EGYPT TOURS FAQ

EGYPT TOURS FAQ

SECTION ONE: BOOKING

1. Why book with JOURNEY TO EGYPT ?

There are many reasons to book your trip through JOURNEY TO EGYPT. We are unique in the fact that we will customise your holiday to meet your needs. Having vast experience of the various Nile cruises available, single, couples and groups catered for, all tailored to suit your needs in Luxor, Aswan, Cairo and the Red Sea Riviera. Each member of our team are experienced, qualified and knowledgeable in their field, providing you with accurate information on Egypt's magnificent history and achievements that have captured the imagination of the world ever since.

2. Is there a special rate for private groups booking with JOURNEY TO EGYPT?

Yes, JOURNEY TO EGYPT does provide a discount for private trips booked with small groups. For groups of ten or more people, there will be a discount dependent upon the nature and length of the trip.

3. How can I contact JOURNEY TO EGYPT to book a tour?

JOURNEY TO EGYPT is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to receive your booking inquiries via email, telephone, or live online chat. You can also submit a booking request form describing the trip you want to take, its length, and any other details you can provide and you will receive a reply promptly with a proposal from our representatives. -Our phone number, email, and a link to our chat service can be found at the bottom of our homepage.

4. What do I need to do to book a tour and confirm my reservation?

Booking a tour is simple. All you need to do is contact our representatives via one of the methods listed above in question 3. You will receive a prompt response outlining the options available to you and then you can build a tour that will suit your needs in terms of budget, number of days, and points of interest with the help of one of our travel consultants. Once a plan has been decided, JOURNEY TO EGYPT will send you a detailed itinerary that includes all necessary information and plans for your trip. At this point, you will have to confirm your reservation with payment of a deposit. Your reservation will not be confirmed until payment of this deposit is received by JOURNEY TO EGYPT. The balance of payment will be due on arrival to begin your tour.

5. How much will I have to pay as a deposit? How will I pay it?

The deposit required will be 25% of the total price of the tour, except during peak travel times around Christmas and New Years, when the deposit will be 50% of the total price. You can pay the deposit Online by credit card Or by Western Union or Bank Wire Transfer is accepted. Our representatives will be willing to provide any additional information or support you need to complete this payment. - If payment of the deposit in one transaction is not possible, please contact JOURNEY TO EGYPT to enquire about the possibility of making the payment in installments.

ONLINE PAYMENT

Credit Card payments are collected by Trekksoft AG acting as an authorised agent of Journey To Egypt. Subsequently, Trekksoft AG will appear as JOURNEY TO EGYPT on your credit card statement. The domain where you enter and process your payment is owned and operated by TrekkSoft AG.

ABOUT TREKKSOFT

TrekkSoft was founded in 2010 to provide a booking solution for the tour and activities market. It quickly grew to be largest provider of booking and channel management software to tour and activity providers in Europe.

Today, TrekkSoft provides state-of-the-art online booking and payment software to tour & activity operators in over 130 countries around the world.

6. Is there any surcharge using a debit or credit card when paying on arrival?

No additional fees will be add to the tour price when using a debit or credit card on arrival . We accept Visa and Mastercard.

FAIR CANCELLATION FEES (EXCLUDING PEAK PERIODS)

In case you cancel your trip, the following charges will be applied:

  • From the date of booking until 61 days before your arrival date, 15% of the entire tour price will be charged.
  • 35% of the tour price if you cancel 60-31 days before arrival.
  • 50% of the tour price if you cancel 30-15 days before arrival.
  • 100% of the tour price if you cancel 14-1 days before arrival.

Additionally, airlines charge their fees which are subject to the airlines' terms and conditions.

& THERE'S ALSO A 7% BANK FEE ON REFUNDS.

FAIR CANCELLATION FEES FOR CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR, AND EASTER VACATION

In case you cancel your trip, the following charges will be applied:

  • From the date of booking until 61 days before your arrival date, 25% of the entire tour price will be charged.
  • 50% of the tour price if you cancel 60-31 days before arrival.
  • 75% of the tour price if you cancel 30-15 days before arrival.
  • 100% of the tour price if you cancel 14-1 days before arrival.

