Anyone Recently Used Ramses Tours?

[Mzhelen]

Can anyone tell us about the cartouches? I understand that the tours all have vendors who take orders on the first day and pick them up on the return to the ship.

What kinds of prices can we expect to pay and did they accept US$? I want to make sure that we carry enough cash with us to cover shopping as well as the tours.

 

Thanks

 

I went with sterling silver ones. Mine are a relatively simple design, and cost me $20 each. Mohamed ordered them for me, and then I paid him in U.S. dollars at the end of the tour after he picked them up and I approved them.

 

You can also get an idea of prices at hotels, on your ship potentially, and if you go to the Khan al Khalili bazaar there is a reputable shop right across from the Mefouz Negib restaurant so you can comparison shop.

[Kerry's Girls]

It seems to me, based on our experiences, that what the information in green refers to is the large convoy that accompanies all tour buses (and I assume private cars) enroute from your port of entry to Cairo.

 

I do not think it is referring to a personal armed guard who will stay with your individual tour.

 

When I went in January, there were no convoys. Ship tours and Private tours larger than a certain number had government guards accompanying them. We absolutely adored ours, but didn't really need him. Here he his helping my daughter up after she stumbled. One of the reasons my girls want to go back to Egypt is to see him again :)

 

Best,

Mia

Edited July 12, 2010 by Kerry's Girls

[ibfern]

When I went in January' date=' there were no convoys. Ship tours and Private tours larger than a certain number had government guards accompanying them. We absolutely adored ours, but didn't really need him. Here he his helping my daughter up after she stumbled. One of the reasons my girls want to go back to Egypt is to see him again :)

 

Best,

Mia[/quote']

 

There seems to be a lot of different experiences here, I really don't know what to expect in terms of security but I know I will feel safe there whatever it ends up being!

 

Love the pic and the story...

[sanbmet]

I went with sterling silver ones. Mine are a relatively simple design, and cost me $20 each. Mohamed ordered them for me, and then I paid him in U.S. dollars at the end of the tour after he picked them up and I approved them.

 

You can also get an idea of prices at hotels, on your ship potentially, and if you go to the Khan al Khalili bazaar there is a reputable shop right across from the Mefouz Negib restaurant so you can comparison shop.

 

 

Thanks so much!

[lagrandevoyageuse]

I just booked a full day in Cairo/Pyramids with them for October and their response was quick and very helpful. Sounds like a first class operation!

[polySeraph]

I've been working with Ramses Tours over the past few days and am delighted to report that what everyone else says is true. . . THEY ARE WONDERFUL to work with! I've never waited more than a few hours for a response and they've been very willing to accomodate individual requests. I'm really looking forward to a great experience.

 

I do have an itinerary question for all of you more experienced travellers:

 

During our 2-day shore excursion (from the port of Alexandria) next spring, we've asked to focus our sightseeing on Ancient Egypt. We started with Ramses' "Option 1" tour and customized. On Day 1 we are seeing the sights in Saqqara and Memphis, then transferring to Giza for the Great Pyramids (including the Solar Boat). We are staying at the Mena Oberoi where we have asked for the upgrade to a Pyramid View room. On Day 2 we asked to omit the Citadel and Alabaster Mosque so that we could focus more time in the Museum of Antiquities before returning to Alexandria. Our ship departs at 1800.

 

DH had asked for a "drive-by" to see the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid. He didn't want to go inside them - just wanted to get close enough to see them. On the itinerary that was emailed to us yesterday, we are scheduled to go to Dahshur AFTER the museum on Day 2.

 

Is this an awkward time in this itinerary to place a trip to Dahshur? Would it be better to cut lunch short (or, possibly lunch in Saqqara) on Day 1 and do the "drive-by" then?

 

Ramses has been fantastic so far and I'm sure they will be responsive and flexible to our needs. Before I asked them to change the itinerary, though, I wanted to get some thoughts from some of you with experience.

[Zukini]

DH had asked for a "drive-by" to see the Red Pyramid and the Bent Pyramid. He didn't want to go inside them - just wanted to get close enough to see them. On the itinerary that was emailed to us yesterday, we are scheduled to go to Dahshur AFTER the museum on Day 2.

 

Is this an awkward time in this itinerary to place a trip to Dahshur? Would it be better to cut lunch short (or, possibly lunch in Saqqara) on Day 1 and do the "drive-by" then?

 

Ramses has been fantastic so far and I'm sure they will be responsive and flexible to our needs. Before I asked them to change the itinerary, though, I wanted to get some thoughts from some of you with experience.

 

That does seem to be a strange time to make the run to Dahshur, since it is the furthest south of the sites you will be visiting, and then you'll need to backtrack to get back to the ship.

 

We had a similar request with Ramses for our itinerary, also in the spring of 2011...we want to spend our time primarily at the ancient sites.

 

We've worked out seeing Dahshur, Saqqara, and Memphis on Day 1, and staying overnight at the Mena House.

 

Then, on Day 2, we'll head over to the Giza Plateau as early as we can, and head over to the Egyptian Museum around 11am and spend the remainder of our time there.

 

Edited to add: Please note, I'm NOT an experienced traveler, at least as far as Egypt is concerned. This will be my first trip there, and I've been relying heavily on advice from others on Cruise Critic.

Edited July 14, 2010 by Zukini

[polySeraph]

We had a similar request with Ramses for our itinerary, also in the spring of 2011...we want to spend our time primarily at the ancient sites.

 

We've worked out seeing Dahshur, Saqqara, and Memphis on Day 1, and staying overnight at the Mena House.

 

Then, on Day 2, we'll head over to the Giza Plateau as early as we can, and head over to the Egyptian Museum around 11am and spend the remainder of our time there.

 

Hi Zukini! Thanks for you response. This does seem like a more logical itinerary and I may suggest this the next time I email them. Do you know where you'll be eating lunch on that 1st day?

[Zukini]

Hi Zukini! Thanks for you response. This does seem like a more logical itinerary and I may suggest this the next time I email them. Do you know where you'll be eating lunch on that 1st day?

 

No, I know lunch is included, but we didn't really talk about where. Since we're a little paranoid about eating in Egypt anyway (:o), we would just as soon munch on granola bars and maximize our touring time, unless the guide and driver are insistent on a break.

[najames]

I am surprised at the glowing reports about Ramses. I emailed them twice before I got a reply. I read several people here saying it was nice to stop at the red/bent pyramids too, so I requested it. I can book the Cairo Marriott for $137 online so I asked about it too. I really don't want to do some of the things on their tour, but was going to go along with it beause I don't want to seem offensive. This was their reply. :confused:

 

Greetings from Ramses Travel Company of Egypt

　

1. kindly note its the same visits but in your itinary you will just

change the days

2. to add dahshur there will be no time as Ramses knows that there are so many wonderful places for you to see in Cairo. And so little time to see them when, you have a schedule you must respect.

Please allow us to paint you a picture in words about Cairo and staying in a time frame.

In 1863 Cairo was very close to still being an medieval city. With street plans that changed very little in 500 years. However Cairo was starting to transform in the late 1800's into a city that could be compared to Paris. Now Cairo is a city of over 18 million souls that live there year round and that number continues to grow. This population count does not count the daily guests in Cairo which is also a very high number of its own. Add to that number the traffic: Cars, buses, trucks, trains, trams, and humans. Cairo has its own amazing traffic situation. 8 million vehicles on her old street plans.

What would your current city or town be like with such numbers of people and vehicles?

In Cairo traffic moves at its own pace minute by minute. No one can predict how long it will take from point A to point B. One must always allow for traffic time and situations.

It is a fascinating adventure, but also a serious fact in travel time.

That is why Ramses

factors in all concerns connected to your travel time here in Egypt.

We at Ramses want you to truly experience the Cairo Museum or the Pyramids in leisure and not with a stop watch that is ticking away the time you must hurry and blast off to the next site! That is not the proper way to share our beautiful land with you.

You are guests in Egypt. You are not here to run in a marathon race of how many sites can you see in "X" number of hours. We welcome you and wish to give you a relaxing visit. For you to feel Egypt's soul where ever your presence graces our land.

We are aware of your time and the serious fact your ship will leave the dock at a certain time and respect this and give you what is best for you to enjoy your time here with us.

We know other agencies offer you the whirlwind tours of Cairo. We write to you now as a friend and suggest you be quite careful with such offers. We know our land and cities. We never offer anything to our guests that may cause them stress and problems.

Please ask us any questions or concerns you may have about your travel time here in Egypt. We are professionals and promise to always be honest and respectful with our information to you.

　

　

so we can add dahshur instead of memphis or sakkara so please feed me back

for marriott there will be extra 60 $ per person in the meantime we can offer mena house with extra 30 $ per person

　

　

Please contact me if you need any additional information .

Looking Forward to Welcoming You in Egypt

[najames]

That does seem to be a strange time to make the run to Dahshur, since it is the furthest south of the sites you will be visiting, and then you'll need to backtrack to get back to the ship.

 

We had a similar request with Ramses for our itinerary, also in the spring of 2011...we want to spend our time primarily at the ancient sites.

 

We've worked out seeing Dahshur, Saqqara, and Memphis on Day 1, and staying overnight at the Mena House.

 

Then, on Day 2, we'll head over to the Giza Plateau as early as we can, and head over to the Egyptian Museum around 11am and spend the remainder of our time there.

 

Edited to add: Please note, I'm NOT an experienced traveler, at least as far as Egypt is concerned. This will be my first trip there, and I've been relying heavily on advice from others on Cruise Critic.

 

This is exactly what I really wanted to do. :mad:

Edited July 14, 2010 by najames

[Kerry's Girls]

I am surprised at the glowing reports about Ramses. I emailed them twice before I got a reply. I read several people here saying it was nice to stop at the red/bent pyramids too, so I requested it. I can book the Cairo Marriott for $137 online so I asked about it too. I really don't want to do some of the things on their tour, but was going to go along with it beause I don't want to seem offensive.

 

I completely understand not wanting to seem offensive, but since one of the benefits of a private tour is arranging it as you like, I wouldn't be afraid to outline exactly what is important to you and what isn't and see what they can come up with. I didn't use Ramses, but in working with Moustafa Egypt Tours, I was just honest that museums weren't as important to us as seeing some modern-day Cairo, so he was wonderful about putting together an itinerary that had exactly what my family wanted to see rather than trying to fit us into a cookie-cutter tour. (He did make strong suggestions what he thought was important, and I really appreciated his input and made adjustments as appropriate). I understand Ramses may just be saying there isn't time for all you want to do, but I'd think you'd be able to work together to come up with an itinerary that works in your timeframe (can you cut out some shopping if that doesn't appeal to you, etc?).

 

Best,

Mia

[Zukini]

I am surprised at the glowing reports about Ramses. I emailed them twice before I got a reply. I read several people here saying it was nice to stop at the red/bent pyramids too, so I requested it. I can book the Cairo Marriott for $137 online so I asked about it too. I really don't want to do some of the things on their tour, but was going to go along with it beause I don't want to seem offensive. This was their reply. :confused:

 

Most of the time, (Mr.) George has responded to my emails within 24 hours, and believe me, we've pestered him a LOT. There was at one point an email that I didn't get a response to, but I've chalked that up to either Ramses not receiving it, or my not receiving his reply.

 

From the outset, I've been very clear with him that we wanted to concentrate on Ancient Egypt, and I've been very specific about the sites we want to visit. Recognizing that there may be a language barrier, I've tried to keep my requests as straightforward as possible.

 

Hopefully, your response is just the result of a misunderstanding about what you wanted to see. The tone of his message makes me think that perhaps he thought you were staying with his standard package, and trying to add Dahshur onto it, which probably would have resulted in a serious time crunch.

 

For what it's worth, I had also found Memphis Tours to be very accommodating (although slightly more expensive), but the fact that the Ramses Egyptologist would join us in Alexandria rather than Cairo tipped the scales to Ramses for us.

[najames]

Wow, thanks for the quick replies, it really helps to have other views. I was hoping for some suggestions when I emailed them instead of the answer I got.

 

The response was signed "Ahmed for H.George".

 

I think you hit it right on the head Zukini. He thought I was adding in based on what I wrote, instead I was I was actually looking for suggestions. This is what I actually wrote. It is their standard schedule with the other pyramids added in.

 

Jim

 

> Thank you for the reply George!!

>

> I am interested in the tour from Alexandria you listed below, likely

> just for 2 people, but I have a few additional questions.

>

> 1) Can the schedule be changed? Can we also stop in Dahshur at the

> red/bent pyramids if time allows?

>

> 2) Also can we stay at the Cairo Marriott Hotel & Casino? Rates?

> They have a good rate online if I need to book it separately but I

> don't know if you price it that way.

>

> Perhaps something like this itinerary below? Many others have said

> they did this and liked it.

>

> Itinerary 1- Day 01- drive to Cario, see the Citadel, the Mohammed Ali

> Mosque, lunch, Khan El-Khalili bazaars, Egytpian Museum, check into

> hotel for dinner.

>

> Day 2 - drive to Memphis, step pyramid in Saqqara, Dahshur Red & Bent

> pyramid, lunch in Giza, Great Pyramids and Sphinx and then back to

> Alexandria,

Edited July 14, 2010 by najames

[cruisemom42]

Just a couple of notes: I've been planning my 3rd and 4th visits to Egypt this year, so I know a bit about planning and emails....

 

Don't ever lose sight of the fact that, as good as their English is, there is definitely a language barrier. You probably also noticed that Egyptians like to speak very politely and in a wordy, flowery, way. So you have to figure out how to interpret what is really being said.

 

As others have posted, be very clear in what YOU want to do, but also understand that, timing-wise, doing EVERYTHING may not be possible -- and ultimately, they are responsible for getting you back to the ship on time for your departure. Without having been to Egypt, it's hard to understand just how bad the traffic really is! Make sure that if you propose adding something, you also realize that something else will probably have to be omitted due to time constraints.

 

Finally, emails do have a way of getting lost between here and Egypt. Some providers seem to work better than others. But if you don't hear from someone in Egypt right away, don't just assume they didn't respond. Email again.

 

My 2 cents.....;)

[polySeraph]

No, I know lunch is included, but we didn't really talk about where. Since we're a little paranoid about eating in Egypt anyway (:o), we would just as soon munch on granola bars and maximize our touring time, unless the guide and driver are insistent on a break.

 

I hear you on the granola bars! DH and I are also pretty laid back about meal schedules. The reason I was asking was that, once I got the itinerary set, I was intending to try to get 2-3 other couples from our Roll Call to join us. It's just easier with a small group to schedule a mid-day break in a restaurant that can accomodate Western tourists (and Western digestive systems :o).

 

Wow, thanks for the quick replies, it really helps to have other views. I was hoping for some suggestions when I emailed them instead of the answer I got. . . .

 

I think you hit it right on the head Zukini. He thought I was adding in based on what I wrote, instead I was I was actually looking for suggestions. . . .

 

I hope you'll give them another chance. My point of contact has been professional and flexible, and I've really enjoyed working with him. Like Zukini suggested, I always make sure to use very basic English (with no typos, slang, or misspelled words) in all my correspondence.

 

BTW, I'm not sure if the hotel location would make any difference, but you may want to consider one of the Giza hotels listed on their website. I've asked to stay at the Mena House which is a stone's throw from the Great Pyramids. Maybe the location had something to do with being able to work the Dahshur trip into the itinerary.

[polySeraph]

I have heard from my poc at Ramses Tours and the itinerary has been adjusted. Thanks to everyone who contributed their thoughts and opinions.

 

It's been such a pleasure working with this company. I'm really looking forward to a great experience next May.

[najames]

Just a couple of notes: I've been planning my 3rd and 4th visits to Egypt this year, so I know a bit about planning and emails....

