Terrific job organizing a trip on short notice
In the midst of a long work trip to Cairo, I decided my husband and I should take a short vacation and go on a Nile cruise. I contacted Luxor and Aswan Travel via WhatsApp with only two weeks notice, asking them to book us not only a boat cabin, but also the domestic flights between Cairo and Aswan/Luxor and Cairo airport transfers. The agency responded right away with the list of available boats and a price quote, and within a couple hours everything was booked and paid for. A week ahead of departure, they wrote to offer us a free upgrade to a higher-end boat, and patiently answered our questions about the differences. In the end we were so thrilled with the upgrade to the Princess Farida, which is an absolutely amazing dahabiya.
Securing the last-minute flights for us was clearly a challenge for the agency, but they did pull it off. The flight they found for us from Luxor back to Cairo was at 9pm, much later than anyone would prefer, since check-out time from the ship is usually in the morning. Luckily, they graciously arranged for us to keep relaxing on the ship in our comfortable cabin all the way until 7pm(!) before our transfer to Luxor airport. We were extremely grateful for this, it allowed us to take a shower and rest after sightseeing in the heat! Our transfers to and from Cairo airport were also very punctual and comfortable, and took all the stress out of the journey.
The agency was consistently responsive through WhatsApp and overall I am completely satisfied with the service they provided, especially since we booked on such short notice. It was an unforgettable vacation and I would be glad to use this agency again.
eliseb563 · aug 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Great experience, thoroughly recommended
My wife, daughter and I had a truly memorable trip from start to finish.
Everything was quickly and efficiently organised by Hany - including a private vehicle transfer from Luxor to the Red Sea after the conclusion of the cruise.
We had a very nice cabin on the cruise ship. The crew onboard were friendly and provided an excellent service. Relaxing on the ship in the afternoons/evenings while cruising down the river was wonderful.
Our private tour guide, Ashraf, was fantastic. Ashraf has an exceptional knowledge of the history and culture of ancient Egypt and is able to explain things in a very interesting and engaging way. We thoroughly enjoyed the tours with Ashraf and learned an enormous amount. We asked many questions - not only about the temples we visited - and Ashraf was always able to answer them comprehensively. I think there is nothing he doesn't know about ancient Egypt. Also very interesting was to learn from Ashraf how ancient Egyptian words and customs continue to exist in modern day life, language and religion.
In conclusion, we would highly recommend this trip, the tour company, Luxor & Aswan Travel, and the guide, Ashraf.
D5051CCmarkf · aug 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Cruise saw an to Luxor
We travelled from Aswan to Luxor with the Sonesta moon goddess had the pleasure to be accompanied by our guide. Mahmoud he was with us all the way and made the experience. Even bette very knowledgeable , he took the time to explain every tour in depth and we could see his love for his job, over all a great experience. Love every minute.
feliperE2858LG · aug 2025 · via Tripadvisor
100% recommend
This tour was absolutely wonderful. Can’t recommend it enough! The guide was knowledgeable and patient, taking time in each monument to explain the history and answer our questions. Besides that, he was truly passionate which made us feel even more enthusiastic about our time together. We felt taken care of and were able to build a nice friendship with our guide!
sarapA542UE · jul 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Fantastic tour, even better tour guide
My husband and I had an incredible time visiting the amazing temples along the Nile that Upper Egypt has to offer! This tour was worth every cent we paid, and that is largely due to our tour guide, Ashraf. His extensive knowledge of all these different sites made each temple a unique experience with its own special stories and features that distinguished them. Without Ashraf's guidance, they all would have blurred together quite quickly! On top of this, he is an archaeologist himself who has actually worked on a few of the sites, so he has quite a passion and love for them which shines through when he speaks. We appreciated his explanations of ways that elements of ancient Egyptian culture have carried over into contemporary Egyptian life and language (his particular field of study). He also introduced us to sugar cane juice, one of the most delicious ways to beat the heat after wandering through tombs and temples in the desert sun!
In conclusion, I've been inspired to go home and study heiroglyphics! We feel so blessed to have experienced the richness of ancient Egypt, enhanced by the exceptional guidance and friendship of Ashraf. The travel company took care of every possible need we might have had from start to finish — we would recommend this tour to anyone in a heartbeat.
rachelwG8453SG · jun 2025 · via Tripadvisor
A ones in a lifetime experience!
Een onvergetelijke ervaring – aanrader voor iedereen!**
Onze reis met deze luxe cruise was geweldig! Alles was tot in de puntjes verzorgd, maar wat deze trip écht bijzonder maakte, was onze gids. Dr Ashraf Al Raafey. Hij was niet alleen uiterst deskundig, maar door zijn hoge bewustzijnsniveau over het leven, en het beheersen van te taal van de oude Egyptenaren wist ook met veel passie en inzicht te vertellen over de rijke geschiedenis van het oude Egypte, met alle verborgen wijsheid. Dankzij zijn begeleiding kwam deze mysterieuze wereld echt tot leven voor ons.
Wat mij persoonlijk raakte, was zijn warme en sociale houding. Tijdens onze bezoeken aan lokale markten gaf hij ons waardevolle tips over hoe je het beste met de verkopers omgaat, maar nog indrukwekkender vond ik dat hij uit zichzelf steeds een fooitje gaf aan de armere mensen die we tegenkwamen. Dat gebaar raakte me diep en heeft me ook persoonlijk doen beseffen dat we allemaal wel iets meer kunnen delen. Op de laatste dag hebben we ook nog een ballonvaart over de Konings vallei gemaakt. Super indrukwekkend en een unieke ervaring.
Kortom: deze reis was meer dan alleen een vakantie. Het was een verrijkende ervaring die ik iedereen van harte kan aanbevelen!
Connector58639007639 · jun 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Competence, Kindness, and Professionalism All in One Guide
Throughout the entire cruise, we were guided and advised by Ashraf, an incredibly professional Egyptologist who accompanied us at every archaeological site. His fascinating explanations immersed us in Egyptian culture, and he was always kind and available, answering all our questions with patience. He was a pleasant and discreet travel companion. His passion for his work is truly priceless! We highly recommend him to anyone wanting to discover Egyptian culture, and we hope to see him again in the future!
S659GVmichelel · jun 2025 · via Tripadvisor
The gold standard for tours! Highly recommend!
The whole experience from simply inquiring until the very end of our tour was just outstanding. When you inquire with Mahmoud, he is just so helpful, answers all your questions and you won’t feel judged for making your requests as he tries to accommodate them all kindly! The booking experience was seamless and great. :) Then come the tour with our guide who is also Mahmoud and he is just the best tour guide! He was so knowledgeable, professional, took care of us and made sure we were comfortable throughout our trip despite the heat and tried to educate us about ancient Egypt as much as possible in 4 days, no easy feat! But he made the sites much more fascinating with his story telling. Highly highly recommend!!!!! Definitely telling our friends and family :)
mjmp_93 · jun 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Great experience with Mahmoud and tour
The tour was very well prepared and also it was super fun. Amazing to have Mahmoud as our tour guide who told us a lot of history and explained and answered all our questions.
751raphc · jun 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Bucket list trip up the Nile!
The cruise was very relaxing and nice way to see the Nile. The food was delicious and the wait staff was spot on. The rooms had a nice view.
Jerome P · mei 2025 · via Tripadvisor
