One thing to keep in mind is that most group tours to Egypt are going to the exact same places. The key things that will differentiate these tours are the quality of the guiding, quality of the hotels and boat, and the quality (and quantity) of your traveling companions. Vikings runs a good operation but there are also other options to consider. This is a very general statement but the higher the quality of the guide and the lesser number of people in your group will command a higher price. Here are some other options:

I have sent clients on Uniworld in the past: http://www.uniworld.com/destinations/Egypt/2011

I have also sent many clients on Lindblad/National Geographic over the years. These guys are more expensive but the quality is really high and I feel worth the extra cost: http://www.expeditions.com/Destinati...estination=291

To be honest, the vast majority of our clients actually go to Egypt on independent trips (also called FIT). On these trips you have private guides in the cities and sites and you only share the experience with strangers on the boat portion of your trip. When you get off the boat to see things you still have a private guide. In my opinion this is the way to go. There are many companies that can set these trips up in a private manner. Here is a sample from a trip we have a client taking in two weeks. This is a family of four and they paid $17,000 for the below trip. The first day is a little rushed but their kid's school scheduled dictated the timing and they are also going on safari in Kenya after Egypt.

December 17, Friday Arrive Cairo, Egypt
On arrival in Cairo you will be met by your private guide and transferred to Fairmont Towers Hotel where you will spend one night in pool or garden view rooms (a private guide will accompany you throughout your stay in Egypt).
Fairmont Towers Hotel B – rooms next to each other have been requested

At the heart of Cairo’s diplomatic and presidential neighborhood stands the Fairmont Towers Hotel. Located in the city of the sun, Heliopolis, where ancient Egyptians chose to celebrate life, creation and the sun, the hotel enables its guests to easily reach many of the legendary Cairo attractions. The design of Fairmont Towers, Heliopolis, and Cairo comprises a unique mix of contemporary art and authentic décor that echoes modern Cairo along with the distinct Egyptian heritage. From the unequalled spacious guest rooms to the state-of-the-art conference facilities, from the water passages across diverse array of restaurants’ themes to the mesmerizing day-lighted atrium, every detail accentuate the pleasing interaction of light, water, and natural living elements.
Website: http://www.fairmont.com/towersheliopolis

December 18, Saturday Cairo – Abu Simbel – Aswan – Begin Nile Cruise
Today, after breakfast and check out, at approximately 6:30am you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Aswan (flight makes a stop, no aircraft change) and onward to Abu Simbel to tour the temples at Abu Simbel. A packed/box lunch will be provided for the excursion to Abu Simbel.

MS #401 Depart Cairo 8:00am…Arrive Aswan 9:25am
MS #401 Depart Aswan 9:55am…Arrive Abu Simbel 10:40am

Afterward fly to Aswan.

MS #402 Depart Abu Simbel 1:00pm…Arrive Aswan 1:45pm

In Aswan, you will be transferred to the pier for your four-day Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise.

Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise B/L/D

The Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise, offers guests a cruise on the Nile along the landmarks of an ancient civilization. The journey begins in Luxor or Aswan and courses through Pharaonic dynasties that span thousands of years. Elegant interiors with teak paneling, parquet floors, European antiques and Oriental carpets create an ambience of luxury.
Website: http://www.oberoihotels.com/oberoi_philae/index.asp

Schedule onboard the Oberoi Philae:
• Visit the Botanical Garden by Felucca.
• Overnight in Aswan.

December 19, Sunday Nile River Cruise
Enjoy exploring the Nile River and all the sights along the way!
Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise B/L/D

Schedule onboard the Oberoi Philae:
• Visit the High Dam, Old Dam, The Unfinished Obelisk & Philae Temple.
• Sail to Komombo.
• Visit The Temple Of Sobek in Komombo.
• Sail to Edfu.
• Galabiya Costume Party.
• Overnight in Edfu.

December 20, Monday Nile River Cruise
Enjoy exploring the Nile River and all the sights along the way!
Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise B/L/D

Schedule onboard the Oberoi Philae:
• Visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu.
• Sail to Essna.
• Cross the Essna Lock & Sail to Luxor.
• Overnight in Luxor.


December 21, Tuesday Nile River Cruise
Enjoy exploring the Nile River and all the sights along the way!
Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise B/L/D

Schedule onboard the Oberoi Philae:
• Visit the West Bank (Valley of the Kings, Deir El Madina. Madinet Habou & the Colossi of Memnon).

December 22, Wednesday End Nile Cruise – Luxor – Cairo
Today your cruise ship will anchor in Luxor. After breakfast onboard the Oberoi Philae, 8:00am disembarkation, followed by a visit to the Karnak & Luxor Temples. Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cairo.

MS #362 Depart Luxor 11:55pm….Arrive Cairo 1:05pm

On arrival in Cairo you will be met and transferred to the Mena House Oberoi Hotel, where you will spend three nights in the newly renovated Garden section in pyramid view rooms. This evening you will be hosted for dinner at a local home. Please note bottled water will be provided at dinner.
Mena House Oberoi Hotel B

This palatial hotel in the shadow of the Great Pyramids in Cairo has enchanted guests since 1869. Located in forty acres of jasmine scented gardens, Mena House Oberoi has played host to kings and emperors, Heads of State and celebrities. Its royal history is reflected in luxurious interiors that are embellished with exquisite antiques, handcrafted furniture and rich textiles.
Website: http://www.oberoihotels.com/oberoi_menahouse/index.asp

December 23, Thursday Cairo
Today after breakfast, at approximately 8:30am, you will be met by your guide and taken to the Pyramids, Sphinx and Egyptian Museum and the Solar Boat Museum for a tour. Afterward you will enjoy a camel ride at the Pyramids before returning to the hotel for lunch (lunch included). This evening visit the Mummies rooms.
Mena House Oberoi Hotel B, L

December 24, Friday Cairo – Nairobi, Kenya
Today after breakfast, at approximately 8:30am, you will be met by your guide and taken on a tour of the Citadel and Muhamed Ali Mosque. Afterward walk from Bab Zuweila to Bab El Futuh, where you will conclude your tour with a visit to Khan El Khalili Bazaar before proceeding to Naguib Mahfouz Restaurant for lunch (lunch included). This evening you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Nairobi on EgyptAir.

Hope this helps!

Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond