EGYPT: The forbidden depots of Alexandria
15. - 20. November 2024

Anyone who has ever visited the iconic trams in Alexandria will know that photographing the trams on the two main lines can be a challenge. Even more difficult and usually impossible is visiting the 3 tram depots in Alexandria. This requires permission from the very top and most local agencies fail to get it. I want to change that and that is why we will first visit the new tram in the Madinaty shopping center in Cairo and then spend 3 days in Alexandria. We will put a special emphasis on visits to the previously "forbidden" depots: the three depots in Alexandria and in particular the morning departure of the trams from the Moharem Bay depot on the Ramleh line. We also want to photograph the ex-Berlin carriages on the private property of a gentleman who has been very reluctant to allow a visit in the past.
The program starts in Cairo and ends in Alexandria. Booking partial programs is possible!

TOUR PROGRAM

Day 01 Fr 15. November 2024
Fly to Cairo today. The flight ticket is not included in the tour price, I am happy to book suitable flights at daily rates (preferably with Turkish Airlines). Departure from Germany around 18:00, arrival in Cairo at night.

Day 02 Sa 16. November 2024
The necessary visa to enter Egypt will be taken care of by the agency and a representative of my local agency will wait in front of the immigration desk to distribute the visas that have already been issued to the participants. This service is only available to those who arrive with Turkish Airlines or other airlines in the same time window (midnight + 2 hours). Anyone who books flights by himself and misses this time window must take care of the Egyptian visa on his own. After completing the entry formalities, bus transfer to the hotel.
After a late breakfast, we visit the Baron Empain Palace and photograph the plinthed tram there. We have lunch in a local restaurant and then travel to the Madinaty shopping center, where a tram line has been set up for visitors to the sprawling complex. The double-decker vehicles are based on models from the British Empire. We then continue by bus to Alexandria. Dinner and overnight stay in Alexandria.

Day 03 Sunday 17. November 2024 -
Day 05 Tuesday 19. November 2024
Our activities for the 3 days in the Egyptian port city offer an extensive program for both "returnees" and "first-time visitors". On all days we will have minibuses with a maximum of 8 seats at our disposal, with which we will photograph the regular trams on the coastal line between El Nasr and El Ramlh as well as the El Medina inner-city route. On two mornings we also want to photograph the trams that leave the Moharam Bay depot early in the morning at 4:00 a.m. (if you want to sleep longer, meet the early risers for breakfast in the hotel).
Speaking of depots: In addition to the usual permits, we expressly have all the permits from the "Alexandria Public Transportation Authority" in our hands, which guarantee us a visit to all 3 depots in the city: Karmose, Moharam Bay and Mustafa Pasha. We also liaise with the city administration and the police - so nothing stands in the way of a successful visit. In addition, we also want to photograph the abandoned ex-Berlin tram cars on a private property. However, the landowner usually keeps the gates to his property closed. My agency is working on opening them and I hope that the owner's firm refusal can be softened over time. Dinner and overnight stay in Alexandria.

Day 06 Wednesday 20. November 2024
Turkish Airlines leaves Alexandria Airport at 3:35 a.m. The trip ends with a bus transfer to the airport. The hotel room is booked for the entire night and is therefore available to us until departure. If you want to stay longer or have booked a later departure, you can stay in the room until regular check-out. I am happy to book flights at the current rate.

TOUR PRICE
1.185 Euro per person sharing a double room (no flights included)
   290 Euro Single room supplement
Minimum number of participants 12, Maximum 30. Booking deadline: 30. September 2024, after that on request.

SERVICES
• 5 nights in a 4* hotel in a shared double room
• 4x breakfast and dinner
• Lunch on the 2nd day
• All transfers and day trips with modern minibuses with air conditioning and local driver
• Visa on arrival (see explanations in the travel program)
• All depot visits according to the itinerary
• Trams in the greater Cairo area as indicated
• All entrance fees and local taxes
• All necessary photo permits
• German-speaking Egyptian tour guide/interpreter
• Specialist Tourmanager Luc Koenot
• Tourmanager Peter Patt

NOT INCLUDED
• International flights to/from Egypt
• Individual transfers
• Local tips (bus drivers, local tour guides) approx. 15 € per participant/day
• Travel insurance (luggage, intl. health insurance, travel cancellation costs)

GOOD TO KNOW
Please inquire about the entry rules to Egypt that apply to your nationality.

The health system in the major cities is adequate, but cannot be compared to Western standards.
Please remember to book your travel insurances: no one is immune to unpleasant health surprises or life events that make a trip impossible. Cheap flight fares are often not refundable except for a few pittances from the airline, and the costs for hospital and doctor visits abroad can quickly reach very unpleasant levels.
This trip is not suitable for people with limited mobility. Please note that our trip involves getting on and off on uneven ground, in high-entry vehicles, or in environments that do not comply with German standards. If you are unsure whether this trip is suitable for you, please contact me.

© Photos on this page: S. Adel, K. Galal, D. Yahia, T. Gunerov, Keshamatty