betharwein

We are planning a trip to Egypt with two other couples. Out date is uncertain. Maybe in 2008. We just completed a private safari thru Africa Adventure Company in August and would love to find a tour company that would be comprable that could do an outstanding job for us and put the complete package togehter. Any recommendations?

Betty

sandi

Do a search on this board. There are a number of in-country tour operators (in Cairo) who can probably assist you and have been received well by those who have traveled with them.

For Cairo itself, you may want to contact Debbie Senters* of Casual Cairo Detours. Try her at [email protected]. And, Debbie might have recommendations for you for Nile cruises, which boats, hotels in Luxor or Aswan, etc.

*Debbie is an American gal, now living in Cairo (about 8/years).

Haydee

Hi betharwein,
I just came back from Egypt. I booked the hotel by my own and transfers and local flights through GAT TOURS. They are reliable and the representatives very nice people.
Our itinerary was as follows:

Cairo 4 nights Mena House Oberoi (great) Palace Wing not pyramid view but ok. Swimming pool area lots of flies but it seems very normal in Egypt.
Restaurants: Excellent
Tip: do not rent a car in the front desk. They do not respect the deal.
If you want to visit Cairo try to do the tours with a Travel agency. Taxis are in very bad condition and the drivers are nuts. I did not enjoy visiting the city. I did enjoy visiting the pyramids of Dashur not a lot of tourists as in Giza.
Flight to Awsan and Abu Simbel tour Very Good.
Tip: Try to stay the night before in Aswan to avoid a very early flight. 3 am. Old Cataract Very Good and nice people.
Nile Cruise: Sonesta Moon Goddess Great cabins, excellent food and service.
Luxor: I stay two nights in Sonesta St. George`s after the cruise.
I think that if you want to stay a bit more in Luxor one nigth is enough. Unfortunately is impossible to enjoy the city because of the people who try to sell something all the time.
Hurghada: 4 nights Iberotel Makadi Bay.
If you want relax and snorkeling or diving this is the place. We stayed in the hotel all the time enjoying the beach and sun. We did not visit the city which I heard it is not nice.
All inclusive and service very good.
Laundry is free but be careful they ruined a trousser and some T-shirts shrank.
If you are interested in Egypt history it is a must visiting the country.
The trip was amazing, we had a wonderful time and experiences.

Casual_Cairo

Thanks Sandi, but you know what? I celebrated my 9th anniversary last February.

When I was answering that post about La Bodega, it made me nostalgic, remembering the past years and good times in Zamalek. While I love living here, it is sad to reminisce and remember past expats that have come and gone, and see how things constantly change around here.

Debbie

heymo

Another rave for GAT tours. We had a fabulous time, and they are very flexible with your itinerary. My trip report is listed on here somewhere- and several people have gone with them since we went last fall. Ask for Marian, she's wonderful.

If you'd like to ask me any questions please feel free to e-mail me!

Percy

I have to second what sandi said about Debbie Senters.

I used Debbie when I was in Cairo and our group of four enjoyed her very much and we still talk about her.

if you are reading this Debbie , Thank you for all the places you took us to in Cairo and for booking ( and coming with us )on that train ride to Alexnadria.

Take care
Percy

Casual_Cairo

You are welcome Percy. Hope you are all doing well and are still traveling and seeing new wonderful places.

Thanks for the post!
Debbie

Percy

Debbie

I just got back from a 14 day Baltic Cruise trip.

St.Petersburg was the highlite of the cruise.

Take Care

Percy