First of all thanks to every representatives of memphis in First Egypt for making our Egypt tour awesome! From the time of planning about the tour Maged was very prompt about all my questions. After the political instability when we decide to cancel the tour he guided us properly, providing updated information about the political situations and only for him we visited Egypt from 10th- 21st October,2013. My Booking No is 1023/10-2013.Our tour leaders- Hussein in Cairo,Khalid in Hurghada, Mahemood in Aswan- are very helpful and professional with a cordial approach. All the arrangements done by them were perfect. Our tour guide Yasser in Nile Cruise was just amazing with his approach, knowledge ,demonstrations as well as humors!!! He made our historical journey to NileValley memorable for ever. Our tour guide in Cairo Tarek was also very informative, helpful and cordial. Actually no words can describe their endeavour. highly recommend them for touring in Egypt.Our tour drivers are competent . Mr. Zakariya ,the driver in Cairo is very experienced, particular and caring. In total all the staffs are so friendly, helpful as well as professional to make our holidays remembered for ever. The Egypt is very very SAFE !! We felt Egypt as our second home with Memphis Tour. If you are not going Egypt with Memphis tours , you are missing some remarkable experiences there!!!
Cairo to Abu Simbel Tour
Overview
Duration
8 Days
7 Nights
Countries
1 Country
5 Cities
Type
Private Tour
English Speaking Guide
Run:
Everyday
Cairo to Abu Simbel tour is a travel package to visit the attractions of Cairo and Giza before traveling to Luxor and Aswan and at the end to visit Abu Simbel Temples. Witness the beauty and splendor of Egypt’s past and present in this 8-day tour across road and rail. You’ll begin your journey in Cairo, where you’ll encounter the magnificent Pyramids of Giza – the last remaining of the original seven wonders of the ancient world. From Cairo, you’ll venture onward via sleeper train, traversing a sea of sand overnight as you head south. You’ll spend several days exploring ancient ruins and temples in Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel before you return to Cairo to visit important Islamic and Christian historical sites.
Included
- Airport pickup/dropoff and assistance upon arrival and departure
- All transfers via private air-conditioned vehicle
- Accommodation for 3 nights in Cairo, including daily breakfast
- Accommodation for 1 night in Luxor, including daily breakfast
- Accommodation for 1 night in Aswan, for including daily breakfast
- Accommodation for 2 nights on sleeper train (half board basis)
- Private sightseeing tours in Cairo, Luxor & Aswan
- Sightseeing tour to Abu Simbel Sharing our group in air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees to all sites specified on the itinerary
- All meals specified on itinerary
- Bottled water during outings outside of hotel or cruise ship
- Portage as needed
- All service charges and taxes
Note: Egyptian trains are designed and maintained according to standards of quality determined by the Egyptian Railway Authority. The sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan takes about 14 hours, and the journey from Luxor to Cairo takes about 11 hours. To reduce your travel time, you can upgrade your trip package for about $295 per person to travel by domestic flight instead (about 1.5 hours).
Excluded
- International airfare.
- Entry visa to Egypt.
- Any optional tours.
- Personal spending.
- Tipping.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Cairo - Welcome to the Land of the Pharaohs
Your tour manager will meet and assist you at Cairo International Airport (arrival procedures) and will then escort you to your hotel in an air-conditioned deluxe vehicle. At the hotel, your tour manager will assist you with a smooth check-in and review your budget vacation itinerary with you to establish and confirm pick-up times for each tour.
Overnight in Cairo.
Welcome drink included.
Day 2: Pyramids Tour / Train to Luxor
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel in Cairo before checking out, then your personal tour guide will accompany you to Giza Plateau to visit one of the seven wonders of the ancient world: the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chefren, and Mykerinus, along with the famous Sphinx and Valley Temple. Then, head out to the Egyptian Museum. Continue to Islamic Cairo, where you will explore Khan El Khalili, Cairo’s oldest and most alluring bazaar. Later, you will be transferred to the gorgeous Giza railway station to catch the sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor. Dinner will be served on board.
Overnight inside your compartment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Visits: Great Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx, Valley Temple, Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo, Khan El Khalili.
Day 3: Luxor Sightseeing
Upon your arrival at the Luxor train station, you will be met and assisted by a Memphis representative, and then you’ll begin your Luxor excursion. Get ready for some of the most interesting tombs of the West Bank of the Nile River in the Valley of the Kings, explore the Temple of Hatshepsut, the female pharaoh who changed the course of Egypt’s history, and stop by the towering Colossi of Memnon. Then, you will visit the splendid Luxor Temple, which is considered one of the world’s most remarkable open-air museums and the second most-visited historical site in Egypt. Onward to the majestic Karnak Temple complex. Back to your hotel.
Overnight in Luxor.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Visita: Valley of the Kings, Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple.
Day 4: Luxor / Aswan Sightseeing
After breakfast, board your air-conditioned, wifi-enabled vehicle and head to Aswan. The drive will take about a 3 and a half hours. Upon arrival, you will be met by a Memphis rep and taken to your hotel for check-in. You’ll see the world-famous High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk in the granite quarries, then on to the beautifully preserved Temple of Philae on Isis Island, dedicated to the goddesses Isis and Hathor. Later, you’ll head back to the hotel.
Overnight in Aswan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Visits: High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, Philae Temple.
Day 5: Abu Simbel Temple Group Tour / Train to Cairo
You’ll start your day early with a breakfast box at 4:30 am, and then begin your group tour to Abu Simbel Temples, about 3.5 hours away by car. Upon your arrival, you’ll encounter the remarkable temples built for Ramses II and his beloved queen Nefertari. These temples near the Sudanese border are iconic for their beauty, but remarkable for their modern history as well -- they were completely relocated in 1968 to avoid submersion by the massive Lake Nasser. After your time spent exploring the temples, you’ll return to Aswan and board the sleeper train for an overnight trip back to Cairo.
Overnight inside your compartment.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Visits: Abu Simbel Temples.
Day 6: Back to Cairo
Enjoy breakfast aboard the train before your arrival at the train station in Giza, where you’ll be greeted by a Memphis Tours representative, who will check you into your hotel in Cairo. You’ll have a day of leisure time, or enjoy an optional trip to visit the Step Pyramid of King Zoser in Sakkara and Memphis.
Overnight in Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast.
Visits: Free day in Cairo, Optional tour to visit the Step Pyramid of King Zoser in Sakkara and Memphis.
Day 7: Optional trip to Alexandria
Enjoy a free day in Cairo, or take an optional trip to the glittering seaside city of Alexandria in the north, where you can see majestic Qaitbay Fort, built in by a powerful sultan in the 15th century on the site of Alexandria's ancient lighthouse, then move on to the new and much-acclaimed Library of Alexandria. You’ll also visit the Catacombs, a sunken Roman cemetery carved into the bedrock. Return back to Cairo.
Overnight in Cairo.
Meals: Breakfast.
Visits: Free day in Cairo, Optional trip to Alexandria (Visits in Alexandria: Qaitbay Fort, Library of Alexandria, Catacombs).
Day 8: Final departure
You’ll be served breakfast at your hotel, and then you will be transferred to Cairo International Airport for final departure.
Meals: Breakfast.
Prices & Accommodation
Accommodation Plan:
Prices
MAY-SEPT
Per Person in Triple Room
$
1090
Per Person in Double Room
$
1210
One Person Traveling Alone
$
2015
OCT-APRIL
Per Person in Triple Room
$
1180
Per Person in Double Room
$
1325
One Person Traveling Alone
$
2199
Reviews
5
38 Reviews
5 Stars
38
4 Stars
0
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Star
0
Absolutely wonderful experience.
Cathy
, 2/10/23
Absolutely wonderful experience.
Memphis Tours Making Our Dream Come True
Ednei A.
