Egypt-considerations with two young kids at reasonable price range?
Aug 30th, 2010, 10:04 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,449
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Egypt-considerations with two young kids at reasonable price range?
Saw other threads on this topic and will definately use the information for guides, etc once I really give it some consideration.
At this point I'm at the VERY early stages of planning a trip for next summer. By early stages I mean figuring out which of three or four options are feasible both from a monetary standpoint and time standpoint. Egypt is one of those three options.
My two main considerations:
First, a tour that provides something for two adults and two young kids.
Second, a "reasonable" price. I don't need to spend top dollar, but I also am not looking to do a budget trip. Effectively, a tour that provides the services of a top dollar tour without paying for the brand name marketing of an Abercrombie and Kent/ Adventures buy Disney.
I made the assumption that Adventures by Disney is the premier option (priced that way anyway) when traveling with my 9 and 8 year old. (Fairly hearty travelers so not concerned about them being bored or uncomfortable in unfamiliar surroundings.) Cost, excluding airfare to Egypt, will run about $20,000 for 9-nights. Itinerary includes what I suspect is the standard itinerary of starting in Cairo, Nile Cruise to Luxor, Valley of the Kings, etc. Includes two days at a Red Sea beach resort and most meals over the 9 days. (Abercrombie & Kent's pricing is hard to figure out, but likely close to what Disney would be from what I can tell.)
Assuming that price level of roughly $5,100 per adult is the Cadallic plan (and with Disney I suspect it is), how much of a premium above the typical tour is that? Trying to figure out if Disney is charging a big premium or a small premium for their brand name.
In your experience if using a private guide, would you think there is enough to keep two young kids interested ?
Any thought are appreciated.
At this point I'm at the VERY early stages of planning a trip for next summer. By early stages I mean figuring out which of three or four options are feasible both from a monetary standpoint and time standpoint. Egypt is one of those three options.
My two main considerations:
First, a tour that provides something for two adults and two young kids.
Second, a "reasonable" price. I don't need to spend top dollar, but I also am not looking to do a budget trip. Effectively, a tour that provides the services of a top dollar tour without paying for the brand name marketing of an Abercrombie and Kent/ Adventures buy Disney.
I made the assumption that Adventures by Disney is the premier option (priced that way anyway) when traveling with my 9 and 8 year old. (Fairly hearty travelers so not concerned about them being bored or uncomfortable in unfamiliar surroundings.) Cost, excluding airfare to Egypt, will run about $20,000 for 9-nights. Itinerary includes what I suspect is the standard itinerary of starting in Cairo, Nile Cruise to Luxor, Valley of the Kings, etc. Includes two days at a Red Sea beach resort and most meals over the 9 days. (Abercrombie & Kent's pricing is hard to figure out, but likely close to what Disney would be from what I can tell.)
Assuming that price level of roughly $5,100 per adult is the Cadallic plan (and with Disney I suspect it is), how much of a premium above the typical tour is that? Trying to figure out if Disney is charging a big premium or a small premium for their brand name.
In your experience if using a private guide, would you think there is enough to keep two young kids interested ?
Any thought are appreciated.
Aug 30th, 2010, 10:42 AM
#2
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 32,129
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ryan - glad you asked this as I am hoping to see some responses. We just spent 4 days in Cairo with our three kids - 17, 15 and 11. I can't imagine having to spend anywhere near the amount of money you are talking about but I guess we will see.
Aug 30th, 2010, 10:45 AM
#3
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Ryan
I think that you are definately paying for the name with A&K and Disney. Of course it depends on what added value Disney is being giving to the kids but I suspect that it wont be much more than a few freebie marketing items.
The best thing I think you should do is try out a few agents based in Egypt, they will give you exactly the itinerary that A&K and Disney are offering you and most definately will be cheaper. Depending on which agent you use they might do some extra fun stuff for the kids.
Try Egypt Quality Tours, this is the agency that we use in Egypt each time we go. They do private tours, hotels, cruise boats, transfers the whole lot. And from what we have seen of them they are real family friendly people.
