Egypt: Alexandria to Aswan

Traveler Reviews

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  David

  November 7th, 2023
  We cancelled our tour with Exodus due to the war between Israel and Hamas. Exodus told us travel was safe to Egypt...
  We cancelled our tour with Exodus due to the war between Israel and Hamas. Exodus told us travel was safe to Egypt and refunded only 40% of the tour cost. While we agree travel to Egypt can be deemed safe TODAY the war continues with increased demonstrations within Egypt. There is every possibility tensions could escalate with little notice and the security situation deteriorate suddenly. This concern was demonstrated October 8 when an Egyptian police officer shot and killed 2 tourists and a guide in Alexandria. My wife and I, along with numerous friends we recruited, have taken 3 previous trips with Exodus. We will no longer recommend Exodus based on their response to our concerns.Show more
  Traveled in November 2023
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  Gary

  April 17th, 2013
  This was such an amasing holiday, and I was lucky enough to meet up with a great group of people and laugh so much on...
  This was such an amasing holiday, and I was lucky enough to meet up with a great group of people and laugh so much on the trip. I think all holidays will have to live up to this trip as I really had so much fun and met a truly fantastic group of fellow travellers that the holiday seemed to last forever. This is also reinforced by the sheer amount of places you see, and modes of transport used; coach, sleeper train, motor boat, sail boat, and horse drawn carriage. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The Feluca boat trip in the evening in Luxor was the most peaceful and inspirational moment of the trip, and several of the group agreed that this was one of the highlights of the trip. Watching the sun set over the Nile does not sound much, but it was so magical and peaceful.But also having lunch with local families was such a great idea; eating home cooked food and bringing tourist money deep into Egyptian society. In fact, the sustainable tourism ethos greatly impressed me as this brings money to the people who don't usually see tourist money, and the tourist is shown a side a Egypt that they would have never seen on a conventional beach holiday. There is so much culture and genuine experiences that I don't think I could go back to a 'holiday resort', where each hotel and country feels like all the others. What did you think of your group leader? Hassan was superb- a thoroughly recommended tour guide. His English was fantastic and his great sense of humour made the trip that much more enjoyable. The knowledge he showed about the sites was exceptional, and as a child he played hide and seek in Karnak temple, which has given him unprecendented insight into the temple and Hieroglyphics. You just cannot buy this kind of background, and this combined with his sense of humour and laid back attitude made the whole experience one to remember. He dealt with some minor health issues in the group quickly and without any fuss, and never tired of explaining about the temples, ancient religion, and Egyptian life. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Just enjoy. Go into the trip with an open mind and the country, people, and experiences will leave one hell of a mark on your memory. I know from the reviews that several people didn't like the overnight sleeper train, but just view it as an experience and you'll enjoy it so much more. All the people on the group said they enjoyed it, and I found it truly added to the diversity of the holiday.The bazaars could be seen as tiresome, but Hassan gave us good advice for the traders and after a short while we all took it with humour in the markets, so just take a laid back approach to the Bazaars and see them with a good sense of humour.See everything that happens as an experience and enjoy every moment as this trip truly shows you so much of Egypt, its culture and people, that it is impossible to think of how a holiday could show you more or be any better or enjoyable than this Egyptian tour. Is there anything else you would like to add? Do not take too much of what the media say about Egypt to heart, as the media love to hype things up. Egypt is safe and one thoroughly enjoyable holiday.We all had such a great time and made so many lasting friendships that this experience has enriched me and made me look forward to the next time I go on holiday with the group.Show more
  Traveled in March 2013
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  Linda

  April 17th, 2013
  This trip really lives up to it's name and lots lots more. We saw so much of what Egypt has to offer and we have...
  This trip really lives up to it's name and lots lots more. We saw so much of what Egypt has to offer and we have brought back many fabulous memories of ancient sites, Egyptian culture and spectacular views. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Sunset on the Nile on a Felucca in Luxor, visiting a local school in Aswan, the colours of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings and the sheer scale of Karnak and Abu Simbel What did you think of your group leader? Hassan made our trip fun, informative he offered a real insight into Egyptian culture. Our group got on very well and much of this was down to Hassan and the way he included everyone.  Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you want to really feel that you have seen Egypt then just do this trip Is there anything else you would like to add? Now is the time to go as tourism is very low. Do not be put off by recent events in Egypt, we felt very safe and welcome.Show more
  Traveled in March 2013
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  Sue