Additionally, airlines charge their fees which are subject to the airlines' terms and conditions.

& THERE'S ALSO A 7% BANK FEE ON REFUNDS.

FORCE MAJEURE

Here, at Journey To Egypt, we prioritize your well-being and safety above all else and for that reason, we have adapted our cancellation policy to reflect our values. We offer a very flexible cancellation policy in case the government or the airline issues a NOT TO TRAVEL warning to the designated destination. In the event of this happening, your payment will be available as future travel credit and travel voucher that can be used towards any of the destinations we operate tours in. You have the flexibility to apply this amount towards new travel services booked. Only flight cancellation/changing fees are charged, according to the airline's terms and conditions, and bank surcharges fees are applied to the deposit amount paid. Familiarize yourself with our full payment policy, cancellation and refund conditions.

Refunds:

A refund will normally be made to the same account and using the same method used for the original payment. No refunds are possible in the event of a no show for an existing reservation. Refunds will be done only through the Original Mode of Payment.

SECTION TWO: SECURITY AND SAFETY

1. Is Egypt safe to visit, especially after the political events that took place after the Egyptian Revolution?

Tourists have been visiting Egypt for centuries and Egyptians have well-earned reputation for warmth and kindness toward visitors. Egyptian cities are generally very safe, especially in area where tourists frequent. -Since the Egyptian Revolution in 2011, there has been intermittent unrest and political violence in Egypt, but even the most intense episodes have occurred in a relatively small area of Cairo and other cities. Tourist sites, mostly located far from these areas, have not been affected and there is no negative feeling toward foreign visitors among Egyptians. While Egypt is certainly still dealing with a political transition, it has not significantly affected the experience of tourists in the country.

2. Is Egypt considered a safe destination in comparison to other countries in the world?

Egypt generally has a very low crime rate. Travelers will be safe in Egypt if they take sensible precautions that would apply to any tourist destination around the world.

3. Is there any special advice for women travelers while visiting Egypt? -There are many touristic areas in Egypt where special concerns are not necessary; however, in less touristic places, relatively modest dress is recommended. Women should avoid very tight clothing, dressing with relative modesty is a way of respecting the local culture.

SECTION THREE: VISAS AND ARRIVAL

1. How can I obtain my visa to visit Egypt? https://www.egyptvisa.com/

Visitors to Egypt must have a passport valid for at least six month after their arrival and all foreign citizens must obtain a visa to enter Egypt. You can apply for a tourist visa at any Egyptian embassy or consulate around the world.

Travelers of the following nationalities can purchase a 1 month entry visa without application upon arrival in Egypt: Australia, Canada, Croatia, European Union, Georgia, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Macedonia, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Serbia, Ukraine, United Kingdom and United States. This only takes a few minutes to do at a bank window before you go through customs

- Egypt generally has three types of entry visas.

Entry visa--valid for one month; given to any non-Egyptian citizen entering the country without a previously purchased visa

Transit visa--given to any non-Egyptian citizen entering the country for a limited period of time for transit reasons

Tourist visa--valid for up to 3 months and available with single or multiple entries; purchased by the majority of visitors to Egypt from a Egyptian embassy or consulate before arriving in the country

2. How do I apply for a visa to enter Egypt if I live away from the country of my nationality?

If the traveler has a residence permit to live in another country, they can apply for a visa from the Egyptian embassy or consulate in that country or buy a visa upon arrival in the Cairo, Hurghada, or Luxor Airports. If they do not hold a residency permit, they must obtain their visa from the Egyptian embassy/consulate in the country that issued their passport.