, 1/17/23
We had a very special service by Memphis Tours, as well as with its guides, our tireless concierges were all extremely professionally competent and with great empathy. The hotels, and the transfer vehicles were always very clean and organized, exceeded expectations every day, not missing anything, not even water. We know that on any trip there are some setbacks, flight delays, a hotel room that doesn't suit us, or a problem at the reception, however, when they occurred, the Memphis team quickly resolved them.
An experience of a lifetime!
Lesley Green
, 11/17/22
An experience of a lifetime!
I cannot praise this company and all the guides and representatives enough for their impeccable service from the moment of arrival at Cairo airport to our departure!
Hotel services, tour guides, drivers, staff, fantastic food and so much historical information about this amazingly diverse country.
Cairo, Luxor and Aswan Tour
Dana
, 10/7/22
My friends and I had the most fabulous experience in Cairo and in Luxor and Aswan.
Private Cairo to Abu Simbel Tour
Beth
, 1/17/22
My boyfriend and I (from the USA) booked with Memphis tours 3 months before we went on our 8-day Egypt trip hitting three major cities: Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor. It was a lovely tour.
“Excellent Service”
Vijay T
, 10/30/14
Egypt was amazing! Memphis Tours made it even more exciting. All the guides, namely Ahmed Farahat, Mohammed Imam, and Moustafa Wally El Dein, explained everything so well it felt like I felt like I was living in ancient Egypt myself. The transportation was also good. If you forget anything in the car, it's always there the next day, ready for you to take it back. I hope you enjoy Egypt!
“Memphis Tours” 5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 12, 2013 I took my tour in October of 2012. I came to Egypt as a solo traveler. I spent time in Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, Dendara, and Philae. The wonderful thing I liked about Memphis Tours was that I
tracksmith
, 12/12/13
I took my tour in October of 2012. I came to Egypt as a solo traveler. I spent time in Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, Dendara, and Philae. The wonderful thing I liked about Memphis Tours was that I could tell them when I was arriving and leaving and what places I wanted to see. From there, they customized my tour. Other tour companies are not flexible and would charge me more because I came by myself but this was not the case with Memphis Tours. I was greeted at the Cairo airport by a Memphis Tours' representative. Everything was set up so that you knew what time to get ready the following day and what you were going to see that next day. The guides are exceptional, letting you know why the sites you are visiting are important in history. I highly recommend using Memphis Tours when you are ready to go to Egypt..
“Unforgettable Egypt Tour with excellent and friendly Memphis Tours”
Samiran G
, 10/23/13
“Honeymoon in Egypt with Memphis Tours”
Jason
, 8/11/13
My wife and I traveled to Egypt around June 30th, 2013 using Memphis tours. First of all, if you've kept up with current events, this was right around the time of the June 30th revolution, so it wasn't the safest of times. However, our guides and organizers kept us quite safe so we never felt that it was much of an issue. Memphis Tours did a good job of organizing an exciting but safe honeymoon.
First of all our tour organizer (Bassem) was very prompt with responding. They offered us a much lower price and better deal than any other tour organization, and was very accommodating to our demanding schedule.
I thought the guides were excellent. They were very informative and friendly, and did a good job of helping us with photos and explaining everything. They also tried their best to inform us tips and we felt pretty safe traveling with them.
The accommodations they set us up with were were hit or miss. While they were so-called "5-star" accommodations, many were extremely shabby. The Le Meridian Pyramids was particularly disappointing unless you specifically ask to make sure you get a pyramid view in a deluxe room. The Movenpick was very nice, although we didn't have much time to spend in it unfortunately. And the Minerva cruise we took was quite good as well.
One thing we didn't like was sometimes we went to so-called "government stores" which were basically storefronts who must have struck a deal with the agency. While these stores had good products, they were wildly overpriced. I suppose this sort of thing is to be expected with tour agencies, but I still wasn't very pleased when we went. Granted, if you have a lot of money to spend, you will prefer these stores, as the products do seem to be superior to those of the bazaars.
Also, I sometimes feel like we did not get enough time at many of the attractions. We would be scheduled to leave even though, and then we would just be stuck at the hotel. They also give you optional tours to fill in those spaces, but I think I would rather just have been able to spend more time at the things were originally agreed on.
All-in all, I am very satisfied with Memphis tours, and I can't imagine a better tour agency to work with in Egypt. I cannot speak for the situation right now, but this might be one of the better times to go to Egypt, as not many tourists are around. There are less crowds, however your plans might be cancelled and the merchants seem especially desperate. If the situation was better, I probably would prefer to travel without an agency to avoid our issues with scheduling. However, given the current political climate, I think its best to go with a tour company, and Memphis Tours is the best one to go with.
First of all our tour organizer (Bassem) was very prompt with responding. They offered us a much lower price and better deal than any other tour organization, and was very accommodating to our demanding schedule.
I thought the guides were excellent. They were very informative and friendly, and did a good job of helping us with photos and explaining everything. They also tried their best to inform us tips and we felt pretty safe traveling with them.
The accommodations they set us up with were were hit or miss. While they were so-called "5-star" accommodations, many were extremely shabby. The Le Meridian Pyramids was particularly disappointing unless you specifically ask to make sure you get a pyramid view in a deluxe room. The Movenpick was very nice, although we didn't have much time to spend in it unfortunately. And the Minerva cruise we took was quite good as well.
One thing we didn't like was sometimes we went to so-called "government stores" which were basically storefronts who must have struck a deal with the agency. While these stores had good products, they were wildly overpriced. I suppose this sort of thing is to be expected with tour agencies, but I still wasn't very pleased when we went. Granted, if you have a lot of money to spend, you will prefer these stores, as the products do seem to be superior to those of the bazaars.
Also, I sometimes feel like we did not get enough time at many of the attractions. We would be scheduled to leave even though, and then we would just be stuck at the hotel. They also give you optional tours to fill in those spaces, but I think I would rather just have been able to spend more time at the things were originally agreed on.
All-in all, I am very satisfied with Memphis tours, and I can't imagine a better tour agency to work with in Egypt. I cannot speak for the situation right now, but this might be one of the better times to go to Egypt, as not many tourists are around. There are less crowds, however your plans might be cancelled and the merchants seem especially desperate. If the situation was better, I probably would prefer to travel without an agency to avoid our issues with scheduling. However, given the current political climate, I think its best to go with a tour company, and Memphis Tours is the best one to go with.
Great time at Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbil
Jamal Tarazi
, 7/22/13
We enjoyed traveling with Memphis Tours. Our advisors, Bassem Saad was excellent and provided helpful advice and competitive prices. The tour guides were knowledgeable and nice. They know how to travel safe. I would recommend the group and use them again.
“Egypt through memphis tours”
Carl0209
, 5/25/13
We just finished our trip in Egypt with memphis tour. Our trip was extraordinary and this is due because of the professionalism of Memphis tour. We visited Alexandria, the Pyramids, Cairo, Sakkara, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel. Everything was well organized, we never felt unsafe, our guide (especially Ahmed and Yasser) were very friendly and they taught us a lot of things. We highly recommand to visit the ancient monuments with a guide because they are so knowledgeable and it is so much worthy when you know the ancient history of what you see. You can't go wrong with memphis tours. Don't be afraid to go to Egypt, they need tourists so much. People told us how much they were happy to see us. If you go to Egypt, go with Memphis Tours, they will accomodate you with what you need and want and their prices are reasonable for the quality they offer whether for the hotels or the cruise.
“Excellent and stress free service”
Dinesh84
, 12/12/12
My wife and I used Memphis Tour on our recent holiday to Egypt (Dec 1 – 7). We were pretty nervous about travelling to Egypt following news of recent demonstrations and political unrest but I can say that throughout our travel that we had no issues. Memphis Tour representatives were amazing in ensuring that we got to visit the major sites without any hassles. They took us safely between all the sites, airports and hotels. The entire tour with Memphis tours was entirely private, so just me and my wife and the Memphis tour representatives.
