lizzy911

From what I've read in books and gathered from these boards, there are many operators available for trips to the pyramids, Alexandria, and desert overnights. Should we even bother with booking day/overnight tours in advance? I am a little worried that if we go to the tours our hotel reccomends they might not be as high a caliber as ones we book on our own. Any suggestions on booking tours in advance or just waiting and seeing what the hotel/outside world has to offer once we get there? By the way staying at a budget hotel downtown, if that makes a difference.

galiano

The tours you book at a budget hotel are likely to be just that - budget. Having spent some time in the Middle East I would recommend you not book low end tours even for 1/2 a day. If you want better tours I would suggest arranging them at one of the better hotels. So stay at the budget hotel and then head to the nearest better quality hotel to book your tours.

Percy

lizzy911

Do you want the name of a GREAT private tour guide in Cairo?

I was there 6 months ago and hired this lady and her driver.
She was terrific.

She is from the USA, age about 45 and of course speaks English.

She took us( four of us) all over Cairo and on the last day booked a full day trip to Alexandria...and came along with us.

We had a super tour of Alexnadria.

Percy

lizzy911

I do want to have a bit better than a "budget" tour I suppose but definitely not "luxury." The main thing is I want someone who actually knows what they are talking about. We are already looking into a pyramids tour recommended by Rough Guide for $45 US for a 6 hour trip, which looks pretty good to us. Were also considering American Express trips... if anyone has experience with them.

sandi

lizzy -

Percy is referring to Debbie Senter of Casual Cairo Detours. You can reach her at: dds71 at aol dot com (you know how to put that together, right?) She's a great resource and if not able to assist you directly, will have recommendations.

Percy

sandi is right .
I am referring to Debbie Senters.

sandi is just a wee bit off on the e-mail address.( sorry sandi !)

It is:

[email protected]

You will like her , send her and e-mail and tell her what you want to do.

Percy

Agniecha

Hi,

We are staying at the JW Marriott in Cairo. Will it be ok to book the tours at the hotel or should we do it beforehand?

Grcxx3

Just out of curiosity - why are you staying at that hotel? It's a lovely place but pretty far removed from the city and the major sites.