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Testimonials
Below is a selection of testimonials from our returning customers who wish to share their comments about their holiday experience. You'll also find a number of comments scattered throughout our website on individual hotel pages and resort home pages.
"A truly inspiring holiday that we shall treasure for life" Israel Holy Land tour November 2011
"The Egyptologists was fantastic" Cairo November 2011
"we didn't want our holiday to end" Nile Cruise October 2011
"Extremely helpful Rep" Taba September 2011
"A very knowledgable Egyptologist" August 2011
"Nothing but praise" Taba May 2009
"High degree of professionalism" Nile Cruise & Cairo January 2009
"Very knowledgeable reps" Tailormade Egypt Holiday September 2008
"Prompt action" Taba September 2008
"A big thank you" Taba Heights
September 2008
"Thank you for your promptness" Hurghada September 2008
"Commend the efforts of Longwood" Taba Heights September 2008
"No hesitation recommending Longwood to others" Taba Heights September 2008
"Professionalism beyond reproach" El Quseir September 2008
"A trip we'll always remember" Tailormade Egypt Holiday April 2008
"Everything went like clockwork" Tailormade Egypt Holiday February 2008
"I love everything about Taba Heights" Taba Heights February 2008
"A truly inspiring holiday that we shall treasure for life"
15 November 2011 - Mrs Park, Mrs Wright & Mr Wright
Dear Longwood Holidays,
My mother, brother and I have recently returned from a 6 day tour of Israel and the Holy Land. Our tour guide and driver for the whole trip was Aryeh Zarzer and my family would like to express our gratitude for him making our trip the most inspiring, exciting, informative and memorable holiday we have experienced. He never lacked enthusiasm and his knowledge was impressive.
Thank you again for organising a truly inspiring holiday that we shall treasure for life.
"The Egyptologists was fantastic"
5th November 2011 - Mr & Mrs Twyman
My wife and I decided on a holiday to Egypt to celebrate our 45th wedding anniversary, on our holiday we decided to spend a brief period in Cairo in order to visit the Pyramids followed by a Nile cruise and a short relaxing stay in the Red Sea resort of El Gouna. The representatives were extremely helpful upon our arrival at Cairo airport.
The cruise itself proved everything we had hoped for, the boat was very comfortable and we were very well looked after.
The trips to various temples and sights were well organised and there was enough free time to make your own discoveries.
El Gouna was our relaxing phase and we really enjoyed our spacious accommodation at the Three Corners Ocean View Hotel. We strongly recommend this resort and hotel, it is very relaxing and there is plenty to see around the marina and lagoons.
The Longwood rep who took us back to Hurghada Airport was extremely helpful in getting us to the right desk for our return flight etc.
In all we had a fabulous holiday, we are certainly recommending Longwood to our friends. And just wanted to say how helpful the staff were and the treatment we received was second to none. Your choice of Nile Cruise boats and hotels to chose from is excellent.
"we didn't want our holiday to end"
27th October 2011 - Mr & Mrs Lane
We would like to express our upmost gratitude to your reps and members of the team in Egypt.
Ahmed the rep who met us in Cairo set very high standards and professionalism and the Egyptologist was very informative. The Egyptologist onboard the RA11 was extremely enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The RA11 cruise was excellent, the service and organisation on board was perfect. Our memories of our holidays will be with us always, we didn’t want our holiday to end. The Reps who took us to El Gouna were very helpful and informative and made us very welcome.
Thank you, we would certainly travel with Longwood in the future.
"Extremely helpful Rep"
22 September 2011 – Ms Wilson
I wish to acknowledge the kindness and helpfulness of a Longwood Representative. My partner and I have recently been to Taba, Egypt. On the way to Taba Airport, my partner realised he had misplaced his passport, and therefore our coach could not get through the passport checkpoint.
We were extremely fortunate to be approached by a Longwood holidays rep, He sat with us and explained what we needed to do if we could not locate the passport. Thankfully, the passport was picked up by a friend already at the airport.
