How was your Explore Tour Leader?

"Taso was superb - was flexible and changed the programme a couple of times to make it work better ( visit to Miadumn? pyramid on was to El Minya).
Egyptologist  - Mustaffa - excellent.  Pitched his talk at one level, then would just keep going deeper and deeper depending on our respsonses / knowledge."

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

"Do it whilst Egypt is quiet of tourists - double edged comment I know - but I never felt in danger.
To be the only people at Beni Hassan and Armana was incredible
To be one of two groups at the wokers tombs was a greater privilage
Egypt needs groups  - as do the guides."

Do you have anything else to add?

"Hotel at el minya was not your usual standard at all
Wires hanging out of light sockets, and a manual water heater that put you in fear of your life! There are better hotels in the town - Horus for one and Cleopatra another."

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

 

Both Taso, the Tour Leader and Mostafa, the guest lecturer were first class, making us feel very welcome, handling the tour admin seamlessly and educating us about their country's glorious past and highly-topical present.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

 

 

Firstly, don't worry about the current negative publicity over Egypt. Any trouble is far away from the Nile Valley and we never felt remotely threatened during the tour. Indeed, the majority of Egyptians were polite and hospitable and, while the pressure from street traders was mildly irksome at times, I have encountered worse elsewhere. The country is much in need of tourist income right now, so you can feel you're making a positive difference by going.

 

 

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

"Both Tarik & Mustapha went out of their way to ensure every member of the group had a great time. Mustapha,the Guest Lecturer,explained each sight & its meaning within the history of Pharaonic Egypt, By the end of the tour we could all read hieroglyphs!
He also gave talks about the political & social changes in Egypt & of the role of Islam in Egypt."

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Drink plenty of water, take a good pair of sunglasses & a decent hat. I would recommend : The Rise & Fall Of Ancient Egypt By Toby Wilikinson , for a bit of background reading before you go.

Do you have anything else to add?

I did the following excursions , which I enjoyed : The Workers Tomb & Habu Temple & Philae Temple . The balloon ride was OK , expensive for 30 mins.

The trip highlights for me was seeing the lesser but even more important pyramids at Saqqara and Dashur, plus the Kom Ombo Temple complex.    I was amazed how interesting the less famous sights are, amazing history all explained in perfect details by the walking Historian know as Mustafa, have never before experienced anyone with such enthusiasm, knowledge and pride than Mustafa, his nation should be proud of him.    The only downside of the trip was the Quality of cruise ship which unfortunately was sub standard in my view. If the same ship is being used for future trips, don't expect too much. (SNV - 10th November 2010)

I wanted an Adventure of a Lifetime, which it certainly was! Our Guide Mohammed Attar and Archeologist Mustapha were extremely knowledgable and helpful and made us feel very special. My friend, Lesley had mobility problems and they ensuredthat she knew the difficulties involved for every challenge so as she could do as much as possible without being in danger. The group of 22 people gelled and were an amazing mix. We all helped and encouraged each other in a very challenging programme. I will never forget my descent into a tomb on belly and crawling over planks across a pit to reach the sarcophagus. I had stuffed by torch and camers case down my blouse and went in 34B and caused much laughter when I emerged 40FF! A real miracle. Thankyou all for such a marvellous visit to Egypt, Past and Present. (SNV- 11th November 2009)