Cindy Weston

If you are considering a trip to Egypt, but are concerned about safety, don't be! I just returned from an adventure of a lifetime with a group of teacher friends and their families and we felt very welcome and safe! We planned our trip through Mohamed Mohktar at MEMPHIS TOURS, and he saw to every detail. Memphis really works with their clients to develop a tour package that meets individual group needs. They have very strict security that ensures safety and incredible guides and drivers that stay with the group at each attraction. 

Tourism is way down right now in Egypt and I think largely because of incorrect media information. For example, there were reports of huge out of control demonstrations again when we were right there and NO THERE WASN'T! Their demonstrations are no different than ours on any given day in downtown Seattle. There are tourist police and security everywhere and I felt far safer there than in most large cities in America. In my opinion, one is safer in Egypt right now than at any major league game in America or Canada..seriously. 

Now is truly the time to go. Can you imagine seeing Disneyland with zero lines and security everywhere and personal guides? That is what it is like! I highly recommend going now, but only through Memphis Tours. I cannot speak about the other companies as I do not know. Also, Arabic is a difficult language and it is best to be in a group. We thoroughly loved our tour with Memphis! This is a nation of people struggling to establish a new life and in a new free democracy. Egyptian people now are us Americans 200 years ago. They need our faith and support. You don't even need all the security provided, the Egyptian people themselves would protect their tourists. I would never recommend anything or anyone that I did not firmly back.

Memphis uses top notch guides and drivers too. Our guides were so personable, professional and helpful. We all became friends and will continue to stay in contact. I've traveled extensively around the world, and have never been involved with a better tour group! If you tour Cairo, I'd ask for Mustafa and Osama Mustafo as your guides and Sayed Anwar for your driver. They are totally down to earth, friendly and will make your trip very memorable. It was more like traveling with family than a tour group! 

In Luxor, they even hired a free lance Egyptology expert named Sayed Ahmed (also known as Adam Ahmed) who is absolutely fabulous! He studied for 4 years at the University and then did an internship. He knows the history inside out. Sayed speaks excellent English and explains the hieroglyphics and temple history in a manner that foreign tourists easily understand. Be sure you get Sayed or you will be missing out! He is one of the most intelligent people that I have ever met! Mohamed was very good in Aswan too.

The Nile Cruise was totally fabulous and each and every sight exceeded our expectations! When Osama asked my colleague Paul what part he liked best about Egypt, he poignantly replied, "If you had a dozen children, which would you like best?". Meaning, everything we did was incredible, unique and steeped in culture and we loved every single moment from the Nile Cruise to each excursion and could not choose a favorite as everything was equally wonderful!

If you can, I highly recommend the 60 minute hot air balloon ride too and camel ride (but again, book only through Memphis as there are scams out there as in any tourist place). 

I'd be glad to answer any questions you have if I can. Again 2 thumbs up to Memphis Tours and Sayed Ahmed in Luxor! Thank you for showing us your amazing country! Sincerely, Cindy Weston Teacher in Puyallup School District/Washington state