Of course everyone has their own preference of who you could use. So there will be a few others popping in I am sure who will recommend a few more for you.
I would suggest firstly, book your own flights, it will work out cheaper that way, and then add in your Egypt package with an agent who works out of Egypt as it will be better for you money wise.
Just let whichever agent you are going to use know that you want things that will interest children of the age of yours, and that you want the tours to be family friendly. From that then they will have an idea of what it is you need.
But shop around. Get exactly what you want for the money you want to spend, not for what the Disney or A&K want you to spend. And dont tell the agents how much you are being quoted by others because some might give you a price thats inflated just because you are willing to spend that amount.
Other fodorites will be in shortly to help you too im sure. There are plenty of people in here will help you out no prob
Scotsgirl
I think that you are definately paying for the name with A&K and Disney. Of course it depends on what added value Disney is being giving to the kids but I suspect that it wont be much more than a few freebie marketing items.
The best thing I think you should do is try out a few agents based in Egypt, they will give you exactly the itinerary that A&K and Disney are offering you and most definately will be cheaper. Depending on which agent you use they might do some extra fun stuff for the kids.
Try Egypt Quality Tours, this is the agency that we use in Egypt each time we go. They do private tours, hotels, cruise boats, transfers the whole lot. And from what we have seen of them they are real family friendly people.
Of course everyone has their own preference of who you could use. So there will be a few others popping in I am sure who will recommend a few more for you.
I would suggest firstly, book your own flights, it will work out cheaper that way, and then add in your Egypt package with an agent who works out of Egypt as it will be better for you money wise.
Just let whichever agent you are going to use know that you want things that will interest children of the age of yours, and that you want the tours to be family friendly. From that then they will have an idea of what it is you need.
But shop around. Get exactly what you want for the money you want to spend, not for what the Disney or A&K want you to spend. And dont tell the agents how much you are being quoted by others because some might give you a price thats inflated just because you are willing to spend that amount.
Other fodorites will be in shortly to help you too im sure. There are plenty of people in here will help you out no prob
Scotsgirl
Aug 30th, 2010, 11:12 AM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,823
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
WOW! That's a lot of money!!!!
Do you really want to be part of a tour, or are you comfortable (with the kids) doing it on your own (with guides, of course)?
As scotsgirl said, there are several folks that people have been happy with. I, personally, recommend Debbie of Casual Cairo Detours. She - and anyone else - can set you up with just about anything you want. Using the Disney itinerary as a guide, you can make your own plan.
As you may have noticed on other threads, with young-ish children (under 11 or so), I recommend a trip to the Pharonic Village. It's a little like "Disney does Egypt....sorta!" But - it is a great introduction to ancient Egypt (and some modern aspects as well) for kids.
As for using a private guide with your children - I think it would be a HUGE plus! You could tweak your activities based on how the kids were reacting and not have to worry about anyone else. The guide is there for YOU, not a whole group.
Do you really want to be part of a tour, or are you comfortable (with the kids) doing it on your own (with guides, of course)?
As scotsgirl said, there are several folks that people have been happy with. I, personally, recommend Debbie of Casual Cairo Detours. She - and anyone else - can set you up with just about anything you want. Using the Disney itinerary as a guide, you can make your own plan.
As you may have noticed on other threads, with young-ish children (under 11 or so), I recommend a trip to the Pharonic Village. It's a little like "Disney does Egypt....sorta!" But - it is a great introduction to ancient Egypt (and some modern aspects as well) for kids.
As for using a private guide with your children - I think it would be a HUGE plus! You could tweak your activities based on how the kids were reacting and not have to worry about anyone else. The guide is there for YOU, not a whole group.
Aug 30th, 2010, 11:33 AM
#5
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 32,129
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A) I don't pretend to be an expert.
B) Some people like organized tours, some people hate them (check the China threads).
Having said this, we paid our hotel less than $100 US for a full day of visiting various pyramids and a museum. This included a guide and someone else who seemed to be the calmest driver in Cairo.