I would definitely consider and recommend using Longwood when travelling to Egypt.
"A very knowledgable Egyptologist"
7th August 2011 – Mr Howard Martin
I have recently returned from a Nile cruise holiday with my wife and son, booked through Longwood Holidays. We went on a Nile cruise which was fantastic, thank you so much. Everything was perfect. The cruise liner was more than we were expecting, the restaurant staff made us feel very special, serving us excellent cuisine in a professional but friendly manner. Our cabin was larger than expected and kept in a pristine condition daily staff, the other staff throughout the boat made us feel so relaxed, it seemed nothing was ever to much trouble for them.
I can honestly say our Egyptologist made our holiday complete. His knowledge of the history of Egypt and especially hieroglyphs was very impressive and the three of us went home with a basic understanding of hieroglyphs and the desire to learn more, quite amazing. His personal but professional manner made the tours to the tombs and temples very exiting.
We do appreciate that to make a holiday as perfect as the one my family and I have just experienced it takes a lot of people in a lot of places doing their jobs professionally so thank you to all at Longwood here and abroad.
"Nothing but praise"
19 May 2009- Mrs Hendry
I just want to take a few minutes to compliment your representatives on our recent trip to Taba (19th-26th May)
- Our booking was made with e-shores - Nadine Brown - brilliant - one of the most professional, helpful travel agents I have come across
- First impressions are so important and after a long day to be met by your rep Mina at the Taba Airport was a breath of fresh air - He was efficient, polite and knowledgeable. At any time one time we knew what was happening, why we couldn't leave the airport etc
- There was just my husband and I for the mini bus journey to Taba Hilton, so we felt very special and Mina ensured we were comfortable, adjusting the air-conditioning in the mini bus whilst waiting for the convoy to leave the airport.
- On arrival at the hotel - the check in was efficient, friendly and without a hitch - we were offered an upgrade to Nelson Village which we took. Mina even walked with us to show us the room
- We really loved the room and told Mina we would take it - but then we had such a laugh with a couple (who instantly became our holiday friends) who arrived outside our room with a key! Mina who had stayed with us immediately contacted reception and some time later escorted us to another room - he then left. But then Amir from Reception who had booked us in came and was so apologetic about the mess up and insisted we had the upgrade free.
- We attended the welcome meeting with your rep who again was most knowledgeable, not pushy just friendly and polite. - On leaving the hotel we were allowed to keep our room until 6pm - a really lovely touch
- The rep met us in good time - I can't remember his name but he was superb - again he explained in clear detail what would happen en route to the airport. The day before departure husband had developed a very swollen and excruciatingly painful foot - we didn't make anything of it to the rep but on arrival at the airport which was heaving with departing passengers who had formed a snaking queue even outside the terminal. The rep told us to stay in the vehicle - minutes later he returned and he walked us straight to the checking in desk - the relief on my husbands face knowing he wasn't going to have to stand for all that time.
- The rep explained about the airport layout and its amenities - he then left.
The week at the Taba Hilton gave us exactly what we wanted, total rest and relaxation - we met some lovely people and have nothing but praise for the English Manager at the Taba Hilton. What a personable guy - always affording his guests time to listen and operate an open door policy. He is working tirelessly to bring this hotel up to the standard of other Hilton Hotels - but Rome was not built in a day as they say.
If there is any way you can pass our thanks and appreciation to your reps in Taba we would be so grateful - all 3 of the reps we had any dealings with did your company credit.
"High degree of professionalism"
18 January 2009 - Mr & Mrs Goddard
My husband and I have recently returned from a Nile Presidential Cruise followed by three nights in Cairo. We had a fantastic holiday and were very impressed with all of the organisation that was part of the Longwood Experience.
We were met and fast tracked through Cairo for our connection to Luxor and representatives were courteous, punctual and informative at all stages of the holiday. the accompanying Egyptologist on the Cruise, Hossam was knowledgeable and very thorough - his input was a major benefit to the holiday experience. Our additional trips in Cairo, the hot air balloon ride and the trip to Abu Simbel were of the same high standard.
