Choosing a tour company
 

I'm planning a trip to Egypt in October or November, and want to include a Nile cruise. I've heard that: 1) the "star" rating for accomodation in Egypt doesn't mean what it does in the USA (5 star in Egypt is not 5 star in the US), 2) Alexandria is not worth the side trip, 3) a longer Nile cruise lets you relax from the fast pace of most tours (7 days instead of 3-4 days). Comments on the above would help.

Also, more questions: 1) is including a cruise on Lake Nasser worth while? 2) I want to have a smaller group, good security, and very good hotels/cruise ship...any thoughts on the right tour company?

I've researched Tauck, Abercrombie & Kent, African Travel, General Tours, Robinson Crusoe, iExplore, Viking, Globus, Insight, Trafalgar, Wilderness, International Expeditions, National Geographic, Smithsonian...I'm kind of on information overload at the moment.

Suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks! ~ Theresa63

I've suggested Maupintour a number of times on this forum and I see it is one you don't have on your list. The longer tour is wonderful - have had numerous friends who have taken the trip also. First class all the way.

Have you tried Odysseys (Odysseys-unlimited.com)? I have not seen this group mentioned in this forum, but they deal in small groups and I notice in their catalog that they do Egypt. We have done a few tours with them and have found them to be superb and have never had more than 14 - 16 people in our group. Will stay tuned to all the comments about Egypt as hopefully we will get there in 2008.

I know you've already reached overload, but let me throw one more tour company at you. :-)

I've just returned from a tour I booked with Egypt Uncovered and I was very happy. My group had about 10 people and this was perfect. The tour included a Nile cruise on a 5* boat called the Crown Jewel. Nile cruise boats are much smaller than ocean cruise ships but it was very nice indeed and I think the 5* description was applicable.

I found out later that Egypt Uncovered contracts with an Egyptian tour company called Lady Egypt tours, so it might be cheaper to book with Lady Egypt directly.

Star ratings are different in all countries, so what is 5* in the US is not at other destinations. In some countries a particular Hilton might be 5*, while in another only 4* (or less). That's not to say you won't find quality in Egypt.

As to the 3-4 vs 7/day cruises, unless the 7/day cruise takes you to the areas north of Luxor, you instead float back-n-forth between Luxor/Aswan for 3/days longer than the 4/day cruise... personally a waste of time. The Nile boats aren't what you find cruising the Caribbean (which are "ships")... no rockwall climbing, shuttle board, gyms, etc.

Cruising on Lake Nassar is much different than on the Nile, less boats, of course, and way different and less tombs and temples... I believe better suited for a return visit to Egypt.

Regarding the tour operators you list, these are all group tours and some have very large number of participant - up to 60 or even 100/paxs; lots of buses. With the exception of General Tours, Insight, Globas and Trafalgar in the mid-price range, the others are quite expensive.

If you prefer to travel independently, you can get quotes from any number of in-country Egyptian tour operators. You'd still be on a "tour" but one designed to meet your needs, # of days, choice of hotels, Nile cruise boat, tours in/around Cairo, etc. There'd still be someone to meet you at the airports, handle your transfers, have a private a/c vehicle for touring, etc.

Quite a number of travelers have used a company called Egypt Highlights for Cairo, Luxor, the cruise, Aswan and Abu Simbel. Also, an American gal living in Cairo, Debbie Senters who can be reached at Casual Cairo Detours or [email protected].

A further search on this board can bring up names of other in-country tour operators who have been used successfully for private tours.

Hope this gets you started.

I"ll chime in with some thoughts -

1) "5 star" in Egypt is not quite what it is in other places, but it's the top level in Egypt, quite nice, and that's definitely what you want.

2) 4 years in Egypt and never made it to Alexandria. One of my regrets, but I wouldn't push it for a first time visit.

3) I don't see the points of the longer 7-day Nile Cruises. I think you'd get bored. There is already a lot of "down time" built into the cruises since most include morning tours of the temples and afternoon sailing. I'd go with a 4 day cruise.

4) I agree with Sandi to save a Lake Nasser cruise for another trip. There isn't as much to see/do. I enjoyed it, but I wouldn't do it again.