The next day we hired the same driver to take us to various spots around Cairo (4 hours). That cost us $35 US. To Grcxx3's point, the first day the kids wanted a guide. The second day they didn't.
I am not suggesting you do it this way. I just want to explain why I find the costs you provided to be high.
B) Some people like organized tours, some people hate them (check the China threads).
Having said this, we paid our hotel less than $100 US for a full day of visiting various pyramids and a museum. This included a guide and someone else who seemed to be the calmest driver in Cairo.
The next day we hired the same driver to take us to various spots around Cairo (4 hours). That cost us $35 US. To Grcxx3's point, the first day the kids wanted a guide. The second day they didn't.
I am not suggesting you do it this way. I just want to explain why I find the costs you provided to be high.
Aug 30th, 2010, 11:38 AM
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,449
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"Do you really want to be part of a tour, or are you comfortable (with the kids) doing it on your own (with guides, of course)?"
Depends. Don't have a problem using a private guide which is my preferred option actually. But, with my two young kids it is a consideration to be part of a group where they can make friends and have other kids to interact with, even if for a few days.
No doubt there are plusses and minuses of each option. Actually a larger group is my least preferred option. But, as I said there are other considerations.
Depends. Don't have a problem using a private guide which is my preferred option actually. But, with my two young kids it is a consideration to be part of a group where they can make friends and have other kids to interact with, even if for a few days.
No doubt there are plusses and minuses of each option. Actually a larger group is my least preferred option. But, as I said there are other considerations.
Aug 30th, 2010, 11:49 AM
#8
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Grcxx3, im glad you popped in and mentioned the pharonic village, it was in my mind but I couldnt think who had recommended it before, I had forgotten it was yourself. I had a look at it online and it looked quite cool for kids. Might see if I can get my DH to go there with me next time (im a big kid at heart 
Ryan, yes have a look at this place. it looks like a fun place for the kids.
On the groups tours the pluses are definately that you meet a few more people but the chances of having kids on them are sometimes slim. Ask the agent for the group tour if they have any families booked at the same time, and that would give you an idea if the kids can meet up with others. Sometimes the group tours are just adults or teenagers and adults so double check with the agent about that. On the private tours it will just be the 4 of you, unless you meet other children in the hotels or on cruise boat (if you are taking one).
As grcxx3 also says, you can tweak your package to suit what you and the kids want.
And, yes, try Casual Cairo as well and see what she can come up with for you.
Scotsgirl
Ryan, yes have a look at this place. it looks like a fun place for the kids.
On the groups tours the pluses are definately that you meet a few more people but the chances of having kids on them are sometimes slim. Ask the agent for the group tour if they have any families booked at the same time, and that would give you an idea if the kids can meet up with others. Sometimes the group tours are just adults or teenagers and adults so double check with the agent about that. On the private tours it will just be the 4 of you, unless you meet other children in the hotels or on cruise boat (if you are taking one).
As grcxx3 also says, you can tweak your package to suit what you and the kids want.
And, yes, try Casual Cairo as well and see what she can come up with for you.
Scotsgirl
Aug 30th, 2010, 11:50 AM
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,449
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Without actually pricing anything, based on Colduphere's comments I'm guessing that the Disney tour/A&K is charging at least between a 50% and 70% premium for brandname. (I'm pretty versed in consumer marketing so I know how that goes.)
Aug 30th, 2010, 12:03 PM
#11
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ryan, to be fair to A&K etc (cant believe I am saying that about a multi million dollar company) 
they are ultra
luxury and nothing generally slips between the cracks with them. They are out and out perfection.
But, that said, many big names use local agents inside egypt to do their packages for them. For example, nearly all Egyptologists in Egypt are freelancer and work for a number of agents. One of the ones for the tour people we use actually works(worked?)for A&K freelance too. Because the work can be on and off with many tour companies the egyptologists often work for a number of companies at the same time.
So you will definately find that what A&K are offering maybe someone else will give you exactly the same but for a chunk of price differenc. and that you might get someone who already works freelance with big companies so you will still get the high standard of the Egyptologist too.