 

Don't ever lose sight of the fact that, as good as their English is, there is definitely a language barrier. You probably also noticed that Egyptians like to speak very politely and in a wordy, flowery, way. So you have to figure out how to interpret what is really being said.

 

As others have posted, be very clear in what YOU want to do, but also understand that, timing-wise, doing EVERYTHING may not be possible -- and ultimately, they are responsible for getting you back to the ship on time for your departure. Without having been to Egypt, it's hard to understand just how bad the traffic really is! Make sure that if you propose adding something, you also realize that something else will probably have to be omitted due to time constraints.

 

Finally, emails do have a way of getting lost between here and Egypt. Some providers seem to work better than others. But if you don't hear from someone in Egypt right away, don't just assume they didn't respond. Email again.

 

My 2 cents.....;)

 

I try to be very conscious of trying to remember that their native language is not English. My DW is originally from Bangkok, Thailand too, although very fluent in English.

 

That is precisely why I was asking Ramses for suggestions on the schedule. I haven't been there, I have not taken any tours there, I don't know the traffic, and I don't know how long it takes to get between the sights. I was hoping for some simple recommendations from them since I assume they do this daily. Isn't that part of a tour company/guide's job?

 

I emailed Rameses again, pasting in Zuke's schedule, asking if they could do it and some other questions. They want me to confirm it but didn't provide a price or answer any questions, they already have our schedule.

 

I've traveled in Australia, Asia, and South America without any problems booking tours, but this Ramses/Egypt thing is....uhh better stop here. I've emailed Memphis Tours to see what they say, shouldn't be this difficult.

 

"Greetings from Ramses Travel Company of Egypt

　

so your final itinerary is:

Day 1 Dahshur, Saqqara, and Memphis, and staying overnight at the Mena House

Day 2, head over to the Giza Plateau as early as we can, and head over to the Egyptian Museum around 11am and spend the remainder of our time there.

with accommodation at Mena HOuse.

is this right?

so as soon as possible reply me to confirm

To confirm:

You have to send names, cruise line name, arrival date, time, port and departure date, time & port

　

Please contact me if you need any additional information .

Looking Forward to Welcoming You in Egypt

_______________________________________

Mohy for H.George"

[najames]

Grrr, timed out, I'll try it again.

 

Right or wrong, I booked with Memphis Tours, looks like it cost me about $20pp more than Ramses Tours. I got quick, well thought out replies with additional logical explanation, no lectures.

 

I asked if the guide will also be at the pier in Alexandria.

 

"There will be three people waiting for you there, The representative who will charge the rest of the payment and follow up with you all the day, The English speaking guide who will be with you since you arrive till you leave and the driver. So, the guide and the driver will be with you during all the tours."

 

I didn't ask for a specific hotel, but wanted to stay at the Marriott.

 

"Marriott is amazing and it works well as on the first day you eill finish at the museum and it is close to your hotel.On the second day you will start early to be at the first place at 8 am. Also, staying at Marriott is a great experience and I do not want you to miss it."

 

This is an example of what I was looking for and received without asking.

 

"Note:

it is better to start the first day eith the pyramids and the museum as the museum still opens till 6:30 pm and you will not be ableto do the Sakkara, Memphis and Dahshure together on the first day as they all close at 4 pm so it will be better to do them on the second day but you will start early at about 7 am and after you finish you will go directly to Alexandria."

 

Thanks go out to Mohamed Mokhtar.

Edited July 15, 2010 by najames

[Zukini]

Grrr, timed out, I'll try it again.

 

Right or wrong, I booked with Memphis Tours, looks like it cost me about $20pp more than Ramses Tours. I got quick, well thought out replies with additional logical explanation, no lectures.

 

I asked if the guide will also be at the pier in Alexandria.

 

"There will be three people waiting for you there, The representative who will charge the rest of the payment and follow up with you all the day, The English speaking guide who will be with you since you arrive till you leave and the driver. So, the guide and the driver will be with you during all the tours."

