A great cruise
It was a great cruise. Fast pace and early mornings, but so worth it for all the sights. The ship was clean and comfortable. Taleet, our guide, was excellent. Very knowledgeable and we learnt a lot without being too academic. Nothing was too much trouble, he was patient and fun, and we had free time on each visit.
barbarae717 · sept. 2026 · prin Tripadvisor
Disappointing Experience – Too Much Talking, Too Little Time
I did not come all the way to Egypt, spending a significant amount of money and using my valuable vacation time, just to be mocked or made uncomfortable by a tour guide.
I completely respect a guide who is passionate about explaining the history and details of the sites. However, there needs to be a balance between providing information and allowing guests to actually enjoy and experience the tour.
During the tour, more than 90% of the time felt focused on explanations, leaving very little time to take photos. I specifically wanted to take photos when there were fewer people around, but we were constantly told to gather around because the guide needed to continue explaining things.
For example, the tour lasted about 1 hour and 30 minutes, but approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes were spent listening to explanations, leaving only around 10 minutes to take photos. I came to Egypt to see and photograph these incredible historical sites, not to spend almost the entire tour listening to a lecture.
The explanations were also so long that I could not even find a proper opportunity to use the restroom. When we told the guide that we needed to use the bathroom, he told us to wait until after he finished his explanation. Even when someone in our group asked if they could go to the bathroom during the explanation, the guide sarcastically said, “No,” and then followed it with “I’m joking.” When someone genuinely needs to use the restroom, this is not something that should be treated as a joke.
Another thing that really bothered me was the smoking. Almost every time we were being taken somewhere, the guide would walk in front of us while smoking. We had to follow behind him while he was smoking, which was extremely unpleasant and frustrating. As paying guests, I do not think we should have to repeatedly walk behind a smoking guide throughout the tour.
There was also an uncomfortable amount of pressure regarding tips. The guide repeatedly encouraged us to prepare tips for other staff members. I understand that tipping is common in Egypt and that guests may choose to tip when they receive good service, but repeatedly pressuring guests to prepare tips made us feel uncomfortable. Tipping should be a personal choice based on the service received, not something guests feel pressured into doing.
Another issue was that we were taken to places that were not included in the original itinerary. It gave us the impression that the purpose was to take us somewhere where we might be encouraged to purchase products.
Also, some members of our group genuinely had difficulty understanding the Egyptian accent when speaking English. Instead of being patient and helping them understand, the guide made them feel embarrassed for not understanding the English. That kind of attitude is not appropriate toward paying guests.
Again, I respect the guide's passion and knowledge. However, being knowledgeable and passionate does not justify making guests uncomfortable, rushing their photo time, making jokes at their expense, ignoring reasonable requests such as needing to use the restroom, repeatedly smoking while leading the group, or putting pressure on guests regarding tips.
I paid for this tour because I wanted to enjoy Egypt, see the historical sites, take photos, and create good memories. I did not pay to feel rushed, embarrassed, uncomfortable, or pressured throughout the experience.
387khs · sept. 2026 · prin Tripadvisor
Hady was amazing!
The nile river cruise tour is really the best way to see the historical sites while being able to rest and sail along the nile. Hady was such an amazing and knowledgeable guide. His extensive knowledge made us appreciate the sites so much more. We truly enjoyed our time at the archeological sites and learning about egyptian history.
Nightcast · sept. 2026 · prin Tripadvisor
Cairo Cruise- exceptional tour guide
We have done the cruise from Aswan to Luxor, 4 days, 3 nights! it has been a really good experience!! we have had a really good guide, his name is Hady. he was always attending our questions and helping us with everything! if we can back, we ll call him!
full experience has been a pleasure
carlos y ana
N5372WKcarlosg · sept. 2026 · prin Tripadvisor
Epic Bucket List Trip Down the Nile
Our bucket-list trip to Egypt was anchored by this 3 night/4 day guided visually enthralling tour down the Nile from Aswan to Luxor and it was epic! Egypt does everything on a monumental scale including cuisine, hospitality and warm welcoming attitudes towards tourists. Yes, persistent merchants abound, but they were never rude. Monte, our most capable tour Egyptologist was not only a tireless savant and an indispensable source of local knowledge and customs, but he was and will always remain our good friend. Boat was clean and sufficient, though single beds pushed together for couples could be better secured. All staff were gracious and helpful. Buffet meals were surprisingly elevated in taste, excellent chef. Thank you, Monte and thank you Imperial Tours for an amazing trip of a lifetime.
David_B · sept. 2026 · prin Viator
Best way to see the sights
Best way to visit the sites along the Aswan and Luxor area. Taking the cruise allows you to rest properly during the travelling periods, food was good as well.
Mohammed abdo was our great guide for this trip, as a Luxor native he provided us lots of information about the sights so we could appreciate them more.
Note: the hot air balloon was still not available at this time sadly
U5969ASjm · sept. 2026 · prin Tripadvisor
Great Tour
Mohamed from imperial tours was a great tour guide. The tour was very organised and communication was great. Great knowledge about the temples and explained things thoroughly.
jacobmD8628YM · sept. 2026 · prin Tripadvisor
Great experience in Egypt!
My time in Egypt was made fantastic in the latter parts with a great tour with Imperial Egypt Tours. Mohammed Abdo was extremely detailed and knowledgeable, he shared his knowledge and made the tour even more insightful. Fantastic and highly recommended guide!
kahyongt645 · sept. 2026 · prin Tripadvisor
Must Do Nile River Cruise
Hady was an amazing guide, he communicated very well, he was extremely knowledgeable about all the excursions and was very friendly. The staff and the service on the cruise were excellent. Great value for money and a must do tour with Hady!
khailahw · sept. 2026 · prin Tripadvisor
Nike cruise
We had such a wonderful experience on the River Nile Cruise. Our tour guide Hady was exceptional, very knowledge and took the time to explain in detail the history. I would highly recommend
Hady to anyone considering booking a tour. A huge thank you to all the waiters, chefs, kitchen staff, housekeeping staff that made our trip a memorable one.
A big thank you to Hady for organising a surprise cake and entertainment for celebrating our 40 year wedding anniversary, the evening was perfect.
L2771OWrhondam · sept. 2026 · prin Tripadvisor