The right balance between Egyptian history and experiencing life in modern Egypt, between travelling and staying put, with the promised "quality" accommodation. True value for money.
- What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Dawn at Abu Simnel (worth the very early start and the expensive flight)
Seeing the beautiful Aswan Bridge as we set sail at 4am!! This was pure luck, as I awoke with the engines.
A two hour carriage ride around Luxor - not on the itinerary.
- What did you think of your group leader?
Fouad was a fantastic tour guide. He knows so much about the history of his country and managed to sift what he thought we could cope with (there is a real danger of being "templed out" but he kept us going at just the right pace).
He looked after us so well, taking us to good local restaurants and arranging extras (eg the carriage ride, a felucca trip). He was fun to be with and I feel honoured to have spent time with him.
- Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you don't like the heat, go earlier than May. Take it easy and bring lots of lightweight cover-up clothes. I had a parasol and coped with the mickey taking in order to be shaded!
Try the (non alcoholic) Florida cocktails in Aswan and on the cruise boat.
- Is there anything else you would like to add?
This is a fantastic trip (I am an experienced Exodus traveller). The hotels really were good quality (although it might depend on which room you were allocated)
I was a little disappointed that the Nile cruise was over in 24 hours - three nights spent moored at either end, only one day actually sailing. The ime spent actually sailing was a wonderful relaxing experience
Snorkelling in the Red Sea was spoilt in the morning by the crowds - it was easy to lose your tour guide, with constant flippers in your face. In the afternoon we were taken to a more secluded spot and had a wonderful time swimming and jumping from the boat.