3. If I have already obtained a visa to enter Sinai, will I be able to visit other destinations in Egypt?

The visa for Sinai allows tourists to travel anywhere in the Sinai Peninsula; however, if they want to visit another part of Egypt, like Cairo, Hurghada, Luxor, or Aswan, they will need to obtain a new visa using the methods described in question 1

4. Can I extend the period of my tourist visa beyond its expiration?

It is possible to extend a tourist, but this requires obtaining an extension from the Mogamma building in the Tahrir Complex in Cairo or other governmental offices in another city. There is a two-week grace period after your visa expires during which you may purchase an extension without being subject to a fine.

5. Are there direct flights from USA to Egypt?

Yes, EgyptAir, the Egyptian official airline, organizes direct flights from the United States to Cairo in particular. There is a flight from New York, the JFK Airport, direct to Cairo five times a week. The journey takes approximately 12 hours. Egypt Air also flies from Los Angles directly to Cairo. This journey takes approximately 17 hours; however, most tourists coming from the United States stop either in Europe (usually London or Paris) or in North Africa (usually Morocco).

6. If I am arriving in the Cairo Airport coming from USA, which terminal will I be landing at?

Your arrival terminal depends on the airline that you are using. Western European and American airlines mostly use terminal number 3, which is also called the New Terminal in Egypt. On the other hand, Egypt Air, Arab, African, and Eastern European airlines usually land in terminal number 1.

Section Four: Opening Hours

1. What are the opening hours for monuments in Egypt?

Most of the monuments, historical sites, and museums in Egypt open from 9 AM until 5 PM. Open-air historical sites, like Temples and the Pyramids of Giza for example, are open from 7 AM until sunset. Some museums have morning opening hours, from 9 AM to 4 PM, and evening opening hours, from 5 PM to 9 or 10 PM. Luxor Temple and Kom Ombo Temple opens until 21:00. During Ramadan, the holy month of the Islamic calendar, be aware that these hours will change significantly.

Section Five: Visiting Religious Sites in Egypt

1. Is it allowed for non-Muslims to enter historical mosques in Egypt?

Non-Muslims are generally welcome to visit mosques in Egypt; however, it is always advisable to seek permission before entering mosques outside Cairo and Alexandria where people are less accustomed to tourists. Tourists and foreigners are welcome in almost all mosques in Egypt, except mosques where the relatives of the prophet Mohamed were buried like the Mosque of El Hussein and the Mosque of Sayeda Zeinab. Tourists are more than welcome to visit most mosques at anytime expect when they are being used for prayer, on Friday and during the five prayers of the day.

2. Is there any special dress code to be followed during visiting a mosque in Egypt?

There aren’t really special clothes to be put on while visiting a mosque in Egypt; however, modest dress would be highly recommended and in some mosques, women will be asked to cover their hair and perhaps their arms and legs. Both women and men will be asked to remove their shoes before entering a mosque.

3. Are tourists allowed to enter the Christian monuments in Egypt?

In Egypt, churches are treated the same as mosques. Most churches and monasteries welcome tourists and foreigners, except during Lent. Modest dress is also advisable while visiting Christian monuments in Egypt.

Section Six: Health Issues

1. Are there any health issues that I should worry about in Egypt?

Generally speaking, tourists face few unique health problems in Egypt, but occasionally travelers experience some gastric disturbance resulting from drinking tap water or eating from a local restaurant not recommended by their tour guides or the receptionist in hotel. Some travelers might suffer sunburn or heatstroke from the heat and sun during the summer if they are not careful; however, taking the proper precautions and drinking bottled water can eliminate any health risks.

Section Seven: Currency and Banking in Egypt

1. What is the official currency in Egypt?

The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound, or “Geneh” in Arabic, and commonly abbreviated as LE. One Egyptian pound is 100 piastres, or "irsh" in Arabic. There are banknotes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 LE. And there are coins of 25 piastres, 50 piastres, and 1 pound. It can sometimes be difficult to find coins in Egypt. Tourists can use it only for public bathroom services.

2. Will I be able to exchange dollars, Euros, or other currencies in Egypt?

There are a large number of banks and exchange offices that can change cash in Egypt. Moreover, many touristic shops, restaurants, and bars will actually accept dollars or Euros at rates that are relatively close to the official ones. Makes sure you know the current exchange rate of dollars or Euros to Egyptian pounds.

3. How common is the use of credit cards in Egypt?

Credit cards are widely used in Egypt in hotels, many shops, restaurants, and cafes. The most common types of credit cards used in Egypt are Visa and Master Card.

Section eight: Tipping in Egypt

1. Is it a common practice to give tips in Egypt?

Due to the low salaries of many professionals in Egypt, many people depend on tips, or baksheesh as it is called in Egypt, as a major part of their income. Therefore, tipping is considered customary in Egypt.

2. How much should I tip?

Tipping is discretionary and varies by city and by tour. We would suggest you budget

Tour Guides in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan.

  • From $20 $- $25 Per Person Per Full - Day Tour (From 2-5 Persons).
  • From $10-$15 Per Person Per Full - Day Tour (From 6 To 16 Persons).

Nile Cruise Crew, Exclude Tour Guide

  • From $5$- $10 Per Person Per Night.

Dahabiya Cruise Crew, Exclude Tour Guide

  • From $10 To $20 Per Person Per Night.

Where porterage is not included it can be arranged locally at an average tip per bag of $1-$2. For guides and boat crew we recommend tipping at the end of your cruise.

Car Drivers

  • From $7- $10 Per Person Per Full –Day Tour(From 2-5 Persons).
  • From $5 $ -$ 7 Per Person Per Full –Day Tour (From 6 To 16 Persons).

Section nine: Nile Cruises

Nile Cruise Luxor Aswan - 4 Nights

Frequently asked questions

Q-Is there any limit on the times clients can be picked up from the airport? A-we recommend that you arrive as early as possible to make the most of the full board on the first day.Q-When is the cabin available on the first day of the tour? A-From 11 am. Q-Is the first day full board also? A-The duration of the full board depends on the hour of arrival. If you arrive in time for lunch you'll finish the final day with breakfast, if you arrive in time for dinner you'll finish the final day with lunch. Q- Is it possible to arrive for the second day to immediately begin the activities? A-If you arrive on the sceond day you'll miss Luxor east bank tour and you might miss Luxor west bank tour, because the activities begin very early, around 6:30 am. Q-How does the itinerary change if we reserve the option which includes a trip to Abu Simbel? A-If you choose this option, we'll leave for Abu Simbel at 4 am. In this case, the visit to the temple of Philae will take place after lunch by 14:00 or the following day, depending on when the flight leaves. If you do not choose the option visiting Abu Simbel, the visit to the Philae temple will take place at 8 am.Q-What kind of food is served? Is it suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or celiacs? A-There is a wide variety of food on board. Q-If we decide to visit Abu Simbel, will we miss other places? A-No, choosing this option doesn't mean missing any other visit. Q-What is visited in the Valley of the Kings? A- 3 of the open tombs will be visited Q-Do the boats have air conditioning? A-Yes, all boats have air conditioning, and it is in all the bedrooms. Q-Does the boat have WiFi? Is it included in the price? A-The boats do have WiFi, but this service is not included in the price. You can contract this and other services when you arrive at the boat.Q-When to book?A-Book as soon as possible to guarantee availability, especially during public holidays and festivities. Q-How to book? A-To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

NILE CRUISE FROM ASWAN WITH ABU SIMBEL , 3 NIGHTS

Frequently asked questions

Q -Is there any limit on the times clients can be picked up from the airport? A -we recommend that you arrive as early as possible to make the most of the full board on the first day.Q -When is the cabin available on the first day of the tour? A -From 11 am. Q -Is the first day full board also? A -The duration of the full board depends on the hour of arrival. If you arrive in time for lunch you'll finish the final day with breakfast, if you arrive in time for dinner you'll finish the final day with lunch. Q -What kind of food is served? Is it suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or celiacs? A -There is a wide variety of food on board. Q -If we visited Abu Simbel, will we miss other places? A -No, choosing this trip doesn't mean missing any other visit. Q -What is visited in the Valley of the Kings? A - 3 of the open tombs will be visited Q -Do the boats have air conditioning? A -Yes, all boats have air conditioning, and it is in all the bedrooms. Q -Does the boat have WiFi? Is it included in the price? A -The boats do have WiFi, but this service is not included in the price. You can contract this and other services when you arrive at the boat.Q -When to book?A -Book as soon as possible to guarantee availability, especially during public holidays and festivities. Q -How to book? A -To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

