Has anyone in BB land, either used or know about Memphis Tours? Specifically for the standard itinerary tour of Egypt.
Also is Dubai worth a 3 or 4 night stop-over rather than 1 night?
We did a Memphis Tours 4 days boat along the Nile. Inexpensive and high quality. They are a large company with lots of options, we were very happy with them.
@Aceman will disagree, but I reckon Dubai is overpriced and overrated. A bit of historical stuff, but mostly big new buildings that I found boring. You can see it all in a day including a quad bike trip into the desert.
Yeah, we spend a bit of time in the ME and do enjoy Dubai but itâs usually just for a couple of days at the end of a trip. Even when we stay in the UAE for several weeks on trips we only spend 3-4 nights in Dubai and most of that time is spent either shopping or at a resort as there isnât a whole heap of historical stuff to see as itâs a very new city.
As to Memphis tours I havenât used them in Egypt before but have heard plenty of good stuff about them. Iâm in Cairo for a few nights in a couple of weeks time but we have been there multiple times so will only do a couple of touristy things as we have done most of it before
4 night stay at the Bellagio booked and then Mrs Ace messages me this morning and says that 2 people were gunned down at the Bellagio fountains so she is a tad worried.
Iâm sure she will be fine by time we go
Hiring a car?? 
Thanks BF and Aceman
It is a number of years since I was there but I bet it has not changed much. About the most dangerous place to catch a taxi in the world or at least my experience.
Not this time but have several times previously.
This time itâs more just a few day stopover. Only doing a couple of tourist things and mostly at the hotel pool bar relaxing
Yeah, it seems to grow substantially between every visit. Still a chaotic mess and whilst crossing roads is a nightmare we do know where is the âsaferâ spots to cross
Landed in Cairo once, got a cab, negotiated the fare to Hyatt Hotel, and about halfway in the middle of the scummiest slums , driver stops car and tells me negotiated fare is now 4 times higher. Had to agree or he would have turfed me out of car.
So when I get to Hotel fortunately this huge doorman opened the door, as I give the driver the original fare. Driver starts yelling, pulls a knife, Hotel Doorman grabs the driver drags him by his hair out of the driver and proceeds to give him a kicking. I grab my bag and slink inside the Hotel. Never mentioned again and Doorman always made sure I had a Hotel car.
Is there a new road from the airport as I saw that they say it is only 20 minutes from main town area ? I reckon it was about 50 km, so 20 minutes doesnât seem correct.
1 Like
Some newer roads but airport is only around 20km from city so can be done in around 20-30 minutes but we stay at the Fairmont usually and itâs always been about 45 minutes to an hour. Getting out the airport terminal often takes just as long
Greetings from Penang.
Since itâs fresh in my mind⌠the anount of carry-on luggage allowed these days is an absolute disgrace. Saw people with three bags/cases and a laptop.
Only one bag should be allowed in the overhead stowage per person. Anything else should have to put randomly in a cage at the back of the plane and youâll have to wait until everyone else gets off before you can access it. Having to wait would put an end to these â â â â â â and their selfish ways.
9 Likes
Fixed.
3 Likes
You flew Air Asia? Yeah, passengers on Air Asia are pretty bad about bringing on lots of baggae to the cabin. Really annoys me too.
Whatâs your plans for Penang?
Nah⌠Singapore Air and Scoot. The Scoot leg was dire. Bursting at the seams with carryon crap.
Pretty full itinerary.
Spent this arvo doing the street art walk around Armenian St. Itâs stinking hot (31 degC, feels like 38 degC⌠so says the weather channel).
Markets for dinners.
A day at The Top and a couple of days at Escape (for Little Miss B).
Temples.
Shopping for Mrs B.
The fenicular up the hill.
Etc.
Etc.
Any suggestions?
Nope, that pretty much covers whatâs worth seeing in Penang. Mostly the old town area and historical places of worship.
The museum is also decent but itâs been over 10 years ago since I last went so not sure if itâs still worth it.
What⌠Did the museum run out of history?
1 Like
Grand Egyptian Museum is scheduled to be officially opened next month. I think itâs only 10 miles from Cairo.
Check it out, itâs massive. The build took nearly 20 years.
2 Likes
Catch the 101 bus to Batu Ferrenghi. Those drivers sure know how to drift. Go to every food court you see. The Botanic Gardens are nice for a couple of hours walk followed up with some great Indian food at the exit.