Egypt Escapes Avis 

As we are sat here in Germany on our way back home after our second trip to Egypt with Egypt Escspes, we are sad.
Just this morning we sat on the (very) sunny sundeck and soaked up the last of the rays while very sadly saying goodbye to our Sun International excursion group, that were departing onwards to differing new ventures, or, home. Our travelling companions, that had by now become good friends, were catching different flights, going to the Red Sea to relax, staying in Luxor for a night extra (or two, or three!), heading off to Cairo to see the Pyramids, a plethora of options were available.
Numbers were exchanged, group photos were taken, a couple of final stories told and even a few tears shed as we hugged and shook hands goodbye. Thanks for a wonderful time with a wonderful group and we hope to see you all again…x

Hurghada, landing after 21:00 hrs, our luggage never arrived as expected. We spent the next two days contacting airline and travel reps, buying clothing, toiletries and sundries.
12th November, following our evening meal, I did not feel well. I went to bed, with a high temperature, and diarrhea. After a terrible night, we called a doctor. He assessed and started IV fluids treatment. I isolated myself in my room for three days.
I was unable to eat much or drink any alcohol for the rest of our holiday. We were unable to visit the sights we came to see, Cairo, Pyramids, safaris and dolphin trips.
After an early morning start, and several hour trip across Egypt, we were dropped at the port and informed that the ship we had booked was not available and an alternative ship, which was termed an upgrade was waiting for us.
The ship was way past its prime, wore out upholstery, carpets, curtains etc. Looking dated, smelling of moth balling and the carpets showing sighs of black mold.
A check on your website described The ship, as elegantly designed to... a high finish & homed in Luxor Port. A swimming pool, Jacuzzi, (not working) gym area (didn't exist) Relax with a book in our reading lounge or during a billiard’s game (didn't exist).
Following a welcome introduction, we were assigned our rooms. The rooms amenities TV, fridge, a safe and AC/heating either did not work or were inadequate. Unfortunately, it was the bathroom which cause the most upset. Dirty toilets, baths and sinks. Opened pipe work. Broken tiles and poor unfinished trims and edging. This was unhygienic at best.
These failures were bought to the attention of the ship staff, who were either guarded in their reply or told us it was not possible to change rooms.
My wife suffered diarrhea and needed to isolate, for three days. Six out of fourteen of our group also required self-seclusion due to diarrhea and other condition. Not only suffering this ailment but forcing them to miss activities, excursions, food and drink and the delights of Egypt.
It was reasonably foreseeable, that putting an aging group of customer many of whom have underlying health and physical conditions at risk of illness or worse.
Egypt Escapes have contacted the supplier who claim despite documents from the hotel doctor and pictures of the ship, deny any responsibility, asking their supplies to investigate.

Never having booked a holiday on my own, I felt the task was onerous. The agent helped me through the whole process, getting me the best prices and talking me through each step.
Previously I have holidayed with Egypt Escapes and would highly recommend them. Nothing has been too much trouble.

James Clark (our travel advisor) was extremely patient and listened to our requests; there were lots of questions and amendments involved whilst we found the best deal and dates for our trip. We asked a lot of him; he called when he said he would and proved reliable and competent. He was able to explain the pricing and had a good grasp of how to put together a customer focused package. I felt we were in good hands.
Would recommend.

James was great a putting a package together that met our requirements

Very helpful and responsive team, particular thanks to James for his help.

james clark talked me through the hole holiday made me feel at ease thanks James

James clark has been so helpful in organising our holiday. He listened to what we wanted to do and did his best to accommodate us.

Our holiday advisor James Clark was very helpful and knowledgeable. Once booked the administration was very quick and easy to follow.

Serah has a lovely, warm, and receptive personality. She couldn't be nicer and her English is excellent. It was truly a great pleasure working with her and she really made this trip happen for us. We have every confidence in her. She is extremly professional, knowledgable and patient about all aspects. It couldn't have been a better experience.

2 weeks in Egypt, waist of money & time.
A week in AMC Royal Hotel in Hurghada, terrible food always cold, the same dishes everyday over & over, only one beach bar, very poor with music so loud you can't have a conversation not shouting. Zero of entertainment. Rooms are very nice, need a better cleaning. Spa offers a very good service, extra payments & very expensive.
Second week cruise on the Nile on MS Royal Adventure. Full board on the cruise means ONLY food, which was absolutely fantastic!
Everything else you pay extra for including water / a bottle of water £5/. Old ship with pool size of a hot tube. Boring evenings, only loud music,, again. Impossible being on the deck at evening, there's no an air only constant smog from diesel engines. It wasn't my first holiday in Egypt but the last for sure!!!

It is disappointing to write that we experienced a Bait and Switch holiday:from the initial Steigenberger Pyramid hotel, supposedly 5 star, to be put in Cairo Pyramids hotel round the back where the room was like an army barracks (21st Nov). Then there was a change of Boat without warning. OK, we could deal with that but the boat was ‘full’, which meant that instead of the upgrade to a middle deck that we had booked on the ‘Legacy’ our accommodation was now BELOW DECK on the ‘Regal Jaz Elite’. Everything was switched to an inferior experience, none of this is what we booked. And management refused to put anything in writing confirming our predicament. On the plus side: people nice, boat nice, and catered for my coeliac diet.

