It was in 1963 that my husband and I escorted our first tour to Egypt, a three week Nile Cruise from Cairo to Aswan on the MS Kassed Kheir,  which used to belong to King Farouk.  Then as now, we had an interesting mix of passengers from a Lord and his Lady to a working builder with his wife.  In those days  we all checked in at a town terminal  and were then coached to the airport.  We met up and introduced the passengers.  All went well until my husband approached her Ladyship, who said very haughtily “If you wish us to enjoy our holiday, Mr Bales, do not introduce us to the other passengers.”   Slight setback, but everyone mellowed as the Kassed Kheir cruised along the Nile and the magic  of Egypt started to cast its spell.  

 For me that magic  has never failed and having just returned from a working week in Cairo and Aswan I still leave with sadness and plan my next visit.      Then it will be at the end of the year to see how the Movenpick on Elephantine Island, Aswan  (ex Oberoi)  have made all their planned improvements. 

 Every year we returned to Egypt, first with the family and then by ourselves and always included Aswan for a relaxing few days  and this I still do.  Just `chill out` as they say, in this Nubian city on Elephantine Island hotel, where there is a large swimming pool and a Health Club, where Mamdouh gives an excellent massage. When one feels energetic then visit Aswan itself, taking the ferry across and pause to bargain at the colourful suq where you will find in abundance  everything from colourful spices to fresh dates, baskets, coffee pots, pottery  and Egyptian cotton.

 Apart from the sightseeing to Philae Temple, which like the famous Abu Simbel was moved to a higher island to escape being flooded and thus to disappear for ever,  and to see the `new` High Dam, which was built by the Russians between 1962 and 1972 and beyond which lies Lake Nasse.  There is one experience one must not miss in Aswan and that is sailing on a felucca, particularly at sunset .  An early rise is necessary to see the magnificent Temples of Abu Simbel built by the great Pharaoh Ramses 11nd  which  should not be missed.

 In Cairo  we stayed at various hotels over the years, smaller Egyptian hotels in the early days before the  International hotels became interested in Egypt, but I think  our favourite was the historic Mena House hotel, now run by Oberoi  in its superb position, facing the Pyramids.   Although it is outside Cairo I still like to stay there even when on business visits.   The Egyptian Museum in Cairo is a treasure trove of history which is good to visit before embarking on your journey. 

 In Luxor we always went across by ferry to the West Bank where lie the Tombs of the Kings, Queens and Nobles with amazing tomb paintings and hieroglyphs  painted on the long corridors which approach the tombs themselves.    But things change and now there is a bridge which takes us over the  Nile and a little `train` which saves one walking up to the tombs.  We must have had more energy in the old days.   On the East Bank  are the great timeless temples of Karnak and Luxor  covering a vast amount of ground.  In Karnak one cannot but be awed by the vast columns, some still with colour in the inscriptions at the top.   The smaller Luxor Temple is glorious and atmospheric seen at sunset.

 Apart from these wondrous sites, it is the Egyptians themselves  who are friendly and welcoming and who have a great sense of humour, adding  charisma to the journey through Egypt.

 Is it surprising that I still like to visit this fascinating country.

If you are interested in an Egypt Tour or an Egypt Cruise for yourself or to talk to one of our specialists call 08452 703 862

About Molly Bales

Other articles by Molly Bales

Molly Hammond, later to become Mrs Bales, joined the company as George’s secretary in May 1948. Mrs Bales is now the Life President of the company and our present MD Mandy Nickerson is the daughter of George and Molly Bales.