The time to plan your next trip has come. You have a few destinations in mind, along with the many experiences you’re looking to enrich yourself with. So, should you start planning an itinerary and booking all the transportation and accommodation? Or should you book a guided tour? At first glance, guided tours can seem expensive. But when you dig deeper and add up the real costs of doing it all independently—flights, accommodations, transportation, meals, and attraction tickets—you might be surprised by the savings, not to mention the value of convenience and peace of mind.
To put this into perspective, let me share our unforgettable experience in Egypt with On The Go Tours in 2023. From start to finish, the tour was thoughtfully curated, providing us with access to iconic sights and cultural experiences that would have been challenging to arrange on our own.
Effortless Arrival
Our adventure began the moment we landed in Cairo. A friendly On The Go Tours representative was waiting to guide us through customs, helping us bypass long lines and fast-tracking our e-Visa validation. This alone saved us nearly an hour. From there, we were escorted to our transfer vehicle, ensuring a smooth ride to our hotel.
Exceptional Accommodations and Service
Throughout the trip, we stayed in 4- and 5-star hotels, including two with stunning Nile views. Whether it was sipping coffee on our balcony overlooking the river or unwinding after a long day of exploring, these accommodations elevated the experience. When travelling with a reputable tour operator such as On The Go Tours, you will always stay in hand-selected 4- and 5-star hotels, centrally located and with a high class of comfort and aesthetic.
Unparalleled Itinerary
The tour took us to all the must-see sites and beyond:
- Cairo and Alexandria: We marveled at the Great Pyramids, explored Cairo’s vibrant neighborhoods, and delved into its Coptic heritage. Alexandria offered a glimpse into Egypt’s Greco-Roman history, and we also enjoyed a beautiful lunch by the ocean. The services of always having a tour guide with us made the experience even better, as there was always someone telling us stories of Egypt’s history and culture.
- Luxor and Aswan: We travelled by overnight train to Luxor, where we visited the worldwide-famous Valley of the Kings, learning all about life in ancient Egypt with all the kings. We also visited the many temples in the area, such as the Luxor Temple, and Karnak Temple. Continuing to Aswan, we explored more temples and even a local Nubian Village. And if that’s not enough of a cultural experience, we also rode a Felucca, which in ancient times, was the only source of transportation to travel across the 6,650-km Nile River.
- Sailing the Nile: We opted for a tour that included a Nile cruise, which added a magical touch to our journey, allowing us to relax and enjoy the serene landscapes while visiting riverside temples. Nile cruising can be very expensive, however, the tour was priced reasonably and included 5 nights on a Nile Cruise with accommodation and all 3 meals included daily.
In Aswan, the hospitality stood out when we were heading back to Cairo by plane. A local representative carried our luggage, guided us through the airport, and ensured we felt cared for at every step up to airport security. Upon landing in Cairo for our last night, we were welcomed with the same warmth and efficiency by a local representative and transferred to our hotel.
Cultural Immersion and Dining
Travelling with a tour, we immersed ourselves with delicious dining experiences which enriched our journey. Daily breakfast and select lunches and dinners were included, letting us sample Egypt’s rich culinary heritage. The guide also provided recommendations for off-tour meals, ensuring an authentic local experience. Aside from food, the tour also took us to a hieroglyphs workshop where we learned all about how the language in ancient Egypt was. We had the unique opportunity to design our own hieroglyphs in the style traditionally crafted for a king and queen, symbolizing a harmonious marriage and expressing wishes for a lifetime of happiness together. This is another benefit of doing a guided tour versus venturing out on your own, as tours will take you to experience the local culture. Whether it be a cultural workshop, visiting someone’s home or simply interacting with the locals, a guided tour truly allows you to experience the culture.
Connecting with Fellow Travelers and a Local Guide
One of the unexpected joys of the tour was meeting like-minded travellers from around the globe. While the group size was pretty small, we met travellers from Australia and the USA. Sharing experiences and stories with travellers from other countries made the trip even more enriching, and allowed us to learn even more about the world.
Likewise, with On The Go Tours, you are always accompanied by a local tour guide who is deeply rooted in the destination. Unlike some tour companies that hire guides from anywhere in the world who simply enjoy leading tours, having a local guide adds immense value to the experience. During our Nile cruise, we used our free time to build a rapport with our guide, gaining fascinating insights into the local lifestyle and culture. He even went above and beyond, teaching us some Arabic phrases and showing us how to write our names in Arabic. This made the journey even more enriching.
How a Guided Tour Saves You Time and Money
If we had tried to organize this trip independently, it would have been a logistical nightmare. Consider the time and effort required to:
- Research and book accommodations, ensuring they’re safe and well-located.
- Arrange daily transportation to attractions, meals, and between cities.
- Coordinate attraction tickets, guides, and itineraries.
In countries like Egypt, where public transportation isn’t as convenient as in Europe, the costs for private transportation or rideshares would quickly add up. Plus, navigating cultural differences and potential scams can be overwhelming. A guided tour removes these challenges, letting you focus on enjoying the journey.
Another major difference is waiting in line at attractions. The top worldwide-popular attractions like the Pyramids of Giza among others such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Colosseum in Rome have lineups that can exceed 3 hours. Why stand in line to catch a glimpse of ancient ruins and remarkable historic sites and simply take some photos? A guided tour gives you skip-the-line access with an expert tour guide to not only see the famous masterpieces, but also go deeper, get closer and soak it all in with fascinating stories about the centuries-old treasures. This is what is referred to as “be a traveller, not a tourist”.
Is a Guided Tour Right for You?
Ultimately, the decision depends on your travel style and goals. If you enjoy crafting every detail of your trip, independent travel might suit you. But if you want a seamless, stress-free experience that maximizes your time and provides expert insights into the history and culture of the destination(s) you’re visiting, a guided tour is worth every penny.
Our experience in Egypt with On The Go Tours was a testament to how guided tours can transform your travels. From the comfort of 5-star accommodations to the thrill of exploring ancient wonders with knowledgeable guides, every moment was memorable. If you’re considering a guided tour for your next adventure, I’ll tell you one thing for free: you won’t regret it!