Nile Cruise facilities

Reception area & Lounge bar with panoramic view | Restaurant located on the lower deck | Swimming pool, bar & Sun deck | Boutique & Jeweler shop | Massage room with charge | Wi Fi with charge | Laundry & dry cleaning facilities with charge | Credit cards are accepted on board.

What to pack

Egypt is generally a hot country, so light cotton clothing is advisable for the warmer months (April to September) and a light jacket for the evenings during the cooler months (October to March) | Blouses/shirts with long sleeves to protect you from the sun | Short sleeves are also fine | Cotton t-shirts and tops| sun screen, lip balm and insect repellent| Hat, sunglasses and prescription glasses| Comfortable walking shoes| Camera.

Nile cruise general information

  • Official Rating is the Rating Giving to the Cruise By the Egyptian Tourism Authority. However This is Not the Only Factor that affect the Cruise Quality.
  • All Cabins are Outside Cabins in Nile Cruises. There are No inside Cabins. However the Cabins are distributed on the Cruise Decks.
  • Full Board Meals include Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. All Beverages Are Extra except Tea, Coffee & Juice during Breakfast.
  • Average Cabin Size includes Bathroom.
  • Nile Cruise could be Totally chartered or Out of Service for Maintenance in some Dates.
  • To Get a Guaranteed Upper Deck Cabins or Suites a Supplement must be paid in addition of the Cruise Price.
  • How to pay your Extras, All extras such as drink, laundry, and telephones bills, should be settled on the last day of your cruise at checkout time. Payment can be made with credit cards, or cash. Make sure you have enough cash, just in case your card is not working properly. We recommend visiting a bank, to change your money, before cruising, as most of the cruise boats do not offer this facility.
  • Tipping, Don’t forget to leave tips for the cruise staff of no less than $5 Per person per day. Hand an envelope to reception and the cruise manager will distribute the money fairly. This does not include tips to your Tour Guide, and it is entirely up to you to decide the size of tip that you will give to him/her.
  • Check-In/Out, Check in is at 12:00 p.m. and Checkout is at 08:00 a.m.

Section Ten: What to pack

Egypt is generally a hot country, so light cotton clothing is advisable for the warmer months (April to September) and a light jacket for the evenings during the cooler months (October to March) | Blouses/shirts with long sleeves to protect you from the sun| Short sleeves are also fine | Cotton t-shirts and tops| Personal toiletries| sun screen, lip balm and insect repellent| Hat, sunglasses and prescription glasses| Comfortable walking shoes| Camera.

Section Eleven: Travel Insurance - from AIG

Travel Insurance - from AIG Secure your trip and give yourself greater peace of mind with the Travel Insurance program proposed by AIG for you. For more info visit www.aig.com Day trip 15$ One week 25$ per person More than one week 50 $ per person.

Additional Questions If you have any other questions, which have not been answered here, please contact us by telephone, email, or by live online chat. You can find our email, telephone numbers, and a link to the live chat at the bottom of our homepage.

Why Book With Us? Our tours are designed around what our customers want, we will create the best experiences in Egypt. We don’t only take you from place to place for sightseeing, but make sure your trip is full of fun, excitement and adventure. Our team will guide you with in depth knowledge of every location you will visit.

Are you thinking about going on a journey soon? Do you need a custom itinerary complete with information on how to get around and local etiquette as well as budget-friendly tips? We are here to help you.

Do not hesitate to contact us to benefit from the advantages offered by our agency. We start processing all your questions and group travel reservations immediately. All you have to do is fill the below form and tell us what your dream destination is. The information you provide to us on this inquiry form will help us provide the perfect adventure for you. Let us organize your dream journey!