Egyptian Elegance ~ Sept 2005 ~ Tassie Devil

OK – I’ve returned. Sorry this is short as very busy at work.

Tour size: 15 – nice and manageable – 2 from New Zealand, 2 from Ireland and the rest Aussies.

Tour Director (Hatem)– very knowledgeable - University lecturer – treated us like students – not a good “people person” – didn’t allow for the elderly or those who couldn’t 

always keep up, especially with the heat. 

Couldn’t deal with complaints – took them personally and made very inappropriate comments – still, didn’t spoil the trip.

Airport pickup: Representative waiting there at midnight (phew, sigh of relief). Also waited with me on return trip to airport until I had checked in.

Egypt – absolutely fascinating place. Overcame the heat (bearable), hawkers (just ignored – but enjoyed bartering when at the bazaars).

Boat – changed to Royal Ruby – disappointed but will never know the difference between Tower Prestige. Still impressive – meals started off poorly first day but picked up. We were with another group from Spain, but the boat was still only half full.

Galabea party – heaps of fun.

Relaxing – not. Up very early to start touring to beat the heat. Worth having the extra day at the end of the tour to unwind and relax.

Hotels: Excellent…worth the extra $’s to stay in Luxor and Aswan at the Old Cataract and Old Winter Palace. Hilton in Cairo also very nice.

Cruise – only 6 hours daylight sailing – disappointing. Would opt for alternate travel through Lock (eg bus) if ever went again to spend more time at the hotels.

Money – took Egyptian pounds which I changed to smaller notes at the Hotel. Tour Director also provided us with 10 x 1 pound notes. 

Used ATM to get more money and also exchanged some Aussie $’s at Thomas Cook in Luxor (as I couldn’t use my Visa card in the ATM at the hotel).

Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

Please feel free to ask any questions. Tassie Devil