Egypt Tours FAQ

Section One: Booking & Reservations

1. Why choose Journey To Egypt?

Journey To Egypt is a U.S.-registered corporation and trusted travel agency specializing in premium Egypt tours, Nile cruises, and tailor-made travel experiences across Egypt. With over 20 years of local and international expertise, we design personalized itineraries tailored to your unique preferences. Whether you are discovering the ancient wonders of Luxor and Aswan, embarking on a historic Nile Cruise, exploring the vibrant city life of Cairo, or relaxing on the serene shores of the Red Sea, we ensure every detail of your trip is seamless, safe, and truly unforgettable.

• Award-Winning Service: Proud recipients of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence and Traveler’s Choice Awards, reflecting our dedicated standard of hospitality.
• Private Certified Local Expert Guides: Our professional, licensed Egyptologists provide private, customized tours to enrich your journey with expert historical insight.
• Private Transfers: Travel in absolute comfort with private, modern, air-conditioned vehicles dedicated exclusively to your party for hassle-free transportation.
• Immersive Onboard Entertainment: Elevate your river cruise experience with vibrant nightly entertainment, including authentic belly dancing, Galabeya parties, Nubian folklore shows, and live music.
• Secure Online Payments: Booking with us is simple and safe. Payments are processed securely via credit card (Visa or MasterCard) utilizing VeriSign SSL encryption. Online transactions are managed securely by TrekkSoft AG (appearing as Journey To Egypt on your statement). For payment inquiries, contact support@payyo.ch.
• Fair Cancellation Fees: Enjoy enhanced flexibility when booking with us. You can modify your departure date up to 30 days prior to your trip for ultimate peace of mind.

2. Is there a special rate for private groups booking with Journey To Egypt?

Yes! We offer exclusive discounts for private group bookings of 10 or more participants. Discounted rates are calculated dynamically based on your group size, itinerary type, and total trip duration.

3. How can I contact Journey To Egypt to book a tour?

Our travel team is available 24/7 via email, telephone, or our website's live online chat. You can also submit a custom booking request form directly on our platform. Our travel consultants will promptly respond with a tailored proposal matching your timeline and budget.

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

Booking a tour is completely straightforward. Once you finalize your custom itinerary details with your dedicated travel consultant, we will send you a detailed breakdown. To secure and confirm your reservation, a deposit is required. Your booking is officially locked in upon receipt of this deposit, and the remaining balance is easily settled upon your arrival in Egypt.

5. How much will I have to pay as a deposit, and how do I pay it?

A standard deposit of 25% of the total tour price is required to secure your booking. During peak travel seasons (Christmas, New Year, and Easter), a 50% deposit is required. Payments can be securely processed online via credit card, Western Union, or bank wire transfer. Installment options can be arranged with your consultant upon request.

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

No. There are no additional surcharges or hidden fees for using a debit or credit card (Visa or MasterCard) when settling your balance upon arrival.

Fair Cancellation Fees (Excluding Peak Periods)

Book with confidence and enjoy enhanced flexibility. You can modify your tour departure date up to 30 days prior to arrival with no penalties from our agency.

• Note: Domestic or international airline ticket modifications are subject to individual airline terms, conditions, and fees.
• All standard refunds are subject to a 3.5% credit card processing and bank transaction fee.

Fair Cancellation Fees for Christmas, New Year, and Easter Vacations

Cancellations made during peak holiday seasonal periods are subject to the following tier schedule:

• 61+ days prior to arrival: 25% of the total tour price will be charged.
• 60 to 31 days prior to arrival: 50% of the total tour price will be charged.
• 30 to 15 days prior to arrival: 75% of the total tour price will be charged.
• 14 to 1 days prior to arrival: 100% of the total tour price will be charged.
• Note: Airline ticket cancellation rules are subject to independent airline policies.
• All peak-season refunds are subject to a 7% bank fee applied to the refund amount.

