We've recently returned from a 10 day break in Egypt. We spent 7 days cruising the Nile on the stunning Royal Viking boat, followed by 3 nights at the beautiful Le Meridien Hotel in Giza.
This amazing holiday would not have been made possible without the help and advice of Caroline at Discover Egypt and Jordan. From my first enquiry, right through to the booking stages - Caroline's professionalism, patience and impeccable sales skills made the whole process seamless. We are very thankful for this and would not hesitate to book future trips through them or recommend them to friends and family.
Upon landing in Luxor, we were greeted by our two holiday reps/guides - Radwan and Mohammed. Our initial thoughts were how enthusiastic and approachable they were even at that late hour of the night. But we had no idea just how funny, kind and incredibly knowledgable these two gentleman were and how interesting and exciting they were going to make the excursions.
We were told in advance about the first class hygiene standards on the boat. Upon return from any excursion or outing, all guests were provided with fresh, wet, hot flannels to cleanse mucky hands and faces (or anywhere else), followed by a small shot of freshly squeezed lemon and water - I guess to cleanse and purify from the inside. Every public area hosted hand sanitising gel and guests were not allowed to enter the dining room without following this regime. Most of the time a member of staff would oversee this process.
The food on board was simply exquisite - the selection and quality both lunches and dinners were outstanding and our complements go to the head chef (who's presence in the dining room was always visible) and his team.
Now to pay homage to the remainder of the team - we were often served in the lounge bar by the most humble, kind and sweetest waiter called Mohammed. I defy you try a cappuccino finer than his anywhere in the world!
The dining room staff couldn't do enough for us. One member of our party had multiple food allergies and a chap called Abd-Elhakk Ali Mohamed just couldn't do enough to ensure that all food was strictly prepared and served in accordance with these allergies.
The entertainment on board was beyond words. Each night had a different theme including Captain's Cocktails, Egyptian Treasure Hunt and a Gallabaya (traditional Egyptian dress) night. There was no pressure to participate, nor was there pressure to purchase beverages if you chose to partake. But we took part every night and we all laughed and laughed till we couldn't laugh anymore. Our two housekeeping gents Yasser and Mahmoud were precious. Each night when we returned to our deluxe cabins, we were greeted by different characters laid on the bed and all made from a selection of towels.
Following our arrival in Cairo, we were greeted by another wonderful Discover Egypt rep called Sheiff who very kindly recovered my (very expensive) makeup pouch that I had left in the back of the taxi before checking in and passing security at Cairo airport en route back to Heathrow. I had no idea about my faux pas and Sheriff sent me a text and we were allowed to go back out and recover this from him, by temporarily handing over our passport. So thanks again Sheriff!
All in all I can't thank everyone enough. I haven't even been able to mention all everybody who made our trip unforgettable.
There's a lot of scaremongering in the media with regards to safety and security in Egypt following the recent unrest. However, we disregarded those concerns when we booked this and we are so glad we did. All us guests agreed that we felt incredibly safe! We found the Egyptians to be a very down to earth, welcoming group of people and we would definitely visit again.
Jennifer and Yasmin - London.
ROYAL VIKING -CAIRO - SHARM EL SHEIKH
14 APRIL 2014
Just a quick note to thank everyone at Discover Egypt for organising our recent visit to Egypt. The whole process went off without a hitch from being greeted at every Airport by a discover Egypt agent, to the staff on the Viking Princess and in both the hotels we stayed in. As you know we got transferred from flying with Easyjet to flying with Egyptair and to me this was a bonus, having flown with Egyptair previously I knew the standard of plane and service would be far better than Easyjet but not having flow with Easyjet I may be a bit unfair here, I requested that we be seated together as a party and this was done on every flight. The reps who collected us from the airport would not leave the hotel until we were checked in and on the way to our rooms, and likewise when they took us back to the airport would not leave until we were checked in and on our way through departure. they were all a credit to you I wont single any one person out they were all 1st class. There were 6 of us in the party, myself, my wife and my 2 daughters and there partners and we all agree that Discover Egypt did a fantastic job. I was a bit dubious about booking with your company in the first instance but all I can say is thank God I did, and I would recommend anyone going to book with Discover Egypt. I could go on and on about the holiday itself but I think I have got my message through, its just a crying shame that people are avoiding Egypt at the moment but hopefully once they get themselves sorted out the tourist trade will return
Brian
Royal Viking 31 March 2014
This cruise was everything we had hoped for and more. The boat was extremely comfortable, we were well fed and cared for by a super crew.
Our "cabin" was spacious, so comfortable and well cared for by our two stewards. Their sense of humor was brilliant. Every night a new "surprise".
The public rooms were excellent and the roof top absolute bliss. The dining room service was top notch too.
Best of all was our fantastic egyptologist Mohsin. He shared his knowledge with good grace and humor and really made our trip unforgettable.
Our only regret was that it was two short, we would have liked to do it all over again for a second week. It was a dream come true. Thank you all so much.
Roger & Mary
Royal Viking 31 March 2014
We have just returned from a fantastic 2 week holiday aboard the Royal Viking . Everyone made us feel welcome and our guides Radwan and Yasser were both brilliant. We were sorry to have to come home! Many thanks to all at Discover Egypt. Everything was well organised and we were well looked after.
Lynne and David - Norwich
Just Back....March 2014
Just to say that a friend and I are just back from Egypt and need to tell you all that we had a wonderful time (11/3 – 25/3 2014).