We would just like to acknowledge the fact that Longwood's high degree of professionalism made our holiday, since returning we have told everyone of Longwood and how good we considered their service.
Thank you again for such a good holiday experience.
"Very knowledgeable reps"
20 September 2008 - Miss C Bull & Mr S Turrell
Dear Longwood Holidays,
My boyfriend & I have recently returned from a wonderful holiday to Egypt. We had a bespoke itinerary and visited Cairo, Aswan and Hurghada (via Luxor).
We would like to inform you that your reps based in Egypt are extremely good. We would like to give a special mention to Hussein who took us to the Pyramids (on 14th Aug) and Sherif (on 17th Aug) who escorted us on our journey from Luxor to Hurghada by road convoy.
Both of these reps were extremely nice, very knowledgeable and very good company. However, all of the reps we met were good. We would love to visit Egypt again in the future and will consider using Longwood Holidays again.
Many thanks
"Thank you for your prompt action"
19 September 2008 - Mr D Roberts
I hope that whoever receives this email will ensure that it is read by the appropriate people.
I suspect that, as a result of the XL collapse, you have received a fair amount of flack from those whose holidays have been cut short. While my wife and I were not overjoyed that we had to come home earlier than anticipated, I am writing to thank you for the prompt action you took, first to make arrangements for us to come home and, secondly, to refund the payment for the second week of our holiday.
The return from Ovda Airport was far superior to a previous return from Taba - both in terms of the airport and the aeroplane - despite the enhanced security checks. I would have no concerns if, in the future, we had to return by this route.
Thank you.
"A big thank you"
17 September 2008 - J, A & V Stevenson, Manchester
We have just returned from Taba - Three Corners El Wekala, and would just like to say a big thank you!
We really enjoyed it, and want to say a special thanks to George, Peter and Simon, your reps in helping our stay be a good one.
Also, thanks for sorting out our flight home, even though we had to leave from Israel. The flight was great, the flight crew were really friendly and hospitable and your staff made it an easy (all though different) experience!
Please pass on our thanks to the Israel Airline if possible!
Thanks again.
"Thank you for your promptness"
17 September 2008 - Mrs M Sutton
We were due to travel to Hurghada this Friday 19th September via XL, unfortunately you could not offer us an alternative, so we accepted the offer of a refund.
This was in our bank today, I just wish to say thank you for the prompt way this was dealt with. The liquidation of XL must be a nightmare for you to deal with.
We hope to travel with you again.
Many thanks
"Commend the efforts of Longwood"
17 September 2008 - Mr M I Jones
We have returned from our two week break in Taba at the Hyatt Regency on the 15th Sep 08. This is our second time travelling with
Longwood and staying at the Hyatt.
We heard the distressing news regarding XL Airlines a few days before departure and I am sure you will understand we were all very concerned. Your staff at the Hotel were very much in the dark regarding details but very reassuring.
We were informed of the alternative travel arrangements on the evening of our departure and we can only commend the efforts of
Longwood in general and in particular the efforts of your staff at the resort. I appreciate that a lot of people were involved in this operation but we must mention Simon. His knowledge and professionalism was exceptional and we are sure he is a credit to your organisation. If at all possible please pass our comments and thanks to the team at Taba Heights.
Thank You
"No hesitation recommending you to others"
16 September 2008 - M & C Charlton
Dear Longwood
We returned yesterday from a great holiday at Taba Heights in Egypt and I wanted to thank you for the way your Company dealt with the XL collapse. We were kept informed by the local reps, and the final flight home was exceptionally well organised and given the circumstances was completely pain free.
It was only when we got home and saw the television news that we realised other tour companies were simply leaving their customers to fend for themselves; consequently we wanted to extend sincere thanks to
Longwood.
