- Yes, the police, tourist police, and army presence is evident wherever you go.
- Egypt prides itself on its high safety record for tourists and will do all it can to maintain this.
- Though many nationalities are exempt from requiring a visa for the many Sinai resorts, a full tourist visa is required if you intend to visit anywhere that lies to the west of the Red Sea/Suez Canal.
- Ask us about our many tour options.
- Yes, beyond the city a full tourist visa is required.
- Ask us about tour options.
- Star ratings get higher as the facilities and overall standard of the accommodation gets better, so imagine a 5 star deluxe (or any suffix added to 5 stars) as being 6 stars.
- Few hotels in Egypt advertise as 6 stars.
- If you are only in Cairo for a few days it is easier for you to see the sites starting from a base in Giza. The traffic from Downtown to the pyramids can cause the journey to take over an hour, which means an early start and that takes time from your sightseeing experience. If you are in Cairo for a while, the hotels at the pyramids are all on a resort basis, on acres of land with outdoor swimming pools and relaxing areas, an experience Downtown hotels cannot really provide. Many Downtown hotels are built like towers, tall and narrow, while Giza pyramid area hotels are limited in height, but cover more ground.
- Cost also comes into the equation as a simple 4-star hotel in the Downtown area is often more expensive than a 5-star resort in the Pyramids area. Cairo is like most major cities in the world in this regard, as city Centre property is a lot more expensive. Though it may appear that Downtown hotels do afford the luxury of being able to wander around the area for shopping and restaurants, most of the Pyramid hotels offer free shuttle buses to allow you to do the same, and taxis are not expensive and can still work out less expensive in the end than staying Downtown.
- We encourage our guests to try the small boutique hotels and guest houses either Downtown or Giza pyramids area.
- Bed and breakfast mean that only breakfast is supplied.
- Half board means that breakfast and dinner are supplied
- Full board has all meals supplied (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), no drinks
- All-inclusive means that all meals and non alcoholic drinks are supplied; some hotels do also supply alcohol.
- Check your preferences with us when making your booking, as all-inclusive is usually in Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh or Marsa Alam.
- No, and we encourage you to go out and enjoy the culture of Egypt.
- Many packages are full board which tends to make people think they have to stay in their hotel, but the sights and sounds of Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Alexandria should not be missed.
- This is your holiday, so enjoy every minute, go out and explore. We can advise you and book activities for your evenings if you wish, and some of the evening Options are listed in our tour itineraries.
- A Downtown eating tour is another great way to spend a night, to experience a variety of Egyptian cuisines whilst walking in and around historic Downtown Cairo.
- A Downtown caleche ride across the Nile and around the city is another enjoyable way to spend a few hours.
All hotels and cruises have safety deposit boxes, sometimes even in your room/cabin. All you need to do is ask at reception and they will give you instructions on how to use them, or will safely put away your valuables until you need them.
- Abu Simbel can be reached by flights Cairo-Aswan-Abu Simbel. If you are only interested in a short visit to the temples then this is a convenient way to reach them
- By car or van from Aswan to Abu Simbel transfer takes 3-4 hours each way, with a toilet stop. This way if you wish you can take your time at the temples, stroll beside Lake Nasser, and have a lunch of fresh fish. The overall experience can take 10 to 12 hours.
- Alternatively, there is sometimes a short 20 minute flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel available.
- You can also stay overnight in comfortable hotels in Abu Simbel town.
- Yes, we offer road tours to and from Aswan and Luxor – a day tour takes in the temples of Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo.
- The tour is about 9 hours with stops, an early start so we suggest you take a breakfast box with you from your hotel.
This is not as common as cruises between Luxor and Aswan, however we can offer a Dahabiya Nile Sailing cruise sailing all the way from Cairo to Aswan, with a possible extension to Lake Nasser which takes an additional 4 to five days and includes a land transfer and change of boat.
- Yes, let us know you would like to visit and our guide will purchase the compound ticket for you.
- The Great Pyramid is open every day, the others are open on rotation to allow dispersal of the high levels of carbon dioxide that tends to accumulate inside.
- If you suffer from claustrophobia please do not attempt entering.
- Yes. Photography is permitted inside the tombs, the pyramids and the museums.
- Phones without flash can be used in all places and cameras without flash in some places for no extra charge. Some places in Egypt do apply charges for photography. Commercial photography and video requires official permission.
- Using a tripod is considered a sign of commercial photography.
No. Malaria has not been in Egypt for more than 85 years and there is no need for any type of anti-malaria medication.
- Yes, but ensure that you only bring enough for your stay, with just a few days of extra supplies as a backup. Bring the prescription as well (as proof the medication is required, or for more medication if needed while here.
- If you happen to be travelling onwards from Egypt and have a substantial quantity of your prescribed medicine with you, ensure that you do have the prescription as proof.
- No. Egyptian water has a high chlorine level in it which can upset the microbes in your stomach, causing diarrhoea.
- For drinking purposes it is safer to drink bottled water, ensuring the seal is intact before drinking it.
No, use bottled water.
- Protocol is for men to wear long trousers not shorts.
- Protocol is for women to cover their skin as much as possible. Shoulders and cleavage especially should be covered and a simple scarf will suffice.
- It is advised to wear long pants or skirts, as legs should also be covered. Heads do not need to be covered, though it is a sign of respect if you do this.
- Many women travel alone and have been safe. The police, tourist police, and army are always close by and the Egyptians themselves are generally safe and will try to protect solo travelers.
- Although the chances of being confronted are almost negligible, ensure that you take the same precautions that you would anywhere else.
- Do not be tempted to walk in deserted areas alone.
- Ask your guide about the safest options to return to your hotel after exploring a city. You may receive some invitations which on the whole are innocent, do not accept any of these from strangers.
