Classic Holidays Reviews 322

My husband and I have just arrived back from a fantastic holiday in Egypt with Classic Holidays. It was truly a trip of a lifetime with the hotels, cruise and organisation not only living up to expectation but going way beyond. Our guide, Hany, was a highly qualified Egyptologist with years of experience. His enthusiasm and expertise was an inspiration. He was also a truly lovely person who would go out of his way to ensure that we got the very best from our trip. All the excursions were organised well, making sure that we avoided the crowds as much as possible and we saw all the sites at their best. Our boat (Royal Princess) was a delight, with Agatha Christie style glamour, great food and a wonderfully attentive crew.

This was a very different kind of holiday to one we would normally have, but it was spectacular!

On our way home, we discovered that Heathrow airport was closed. Despite it being 5am in England, my Whatsapp message to Classic Holidays was answered within 5 minutes and a rep was at Cairo airport a few minutes later to help us. The rep (Paul from Discovery) was a whirlwind of organisation and we soon had a hotel, transfers and meals for the extra night. He was at the airport the next morning to take us through security – truly outstanding service.

I cannot recommend this holiday and company highly enough. An experience we will never forget.

Thank you for your amazing service. At least 5 stars, maybe 6 or 7?!

The hotel was amazing. The boat cruise was good but be prepared for late arrivals, long days starting with alarm calls in the middle of the night.

Amazing sites, with superb guides. Everything well organised

Classic Holidays were brilliant from the minute we arrived in Egypt until we were in the airport at Luxor

We were escorted through Cairo airport and got the visa sorted taken to collect the luggage and then taken to the transport to the hotel

On our way to Luxor we were picked up on time and met again by the agent and taken through the airport dropping off the luggage and taken to security

On arrival at Luxor we were met by the fantastic Adel who was our Egyptologist on the cruise

The transport to and from the boat was first class as was the boat

While in Cairo we had booked an excursion to the pyramids and the GEM

I think our guide was Meena and he was absolutely amazing he really knew his stuff

The hotel in Cairo was great as well

The booking process was really simple

From start to finish Classic Holidays got into the detail of our holiday and ensured we felt supported. We requested a modified itinerary for Cairo which really gave us that value add feeling. The Royal Princess has a 1920s feel, lovely period decor, some parts need a little updating but it was a lovely experience. The guides were knowledgable, friendly and helpful (as were all of the staff on board the boat).

We had a fantastic time in the two hotels (Steignenberger Pyramids and Steigenberger Luxor Nile Palace) were superb (customer focused, amazing food, accomodated for allergies) and the boat was lovely. All three of the guides we had were knowledgeable, friendly and helpful but Adel was the star (and also the bossiest seargent major, but in a nice way).

Transport was always a good standard and we always felt safe ( despite crazy Egyptian traffic). The Royal Princess Boat was fabulous, everything we expected with lovely 20s style decor indoors to maximise the Agatha Christie feel. All the princess staff were very helpful and tried their hardest to make our adventures memorable.

Reps managing transfers, airport and transfers were all great. I left some clothes in Cairo and Classic Holidays and the Cairo rep liaised to get them and met us at arrivals in the airport on our way home.

The pool was small, but adequate (3/5) and buffet food was good (4/5) however the catering team took some getting used to dealing with intolerances, but they got there after a few days and were happy to accomodate.

The excursions are great (5/5), sometimes a little rushed, or too heavy on the teaching and less on the visiting, but we came away with more knowledge than we arrived, so respect to our guide Adel Alfonse (5/5) who gave us our crash course in egyptology.

The views from the boat were amazing, the temples stunning.

Evening Entertainment (3/5) was limited, over the 7 days cruise we had belly dancers, whirling dirvish and nubian music twice and a dressing up party (which was a bit like a kids party). That said we were very lucky that we had a fantastic cohort, and we had more fun socialising.

You pay £50pp up front which covers all tips onboard and off-boat, however that didnt stop drivers, security, boat staff, servers and others asking for bakshish. Adel sorted it all out for us, giving us our tip money when we needed it for toilets and the like. The worst part of Egypt is being constantly hussled when you are walking outside of the excursion sites. You just have to be Firm and Say no and make zero eye contact.

