How much does the extended tour cost?

Our 'Pay As You Go' System

Most tour operators set a single, 'up-front' fee that is collected prior to the tour leaving home. While this can be convenient for some travellers, others find that this can be an issue as they are then locked into an itinerary and have no real control over what they do or see. For example, if you have already paid in advance for an hotel and find that you don't like it, there is not that much you can do about it then and there. If you don't feel like a meal but have already paid for it in advance, or if you want something extra-special to eat, it is usually impossible to get a refund - same if you wish to opt out of an activity or 'do you own thing' for a while.

Ma'at Tours has a different approach that we feel offers you all the advantages of an organised tour (such as group discounts and someone else having the responsibility of arranging transport needs) and at the same time allows you to make decisions about your holiday and how you wish to spend it 'on the ground'. So, for example, if you don't wish to come with the group for a particular activity, let us know 24 hours in advance and you pay nothing for it (we ask for notice as negotiating prices for buses etc is often based on a 'per capita' cost and deposits are sometimes required). Ma'at Tours books budget/middle range hotels in Egypt, but if you wish to upgrade to a five star, that is no problem as you are responsible for paying your own bill at checkout time. We recommend local restaurants and can give you an idea of the type of food served and its price, but if you want a five star banquet, want to skip a meal, or would just like some time on your own, that's fine as you are responsible for paying your bill at the end of the meal.

Arguably the only disadvantage of the special kind of flexible tour that Ma'at Tours offers its participants is that it is impossible, given the informal nature of the tour, to give a complete costing. While some costs are set, others will depend on you - where you wish to stay and eat, and what you wish to buy and see. Our basic philosophy is 'cheap and clean' and 'flexibility'. We aim to provide and/or recommend hotels and restaurants that are value for money and within the budget/middle price range (eg. AUD$50 per night, single, meals AUD$5-20 each). On the other hand you might want to treat yourself to a five star banquet or use an hotel you would prefer to the one booked - you would be quite free to do so, as you are responsible for your own expenses.

The table below will give you some idea of the likely costs (subject to change): it is based on 2011 prices (and an exchange rate of 5.94 LE to AUD$). Please note that we have not factored-in shopping because that is such an individual thing!

The prices below are in Australian dollars, with totals in Australian and US dollars, and Euros.

ITEM	AUD$
Internal Airfares (Cario-Aswan, Luxor-Cairo)	$306.00 (inc. taxes) (quote)
Accommodation (based on single occupany in recommended hotels, incl. B/F)	$975.00 (2011 prices)
Travel Insurance	$411.00 (QBE 2012 quote for a single)
Ma'at Tours Fee	$1800.00
Egyptian Agents' fee	$250.00
Egyptian Guides' Fee	$190.00
Land Transport (airport transfers, day trips (incl. large bus with toilet for extended travel days, balloon flight, felucca trips)	$536.00 (based on 2011 prices)
Food and drink	$385.00
Tips	$94.00
Entrance fees (around 28 tombs, 16 major temples, 8 museums, 8 major sites, 3 Sound & Light Shows and 7 pyramids!)	$392.00 (2011 prices)
Visa	$40.00 (2011 price)
	-------------------------
Total (not including international flights)	Based on exchange rates as at 3/2/11
	$5379.00
	$5432.00
	€3935.00
	YES, THIS IS THE COST FOR OUR 28 DAY TOUR OF EGYPT!

International Airfares
	Singapore Airlines (Melb/Syd-Sing-Cairo-Sing-Melb/Syd) $2105 (inc.taxes) (based on 2011 prices)
	Airfare on request
	Airfare on request

Pre-Tour Payments We require four payments from you pre-tour: 1) Our Fee 2) Our Egyptian Agents' Fee 3) Travel Insurance 4) Airfares

Ma'at Tour Fee

We all know that tour companies charge fees for their services but have you ever tried to work out how much you are actually paying the company in fees when reading through brochures or websites? At Ma'at Tours we state our fee up front. The fee covers all pre- and post-tour services, and of course our services to you in Egypt.

Our 2008 Group enjoys a shy (tea) in the Temple of Khonsu

What do you get I for my money?

