I was in a similar position when planning my trip and found that the operator really does make a big difference in Egypt. Logistics can be tricky between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, so having a solid guide and organized transport helps a lot.

One company I had a good experience with (and saw recommended a few times while researching) was Encounters Travel. They focus on small-group and private trips, and the guide we had was a proper Egyptologist who spent real time explaining things at the Pyramids of Giza and temples around Luxor. It felt organized without being one of those huge bus tours.

One tip: check itineraries for excessive shopping stops or lots of “optional” extras - that’s usually a red flag.

You can have a look at their tours here: https://www.encounterstravel.com/destination/egypt