Egypt Eclipse 2027 Adventure - 11 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is included in this tour?

  The tour includes a Welcome Moment to meet your CEO and group, visits to the Great Pyramid of King Khufu, Grand Egyptian Museum, Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Dandara Temple, Nile Cruise Solar Eclipse Viewing Party, Edfu Temple, Philae Temple, a scenic Felucca ride on the Nile, Kom Ombo Temple, free time in Aswan, and internal flights between Cairo and Aswan. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities is also covered.

• What are the main highlights of this Egypt adventure?

  The main highlights include marveling at the timeless grandeur of the Pyramids of Giza and the mighty Sphinx, exploring the fantastic twin temples of Abu Simbel, witnessing the Solar Eclipse aboard a boat on the Nile between Luxor and Edfu, diving into Egypt's intricate history with expert guidance, and visiting the West Bank with a student guide to learn how local initiatives support families.

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours traveling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour.

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

  All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. Domestic carriers for internal flights in Egypt will be Egypt Air or Nile Air. The domestic flight maximum weight allowance is 20 kg.

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

  You can expect to stay in local hotels or pensions for 3 nights and on a Nile River Cruise Vessel for 7 nights. The hotels vary in standard, but all are in excellent central locations. The Nile River Cruise offers a spacious sundeck, delicious food options, and comfortable rooms.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The trip includes 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, and 7 dinners.

• What transportation will we take on this trip?

  On this trip, we will use a mixture of private vehicle, plane, walking, felucca, and a Nile Cruise Vessel.

• How large will the group be?

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

• 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.

• Is there an extra cost for traveling solo?

  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 for the duration of the trip. If you have booked the "My Own Room" option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Travel insurance is compulsory. You will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation is required.

• What should I know about currency, credit cards, and exchanging money while on this tour?

  The currency used in Egypt 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, or US Dollars are easy to exchange. Bring new, good-condition US Dollar notes (post-1996).

• How much spending money do I need for my trip?

  Spending money requirements vary per traveler. Consider your own habits for drinks, shopping, and tipping. An additional USD $200 (or equivalent) is recommended as an emergency fund.

• Should I be tipping on my trip?

  Tipping is customary in the Middle East. The tour operator uses a tipping kitty system where your CEO will collect a contribution at the start of your tour (plan between $36.50-$38.50 USD per person) to tip service providers for the group. Tipping your CEO (Chief Experience Officer) is also appreciated at the end of the trip, with $6-9 USD per person per day as a general guideline.

• Do I need to pay a departure tax?

  Departure tax is usually included in your air tickets.

• What are the health considerations I should know before traveling?

  It is advisable to drink bottled water. Consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and recommended inoculations (e.g., typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis, polio). Carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers. Be aware that leaders are prohibited from administering drugs.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  An optional visit to Abu Simbel is available from Aswan.

• What rules should I know before joining this trip?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is strictly against the tour operator's philosophy. CEOs have the right to expel any group member found with drugs or utilizing paid sex workers.

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

  While visiting mosques and religious monuments, dress modestly, covering your shoulders, and avoid short shorts or skirts. In less touristic areas, local dress is often more conservative; loose-fitting clothes with covered shoulders are recommended out of respect.

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

  It's recommended to check 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. A lock for luggage is recommended. Your CEO can amend the itinerary for safety. During free time, use good judgment for optional activities and stay in small groups at night, using taxis for excursions.

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all travelers, including those identifying as LGBTQ+, is a priority. It's encouraged to visit the tour operator's LGBTQ+ page for resources and to use tools like Equaldex for specific country information to feel safe and comfortable.

• Who will be leading the group?

  A Certified Egyptologist will serve as your CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout the tour.

• When can I do my laundry on this trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. It is suggested to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap for times you may need to do your own laundry.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that turns travel into impact by helping local communities earn income from tourism. They develop and support community-owned businesses (Indigenous, women, youth) and protect the environment, integrating their projects into tour operator itineraries globally. The tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs.

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency?

  For dire needs, contact the local representative or local office. If no immediate answer, leave a detailed message. Emergency contact numbers for the Regional Office and Arrival/Departure Transfer are provided, as well as sales team numbers for various regions if local contact is not possible.

• What are the visas and entry requirements for my trip?

  All countries require a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity). It is your responsibility to check with your local embassy or consulate or travel agent for the most up-to-date visa requirements for your nationality and destination.

• What happens if I experience problems when arriving?

  If you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, contact the emergency numbers provided. If you have a pre-booked transfer and are not met within 30 minutes of clearing customs, take a taxi to the Starting Point hotel and apply for a transfer cost refund upon your return.

• What are the joining instructions?

  Refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the tour operator App, or contact your travel agent for joining hotel details. An arrival transfer can be pre-booked. Upon arrival at your hotel, look for a note from your CEO regarding the Welcome Meeting (usually between 5pm and 7pm on Day 1). If you miss it, the CEO will leave a note with necessary information.

• Does the tour operator have an email newsletter I can subscribe to?

  Yes, you can subscribe to the adventure travel e-newsletter for travel news, trip information, stories, and contests at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/. You can also sign up for Planeterra's monthly news to learn about community initiatives.