Our pre-tour organiser Abdo Shawky was great at answering all my concerns and helping me come up with a customised itinerary that included all the sites we wanted to see during our trip to Egypt. He managed, booked and organised all our accommodation / travel between Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel.
We were also very fortunate to have some very qualified tour guides throughout our entire trip. The guides were not only great at explaining the history behind some of the amazing sites but also allowed us with spare time to explore the sights ourselves. In particular, I would recommend both Adria (Cairo) and Hassan Shahzly(for Aswan) for anybody visiting Egypt as tour guides.
Adria was extremely friendly and flexible in terms of sites visited and time spent. She also ensured that we were safe, provided us with safety recommendations and even provided her mobile number in case we had any problems. In addition to that, she was very knowledgeable and always explained things with enthusiasm and interest. Our driver Ahmed was also very helpful and friendly throughout our stay in Cairo.
Hassan was also great during our brief trip down south to Aswan / Abu Simbel. He provided some great information about the sights we visited, and more importantly was friendly and very easy to get along with. He even bought us snacks on our final day.
Sorry for the long review, but I feel given the damage that all the protests / demonstrations having on the tourist market in Egypt that its necessary to highlight the quality of service provided by Memphis tours and their representatives during our trip. I felt so obliged to write this review (my first ever), that I created an account just to put down this review.
Our pre-tour organiser Abdo Shawky was great at answering all my concerns and helping me come up with a customised itinerary that included all the sites we wanted to see during our trip to Egypt. He managed, booked and organised all our accommodation / travel between Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel.
We were also very fortunate to have some very qualified tour guides throughout our entire trip. The guides were not only great at explaining the history behind some of the amazing sites but also allowed us with spare time to explore the sights ourselves. In particular, I would recommend both Adria (Cairo) and Hassan Shahzly(for Aswan) for anybody visiting Egypt as tour guides.
Adria was extremely friendly and flexible in terms of sites visited and time spent. She also ensured that we were safe, provided us with safety recommendations and even provided her mobile number in case we had any problems. In addition to that, she was very knowledgeable and always explained things with enthusiasm and interest. Our driver Ahmed was also very helpful and friendly throughout our stay in Cairo.
Hassan was also great during our brief trip down south to Aswan / Abu Simbel. He provided some great information about the sights we visited, and more importantly was friendly and very easy to get along with. He even bought us snacks on our final day.
Sorry for the long review, but I feel given the damage that all the protests / demonstrations having on the tourist market in Egypt that its necessary to highlight the quality of service provided by Memphis tours and their representatives during our trip. I felt so obliged to write this review (my first ever), that I created an account just to put down this review.
“Cairo-Luxor-Aswan-Abu Simbel tour”
Kareen V
, 10/19/12
From the minute you email your interest in the tour, Memphis Tour (MT) is on the case. Mohd Sakr made sure all details of the tour, payments, transfers etc... were accurate and responded to questions in a timely manner, and was very accommodating in adding an extra night in Cairo at the Meridien.
Once landed, we were greeted by wonderful Ahmed ElSaid, he led through visa and immigration process and out to our van. The hotel was noted 5*. Our time in Cairo to see the pyramids, the sphinx, the museum and more was delightful spent with Ahmed Hameed, a great conversationalist, full of knowledge. We were well versed on how to deal with sellers and did not feel hasselled. Train transfers were excellent with MT reps awaiting on both ends. In Luxor, our tour guide Shiama did a great job, especially on getting us a great room at the Four Seasons. Our Aswan and Abu Simbel guide was Hassan El Shazly, also a great young star, full of energy and passion for the job and his country. We took in an optional day in Alexandria which was well guided by Medhat El azzeem. All guides were quite accommodating to our likings and knowledgeable.
The restaurants chosen for our meals included were of top choice. All modes of transportation were clean and all drivers (Mohd Salama in Cairo and Mohd in Aswan) were excellent. We found the lender phone very practical during our free time in Cairo in case we needed more information. Overall, it was an excellent trip that went without a hitch. I recommend this company to all. This is my second time in Egypt, my first was 2 yrs ago, and i backpacked it, and trust me, this is THE WAY TO GO. Good luck friends.
Once landed, we were greeted by wonderful Ahmed ElSaid, he led through visa and immigration process and out to our van. The hotel was noted 5*. Our time in Cairo to see the pyramids, the sphinx, the museum and more was delightful spent with Ahmed Hameed, a great conversationalist, full of knowledge. We were well versed on how to deal with sellers and did not feel hasselled. Train transfers were excellent with MT reps awaiting on both ends. In Luxor, our tour guide Shiama did a great job, especially on getting us a great room at the Four Seasons. Our Aswan and Abu Simbel guide was Hassan El Shazly, also a great young star, full of energy and passion for the job and his country. We took in an optional day in Alexandria which was well guided by Medhat El azzeem. All guides were quite accommodating to our likings and knowledgeable.
The restaurants chosen for our meals included were of top choice. All modes of transportation were clean and all drivers (Mohd Salama in Cairo and Mohd in Aswan) were excellent. We found the lender phone very practical during our free time in Cairo in case we needed more information. Overall, it was an excellent trip that went without a hitch. I recommend this company to all. This is my second time in Egypt, my first was 2 yrs ago, and i backpacked it, and trust me, this is THE WAY TO GO. Good luck friends.
Very Nice
Aki Lan
, 5/20/12
Very Nice Arrangement according to my plan from Memphis Tours Egypt - Yosri AbdAllah
Visited April 2012
Perfect
elhinchaverde
, 5/8/12
I have already posted one review but i think is not enough. I have had the pleasure of having Maged al Gohary as my tour consultant. He helped me not only by providing all the options of tours, but making the perfect itinerary for my travel. Without doubt you must write him
Perfect
elhinchaverde
, 5/8/12
I have already posted one review but i think is not enough. I have had the pleasure of having Maged al Gohary as my tour consultant. He helped me not only by providing all the options of tours, but making the perfect itinerary for my travel. Without doubt you must write him
Fantastic service
Hotketchup
, 4/6/12
We are just winding down our 3 week tour in Egypt arranged by Memphis tours.
We have been shepherded thru our trip by our absolutely wonderful and charming tour manager, Abd El Fatah Mohamed or as we affectionately called him, Abdul. He was there from the start finding our lost luggage(KLM's fault).
He smoothly changed our itinerary to an extra night at the Mena House and a flight to Abu Simbil when we arrived at the train station to find that our overnight train was not coming due to a strike. Nothing was a problem with Abdul. He checkeed on us from Cairo throughout our trip. We felt comletely safe and taken care of by Abdul.
ALl of our drivers and guides were excellent. We especially loved our guide Mohammed Emen in Luxor who shared his passion of Egyptian history with us. We also enjoyed our guide for the Cairo area, Mamoud.
Our accommodations were excellent especially TheMena house, the Winter Palace and the Kempinsky hotel. We also received excellent service from our Internet agent,yosri.
Overall, Memphis tours is a topnotch company with wonderful personnel
We have been shepherded thru our trip by our absolutely wonderful and charming tour manager, Abd El Fatah Mohamed or as we affectionately called him, Abdul. He was there from the start finding our lost luggage(KLM's fault).
He smoothly changed our itinerary to an extra night at the Mena House and a flight to Abu Simbil when we arrived at the train station to find that our overnight train was not coming due to a strike. Nothing was a problem with Abdul. He checkeed on us from Cairo throughout our trip. We felt comletely safe and taken care of by Abdul.
ALl of our drivers and guides were excellent. We especially loved our guide Mohammed Emen in Luxor who shared his passion of Egyptian history with us. We also enjoyed our guide for the Cairo area, Mamoud.
Our accommodations were excellent especially TheMena house, the Winter Palace and the Kempinsky hotel. We also received excellent service from our Internet agent,yosri.
