Egyptology

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

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  Helen Stokes

  EGYPTOLOGY

  

  Written October 2010

  I've wanted to visit Egypt and see the pyramids, temples and tombs since I was a child reading the Usborne history of ancient Egypt and I was not disappointed. I loved the country, the sights, the people and the food and I have many amazing memories and photos. I would like to go back and see the Egyptian desert, Sinai and Alexandria but this trip encompassed just about everything I had always dreamed of seeing - fantastic 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  I thought Dendara - which we visited as part of an optional excursion which I highly recommend - was absolutely beautiful and the ceilings that were being restored were stunning. It was a really special place to visit.

  I also loved the hypostle hall at Karnak temple - beautiful

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Ahmed was extremely knowledgeable and always happy to take the time to talk to us about present day Egypt as well as the history of the country. He was also very patient with everyone taking one last photo!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Definitely take some toilet roll and some sanitising hand gel - both were invaluable as often when you are out visiting a site, the toilet facilities can be a bit basic. And hoard your small change for visiting the toilet as you'll need to pay one Egyptian pound!

  I was worried about tummy upsets but did not really suffer in the end, although the heat did get to me on one day and it is really important to drink lots of water and take it easier than you might usually.

  Also, try not to take the constant hassle too much to heart - it's almost like a game for the Egyptians so try and remember you're on holiday and play along with them.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  If anyone is thinking of going to Egypt - this trip is an amazing way to see a lot of the country and its history.

   
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  Sheila Hardiman

  EGYPTOLOGY

  

  Written October 2010

  I've wanted to visit the Land of the Pharoahs since I was about 14 and was so excited when it became a reality almost 50 years later! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Hard to say, as all the archaeology is incredibly interesting and the dedication to its preservation is outstanding.  I definitely welled up as we came into land at Cairo and I could see the pyramids from the air!  Probably descending into a small pyramid at Saqqara, the tomb decorations of the nobleman's tomb we visited there, the tombs at the Valley of the Kings and the temple of Hathor at Dendera, where the project to clean the decoration is incredible, and the temple at Edfu, which we saw at dusk are my outstanding memories.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Ahmed was an organised and helpful leader, who looked after us well and gave helpful advice about avoiding problems in the heat and change of diet.  He also was happy to answer many questions about modern day Egypt and gave us an opportunity one afternoon to ask about many topics.  He obviously loved his country and its history, but I was a little disappointed occasionally at the sites as he didn't always come across as an Egyptologist. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Make sure you have toilet roll if you have a tummy upset as the attendants at toilets are very stingy with what they hand out!  Stock up on the pound coins too, as you have to pay everywhere.   It's a good idea to try to pack a change of clothes and washing stuff in a separate bag for the sleeper train as the cabins are small and rummaging in a case is difficult.

  There were several days when getting lunch at a normal time was quite difficult, so you might want to stock up on biscuits when you have a chance.  All the mini buses we used were equipped with a fridge stocked with bottled water, so fluid is not a problem.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The sleeper train is definitely an adventure!  The food on it was pretty dreadful, but we had the opportunity on both days to eat a meal before boarding it, so fill up then!  Breakfast was simple but more or less edible.  The hotels were fine, comfortable and with a range of eating options.  Cairo we had to eat in the hotel really since it was too far out of town.  Aswan had a courtesy shuttle, so it was easy to get out to eat.  In Luxor we stayed in the Iberotel, which was not so good.  Service generally seemed a bit lackadaisical, somewhat slow in the restaurants and the bar, and I found it very odd that Reception wouldn't provide a second key card for the rooms.  The cruise boat was without doubt the best, although due to restrictions on the Nile it's a bit odd to be on it 3 nights, when actually travel time on the river is only a day!

  A wonderful trip!

   
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  Abbi Hardiman

  So much more than just pyramids!

  

  Written October 2010

  An amazing way to experience the archaeological highlights of Egypt and to see more than just the tourist hotspots.  I knew very little about the country's history before I went and have learnt a huge amount, both about the pharaohs as well as modern Egypt.  It is a beautiful country and a trip well worth it for anyone who likes to see the world rather than just get some sun! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Seeing the Pyramids at Giza from the air as we came into land at Cairo; I wasn't expecting that!  Hathor's temple at Dendara; the colours on the pillars are stunning.  The visit to Edfu temple; we got there late afternoon and so were there as the sun set - it was very atmospheric.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  I really like Ahmed and felt that he told us a lot about the particular period of history relevant to the site we were visiting, however as mentioned, I knew very little before I went!  I can understand how some of the other travellers who had been reading about the pharaohs since childhood may have wanted more information.  I very much enjoyed his talk about modern Egypt, and found his opinions refreshing.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  1. Don't bother with travellers cheques!  Take plenty of cash, preferably Egyptian pounds or dollars, although you can change sterling here and there

  2. Lunch breaks weren't very well scheduled so try to have some snacks with you.  Water is readily available on the buses - when we were there the temperature was mid-forties, so drink at least 2 litres of water a day

  3. The sleeper train really is not that great, the food especially, but just take it as part of the experience and you'll be fine!

