Went to Egypt in 1998 - 7day cruise on the Nile and a week in Luxor, we went on a day trip to the Red Sea too. As stated by Squire - fantastic place. You need a visa from the Egyptian embassy I think, (maybe this was just for us as we're British passport holders?) Gold is so cheap and usually 18ct, you pay for the weight not the intracacy of the design - so let your imagination go wild - just order it at the beginning of your holiday and collect it at the end. In Luxor as well as temples, valley of the kings, valley of the queens etc. there are lots of organised tours to perfume factories, alabaster factories and lots of little stalls selling linen, papyrus pictures. If you're into mooching - its great! I picked up an Arabic phrase book at the airport and just learnt three words - no thank you!! Made sure hubby was the one with the money, so I wasn't really bothered by traders too much.
Must say that I didn't notice any beggars - children usually offer to carry your bags or are selling scarves, plates etc - didn't see anyone sitting on a corner with their McDonalds cup and a hungry grubby child - unlike O'Connell Street!!
Must say that I didn't notice any beggars - children usually offer to carry your bags or are selling scarves, plates etc - didn't see anyone sitting on a corner with their McDonalds cup and a hungry grubby child - unlike O'Connell Street!!