04 Mar 2023
A REVIEW OF OXEN OF EGYPT TOURS
Through our many travels, my wife and I have learned that no matter how grand the destination, a superb tour guide will bring a destination to life and make a trip that much more memorable. Such a guide is Samar. Her warm, open personality (and humor) alone makes the tour thoroughly enjoyable. But it is her knowledge and presentation that elevate the excursion to a higher level. Her English is impeccable and full of nuance that makes the tour more intimate and less rote. Her mastery of Egyptian history is expansive, enthusiastic, and not only includes description and interpretation but a deep appreciation of the art. She was tour guide and art docent but quickly also became a friend to us both. Samar lives life enthusiastically and her joy is infectious.
Samar guided us through the Luxor, Karnak, and Habu temples as well as the tombs in the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Nobles. She joined us as we cruised the Nile on a luxurious Dahabiya and visited the temples at Abydos, Dendera (not to be missed on any visit to Upper Egypt), and Kom Ombos. We stayed in a Nubian village at Abu Simbel, perhaps the most majestic of the ancient structures.
Samar was thorough yet afforded us “free” time to do things on our own or relax. She negotiated with vendors to ensure that we bought souvenirs at a fair price. She enjoyed the delectable foods of Egypt with us at every meal, bringing her joie de vive to the occasion and ensuring that we fell in love with Egyptian cuisine. And she willingly discussed modern Egyptian life with the interested tourist.
We highly recommend Samar as your tour guide in Egypt. And lucky will be the visitor who follows our recommendation.