  4. Abu Simbel was well worth a visit, and definitely by air if you're happy to afford it

  5. You can leave things on the bus most of the time, so you might want to take a small bag to put a purse, camera and sun cream in.  I had a small back pack which I barely used and could have done with a little bag

  6. Bring hand sanitiser, immodium, rehydration sachets and keep plenty of Egyptian coins for the toilets!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This was really my mum's "trip" and so I hadn't really given it too much thought before we went but I really enjoyed myself.  One of things that I really appreciated was that we were almost the only people at many of the sites we visited and so I could really absorb the atmosphere.  It's very difficult to say which site was the most beautiful and I found the shere enormity of the structures mind-boggling!  A super trip and I shall definitely be recommending Exodus to others!

   
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  Narguesse Stevens

  EGYPTOLOGY

  

  Written March 2010

  Perfectlly and accurately described in the online brochure - a great trip for those really interested in an in-depth trip to explore the history of ancient Egypt 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Standing on the island of Kom Obmo, that magnificent temple on an isolated island - we had the small island to ourselves.    The trip out to Abu Simbel is another unforgettable sight

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Mohammed Al-Gournemy ("Call me Alex") was a most inspiring and amusing and knowledgeable Egyptologist, who spoke excellent English, adores his subject and his country, and always went that extra mile to ensure our group experienced Egypt at its best.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be prepared in Egypt to be constantly amazed and inspired, and be prepared to eat well! The only slight downside is the constant harrassment by shopkeepers and bazaar stallholders, ceaselessly imploring you to look at their goods and buy them "at a good price for you, lady"  !

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The Egyptology trip is so well organised, with planes and boats and trains giving you an excellent idea of all that Egypt has to offer, seeing sights beyond even what was in the brochure.  the Egyptians are hospitable and warm, and very humourous.  Our 3-day cruise on the Mirage 1 was just fabulous, relaxing and we were so well fed.  The entire trip was simply marvellous.

   
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  Clark Mavis

  EGYPTOLOGY

  

  Written January 2009

  What an amazing time we all had, so many places & sights to see & the amazing traffic in Cairo, where I saw two men on a scooter leading a camel through the rush hour traffic!! (which lasts all day) 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Seeing the pyramids for the first time & being able to go inside it , the immense size of them.  Also the size of the sphinx.  Turning the corner & seeing Abu Simbel for the first time was amazing & well worth the extra money to see it.  Also the drawings & amazing colours in the tomb of the workmen's village, there are just too many places to mention you will just have to go & see for your self!!!!

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Mohammed/Alex was an amazing fellow.  He certainly made the places we went to come alive with the story's he was able to tell about the carvings.  As a person who didn't know anything about Egyptian history he made it very interesting for a novice, I certainly wouldn't have seen a lot of the interesting things without him.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take plenty of wet wipes & antiseptic hand gel, as you handle lots of railings & rocks thousands of other people have touched before. Should help prevent any nasty upsets. I managed to escape them all.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  You will need a lot more money than what is suggested, as almost every evening you have to eat in the hotel, so that puts the price up, plus all the hidden extra's for the trips.

   
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  Patricia Carter

  EGYPTOLOGY

  

  Written April 2008

  It was everything we hoped for... and so much more! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Seeing the Tutankhamen mask in the Cairo Museum. It is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen, and strangely moving too.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Luca was lovely. He worked so hard making sure that everything ran smoothly and that we had the time and opportunities to go everywhere and see everything.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Make sure you take plenty of hand cleaner, loo paper and high factor suncream. Bear in mind that sleep is optional!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Enjoy. Be prepared to work hard to get everything in. There are several really early starts (3.30 departure for Abu Simbel...) so sleeep deprivation is a very real possiblity. But it is worth every minute of it.

   
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  Jill Davey

  EGYPTOLOGY

  

  Written April 2008

  Everything you ever wanted to know about ancient Egypt's tombs, temples and pyramids, plus the comfort of 5* hotels and a Nile cruise.   

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings

  Visiting the less well-known pyramids at Dashor and Maidom where we were the only visitors - such a contrast to the other sites

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Excellent, very knowledgable, friendly and professional

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  The overnight trains were much better than expected - two-berth cabins with wash basin, and the toilets were very clean.  Can't recommend the meals though.

  Be prepared to be flexible about the itinerary and timings - we only had one day cruising on the Nile, the second day the boat was tied up in Luxor.  Additional trips were arranged but it wasn't quite the same.

  The amount suggested for additional meals wasn't enough - we spent considerably more as we were eating in the hotels most of the time.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The hotels were excellent, but very large and a bit impersonal.  We prefer the usual Exodus style of smaller locally owned hotels.

  It would have been nice to have the usual list of fellow travellers.  Everyone could be asked when booking whether they agree for their details to be released.

   

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