Egypt & Jordan Luxury Travel Review: Petra, Dead Sea, Cairo, Abu Simbel, History & the People

Review by traveler

LESLIE W.

12.6.2019

General Info

Traveler Review

Which Country (Countries) did you visit on this trip?

Egypt

Jordan

Your overall comments on the trip and the travel company:

We traveled as a group of 6 coming from different parts of the US on a trip to Egypt and Jordan. The travel company was responsive and accommodating from start to finish during the planning process. Our trip planner provided suggestions based on what we were interested in. He helped accommodate two additional travelers after we had made our original itinerary. While in country, I was able to communicate easily with the planner about questions I had related to logistics. Every member of the travel team we met was professional, helpful and fun; from airport representatives, to drivers, to guides. All travel details were taken care of which was wonderful. All we had to do was enjoy the experience.
Overall the trip was fantastic. It is hard to describe the impact of seeing such antiquity in real life. The guide was so helpful in putting what we were experiencing into a meaningful context. We purposefully included a blend of activity and down time and we are really glad we organized it that way so we could make the most of all we saw. We spent 13 days on our trip, 10 in Egypt and 3 in Jordan visiting Petra and then relaxing at the Dead Sea.
Egyptians and Jordanians are lovely and welcoming people. At no point did we feel concerned for our safety.

What were the most enjoyable or memorable parts of your trip?

Our guide was the highlight of the trip. He engaged the group, quickly assimilated to our interests and personalities and integrated into his presentations at each place we visited. EVERYTHING WAS ENJOYABLE, but for different reasons. We really enjoyed meeting the people and were in awe of the magnitude of historical places that have been uncovered and restored and the amount that has yet to be discovered. Safe to say archaeology is a secure profession for years to come . We chose to fly to Aswan from Cairo and visit Abu Simbel (a must see), then board the boat traveling the Nile to Luxor. Most boats were going the other way and it made it much more peaceful and less crowded. We allowed ourselves a catch up day in Cairo at the beginning of the trip, an extra day in Luxor at the amazing hotel chain property and then again an extra day at the Dead Sea at the end to relish in all that we had experienced on our trip. Overall, all the properties we stayed at were fantastic. Our airport transfers were seamless thanks to the representatives. We traveled in November/December and it felt like we were the only ones in the airport at times. The weather was also a highlight. Clear blue skies and 70-80 degrees every day.

If you could take your trip again, what would you do differently?

This is minor, but I wish I had a better understanding on how to handle tips. Often we were caught off guard that we had to tip a driver on a given day or didn't have small denominations for "potty" money or other small tips. Next year the Egyptian museum will open and that will be a MUST SEE and may require an extra day in Cairo. Otherwise, there isn't a whole lot of reason to stay longer in Cairo. There is a lot of smog; it is super crowded. Be mindful that Thursday night, Friday and Saturday are "the weekend" so it is more crowded at attractions and in general on the roads. Pack light. No need to dress up a lot for dinner. You can do laundry on the boat and at most hotels for cheap and it is done quickly. Make sure you have your guide help you barter if you decide to buy anything.

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Egypt & Jordan Luxury Travel Review: Petra, Dead Sea, Cairo, Abu Simbel, History & the People

General Info

Which Country (Countries) did you visit on this trip?

Your overall comments on the trip and the travel company:

What were the most enjoyable or memorable parts of your trip?

If you could take your trip again, what would you do differently?

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