1

The most convenient area of Cairo is central. It has a bit of a bad rap right now due to the occasional demonstrations in Tahrir Square, but the reality is if you go just a couple blocks from the Square it's all quiet.

There are numerous walk-up hostels in central (they are called walk-up because they are located on the upper floors of buildings that tend to look rather drab from the outside, but once you walk up to the floor where the hostel is they can be very nice on the inside). Two that are recommended here are Dina's and Pension Roma. Both have web sites so you can check them out for yourself. There are many others though. Sites like Hostelworld can be very helpful.

Whether you see Sharm is a matter of personal preference. Some people like it, others don't. Do you have interests that would line up with what is available to do in Sharm?

The same applies to Cairo. There are a million things to do. Let us know what you enjoy doing and we can help direct you.

2

The border crossing from Eilat to Taba is straight forward. Once in Egypt the visa is USD15 for a month. Try to have the correct money.
There will be plenty of taxi's waiting to take you to Dahab. If possible make a group with other tourists to reduce the transport cost.
There is a bus to Dahab, I think it leave Taba at 2pm, but you'll need to double check this information.
It's a 2 hour journey to Dahab by car.
Personally I wouldn't waste your time in Sharm. But as the previous thread mentioned, some people like it others don't.
A public bus to Sharm from Dahab is LE20 & takes one hour. A taxi is 45mins & is about LE200.

Dahab to Cairo on a public bus is LE90 and takes 9 hours or 6 hours in a car but that'll cost you about LE500.
The public East Delta night bus to Cairo is actually OK. It departs Dahab 10pm. The driver usually has the AC on so take some warm clothes onboard with you.

In Cairo the highlights are:

Downtown : Tahrir Square, Talet Harb and The Egyptian Museum.
Suburbs: Zamalek and Maardi

Look at: http://www.cairo360.com/

Tourist hot spots: The pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and Saqqara
Go early in the morning to Giza to see the pyramids. Use hostel driver or take a metered taxi.
Afterward go to Saqqara.

What's your budget for accommodation? I can make some suggestions if you like.

3

If you wish to go to Cairo ,I think you will have to have an Egyption visa in place before you arrive at the border crossing .

4

Glad Jordan has been okay to you. I thought those stories you heard sounded like nonsense. Now things will get interesting and the full-on-ness will be a bit more in-your-face as you head into Egypt!

As for travel companions, there is a branch on Thorn Tree called literally "Travel Companions", try there also.

As for Sharm, unless you are into snorkling/diving, why bother? Dahab is better. Steer clear of Hurghada (unless you really really can't avoid it).

5

Cairo highlights are:

• the three pyramid sites (Giza, Saqqarah, Dashur)
• the extraordinary Islamic Cairo neihgbourhood (the LP describes the different monuments you can visit)
• the nightlife in Zamalek
• the archaelogical museum

The city is perfectly safe, except for a rise in handbag snatching (try to carry your stuff in a backpack or a messenger bag). Also do not enter huge crowds during protests.

Both Eilat and Sharm have little interest, better head to Dahab.

6

I stayed at the Pension Roma in downtown Cairo and was very pleased. Great location, about 4 blocks from Tahrir Square so no problems with the demonstrations. Rooms were very clean and include a simple free breakfast. They lined me up a taxi driver that was very reasonable and reliable.

As above, an absolute must is the Egyptian Museum, by Tahrir Square, and the Pyramids and Sphnix. I'd splurge and rent a camel to ride around them. It was touristy, but very pleasant. I'd also taxi to the Citadel which overlooks the city.

Have a great trip.

7

I rode on a camel for about 5 mins, from one pyramind to the other, just for the sake of doing it. My mate who I was with was on another camel, he was hassled non-stop the entire time for more money than was agreed on. Then he was told that the 5 pounds (agreed price) was for the camel, and he still had to give the owner a tip! If I hadn't gone over and suggested where he go he wouldn't have left him alone. Though the mental images of a camel walking into the local Bank of Egypt depositing his money had us laughing.

Ah, that is Egypt though, never boring. They should hold world summits at the pyramids and let the touts loose on our feerless leaders, no one would ever get bored or fall asleep while watching then!

8

thanks everybody for all your lovely helpful advice , but i have fell in love with Jordan ( i know you all told me i would ) and apart from a quick trip back into israel to get my case and flight i will enjoy the rest of my trip in jordan with the lovely Jordanians i have met .
unless of course Israel situation gets worse and i need to change flight and go home early .

so next trip will commence in Eygpt ....................
now though have just broken my camera lens before heading to petra nad need a new one asap so if you know of a camera shop in amman please let me know