We have used Egypt Escapes 2 times now. First was a stay in Hurghada and a Nile Cruise. Second was to go back to the hotel we stayed at after the Nile cruise. Susan put both itineraries together. The price was good. Facilities recommended were excellent. We continue to recommend EE to any people we meet thinking of going to Egypt.

Susan Wilson was really nice to speak to very professional and helpful five star

Sarah has always been more than helpful and we loved our Nile cruise so much we will be booking with Egypt escapes through Sarah again
Our trip exceeded all our expectations and met all my disabilities needs
Thank you Sarah
You are a star!

This was actually my forth visit to Egypt, a country I enjoy visiting however this holiday will be remembered but not for the best of reasons. The first week in a hotel was lovely though we had no rep to greet us so had to find out what there was to do ourselves. Wasn’t till the third day we found the tour desk where we could book excursions.
The trip from Hegada to Luxor was horrendous. Firstly the driver hadn’t got the proper paperwork to be transporting us across the country so several check points were harrowing as not sure if we were to be allowed to continue the journey. Then we stopped at a road side rest area where we were pestered to buy way over priced shirts. The seller started to get very intimidating when we weren’t interested.
Once we made it to the boat it was clearly in desperate need of a refurb. The cabins were shabby and dirty from the diesel fumes (the engines run day and night) the deck was dirty with a freezing cold plunge pool and the so called “all inclusive “ was governed by a time frame so if you wanted so much as a bottle of water before 11:00am you were charged. The mini bar in the cabin wasn’t topped up at all and when enquiring we were told if you want it replenished you had to pay. I
When the boats moor up they quite often park side by side so you have to walk through another boat or two to get to you own, this really emphasised how shabby ours was when you saw the luxury dome of the others oozed.

I read with interest the comments in the reply that the boats care “authenticity antiquated” I don’t feel that broken and loose washhand basin, a dirty and broken fridge, a bathroom floor that moved when you walked in it due to rot and a tv with a screen so shadowed with age you could see what was on exactly authentic.
Generally a poof experience which I would never repeat and couldn’t recommend.

Serah is knowledgeable and patient, she answered all the questions fully, and was professionally polite in the process.

Very warm and personalised service. Will go back to Serah again for our next holiday.

Reeha was wonderful, professional, patient and quick to respond but not pushy.

I had the most amazing holiday of my lifetime 7 day Nile cruise beyond outstanding. The boat was outstanding and the staffs attention to detail exceptional . The guided tours were tiring but informative. The tour guide was really knowledgeable. The highlight of the cruise was the temple of Abu Simbel. Simply spectacular and well worth the visit. We then flew to Cairo. The 3 day visit went a bit Pete Tong. The arranged taxi driver dropped us off at the wrong hotel. The concierge organised another driver to take us to the Pyramid Edge Hotel. It cost me £17 and he got lost and needed to use my google maps on my phone to find it. We then checked in. We were given a room with a ‘view’ of the pyramids. It was awful. After unpacking reception rang to say that we had been given the wrong room and would have to move to another. The second room we were given had no window or natural light. Thankfully the door lock didn’t work so we were given a third room. This had a small skylight so some natural light. The room was actually quite nice. Having been up since 4 am to fly up to Cairo we were exhausted and rested. We went upstairs to the rooftop. This was the hotels crowning glory. The views of the pyramids of Giza were magical. However the restaurant was dire. We had one evening meal there. After looking at a varied menu and choosing pizza we were told there was only chicken or beef. We opted for beef. This turned out to be virtually inedible and we left very dissatisfied. Th breakfasts on a morning were dire too. Heated turines with no heat under them. Cold omelette. A selection of salamis and cheese and a few pasties. Simply awful. We went on the guided tour to the pyramids and the old Cairo museum. The tour guide wasn’t as good as our Nile cruise tour guide and just left us to wander after 5 minutes of chat. He was more interested in taking us to bizarres clothing factories perfumeries and papyrus factories. We declined. Skipped lunch and went to the museum. Again very little guide interaction. But the highlight was the sight of the mask of Tutankhamen. So would I go to Cairo again. Absolutely. Would I choose a better hotel. Absolutely. Then onto our final leg of the trip. The Caves Beach Resort. Modelled on the Fred Flintstone village. The room we were given was 6* in my view. Fixtures and fittings were absolute quality. Buffet style dining was excellent with lots of selection. Excellent. The beach area to the resort was really nice and we sunbathed and dipped our toes in the Red Sea. So a perfect ending to the best holiday of my life. Pity we were only there for 4 days. But we will definitely return for a winter sun beach holiday. Overall I would still rate this holiday 5*. The Cairo part was a blip. But I do think that Egypt Escapes should look at their hotel offering in and around Giza. Would I recommend going with them again. Absolutely. My dealings with John the representative was excellent. The booking process was easy and the paperwork side was thorough. Thank you for such an amazing experience Egypt Escaoes