There are many, many opportunities to explore Egypt’s past, but the Uniworld itinerary also includes plenty of time to pursue that age old cultural tradition…shopping.
From the craziness of Cairo’s centuries-old Khan el-Khalili market to the high-end stores in the Grand Egyptian museum, there’s shopping options to suit most tastes.
Shopping in Egypt almost always involves some bartering, and while it can be awkward to start, most of the Kiwi agents were treating it as a sport by the end of the trip.
Almost all temples have a small market (mostly selling the same wares) and the vendors range from reserved to ‘very energetic’. But at no time did anyone in the group feel threatened or uncomfortable, and by and large the vendors were friendly.
The Uniworld Egyptologists may also double as shopping guides and negotiators when required, and offer tips and tactics. And almost all shops accept Egyptian pounds and/ or US dollars.
For those who’d rather stick to fixed price shopping, the itinerary also includes a stop at a cotton store, an alabaster outlet, a perfume oils store (Alice Agers’ fave is number 82) and a papyrus art store. There’s no obligation or pressure to buy—although most of the agents indulged in a little retail therapy.
. . . Boatside Bazaar
Clients can even shop off the side of the ship, thanks to some enterprising Egyptians who pull themselves up alongside, tie onto the railing and open their mobile ‘shop’ selling tablecloths, scarves, traditional dress and more.
Delivery is via a plastic bag hurled up to passengers, and back down to the boat. And payment is via money also put in the bag and thrown back down.
The quality of the goods may be questionable at times, but it’s a hectic and fun process and again there’s no obligation to buy.
