I'm considering the 4/4/01 Classical Egypt tour and would love to hear from anyone who's taken that trip before or planning on it. Also a couple of questions... It looks like the trip uses le Meridien now in Cairo which I hear is very nice. What hotel is used in Aswan? Can anyone comment on how well they liked Amy, the boat used for the Nile cruise? I've read that the boat accomodations vary greatly on different tours. Also, how about the train travel? I love trains and that sounds like an interesting experience, but I've had a couple of people suggest taking a trip that uses flights instead. Does I.T. ever cancel scheduled trips if not enough people sign up or are they guaranteed to go once you've made a deposit? Thanks! Irene
Classical Egypt
Re: Classical Egypt
Hello Irene,
I travelled with IT in March last year...but not on the tour you're with.
You will find your time aboard Amy most relaxing...you can laze about on the sundeck enjoying an icecream between stops. Or perhaps an ice cold coke? The food is quite good. The chef makes the best carrot soup I have ever tasted. I believe Amy has been refurbished since my holiday.
We stayed at the Cleopatra Hotel whilst in Aswan. If my memory is correct this hotel was being refurbished when we were there last year. Showers were great. Clean linen ...what more can you ask for?
We travelled in the sleeper section of the Wagon Lits train. This was quite good as when it was light enough you could enjoy the scenery. The bunks were comfortable & meals were airline style.
I hope this helps. Enjoy your holiday. I wish I were able to join you [img]http://www.imaginative-traveller.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]
Re: Classical Egypt
Dear Irene,
I'm thinking of taking the Classical Egypt tour in March and like you I have many of the same questions especially regarding the train travel and cruise accommodations. Please let me know if you find out anything more. Thanks!
CP
Re: Classical Egypt
CP,
Sorry, haven't heard anything new. I'm kind of leaning toward an OAT trip now. I traveled with them to Peru a few years back.
Good luck! Irene
Re: Classical Egypt
Dear Irene,
Please forgive us for missing this post and responding late.
Le Meridien in Cairo is the meeting point for the Classical Egypt tour. It is a wonderful 5 star hotel and the location, a walk away from the great Pyramids, is a bonus.
In Aswan our hotel is 'The Basma'. It is a 5 star hotel decorated in the local Nubian design. It is located south of the town of Aswan and has a shuttle bus service between the town (about 15 minutes walk) on the hour.
The Amy, as you have read from those who have travelled on her, is our private 3 star cruise boat. Good twin accommodation with private en suite, Bar, covered deck and sun deck. Our staff are an excellent addition to the facilities on board with friendly faces and very helpful. Only Imaginative Traveller clients are on board the Amy.
Train travel is not that bad. The Wagon lit's trains are first class standard. Our overnight journey from cairo is relaxing and comfortable. Private twin cabin with wash basin and towel. Dinner & breakfast are served by your steward in your cabin.
As to if we "cancel our trips if not enough people are booked" For your information and others reference I am copying the 'booking conditions' section that refer to this point. I hope you find it is clear.
****Guaranteed Departures & Minimum Numbers**
Unless otherwise mentioned all trips are guaranteed to operate once a minimum of 2 persons are booked.
Where there is only one person booked on a given departure this trip may be cancelled and compensation paid as follows:
Period of notification prior to departure
Compensation per person 55 - 14 days
A full refund of monies paid and a 50% discount on the land cost of a replacement tour.
13 days orless
A full refund of monies paid and a 100% discount on the land cost of a replacement tour booked.
Note 1:- Refunds and discounts referred to here apply only to trips cancelled within 56 days as a result of failure to achieve minimum numbers.
Note 2:- A replacement tour may be any tour selected from the same brochure up to the value of the original tour booked.
Note 3:- Refunds and discounts apply to the cost paid for the land content only.
Note 4:- Refunds exclude insurance premiums
Cheers
Marty
Hi
We travelled in the sleeper section of the Wagon Lits train. This was quite good as when it was light enough you could enjoy the scenery.PDF Password Remover for Mac