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Will be going to Egypt in July and would like to book guides. Should I book them once I get there or before I go? Do people use the same guide for each attraction or do they book a different guide for each one? What about a Nile Cruise? Should I book that when I get there and can anyone recommend a good company? As well, is it cheaper to book inter-Egypt flights once I get there or should I book those ahead of time?
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Egypt Guides? Cruises? Flights?
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Best to work with an in-country outfitter - Lady Egypt, gets good reviews. They can arrange: meet/greets, transfers, sightseeing with guides/vehicles, internal flights, Nile cruise, etc.
For sightseeing in Cairo, you can contact Debbie Senters of Casual Cairo at dds71@aol.com... she also gets great reviews.
I am going to Egypt in December and planned the trip (about 4-5 months in advance, which was pretty short notice for high season) with Ahmed Hamed Yousif. His contact info is ahmedhayo@yahoo.com. He gave us an all-inclusive package price for a private tour that covers pretty much everything other than international airfare (including airport meet-and-greet, all internal flights/transfers/transportation, some meals, private guides at all times including the cruise). He also booked our cruise and all of our hotels. He is able to work with a variety of budgets and preferences and was very responsive and easy to work with. I just didn't have time to make all the arrangements myself, and it was so easy letting Ahmed do everything.
To answer your question more directly, I think there are a lot of ways you can plan the trip -- lots of people use points/miles and book hotels themselves, and then hire a guide just for guiding purposes, rather than having the guide book the whole trip.
I would be really nervous about waiting until you get there to book things -- seems like that could be a hassle, when it's so easy to do it in advance. Since you're not going in high season, I guess it's possible, but I think your options would be more limited, and I'm guessing you'd pay more.
Hi Lyntay
I would agree with the ladies above, it is much less stressful if you have it organised before you go, but preferrable to use an in-egypt agent as they can normally get you the best prices etc.
I recommend Egypt Quality Tours as they tailor the tour to suit exactly what you want, the accommodation to the star rating that you want, and the cruise boats they use are first class. they can give you Egyptologists (licenced and fully qualified) for private tours with private transportation for any location within Egypt so they could work it all out from A to B for you no problem.
The ladies above have recommeded a couple for you too, so no harm in trying all three and see what you get from them.
Either way, you will have a great time in Egypt I am sure, it is a wonderful experience.
Scotsgirl
I have heard the security is tight in Egypt. I too have been in contact with Ahmed Hamid Yousif. We are planning to use himas our guide next Sept/October. I like the idea of someone meeting us at the airport-getting us to our hotel and taking care of everything. From what other travelers have said he is quite reasonable. I don't have my prices yet-but Ihope so,. He does sound great. chris
abby97
We have something in common and I am hoping that you will email me at smilart@aol.com. Ahmed has planned a trip for our family starting 12/28/09. I would like to communicate with you prior to departure. Look forward to hearing from you.
Lollie14
Hi Lollie -
I will definitely email you shortly!
Abby97
Lollie -
I sent you an email. Let me know if you didn't receive it.
Abby97
Hi-Since I last posted I have gotten our flights to & from. Cashed in American miles & we have 2 business class seats going to Egypt.Comming home I have Lufthansa-coach-BUT I spoke to United & when it is 330 days I can maybe upgrade the return-If not thats Ok-only one stop on way home/
I have contacted Ahmed-he is working on our itenary. i want everything secure before I leave-Everyone who has gone 7 is going thanks for trip reports-we who don't do trip reports take notes-Chris