Joan Bell review 26 Aug 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
On our last night we tried to think of our best 60 seconds. These included: the first view of the pyramids from the plane; the camel ride; visiting Tutankamun's treasure in Cairo then his tomb in the Valley of the Kings; Karnak Temple for the sheer scale and size; bargaining in the souks on visits arranged by our guide; meeting people from different cultures and gaining a greater understanding their beliefs. And most importantly our fellow travellers who made our holiday so enjoyable, and our guide who had such a depth of knowledge and sense of fun that he made history come alive for us.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't be put off by the high temperatures in summer, the heat is dry and bearable. Keep up your liquid intake, its easy to get dehydrated. Take lots of Imodium with you, you will probably need it! Local remedies work well too. Keep a sense of humour. Remember everyone is just trying to make a living. Adel our guide told us to "ignore politely" and we didn't feel hassled.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Using the overnight train was an excellent alternative to flying to Aswan from Cairo. Travelling by felucca must be environmentally friendly! All guides and Egyptologists were local people. The meals were provided in a village by local people who I assume were well paid. We used the toilets in another village and again I assume there was a generous contribution for this. We visited a school and the children received gifts from the travellers, and hopefully enjoyed teaching us some Arabic as well as playing football with us
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was a brilliant holiday for myself and my teenage sons. All of us have rekindled an interest in Egyptian history. There was lots to do and see, in fact never a dull moment. I have already recommended the company to friends and family.
Kathleen McCormick review 25 Apr 2009
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
All of it! I can't think of anything I would have changed. But if I have to pick a highlight, it would be the flight to Abu Simbel and being there at sunrise, before the crowds. It was magical. And sailing on the felucca was wonderful, and just hanging out at the Nubian house that evening, sipping tea and chatting under the stars, having a henna tattoo, was just wonderful.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't worry about the food, anything in a restaurant recommended by your guide or in the hotel will be fine. A pocket torch was useful for inside some of the tombs and also in the evening when the felucca was moored up. Keep some tissues or toilet paper in your pocket - there usually is some (although generally you need to tip to get it, so save up your one pound coins/notes) but once in a while it isn't there when you need it! Go ahead and book the optional extras, like Abu Simbel and the balloon flight.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, I think it did. We arranged a visit to the orphanage that is supported by the tour company and could see the benefits there, and we could see that local people were employed as guides, felucca captains, etc. As far as impacts on the environment, I think it must be really difficult for Egypt to balance the benefits of tourism to the economy with the damage done to the environment and ancient monuments. The train was a good choice and the felucca, but these must be well outweighed by the two internal flights, the hotels, swimming pools, mini buses, etc.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was terrific, mostly thanks to a wonderful guide called Adel who was the perfect combination of knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.