We loved our room on the boat, we paid extra for an upper deck, but even still the noise from the boats parked alongside was very loud at night (engines run 24/7 so take ear plugs). However we didnt have boats parked next to us every night.

The bed was comfy, a little fridge for water and two armchairs to sit in an air conditioned room with the windows open watching the Nile drift by.

Staff on board were great, cabin boys made us laugh each day with their towel creations and the catering manager (Mahmood) took particular focus on creating food that accomodated my allergies (whilst my wife enjoyed the buffet).

Additional paid excursions: We did Hotel Cataract (beautiful hotel, fantastic high tea, but did not cater for allergies), Bird watching (actually a nature river boat cruise, fabulous), Hot air balloon (wow!), Horse & Cart (eye opening and interesting). We skipped Abu Simbel because of the 3am start and 4hr each way coach (at the end of a LONG week) and the light shows (naff).

Useful tips:
- Pay extra for Pyramid view at Steigenberger.
- Try to get the guide to start tours early to beat the heat.
- If something isnt on the standard itinerary ask classic to modify it for you.
- Make sure you put a day in with no extra trips so that you get a rest, it is a long (but satisfying) week.
- Take cordial for electrolytes, sweets for a sugar rush on hot excursions and a fan / cooling cloths as it is HOT.
- Giza and museum do not allow selfie sticks and GoPro videos, one of our group was asked to take their Smart glassess off at one site.
- You no longer need to pay to take a big camera, use that instead of gopro etc for the best photos.
- If you like a cold beer, fill up your fridge as sun deck drinks not always cold.
- Avoid ice and never drink any tap / shower / pool water on the boat as it is nile water.
- We didnt get sick, but took lots of immodium
- Ask guide to focus on excursions and make "government stops" like Perfume, Papyrus and Alabaster shops optional (alabaster was ok, others were frustrating).
- You will be able to find guides and excursions cheaper than classics, however they were always well organised and we never felt uncomfortable or unsafe and always had high spec, air conditioned transport (we heard mixed stories from others about good/bad private guides).

Everything was very well organised.During booking any queries were answered quickly and thouroghly. All the trips were planned well and our guide Adel was experienced with answereing any questions and had a great sense of humour, Which he needed at times.Because the weather was hot some early starts were needed which was to be expected but necessary.The accommadation was very good and the food was varied and enjoyable. Boat staff were friendly and efficiant For me a once in a lifetime experience never to be forgotten.

Good hotel with friendly staff. Very clean. Good choice of food. Same all applies to the river boat. Good guides.
Egypt is a fascinating country with incredible history.

From start to finish the holiday was extremely well organised. We were met every step of the way with a guide who assisted us - at the airport, the hotel, and on the boat. The Egyptologists were very knowledgeable and our group size was quite small. We had a wonderful holiday and classic holidays did all the organising for us so we could just relax and enjoy ourselves. The guides, the Egyptologists and the staff in each location were exceptional.

If I had to think hard of something that could be improved, I would say perhaps give the information about the trip a little earlier than 10 days before, and on the Nile cruise, the entertainment evenings could’ve been promoted better as very few people turned up for them.
All in all we would definitely use this company again and highly recommend them.

From start to finish the overall holiday experience was very good and the support in country wax second to none.I completed a 3 night stay in Cario followed by av7 night Nile cruise and the accommodation was first class and highly recommended.The Nile cruise was accompanied by a qualified Egyptologists who certainly bought ancient Eygpt to life. If you are planning this holiday I would certainly recommend Classic holidays.

Probably our trip of a lifetime. A memorable 14 night visit to Eqypt. 3 nights in Cairo (Steigenberger Pryamids Hotel), 7 nights along the Nile cruising on MS Royal Princess and 4 nights at Old Palace Resort, Hurgada.
Everything went to plan and was clearly explained in the pre-trip information pack. Food was excellent with plenty of choice and a dazzling array of desserts.
What really made the experience so wonderful were the tour guides. Mena in Cairo, 2 full days including, the pyrmaids, the Sphinx, Great Egyptian Museum, Memphis, Saqqara. The Cairo Citadel Mosque. Then Adil Alfons while on the cruise, 15 individual excursions. Both of these gentlemen were knowledgable, empathetic and passionate about their country, the culture and the history. Both went beyond expectations with care advice as tempertures soared above 42 degrees and with practical guidance to surmount the many street vendors which accosted us; some small children.
The transfers and transport by coach, boat and plane all carefully crafted.
Being driven in Cairo along an 8 lane single direction highway, with no apparent lane discipline, sometimes seeing families of 4 on a moped and the incessant gentle beeping appears almost nightmarish compared with UK standards.
It's impossible to adequately reflect on just how much we experienced in this trip, much to our delight, despite some very early starts and some quite exhausting days.

