Conquering the Western Desert
Xiaoyun and her family met in Israel and traveled overland to Egypt where they took part in a stunning 11-day program with Backpacker Concierge. After exploring the main sites in Cairo and along the Nile, they took to the lesser-explored regions of the Western Desert for a 2-night safari.
A few words from the client:
“You provide the best concierge [service] that backpackers could ever ask in Egypt. Backpacker Concierge was excellent all the way from designing the program to delivering the tour. The [program] itself was smooth and timely in all connections, the guides were first class and there were absolutely no scams (like a visit to a “Papyrus museum”). Although our trip was during the tumultuous time of post-revolution Egypt, we felt very safe and comfortable, were well taken care of, and were given full freedom to explore interesting things at our own pace every step of the way.”
Behind The Scenes
Christine and her husband traveled from Germany for a short jaunt in Cairo and a long, relaxing trip on their 8-cabin Dahabiya with Backpacker Concierge. They decided not to gulp in the Nile – rather, they sipped it and explored Upper Egypt at a refined pace!
A few words from the client:
“We had a wonderful time in Egypt and everything worked perfect. Our guides gave us a deep dive in the history of Egypt and showed us all the important sights. We enjoyed the trip!” |
En Route to the White Desert
As part of a one year around-the-world holiday, Liz and Reed contacted Backpacker Concierge to arrange an overnight White Desert excursion. This is by far one of our most popular offerings given the desert’s proximity to Cairo and it is a great add-on for clients already booked on a group tour with another company.
A few words from the client:
“We loved the scenery – reminded us of the desert in Nevada or Utah at times, really incredible to drive through and camp like we did. And to know Libya is one direction and Luxor the other was fascinating. The food was excellent! [Our driver] Waheed brought his pipe so we could try sheesha – something I wanted to do when we were in Cairo. Sounds like he has traveled a bit and loves his job, which was refreshing for us!
I loved the sandsurfing!” |
Mt. Sinai Summit
Sophie and Jerome took a break from their time in Dubai and traveled to Egypt with Backpacker Concierge. We met up with them in the Sinai Peninsula and trekked the St. Katherine Protectorate together. From there, they continued down the Nile on a luxury cruise boat before finishing at the amazing Kempinski in downtown Cairo.
A few words from the client:
“We wanted to thank you [for making] our travel through Egypt so fantastic. Timing and level of services were very good. Stay in Dahab was great and the cruise on the Nile was excellent (we were the only one on the boat) and the guide was good. Overall the organization was excellent – you really made that trip very special – THANK YOU!” |
Cooking Classes in Cairo
Egypt’s first cooking school devoted to regional cuisine is officially open and ready for business!
But don’t just take our word for it. In addition to upcoming press in major American culinary and travel magazines, Qasr Twenty has received some amazing shout-outs.
Click ‘Read More’ for press clippings and information on how to book space in an upcoming cooking class. |
Galabiya Party!
Catharina and Elisabeth took advantage of Egypt’s post-revolutionary rates and treated themselves to an ‘in style’ journey through the country. After taking two days to reach Egypt, they put their feet up at Cairo’s newly opened Kempinski Hotel, where their room overlooked the River Nile. In Luxor they had the privilege of cruising on an ultra-deluxe boat to Dendara Temple, one of the most stunning monuments in the region. Their adventure ended with an afternoon excursion to Abu Simbel where they were the only two people inside Nefertari’s Temple!
Backpacker Concierge met with Catharina in London just a few weeks later to catch up over a few drinks. It was confirmed, they had a great time! |
A birds-eye view of Cairo
David and Robyn brought their good vibes to Egypt, by way of the UK. Backpacker Concierge loved having this duo on board and we know they loved their time with us, too! The couple traversed the country, immersing themselves as much as possible, while still indulging in a few moments of luxury here and there.
