MEMPHIS TOUR CO. IN EGYPT or any other...

[ISABELLA]

Have anyone had experience with Memphis tour Co in Cairo? or any other tour co recommended? Share your thoughts.

Thanks

[HeinBloed]

We booked our tour with Memphis Tours.

 

Others wanted to us to send 100 EUR as deposit per Western Union.

Memphis Tours accepted international credit cards and took the deposit right from my account.

But everything went normal - when we made the tour we paid all in cash less the deposit.

Due to Egyptian regulations you need to handle a copy of your credit card when you see them later.

 

The tour bus awaited us just in front of the pier.

It was a mini-van with a/c.

 

During the trip we were explained something about history and political Egypt:

 

 

We did not want a standard tour - so we made with Mohamed (the general manager) an individual tour incl. lunch.

 

From the ship's shore excursion participants we learned that they were told that the museum were closed and they have to spend their time until return in a papyrus plant with special sales. We did not!!! They offered us to go to the museum but due to the long trip my parents wanted to return to the ship so we could go the time we want.

 

It was also great that you always can interrupt the tour to see the toilet.

 

The others told that they were taken in a restaurant and it took nearly two hours before they all were fed. Our lunch did not take longer than 45 minutes.

 

One personal tipp: When we left I saw that at the purser's deck the Egyptian Misr Bank opened a counter to change money. I wished I had changed some local money to pay the drinks in the restaurant or to pay the attendants at the toilet.

 

Especially for the corrupt Egyptian Tourist Police who asked you to take photos of you or with them together and return your camera after you paid for their "hostage". Also all other dealers and begglars around the pyramids.

 

I wished they had protected us some more against them but they were very passive - also they made photos of us only on request!

 

But I cannot compare with other companies. Finally it was better and cheaper than the ship's shore excursion.

 

It was great to see the world wonders like Pyramids or the Sphinx

 

 

but once in a lifetime is enough! So there is no reason for me to test another Egyptian tour operator. May for Red Sea or Alexandria itself.

 

Regards,

HeinBloed

[ISABELLA]

Thank you for you kind respond. If you don't mind I have a few questions:

How was your tour guide - knowlegable? How much time did you spend at the pyramids? Was any traffic did you experienced? What time of the year did you go and what the weather was there? Did you see any military or police convoys with tour buses? Your experience and thoughts are very appreciated.

[HeinBloed]

Thank you for you kind respond. If you don't mind I have a few questions:

How was your tour guide - knowlegable?

 

We got a lot of information about Egyptian history, people, religion, geography, attractions etc.

 

How much time did you spend at the pyramids?

 

abt. 1 1/2 hours.

 

Was any traffic did you experienced?

 

It was Friday - but this is the same like Saturday in Western countries.

It took 3 hrs to Cairo

and about 3 1/2 hrs back.

 

What time of the year did you go and what the weather was there?

 

Early/Mid January 2007 - rainy (grizzle and light rain)

 

Did you see any military or police convoys with tour buses?

 

Yes and no!

 

Yes - two checkpoints enroute to Cairo

No - no escorts

 

Your experience and thoughts are very appreciated.

 

Do not hesitate to ask...

 

Regards,

HeinBloed