Egypt Adventure Trips

The itinerary was great. The only disappointment was that we were separated from the Splendors group before we left for Cairo. We got less time with friends we had made, even though we all went to Abu Simbel - just at different times.

I'm glad I chose the 9 day wonders instead of the 12 day splendors as the only big difference is 1 half day in aswan and 2 days sailing back down the Nile. It was compact and busy. I do think,however, that Abu simbel should be included that way no special plans need to be arranged for those who stay behind and miss possibly the best site of the trip. I also think the tipping gets out of hand with the tour directors, the bus drivers and the boat crew. Also, suppers the last 3 nights in cairo are not included and then we are told to eat in the hotel for safety...well that's a cash cow. If we are advised to stay in the hotel then give us vouchers or something but it was a ripoff. Amd watch out for the ATM at the Marriott...it doesn't give you much time to get your money once the little door opens...be quick.

This was a very educational journey and our guide provided wonderful background ahead of each magnificent site that we visited. She was also wisely strategic with arranging our inside and outside activities to beat the typical tourist crush and avoid the hottest times of day. There was always enough time to do some individual exploring and picture taking but the pace was appropriate to keep us moving. We saw so much!

The itinerary was perfect. It was well balanced with free time. You see all the things you want to see and get to explore on your own at the sites following the tour. In-between time is utilized well with relaxing moments and the ability to rest. There are some early mornings, but that wasn’t an issue. Getting up early allows for more time, more sites, less people at the sites, and less heat/sun.

The trip was full on, as advertised, but not too much so. The itinerary and organisation were first rate, the transport and accommodation excellent. Our guide Ahmed was fantastic, always cheerful, knowledgeable and very kind. He went out of his way to deal with any little problem, even retrieving my Kindle when I stupidly left it on the train - he got someone to go back to Luxor to pick it up and bring it to me in Aswan! I really enjoyed the whole trip and would recommend it to others.

We travelled a day early so as to be fresh for the first day. Explored Cairo. It is hot, dirty, poor and broken but that doesn’t mean it’s not a vibrant exciting place to visit. There’s lots to see and do and once you’ve realised that even though most people are friendly, they are after your money. Learn this lesson early. But it feels very safe., Ahmed was our guide for the 10 days. A very proud Egyptian and Muslim. A font of all knowledge and a lovely guy. The Pyramids of Giza are amazing and great fun to explore inside. Certain level of fitness needed but worth the sweat and pain. The over night train. An experience that will stay with me for life. To describe it as first class is stretching it a bit. A moment that if you didn’t laugh, you’d cry. I have since relayed my story to friends and ended up crying with laughter. So it was worth it. My wife complained that I was snoring so it couldn’t have been that bad. I’ll let you discover the toilet . Needless to say that the track flys by when you look down the pan .. Onto Aswan. The Temple at Abu Simbel was breath taking and worth the extra fee. It is a very early start and long drive. Because of the numbers we had a mini bus where a coach would have been more comfortable. The Cruise. The boat was pleasant and the food good and they serve beer. Traveled up to Luxor where it got a lot hotter. Another early start for the optional balloon flight but well worth it for the sunrise and views over the Valley We saw a lot of temples and tombs and when you think you’re templed out , you see something that makes it worth it. The tombs in the valley of the kings are amazing in their feats of engineering and decoration. We had a nice meal with a family on the way back and I recommend the meal with the Nubian people in Aswan. It’s difficult to find negatives. It is full on. Long days and a lot of time on your feet. You’ll always have the option to sit out some visits of your tired and the boat trip gives you time to recharge.