Originally Posted by
SafariCraig
Sounds like Memphis Queen had a good trip. But I suppose the value is in the eye of the beholder. The clients taking the trip I posted above did not want to cut any corners on hotels and they also wanted to take the nicest boat possible on the Nile. Other than private charters there is no group ship on the Nile more expensive than the Oberoi (than I know of). Oberoi is an ubber-luxury brand. They also own the Amar Villas at Agra, India...
I noticed Memphis Queen did not mention the hotels they stayed so perhaps hotels are not important to her group. That is not the case for most of my clients. I don't care about hotels personally but many people find it to be an important part of their travel experience. There are also many people who do not like to stay in hotels that are less luxurious than their own homes. To each his own but I would not describe what someone chooses to spend when presented with numerous options as a "rip off".
I should have mentioned the $17,000 trip was a total cost so it was $4,250 per person. I guess the people are paying twice as much per person than Memphis Queen but they also do not have five "free time" days and they use a plane to get around instead of an overnight train and road transfers (f/e Egypt-Jordan). The trip Memphis Queen posted above would simply not be acceptable from a logistical standpoint or from a "use of time" stand point to my typical clients.
So many things to choose from! Thank goodness for forums!
Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond
I stayed at the Mena House Oberoi in Giza as well, Marriott Cairo, Hilton Dahab, Marriott Hurghada, Amman Kempinski, etc. All luxury hotels for that price I posted - and the going rate at those hotels are MUCH lower than their counterparts in the US. The only nonflight was the overnight train from Cairo, then we were on the boat going from stop to stop in Egypt, which you stated your clients also wanted. To get to Jordan you can't drive (unless you wanted to drive across Israel, which isn't even allowed from Egypt) but take a ferry. And as you so nicely point out, I have additional days of lodging and food included in the rate I received - which is still half as much as what you're charging!! Oh and mine was also full board; 3 "western standard" quality meals a day.
Sorry dude - your tour is a rip off. This is Egypt - a little goes a loooong way. You can hire a cab for the whole day for $20-$25. A super fancy restaurant that locals can't afford would be $15-$20pp. A 4 star hotel you can get for $150/night. The Mena house Oberoir - literally across the street from the pyramids - runs about $200/night and that'll be the most expensive splurge on the trip.
To the OP, do your research and pick a tour that has the right places at the right price. In theory you don't need a tour group. SOOO many people there speak English and it's pretty easy to get around. My next trip there I won't bother with a tour agent. Flights, trains, hotels, and Nile cruises can be booked independently.