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...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

• 

  Elizabeth McClelland

  EGYPTOLOGY

  

  Written March 2013

  I did not plan the holiday. Others did that for me. My experience with the Egyptology tour was almost totally positive. I had a very clear sense that we were privileged to have such an intimate and intensive experience of Egypt, its history and culture. I was overwhelmed by the beauty of what we saw. I feel that we were particularly fortunate in that we never felt in danger or exposed, as people had warned us we might be. We were challenged and excited, at times even confronted.  

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The workers' tombs near Luxor. Kalapsha at Aswan.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Or group leader was, above all, knowledgeable. He was also entertaining, tolerant, accepting and responsive. Whatever he may have thought of us and our questions, he was unfailingly courteous. We felt comfortable with him, almost like a group of favoured students with their trusted teacher. He even laughed at our jokes.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Don't go to Egypt expecting anything but courtesy. Be prepared for the aggressive sales tactics of the "souvenir sellers." Do not attempt trio travel without a guide and a driver.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  We were enrolled for Egyptology. I am sure there is a shoppers' tour. I wouldn't want to be on that. Even so, there were times at which I longed for a time to wander, to stroll, to absorb. (E.g. A trip around Luxor and environs in a horse carriage which I am sure has a name, but I've forgotten, was excellent.) Travel is about all sorts of things, not least the contemporary world. Sometimes i was so overwhelmed by the splendours of it all that i was exhausted. I can imagine that some might complain that there was too much of what I am requesting. You can't please all the people al the time. Perhaps a few more optional activities might answer. We loved our trip. Thank you.

   
• 

  Manda Bettle

  EGYPTOLOGY

  

  Written April 2012

  A fantastic experience, so well organised, educational and fun! 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Visiting so many temples and tombs was truly awe inspiring, you could simply feel the history and the dedication that went in to all the carving and painting. 

  The hustle and bustle of Cairo contrasted perfectly with the beautiful scenery of Aswan and the holiday atmosphere of Luxor.  Tourists are made to feel so welcome, the locals are rightly proud of their country's magnificent history.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our guide Fouad was brilliant, very knowledgeable and gave us a real insight into the history and culture of ancient (and modern) Egypt, with a bit of fun thrown in.  He made sure we were safe and looked after everything, we just had to turn up at the appointed times and enjoy our trip.  He even arranged evening meals at authentic local restaurants (plus the Kings Head pub in Luxor!) for those who wanted to go out.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  I was worried by all the stories of ill health you hear about Egypt but no-one in our group of 9 was ill, most of us followed usual advice (don't drink the water, no salad or fruit unless peeled, use hand gel) and I think it helped that our guide had the local knowledge to take us to the right sort of restaurants.

  The armed tourist police and armed hotel security men in Cairo seem alarming at first but you soon get used to it.  Cairo and Giza are not places you should walk round without a guide, especially women.

  The overnight train is an experience - beds OK, but dodgy loos, club car from the 1960's full of smoke but with no alcohol, and evening meal pretty inedible so take your own food (though breakfast OK).  But train was on time both journeys, which is a nice change from my local trains. 

  Late March seemed the perfect time to go, weather wise.  And follow your guide's advice for getting rid of salesmen!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This trip has been well thought out - your time is used very wisely to see as much as possible of Egypt yet you still have some opportunity for relaxing and a bit of exploring on your own.  The hotels and the cruise ship are luxury standard, there is no roughing it on this trip except for the overnight trains.

  None of the hotels or the ship were busy, and tourist sights weren't packed which I understand was the case before the revolution, so it was a great opportunity to see everything.  Hopefully for the locals the tourist trade will pick up.  

   
• 

  Sybil Johnson

  EGYPTOLOGY

  

  Written February 2012

  Incredible trip, sights, sounds and words of guide still buzzing around my head. Guide/Egyptologist Sayed Mansour was brilliant - must be the best in Egypt - so knowledgable, lovely sense of humour, gave us time to explore on our own around temples. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Going inside several pyramids

  The reliefs and their colours - some still so vivid after thousands of years

  Seeing Abu Simbel from the air

  What did you think of your group leader?

  See above - like being on holiday with a dear friend - everyone going to Egypt should have Sayed as a guide - he should win awards.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Do go to Egypt, follow advice of your guide, take care with what you eat but don't let it spoil your trip, don't drink tap water (treat or buy bottled, former preferably as more environmentally friendly), seriously consider the optional tours - places like Abydos and Dendara are incredible, and Sight and Sound is informative and enjoyable.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Excellent value for money.

