Egypt Luxury Vacation Review: 18-Day Tour

We have just returned from 18 days in Egypt. The short advice: if you're thinking of going, go as soon as possible. We are so glad we did. We had a terrific trip that cannot be summed up in a review, but I do have some observations that may be helpful to future travelers.

About safety and security, our wonderful agent created a trip for us that included field coordinators, drivers, and guides who made us feel very well looked after and always safe. A couple of times a ripple in our agenda occurred and the local field coordinator smoothed it over. Our handling was seamless and communication easy. With advice from the coordinator, we bought inexpensive e-sims for our phones and were able to maintain good communication with each other and friends and family at home.

Of course, we worried about the Gaza situation before we left, even considered canceling our trip. Right up until the last minute, we were prepared to do so. Now, I am so glad we didn’t. The conflict was never evident. Strangely, it seemed non-existent. Because of traveler reluctance, tourism is down and we were able to enjoy many normally busy sites with few other tourists. We felt very safe on the street, at our hotels, and in our cars. It seems the Egyptian folks don’t just tolerate tourists, they welcome them. Naturally, they want some of your treasure and have plenty of things to trade, but the smiles are ubiquitous and we never felt any discomfort or received unwelcoming looks. Our guides continuously brought us to places we would never have known or dared to enter, and each was welcoming.

Another concern we had was about food poisoning. All three of us remained healthy and free of illnesses for the whole trip. The variety of foods was astounding.

The police and military presence, as well as very helpful tourist police, initially seemed odd, but I came to see the intense security as safety for all. Apparently, this is how it is there. Frequent checkpoints should be expected, they are regular, routine, and swift. The authorities are helpful, sympathetic, and friendly to tourists.

I traveled with my wife and later my daughter. Both were apprehensive about traveling as women, but everyone, without exception, was respectful and kind. I think they felt very comfortable. The exception to this was the prevalent presence of merchants of all kinds, hoping to sell anything to tourists. They can be insistent and persistent, but never threatening. There are good things to be purchased, so plan on bringing home some items you never knew you needed, but that you will treasure for years. There’s also plenty of junk. Spreading money to small vendors is good and fun, although continuously fending off sellers is tiring.

Tipping is part of the culture. It also makes a big difference to people’s lives. It is tiring to always anticipate who must be tipped and how much, but plan to have plenty of bills to show your appreciation. American currency is preferred. A $5 bill is very appreciated, so bring many, and I mean many, because there are a lot of folks to appreciate.

I had wanted to tour Egypt for many years, so my anticipation was high, but the trip was far better than I could have imagined, due in large part to our Zicasso planner. She listened to my wishes (my wife and I agreed that I would plan the whole trip and she would simply enjoy it), counseled me on how to improve the experience, and eased me away from things that would not have been great. One thing she advocated for was downtime. We chose a very full schedule and saw lots, but there is a limit to how much one’s mind can absorb. More leisure time is a good idea to rest the eyes and brain, and to absorb the benefits of the accommodations. The sights were continuously mind-boggling, the guides were excellent, and the accommodations and food superlative.

The trip was not cheap, but the value was very good. My daughter and I compared notes on this and agreed … it was so worth it. And I’m so glad to have gone. My father lived to be 102. When he was 100, he commented to me: “You know, life is short, you better get to it.” I’m really happy to have followed his wisdom.

Many thanks to our tour operator for making this truly a trip of a lifetime. I am happy to have had this fantastic experience.