A few words from the clients:
“We loved Egypt – the tour was great! Thanks to you for all the organising and for being patient while I changed my mind so many times while trying to sort out the itinerary. Highlights for us were the camel trek at sunset, the private overnight felucca, and the bike tour in Luxor.” |
Lunch near Mt. Sinai’s summit
After months of planning, the family decided on the perfect 10 day trip of Egypt. They experienced Cairo, cruised the Nile in utmost style, and then headed over to the Sinai Peninsula for some of the most amazing trekking (and food!) in the country.
A few words from the client:
“My wife Nikki and I wish to thank you for our extraordinary trip in Egypt. I have lived all over the world (moved 19 times in 25 years) and travelled all over the world and can knowingly say that our Egypt trip, as organised by Backpacker Concierge, was just exceptional and very good value for money.” |
No doubt, Amman has the best of what’s around in terms of food! If eating is your thing you won’t be disappointed! This week we focus on Amman’s most AUTHENTIC restaurants. |
Cairo’s Insider
The Insider profiles emerging tastemakers in the fields of fashion, design, food, travel and the arts.
Though he started out in advertising in Manhattan, Eric Monkaba has always had a bit of wanderlust. While vacationing in Morocco a few years back, Monkaba shared a taxi in the High Atlas Mountains with a few British tour managers who opened his eyes to a different career path. Soon enough he was leading tours through the deserts of Egypt, Jordan and Morocco. After studying Arabic at the University of Damascus and a stint working with street children in Yemen, he started Backpacker Concierge, a personalized travel consultancy specializing in responsible tourism in the Middle East, mainly in Egypt and Jordan.
http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/06/the-insider-eric-monkaba/
On the way to the White Desert
Michelle, her husband, and daughter traveled from the States for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Egypt. Like many of our clients, Michelle just wanted a jeep safari and some expert sightseeing in Cairo and that is exactly what we did for her!
A few words from the client:
“We had a great time and the trip definitely surpassed our expectations. We had hired another driver and guide on our own while we were there through our hotel in Aswan. The guide didn’t come close to the quality of Backpacker Concierge. I would recommend Backpacker Concierge to all of our friends without hesitation.” |
Excitement takes over the group
Robyn invited her friends and family on a 5-night private sailing from Esna to Aswan. The three room sandal, equipped with hot showers and a private chef was just what everyone needed after a busy work year.
A few words from the client:
“We all had a fantastic time. Mahmoud and the crew on our boat were lovely. They kept an eye on us in a very unobtrusive way and yet I always felt looked after. The food was great and I’m still trying to work some of that off. I came away feeling that I had truly been on a vacation and I think that is true for everyone. If it is possible to fall in love with a river than I have a crush on the Nile. And what a lovely, peaceful way to experience it.” |
Premier American magazine Food + Wine traveled with Backpacker Concierge during Egypt’s January 25 Revolution. Originally intended to be a culinary tour with a primary focus on the company’s new Cairo-based cooking school, Qasr Twenty, now the magazine’s feature article will have a new stance. Stay tuned for updates in May 2011.
Cairo’s first cooking school focused on regional cuisine – Qasr Twenty.
Going local with Backpacker Concierge!
Stay on the Red Sea coast with the Ababda tribe (one of the last Bedouin communities) and make the daily trek to the well, herd goats to greener pastures, and try your hand at leather handicrafts. Sorry, gents – due to cultural constraints, this is a ladies-only affair.
This truly is a Real Deal. Take advantage of quiet Jordan this April 2011 and indulge in all of the best sites and cuisine the country has to offer!
http://www.budgettravel.com/real-deal/jordan-8-nights-from-1175,7030/
No doubt, Amman has the best of what’s around in terms of food! If eating is your thing you won’t be disappointed! This week we focus on Amman’s most TRENDY restaurants. |
Stuffed Zucchini – aka Mahshy
The talent behind Backpacker Concierge announces the (very) soft opening of their cooking school in downtown Cairo. On the heels of Egypt’s revolution, Qasr Twenty offers something never before seen in Egypt’s capital. Stay tuned for revised pictures once our stenciler has returned from Tahrir Square and we have accessorized a bit more! |
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