It is easy for any Company to do well (or at least appear to do) when there are no problems and quite another to perform when there is, in this instance, a major problem. We would have absolutely no hesitation about using your Company again and no hesitation about recommending you to others.
Thanks again and best regards
"Professionalism beyond reproach"
16 September 2008 - Mr B Starkey
I would like to congratulate your Company and especially the reps who were involved in repatriating our group from the Movenpick hotel in El Quseir back to the UK over this past weekend. The journey may have included 3 more hotels, two other resorts, numerous coach trips, a ferry journey, very long days and a flight to Manchester instead of Gatwick but the professionalism afforded to us was beyond reproach.
I realise that some of the decisions which were made seemed a little strange and sometimes contradictory as the story unfolded but I believe they acted with integrity on the information available to them at that particular time. They certainly showed Longwood Holidays to be a good company that I will most certainly do business with again and have no qualms about recommending to others.
Regards
"A trip we'll always remember"
28 April 2008 - Mrs J Yates, Surrey
My husband and I have recently returned from a tailor-made Longwood Holiday - Friday, April 11 from Heathrow to Nile Hilton, Cairo, onto the Sonesta St George Hotel in Luxor, boarding the Sonesta St George Ship for four nights on Monday, April 14.
Can I thank Longwood Holidays and all your staff for the most professional, hassle-free holiday my husband and I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing.
Our trip involved a number of airport visits, but a member of Longwood Holidays met us every step of the way, completing travel processes at each juncture.
We felt extremely well looked after, with all representatives demonstrating a wonderful balance of professionalism and friendliness.
The hotels and ship were first-class. The trips superbly executed and pitched perfectly – and excellent value-for-money.
We are already looking at booking Israel for 2009 and have highly recommended Longwood to everyone we know.
Thank you for making our Egypt trip one we’ll always remember.
Regards
"Everything went like clockwork"
25 February 2008 - Mr David Hillman
To the staff of Longwood Holidays,
We have recently returned from a seven day Nile cruise and three day stay in Cairo, which we booked through your company. Everything went like clockwork and it resulted in us having one of the best holidays we have ever had.
The seats on the Egypt Air aircraft were comfortable and we had plenty of legroom, so the flight was something to be enjoyed rather than endured. Your Egyptian couriers were always courteous, helpful and on time and our tour guild Karema was extremely knowledgeable. Her explanations in near faultless English really brought the temples and tombs to life for us. As to our accommodation, we couldn’t fault the service or the wide range of food on board the M/S Odyssey and the Nile Hilton in Cairo lived up to its reputation for excellence.
We have already recommended your company to friends and will happily do so again. We are now saving hard to go back and see all the things that we didn’t have time to cover on this trip and it goes without saying that your company will be our first choice when we do.
Thank for a brilliant holiday.
Yours faithfully
"I love everything about Taba Heights"
17 February 2008 - Mrs Mavis Crawford
I would like to let you know that my sister and I are arriving at your Hyatt Regency Hotel on 31 March 2008. This will be my 3rd/4th time to this resort, but it is my sisters first visit. I love everything about this place and have done many trips with Charlie arranging everyone, he is a lovely man, very obliging.....
I have visited Petra, Israel, Jordan, Cairo, St Catherine's Monastery, Abel Simbel and I am returning to go to Jerusalem this time. I shall be celebrating my 70 birthday on the day I fly back on 14 April, but this is really my birthday treat from my family. I can't wait to arrive, I do hope our accommodation will be as good as all the others have been. I am always going on about this place and I thought that now the golf course is finished that we would not be able to get a booking there as I know when it gets around about the course, all the golfers will be swarming there, as it looked rather wonderful when I first saw it being started.
I look forward to seeing Charlie and a few others that I cannot remember their names, but when I see them I shall know, I doubt very much that they will remember me. I have met some smashing people on my other visits and still keep in touch with a few of them via e-mail. Sorry I have gone on a bit, but I'm full of it. I was reading other peoples comments and thought I would like my thoughts of your establishment put on your comments page...