Leanne_D, okt. 2023
This was the best managed tour we have ever been on, with no detail overlooked (we have visited 22 countries and 46 U.S. states & territories). From the moment we stepped off the plane, in the middle of the night at that, our driver, Yousry, was there waiting to pick us up, and he took excellent care of us throughout our travels, even waiting with us a few hours for the night train to Luxor. He did this at his own request, not ours, just to make sure we heard the announcement for our train, which is only given in Arabic. Yousry is a wonderful person and a great driver. On that note, definitely upgrade to a sleeping car. Best money you'll spend!
We came into Egypt early and stayed over after, so we purchased the Cairo, Saqqara, and Alexandria pre- and post-trip add-ons, which were well worth the cost. We ended up with private tours those days (driver + guide), and it was amazing! All of the included tours, as well as the optional ones, were phenomenal (we did them all, plus a few not mentioned on the website that you can ask about).
Every day in country, Mona checked in on us to ensure we were enjoying our trip and that we didn't need anything. The guides were 100% on time for tour pickups and all provided their WhatsApp contact info and kept everyone posted throughout. They were extremely knowledgable about the sites and always asked if you needed to stop for water, or snacks, to use the ATM, etc. I have never met more welcoming and genuinely kind guides and driver. Several even checked in on us after we got home to make sure we made it back safely. They really became our friends during our days together!
Ahmed is an incredible guide for the Luxor sites - a true gem even amongst ALL the wonderful guides we had! He takes the time to ensure you understand all the information about the sites and has not lost his sense of wonder, despite it being his job to visit these sites everyday. Same with Omar - phenomenal! Every guide was great!
We visited Egypt at what turned out to be an interesting time (the Hamas attack on Israel and first week of the Gaza War). Everyone associated with this tour reassured us and ensured we were kept informed and that our safety was paramount. I cannot say enough good things about this tour and the tour company. Everyone goes the extra mile (or TEN!) to ensure you have a great experience.
A few recommendations and/or things to know:
Yes, there are additional costs for the optional tours. The cost is super affordable considering what you get, and the experiences are second-to-none. Definitely do all of them if you are able! The Nubian Village tour was so wonderful and unique (thanks, Omar!) that it should be part of the included itinerary IMHO. Mona - please ask management to consider squeezing it into the main tour package.
There are a number of shopping stops (some people like that, and some don't), but the merchants and craftsmen are not pushy if you don't want to buy anything. You have stops for papyrus, jewelry, perfume, alabaster, carpet (if you go to Saqqara), and teas. The quality of the goods is excellent if you do choose to purchase something.
The Nile Cruise accommodations are excellent. The ship is spacious, exceptionally clean, well managed, and has most everything you need. Afternoon naps will help combat residual jet lag and fatigue from the hot, dry climate. The food is good enough, but quite repetitive day-to-day, so you might want to get some snacks to supplement. This is no fault of the tour company and is typical of what you get on any cruise.
Tipping is part of the Egyptian culture, so please budget for it. Everyone who serves you gets a tip, and they are not shy about expressly asking for it. Understand that this is a cultural norm that may be different from that in your home country. If you find yourself getting a bit annoyed, consider that the average salary in Egypt is $3,600 US per year, but essential goods cost on par with prices in the U.S. Egyptian people are hardworking and kind, and your tip dollars can actually make a meaningful difference in the standard of living of the wonderful people who are taking such exceptional care of you. Also, keep in mind that wait staff don't split tips, so if more than one person waits on you at a restaurant, hand the tip to each person individually. If you put the entire tip with your check or on the table, only the one who picks it up will get any. (During the Nile Cruise, tips are consolidated and paid into the reception desk on the last day.)
When in Giza, opt for the camel ride and take the "long route" for the best view of all the pyramids. It was the only part of the tour that was pricey, but we got a breathtaking view and an interesting experience riding the camels. It was worth it.
Abu Simbel is a long drive, but don't skip it. It totally was worth it. The sunrise on the way there was phenomenal. The sunrises and sunsets in Egypt rival those of any other place on earth, even better than Santorini!
The hot air balloon ride was so fun! Be sure not to skip it. We met several people who were afraid of heights, and they bravely went anyway. They did fine and said they were so glad they did it! The baskets are large, heavy duty, and safe. The balloons all looked brand new and were in excellent condition.
Drink LOTS of water, especially on the day you go to Valley of the Kings. We are from a hot and humid climate, but the dry heat of Egypt really sapped our energy, despite efforts to hydrate frequently.