Having the right guide makes the difference (I had a great one)
The tour to Dendera and Abydos was everything I hoped for and more. I learned things about the sites that I didn't already know from my research, and my guide Peter Ayad was awesome at customizing the tour to my specific interests (the driver was cool, too).
Don't skip Abydos. I know it is a long drive, but it is worth it if you give Abydos the time. I'm so glad I did this trip.
I have come to learn that these trips are won or lost based on the tour guide who leads them. I wish Peter Ayad could lead them all for me. He was seriously great as a knowledgeable guide who also had a laid-back style. He felt like a friend by the end, and he did his job well also!