  April 17th, 2013
  This was an amazing trip offering a real insight into Egypt, both past and present. It offered a wonderful mix of...
  This was an amazing trip offering a real insight into Egypt, both past and present. It offered a wonderful mix of sightseeing and relaxation, whilst also giving us the chance to see local people and their way of life. I had an incredible time and would love to return at some point. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I absolutely loved everything from the imposing temples at Abu Simbel and Luxor, bustling Cairo and the Egyptian Museum to eating local food with a Nubian family. However, for me what I enjoyed most was sailing on the River Nile in a felucca with a wonderful group of new friends just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful scenery, watching the water buffalo and the farmers tending their crops. This is just incredible, realising that you are observing a landscape from the past, a way of life that has changed very little and is timeless. The sunsets were also spectacular along the way. What did you think of your group leader? Hassan was just amazing and nothing was too much trouble for him. He was passionate about his country and was extremely knowledgeable about Ancient Egypt and all of the sites.. He was enthusiastic with a great sense of humour; a good combination for a tour guide. We were a small group which allowed us to be very flexible and adaptable and as a result Hassan arranged many additional activities for us, which was wonderful. He also discussed the political situation with us and the downturn in tourism, which is having such a devastating effect on the lives of ordinary people. He was keen to promote ' responsible tourism' and encouraged us to spend our money on local products and local food and to generally spread it around as much as possible. I had a wonderful holiday with a fantastic group and a truly inspiring tour leader. Thankyou Hassan. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? It was exceptionally hot when we went in April, so don't forget suncream and hat etc. I did see a few red and raw backs and legs, which must have been extremely painful. Also don't skimp on the hand gel. We used it a lot and most of us were absolutely fine.The Egyptian people are largely warm and welcoming and even some of the hawkers display a sense of humour- after all they are only trying to do business in a fairly desperate economic situation. A fairly relaxed attitude and a ready smile go a long way, but there were a few occasions when it was rather frenetic, but Hassan was always there looking after us.   Is there anything else you would like to add? I cannot recommend this holiday enough. Egypt at the moment is a safe place and the Media are focussing on a few isolated incidents and dramatising them. Exodus is a reputable company, who has withdrawn the balloon flights after the horrific accident. We even drove through Tahrir Square and felt completely safe. Egypt needs  tourists and they are just not there; you almost have the sites to yourself. Just go and enjoy everything- you won't regret it ! Show more
  Traveled in March 2013
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  Faisal

  December 10th, 2012
  This was a very well thought out trip that had showed the many highlights of Egypt. What was the most inspirational...
  This was a very well thought out trip that had showed the many highlights of Egypt. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The Valley of the Kings was probably one of the most inspirational moments, as I paid extra to see the tomb of Rameses VI - which was just awe-inspiring.  The fact that it was so old yet, the colours were so amazingly vivid and the sheer detail of the paintings.  It far exceeded my expectations! What did you think of your group leader? Fouad was very knowledgable, easy-going and very approachable.  He always did his best to ensure the needs of the group were met. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? This is an amazing trip that lives up to being an Exodus premium holiday.  All the hotels were of a very high standard.  The hotel in Luxor is probably at the top end of five star.  The food, the sights - everything is an adventure, with the luxury of being very well organised and not having to worry about anything other than enjoying the whole experience!Show more
  Traveled in November 2012
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  Peter

  October 28th, 2012
  A really enjoyable well paced holiday with a knowledageable guide. A good mix between tourist sites and local flavour...
  A really enjoyable well paced holiday with a knowledageable guide. A good mix between tourist sites and local flavour with Kahed taking us to some "local" eating places!. If you are expecting Europe 5 star then prepare tp be disappointed but on the whole the hotels were good especially the Luxor Jollie resort. The Nile cruise was a bit of a let down as we spent it moored in Aswan on Day 1 about 800 yards from our better hotel room we just left!. The rooms on the boat were not 5 star but it was still enjoyable once we got moving. Fantastic sights sounds and smells throughout teh trip made the better as tourism has not returned to 2010 levels. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? It has to be the optional Balloon ride, but you have to be up early , we left at 04:30!!. Well worth it though, also Abu Symbol we flew which is much more expensive but again much easier than 3 hrs on a coach.Other sites , the tombs, Karnak, etc all breath taking.  What did you think of your group leader? Khaled took some time to warm up but had a great sense of humor and really knew his history, great host when he took us out at night. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Have an open mind, dont read loads of guide books as there is more in Egypt than you can possibly fit into this trip so you might feel that you missed things, but let the guide take you to teh highligts and trust. Is there anything else you would like to add? Get used to being approached in the Valley of the Vendors and practice your not interested face.Show more
  Traveled in September 2012
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  Joanna

