Mark, your post came through as part of the quote of me, so not readily visible.
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@n7of9, I also did an organised tour. It looks like you are doing it independently, so it's hard for me to make recommendations. That is definitely not to say don't travel independently. I guess the classic Nile circuit is well-defined, - done independently or not.
However, be aware that there will be attempts to rip you off at
every point - currency exchange (even at CAI), taxis etc. This may be historical but my guess is that it's made very much worse by the dire economic situation an economy so massively dependent on tourism now finds itself in.
I think travelling in Egypt independently is brave - but in no way from the safety point of view. More from the practical perspective. I think an organised tour would very likely be no greater an expense - and very likely even less costly, depending on the tour operator chosen.
I used Intrepid, which is a mid-range operator.
@n7of9 used Peregrine, which is a higher level of the same group, I believe. I could not fault the guide who had university-level training in Egyptian archaeology, plus being very experienced. He was worth his weight in gold - and a top bloke with it.
I think owing to the dire straits of tourism we stayed in 4 star hotels where normally it would be in the no more than 3 star range. The value received far exceeded my expectations. I doubt that I could have done it for less travelling independently - and I am a serious independent solo traveller. It's just that I have realised in recent times that there are certain places where a tour is a more practical, and rewarding, way to go.
I can't help but reiterate for others that may be watching:
NOW is the time to go to Egypt. Trying to choose my words carefully, the experienced tourist guides there are not looking forward one bit to a certain upcoming onslaught... I saw a taste of it (like I've seen in many places).
Put colloquially, it ain't pretty and it ain't going to be much fun... Get in while you can, is my advice.