Audley Travel
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The Nile Loves You
Archaeologist's Dream – 2025 Egypt (Giza-Abu Simbel) *May 15-25th* Elite Boutique Hotel next to the pyramids Excellent service and rebranded within the first few moments to Mustafa and Fatima. We felt safe the whole time in every place. The guides were both knowledgeable and determined to provide the best experience possible as intuitive hosts. We felt the culture of service and compassion throughout our time traveling upriver from Cairo to Abu Simbel. I was personally blown away by the detailed explanations of the reliefs and descriptions of the countless artisan designed story panels and sculptures throughout the entire experience and fell in love with all the spirits and living people we encountered. While in Giza, Abdel the Egyptologist and our driver Muhamed were absolutely amazing. I specifically enjoyed riding the streets of Cairo and being in awe of the intricacies of daily travel here. Pedestrian games of “Frogger” was the best approximation provided by one of our reps that played out for us on a real-life stage. The sheer depth of culture here astonishes all who traverse the limitless thresholds within the city streets, temples, and tombs alike. Abdel’s depth of knowledge encompasses millennia of human culture and through him around each turn, all statues had a story to tell regardless of their inclusion in the official itinerary. It seemed that the magic would not cease no matter the length of time spent immersed amongst the friendly, courageous, strong, and resilient people. Transitioning to Luxor was like a dream for me complete with jasmine flowers presented as gifts from my lovely new friend Aya whilst enjoying the Nile bank view of the valley of the kings, queens, and nobles. As someone who gifts flowers often everywhere, the gift of appreciation and love overwhelmed. Our amazing guides Nermeen Milad and Abanoub in Luxor provided a rich experience and their awareness of our needs continued the great service we had come to know and love. I specifically enjoyed their joyful appreciation of my personality out of the many gifts bestowed. The amazing Luxor portion of this adventure was a tough one to leave behind, but the transport by road to Aswan was possibly my most favorite part of the entire experience. I love to immerse myself in cultures and this 5-hour/several stop trip really allowed for the feeling you want as you witness the day-to-day activities of the locals for miles in various landscapes and population zones. It may seem funny or even silly, but I loved the 335 or so speed humps along that part of the trip as that afforded the true feeling of an archeologist adventure experience. Arriving in Aswan, we were immediately greeted by our resort hotel Movenpick shining like a jewel on an island in the center of the Nile. The travel shifted to small boat only for the remaining few days to my amazement and surprise. The views during this leg of the journey were exquisite and overwhelming to a degree I had not felt previously. Our guide Nesreen really was a jewel herself and her rich knowledge and lifelong devotion to this area was immediately noticeable. Her heart and knowledge opened doors to some intense healing that I desperately needed and I felt immediately like family. Leaving Aswan was almost impossible, but we were whisked away to a series of flights that allowed us to visit my favorite temple of the entire itinerary in Abu Simbel. Nefertari and her temple filled me with an overwhelming sense of love, honor, and respect that has lasted months and seems to grow with each day instead of diminishing. Leaving again was painful as I fell in love while in Egypt with the river and culture. The experience left an indelible mark that will last my entire life and those with whom I share the stories and culminated in a reset of my entire system mind, body, spirit. Please do not hesitate to trust Emico and Audley for all your travel needs in the future, Thank you Audley! Hector delCampo