Overall, Memphis tours is a topnotch company with wonderful personnel
Continued excellence and flexibility
Wairsie_Murada
, 3/10/12
I have just booked my next trip to Egypt through Memphis Tours again. Having used several companies over the years, Memphis Tours offer the right balance between flexibility, assurance and knowledge that I need.
My visits to Egypt often concentrate on Aswan, to enable me to continue my Nubian studies. For this, Mustafa Osman has been the Tour Leader who manages my programme when there, and suggests the best places for me to visit, people to meet etc and makes all the arrangements on my behalf. He has been excellent indeed and I have come to rely on his input. And as anyone who knows this area and its people will have found out for themselves, help is always delivered willingly and with a warm smile.
My visits to Egypt often concentrate on Aswan, to enable me to continue my Nubian studies. For this, Mustafa Osman has been the Tour Leader who manages my programme when there, and suggests the best places for me to visit, people to meet etc and makes all the arrangements on my behalf. He has been excellent indeed and I have come to rely on his input. And as anyone who knows this area and its people will have found out for themselves, help is always delivered willingly and with a warm smile.
Fantastic Service
RDave
, 3/4/12
My wife and I travelled to Egypt for a little under a week with a very busy itinerary covering Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel. We had a package deal with Memphis tours and found the team very helpful.
Right from the initial ‘live chat’ via their website with Abdo and our initial greeting from a rather sharply dressed Tour Leader, Hamada (who was rather easy on the eye, much to my wife’s content), in Cairo through to the final wave goodbye to our Luxor tour leader, Ruby (who taught us some ‘interesting’ Arabic words to use at the markets!), we were well looked after from beginning to end.
The team were very flexible with our chopping and changing the itinerary several times at the last minute. We were a little apprehensive given the recent political climate but found the limited tourists made the sites much more pleasant to visit with no queues or waiting time.
The tour guides were very knowledgeable and, of course, the advantage of personal guides is the ability to ask a multitude of questions. The only constructive feedback I would leave would be in Cairo where we felt that our Guide was conducting the tour as if we were in a group of 20 and following a set script. Nevertheless, the information was excellent and everything ran like clockwork. We were particularly impressed by our Aswan Guide, Hassan, who spent an hour haggling down a statue of Akhenaten we fell in love with to a very reasonable price. All the guides had degrees in Egyptology and had a clear passion around the subject. Our tour guide, Nabil, spent 30min giving us the background in Valley of the Kings before we even set foot in any of the sites which really enriched our experience.
A special thanks to both Hamada and Ruby for giving us a fantastic holiday we will remember for years to come.
Right from the initial ‘live chat’ via their website with Abdo and our initial greeting from a rather sharply dressed Tour Leader, Hamada (who was rather easy on the eye, much to my wife’s content), in Cairo through to the final wave goodbye to our Luxor tour leader, Ruby (who taught us some ‘interesting’ Arabic words to use at the markets!), we were well looked after from beginning to end.
The team were very flexible with our chopping and changing the itinerary several times at the last minute. We were a little apprehensive given the recent political climate but found the limited tourists made the sites much more pleasant to visit with no queues or waiting time.
The tour guides were very knowledgeable and, of course, the advantage of personal guides is the ability to ask a multitude of questions. The only constructive feedback I would leave would be in Cairo where we felt that our Guide was conducting the tour as if we were in a group of 20 and following a set script. Nevertheless, the information was excellent and everything ran like clockwork. We were particularly impressed by our Aswan Guide, Hassan, who spent an hour haggling down a statue of Akhenaten we fell in love with to a very reasonable price. All the guides had degrees in Egyptology and had a clear passion around the subject. Our tour guide, Nabil, spent 30min giving us the background in Valley of the Kings before we even set foot in any of the sites which really enriched our experience.
A special thanks to both Hamada and Ruby for giving us a fantastic holiday we will remember for years to come.
Worry free with Memphis tours
Duckconsultant
, 3/1/12
I started working with Memphis about 2 1/2 years ago to arrange this trip. They have continued to work with me through a revolution, riots and strikes. Through all of this Abdo Younis and the rest of the staff have done a supreme job to cater to all our wants and to make sure that this trip is worry free and completely enjoyable. From the moment we touched down in cairo Hussein was walking up the runway to get our bags and to get us through customs. From Musty in Aswam,Emad in Luxor, Ahmed in Sharm they have been superb. I don't know how they could have done more. Every tour they plan, hotel and guide has been excellent. Their motto should be, "No problem."
Mohamed Mokhtar & Memphis Tours: An experience not to be missed!
Uma & Madhav Segal
, 2/16/12
The six of us (three couples) experienced a very enjoyable, educational, and exciting nine days in Egypt. Everything was meticulously planned, and we could not have been more pleased. The staff as well as the guides arranged by Mohamed Moktar of Memphis Tours were professional, knowledgeable, courteous, interesting, and had a good sense of humor. We really were very impressed with the knowledge and passion of the guides. They provided us with good insight into what we were seeing, and they made sure that we were always comfortable. We were appreciative of their "on time" record, from the time they met us at the airport (despite flight delays) to the moment we were dropped off for our return trip home; they were prompt and always kept to the schedule, making the trip especially pleasurable.
The trip, itself, was well planned and executed. The hotel in Cairo, Le Meridien, was an excellent choice and was very comfortable. The experience of going to the Egyptian museum cannot be explained to those who have not been there. The train ride to Aswan was comfortable (but perhaps on the way back to Cairo we could have taken a flight). The ride up the River Nile was comfortable and beautiful, our rooms were very good, and the staff of the cruise ship was very accommodating and helpful. The sights, themselves, from the pyramids, to the Great Sphinx, to the tombs, and the temples were amazing. We enjoyed the camel ride, and the balloon ride over the temples in Luxor, that set off at sunrise and deposited us in the sugar cane field, was both thrilling and spectacular.
If we were to "complain" about anything, and this was not particularly major, it would be the very rash driving of the driver of the van who took us to Alexandria after we arrived in Cairo. Other drivers were excellent. Some staff members probably need some diversity training if they are going to work with international populations, for sharing of political biases can be aired in a manner that may be offensive. The train ride back was delayed because of a strike (which, of course, Memphis Tours could not have controlled). However, the train ride back may have been poor use of the limited time we had in Egypt, and the delay cut further into our short stay in Cairo. And finally, on extra trip was added by the guide in Luxor, which was a trip to the market and for which all participants paid $25 each in cash and also paid the horse-and-carriage drive; we believe that trip to the market (to which we walked later in 10 minutes!) was probably a business on the side for the guide. That is fine, I suppose, but we wasted a precious evening and certainly did not get our money's worth; it did also leave a little nick in our experience and our perception of the guide!
Having said that, however, it was a superb trip. We are grateful for the meticulous care Mr. Mokhtar and his team took in putting it together. Overall, our time was well used; we did not feel we were too rushed or moved too slowly. We had a wonderful time and have been encouraging our families, friends and colleagues to consider traveling to Egypt once the security alert has been lifted. We will certainly forward Memphis Tours' contact information to them and distribute it to others. Without doubt, overall, this was one of the best trips we have taken in terms of its planning, the sites we saw, and the comfort in which we traveled.
Uma & Madhav Segal
The trip, itself, was well planned and executed. The hotel in Cairo, Le Meridien, was an excellent choice and was very comfortable. The experience of going to the Egyptian museum cannot be explained to those who have not been there. The train ride to Aswan was comfortable (but perhaps on the way back to Cairo we could have taken a flight). The ride up the River Nile was comfortable and beautiful, our rooms were very good, and the staff of the cruise ship was very accommodating and helpful. The sights, themselves, from the pyramids, to the Great Sphinx, to the tombs, and the temples were amazing. We enjoyed the camel ride, and the balloon ride over the temples in Luxor, that set off at sunrise and deposited us in the sugar cane field, was both thrilling and spectacular.