Have fun planning!

travelegyptnow is the best company ever because it let you design your trip yourself with very good prices ,i have made cairo,luxor.aswan and cruise from luxor to aswan 9 days for only 550$ .it included every thing from pickup from airport to delivery to airport,don't hesitate to contact them.

topping for Theresa

sally_bee, did you already do your tour with travelegyptnow? I had not found their website, but went to look at it after you mentioned it. The cost does seem lower than most so I'm wondering about the quality. Has anyone else traveled with them? Is it easy to make changes to the packages listed on their website? Thanks!

I am also planing a trip to Egypt in November of this year. I was also looking at the Genral tour with the 7 day cruse. Seemed less hectic. Friends have taken the Oddesey tour and throught it was great, but it is 17 days. Are you familiar with anyone who has taken the General tour of Egypt?

Lancaster Pat

Hi, Lancaster Pat:

I'm reading each reply carefully and am very appreciative, but still trying to decide about General's Pleasures of Cleopatra tour with a 7-day cruise, because I want to relax rather than do alot of changing hotels, and don't want to stay in Cairo longer (I like to avoid cities of 18 million people...), and like the idea of a new Nile cruiser (Oberoi Zahra) with a spa for much-needed massages! I spoke with the regional manager of General Tours at a travel expo, and I was impressed with her previous work with Tauck, and her enthusiasm and knowledge.

One thing about this tour: it does not stop at the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which you may or may not care about. I wanted to see it, and the reg. mgr. said I could arrange it for $200pp with a private driver & guide. I don't think the Temple is worth that, considering the entire trip cost with air.

I'm also looking at STI's 12-day Spectacular Egypt, and R. Crusoe & Sons 11 day Egypt/Nile trip.

Speaking of which...anyone ever traveled with R. Crusoe & Sons?

Theresa

>>it does not stop at the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut<<

... what a shame. Probably the best and most amazing remaining piece of architecture considering it's 5,000/yrs old.

Did they say why? The massacre 7/yrs ago? There's plenty of security there these days, on foot, on camel, in the hills above the site.

$200/pp for a guide/vehicle to visit just this site? That ridiculous rate is to dissuade you. You can arrange for 1-2/hrs with a local tour guide/taxi to visit for less than $50 total. Or go on your own... easy enough.

I would recommend Overseas Adventure Travel as a good tour company. the maximum number of travellers is 16. I have not been to Egypt with them, but have taken 8 trips and have been very pleased each time. Great value for the money.

Strange that they are not including Hatshepsut's temple. That's a main attraction. I agree with sandi that you can probably arrange your own tour or grab a taxi and tour it yourself. The first time we went (right after 9/11) the place was almost deserted and we got some fabulous photos. The second time (a year later), the crowds were back but the temple was still magnificent.

Quick note - the horible massacre that occurred was in 1997 - more than 10 years ago.

Other have mentioned already about Debbie Senters in Cairo as a private guide.

Debbie is at [email protected]

I would try to get to Alexandria( Debbie can take you there) and when you are in Aswan I would for sure try to go to Abu Simble .

( Yes it was 1997 when 57 tourist were gunned down at Queen Hatshepsuts Temple ..I thought of that moment briely when I was there, only because I knew it had happened.

Percy

Grcxx3 -

You got me!
While answering, I was trying to remember year we visited Egypt, and then realized it was in 2000, a few years after the massacre; I was obviously off when stating 7/yrs.

It would be a shame to miss the magnificent Hatshepsut temple.

sandi - I just knew it wasn't 7 years ago because that's when we moved there!

A friend has asked me to on an Egypt tour with STI. I am unfamiliar with this company and would like to know if anyone has taken their "12 Day Egypt in Style" tour. Do you recommend it or can you tell me about a better tour?
Thanks!
Judy

The regional manager gave no reason for not including Queen Hatshepsut's Temple. In fact, she was quite surprised about its omission. I agree, Sandi, that the best thing to do is find a cab driver or local guide. I've looked at pictures of that temple for so many years, I want to see it first hand.

Also, the Oberoi Zahra does go north of Luxor to Quina & Dendara.

Theresa

If the Zahra is, in addition to the areas between Luxor/Aswan, also going north, that's good and justifies the added days.