I recently took the Smartours Splendors of Egypt tour, with a group totaling 37, most of whom were strangers to each other prior to the trip. I can't speak highly enough of the excellent, value priced experience. Everything promised in the Smartours literature was delivered. The accommodations were actually above what I expected for the price; they really were five star. Our guide, Mrs. Randa, was extremely knowledgeable and efficient; we felt very safe with her, as well as a security guard who accompanied us at each locale. In addition to Mrs. Randa who was with us throughout the trip, there was an additional local guide at each destination, so there was sufficient staff to attend to everything. The luggage handling was some of the best I've ever experienced over decades of traveling. The daily tours were well planned and we were privy to all of the highlights of Egypt without ever having to stand in line, as Mrs. Randa or another staffer did all of the ticket purchasing. Likewise with the hotels/river cruise. All we had to do was quickly receive our room key when arriving at a destination. In planning to take this tour, prospective clients should know that it's a strenuous trip for those in their 60s or 70s. Egypt was hot and dusty (90s) even at the end of October. There's a fair amount of walking over uneven ground. 2, 3 or more different sites may be visited in a day. There was more than one VERY EARLY wake-up call; one morning the call was at 2:00 am, with bags out for pick-up by 2:15 am. Also, there were two days when "breakfast" consisted of a box meal containing mostly rolls. After the first one of these, some of us planned ahead by taking a few items to augment our box meal from the prior dinner. Ziplock bags are a handy travel item! That's it for the cautions. Otherwise, it was a marvelous trip and I plan to travel with Smartours again and have spoken favorably regarding the agency to many friends.