Excellent guides. Great accommodations in Egypt. I’ve been on 2 Smartours. Both needed a little more relaxing time. 2 forced marches a day is not a vacation; it’s a fact finding mission. I was disappointed in the tipping scheme in Egypt. Our guide, Hepa, in Abu Simbel insisted we tip the “travel agent”. It appeared to me that he was a man who owned his own business, and therefore should not require a tip. He provided a product, and no service except leading us to the bus, which Hepa should have done. It felt like Hepa was shaking us down for her colleague, especially because it wasn’t mentioned in your tip guide. Dina was very good about explaining tipping the government paid security agent, if he provided a special service. I contributed significantly to the economy, by purchasing gold jewelry and I am happy to tip appropriately. I am not happy to be hustled no matter how small the amount.