If we were to "complain" about anything, and this was not particularly major, it would be the very rash driving of the driver of the van who took us to Alexandria after we arrived in Cairo. Other drivers were excellent. Some staff members probably need some diversity training if they are going to work with international populations, for sharing of political biases can be aired in a manner that may be offensive. The train ride back was delayed because of a strike (which, of course, Memphis Tours could not have controlled). However, the train ride back may have been poor use of the limited time we had in Egypt, and the delay cut further into our short stay in Cairo. And finally, on extra trip was added by the guide in Luxor, which was a trip to the market and for which all participants paid $25 each in cash and also paid the horse-and-carriage drive; we believe that trip to the market (to which we walked later in 10 minutes!) was probably a business on the side for the guide. That is fine, I suppose, but we wasted a precious evening and certainly did not get our money's worth; it did also leave a little nick in our experience and our perception of the guide!
Having said that, however, it was a superb trip. We are grateful for the meticulous care Mr. Mokhtar and his team took in putting it together. Overall, our time was well used; we did not feel we were too rushed or moved too slowly. We had a wonderful time and have been encouraging our families, friends and colleagues to consider traveling to Egypt once the security alert has been lifted. We will certainly forward Memphis Tours' contact information to them and distribute it to others. Without doubt, overall, this was one of the best trips we have taken in terms of its planning, the sites we saw, and the comfort in which we traveled.
Uma & Madhav Segal
Most reliable tour reps and guides!
Lailalogy
, 2/16/12
I would like to express my gratitude to the staffs of Memphis Tours who had handled our tour itinerary with diligent care.
Special thanks to Mr Maged Al Gohary who planned our itinerary according to our request.
Our tour rep, Mr Tamer Ghullab who ensured we have the safest and most enjoyable journey possible.
Our guide Rania Yahia who filled our tour visits to the pyramids and the museum with so much fun!
Our guide to Luxor and Aswan, Mr Alaa ElSawy. He provided us with great information on ancient Egyptian history and handled our queries effectively. We enjoyed our temple and tombs visits with him. All the queries that I have with regards to ancient egyptian ruins were answered in this trip. We had great fun and will definitely engage the services of Memphis tour in our next visit to Egypt!.
Special thanks to Mr Maged Al Gohary who planned our itinerary according to our request.
Our tour rep, Mr Tamer Ghullab who ensured we have the safest and most enjoyable journey possible.
Our guide Rania Yahia who filled our tour visits to the pyramids and the museum with so much fun!
Our guide to Luxor and Aswan, Mr Alaa ElSawy. He provided us with great information on ancient Egyptian history and handled our queries effectively. We enjoyed our temple and tombs visits with him. All the queries that I have with regards to ancient egyptian ruins were answered in this trip. We had great fun and will definitely engage the services of Memphis tour in our next visit to Egypt!.
“Excellent service,will definetly use them again”
Jigreena
, 1/7/12
We did Egypt with Memphis Tours in December from Dec 15th to Dec 20th,We did Cairo,Luxor,Aswan and Abu Simbel, In Cairo we had Hamada as our representative and Maha as our Guide,she was excellent ,we had requested her because we had heard good things about her on trip advisor,the day we went to Cairo on Dec 16th it was Maha's engagement in evening she still came because we had requested her,the day we were there
There were riots in Tahiri Square,we were two blocks away from there at Egyptian Musuem,we did not feel unsafe at all because of Hamada and Maha they had explained to us in detail about what really is happening in Egypt right now and also whole day in Cairo we had Egyptian Travel Policeman in Car with us ( U S Embassy's Rule For US Citizen's),
We stayed at Mena House Oberoi in Cairo,Our stay was Excellent,On 17th we flew to Luxor,
Awesome Sightseeing,we were not too happy with our guide there but that was not Memphis travel's fault,guide was just too busy talking on his cell phone,at every Sightseeing place he explained everything to us outside and then he said go ahead take your time inside I will wait out side for you and he told us that Guide's were not allowed inside,that definetly was not true because we saw other traveller's with there Guide's,We stayed at Sheraton in Luxor,that was OK rooms but River Nile View and Breakfast in morning was excellent ,Next day We drove to Aswan,We stayed at Movenpick hotel on Elephantine Island,It use to be Oberoi few years back,Beautiful hotel surrounded by River Nile,Excellent rooms really nice Breakfast,we had Ahmed as our guide for two days,he was very good,One thing I have to Say that Car that we were given by Memphis tour was very Roomy and New,Drivers were excellent,all Representative that meet and greet us at every city were very professional and always on time,On our last day in Aswan because we had complained about our guide in Luxor,Memphis travel had arranged City tour for us in Aswan in Horse Carraige ,All I can say that what ever Memphis Travel Promised was Given to us and Many Many Thanks to Fatima Sayed for arranging these Beautiful and Memorable Trip for us, Right now it is time to go to Egypt ,don't Listen to all News ,Go to Egypt it's Best time to go
There were riots in Tahiri Square,we were two blocks away from there at Egyptian Musuem,we did not feel unsafe at all because of Hamada and Maha they had explained to us in detail about what really is happening in Egypt right now and also whole day in Cairo we had Egyptian Travel Policeman in Car with us ( U S Embassy's Rule For US Citizen's),
We stayed at Mena House Oberoi in Cairo,Our stay was Excellent,On 17th we flew to Luxor,
Awesome Sightseeing,we were not too happy with our guide there but that was not Memphis travel's fault,guide was just too busy talking on his cell phone,at every Sightseeing place he explained everything to us outside and then he said go ahead take your time inside I will wait out side for you and he told us that Guide's were not allowed inside,that definetly was not true because we saw other traveller's with there Guide's,We stayed at Sheraton in Luxor,that was OK rooms but River Nile View and Breakfast in morning was excellent ,Next day We drove to Aswan,We stayed at Movenpick hotel on Elephantine Island,It use to be Oberoi few years back,Beautiful hotel surrounded by River Nile,Excellent rooms really nice Breakfast,we had Ahmed as our guide for two days,he was very good,One thing I have to Say that Car that we were given by Memphis tour was very Roomy and New,Drivers were excellent,all Representative that meet and greet us at every city were very professional and always on time,On our last day in Aswan because we had complained about our guide in Luxor,Memphis travel had arranged City tour for us in Aswan in Horse Carraige ,All I can say that what ever Memphis Travel Promised was Given to us and Many Many Thanks to Fatima Sayed for arranging these Beautiful and Memorable Trip for us, Right now it is time to go to Egypt ,don't Listen to all News ,Go to Egypt it's Best time to go
“Awesome !”
Zhi WeiLi
, 1/5/12
My wife and I went on a 10 day vacation in Egypt and I knew I made the right choice with Memphis when I stepped out of my airplane and saw our tour manager, Abdul Fatah, in Memphis' signature pink tie and shirt, welcoming me. He then guided us through immigration and visas and made us feel completely comfortable.
The rest of the vacation was just like that. Abdul made sure everything was executed like clockwork without any worries that allowed us to truly enjoy our time. There are also little things like giving us a bottle of water each day and a cellphone for contact that made us feel very well taken care of.
The cruise along the Nile was very enjoyable and the tours to the various historical sights with our guide, Ahmed Al Prince, was very informative and we came away impressed with the knowledge that Ahmed had on the history and story of each of the temples and tombs that we visited. He also thought us one Arabic word per day which was a nice gesture.
Abdul, our tour manager, also accomodated our request to have local Egyptian food and treated us to awesome local falafel on the first day and brought us to a local grill house that served phenomenal Shish Kebabs, Stuffed grape leaves and Stuffed pigeon on the last day. It was the 'meya-meya' (perfect) way to end the trip.
