Best of Egypt - 8 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of the 'Best of Egypt' tour?

  This tour packs in awe-inspiring culture and adventure. You'll explore ancient sites along the Nile, discover the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx, embrace local culture with a Nubian family dinner, experience vibrant bazaars in Aswan and Luxor, and relax while sailing the Nile in a traditional felucca.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  You can expect to stay in simple local hotels or pensions for 6 nights and a sleeper train for 1 night. Hotels are generally in excellent central locations, though some may not have elevators, air-conditioning, or English-speaking staff.

• What modes of transportation are used on this trip?

  The tour utilizes a mixture of private air-conditioned minibuses, trains, traditional feluccas for sailing the Nile, planes for internal flights, and walking.

• Are local flights included in the cost of the trip, and what is the baggage allowance?

  Yes, all local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. The domestic flight maximum weight allowance is 20 kg.

• Are there any health considerations or recommended vaccinations for this trip?

  It is advisable to drink bottled water in Egypt. While there are no specific health requirements, we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis, and polio. Consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information before departure. We also recommend carrying a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes.

• What is the group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average group size of 12.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners.

• Who will be leading the group and what are their qualifications?

  The group is accompanied by a certified Egyptologist as your Chief Experience Officer (CEO). Their role is to provide information on the places you visit, offer suggestions for activities, recommend local eating venues, and introduce you to local people, drawing on their broad general knowledge of Egypt's historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.

• What is the recommended dress code to respect local customs?

  While visiting mosques and other religious monuments, you should dress modestly, covering your shoulders and avoiding short shorts or skirts. Outside of major cities and tourist centers, local dress is often more conservative, and loose-fitting clothes with covered shoulders are recommended as a matter of respect.

• What should I expect from the felucca sailing experience on the Nile?

  Feluccas are basic, traditional wind-driven Nile sailboats offering a relaxing and enjoyable way to travel. Sailing is subject to unpredictable wind, weather, and river traffic conditions. The itinerary may be modified, or passengers may be transported by vehicle on land if conditions warrant.

• What is the tipping policy on this tour?

  Tipping is customary in the Middle East. Your CEO will collect a Tipping Kitty at the start of the tour, typically between $36.50-$38.50 USD per person for the entire trip (excluding optional activities and the CEO's tip). If you feel your CEO did an outstanding job, a tip of $6-9 USD per person per day is a general guideline.

• How does traveling during Ramadan affect the tour?

  During Ramadan, which falls between specific dates each year (e.g., Feb 28th - Mar 29th 2025), there may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules. However, tours generally operate effectively, and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. Guests are asked to display increased cultural sensitivity by wearing loose-fitting clothes that cover knees and shoulders, and avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking in public out of respect.

• What optional activities are available, and how are they paid for?

  Optional activities include the Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tour, exploring Memphis and Sakkara, Philae Temple visits, Temple of Abu Simbel visits, Philae Temple Sound and Light Show (70USD), King Tutankhamen Tomb (300EGP), and Luxor Temple and Museum Tour (60USD), among others. All optional activities and entrance fees must be paid by card only, as per a new change by the Ministry of Tourism in Egypt.

• What is the currency used in Egypt and what are the best ways to manage money?

  The currency used is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). ATMs are available in main cities and generally accept Visa and Mastercard. It's advisable to carry both. Cash is recommended for times when ATMs are not accessible, and Euros, British Pounds, and US Dollars are easily exchanged. Ensure any US Dollar notes are new and in good condition (post-1996).

• How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, for unexpected circumstances.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must be covered for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. It's also strongly recommended that the policy covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects.

• What should I know about safety and security on this trip?

  It's recommended to use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leave valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes, and a lock for your luggage is advisable. Your CEO has the authority to adjust the itinerary for safety. While cities are generally safe during the day, it's recommended to stay in small groups and use taxis for night excursions.

• Are there laundry facilities available during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. You may also need to do your own laundry at times, so bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap is suggested.

• What is the Planeterra project and how does this tour contribute?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to turning travel into positive impact by supporting local communities through tourism. This tour integrates local community-owned businesses, such as a visit to the Funtasia Project Center in Luxor where you learn about the project over tea with a student-guide.

