Abu Simbel Survey

 Link to survey here Charlottes Blog: Abu Simbel Survey

I am in the process of doing some research on tourism in Egypt to the site of Abu Simbel. If you have visited the site at any time in the past I would appreciate it if you could complete this short survey for me. I am interested in the experiences you have had.

Closing dates for survey is July 1st 2013.

Many thanks in advance.

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Visiting Abu Simbel - the options

Lake Nasser cruise, I think this is the best, to approach it over the water, to spend time there, watch the sound and light BUT it is expensive. This is my personal dream cruise

Flying, tricky for independents as all the flights appear to block booked by the tour companies

Road Travel, there are three variations:-

• 90 minutes at the temple going and returning by the same convoy either 4am depart Aswan and 12:30 ish return to Aswan or 11am depart Aswan and return 19:30pm ish.
• 8 hours at the temple go by the early convoy at 4am and return by the late convoy 8pm ish. You will def have to get a private driver to do this
• 24 hours at the temple staying at an onsite hotel. First be warned even though these hotels are expensive they aren't that good. I have sent guests to stay at all of them over the years and they have been rated no better than "OK I suppose". You will also have to pay the driver 2 days of his time either enough for him to go back to Aswan after dropping you or for him to stay at the hotel.

Never rely on the train getting you there in time for a convoy, you have to stay overnight. Most hotels will do you a breakfast box to take with you.

Approximate convoy times

03:30am pick up from hotel
04:00 convoy departs Aswan
07:30 approx convoy arrives Abu Simbel
09:00 convoy departs Abu Simbel
12:30 approx arrive Aswan

10:30 pick up hotel
11:00 convoy departs Aswan
14:30 approx arrive Abu Simbel
16:00 convoy departs Abu Simbel
19:30 approx arrive Aswan

Find Flats in Luxor on Google Earth

Finally Google Earth has updated its images so you can see all our buildings. Here is a general map showing everything including Jorf which is still being built.

This is a closer picture of the west bank flats

If you want to find us on Goggle here are the co-ordinates
Goubli 25°42'15.32" N  32°37'28.14" E
Nubian Village 25°42'17.42" N  32°37'27.83" E
Arabesque 25°42'28.50" N  32°37'28.00" E
Al Gezera 25°42'33.64" N  32°37'51.91" E
Tahrir Villa 25°42'45.74" N  32°35'49.95" E
East Bank 25°41'10.10" N  32°38'00.09" E
Jorf  25°41'19.13" N  32°37'08.83" E

Flats in Luxor on Trip Adivisor

Trip Advisor have completely confused their listings. We now appear several times!

The oldest listing is http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294205-d1174145-Reviews-Flats_in_Luxor-Luxor_Nile_River_Valley.html which has 108 reviews and is in the category Specialist Lodgings.

Then we have another entry in Specialist Lodgings http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294205-d3597956-Reviews-Al_Gezera_Apartment-Luxor_Nile_River_Valley.html

And yet another entry also in Specialist Lodgings http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294205-d3645366-Reviews-Nubian_Eco_Village_Villa-Luxor_Nile_River_Valley.html

Then in Bed and Breakfast we also have http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294205-d3627518-Reviews-Goubli_Apartments_Luxor-Luxor_Nile_River_Valley.html  which has 2 reviews 

Finally in Vacation Rental we are http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalReview-g294205-d3729701-Nubian_Village_Hotel_Apartment-Luxor_Nile_River_Valley.html

And  http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalReview-g294205-d3732145-Nubian_Village_Hotel_Apartment-Luxor_Nile_River_Valley.html

And http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalReview-g294205-d2095580-Neith_at_Flats_in_Luxor_swimming_pool_restaurant-Luxor_Nile_River_Valley.html

I am going to try and sort it out and have sent them an email today but knowing Trip Advisor I don’t expect them to be very co-operative.

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Can Downton Abbey save Egypt's tourism? | Mail Online: - Sent using Google Toolbar

Cheap, cheap holidays to Egypt in 2013

How to get get a cheap holiday to Luxor, Egypt.

Flights to Hurghada are very cheap and you can arrange a mini bus transfer to Luxor for just £30 or $55 USD. Flats in Luxor are offering this very special transfer price for their clients.

Do you wear glasses, no not a crazy question. If you want a new pair, pescription sun glasses or spare pair of glasses you can get one in Luxor for £50, the difference in price can pay your airfare

Need your teeth fixed, yes again Luxor prices are hugely cheaper, about 1/10 of the UK and local dentists are excellent, many are European trained

The currency exchange rate is currently 10.5 to the English pound and 6.5 to the USD, great for visiting tourists

Loads of special offers on accommodation, ask for a discount, you will probably get one :)

Self catering apartments mean you can buy local food and save yourself hotel food bills

Egypt allows arriving tourists 4 bottles of spirits and you can buy these when you land so save money on your bar bills, drink your own

Staying on the west bank means you can visit the local attractions by bike or local taxi

So go Egypt for 2013.

The view from Flats in Luxor - Al Gezera

Gorgeous view from my balcony today, looking straight to the Valley of Kings