Anyone been on a Travcoa tour to Egypt? I would like some feedback if you are willing.

Not heard of them sorry.

Hi, I am a TRAVCOA Travel Director. I have just returned from Egypt. I am happy to answer your questions or I can connect you with some clients who have traveled with TRAVCOA to Egypt.

Thanks,
JaneAlice
[email protected]

Hi There

I traveled with Travcoa to Egypt in September of 2008. The travel company has been in business for 55 years and has a good reputation. The group sizes are small about 16-18 people. My group was 11. The trip was really fantastic. They have a Travel Director with you the entire time as well as an Egyptologist who give indepth talks about the culture, history and antiquities that you will see. This makes the journey such a pleasure and such a special learning experience. We also stayed in wonderful hotels - my room at the 4 seasons overlooked the pyramids. The cruise on the Nile was also fabulous and we stayed in Presidential Suites which were spacious and well appointed. I would highly recommend this company and especially this trip to Egypt.

As stated, Travcoa is reputable and successful. However, their itineraries are nothing special (they basically follow the same tourist route that everyone else does) and they are extraordinarily expensive, in the range of twice the price most other US based tour operators charge, even taking into account they use the very best hotels and Nile cruisers.

From the few people I have spoken with who have been on Travcoa tours, the tour itself is well operated but often sterile and without a lot of exposure to what some call the "real" country.

Yes, Travcoa is established and reputable, but it is very expensive. Not unlike if traveling with A&K. And, it is "a group" departure. You can use many other US-based tour operators for way less, often as a private itinerary on your schedule and selected hotels and Nile cruise boat.

However, if you search this forum you will find many have chosen to use in-country outfitters who coordinate a private itinerary to your liking - when, where stays, sightseeing, etc. - and budget. One that has received excellent reviews is Lady Egypt.

And, for time in Cairo and other useful assistance there's Debbie Senters of Casual Cairo Detours ([email protected]) who gets raves.

I know the thing about group tours being DOUBLE the price. I was going to go through insight tours, for $4500 Aussie dollars per person for 14 days, 5 star, usual things. For HALF the price, I got another company that will give us a private tour, all inclusions and 5 star. It does pay to shop around... I originally was happy with my $4500.. not now!!

I know that some company’s group tours do tend to keep travelers from seeing the country as it really is, however I can say on my tours, it is important to me that my guest really get involved with people and everyday life. I try to create contact, insight and understanding of the Country we are visiting. With Travcoa we are able to go to places that large groups can’t, meet the locals and get involved in everyday life!

There may be less expensive travel options but travelers should look very carefully at whats included day by day and determine what is really important to them. We have very small groups, my concierge-like Travel Director services throughout, things like guaranteed Nile View Rooms at the Four Seasons Nile Plaza, Pyramid View Rooms at the Four Seasons First Residence, Presidential Suites on the Nile Cruiser; all meals included everyday with the option of dining wherever you wish when you wish. Room service is even included. Most important the tips are included, traveling one really does not know what is customary to tip; this is a great feature with Travcoa. We also have the best Egyptologist traveling with us throughout. They are fantastic and really make the country come alive for us.

Travcoa may cost more than some other tour companies but it is all inclusive 5 star and contrary to comments above, far less expensive than if one had all the same things offered on an independent basis (not as a group) if it were even possible to arrange.

The recent post by JaneAlice is advertising by Travcoa and is not permitted on the forum.

Pat