Egypt: Ancient Wonders & Temples of the Nile - 7 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main experiences and highlights of this tour?

  This tour offers sailing the Nile in style aboard a traditional dahabiya, exploring ancient sites like the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings, connecting over a home-cooked meal with a local family, marveling at ancient treasures inside Cairo's Egyptian Museum, and witnessing hieroglyphs up close with expert local guides.

• What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

  You will stay in local hotels for 4 nights and on a traditional Dahabiya Nile Sailing Boat for 2 nights. Please note that some hotels may not have elevators or air-conditioning. Slippers are required on the Dahabiya as no shoes are permitted on the boat.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 3 dinners.

• Who will be leading our group throughout the tour?

  A certified Egyptologist will serve as your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout the trip. Local guides will also be used at specific sites to enhance your experience.

• What is the maximum and average group size for this tour?

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

• What modes of transportation will be used during the trip?

  Transportation includes private vehicles, a traditional Dahabiya Nile sailing boat, plane for internal flights, and walking.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this tour?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must have a minimum of USD200,000 coverage for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation. Coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and lost luggage is also highly recommended.

• Are international flights to and from Egypt included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. You are responsible for booking your own international airfare.

• Are local flights within Egypt included in the tour cost?

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

• What are the visa and passport requirements for this trip?

  All countries require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on your nationality. It is your responsibility to check with your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information and to ensure you have the correct travel documentation.

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

  The currency used in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). ATMs are found within main cities and generally accept Visa and Mastercard. Cash (Euros, British Pounds, and US Dollars are easily exchanged) is recommended when ATMs are not accessible, but carrying only cash is a high safety risk. Please ensure US Dollar notes are newer than 1996 and in good condition.

• What is the policy for solo travelers regarding accommodation?

  Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travelers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. If you have booked the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• Is tipping included in the tour, and for whom?

  On Geluxe Collection tours, tipping is included for all included activities and meals. Tipping is not included for the CEO (Chief Experience Officer) or porterage. For the CEO, a guideline of $10-15 USD per person, per day is suggested. For meals and activities not included in your itinerary, a 10% tip is appropriate and expected in the Middle East.

• Are there any important health considerations or recommendations for this trip?

  It is advisable to drink bottled water in Egypt. Please consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure; protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis, and polio is recommended. Malaria is not normally found in the areas we travel. We recommend carrying a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers.

• How should I dress to respect local customs in Egypt?

  While visiting mosques and other religious monuments, you should dress modestly, covering your shoulders and avoiding short shorts or skirts. Outside of capital cities and more touristic centers, local dress is often more conservative, and it is recommended for both men and women to wear loose-fitting clothes with shoulders covered.

• Are there any optional activities I can choose to do?

  Yes, an optional activity in Aswan is a visit to Philae Temple. Please note that all optional activities and entrance fees will need to be paid by card only, as per a new change implemented by the ministry of tourism in Egypt.

• How does this tour support local communities through Planeterra?

  This tour includes a 'G for Good Moment' visit to the Nawaya Project in Cairo, a community farming initiative supported by the tour operator. Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism.

• What are the general safety guidelines for this trip?

  We recommend checking your government's travel advice before departure. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leave valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. Your group leader has the authority to amend the itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. During free time, use good judgment when selecting activities. In cities, especially at night, it's recommended to stay in small groups and take taxis.

• What should I do if I encounter problems upon arrival in Cairo?

  An arrival transfer is included. If your driver is not met within 30 minutes of clearing customs, please call the local support line provided in your tour voucher. If you are unable to make contact, please make your own way to the joining hotel via taxi and apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost upon your return.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There may be times when you need to do your own laundry, so we suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

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

  You will stay in local hotels or pensions for 4 nights, and on a traditional Dahabiya Nile Sailing Boat for 2 nights. Hotels may vary in standard and facilities, with some potentially lacking elevators, air-conditioning, or English-speaking staff, but all are chosen for their excellent central locations.

• Will I get my own room if I am a solo traveler?

  We believe solo travelers should not have to pay more, so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation with no single supplement. Single travelers are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with someone of the same sex. If you book the "My Own Room" option, you will receive a single room for all night stops.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The trip includes 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 3 dinners. Generally, meals are not included when there are diverse eating options, allowing for flexibility, but groups often eat together.

• What are the modes of transportation used on this trip?

  Transportation on this trip includes a mixture of private vehicle, Dahabiya (Nile sailing boat), plane, and walking.

• How large will the group be?

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

• Who will be leading the group?

  A Certified Egyptologist will serve as your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout the trip. They aim to enhance your travels by providing information, suggestions, and local recommendations, and we also utilize local guides for specific knowledge.

• Are there any health considerations I should know before traveling?

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

• What currency is used in Egypt and how can I handle money?

  The currency used in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). ATMs are available in main cities and generally accept Visa and Mastercard. It is recommended to carry both card types, if possible, and some cash (Euros, British Pounds, or new, good-condition US Dollars are easy to exchange) for situations where ATMs are not accessible, as carrying only cash poses a high safety risk.

• Is tipping included or expected on this tour?

  On Geluxe Collection tours, tipping is included for all included activities and meals. Tipping for the CEO or Porterage is not included and is entirely a personal preference, with $10-15 USD per person per day suggested as a guideline for the CEO. For meals and activities not included in your itinerary, a 10% tip is appropriate and expected in the Middle East.

• How much emergency money should I bring?

  You should have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund, to be used when unforeseen circumstances require a change to the planned route. This is a rare occurrence.

• Are local flights included in the cost of the trip?

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

• How should I dress to respect local customs during the tour?

  While visiting mosques and other religious monuments, you should dress modestly, covering your shoulders, and avoiding short shorts or skirts. Outside of capital cities and tourist centers, local dress is often more conservative, and we recommend loose-fitting clothes with covered shoulders for both men and women. Your CEO can offer more specific advice.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  In Aswan, an optional Philae Temple Visit is available if you chose to visit Abu Simbel Temple on day 3. Please note that all optional activities and entrance fees must be paid by card only.

• What do I need to know about safety and security on my trip?

  We recommend checking your government's travel advice. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leave valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels offer safety deposit boxes. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) can amend the itinerary if safety concerns arise and will accompany you on all included activities. During free time, use good judgment when selecting optional activities and consider staying in small groups or taking taxis at night in major cities. Water-based activities are at your own risk.

• How might Ramadan or Aid Al-Adha affect the tour?

  If your trip falls during Ramadan (Feb 28th - Mar 29th 2025, or Feb 17th - Mar 19th 2026), there may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules, though food remains available for non-Muslims. Increased cultural sensitivity is important; wear loose-fitting clothes covering knees and shoulders, and avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public. During Aid Al-Adha, most shops and restaurants may be closed, and some historical sites might be affected.

• Are laundry facilities available on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. We suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap for times you may want to do your own laundry.