   
• 

  Harvey Allen

  EGYPTOLOGY

  

  Written November 2011

  This was our fourth visit to Egypt.  We had done a similar tour twenty years ago and it was good to update our experiences with such a knowledgable guide. The train journeys were necessary I suppose but not a delight.In summary was a thoroughly enjoyable trip with good company and good hotels.   

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The balloon flight over the West Bank at Luxor gave us a fresh insight into the archaeological excavations that have been done, that are being done, and that have as yet to be done.  We could see the mounds of contours still to be excavated.  We were also impressed by the workmen's tombs that have been opened up there in recent years.

  Aswan is always a joy and it was good to explore the islands by felucca. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Sayed Mansour was extremely well informed, sympathetic to the group's needs and kept us fully up to date with the political situation in the country.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Go now while there are fewer tourists and the country needs our tourism.  The ethical tourism practised by Exodus is particularly relevant in such a situation.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  However the excursion to Fayyoum was unnecessary and a disappointing end to the tour, even though it was good to see the Maydom pyramids on the way.

   
• 

  Joseph Bulat

  EGYPTOLOGY

  

  Written November 2011

  So much to see, so little time to see it all!  

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Where do you start! If you love ancient temples of any description then for me Karnak, Luxor and Abu Simbel stand out, but so do the great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, Saqqara and the Bent Pyramid. Ultimately, Egypt is the gift of the Nile and I found my inspirational moment approaching Luxor in the late afternoon on our river boat. The lush green of the the islands and banks of the Nile contrasted beautifully with the rose tinted western hills and clear blue sky. A unique magical landscape indeed. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Sayeed was always helpful, efficient and very informative without flooding us with facts and figures. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  With all the much publicised political instability there are only one third of the usual number tourists. However, as a tourist the only problem I encountered was traffic chaos in Cairo. So go and enjoy the sites without the crowds! Be prepared to be pestered for tips. I found the sleeper train a bit of a misnomer. It's comfortable enough but I found it difficult to sleep with the constant vibration, a sleeping pill might be an idea.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Do it!

   
• 

  rachel nockels

  EGYPTOLOGY

  

  Written October 2011

  This is a great trip, which visits sites that not many tourists usually see. The train to Aswan and back to Cairo was a little uncomfortable, with hard beds but the sites visited more than made up for this 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Visiting Abu Simbel and going inside a pyramid

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Khaled was so passionate about everything to do with Egypt, from the sites to the recent troubles. He gave clear explainations and made everything interesting.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take small coins for the bathrooms.  Go to the Luxor and Mummification museums, these may be small but have some amazing things to see.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Egypt is a great country but be aware of the people always trying to sell you things, everywhere you go

   
• 

  Victor Pucknell

  EGYPTOLOGY

  

  Written June 2011

    Exceptional!!   As a result of the recent problems in Egypt our group was very small (5) and most of the tourist sites were empty. The Great Pyramid to ourselfs!! No crowds in the Valley of the Kings. The cruise boat had only 11 tourists in total -  way outnumbered by crew. Similarly at the hotels so we probably got much better rooms than normally.  So all in all very good for us but of course but you cannot but feel for the locals. Hope business picks up again soon.   Our guide Fouad was very good indeed.    To anyone undecided go as soon as possible before the crowds return - you will not regret it. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  
  
     Tombs at the Valley of the Kings also temple at Dendara.  I went to Egypt around 1988 but do not recall the colours on the walls and ceilings being so vivid after 4000 years.
     The journeys by train were an experience. Actually for sleeping a lot more comfortable than at first glance.
     Because of lack of tourists there was no queue for the adventure into the Great Pyramid (and others which were open). Not much to see at the end of the climb but certainly an experience.

   Wandering around the sites with only a handful of other tourists was clearly something which doesn't happen often. The Sound and Light show at Philae Island was a private showing - noone else turned up.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  
  
     As I have mentioned Fauad was exceptional. Having such a small group who all got on well helped. He was able to arrange a lot of additional activities. Also took us out in the evenings when possible to local restaurants (lamb was fantastic) and walking tours around the markets.
  
    Had a very good knowledge of his subject and explained to us the main points of interest and significance of each site. He very quickly got the split between talking and allowing us to explore on our own just right.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  As I have mentioned.  If thinking about Egypt go as soon as possible before the crowds return.

   

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  
  
  
   I have not uploaded photographs to the Exodus site since there are 800 and total size would be around 7GB. However all can  be seen at http://npg.dl.ac.uk/nf/Gallery-Egypt_May11/index.htm

   

1 | 2 | 3 | 4