Amazing holiday to a wonderful location. We were looked after for the whole trip and the guide was lovely.

My friend and I went on a 10 day holiday to Egypt - 7 nights Nile cruise and 3 nights at the Red Sea. We wanted the Royal Princess boat for its Poirot decor which we loved.
We cannot fault the boat and Adel and Marco, the guides, were very knowledgeable Egyptologists and our trips were absolutely amazing. The weather was hotter than I expected for April - it was 32 to 36° - but the boat was well air conditioned and sitting on deck was a joy.
The food on the Royal Princess was also very good with a great variety of meats, salads, vegetables, breads and finger deserts. They did cater for a girl at our table who was gluten free but she preferred her own bread which she brought with her. The restaurant staff were all lovely, from the boys with their cheeky grins to Mohamed who was very kind, nothing was too much trouble.
Thank you for giving us a lovely time =)
Gemma & Jennifer

An overall wonderful experience from start to finish. All the transfers were smooth from the airport to the boat & then to the hotel after. The traditional boat, MS Royal Princess in our eyes made the experience more authentic. A great choice of food & drink on the boat with a chef corner for fried eggs or omelettes. The staff were very attentive. All areas were very clean & the room was cleaned twice a day. We had a small leak from our shower & that was sorted straight away. A very reasonable price shop for gifts & items of clothing & also a small jewellery shop too. Option if needed to buy internet at reception. We used the very efficient laundry service. Our guides were very informative & all the trips out were hugely enjoyable. We felt very safe at all times. Would highly recommend.

Fabulous guide and the excursions were amazing. We were looked after so well by Adel and were in a lovely group of people. The boat was just what we had hoped for, classical and charming.

Fabulous experience with Classic. All ran very smoothly from booking to the whole trip. Boat standard very much as we expected. Hanny was an excellent guide around the temples and the crew on the boat were attentive and helpful. Food also well prepared and high standard. Didn’t have to think about a thing for 7 days with amazing trips included. Highly recommended

Just finishing a Nile cruise on the M/S Semiramis, and as a seasoned traveller we booked specifically to visit the ancient sites, in this instant it ticked all the boxes and was amazing, however, maybe it was a lack of foresight on our part but all the cruises we've sailed on you travel as a group with a company rep in attendance for the duration, joining together, tours and leaving together. This wasn't the case here.
When booking I asked the nationally of other passengers and was informed predominantly UK nationals, out of over 100 people onboard 6 English were travelling with Classic, and 3 English couples travelling independently, the majority being German, Egyptian and some French, again, mostly travelling independently, approximately onlly 20 people stayed the whole return journey, although the ship was always full. it was almost like the locals used this vessel as a bus service, jumping on at one port and leaving at the next..I'm not saying it affected our experience, the crew were wonderful, the ship was clean although quite worn out, as expected from a 25 year old with such a high turnover of passengers.
The cruise itself depends on expectations, you do not berth in Luxor, as advertised but 30 - 40 minutes up river, this was disappointing for us as being returning visitors we had plans had we been in the centre as we'd thought. Edfu, 2 hour stop to visit temple, all felt a bit rushed before continuing to KomOmbo, again 2 hour stop to visit temple and crocodile museum, due to late arrival this was done mostly in the dark, although being floodlit I found it rather inspiring, again very rushed, Then on to Aswan for Abu Simbel, some tours we organised ourselves through "Getyourguide" which worked out 50% cheaper than those offered onboard.
This for us ticked all our boxes, visiting all the famous sites and sailing on the Nile was awe inspiring, yes, there were 20 other ships doing the same route at the same time, and it could get busy, but we loved it.
Lastly, water is a necessity and I feel should be available free of charge at mealtimes and on excursions, charging $3 for a bottle which costs 20 Egyptian pounds (25pence) locally is slightly excessive, Beers were $5 and wine started at $20,

This was an amazing cruise. All the trips were well planned and well timed. Our guide was superb. He was incredibly knowledgeable and ensured that anyone who needed support was given the help they needed. He was always aware of where the members of his group were. We had an incredible experience visiting so many wonderful sights The ship was lovely with great staff and a great variety of food at mealtimes. Thank you.

