pyramids. A most unpleasant experience overall being jostled and jolted and bumped about there and back. Viator you failed us here.