Pauline, Sue, Trish and Joan

Memphis Tours really looked after us well. Our schedule was frenetic (our choice to do it all on 1 trip) Jan 9th - 20th 2010 - Flew to Cairo for 2 days, flew to Luxor to pick up a Nile cruise. Flew back from Aswan to Cairo for a day then flew to Amman in Jordan. Did all the sites - Petra, Mt Nebo, Bethany ect. It was a terrific experience. All pick up appointments were on time. The drivers and tour guides were polite, helpful and informative. Anything we asked for was accommodated. The guides Mahdie and Haman (forgive the spelling - probably wrong) were friendly, but kept a respectful distance; being all women we appreciated that. The first representative that met us at the airport, Zezu, was a fantastic ambassador for the company. He was tremendously helpful and thoughtful. We were confident that he was only a phone call away if we needed his assistance. A cell phone was provided so we could contact the company if we needed them. Another meet-and-greet rep, Sherif, was terrific too. On our last day in Egypt, we actually felt sad to say goodbye to Zezu; he even carried our bags into the terminal and helped us check-in. Memphis was outstanding and we felt safe being looked after by all the team. When we arrived at Jordan, all organised by Memphis, the level of care delivered by Petra Night Tours was just as impressive. A driver named Sherif looked after us for the first 2 days then the regular driver, Hallah, took over and continued to deliver a first class service.The tour guides booked by the company were informative and we felt we learned a lot about the country. In both countries, the hotels were of a good standard with great service. The food was delicious and nutritious. Absolutely no complaints there. The only aspect of Memphis' organisation of our trip that we disliked was the taking of us to watch things being made like glass blowing, carpets, jewellery, vases, perfume ect. After a brief demonstration we were offered drinks and felt obligated to buy. Although they said there was no obligation, we were put under some pressure by the sales assistants to purchase. We all disliked that aspect of the tour. By the time we reached Jordan, we had decided not to go to places like this if they were on the tour itinerary. There was some negative aspects to our holiday that had nothing to do with Memphis Tours. We were hasseled in Egypt and greatly over charged everywhere we went. Even on the cruise I was charged 600 egp for 2 gallibayas; I seen the same dresses later on the stalls for 50 each. We expect to pay more than the locals, but to be fleeced to the extent we were was unacceptable. (Things weren't that bad in Jordan.) Our guide from Memphis spoke to the store owner to complain and he offered to compensate me with a key ring - which I refused. Haman suggested that we call him to be with us if we were going to buy things The so called 'security' at historical sites were pestering tourist for money so they could take pictures of places where photography was forbidden. Despite the above, we had a memorable holiday and would be more than happy to recommend Memphis as a company that does deliver a great service. Pauline, Sue, Trish and Joan.