All in all we are very pleased with Memphis and highly recommend them for any trips to Egypt. I would like to thank our tour manager, Abdul, tour guides, Ahmed and Ahmed, and the various drivers that we had for showing us Egyptian hospitality and giving us great memories of Egypt.
Advices for future travellers:
1. Opt for the hot air balloon ride, you won't regret it.
2. Allocate 2 days for Cairo's activities, one for the Museum and bazaar and another for the pyramids. Don't try to do all of that in one day.
3. Be prepared to negotiate for any purchases, and negotiate in Egyptian pounds.
4. Leave a free day in Cairo and take the Falukah ride and insist on going to a local Egyptian grill house.
Good service
Mypassionistraveling
, 11/17/11
I just came from a 10 days vacation to Egypt. I had a wonderful time. I booked me trip with Memphis tour mainly because of the reviews at tripadvisor. My agent was Ziad. He was awesome. Always answering my emails right away, he made booking very easy. He also changed my itinerary multiple times to accommodate and personalize my trip. He upgraded me to an awesome cruise and even when I got to Egypt and needed to change my return from Abu Simbel, I texted him and he took care of it. My guide in Cairo and Alexandria was Abdul. He is a Spanish/ portuguese guide with extensive knowledge in religion and ancient Egypt as well as current events, he was always happy to answer our many questions. During the day, he was with us at all time and my mother and I fell safe . He was also very nice and helped us in everything we needed. We would have love to have him also in the Nile cruise part of our trip instead of switching guides. And that is something that I think Memphis
tour should offer even if involves a fee. Our driver in Cairo Midhad was also very nice and helpful. The sleeping train is ok, definitely an experience. Our entire wagon was for tourists and we fell safe. Our guide at Luxor/Aswan/Abu Simbel was Zachariah. Also Spanish guide. He was ok but not as good as Abdul. He would give us some information about the temples outside and then let us wander alone for an hour inside the temple. Many times we joined other guides inside the temples for the information. He also tried to take us to alabaster factories to make us buy stuff and was always trying to sell us stuffs like pictures and books at the different site. He also needs to pay more attention to personal hygiene.
Overall, this was a great trip, well organized and I would recommend Memphis tour for your Egypt vacation
tour should offer even if involves a fee. Our driver in Cairo Midhad was also very nice and helpful. The sleeping train is ok, definitely an experience. Our entire wagon was for tourists and we fell safe. Our guide at Luxor/Aswan/Abu Simbel was Zachariah. Also Spanish guide. He was ok but not as good as Abdul. He would give us some information about the temples outside and then let us wander alone for an hour inside the temple. Many times we joined other guides inside the temples for the information. He also tried to take us to alabaster factories to make us buy stuff and was always trying to sell us stuffs like pictures and books at the different site. He also needs to pay more attention to personal hygiene.
Overall, this was a great trip, well organized and I would recommend Memphis tour for your Egypt vacation
Memphis Tours made our trip to Egypt easy
livetotravel
, 10/22/11
From our planning with Abdo, to our arrivals in Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and back to Cairo, all went extremely smooth. Many thanks to Memphis reps Osama, Mohammed and Ahmed for taking care of all the arrangements. And special thanks to our guides Amr in Cairo/Alexandria, Dora in Aswan and Ayman in Luxor. They brought the sites alive with their knowledge of Egyptology and made the days pleasurable with their good humor.
Great experience from the very begining
Vivian
, 8/14/11
We had great experience from the bery begining when I started inquiring with Memphis tour consultant Abdo Shawky. I did not remember how many times I changed the itinerary-again and again, yet Abdo is always so helpful, kind, patient, and answeres my numerous questions professionally and cordially. Thanks so much Abdo. I'm looking forward to the trip in Egypt. With Memphis' help, I'm expectant that this is going to be a great experience from beginning to end and throughout!
I didn't think planning such a detailed and specific trip could be so easy
mrwinfield
, 6/9/11
I must admit I was very hesitant to book my trip through a tour company. I usually prefer to plan things on my own and don't like to be tied down to an itinerary made by someone else. In my experience, looking into trips through other tour providers always seemed to be excessively expensive. After finding Memphis Tours online and reading through pages and pages of nothing but incredibly positive reviews, I decided to give them a shot, still assuming the price would be way more than my friend and I were willing to spend. After all I figured anything with reviews this good must cost an arm and a leg.
Egypt has been the #1 place I have wanted to visit for a long time so I knew exactly what I wanted to see and after doing tons of research, I figured out how much it would cost doing it on my own without a tour company. I sent my desired itinerary, which was very detailed and specific, to my Memphis Tours booking agent Mrs. Saad Fattoush. I got back an email from her within a day or two and she had outlined a tour EXACTLY as I requested and the price was nearly identical to what I had planned to spend on my own!! Only my trip didn't come with private AC vehicle transfers or English speaking guides! I was completely shocked. Since our initial email, Mrs. Fattoush has been nothing but a joy to work with. She has been very polite and friendly as we have emailed back and forth over the past two months tweaking and planing the trip. She has responded promptly to every email and in most cases I heard back from her the same day. Our nine-day tour includes Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and Luxor! My friend and I land in Cairo in one week and we cannot wait! So far everything has been great and I have nothing but positive things to say about Memphis Tours and Mrs. Fattoush. I'll post about the trip when I return, and as well as things have gone so far, I have no reason to think the trip will be anything but amazing!
Visited June 2011
Egypt is a historical wonder and Memphis tours made it possible to explore the lovely country!!!
Radhikakanessan10
, 3/1/11
We spent a week in Egypt and this was soon after the revolution got over. In spite of the media scare and all that, we had a great time and infact felt very protected and pampered. This I will owe it to Memphis tours Coz they took real good care of us and made sure we felt safe and that we enjoyed our trip to the fullest!
I must mention the tour guides who were simply amazing and we were dumbstruck as to how knowledgeable they were and the love they've got for their history and culture. We even wondered if there was anything they actually did not know!
The country itself is lovely and it was like a dream come true to visit such a historical land. We honestly owe this to Memphis coz they made everything possible especially at a time when people are weary about visiting Egypt. The revolution has nothing to do with tourism anymore and I would say that the Egyptians would be more than happy to welcome us coz they are such lovely people and would never hurt a soul!!!
Memphis Tours are #1”
KUBES70
, 2/12/11
Great people to have show you their country
Made us feel welcomed and secure
We enjoyed the history lessons and the great sense of humour of your people
Even the little detours that we took,like sitting at the sidewalk cafe in Giza prior to going to the night show at the pyramids was a great experience.
Hope to re-visit Egypt again,and will call Memphis Tours for all our needs.
The Pyramids,are truly magical,hard to describe the feeling
thanks again
Patrick & Sharon,
Trust Memphis Tours....we had a great experience
luvs2travel1021
, 2/10/11
Although we travelled to Egypt before the demonstrations began, I wanted to recommend Memphis Tours to anyone considering taking a trip or continuing with their previous planned vacation. Memphis worked 110% at all times to try to make our trip the best experience ever. We only found them through trip advisor and Memphis website so we were a little nervous sending our upfront payments, etc. However, we are so glad we did!! From Cairo to Luxor to Aswan to Abu Simbel.....we enjoyed Egypt and the Memphis tour we chose.
Excellent company
annikins90
, 2/9/11
Last year I travelled to Egypt by myself and as I am a single female i didnt want to have to go to all the major sites by myself and was looking for a company that i could make a custom tour with so i could see what i wanted to see. I came across Memphis Tours and with the help of Yosri we arranged a custom tour which was exactly what i was looking for.
When it was time to start my tour i had met up with another couple form Australia and they were wanting to see the same sites as me so i asked my tour guide Mohamad if it was possible for them to tag along. With no trouble at all there were now three of us going on an unforgettable day. Mohamad was very knowledgable and he even chose the best place for our lunch break (the best meal i had my entire time in Egypt).
