We just returned from Egypt & Jordan the Archaeology was great, & the Tour Guides informative and happy to explain / answer any question.
Accommodation provided was clean and comfortable but the organisation of the tour was poorly organised and executed throughout Egypt but superb in Jordan.
We went with a Tour Co. called ONE WORLD The trip was booked 5 months ago. At the time they were very attentive, fast to respond via e-mail and helpful pre booking.
I have a mobility problem and they were the first tour operators who said that they could accommodate my condition as they had taken a paralysed client last year.
Unfortunately when we arrived what was promised was not what was delivered and the execution of the itinerary was dreadful; with last minute adjustments forcing them to cram 2 days sightseeing in to one day followed by being left in hotel lobbies, railway stations, airports for hours on end when transferring us between the locations.
The Hotel staff, who tried to help us contact our Reps on several occasions when they did not appear at the times given to us, told us "Sorry, they have recognised the number and hung up on you" Which was unnerving.
In one incident we needed accommodation while waiting transfer to Sharm el sheikh, (the afternoon flight became a night flight from Luxor @ 23.00hrs to Cairo then we had to hang around Cairo Airport for 4 hrs till 05.00am for the connecting flight to Sharm) we were told a hotel room would cost us £E300. When we asked for a receipt it was amended to £E150 the Rep in Cairo explanation was because of corruption - it was needed to bribe the hotel staff, but he 'assured us' he told his tour guide who had rung him informing him we were asking for a receipt, to just charge us for the room and they would pay the 'bribe'.... However this was reimbursed at the end of the holiday.
Sadly ONE WORLD Tours does a great injustice to Egypt's tourist trade - our experience of booking with them does nothing to encourage a good review of a pleasant and relaxing holiday.
A smooth transition through the country with the aid of local knowledge did not really transpire and ONE WORLD's excuse for not delivering, was The Tour operators in the UK had no right to give us an itinerary that could not be met.
One tends to remember Countries by their experiences - based on this company's performance and organisation of tours - we can only rate it between bad and disastrous. This was meant to be a memorable trip but all for the wrong reasons. In their advise to travellers they say, "before you agree the price be sure you know what you are getting" It appears this also applies to their itinerary.
Are you asking for advice or just telling us of your experience?
Hi is this the web site
I see that it is not a UK based company so the protection available under UK law does not apply.
It's a US company, not in ABTA, how was it booked please? There could be a minor glimmer of hope if it was through a UK travel agent.
From the look of their web site I would have been a little suspicious. It looks quite amateurish and something a high school student could knock up. I suspect they may be a "one man band" and doubt you have any financial protection or trade association support. It will be interesting to hear if you have a response from any letter of complaint you might send them. Good Luck!
It appears that was not the correct web site but is this one
A booking made in this country with a UK based agent brings your problems within English law.
I would suggest you contact Trading Standards and advise them of the problem.
They will also be able to advise if you have a case for some recompense.
Your story does not reflect a professional approach by the company.
fwh
fwh - globetrotter62 has not said that the booking was through a travel agent. If booked direct on the web then I don't believe UK Trading Standard laws would apply as this is appears to be a web site run from the USA.
http://www.shadesofegypt.co.uk/ which has a UK Address. They appear to more UK than US based.
As far as I know there is no compulsory protection for accommodation only or tour providers where they are not sold in conjunction with flights. I would suggest that Trading Standards or the courts are your only option.
This appears to be the same company - As far as I know there is no compulsory protection for accommodation only or tour providers where they are not sold in conjunction with flights. I would suggest that Trading Standards or the courts are your only option.
Post a Reply
Please sign in or register an account to reply to this post.
Similar Topics
-
crystal palace site (caravan club site)
Posted by theresa-a in Camping and Caravanning UK and Europe
-
Accommodation Only - This site site has some offers on !
Posted by jdybnsn in DIY Holidays
-
Beware of....
Posted by Jeffro in General Holiday Enquiries, Hints and Tips
-
beware
Posted by dawn1511 in Goa Discussion Forum
-
beware
Posted by graciebluecat in Egypt Discussion Forum