Force Majeure & Flexible Peace-of-Mind Policy

At Journey To Egypt, your safety and peace of mind are our absolute priorities. For that reason, we have adapted our cancellation policy to reflect our values. In the rare event that your home government or commercial airlines issue an official "Do Not Travel" warning for Egypt, we offer an exceptionally flexible option: your paid funds will be converted into a future travel credit voucher valid for any destination or tour we operate. This allows you to easily reschedule your dream trip seamlessly. Only non-refundable flight cancellation/change fees (per airline T&Cs) and standard bank transaction fees remain applicable. Refunds are made to the original account and method used for payment. No refunds are possible in the event of a no-show for an active reservation.

Section Two: Security and Safety

1. Is Egypt safe to visit, especially following historical political transitions?

International travelers have safely explored Egypt for centuries, and Egyptians are world-renowned for their warmth, hospitality, and kindness. Egyptian cities maintain high safety standards, particularly across popular tourist corridors. While historical political transitions occurred over a decade ago, tourist tracks and cultural landmarks remain entirely unaffected, secure, and highly peaceful. Foreign visitors are warmly embraced throughout the country.

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

Egypt boasts a remarkably low violent crime rate. Travelers are perfectly safe provided they practice the same common-sense precautions they would use when visiting any major global tourist destination.

3. Is there any special advice for women travelers visiting Egypt?

Women travel comfortably through Egypt every day. In major modern resorts, beach hotels, and busy archaeological attractions, standard casual holiday attire is perfectly fine. When exploring less-frequented public locations, historic neighborhoods, or rural local markets, dressing with relative modesty (covering shoulders and knees) is recommended as a way of respecting local cultural traditions.

Section Three: Visas and Arrival

1. How can I obtain my visa to visit Egypt?

All foreign visitors must possess a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond their planned arrival date. Travelers holding passports from the following nations can purchase a 30-day entry visa instantly upon arrival at a bank window before going through customs: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Georgia, Norway, Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, and the Russian Federation. This convenient process takes only a few minutes. Alternatively, applications can be submitted online via official government portal systems.

Egypt generally features three primary visa classifications:

• Entry Visa: Valid for 1 month, granted to eligible non-Egyptian citizens arriving at the port of entry.
• Transit Visa: Issued for travelers passing through the country for limited, short-duration layovers.
• Tourist Visa: Valid for up to 3 months, available in single or multiple-entry options via Egyptian embassies or online portals.

2. How do I apply for an Egyptian visa if I live outside my country of nationality?

If you hold a valid residency permit in your current host country, you can easily apply online, visit the local Egyptian embassy/consulate in that country, or purchase your visa on arrival at major international hubs like Cairo, Hurghada, or Luxor Airports. If you do not hold a residency permit, you must obtain it from the Egyptian consulate in the country that issued your passport.

3. If I have a free Sinai entry stamp, can I visit other destinations in Egypt?

No. The free Sinai/Aqaba stamp strictly limits your travel to the Sinai Peninsula resort zones. If you plan to join a pyramids Cairo tour or catch a flight down to Luxor and Aswan, you must purchase the full 30-day Egyptian entry visa at the airport terminal as described in Question 1.

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

Yes, it is possible to obtain an extension by visiting official immigration offices located at the Mogamma government complexes in Cairo or other provincial centers. There is a two-week grace window after expiration during which extensions can be renewed without fine penalties.

5. Are there direct flights from the USA to Egypt?

Yes! EgyptAir, the national flag carrier, operates convenient non-stop flights from major U.S. hubs—including New York (JFK), Washington D.C. (IAD), and Los Angeles (LAX)—straight to Cairo International Airport. A non-stop flight from JFK takes approximately 12 hours. Alternatively, multiple connections are available through top European or North African hubs.

6. If I am arriving at Cairo International Airport from the USA, which terminal will I land at?

Arrival terminals vary by carrier. Most American and Western European airlines utilize Terminal 3 (the New Terminal). EgyptAir, along with various Arab, African, and Eastern European regional carriers, typically operates out of Terminal 1.

