SmileyFace

Can anyone recommend one they've used before? I contacted Misr Travel, but their response to my detailed email was an unsatisfactory 2 sentences, basically trying to get me to book their standard package for a different date from the one I requested.

We are looking for a 10 day, hit all the hotspots, 4 to 5 star trip - but need to travel on specific dates due to vacation timing. Anyone use a company that they felt was great on service and price?

Thanks!

rsnyder

SmileyFace, I can comment only on Globus based on trip four of us took in June of 2000. We had the means to do a joint Israel/Egypt trip so I read a lot of travel brochures from several companies. Our travel agent suggested Globus. The same itinerary for three or four of the companies was basically the same so I went with the agent recommendation. I did not use Fodors Board as I have later. My family and I have no regrets about our choice although we have nothing to really compare to. Check out places you wish to see, see which company best covers your interest, examine budget including optional tours, meals provided, etc. Then, ask specifics on this board. May also want to check out frequency of "forced" shopping stops versus traveler directed stops. Also, opportunity to go off on one's own versus having each minute planned for you. I am sure other fodorites will have excellent suggestions for you to consider. Enjoy the planning. Dick

MauiMaui

SmileyFace, I am going with Abercrombie & Kent in January 2004. It is 5 star travel. I am going for 12 nights fully escorted. check out their website, it is The Spendours of the Nile trip with a 5 night cruise and staying at the Four Seasons in Cairo. I heard that Gate 1 and Isram are good but have not used them.

sandi

SmileyFace -

Sorry to hear that MISR wasn't responsive, that's surprising. But if you don't want to pay the A&K rates (they are expensive) - try Gate 1 or Isram or Egyptian Connections. I'm familiar with Isram and Gate 1 as reputable companies. Another person I know used Egyptian Connections.

Gate 1 located in Penna; Isram located In NYC; Egypt Connections located in Cairo.

Check them out.

evelyntrav

While you are reviewing tours, also look at Overseas Adventure Travel. We are scheduled to go with them on Feb. 28 as we like their itinerary, price and small group approach. Also, we heard good things about the company.

katybird

We went with Grand Circle Travel. It is a very established company and we had no complaints. www.gct.com. The price was very reasonable. $1500 and up for 14 days.Overseas Adventure Travel is a division of GCT mentioned by the previous poster, evelyntrav. It is at least $1000 more per person.OAT has smaller groups than GCT. It just depends on what you are looking for.

gail

We took a 10-day Globus tour in April 2001. We chose this from several with similar itineraries because we needed specific April vacation dates and it fit. Hotels were good - included Mena House, Nile cruise was on one of the Oberoi boats, also very nice. We had a superb guide - but she explained to us that most tour guides are licensed by Egyptian govt and are basically freelancers - signing on the tour company and/or private tours as they want. So no guarantee who your tour guide would be.

When you comparison shop, you really need to read a lot of fine print - find out what hotels they use, is Abu Simbel included or an add-on, what meals, etc. For example, we enjoyed staying at Mena House across from pyramids on our first nights but then ending up with a couple of nights in downtown Cairo.

sandi

While OAT is a division of GCT, the hotels and boats used on OAT are a higher class of service - the reason for the difference in price.

IngridG

Smiley Face:

We went with ISRAM based in New York. It was an excellent trip. They will customize any part you want.
You should check them out

Ingrid

evelyntrav

Even though the cost was higher, we chose OAT over GCT for several reasons: all the excursions were included, small group, and better accommodations (and hopefully food). I think the responders have contributed a full list of the best tour groups going to Egypt.