Thankyou to all the team at Memphis Tours for making our time in Cairo an unfogettable expirence.
“When in Egypt depend on Memphis Tours!”
JinFO
, 1/20/11
Just returned from my second visit to Egypt in 12 months, my first experience being so incredible that it prompted a more comprehensive visit. Both times we used Memphis Tours - we couldn't be more pleased with our selection.
Ahmed Shalpy was my online consultant He was completely professional and responsive to all my questions during the planning stage of our trip, always with a "can do" attitude and prompt response time in customizing our itinerary.
At our request, our tour representative in Cairo was Hamada Roshdi (who always wears a big infectious smile), our guide Ameni, and driver Sayed. We stayed at the 5 star Fairmont Nile City and took the 4 day Luxor-Aswan Nile River cruise on the Sonesta Nile Goddess. The days were filled with sightseeing, shopping (at our request) and eating.
For 3 of us, this was our 2nd Egypt trip, and for 3 the first. But for all of us, this was a totally top notch, amazing experience. Our Memphis team was completely flexible in adjusting our daily plans and working in personal requests, very knowledgeable, and knowing what foodies we are, found us the best restaurants and local snack places.
In our 10 days, we managed to visit the pyramids at Giza, take a camel ride, take in the light show, tour Sakkara and Memphis, take a day trip to Alexandria which included the Citadel, the Philae Pillars, Catacombs, tour the Alexandria library, fly to Luxor for the 4 day Nile cruise to Aswan (temples at Karnak and Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Horus temple @ Edfu, Kom Ombo), take a day trip to Abu Simbel (Memphis even provided day rooms at a hotel in Aswan to rest in until our evening flight back to Cairo), tour coptic Cairo (the Hanging Church, Abu Sirga Church, first Synagogue), visit Mosques, the Citadel, shopping in Khan al Khalili bazaar, tour the Egyptian Museum, and have the most wonderful Egyptian meals - and probably so much more than I can remember. Our days were packed from morning to night, our Memphis team putting in long days with us.
Anyone visiting Egypt with any tour company will see all the wonderful sights we did, but Memphis Tours made our visit a memorable and fun trip. We could not have had a better experience. In reading some of the complaints filed on TA, I would point out that no travel is completely without some mixups and problems. It is how the problems are met and resolved the makes the difference. Memphis is eager to try to resolve any problems and constantly asks for feedback in order to improve service. While everything is booked thru Memphis, not all things are under their control; e.g., the hotel, the cruise and the food and guides provided by the cruise.
I would not hesitate to use Memphis again (and probably will). I am all about service, and can say Memphis Tours does not disappoint. A first class operation at a very reasonable price.
Tips: Go to a bank and get a roll of coins (50 piastres or 1 pound) for bathroom tipping (about 5 to 10 cents). If you plan to shop in local markets, do exchange for Egyptian pounds. You will get a better price since the vendors will round off the exchange when setting the price - you can always use spare pounds at the end of your trip in your tips to the driver and guides. The service charge included in your restaurant bill, does not go to your server(s). If you wish to leave a little something for the wait staff, it will be very appreciated.
Shukran, Hamada, Sayed, Ameni, Achmed and all the other wonderful members of our Memphis tour team! Achmed, so sorry to cause you such distress in trying to keep us all safe while wandering the bazaar and streets of Cairo. Miss you all already.
Ahmed Shalpy was my online consultant He was completely professional and responsive to all my questions during the planning stage of our trip, always with a "can do" attitude and prompt response time in customizing our itinerary.
At our request, our tour representative in Cairo was Hamada Roshdi (who always wears a big infectious smile), our guide Ameni, and driver Sayed. We stayed at the 5 star Fairmont Nile City and took the 4 day Luxor-Aswan Nile River cruise on the Sonesta Nile Goddess. The days were filled with sightseeing, shopping (at our request) and eating.
For 3 of us, this was our 2nd Egypt trip, and for 3 the first. But for all of us, this was a totally top notch, amazing experience. Our Memphis team was completely flexible in adjusting our daily plans and working in personal requests, very knowledgeable, and knowing what foodies we are, found us the best restaurants and local snack places.
In our 10 days, we managed to visit the pyramids at Giza, take a camel ride, take in the light show, tour Sakkara and Memphis, take a day trip to Alexandria which included the Citadel, the Philae Pillars, Catacombs, tour the Alexandria library, fly to Luxor for the 4 day Nile cruise to Aswan (temples at Karnak and Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Horus temple @ Edfu, Kom Ombo), take a day trip to Abu Simbel (Memphis even provided day rooms at a hotel in Aswan to rest in until our evening flight back to Cairo), tour coptic Cairo (the Hanging Church, Abu Sirga Church, first Synagogue), visit Mosques, the Citadel, shopping in Khan al Khalili bazaar, tour the Egyptian Museum, and have the most wonderful Egyptian meals - and probably so much more than I can remember. Our days were packed from morning to night, our Memphis team putting in long days with us.
Anyone visiting Egypt with any tour company will see all the wonderful sights we did, but Memphis Tours made our visit a memorable and fun trip. We could not have had a better experience. In reading some of the complaints filed on TA, I would point out that no travel is completely without some mixups and problems. It is how the problems are met and resolved the makes the difference. Memphis is eager to try to resolve any problems and constantly asks for feedback in order to improve service. While everything is booked thru Memphis, not all things are under their control; e.g., the hotel, the cruise and the food and guides provided by the cruise.
I would not hesitate to use Memphis again (and probably will). I am all about service, and can say Memphis Tours does not disappoint. A first class operation at a very reasonable price.
Tips: Go to a bank and get a roll of coins (50 piastres or 1 pound) for bathroom tipping (about 5 to 10 cents). If you plan to shop in local markets, do exchange for Egyptian pounds. You will get a better price since the vendors will round off the exchange when setting the price - you can always use spare pounds at the end of your trip in your tips to the driver and guides. The service charge included in your restaurant bill, does not go to your server(s). If you wish to leave a little something for the wait staff, it will be very appreciated.
Shukran, Hamada, Sayed, Ameni, Achmed and all the other wonderful members of our Memphis tour team! Achmed, so sorry to cause you such distress in trying to keep us all safe while wandering the bazaar and streets of Cairo. Miss you all already.
“Splendid, Wonderful and carefree family holiday”
DIYholiday
, 1/11/11
We are a family of six from Malaysia and Singapore. Visited Egypt from Dec 28 2010 to Jan 8th 2011. We found Memphis Tours and checked with trip advisor's readers' comments. THANKS HEAPS TO TRIP ADVISOR and her Readers ! One name which popped out was Mustafa Ahmed. I remember reading good reviews about Memphis and him When I wrote to Memphis, Mr Mustafa Ahmed was the one who replied me. From then on it was smooth sailing. We were in Cairo for a few days. We also took a day trip by flight from Cairo to Abu Simbel. Later we flew to Luxor to join cruise to Aswan. All along we were assigned a tour leader Mr Hassan Mosleh. He met us and also see us off from the airport whenever we need to fly. He gave us a mobile so that we can always get in touch with him. His co-ordination was perfect He was great. Recommended good attractions to feel some free days in Cairo and Luxor. We had free days because of our flight schedule. Every\thing as promised by memphis was fulfilled. We had knowlegeable Egyptologists in Cairo(Miss Ahmandie) as well as Luxor and Aswan (Dr Salem). Though we booked our own hotel and internal flights and all ground tours and cruise by memphis, there was just one hiccup in Abu Simbel. Guide did not turn up due to mis-communication . That was resolved quickly. As for the cruise, we told them our expectations of the type of cruise we wanted and we got one better!. Tip is - Communications in detail prior to departure is important. I did that. I heard from some others who were in the same cruise. They joined memphis tours too, but they didn't get the level of service like I did. Some were surprised by our praises of Memphis and some expressed discontent with parts of their tours. I supposed we were lucky to get Mr Mustafa Ahmed and his team - efficient, trustworthy and friendly . We had a splendid ,wonderful and carefree holiday :)
“BEST TOUR GROUP IN EGYPT!!!!”
