Customized: Magda & Travis - Dahabiya!

The couple were on a customized tour of the Land of the Pharaohs and did it in classic style, sailing the Nile on a beautiful and elegant Dahabiya.

The Dahabiya during sunset.

Backpacker Concierge uses different Dahabiyas for our programs depending upon individual tastes and timing. We opted for a motorized boat, as Magda and Travis had limited time to work with. The two were impressed with the Rihana - specifically its cleanliness and value for money.

Standard cabin on board the Dahabiya.

Our local tour guides are also able to facilitate some very unique experiences for our clients. Magda says, "When we were in Aswan we told our guide that we wanted to take a camel ride and experience local food, so he took us to a Nubian restaurant on a private island and on a boat tour around the islands. We then hopped on some camels and made our way to a local village."

Cruising the Nubian village on camelback.

It is holiday after all... Why not sit back, relax and watch the world go by on the bank of the river. It's an exceptional experience that we encourage everyone to have whilst travelling in Egypt. There's nothing quite like the old world feel and style of the Dahabiya.

Chilaxing on the Dahabiya.

Customized: Jan & Kate do Siwa

Jan & Kate contacted Backpacker Concierge when we were leading a tour through Syria. Which then led to a spur of the moment in-person meeting at the Apple store in NYC. Eventually the duo made it to Egypt and embarked on a very special customized program, featuring the amazing Adrere Amellal Ecolodge in Siwa.

As usual, there are some classic elements that must be included for any one's first visit to Egypt. There is of course the obligatory visit to the Giza Pyramids. Jan and Kate obviously have a real knack for camel photography!

The more recent Islamic history is also of great importance. Jan and Kate had a guided tour of the Islamic area of Cairo including visits to the famed Muezz el Deen Street with its many Mosques and Islamic schools.

And no trip to Cairo would be complete without a stop at the amazing, and often pleasingly chaotic, Khan al Khalili Bazaar! We're not sure what's more fun- searching the markets for hidden treasures or simply wandering the narrow medieval alleyways.

The itinerary included a stay at the incredible Adrere Amellal Ecolodge in Siwa!
Each meal at the lodge is served in a unique setting and the views are truly breathtaking...

Above: View of freshwater pool at Ecolodge, what a wonderful way to start your day!

Above: View of Adrere Amellal from the lake.

Above: View from the mountain of the magnificent Ecolodge Complex!

The pair, of course, did not spend all their time at the Ecolodge (though we wouldn't blame them if they did). They also sailed the Great Sand Sea! Whilst in the Western Desert Jan and Kate were able to experience the desert at its best. Hot springs, cold lakes and of course - sand!

Jan and Kate also spent some time exploring more of the land of the Pharaohs with a trip down the Nile! Here is an amazing photo they managed to snap at Mediant Habu Temple, one of our favorites!

All in all an amazing trip with stops at the most incredible places in Egypt!

Customized: The Faboulous 4

The gang wanted to see it all, so that's what we gave them! Kristen, Randy, Chris and Peachy traveled the Western Desert to the Eastern Desert and all which lies between! Starting with the iconic Pyramids of Giza

and the Sphinx!

They had an amazing tour of Islamic Cairo with our favorite guide!

The Fabulous Randa and the group relaxing at Khan al Khalili.

They then headed out west to Bahariya Oasis for an unforgettable experience. Their excursion to Bahariya and the Western Desert included dinner at El Bawity Ecolodge, a night camping out under the stars and a 4x4 jeep safari through the desert itself.

There's nothing like the rock formations in the White Desert. It is an alien landscape that runs away with your imagination! Sometimes it's also just nice to sit back and soak up the serenity of it all!

Before heading to the Sinai, the group took a cruise down the Nile, stopping to explore the temples of ancient Egypt along the way. Here's one of their more "artsy"photos at Edfu Temple...

Even amongst the columns of Karnak's great hall, there's always time for fun!

After what was already an amazing trip, the group said goodbye to the Nile and headed East...

In our opinion, after spending days running around the sights of ancient Egypt it's fantastic to take some time to realx and see things a bit differently.

The group spotted some camels on the beach in Dahab, our favorite Red Sea getaway!

There's nothing better in Dahab than that which comes from the sea! The group feasted on the freshest seafood around!

Time to head home, these guys even make a taxi ride fun!

Edna and Thomas (also from NYC) make an appearance in this shot. We teamed them up during the cruise and sightseeing to make things a bit more economical.

Egypt is an amazing destination! And what better way to see it than on a tour that is fully tailored to your specifications? (With the added touches that can only come from the experience of our team, living and working in the Middle East).