Jaz Royale Postcard #8 - A River Day to Sohag

Last night around 11:30 we passed through the new Assiut Barrage, there are 2 locks on this recently opened project on the River Nile. The transfer from one side to the other took less than ½ hour, we then continued for about another hour before stopping for the evening in Assiut itself.
The following photos show our progress through the lock.



It wasn't a long overnight stop as we were back on our way again at 4:30 continuing on our way to Sohag.

Also yesterday evening just before dinner we found out from our onboard Egyptologist that as a result of recent itinerary adjustments, we were now set to be disembarking in Edfu and not Luxor on Monday 15th.
The new plan is for us to then drive 110km back to Luxor to catch our flight back to Cairo. We are not happy and do not want to spend the last day of our holiday doing something we do not want to do nor expected to be doing.

The itinerary has been continuously changing all cruise and until now we have gone along with the amendments. It was our belief that things were being adjusted so that more time could be made available at Luxor but now we have found out that this is not the case. Last night I sent an email to Discover Egypt and also Ian Warren to try and resolve our issues.

We are not very happy that the itinerary was evolved after we had already boarded. I think it is mightily unfair to do this without any real apparent reason to do so. Some were only minor changes but we could never really find out further than a day how proceedings were being affected further into the cruise.
The boat and crew have been amazing but Travco's organisational skills leave a lot to be desired. Other English speaking guests who are onboard are also very dissatisfied with the proceedings.

I am very happy to say that Discover Egypt have responded positively with the following revised arrangements for us:

I am sorry that you had to write to us about the change in sailing time from Luxor even before we were informed. Therefore, we will make the following change:

Saturday, 13 April

At leisure on board. (You will not visit the Temples of Karnak and Luxor this day.)

Sunday, 14 April

Excursion to the West Bank of the Nile as per itinerary.

Afternoon at leisure in Luxor.

Dinner on board and then transfer to the Sonesta St George Hotel

(The boat is sailing at approx. 10pm)

Monday, 15 April

After breakfast in hotel, our local guide will escort you on excursion to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. (exact pick up time will be advised locally)

Lunch at Sonesta Hotel.

Afternoon at leisure.

Transfer to Luxor airport for flight to Cairo.(exact pick up time will be advised locally)

A great result from a company that cares!

Back to today, we arrived at Sohag just after 2:00 and we have tied up alongside another boat which has been converted into a floating hotel and bar. I suspect tonight is going to be noisy as they seem to be setting up for a party on the top deck.