Of course, again as I said above. A&K are the top of the table with their perfection and luxury. It really really depends on your budget and what you want to do.
Scotsgirl
they are ultra luxury and nothing generally slips between the cracks with them. They are out and out perfection.
But, that said, many big names use local agents inside egypt to do their packages for them. For example, nearly all Egyptologists in Egypt are freelancer and work for a number of agents. One of the ones for the tour people we use actually works(worked?)for A&K freelance too. Because the work can be on and off with many tour companies the egyptologists often work for a number of companies at the same time.
So you will definately find that what A&K are offering maybe someone else will give you exactly the same but for a chunk of price differenc. and that you might get someone who already works freelance with big companies so you will still get the high standard of the Egyptologist too.
Of course, again as I said above. A&K are the top of the table with their perfection and luxury. It really really depends on your budget and what you want to do.
Scotsgirl
Aug 30th, 2010, 12:15 PM
#12
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 32,129
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I should have pointed out that we paid our own entrance fees to the locations we visited. As I remember reading about tour companies, some quotes included entrance fees and some didn't. Not sure about Disney.
So at Giza, the adults paid $12 or so and the children half that.
So at Giza, the adults paid $12 or so and the children half that.
Aug 31st, 2010, 12:28 AM
#13
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Your land portion seems to be very dear. I have a guide and driver with Lady Egypt for 25 days and I am paying US4500 per person. At first I was going to go with Scenic Tours booked from Australia, at way over that 4500 price. Lucky I found out about Lady Egypt on this forum. When I add airfares in, it is a hefty price holiday similar to yours.. but so worth it!!
Aug 31st, 2010, 03:43 AM
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,449
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks Miss Green. Based on the price you noted it looks like the higher end tours are charging about 200% more per day.
Thanks for the help everyone. Will wait a few months but this gives me a good overview of options.
Thanks for the help everyone. Will wait a few months but this gives me a good overview of options.
Aug 31st, 2010, 07:50 AM
#15
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think that you seriously need to look around for a cheaper option. We went last December (high season at Christmas) for 16 days for 4 people with airfare within Egypt and to Jordan,Nile Cruise, guides,etc. for about$12,000 USD.You are definitely paying for the Disney name on that price.
Sep 1st, 2010, 08:07 AM
#18
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,525
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We got changed or upgraded to a German ship for our Nile Cruise-Terrazas?It was very nice with balconies and nice food but most everyone was German so everything on the boat was geared to them.
We stayed at the Steigenberger in Luxor and a new place in Aswan that was further away from the dock that I cannot remember at the moment but was fabulous for the short time we were there. Casual Cairo recommended the Longchamps and another place in Luxor to us that I wish we could have taken as it had gotten great reviews!
ST. Josephs,Debbie? or something like that?
I am so sorry that the Longchamps is filled but it is sooooo popular and special that I know that it is hard to get in-ask to be put on a waiting list just in case.
We stayed at the Steigenberger in Luxor and a new place in Aswan that was further away from the dock that I cannot remember at the moment but was fabulous for the short time we were there. Casual Cairo recommended the Longchamps and another place in Luxor to us that I wish we could have taken as it had gotten great reviews!
ST. Josephs,Debbie? or something like that?
I am so sorry that the Longchamps is filled but it is sooooo popular and special that I know that it is hard to get in-ask to be put on a waiting list just in case.
Sep 1st, 2010, 08:35 AM
#19
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 26,243
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Luxor - probably the Sonesta St. George, which is next door to the Steigenberger. We didn't stay at the St. George because they were adding on a story and we thought the construction would be bothersome, but we did walk through the lobby, and it's even nicer than the Steigenberger.
Sep 1st, 2010, 12:11 PM
#20
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,601
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For bargain hunters it is the St. Joseph's in Luxor. It's the best VALUE in Luxor in my opinion. Nice, clean, no huslters trying to sell you tours, a rooftop pool with the same view the St George or Steigenberger has (well darn near) and a bar with 2 happy hours daily. What more do you need?
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
wigwam12
Africa & the Middle East
6
Oct 18th, 2010 12:23 PM
