Nile Cruise Tours from Luxor

Our ship, the Minerva Jaz was excellent with very attentive staff and an impressive itinerary-- but our tour guide Ahmed El Prince was absolute greatness!! I embarked on the cruise after touring Cairo and a few other countries in the Middle East by myself, and I usually prefer the do-it-myself trips without official guides or groups. But what a difference it makes, seeing a country so rich in history with a guide so knowledgeable and enjoyable! It ended up being one of my all-time favorite trips, and invoked such a love for Egypt inside me-- I wish more people could see this side of the country. Ahmed was absolutely professional, courteous, always went out of his way to help all members of his group, and acted as a liaison for us when we needed help speaking the language, purchasing souvenirs, intervening with hasslers, etc-- going far beyond his basic job description of simply telling us stories about the sights-- which he always did with impressive knowledge and enthusiasm. All trips to Egypt deserve a companion like Ahmed. 

As a female tourist travelling solo, I of course had concerns about safety after reading news articles full of uncertainty and being warned by absolutely everyone I know. I have to tell you though, there was not a moment that I felt remotely unsafe. It's a tragedy how the media portrays Egypt when there has never been a better time to visit. With such a recent decline in tourism, all the famous sights that used to require hours of waiting in line can usually now be entered immediately. Prices are lower than ever. The only drawbacks I will warn you, is that there are still hasslers in certain areas who want you to buy their goods-- but the country is far worth training yourself to ignore the pushy ones. Once you get past this you will meet the most generous, friendly, loving Egyptians who welcome you to their country like family and do all they can to help without even knowing you. This, combined with the beauty of a country that dates back far longer than I can imagine, the hospitality my new friend Ahmed, and all those I met with Memphis, made this trip unforgettable. I wish the same kind of adventure for everyone.