marpoi
, 8/9/10
We booked a tour of Egypt with Memphis for our entire stay in September. I can honestly say that without Memphis Tours our trip would have never been nearly as good as it was. Booking with Memphis was very easy. Everything is done through email. They respond very quickly and their pricing is extremely reasonable. We had a seven day, six night trip to Egypt in which we stayed in Cairo but traveled to Giza, Luxor and Alexandria all through Memphis Tours. They provided us with our own air-conditioned vehicle and driver which was priceless. The driving conditions and traffic in Cairo are unbelievable and we would not have been safe traveling around in the conditions with any other means of transportation. Our drive, MAGDEE, was amazing!!!! He was so kind and was willing to do anything that we needed. I highly recommend him. The tours and places that we were able to see with Memphis Tours were just amazing. Egypt is a gorgeous country with so much history. We felt that a crucial part of our trip was our Egyptologist, Ayman. He was so knowledgeable about the history and culture in Egypt. The meaning of the sites and artifacts that we saw would have been minimal if it weren't for him. He speaks excellent English and was a pleasure to spend the week with. Request him! The other person that was a huge help and a crucial part of our tour with Memphis was Mohamed. He was an excellent guide and arranged additional tours for us at the last minute with no hassle. We had a wallet lost at the Cairo airport after flying back in from Luxor and Mohamed and Magdee stayed with us at the airport until 2:30 a.m. helping translate and get a police report filled out. They were absolutely gracious and never even complained or rushed us through the whole process.
Because of the hard work of Memphis Tours, we cannot wait to go back to Egypt again and have another tour with Magdee, Mohamed and Ayman! Well Done!
I had a great time with Memphis Tours in Egypt
Joebrowning
, 5/24/10
Memphis Tours did an OUTSTANDING job. We took an 8 day trip from Cairo to Abu Simbel and back. I did a lot of research before we went, and Memphis Tours was the most affordable Egypt tour company I could find that advertised in the US. The best part of the whole tour is that we were not combined with a larger tour group--it was just the two of us with a guide and a driver the entire time. Standouts were Hasan, Maha, and Hagar, who were eager to share what they knew about the sights, as well as share insights about their own culture and personal lives. Several times we overherd envious toursists who said, "Look at them--they have their own personal guide. How lucky."
Hotels and restaurants they suggested were also excellent. All hotels were well located and convenient to sites. For spending extra days in Cairo, I would recommend asking them to change you to a hotel in downtown Cairo (we loved the Semiramis) rather than the Le Meridien hotel in Giza near the Pyramids. The Le Meridien is more than comfortable, but it is not as convenient to attractions in Cairo itself.
The night train from Cairo to Luxor and from Aswan to Cairo was no better or worse than a second class sleeper train through Europe. If you can afford it, think about flying. However, it does add the expense of a flight and an extra night in the hotel. Additionally, by flying, you lose out on the adventure of spending the night on a cross-country train through Egypt.
I can't say enough good things about Memphis Tours. From beginning to end, we were well cared for. They were affordable, friendly, and eager to please. We suggested they advertise to Americans in dollars rather than euros to get more business from the US. We also suggested that they put in big bold letters on their website that when you set up a tour with them, it is PRIVATE and you will NOT be combined with a large group. If you are thinking about going to Egypt, use Memphis Tours.
Hotels and restaurants they suggested were also excellent. All hotels were well located and convenient to sites. For spending extra days in Cairo, I would recommend asking them to change you to a hotel in downtown Cairo (we loved the Semiramis) rather than the Le Meridien hotel in Giza near the Pyramids. The Le Meridien is more than comfortable, but it is not as convenient to attractions in Cairo itself.
The night train from Cairo to Luxor and from Aswan to Cairo was no better or worse than a second class sleeper train through Europe. If you can afford it, think about flying. However, it does add the expense of a flight and an extra night in the hotel. Additionally, by flying, you lose out on the adventure of spending the night on a cross-country train through Egypt.
I can't say enough good things about Memphis Tours. From beginning to end, we were well cared for. They were affordable, friendly, and eager to please. We suggested they advertise to Americans in dollars rather than euros to get more business from the US. We also suggested that they put in big bold letters on their website that when you set up a tour with them, it is PRIVATE and you will NOT be combined with a large group. If you are thinking about going to Egypt, use Memphis Tours.
“Thank you Memphis for a fantastic experience in Egypt!”
Oratia_Chris
, 3/31/10
My wife and I booked a 7 day tour with Memphis that included the sights in Cario, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simble, the Baharya Oasis and Western desert. When we arrived in a new location there was always a care taker to meet us. We had local guides and drivers in each location. The care takers would hand us over to our driver and guide for the day and usually see us again at the end of the day to confirm what was happening the next day. We found all the people we dealt with to be flexible and very willing to accommodate our needs. For example my wife’s flight was cancelled so she arrived a day late but our schedule was reorganized to accommodate a new itinerary.
The guides were knowledgeable and easy to understand. My wife particularly liked the female guide we had in Luxor (whose English was perfect) because she could find out more about family life and Egyptian culture.
We were interested in experiencing the ‘grass-routes’ Egyptian culture and in the Oasis we were treated to a visit to the home of one of the friends of the company representatives. We consider ourselves to be very fortunate to have had this opportunity for a behind-the-scene look into Egyptian life.
If the number of photographs taken in a particular place is a measure of our interest then the Western desert easily takes first prize. Camping the night in the White desert was a very special experience and one we will treasure forever.
In summary I have no hesitation in recommending Memphis we could not have seen so much of Egypt in such a short space of time without their superb organization. They certainly took all the hassle out of our whistle-stop tour of Egypt and ‘went the extra mile’ to make sure we were comfortable and safe.
This post would not be complete without a special mention of Zizou, our tour leader. We need to thank him for the lessons in Egyptian language and culture. We were so pleased when he joined us for the trip to the desert. He’s not only a very well organized professional who understands what customer service is but is also a genuinely nice person and a great travel companion.
Thank you Memphis for a great holiday experience in Egypt!
The guides were knowledgeable and easy to understand. My wife particularly liked the female guide we had in Luxor (whose English was perfect) because she could find out more about family life and Egyptian culture.
We were interested in experiencing the ‘grass-routes’ Egyptian culture and in the Oasis we were treated to a visit to the home of one of the friends of the company representatives. We consider ourselves to be very fortunate to have had this opportunity for a behind-the-scene look into Egyptian life.
If the number of photographs taken in a particular place is a measure of our interest then the Western desert easily takes first prize. Camping the night in the White desert was a very special experience and one we will treasure forever.
In summary I have no hesitation in recommending Memphis we could not have seen so much of Egypt in such a short space of time without their superb organization. They certainly took all the hassle out of our whistle-stop tour of Egypt and ‘went the extra mile’ to make sure we were comfortable and safe.
This post would not be complete without a special mention of Zizou, our tour leader. We need to thank him for the lessons in Egyptian language and culture. We were so pleased when he joined us for the trip to the desert. He’s not only a very well organized professional who understands what customer service is but is also a genuinely nice person and a great travel companion.
Thank you Memphis for a great holiday experience in Egypt!
Memphis Tours - thumbs up!!
tashiwa
, 10/28/09
We had an amazing time in Egypt. We felt very looked after by Memphis Tours from the time we got off the plane, to when we were returned to the airport. Memphis organised all our accommodation, transport, tours, tickets to the U20 FIFA World cup etc, and their staff were very knowledgable and lovely. It was very affordable, and a must-see destination! I recommend Memphis Tours for anybody visiting Egypt.
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