Pyramids at Giza

I think it takes about 2 hours by train from Alexandria to Cairo and then dont know the transport system to get to the Pyramids.Before you arrive in Alexandria, I think you would have to have a tour arranged. Yes you can go inside one of the pyramids for $10 but dont try if you are even slightly claustrophobic or over 6 feet tall as you must crouch down all the time. Dont know why you would want private group time as there is only an empty sarcophogus at the end in a small room....really not much to see.Depending on your time, I would highly recommend the Egyptian museum in Cairo.

Cat: Try cruisecritic.com. Click on to "ports" to find Alexandria. Much as I dislike paying the high cost of a ship's excursion, in Egypt I would go for it. The traffic in Cairo is not to be believed and a private tour might not get you back to the ship on time. Also, on the Cruise Critic site it is mentioned that the Egyptian government requires cruise ships to hire armed security for their tours. (Egypt crawls with armed security at tourist sites, lots of them on camels.)

Going into the pyramid is not nearly as interesting as one would expect and I hated the way we had to walk all crouched over down the long "tunnel". But I loved Egypt altogether. If you get the chance, see the new library in Alexandria. It is quite wonderful.

We did a cruise last fall. We booked a private tour with Memphis tours. We stayed overnight in Cairo. They met us at the port, there was a driver and a guide. Our guide was excellent. The transporation was very nice. We didn't have it as part of the tour but we did end up getting to go inside a pyramid. I think it was King Titi (?). It was amazing on the inside. They say there isn't much to see inside the large pyramids but the pyramid we went inside was quite impressive. I can send you more information if you are interested. Send me a private message.

Oh for pity's sake; if you can possibly swing it,crawl inside both pyramids and have something to talk about for the rest of your life! It's fabulous and spooky and awe-inspiring. I have done it twice and if I ever get back to Egypt I will do it again. There are no paintings or statues or mummies, but golly, you are in a PYRAMID in EGYPT. All of life should be full of such problems you lucky sod.

Cat,

We were in your shoes 2 summers ago and I used Egyptian Express which was recommended by my travel agent. www.egyptianexpress.com
They were fabulous! We had an Egyptian professor/antiquties expert as our guide. I was traveling with my 2 adult children and we were picked up in a van on the pier. We had determined via email what I wanted to do and see and the day was truly tailored to our desires. It was perfect and a great way to see the pyramids, sphinx and the museum. Not exactly cheap, but I knew this might be my one and only chance in Cairo and I didn't want to hassle with crowds on and off buses or waiting for those who didn't return to bus on time. The day was too short to waste any of it. Seeing and going in the pyramids was truly one of my top 5 experiences of a life time! Enjoy!

We were there last fall with Princess and did the 2 day ship sponsored shore excursion. It was pricey, but well worth it. We moved effeciently through heavy traffic, felt more secure than we otherwise would have and were assured of not missing the ship. The trek through the pyrimiad tunnel was cramped, hot and humid and smelly ... and, yes, I'm glad we did it and highly recommned it. Enjoy!
Duane

One thing to add to the subject of going inside the pyramid, we were advised that anyone with a cardiac condition should not do it. My husband therefore waited for me outside. So in spite of Cathy's charming enthusiasm,(see post above) not everyone can or should take part in this particular adventure.