Egypt is the home to some of the most iconic historical sites in the world. From the Nile Cruises, Pyramids of Giza, to the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, Egypt offers a trip of a lifetime. With so many places to see, traveling Egypt alone can be quite overwhelming, that’s why you should pick the best tour operator in Egypt. It can help you get the most out of your vacation. Let’s take a look at some tips on how to locate the right tour operator.
Reviews from objective third-party sites can provide great insight into the real customer experience with a tour operator. Pay attention to sites like TripAdvisor or TrustPilot that verify reviewers actually used the company vs. anonymous reviews that could be fake. Also, see if the tour operator has accreditations with organizations like the Travel Agents Association of Egypt which vets member businesses. These things help confirm you’re dealing with a legitimate, reputable company.
Carefully examine a few sample Egypt tour itineraries from each operator you’re considering, not just the highlights. Pay attention to the actual sites visited each day, the pace and quality of the itinerary balance and flow, modes of transportation, etc. Some tours may be very rushed trying to squeeze too much in while others provide a comfortable pace and experience. Make sure the itineraries match the type of Egyptian trip you want.
The education, expertise, and skills of your tour guides will greatly impact your experiences in Egypt. Inquire about guide qualifications, background, and training with any tour operator you consider. The best will employ Egyptologists and experts that enrich your trip vs. guides that simply shepherd groups around. Also ask about guide availability – some companies overbook guides spreading them thin.
Some travelers prefer the intimacy of small group tours while others like meeting more people in bigger groups. Inquire about typical group sizes for tours. Small groups under 16 people provide more personal experiences and access while bigger groups typically mean lower prices. Make sure the expected group size matches your preferences.
Before booking the best tour operator in Egypt, you need to get all trip details confirmed in writing. This includes full itineraries, all transportation specifics, hotel names and star levels, meal plans, touring setups, planned activities, guide services and any special access or experiences included. Some tours throw in a few extras you won’t get with others so understand exactly what is and isn’t part of the base price.
When vetting an Egypt tour operator, make sure they exhibit concern and protocols for traveler health, safety, and security. This includes things like licensed drivers in safe vehicles, contingency planning for possible travel disruptions, trained guides, reasonable travel pace and rules, and access to medical care if necessary. Responsible tour companies look out for both traveler welfare and respect towards sites, locals, and the environment.
Consider both the trip price and the trip value when comparing tour operators. Some companies offer trips for very low prices but provide subpar itineraries, hotels, and transport. Get a detailed breakdown of what is included with cheaper vs. more expensive tour packages. Often paying a bit more translates to a substantially richer travel experience. But finding the “sweet spot” tour delivering an incredible Egyptian vacation at a fair price is the goal.
That covers the key things to look at when searching for and choosing the best tour operator to use for your dream trip to Egypt. Take time to carefully research all the options available using the criteria above. But if you are looking for a recommendation for such a tour operator, you can take a look at us at Cleopatra Travel. We are among the leading tour operators in Egypt since 1993. Contact us now to get more information.