Our flight was from Manchester to Cairo and then Cairo to Luxor. We were met at Cairo by a representative of Discover Egypt and taken to immigration to get our Visas. Thank you for making this as easy as possible – we may have struggled on our own. We were them met at Luxor and escorted to the Royal Viking.
We spent the first week on the Royal Viking cruising the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, visiting temples along the way. We can only say that we had not experienced anything like it. The knowledge of our Guide – Mohammed was endless, there was no questions left unanswered. The Crew on board the Royal Viking were brilliant – from the waiters in the bar to the cabin lads. Nothing was too much trouble. We never new what sort of towel art we would find when we went back to our cabin in the evening – brilliant. One of the day when we were sailing all day we were given a tour of the boat, even the kitchens – as you would expect all preparation areas where colour co-ordinated and scrupulously clean. We always appreciated the warm flannels and drink on our return to the boat after an outing. All in all a very good week.
The cruise was a wonderful experience and will stay with us forever.
We then transferred to The Movenpick in Hurghada. Once again – not disappointed. Large clean comfortable room, comfy beds and staff that could not do enough for you. Animation Team worked really hard to make your stay as relaxed as possible whilst not vegetating. Not many English about but we certainly let them know that we were there. Great rivalry playing French Boules with the Russians and Saudis alike. Restaurant was large (you could eat inside or out) with excellent waiters and tables were cleared efficiently. Beach Bar open all day for drinks and snacks with again welcoming smiles and very efficient service. Captains Bar was also run effortlessly. We were asked numerous times a day if there was anything else they could do to make our stay any better.
Thank you Discover Egypt for organising this fabulous experience for us, and we sure that this is the norm and not the exception – so everyone we would recommend Discover Egypt to all our friends and family.
Linda and Sandra - Manchester
Just back - 17 to 31 March 2014
Just to say what a fantastic holiday we have just had. It is such a shame people are not going to Egypt. The Discovery Egypt Agent & Guides were so helpful. The Egyptologist on the Royal Viking Trip was so passionate about his subject, and his knowledge extensive. The Staff was helpful, all areas especially the bedrooms were spotless.
In Cairo the only down side was how noisy and dirty Cairo is. This obviously not your fault. Therefore 3 nights was just right. We felt safe and enjoyed all that was offered.
Back to Luxor and bliss. We just relaxed in the beautiful surroundings of the Jollie Ville Hotel.
We did feel a little guilty towards the Guide as we didn't need him for touring as we had done that at the beginning of the holiday.
So again , Thank you for your help and I will recommend your company to all.
Caroline
Brighton
Just back - 04 March 2014
It goes without saying that my daughter and I enjoyed our Nile Cruise with your company.
I hope the message gets around that this area is safe for all and that tourism to Egypt improves for you.
I must draw your attention to the services of two of your tour guides, one ,whose name I have forgotten who met us in Luxor and Alee Mustafa on the vessel. The latter in particular worked very hard on our behalf to trace (successfully ) my daughter's suitcase.He was also very affable a great host ,,spoke English impeccably and had an encyclopaedic knowledge of Egypt's antiquities.
With hindsight I wish now that we had added on a visit to Petra..
Ray Clywd
Just Back - March 2014
Hello to all at Discover Egypt, My wife and I have just returned home 3/3/14 from the Luxor to Aswan Nile river cruise aboard the Royal Viking, And would like to thank you for what has been the best holiday we have ever had. The staff on the boat were magnificent, nothing was too much trouble, The Food and hygiene was second to none. Breath taking scenery and excellent excursions followed by relaxing on the boat was in all, perfect. A special mention to our tour guides Mohammed and Hussein who made our trip with the excellent knowledge they have and the ability to make everyone part of one big happy family, again nothing was too much trouble,they worked above and beyond the call of duty. Real ambassadors for your country. The only regret is that we had to come home, but in doing so, we have come away with fantastic memories and new friendships. Thank you all and hopefully you would do the honour and pass on our thank you to all on the Royal Viking. Best wishes and WILL see you soon
Gary & Kim from Cambridge UK.
February 2014
Hi,
We returned on 22nd February from a wonderful holiday to Cairo and Luxor with you. The service we received from you was second to none from the minute we booked,the travel agent we used had never been there so we were reliant on information from your staff to help pick hotels etc.., They help us pick the most wonderful hotels where the staff were outstanding. The Mercure Cairo le Sphinx was wonderful, your staff recommended having the pyramid view room, and the view was great, and well worth the extra cost. I asked for something a bit special for Luxor and your staff suggested The winter pavilion, and it certainly was special, the whole hotel and its staff was amazing, The reps that met us at the airports were fantastic, we had Assem Saladin at Cairo and Mohamed at Luxor, and both gave more than first class service,we managed to leave our tablets in Cairo and between the Assem, Mohamed and the hotel they did their best to get them to us, When this couldn't be done, (not throughlack of trying), Mohamed asked the guide we had for trips (sorry i cant remember his name) to take us to a chemist and they managed to get the most important ones. We have never received service like this from any other holiday company. We will be telling anyone wanting to go to Egypt, to use yourselves as they wont get a better holiday from anyone else. We ourselves will always use you for any holidays we take to Egypt in the future. Thank you for a wonderful holiday and wonderful service.
Paula - Bournemouth
Royal Viking 24 March 2014
Dear Caroline This is late but heartfelt. I wanted to thank you so much for a wonderful holiday. You and the team produced an immaculately organized and fascinating week. Goodness knows how you do it but you did. I loved it – and I know Carolyn did too.Trust you are happily back in the office. Thank you again for all your consideration and excellent care. Lizy London
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