  June 12th, 2012
  This was a last minute holiday choice which we thought might just suit us as it would allow us to travel around in a...
  This was a last minute holiday choice which we thought might just suit us as it would allow us to travel around in a country we'd never explored and learn more about Egyptian history and culture. It felt like a bit of a risk as we've never travelled with Exodus before but it completely exceeded our expectations! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The Dahshur pyramids were awe inspiring.  It was really special to explore inside and to see pyramids in such unspoilt surroundings.  Best of all, we had them all to ourselves with not another soul in sight!(the 'pyramid legs' stayed with us for several days afterwards though!) What did you think of your group leader? Fouad really knew his egyptology, and had a genuine and infectious enthusiasm which didn't wane despite our constant deluge of questions.  He definitely helped us get far more out of all the historic sites than would have been possible travelling independently.Fouad was good at timing visits as far as possible to allow us to have a more excusive experience, not surrounded by other tourists. Most important of all, he was great company! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared for the HEAT (or go earlier in the season!), but definitely make sure you have clothes suitable to respect the muslim culture and allow you to cover up.  Pack as light as you can as this trip travels around a lot, but make sure your bag is big enough to hold everything you'll undoubtedly buy!There is a LOT of hassle from stall holders and general salesmen everywhere you go, so take notes during your initial briefing so you know how to say 'no' politely (and sometimes not so politely).  But there are some lovely things to buy if you're prepared to haggle and banter and generally get into the swing of Egyptian commerce!If you can, take the opportunity to visit the Habiba galleries in Luxor (close to the alabaster factories) or Karnak (beside the perfumery visited during this tour) - this is a fair trade enterprise which employs women and ensures a fair price to all the craftspeople they buy direct from. It's refreshing to walk uninterrupted around the shop and be able to pick up and feel fabrics etc without being hassled, and their haggle-free prices are generally lower than you'll manage even with the strongest of haggling in the markets. Is there anything else you would like to add? Exodus go to huge lengths to look after you every step of the way, but without the tour feeling at all regimented.  There is plenty of flexibility and plenty of time to chill out or enjoy lively conversation with your fellow travellers.This tour is really well thought out, taking you through the history of the country chronologically (although it would have been useful to get a bit more explanation of this at the beginning), and you really get to see the country because of all the different modes of transport. Despite the warnings that the sleeper train might be a bit basic, I would describe it as superior to the Caledonian Sleeper I take from Scotland to London! The star rating of the boat doesn't correspond with the star ratings we're used to in the UK, but it was good clean basic accommodation and the food on board was excellent. Travelling by boat was a brilliant way to view all the bird life on the Nile, and see the farming practices along the banks - we regretted skimping on our packing and leaving out the binoculars.There were just 10 in our group, which we felt was the perfect number as we could travel more freely in our small minibus and could get on the move quickly with so few people so we could take advantage of the cooler early morning temperatures before the hoards arrived in their big coaches. It also meant that Fouad could take us to smaller cafes so we felt we were getting more authentic Egyptian food than would be possible in a larger group which would be restricted to bigger, more tourist orientated eateries.We will definitely consider travelling with Exodus again and would definitely recommend this tour.Show more
  Traveled in May 2012
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  Dave