Section Four: Opening Hours

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

Most enclosed historical museums and indoor complexes operate from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Open-air archaeological sites like the Giza Pyramids, Karnak Temple, and Valley of the Kings welcome visitors from 7:00 AM until sunset. Select premium venues, such as Luxor Temple and Kom Ombo Temple, feature evening illumination and stay open until 9:00 PM (21:00). Schedules scale back significantly during the holy month of Ramadan; our team handles these scheduling shifts transparently for you.

Section Five: Visiting Religious Sites in Egypt

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

Yes, non-Muslim visitors are welcome inside Egypt’s spectacular medieval mosques. Visits are permitted at any time except during the five daily prayer sessions, particularly during Friday congregational prayers. Active pilgrimage mosques where relatives of the Prophet Muhammad are buried (such as the Mosque of El Hussein and Sayeda Zeinab) are generally reserved for worshippers.

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

Modest clothing is highly recommended. Men and women must ensure their shoulders and knees are fully covered, and women are often requested to cover their hair using a light scarf. All visitors must remove their shoes before stepping onto mosque prayer carpets.

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

Yes, historic Coptic churches and monasteries warmly welcome international travelers. The same standards of modest dress apply. Some monastic areas may restrict entry during selective fasts or specific seasonal holiday periods like Lent.

Section Six: Health Issues

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

Travelers face very few unique health concerns in Egypt. The most common minor issue is standard gastric sensitivity. To prevent this, always drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes in casual street stalls, and dine at recommended hotels and restaurants vetted by your private guide. Use high-SPF sunscreen, wear a sun hat, and stay hydrated to avoid sunburn or heat exhaust during peak summer months.

Section Seven: Currency and Banking in Egypt

1. What is the official currency in Egypt?

The official currency is the Egyptian Pound (LE), locally referred to as the Geneh. One pound equals 100 piastres. Banknotes are available up to 200 LE denominations. While coins exist, paper money is far more common. It is advisable to retain small notes for public tipping and bathroom facilities.

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

Yes. Currency exchange centers and banks are common in all urban sectors and hotels. Furthermore, many tourist bazaars, restaurants, and excursion businesses readily accept cash payments in U.S. Dollars ($) or Euros (€) at rates tracking close to official banking values.

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

Credit cards are widely integrated throughout major Egyptian hotels, international restaurants, and retail centers. The most commonly accepted cards are Visa and MasterCard. Cash remains king for traditional marketplaces and street shopping.

Section Eight: Tipping in Egypt

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

Yes. Tipping (locally known as Baksheesh) is an essential, customary component of Egyptian service culture due to low baseline service wages. It is viewed as an expression of gratitude for excellent personal hospitality and care.

2. How much should I tip?

Tipping scales dynamically based on party size and the length of your daily excursions. We suggest budgeting according to the following baseline recommendations:

