Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Standing alone in the tomb of Rameses V and VI (kv9) surrounded by huge walls and pillars covered with pristine hieroglyphics of such vibrant colors it took your breath away. It is well worth the extra EP 100 to go inside.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I cannot praise Tefa highly enough. His organization, empathy, knowledge of Egyptology and attention to every detail of our experience was exceptional. Extra unscheduled mini trips were arranged in free time for anyone who mentioned something they would like to do. Health issues were dealt with including pushing a wheelchair round a temple! Tefa really made sure we all had a wonderful experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

When I read the trip notes I was concerned about how the extra trips fitted in with the basic plan. My concerns were unfounded. It is all very well arranged. I would say.... do as much as possible.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving early at the market in Aswan with a real local insight into life. Stumbling in on a coptic Christian festival at the monastery. Hanging on to a camel for dear life! The felucca trip. Aswan was the best bit for me. Watching river life on the Nile and the friendly people waving.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sayed was outstanding. He was incredibly well organised and genuinely kind and so enthusiastic about the sites and his country. We loved hearing him bring both ancient and modern Egypt to life. He was inspiring.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do the excursions. They are undersold in the trip notes and at the monestary at Aswan and the tombs of the workers we were privileged to be the only tourists in sight. Leave any shopping for Aswan where the people are more relaxed and give less hassle. Take binoculars for the amazing bird life. Very early starts but a price worth paying to see the sites with fewer people around.

Most Inspirational Moment

Abu Simbel

Most Inspirational Moment

Seeing the Valley of the Kings. Having an idea of what it would be like, and still not really being ready for the scale of the landscape, the tombs, the timeline and history. Seeing Tutankhamum's mummy just centimetres away was truly humbling.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Tefa was an absolute legend. Organised, generous, thoughtful, cheeky, funny, and very knowledgable. The guy was built for this job.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read read read the trip notes and other reviews. They are honest and helpful. Found trip notes on money and costs helpful for working out what you'd need for extra excursions and in particular photography passes if you want to take photos or video at some of these amazing locations. Was helpful to work out tips too. As many have said, there will be early mornings, and the place is seriously hot (hence the need to get out and about early), but your afternoons are largely free, and by the time you're waiting for sunset by the pool, you're remembering the mindblowing sites you saw more than the alarm, the sweaty seats, or the late-night call to prayer keeping you awake (we were there during Ramadan). This is a travel experience, more than a holiday, but it's one I'll never forget.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole tour was special. Visiting the sites of Ancient Egypt. None to be missed.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader 'Tefa' was brilliant. His knowledge as a guide was superb. He was reliable, patient and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was very hot in may/june 46c. plus so my advise would be to go at a cooler time if possible. Keep well covered up. Have upset tummy medication with you just in case. Take at least suncream 50. Its easy to change your money when you are there rather than before you go. Have a great time.

Most Inspirational Moment

The whole tour was special. Visiting the sites of Ancient Egypt. None to be missed.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader 'Tefa' was brilliant. His knowledge as a guide was superb. He was reliable, patient and helpful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It was very hot in may/june 46c. plus so my advise would be to go at a cooler time if possible. Keep well covered up. Have upset tummy medication with you just in case. Take at least suncream 50. Its easy to change your money when you are there rather than before you go. Have a great time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Abu Simbel Temple was the highlight of the trip for me, incredible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ahmed was full of knowledge and was a great tour leader, you could tell he loved his job and Egypt and it made every day more interesting and enjoyable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you take the optional tour to the Monastery of St. Simeon, be careful when walking into one of the bedrooms, its full of bats!

Most Inspirational Moment

We saw so many wonderful things but the highlight for me was seeing the Tutankhamun exhibition at the Cairo Museum, and the optional visit to the Nubian village in Aswan. It's difficult to pick out specific moments as there were many.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ahmed our group leader couldn't have been better, he looked after us from the minute we arrived until the minute we left. He was knowledgeable, fun, efficient and generally a nice guy and was always available. He helped to make our trip a memorable one. Additionally the other guides and coach drivers we met couldn't have been more obliging. Customer service was paramount.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The market sellers, taxi drivers and carriage drivers can be the most persistent and aggressive sellers I have ever come across, and I have visited lots of countries with this culture. At times they were quite unpleasant, so be prepared. Stand firm and accept nothing, If you do want to buy, barter and then walk away they soon drop the price!

Most Inspirational Moment

Valley of the kings.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fantastic. Very knowledgeable. Great fun. Looked after every member of the group.

Most Inspirational Moment

Where to start? The Pyramids & Egyptian museum, Karnak, Hatshepsut etc Temple, Valley of the Kings tombs, Abu Simbel….

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ahmed was an expert Egyptologist teaching us much about Egyptian culture and history as well as doing a splendid job as our tour guide. The organisation and itinerary was first class.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The trip is graded as leisurely because there are no difficult walks involved. But it is really full on with starts of 4am or earlier on 3 of the days to catch internal flights or the coach to Abu Simbel. Very high security at airports – we had hand sanitiser confiscated! No need to get E£ or US$ before you go - ATMs are good and plentiful and generally don’t charge fees. Get lots of small notes (5 E£, about 25p) as soon as possible for tips at toilets etc. – our guide managed to get supplies of these.