Doc,

I just got back from a trip with Egypt Uncovered, and though, I agree, they are reasonably priced, I wouldn't say that they are exempt from the potential for "rip-offs." They are a UK based company that uses Lady Egypt as their local tour company in Egypt, so I don't know who was ultimately responsible for some of the issues that we had. This was the first time I had been to Egypt and though I normally don't ever book with tour companies, I thought that would be much harder in Egypt...especially considering I had a private group of 25 people. I was a little nervous about this company because it had so few reviews, but their email correspondence with me over the last 6 months of planning the trip was exceptional and very detailed/prompt. Once we got there, they were very well organized in keeping us together, taking us from place to place, managing our luggage. Our tour guide, Hamdy, was awesome -- very knowledgeable, friendly, knew how to engage an audience with different interest levels. They allowed us to contribute to a tipping kitty where they collected 150LE from everyone, and the tour guide just managed giving out the tips. The only people it didn't include was the tour guide himself and our Cairo rep. It was so nice to not have to worry about figuring out tips with our large group. Hotel accommodations/cruise were great: Oasis hotel, MS Opera cruise (we were actually supposed to be on Farida, but it had a fire the day before we arrived. Last minute change, but our boat was really nice), Mena House. We got upgraded to the Palace Wing at the Mena House...not a pyramid view, but still nice. We weren't at this hotel long enough to enjoy the grounds during the daytime, so in hindsight, it wasn't worth the added expense for us. But if your parents get a chance to eat at the Moghul Room (Indian restaurant) at the Mena House, it's a must! It was outstanding!

Our issues with this company were all the MANY hidden undisclosed fees. Over the last 6 months of correspondence, not once in their many meticulously detailed emails did they mention that entrance fees to all the sites were not included in our tour price. With all the upgrades we made, our customized tour was virtually identical to their superior tour (which does include entrance fees). And even after I asked questions about additional fees prior to the trip, they still didn't mention it. This amounts to over $100 per person over the course of the trip. Also, even though we insisted to be taken to local eateries for lunch, they took us to "touristy" places that charged $15 USD per person (probably because they got a commission). What is absurd is that they charged this amount for food that was minimal and not even good -- for example, a vegetarian plate that, literally, consisted of french fries as the main entree with a small side of peas! We ate heartily (appetizers, entrees, drinks) at the Moghul Room at the Mena House for nearly the same price. One of our favorite meals was a local lunch place we went to in Aswan (we were taken there only because the more "touristy" place couldn't accommodate us) called Al-Masry...great food for a whopping $5/person. They also took us to many shops (also, places they I'm sure they got commission) that charged double the price other shops did. As for differences in quality, I'm not sure, but probably not worth that much extra. They were inconsistent with transportation costs. They charged us an extra 20LE per person to take us around Aswan to find a lunch place, but they charged 115 LE per person to take us, literally, across the street to the Pyramid sound and light show. If your parents plan on doing any optional excursions, you might want to book them yourself. I found out we were charged $175/person for the luxor hot air balloon ride that would've cost us $80/person had I booked directly with Hod Hod Soliman. Considering Egypt Uncovered/Lady Egypt provided no services for this other than booking the trip (we were picked up and dropped off by the hot air balloon company), I think that's extortion! I understand making a profit, but that's ridiculous. Group discounts should've counted for something...

All in all, when you add up all the undisclosed fees (that I knew about...who knows what else?), it's more than $250/person. With our 25 person group, that's over $6000! I plan on posting more thorough and full reviews on other travel websites, but I was waiting to hear back from the director. For a company that made such a big deal about how much they valued their customer’s feedback, I find it incredibly unprofessional and dishonest that they have chosen to ignore my requests for clarification of all these undisclosed hidden fees. It pretty much negates all the good will we had created in the last 6 months. I gave them over 2 weeks to respond, and I have heard nothing.

If you do decide to go with them, I would ask for a detailed breakdown/full disclosure of all costs before you pay.

Regardless of who your parents decide to go with and no matter what issues arise, no one can take away from the magnificence of all the amazing sites they will see, as you can probably attest to from your trip 15 years ago. Hope they have a wonderful time!