We finally selected the perfect itinerary for all we want to see and do in Egypt this October: the Sailtrek & Sinai tour. We understand that this is an Adventurer class tour, but would like to upgrade some of the accomodations along the way if possible. While these are not "make or break" issues with us (we're happy to go low-budget and will love every minute of it!), we're just curious as to what could be available.
So, before we purchase, we have some questions:
Can we upgrade the two overnight train trips from seating to sleepers?
Can we upgrade hotels in the cities (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan)?
Can we upgrade the sailing from the felucca to the AMY? If we cannot upgrade the sailing, how cold does it get at night on the felucca (we don't want to overpack and tote around heavy sleeping bags the whole trip, but we don't want to underpack either!)?
Is an optional excusion to Lake Nassar and Philae available while we're in Aswan?
Will our guide be able to help us make excursion arrangements in the various locales? For example, we want to rent bikes and ride to Karnak in Luxor.
We've heard many good things about Imaginative Traveller and can't wait to take our FIRST EVER international trip together (we're in the US and mostly go camping, snowboarding, or visiting relatives) -- this is so very exciting!
Very kind regards, and we look forward to hearing from IT and its travellers --
The Runes
Re: Upgrades and Excursions Available?
Hello The Runes,
Our Adventurer style of tours are, as you might expect - adventurous. The hotels and transport we use are representative of the destination and as such are suitable for those on a budget who don't mind doing without a few frills.
All our tours are as they are stated online and in the brochure and it is impossible for us to offer upgrades or changes. However, I really doubt you will find it a hardship. The seats we use on the trains are of the reclining variety you would find on a plane and are very comfortable.
The hotels we use are chosen for their cleanliness, comfort, location and the friendliness of their staff. They are perfect for a good nights sleep (and we promise to wear you out), as long as you don't mind missing out on a few luxuries.
The trip you take determines which river transport you embark on (Most Adventurer trips are on Feluccas and Travellers are on the AMY). If you want to experience grass roots travel on a boat that was first introduced to Egypt by the Romans then a trip involving Feluccas is for you. If you want a little bit of pampering then a few days on AMY would be perfect. It's just a case of deciding which tour is for you.
If you do decide on a Felucca tour you will need a sleeping bag (it can get a little chilly), a towel and a sense of humour (The latter probably being the most important).
Your Tour Leader should be able to organise an excursion to Lake Nassar and Philae (you must catch the Light and Sound show) as well as other activities that are open to you (i.e local trips, hiring bikes etc..).
I think that covers everything but please let me know if there's anything else.
[b][email]chris@imtrav.co.uk[/email][/b]
[This message has been edited by ChrisP (edited May 08, 2001).]
Re: Upgrades and Excursions Available?
I really had to giggle when I read this. It states, I've finally found the perfect tour to take except for accomodations, means of travel and itinerary. What's left? Enjoy your trip, it is worth every moment no matter how you go.
Re: Upgrades and Excursions Available?
Larry,
Thank you for the clarification, however, I believe you misunderstand our intentions. We're perfectly happy with the trip the way it is, but we feel it is worth CHECKING INTO whether or not there are upgrades and excursions AVAILABLE.
Why purchase a trip without knowing what all is offered? Some of the itineraries bring up various excursions: we were merely inquiring as to which of those would be available on this trip. Some itineraries stay in the EXACT SAME cities but at nicer hotels: why is it wrong to find out if those accomodations are available? Some itineraries travel via train to the EXACT SAME locations, but in sleepers instead of seats: why is it wrong to find out if we could also enjoy a night's recline?
While I'm glad you find amusement in our desire to make an informed decision about a trip that took many years to save for and may be the only international trip we ever take, I'd feel much more comfortable if I was permitted to make these inquiries with dignity.
Kind regards,
J Runes