• How old must I be to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

• What are the main highlights of this tour?

  This tour offers a journey through Egypt that includes dining with a local family, sailing the Nile on a felucca, exploring ancient temples and monuments, and visiting bustling bazaars. You'll also marvel at the Great Pyramid of Giza and the mysterious Sphinx.

• What type of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  You can expect to stay in simple, centrally located hotels or pensions for 6 nights, plus one night on a sleeper train. Some hotels may not have elevators or air-conditioning.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners.

• What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

  We use a variety of transportation methods including private air-conditioned minibuses, trains, a traditional felucca sailboat, and internal flights, alongside walking excursions.

• Are local flights included in the tour cost?

  Yes, all local flights within Egypt are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise specified. We require your passport information at the time of booking to process these tickets. The domestic flight maximum weight allowance is 20 kg.

• What should I know about the felucca sailing experience?

  Feluccas are traditional, basic, wind-driven Nile sailboats, offering a relaxing way to travel. Sailing is subject to wind, weather, and river traffic, so itineraries may be modified, and motor vehicle transfers might be used if necessary.

• What currency is used in Egypt, and what should I know about credit cards and exchanging money?

  The currency used is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). ATMs are available in main cities and generally accept Visa and Mastercard. It's advisable to carry both card types. Cash (Euros, British Pounds, US Dollars) is easily exchanged, but ensure US Dollar notes are new and in good condition (post-1996 series). We recommend carrying some cash for emergencies.

• Should I tip, and how does the tipping system work?

  Tipping is customary in the Middle East. To simplify this, your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will collect a 'Tipping Kitty' at the start of the tour, typically between $36.50-$38.50 USD per person, which covers tips for group services. Tipping your CEO is also appreciated, with $6-9 USD per person per day being a general guideline.

• Are there any health considerations or recommended vaccinations?

  It is advisable to drink bottled water. While there are no specific health requirements for this trip, we recommend consulting your travel doctor for up-to-date information on vaccinations such as typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis, and polio. Malaria is not typically found in our travel areas.

• What safety precautions should I be aware of during the trip?

  We recommend using a neck wallet or money belt for valuables. Leave expensive jewelry at home, and utilize hotel safety deposit boxes. While cities are generally safe during the day, it's recommended to travel in small groups and use taxis at night. Your CEO may alter the itinerary due to safety concerns. Avoid protests, and be aware that water-based activities carry inherent risks; swimming is at your own risk.

• What should I know about local dress customs?

  When visiting mosques and other religious monuments, modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders is required. A shawl or scarf is recommended for temple visits. In more conservative areas outside major cities, loose-fitting clothes with shoulders covered are respectful for both men and women. Your CEO can provide specific advice.

• Who will be leading the group?

  The tour is accompanied by a Certified Egyptologist as your Chief Experience Officer (CEO), who will provide information, suggestions, and introduce you to local experiences. We also utilize local guides for more specific knowledge.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average of 12.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  No, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation, and solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with someone of the same sex, so there is no single supplement.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You will not be permitted to join the group without evidence of coverage for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum of USD200,000. Coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and lost luggage is also strongly recommended.

• How might Ramadan or other holidays affect my trip?

  During Ramadan (approx. Feb 28-Mar 29, 2025, and Feb 17-Mar 19, 2026), museums and pyramids may close earlier, and there might be some limitations to services. Increased cultural sensitivity is important, including wearing loose-fitting clothes and avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking in public. During Aid Al-Adha (approx. Jun 16-17, 2024, and Jun 6-7, 2025), most shops and restaurants may be closed, and some historical sites might be affected.

• What optional activities are available during the tour?

  Optional activities include an Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tour, exploring Memphis and Sakkara (Cairo), Philae Temple Visit, visiting the Souk (free), Temple of Abu Simbel Visit, and Philae Temple Sound and Light Show (Aswān), as well as King Tutankhamen Tomb, Luxor Temple and Museum Tour, and Luxor Temple Visit (Luxor). All optional activities and entrance fees must be paid by card.

• What is the minimum age to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.