  June 10th, 2012
  My father advised me to book a trip that I'd never forget. I never would have imagined the impact this trip would...
  My father advised me to book a trip that I'd never forget. I never would have imagined the impact this trip would have on me until I was standing in the midst the Gods and Pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Each activity and each day was truly breath-taking in its own right. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The entire experience was absolutely first-rate and I'd have to say, for me, that the optional trips to Abu Simbel and to Dandara and Abydos were the real highlights for me.  I was in awe of the scope of the temples at Abu Simbel and astounded that these were not constructed, per se, but actually cut from solid rock.  Although not massive in scope, these temples are astoundingly beautiful and are well worth the trip from Aswan.  In stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Abu Simbel, we visited the nearly-deserted sites of Dandara and Abydos on my birthday.  I was so taken by the quality of the paint at Dandara, which has recently been cleaned in several areas to reveal its original splendor.  Both temples are spectacular and having them to ourselves was a real treat as a photographer and someone interested in the mythology of ancient Egypt.  It was a real treat to explore without being hassled by the locals and without other tour groups getting into my photos.  Not to mention being allowed into the catacombs; a real treat! What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader, Fouad, had encyclopaedic knowledge of all things Egyptian and went out of his way to make our holiday the absolute best that it could have been.  He was intuitive and flexible and never once said no to any request.  He ensured that if we needed anything, we had it.  He translated for us when necessary and, when they became too aggressive, he kept the locals at bay.  He was also tremendously thoughtful.  On the evening prior to my birthday - our last night on the cruise ship - Fouad arranged for the kitchen staff to make me a birthday cake.  I was so touched that he would go out of his way to make my birthday so special. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you have a desire to go to Egypt, don't hesitate!  You will LOVE it as I did.  And, when you go, prepare yourself for a certain degree of culture shock if you are not accustomed to non-western cultures.  I had friends tell me how persistent Egyptians can be in trying to sell you trinkets (most of which aren't worth more than one tenth of what they'll ask for them), trying to give you carriage rides and camel rides, trying to open doors or help you cross a street or emile at you... all in hopes - no, expectation - that you'll give them money.  I was unprepared for this as someone who has traveled mainly to more developed nations where poverty is not so prevalent.  And please remember, these are desperate people.  Although I was put off by their persistence I had to keep in mind how hard I would push people, too, if my family's livelihood depended on it. I'll leave you with 2 pieces of advice:  1) Nothing is free in Egypt.  NOTHING.  Not even the gifts and the smiles.  Not even a business card.  If somebody tells you something is free, it will cost you in the end.2) Don't trust what Egyptians tell you when there's money or potential business involved.  Horse and carriage drivers will tell you anything to get you into their carriages and will - both literally and figuratively - take you for a ride.  Merchants will tell you anything to get you into their stores and will lock the door until you buy something (or in my case actually break out).  Children will tell you ANYTHING to get money off you and they are VERY adept at knowhing what to say to travellers from everywhere!  One even told me he loved Canada because his father had lived in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  He gave me a gift of some post cards.  When he got close enough to me, he stole 50LE from me. Trust your guide and do as he says and you'll have a great holiday! Is there anything else you would like to add? Egypt has so many contrasts.  For a country so rich in history and antiquities I found the poverty striking.  For a country so steeped in its religions (Islam and Coptic Christian) it has strikingly few rules (or at least a striking lack of enforcement).  People do what they must to get by and nobody seems to care.  I do hope that with the new government that will take shape, soon, they find their compass and get theri economy on track.Also, FYI, our guide took us to 4 "special" souvenir places during our trip: A papyrus institute, an oriental rug making school, a perfumery and an alabaster carving workshop.  The wares at all these places were stunningly beautiful: second to none.  The prices were also tremendously inflated over the prices you might pay at one of the many fair trade shops that are popping up around Egypt.These places cater to tour groups.  They put on demonstrations (which were quite good) give you drinks for cheap or even free, give you the complete history of the art and then allow you to browse and buy with (relatively) little pressure.  Bargaining is expected but, even at the agreed upon prices, you'll still pay twice for these things that you might in a fair trade shop because these places give kickbacks to your guides, your drivers and everyone involved.  The artists make relatively little compared to the final sale value because, with such an operation and a structure of so many kickbacks, they have to price things high in order to maintain their business.I bought 2 Papyrus paintings for which the institute wanted just over $1000 US.  We finally settled on $400 US plus 3% for the credit card transaction fee.  I could never in a thousand years have obtained these in Canada or the USA for even close to that little money but for Egypt that was a lot.  I was looking at alabaster vases at the alabaster workshop, too, but they would not dip below $60 for the one I wanted and I wasn't willing to spend more than $40.  Upon visiting a fair-trade shop in Luxor I noticed she had similar but larger alabaster vases.  She was selling them for a fixed price of $25 US with the majority of the profit going to the artists.  I asked her about my papyrus paintings and she said she could probably have obtained them for me for $300 or less ith her connections. I don't mind paying a premium for beautiful things - and everything I bought was exquisite - but not at the expense of artisans.  I know these institutes and workshops provide excellent quality goods - in some cases recognized by their department of arts and culture - and that they have to charge more to maintain their business model but I would far rather see the majority of my cash going to artists and not to my tour guide and my driver who I'm already going to tip at the end of a trip.  A friend and I ducked out of the perfume demonstration and sales pitch because we saw a fair trade shop next door and we went in there.  Our guide spoke with us after about how disappointed he was that we didn't attend the demonstration on how perfume is made - the Egyptian way - and that we should stay with the group for those events. He went on to say how important it is to support these local places and the economy.  Fair enough but we bought a LOT from this shop and would have bought nothing from the perfumery.  I can only guess he gets a set amount for each tourist he brings in and, although I understand his motivation, I don't like wasting my time so someone else can get paid.  If I did I'd be looking for time-share condos :)  If this concerns you, too, look for fixed-price shops like the Habiba Galleries in Luxor and Karnak (http://www.habibagallery.com/index.php) that buy directly from the artists and crafts-people and who support women in the workplace.  All the major guide books will give you great ideas on where to find other fair trade shops too.  I even met some of the women who sewed the textiles I bought because the owner hired them to work in her store as sales people!  It was truly wonderful.Show more
  Traveled in May 2012
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  Sara

