Hello. I will be visiting Egypt in November. I understand I have to obtain an Egyptian tourist visa when I arrive at the airport. Since I will be arriving at 11:55 pm, is the visa office at the airport still open at that time? For those travelers who have been to Egypt and have arrived late at night, please describe your experience in purchasing a visa at the airport. I'm a little anxious because I don't know if the visa office has "regualar" business hours. Please help! Thank you.

How is Contiki with the weight of luggage on the trip? I know on the bus trips they are very very strict.

Gatorsaver , this tour is totally different from a "traditional" Contiki. Essentially you can bring as much as you want as there is even porterage door to door from hotel, transfer bus,cruise ship.

However it is advisable to still travel ideally light and with really a smaller luggage i.e medium sized backpack or 21 inch. The main reason being the over night train sleeping compartments are where you store your luggage as well.If you use a full sized 29 inch as some people do , it becomes really crowded in there.

There isn't really much need to bring lots as this is essentially a full 6 day tour. Bring sufficient clothes for that time frame.

I am wondering if the Hot Air Balloon experience is still happening? I heard it is no longer an "option" but you can still go on it if there are enough people interested? Does anyone know anything about this?

Also, does this tour take you to Abu Simbel?

The hot air ballon is not offered as an "official" optional , it used to be but due to accidents where family members of corporate Contiki were injured it was subsequently removed. It still can be done and if you're interested let the TM know and he will organize it. The only problem with that is the early starting time of around 4.30-5.00am .

Abu Simbel is still an official optional which is the highlight of any trip to Egypt.All participants usually take this tour.
Some companies actually package this together with their tour rather than make it an optional.

Its actually more impressive than the pyramids especially the interior. Have a look at this:
http://contiki.com.au/people/7...77e054/photos?page=4

The information given above is not exactly correct. I just got off this tour on July 25th. The hot air balloon ride was not offered at all because they have been cancelled by the Egyptian Govt after someone was killed. Sherif told us that it was unknown when, if ever, they were going to start back up (I'm betting that they will start again eventually).

Abu Simbel is amazing and the reason it's not included as part of the package is because it is expensive and its a way to keep the costs down of the trip for those on a tight budget.

Ask me if you have any more questions.

The Egyptian government will probably implement sticter safety measures for balloning as this is one of the main sources of income in that region.In the 08 season it was still possible though didn't realise that in 09 there was a change in policy.It must have been quite recent as well as I've heard of people who have done balooning in the earlier months of 09.

If they reoffer it again its probably best to be aware of the risks:

http://egypt-travel.suite101.c..._ballooning_in_egypt

i have a question. how are the laundry facilities? im just wondering if there is time or have a 2 nighter at a destination to make laundry possible.

The only time that you really have the opportunity to have laundry done is on the nile cruise. Its such a short tour -6 full days so most just bring enough clothes for a week and don't really bother about laundry.

I am going on this tour in october. What tyoe of clothes should a guy pack? its a week tour..would prefer to pack light...jeans\shorts\slacks\t-shirts\long sleeve? what combination?

also should I bring special type of sunglasses or can the ordinary ones be good enough? Thanks in advance for your help.

In October it will still be warm, so I would recommend 1 pair of jeans, 2 pair of shorts; 4-6 light coloured t-shirts or polo collared shirts, maybe 2 long sleeve shirts as nights can be cool.

For sun glasses anytype is ok. I personally use this:
http://oakley.com.au/pd/4662/15269?sliver

Oakley radar as it has side protection against the dust and wind factor.Glare reduction and clarity is also excellent.

Certainly bring a hat or a cap. Ideally 1 with a broad rim.

Explorer, don't know if you're male or female, which makes a difference in packing for egypt. As a male you can wear shorts to a lot more places, as a woman I would suggest bringing capris instead.

I went in early March (still the winter season). I had those roll up pants with buttons and loved them for the trip. There was really only 1 or 2 times when shorts were appropriate to wear. If you're going to wear pants bring something light weight and breathable. As for shirts - for guys regular t-shirts. For girls stay away from skimpy tops that are low-cut, it will bring unwanted attention. I would agree with 2 long sleeve shirts and a sweatshirt/fleece/pullover as it gets cool at night. I would only expect to have to get dressed up one night on the trip, and even that is iffy and dependent on your group.

I am male. as far as shoes - are sneakers ok? anything else? slippers? could i get away with one pair of tennis shoes\sneakers for a week?

i may have to buy a new pair of sunglasses.

also what toiletries do you recommend? thanks again!!

For walking around the temples its best to wear a pair of light running shoes , hiking boots or essentially any form of proper closed footware as the floors are very uneven and kind of dirty, dusty.You certainly don't want to get cuts, knicks or even worse a sprained ankle on tour.

On the cruise people tend to be really informal and wear a pair of sandals.

Just the normal toiletries that you would normally use.Consider bringing a small bar of soap for the overnight train.

Thanx for your answers.
It's a shame they don't seem to be doing the Hot Air Balloon anymore..I was really looking forward to that - although my boyfriend said we could just do it close to home. Somehow I dont think that would quite be the same as doing it over EGYPT!!!!!

If anyone else hears any news about this could they let me know please. My tour starts on Jan 2 2010.

Thanx