Adequate but not worth the price
The tour was fine just wildly overpriced. The “luxury” cruise ship they booked for me, the MS Sarah II, is dated with poorly functioning AC units and broken appliances in many of the rooms. The food was solid (especially considering what’s on offer in Egypt) and the staff was friendly and attentive so it was a fine experience overall just not worth their huge markup. I met another tourist on the ship who was able to book three nights independently (basically the whole cruise) for $200 locally. The ticket prices and photo pass requirements have been relaxed considerably at most of the sites so the included tickets are not the value they were years ago. What you’re paying for is really the Egyptologist. My guide, Ahmed, was very personable and knowledgeable about ancient and contemporary Egypt and I appreciated speaking with him. I studied British Egypt for some time so it was interesting getting his insight as he is easily the most knowledgeable Egyptian I’ve met. I just don’t know if that experience was worth $750. The “four days” of touring really amounted to about 2-3 hours each day of visiting sites and then free time. We finished the fourth day at 11:30 and then they wanted to sell me an “optional” tour for more than 4x what i ended up paying a local company with a different Egyptologist. Even the high end Sofitel Cataract (who I used) hotel sells tours to Abu Simbel for less money than these guys. Had I known the tours were so short (which is by design), I’d have just booked everything locally and saved hundreds of dollars.
Inspiration650106 · Aug. 2021 · über Tripadvisor
Amazing family vacation!
This was an unforgettable experience for our family with teen kids. Walking through ancient Egypt with our private Egyptologist Ahmed was enriching and fun!
The Sun goddess cruise and the entire staff were magnificent! We are not cruise lovers but understood it is the best way to do the Nile, indeed, highly recommended! All suites were impecable, good food, and amazing service!
We also highly recommend the hot air balloon ride at sunset! Yes 3 am wake up call is hard but worthy! What an amazing experience to float in the air by valley of the kings and Nile River to land in sugar cane fields!
Hany Eldosouki was our travel concierge! From booking to every step of the way, he was in constant communication and service. Beyond the cruise, He arranged all transfers and activities we did in Sharm el Sehikh and Cairo with Doaa, our local Egyptologist in Cairo. What a great service!!
We have built unforgettable memories that will always treasure!
Thank you Hany and team!
N9767VGpatriciam · Aug. 2021 · über Tripadvisor
beatful
everything ,the best!!!!!the people is fun , the places are the best., the meal is very good.i lovedand recomend
Marcos L · Aug. 2021 · über Tripadvisor
Once In A Lifetime Adventure
This was one of the best experiences we have ever had. The service is beyond 5 star. From the time of pick up to the time you leave the boat every need is taken care of.
The tours are amazing with the best guides. You are able to see many parts of Ancient Egypt in a short period of time.
The boat is perfect and spotless. Staff will come in multi times a day to make sure that everything is clean and whatever we need we have. Every member of the crew was excellent and attentive. They took pride in their job and it was so great to be around them.
This experience is a must if you are planning a Nile cruise.
Lmfaulk21 · Aug. 2021 · über Tripadvisor
The perfect getaway
It was the first time for me and my friend to go on a cruise! The name of the cruise was Sun Goddess Sonesta. The whole trip was extremely organized and easy. Starting from the planning stage until departure, we never had any issues with anyone. Everyone on the cruise was super welcoming and flexible. The ship was clean and cozy. Everything was easily accessible and the quality of food was excellent. The room was very clean and spacious
The trip schedule was just right and the selection of sites and activities was perfect. We were lucky to have had the best Tourguide in Egypt! His name was Ahmed Megaly. He knew exactly where to take us and gave us very valid tips and recommendations for our trip. Ahmed was very knowledgeable about every place we visited. His way of telling stories and information brought us back in time and we felt that we could see it. He had a very humble approach. He was always positive and had a very good sense of humor. Ahmed was very caring and he always gave us some time to reflect and liked it when we asked more questions. He’s been the best Tourguide I’ve ever seen!
This trip has exceeded my expectations and I would definitely do it again!
Ztayyeb · Juli 2021 · über Tripadvisor
Outstanding
It was an absolutely amazing experience. Everything was so well organized and we didn’t have to worry about a thing. The organizers were so responsive in the lead up to the trip, and made sure we were always in communication so that everything was clear and agreed upon. This made the entire trip so smooth and seemless. Then during the trip our tour guide Ahmed was simply the best. He was so organized and detail oriented, always making sure we had the best experience. His wealth of knowledge about Egyptian history and ability to answer any question immensely added to our experience. His personal warmth, friendliness and kindness also made the trip fun and personally gratifying. I can only highly recommend doing this trip and getting to know the incredible history of Ancient Egypt, the wonders of the Nile, and the friendliness of the Egyptian people.
Comfort and service on the boat was also excellent. The room felt comfortable/homey yet luxurious. The food was great and the service staff super helpful and professional. Everything was very clean, cozy, and taken care of.
Tip for other travelers: go during a cooler season for those who are not used to very hot temperatures.
Lckinzli · Juli 2021 · über Tripadvisor
Beautiful experience. Highly recommended.
We sailed with Blue Shadow II for 4 nights and 5 days starting in Luxor. Overall amazing experience. The cruiser was very decent with 3 meals included.
Ahmed was a truly fantastic guide. He was perfectly organized, made our trip the smoothest possible and he managed to transfer his passion for Egyptology to us. We learned a lot about Ancient Egypt (as well as more contemporary one as well) and came out of the trip in love with local history and culture.
I also need to mention Hany, from Luxor and Aswan Travel, who has regularly been checking up on us and accommodated all our requests in a smooth and rapid way.
I recommend this 10/10.
442alijab · Juni 2021 · über Tripadvisor
Private tour guide for Luxor to Aswan Nile tour.
Whalid from Luxor is a great tour guide. Extremely knowledgeable, accommodates what guests want. Highest recommendation!
nancyhV3096MA · Juni 2021 · über Tripadvisor
It was very good
I go there it was very nice travel I'm so proud of you you are the most beautiful company you have a great tour guide
mahmoudhZ2645QJ · Juni 2021 · über Tripadvisor
Best way to see Egypt! Great people and amazing experience.
I just returned from a 10 day family vacation to Egypt booked through Hany - he was incredibly helpful from the very beginning and so responsive, tailoring the trip to us and checking in throughout. He was available any time we had questions, helping us to sort out PCR test requirements and rebookings on Egyptair.
We started with a private day tour of Luxor before boarding our dahabiya cruise on the Princess Donia. The crew and captain were amazing! The boat was stunning. Our Egyptologist, Simon, was fantastic. He was super knowlegdable, fun, and accomodating. We hated to leave them all behind! We ended our time in Upper Egypt with a private day trip to Abu Simbel.
The last leg of our trip in Cairo was unplanned when we arrived in Egypt, and Hany arranged a private tour for us with Shimaa, who is also amazing and passionate about Egyptology. We opted to go with the same travel agency because of the great experience with Simon, Hany, and the Princess Donia crew. We were not disappointed. We had a fantastic time with Shimaa and fit in so much in 2 days.
No other way to see Egypt! We will miss all of the people who made our trip so memorable.
Elizabeth H · Juni 2021 · über Tripadvisor