  March 1st, 2012
  A great mix of classic sightseeing and gentle relaxation. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?...
  A great mix of classic sightseeing and gentle relaxation. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Standing at Philae Temple at night, just before the (kitsch-but-fun) sound & light show started. So much history, so much atmosphere in that one stone plaza... What did you think of your group leader? Sayeed was unfailingly cheerful and extremely knowledgeable. He not only gave us masses of information about the historical sights we were seeing, but also discussed the Arab Spring, the current elections process, the impact of Islam on the drafting of the new Constitution - for an international politics and history graduate like me, this was very, very interesting and a perspective I wasn't expecting to get. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be aware that Egypt in January is cold. You will need more than one warm sweater and fleece! Is there anything else you would like to add? Great taster trip, can't wait to go back!Show more
  Traveled in February 2012
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  Simon

  July 4th, 2011
  Fantastic holiday in all respects - an excellent itinerary to some breathtaking sights, nice mix of optional extras...
  Fantastic holiday in all respects - an excellent itinerary to some breathtaking sights, nice mix of optional extras and the right amount of time to relax and enjoy a holiday.Guide (Sayeed) was brilliant, knowledgeable and entertaining and very flexible. Its a good time to see Eygpt as tourism is at an all time low; only myself and partner and 2 others making up our tour and very quiet at most of the places we visited; we went inside the great pyramid and it was just the 4 of us in there! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The day visiting Pyramids is one of the highlights, especially as it was so quiet there where no coachloads pushing there way around. In Saqaara we had the Stepped, Bent and Red Pyramids all to ourselves, which meant exploring insde them wasnt a squashed or claustrophobic experience as some people have encountered.Also Valley of the Kings was an far better than expected, I think it doesnt have the same profile as the Pyramids but inside the tombs are fantastic and unlike their name suggests - they are large and wide, high ceilinged with long corridors and all carved and painted in great detail. What did you think of your group leader? We where very lucky with Sayeed who was excellent. Because of the size of our group he was able to be very flexible and adapt trips and visits to get the most out of them, such as being able to see temples at sunrise and sunset, avoiding the stifling midday heat and seeing things when the light really compliments the scenery (Luxor Temple is fantastic around sunset). Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Its well worth visiting the tomb or Tutankamun AFTER you have seen some of the larger tombs, it really puts into perspective that although it was the richest treasure found, as it was undistrubed, its fascinating to see what a small and modest tomb this would have been for such a minor Pharoah - it will make you imagine what a "big" tomb would have been filled with! Is there anything else you would like to add? A great itinerary and a great guide really made this holiday... now is definately the time to visit Egypt, before the crowds return in full force. The full day of snokelling at El Gouna is not to be missed, if you can, see if you can get out for a half day as well as soon as you arrive, the beach there is OK but there are lots of trips out to some amazing reefs.Show more
  Traveled in June 2011