Journeys: Discover Egypt - 10 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of the 'Journeys: Discover Egypt' tour?

  This remarkable journey through Egypt uncovers iconic archaeological sites such as Abu Simbel, Philae Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, and the Valley of the Kings, all with expert-led tours. You'll also experience Egyptian culture through a Cairo food tour, visit a community farming project, meet locals at a G for Good project, and enjoy a traditional meal in a Nubian home. Specifically, you will marvel at the Pyramids of Giza, tour Abu Simbel's rock-cut temples, and join an archaeologist to learn about ongoing excavations at sites like the West Bank at Luxor.

• What kind of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  You can expect to stay in local hotels or pensions for 9 nights. The standard and facilities may vary; some might not have elevators, air-conditioning, or English-speaking staff, but they are chosen for their excellent central locations.

• What meals are included during the trip?

  The tour includes 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 2 dinners.

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

  We will use a mixture of private vehicles, planes, bicycles, walking, feluccas (traditional sailboats), and motorboats for transport during the tour.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum number of travelers on this tour is 16.

• Who will be leading the group on this tour?

  The group will be led by a Certified Egyptologist serving as your National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout the journey.

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

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

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory to participate. You will not be permitted to join without evidence of travel insurance. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, is required. We strongly recommend coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage.

• What rules should I know before joining this trip regarding behavior?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated, as they contravene local laws and endanger the group. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is also strictly against our philosophy. Our Expedition Leaders have the right to expel any member found in possession of drugs or utilizing the services of paid sex workers.

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

  The safety and well-being of all travelers, including those identifying as LGBTQ+, is a priority. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources and to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout your trip.

• What is the minimum age to join this trip?

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

• Should I budget for tipping on my trip, and how much?

  Tipping is customary in the Middle East. A tipping kitty system is used where your Expedition Leader will collect approximately $64.00 USD per person at the start of the tour to tip service providers for the group. This does not include tipping your Expedition Leader, for whom a guideline of $11-13 USD per person per day is suggested if you felt they did an outstanding job.

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

  The currency used is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). ATMs are available in main cities and accept Visa and Mastercard. Cash (Euros, British Pounds, and US Dollars) is recommended for areas where ATMs are not accessible, ensuring USD notes are new and in good condition. You should also have access to an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund.

• Are there any optional activities available on this tour?

  Yes, there is an optional Philae Temple Sound and Light Show in Aswan, which costs 70USD per person.

• Are there any specific health considerations for traveling to Egypt on this tour?

  It is advisable to drink bottled water. We recommend consulting your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and inoculations for typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis, and polio. While malaria exists in Egypt, it is not normally found in the areas we visit. Carry a First Aid kit; Expedition Leaders are prohibited from administering drugs.

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

  When visiting mosques and religious monuments, modest dress is required, meaning shoulders should be covered, and short shorts or skirts are not appropriate. Outside of major cities and tourist areas, local dress is more conservative, so we recommend loose-fitting clothes with shoulders covered as a matter of respect. Your Expedition Leader can provide specific advice.

• What is Planeterra, and how is it involved with the tour operator?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating positive impact through tourism by helping local communities earn income. The tour operator is Planeterra's largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of donations directly benefit projects that support Indigenous people, empower women, provide youth employment, and protect the environment. Travelers can contribute $1/day to the 'Dollar-a-day Program'.

• What should I know about visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum?

  Please note that the Grand Egyptian Museum is scheduled to open in the final months of 2025. For departures before winter 2025, the group will instead visit the existing Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  We believe solo travelers should not pay more. Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation, so there is no single supplement. Solo travelers are typically paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex.

• Are laundry facilities available during the trip?

  Some of our hotels offer laundry facilities for a charge. You may also need to do your own laundry at times, so we suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap.