Globus or Trafalgar or Egypt Highlights or others???
 

Hi,
I am planning to take a trip to Egypt in September this year.
I have checked the following land-only price:
1) Globus
- $1446 for 10 days (excluding flight time and last day)
2) Trafalgar
- $1291.50 for 9 days (excluding flight time and last day)
3) Egypt Highlights
- $1033 for 11 days (excluding flight time and last day)

Two things about Egypt Highlights are that they don't cover for entrance fees and they have 2 nights on an overnighted train versus Globus and Trafalgar are having in-land flights...

I did find few good comments regarding Globus, but nothing for Trafalgar and very little for Egypt Highlights. I am hoping someone who has traveled with any or 2 or even all of these 3 companies can give me some detail info as which package is a good pick for me and my husband who are both 30 years old?

I don't mind paying for the most expensive trip (Globus) as long as it's worth the money after taking everything into consideration.

I greatly appreciate if some people can help me making a decision.

Thanks

shinban, sorry that I can not offer comments on 2 or the 3. We used Globus in 2000 trip to Israel and Egypt and were very pleased. If I read right Globus is $150 more but also involves one more nite than T. Differeneces in activities between the two companies should be considered. IF the two of you like to go off on your own, maybe the additional free time is a big plus. In any case, have a great time and post a report when you return for us to enjoy. Dick

I used Globus twice. Was very pleased with the way it was organized and the guides. On the third trip it was a disaster because of one particular couple that *really* annoyed everyone else very badly.

That one caused me to give up on organized trips and become a solo traveller. :))

We took Globus in April 2001 to Egypt. Everything was seamless - no problems.

You are off to a good start comparing prices/companies by checking very carefully what they cover and do not. Check which hotels they use (we had 2 different stays in Cairo, one at Mena House and one in downtown Cairo). Check how many meals are included.

Having admissions covered was nice since we did not ever have to wait in any line - and out guide facilitated extra admissions to things like inside pyramids (but these were extra charges).

Is Abu Simbel included or how much extra - and is there even time for a side trip there (our was extra charge but fit into itinerary without problem).

If you have Globus book air, check it carefully before you commit to it - as with any tour, the air arrangements may not be what you would have selected on your own and may cost less or more than doing it yourself.

I doubt you will find anyone who has taken more than one escorted tour of Egypt - if people return they usually go on their own the second time.

I took Trafalgar tour of Israel, and it was the worst tour ever. It served my purpose to visit Israel, but the tour was not even close to what was advertised.

Trafalgar doesn't handle its tours, they sell local tours and don't even bother to check how they go.

I filed a complaint in May, still waiting for an answer which I most likely never get.

We went with Egypt Highlights last November and had a great trip. We had a private tour and all entrance fees except for Abu Simble were included. It was one of our top vacations!

Thank everyone so much for your help on my question.
We finally decided to book with Globus. It turns out to be $5000 for 2 of us include air and 3 day cruise and most meals and most entrance fees (except Abu Simbel).
I hope we will have a good time with all that money we will spend... :P
Thanks!