This replaced 2 July 2022 Russian river cruises. The learning of the history and current status of Eqypt was superb. It's not a place to go on your own....amazingly educated guides. They prepped us for all events, the when-were-how to get ready and how we would proceed. Only 50 passengers so had reasonably small #s on excursions. Great ability to move us around without losing anyone and keeping us informed. Quite a few passengers were not prepared for the physical requirements of the excursions so they stayed safely on buses. We were not slowed down and they got good dialogue about each place as we traveled. Guides learned us quickly, as did the escorting security personnel so we were always safe and accounted for. Passengers also kept track of each other which at times was amusing. Viking had priority access to all riverside dockings with great crew to assist in on/off movements. We were go, go, go. Viking buses had traffic escorts to get us thru tiny roads with donkeys, tuk-tuks, camels, camels, carts, impromptu street discussions, etc. The local life was "right there" and quite informative. Trip gave us more sites than apparently any other tour we've researched. High value. Super high expertise. Went through many places quite quickly but I would do it again. We did several before/after independent tours so used all the time possible in Egypt. It's not a place to do "on your own".... Transport in Cairo is very difficult and a big, big time waster. The close access afforded by Viking was super valuable. As were the very frank pointers about how to conduct ourselves and how to respect the residents. Great information about the "now" of Cairo and Eqypt, plus the recent history that all of on board had lived through. Though hearing and seeing about their current history from those who were there was quite eye-opening and welcome. I'd do it again.

Dining room and bar personnel were very very attentive..... and made sure to remember our preferences. Just plain NICE. Chef was super nice. As was Hotel Manager and the remarkable river pilot. Made the technicalities of the cruise very interesting.