Fantastic trip from start to finish and I have to say our best holiday so far.
We were looked after so well from before we had even left home. Thank uou Dean at Classic holidays.
The trip was super organised and it was very reassuring to be met at the airport and taken to our hotel, (and that applied to all elements of the whole trip actually).
The Steigenberger hotel was lovely and our rooms had pyramid views which we enjoyed very much. Food and staff were great and hotel was very clean.
The trip to the pyramids and sphinx was well organised but would have loved to have had more time there. The GEM museum is amazing and well worth visiting.
We then flew to Luxor to pick up the Nile cruise and again we were met at the airport before we had even collected our luggage and it just felt reassuring that we were being looked after so well.
The boat was just so lovely and the staff were so very happy and friendly. The food was amazing and varied and you certainly did not go hungry.
We were lucky to have Safwat as our brilliant guide and he was incredibly knowledgeable and very easy to listen to. Have to say a huge thanks to him for making it so interesting. On occasions we also had Hany who again was a brilliant guide too.
The trips were very well organised and were so very worthwhile. There were early starts but it meant we missed the crowds.
The whole trip was just fantastic from start to finish and really can’t fault it at all.

This predominant cruise holiday on the Nile was excellently organised in every way. From the moment we landed at Luxor we were met by a rep and this level of service remained throughout including being escorted through the initial airport arrivals.
The food on board the MS Princess was buffet style but extremely good and varied with lots of fresh fruit and salads. The sweets were excellent.
Drink on board is mainly local wine and beer. The local beer Stella not to be confused with the Belgium variety is light and refreshing and costs about £2 for a large bottle. 4.5 abv. A bottle of wine is about £15 and very drinkable. Unless you intend drinking your own bodyweight in alcohol I wouldn’t recommend the all inclusive upgrade. The ship itself is in a 1920’s theme. It has apparently been upgraded recently. The cabins are spacious. My only niggle would be the bathroom which was tired and needs a refurbishment but functioned fine in view we were on a ship. The staff on the ship were excellent in every way. The group inclusive tipping regime is a great idea but doesn’t preclude additional tipping if you feel inclined, this is not expected however. The Egyptologists are excellent and as there were about 55 in our UK group we had Hany and Big George. They are incredibly knowledgeable and approachable and cannot do too much to make your experience as memorable as possible.
Seeing the included excursions to see the valley of the kings and queens,
Karnak, Philae Temple and many more was amazing. We opted for the trip to Abu Simbel also which is not to be missed but is a long day. The boat trip to the bird sanctuary was also well worth it.
Please be aware Egypt is a developing country and therefore sadly there is a lot of poverty, street dogs working animals etc. This inevitably means western tourists are considered very wealthy which in context we are. Be prepared for being approached in order to sell you items. That being said this is not aggressive and a firm approach is sufficient if you do not want to buy. This is a relatively active holiday and a reasonable level of mobility is required. Much of the ground around the temples and sights is uneven and there is some walking and of course it’s a hot climate and there are some boats to board. A few in our group with some limited mobility did at times struggle but they were helped by others in the group. It’s not difficult at all but Just be aware of this if you have mobility issues. We also room the options of having a short stay in Cairo opting to stay at the Hyatt Regency at Giza. This is a lovely hotel and the food is fabulous.
We were escorted by another Classic Holidays Egyptologist “little”George who took us to the pyramids,
Sphinx and the new museum. He was great and it was an unforgettable amazing day. The museum could easily be a whole day experience but also you can see the main exhibits including the Tutankhamen area in a half day. We flew with Egypt Air. The planes were fine and food good also. No alcohol on these planes.
The planes are very hot so dress accordingly!! So a fabulous bucket list type holiday I would very much recommend.