 

Well, I don't think you've done anything wrong. Memphis gets very good reviews on TripAdvisor, and certainly is very quick with their communication, particularly with the 24x7 chat on their website. It took us quite a bit of time to make our decision between the two.

 

With the frustration you felt with Ramses, you probably never would have felt fully comfortable if you had booked with them anyway.

 

I'm surprised at Memphis's reply about the guide, since that was our major deciding factor to go with Ramses. Here's a quote from a reply I had received from one of my emails with Memphis:

 

Have anice day from Memphis Tours Egypt

1-Yes you can do that at sakkara except for the serapium also not all of the tombs and mastabas are opened but you will

have the oppurtunety to visit all what is opened .

2-Yes we can make Khan El Khalili in the evening of the 1st day but it will be 20 USD to be add per person as it will be Extra for that day .

3-Yes ,Lunch is included on both days .

4-No, The guide will be ony in Cairo ,but you will have a representative from/to Alexandria

5- You can pay any time from now till march 2011, Credit cards (Visa/ Master) accepted via our website. also try to bring cash only to use it here if you want to buy things....

6-For the additional items, such as the Solar Boat and the Mummy Room, all kind of money will be accepted (USD, Euro, Egyptian Pounds)

[najames]

Your probably right Zuke. I was surprised when the Mohamed was emailing me within 5-10 minutes after every email reply.

 

Heck, for all I know there will be a camel in the parking lot with my name spray painted on it, nobody else there, but at least I'm booked now. :D

 

This could be me riding my camel in from the ship, ain't stoppin for no wascully wabbits either.

 

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=23826507

Edited July 15, 2010 by najames

[msk1]

With all of this talk of "full disclosure" may I add my heartiest accolades for Ramses, having just returned from Egypt and using their EXCELLENT services. For those posters who are so jaded, we had a truly remarkable time and thoroughly enjoyed the professional and personal care afforded by our guide, Mohamed Ali Khalaf and his driver Mohamed Khaled. These gentlemen were well-spoken and well-trained. We were treated with the ultimate of courtesy and concern. The weather was horrid, 120' at the pyramids, but the Ramses staff made sure we had plentiful supplies of water and purposeful efforts to find shade for discussions. Our guide made arrangements for our camel pictures, evening light show, overnight at the Oberoi Mena, etc.

 

For those who choose to denigrate this wonderful company how about put your words to better use and speak about what you have experienced! We did!

 

MSK1

If you have specific questions I will be most happy to answer ms.msk1@yahoo.com

[Italianflf]

I have just completed the booking process with Ramses and was extemely pleased with the ease and promptness of working with them. I have a question to those who have used them in the past.......how much is considered appropriate for tipping?

Thanks,

Annemarie

[binky&jane]

I have just completed the booking process with Ramses and was extemely pleased with the ease and promptness of working with them. I have a question to those who have used them in the past.......how much is considered appropriate for tipping?

Thanks,

Annemarie

 

 

We just returned from a 17 day cruise in April. We used Ramses while we were in Egypt. They were awesome. I arranged 6 groups that returned to the ship and toured Alex on the 2nd day. We had several others that arranged overnights with them. Everyone was equally elated with their tours of Egypt. I hate that the above CC member had a difficult time getting his tours set up. Sounds like some miscommunication. We are returning to Egypt and definitely using them again. As far as tipping goes, we are a family of 4. We tipped $40 per day. :)

[ny cruisequeen]

Okay. I read about the Ramses replies to your itinerary. Here are the facts as I jsut experienced:

 

You get off the ship for your private excursion and think- "let's go" while all the ship excursion busses are lined up---but you DO NOT MOVE!

No one leaves the pier until the armed police let you. YOU ALL MOVE IN A CARAVAN into Cairo! All together!

 

Ahmed for George was right! The traffic is an experience all it's own. NO ONE follows road lane markings. They make up their own lanes and rules. Traffic can be a parking lot for miles. It is just a fact of life there. Ahmed knows what can and cannot be done in order to get you back to that ship. On our cruise, we did not leave until over an hour later than scheduled because a cruise excursion bus was late . I would trust him implicitly.