Egypt Luxury Tour Review: Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, Nile River Cruise, Pyramids, Tombs, Temples, Culture, 2-Week Travel

              You can't do it all. At a tipping point you lose energy. We made choices with the guidance of Mahmoud. But we remember every detail of what we did do. Basically we would not do anything differently. We decided to miss Abu Simbel and Philae Temple and the Botanic Gardens on Kitchener Island in Aswan. We did not go to Abydos or Dendera which reportedly are spectacular. Next time. And next time I would do the Siwa oasis. An add-on to Petra if one had the energy, time and money.
           GEM, the new Egyptian Museum was disappointingly not open yet but we wish we had driven by as the building itself seems an architectural triumph. In Cairo a drive around different areas of the city, including a green residential area, would set the modern city in relief. If we had asked I'm sure the guides would have accommodated us. From the road the massive cemetery looked intriguing but perhaps not wise to enter.
         The one thing that would have made things even easier would be if the tips for the guides, drivers, etc. had been included. However, the down side of that is it might hinder a client from booking a trip with the increased costs to the overall budget (although tips are a necessary part of the trip); this would also negate our personal thank yous to everyone who helped us. The amount of tipping is generous as this is a major part of the economy; we were guided very well in this by Mahmoud. Perhaps 'inclusive of tips' could be offered as a choice to the client.
       We booked our own flights as many agents who do personalized itineraries require. That was fine but was a little more work though it gave us flexibility.