Hi Jon and Fran
I will start you off with a few answers and others will come along and fill the gaps
Can anyone supply information on the Monica cruise boat 7 day cruise
You are probably best to ask this question in the dedicated Nile cruise topic as you might get a quicker answer
http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=26729
These are just a few of the many results from a quick Google search -
http://www.nile-cruises-4u.co.uk/ms-monica-nile-cruise.cfm
http://www.holidaywatchdog.com/37716-Nile_Cruises-MS_Monica-Holiday-Review.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g294200-i9124-k2521462-Nile_Cruise_MS_Monica-Egypt.html
Le Meriadian in Cairo 2 day stay with trip to pyramids and museum
Reviews of hotel
http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/reviews/egypt/cairo/le-meridien-pyramids-hotel/
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294202-d496737-Reviews-Le_Meridien_Pyramids_Hotel-Giza.html
This is an excellent choice of hotel.
The trip to the Pyramids & Cairo Museum is a must, you are not far the Pyramids and Sphinx and to me they are still absolutely amazing, don't get ripped off by the camel tours though.
The Cairo Museum is fascinating not just the Tutankhamun display but the whole museum. You will need a few hours just to scratch the surface of the museum.
Barons Palm Resort Sharm el Shiek A/I 5 days
Can't help much but here are some reviews-
http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/reviews/egypt/sinai-penninsula-and-red-sea/sharm-el-sheikh/barons-palms-resort/
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g297555-d597432-Reviews-Baron_Palms_Resort_Sharm_El_Sheikh-Sharm_El_Sheikh_South_Sinai_Red_Sea_and_Sinai.html
and their website
http://www.baronhotelsegypt.com/BaronPalmsResort/home.asp
Also what should we be tipping as most of these will be A/I
Only give 10 or 20 Egyptian pounds (LE) to the waiters / bar staff if you have had good service, you will find that (10 or 20) LE to the pool staff will ensure you get a good sunbed kept for you. The same again for housekeeping staff 10LE or 20LE per day.
And how long is the flight from Aswan to Abul Simble ?
Flights to
Abu Simbel take 45 minutes but you have your check-in and security over and above that.
Also on returning we have an 8 hr wait for our return flight to London at Luxor airport can anyone suggest what we can do in this time ?
Not sure about this one, the airport is located out in the desert with very little round about it.
I don't know if you can leave your luggage somewhere or check it in early and then get a taxi in to Luxor.
If you can leave the airport it is only 10-15 minutes in to Luxor where you would have time to visit -
The Luxor Museum, The Temple of Karnak, The Luxor Temple or even get a taxi to the East Bank and visit the Valley of the Kings.
Regards
Graham
