Egypt Uncovered - www.egypt-uncovered.com

We chose Egypt Uncovered because they offered the closest to our perfect holiday which we could find without paying a fortune for a bespoke tour, and because they designed holidays with the holidaymaker in mind - eg adult tours, family tours.

From the start, they came across as very efficient. Emails/phone calls answered quickly and professionally. They also kept us well informed of their views when the unrest was on. That is great, but what is even better are the staff whom they have in Egypt.

We did have concerns about travelling to the country given the unrest in January/February of this year, and the fact that we were taking our son, who is 14.

In the event, there were only a few signs of this - there were small protests in Cairo and some travel arrangements had to be changed due to difficulties on the railway line to Luxor from Cairo, but this was all we saw/experienced and the staff at Egypt Uncovered made other arrangments which suited us equally well as the originals.

In Egypt the team were thoughtful, friendly, hospitable and expert in their knowledge of the ancient sites. They were also optimistic for and proud of their country and its future. Small things made a big difference and we were introduced to modern Egypt as well as ancient. we were truly welcomed to the country and given practical advice and help in coping with the culture shock of such a different environment. To the extent that our Welcome packs which included handwipes (to avoid tummy trouble if eating out) and small change to tip at the hotel etc (impossible to get outside Egypt).

The accommodation was generally of a high standard and we highly recommend trying the local Egyptian food in and out of the hotels. We would use the restaurants recommended by our guide again as they were all very good and reasonably priced, and the local food in the buffet breakfasts was delicious (they also serve standard continental breakfasts).

Being with a guide keeps any hassle to a minimum (though it wasn't as persisitent as I rememeber it from 20 years ago, and we had advice from our guide when we verged on paying too much!).

We felt that we saw all of the sites we expected plus some more that we had not, and that we had a good amount of free time to relax/read the guide books by the pool etc.

Highlights in Egypt were - lunch overlooking the Nile, a felucca trip, and snorkelling in the Red Sea (our Guide there recommended a spot which was even better than the Blue Hole, outstanding!), and eating in a locals Egyptian restaurant in Cairo - live music and excellent food. We had travelled there before and so the amazing ancient sites themselves were expected and did not disappoint.

Our best advice - be a little adventurous, and trust the recommendations you get from your guide. We would definitely use Egypt Uncovered again, and recommend them highly.