Egypt Eclipse 2027: Starry Nights & Red Sea Retreats - 13 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

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

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Highlights include standing before the Great Pyramids of Giza and Egypt’s most iconic ancient wonders, sharing stories over tea with a Nubian family, witnessing the Solar Eclipse during a special sailing along the Nile near Edfu, cycling the West Bank with a student guide to see community initiatives supporting local life, and spending a few days snorkeling and lounging in the paradise of Hurghada along the Red Sea.

• What types of transportation are used during the trip?

  We will use a mixture of private vehicles, planes, bicycles, walking, feluccas, Nile Cruise Vessels, and motorboats.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The trip includes 12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 10 dinners.

• What specific activities and services are included in the tour price?

  Included are: a Funtasia Project Visit in Luxor, a welcome meeting with your CEO, a Nubian Village Felucca Ride Visit & Tea in Aswan, visits to the Great Pyramid of King Khufu, Grand Egyptian Museum, Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Dandara Temple, a Nile Cruise Solar Eclipse Viewing Party, Edfu Temple, Philae Temple, a scenic Felucca ride on the Nile, Kom Ombo Temple, a Red Sea Snorkelling Experience, free time in Aswan & Hurghada, an internal flight between Cairo and Luxor, and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

• Are laundry facilities available during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. We suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap for personal laundry when facilities are not available.

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

  You can expect to stay in local hotels (5 nights) and on a Nile River Cruise Vessel (7 nights). Hotels will vary in standard, some may not have elevators, air-conditioning, or English-speaking staff, but are centrally located. The Nile cruise offers a spacious sundeck, delicious food, and comfortable rooms.

• Who will be leading the group during the tour?

  The group will be led by a Certified Egyptologist who serves as the CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout the trip.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travellers who want their own room?

  If you have booked the "My Own Room" option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops. Otherwise, single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex.

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

  The tour operator prioritizes the safety and well-being of all travellers, including the LGBTQ+ community. They encourage visiting their LGBTQ+ page for useful resources and recommend the Equaldex tool for travel decisions.

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

  The currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). ATMs are available in main cities and accept Visa and Mastercard. It's advisable to carry both. Cash is recommended when ATMs are not accessible, and Euros, British Pounds, or US Dollars (new, good condition notes) can be exchanged. An ATM card/s and some cash is the ideal mix, with an emergency fund of at least USD $200.

• Are there any specific rules I should know before joining this trip?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs contravenes laws and puts the group at risk. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is also contrary to the travel philosophy. CEOs have the right to expel any member violating these rules.

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

  It is recommended to check your government's travel advice. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables, leave expensive jewelry at home, and utilize hotel safety deposit boxes. A lock for luggage is also recommended. Your group leader can amend the itinerary for safety. During free time, use good judgment for optional activities, as they are not part of the itinerary. In cities, travel in small groups and use taxis at night. Water activities should be accompanied by a guide, and swimming is at your own risk.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  An optional visit to the Temple of Abu Simbel is available from Aswan.

• Should I be tipping on my trip?

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

• Is travel insurance required for my trip?

  Travel insurance is compulsory. You must be covered for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and lost luggage coverage are strongly recommended. Proof of insurance is required.

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

  When visiting mosques and religious monuments, dress modestly, covering shoulders and avoiding short shorts or skirts. Outside major tourist centers, local dress is more conservative; loose-fitting clothes with covered shoulders are recommended for both men and women. Your CEO can offer specific advice.

• What is the minimum age to join this trip?

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

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

  You should have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

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

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

• Do I need to pay a departure tax?

  Departure tax is usually included in your air tickets. However, if departing Egypt via Nuweiba Port, there is an approximate 9 USD departure tax.

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

  It is advisable to drink bottled water. Consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and required inoculations. Protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis, and polio is recommended. Malaria is not normally found in visited areas. Carry a first aid kit and hand sanitizers. Leaders cannot administer drugs.

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

  All local flights, such as the internal flight between Cairo and Luxor, are included unless otherwise noted. Passport information is required for ticketing. Domestic carriers are Egypt Air or Nile Air, with a maximum weight allowance of 20 kg.

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the tour price. On some combo tours between countries, they might be included. Contact your booking agent for details.

• Who should I contact in case of an emergency during the trip?

  In case of dire need, first contact the local representative or local office. If no immediate answer, leave a detailed message. Regional Office Emergency Contact Number: +212 662 312 072. Arrival or Departure Transfer Emergency Phone Number: +212 661 861 950. Other international sales team numbers are provided if local contact is not possible.