Dr Mike Jenkins and Ms Patricia Kempa - owner-operators of Ma'at Tours - are with you every step of the way! We greet you at Cairo Airport and don't leave you until you pass through security at Cairo Airport to return home.

Travel discussion groups and blogs on the internet are full of horror stories of people who pay up-front for package tours to Egypt and find themselves in the hands of local agents of an international company. These agents often have little or no English and 'disappear' but for appointed pick-up and drop-off times (and sometimes they don't even show up then!).

We stay at the same hotel as you and are available to answer all your questions and needs.

Substantial savings on flights, on-ground transport costs, and hotel accommodation. We estimate that you will save at least AUD$1300 on these items alone compared to costs for individual travellers. How so? We can arrange group discounts and we pass these directly on to you;

Our flexible approach means that as much as possible we will tailor the itinerary to suit your individual interests and needs, and you are in control of your Egyptian holiday;

We know the people, shops, ancient sites and local customs and our knowledge will be available to you. Advice on how much to pay, where to find what you want, the 'do's' and 'don'ts' of local customs - all this could save you lots of money and embarrassment and give you purchases that average tourists can only dream about;

Experienced leaders who know the local people, their customs and traditions, and who can provide you with opportunities to get to meet and know real people in their traditional villages;

Mike is an internationally recognised Egyptologist and will lead you to little-known sites as well as the popular ones. He will be on hand to personally answer all your questions;

Patricia is a qualified counsellor with the inter-personal and communication skills to facilitate your holiday. Her role will include striving to meet your personal needs and seeing to your general comfort, as well as assisting in the educational aspects of the tour and her special areas of Islamic art and architecture;

An extensive series of free information and advice packages prior to departure; &

Personal, individual service - Ma'at Tours is a partnership, not a large company. Our agents (such as for flights & travel insurance) are large companies and we use them to obtain the best deals for our participants, but YOU - your questions, concerns, desires and dreams for a wonderful time in Egypt - are our primary concern!

ABOVE: (l-r) Mr Hussam (Our Lower Egypt Guide), Dr Mike Jenkins (Company Owner/Egyptologist), Mr Abdul (our Upper Egypt Guide) & (front) Ms Patricia Kempa (Company Owner)

What is the 'Egyptian Agents' Fee?

This is fee we collect from you to cover fees and charges we must pay to our local agents in Aswan, Luxor and Cairo for their 'behind the scenes' services (eg. sub-contracting local transport, making arrangements with the Egyptian Tourist Police, sourcing venues and activities, mediating with local authorities, providing translation services and sourcing your special needs). Most tour companies have such a charge but it is usually 'hidden' in other costings.

This fee does not cover Guide fees. Egyptian law requires groups to be accompanied by an Egyptian Guide. We have two wonderful Guides - Mr Abdu Mawgood Sadeekl in Upper Egypt and Mr Hussam el Gabry in Cairo - who are true gentlemen and experts in their fields. We cap the Guide Fee at AUD$10 a day PP for days when a Guide is required.

Do I need Travel Insurance?

Yes. We at Ma'at Tours are very concerned that all participants have a wonderful time on our Tour of Egypt. Nevertheless sometimes things might go wrong due to unforseen circumstances such as an illness or injury. Therefore we insist that all participants have comprehensive travel insurance. Ma'at Tours requires that ALL participants have adequate Travel Insurance. There are a wide range of insurance options available to travellers so Ma'at Tours will forward more detailed information to registered participants with their first Tour Kit. We ourselves use QBE World Assist and will send details to details to registered participants.

Airfares: Is Ma'at Tours a Travel Agency?

No. Ma'at Tours is not a travel agency. We employ Andrew Jones Travel, Hobart, Tasmania (Lic. #TAS103) to handle our airline bookings with Singapore Airlines (ex-Australia), your preferred airline (from USA/UK and other countries) and EgyptAir (for our flights within Egypt). Mr Nathan Darke of Andrew Jones Travel is only too happy to help with your special travel needs. Airline fees collected by Ma'at Tours are forwarded directly to Andrew Jones Travel.

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