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: There are no set pickup limits, but we strongly advise arriving as early as possible on your first day to fully maximize your included full-board program and shipboard amenities.
• Q: When is the cabin available on the first day of the tour?
  A: Private guest cabins are systematically ready for standard check-in starting at 11:00 AM on your launch day.
• Q: Is the first day full board also?
  A: Yes, though the overall tracking of your full-board structure depends on your precise arrival hour. If you check in on time for lunch, your food services finish with breakfast on your final checkout morning. If your schedule lines up with dinner, your program wraps up with lunch on your final day.
• Q: Is it possible to arrive for the second day to immediately begin the activities?
  A: Arriving on the second day of the itinerary is highly discouraged. Because core sightseeing excursions launch very early in the morning—around 6:30 AM—arriving late means you will miss the historical Luxor East Bank tour completely and will highly likely miss the West Bank program highlights as well.
• Q: How does the itinerary change if we reserve the option which includes a trip to Abu Simbel?
  A: If you select the Abu Simbel package upgrade, your party will depart early at 4:00 AM via air-conditioned transport. To accommodate this schedule without causing you to skip major landmarks, your guided visit to the Temple of Philae will be smoothly rescheduled to the afternoon by 14:00 or moved to the following morning, depending on airline flight parameters. For guests who choose not to add the Abu Simbel excursion, the standard visit to Philae Temple runs cleanly at 8:00 AM.
• Q: What kind of food is served? Is it suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or celiacs?
  A: Our cruise vessels serve a beautiful, wide variety of food via open-style buffets and dynamic menus. Vegetarian, vegan, and celiac dietary preferences are fully and safely accommodated by our onboard culinary staff.
• Q: If we decide to visit Abu Simbel, will we miss other places?
  A: No. Opting into the optional excursion to Abu Simbel does not mean you will have to miss out on any other planned visits or monuments along your baseline cruise timeline.
• Q: What is visited in the Valley of the Kings?
  A: Your standard entrance ticket includes a detailed, expert-guided exploration inside 3 of the open royal tombs featured during that seasonal rotation.
• Q: Do the boats have air conditioning?
  A: Yes, all cruise ships are fully equipped with modern, centralized air conditioning systems that run across all public lounges and extend completely into all individual bedrooms and cabins.
• Q: Does the boat have WiFi? Is it included in the price?
  A: The cruise liners are equipped with active onboard Wi-Fi services. However, this wireless data access is not included in your base trip pricing. You can easily contract, set up, and pay for internet access along with other individual add-on services directly at reception upon boarding.
• Q: When to book?
  A: We strongly encourage booking as early as possible to guarantee your target cabin availability. Securing your dates early is especially crucial if traveling during major public holiday weeks, festivals, and high-season festivities.
• Q: How to book?
  A: Reserving your river journey is completely seamless. Simply choose your target travel date, fill out the standard booking form featured on this page, and your official tour confirmation will be returned to you 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: While pickups run smoothly at any hour, we highly recommend landing as early as possible on day one to take full advantage of your included full-board dining package.
• Q: When is the cabin available on the first day of the tour?
  A: Private cabins are thoroughly prepared and available for checking in from 11:00 AM onwards.
• Q: Is the first day full board also?
  A: Yes. The timing of your full-board package scales dynamically to match your check-in hour. Arriving in time for an early afternoon lunch means your meal services conclude with breakfast on your final morning. Checking in around dinner time means your meals wrap up with lunch on your checkout day.
• Q: What kind of food is served? Is it suitable for vegetarians, vegans, or celiacs?
  A: Guests can enjoy an exceptional, wide variety of menu items prepared fresh daily. Vegetarian, vegan, and celiac dietary profiles are fully and seamlessly integrated into our dining paths.
• Q: If we visited Abu Simbel, will we miss other places?
  A: No. Choosing this magnificent trip does not mean you will sacrifice or miss out on any other scheduled core landmarks along the cruise route.
• Q: What is visited in the Valley of the Kings?
  A: Your guided tour features immersive access inside 3 of the active, open ancient royal tombs located on the archaeological site.
• Q: Do the boats have air conditioning?
  A: Yes, all vessels feature comprehensive central air conditioning throughout, ensuring full climate control across all private guest bedrooms.
• Q: Does the boat have WiFi? Is it included in the price?
  A: Onboard Wi-Fi networks are active across the ship. Please note that this service is an optional premium extra and is not covered under base pricing; access codes can be securely contracted at the reception desk on arrival.
• Q: When to book?
  A: It is always best to lock in your trip parameters well in advance to ensure structural cabin configurations remain open, particularly during peak seasonal calendars and public holiday windows.
• Q: How to book?
  A: Booking is fast and simple. Select your desired departure calendar date, fill out the intuitive reservation inquiry form on this landing page, and your tour confirmation will be updated immediately.

Nile Cruise Facilities

Modern luxury river vessels feature: Elegant reception area & observation lounge bar showcasing panoramic river views | Main formal restaurant located on the lower deck | Top-deck fresh swimming pool, pool bar, & spacious sun deck | Onboard boutique shop & expert luxury jeweler shop | Relaxing wellness massage room (additional surcharge applies) | Wi-Fi connectivity (additional surcharge applies) | Full-service laundry & valet dry cleaning facilities (additional surcharge applies) | International credit cards are fully accepted for all transactions on board.

What to Pack

Egypt is generally a warm, beautifully sunny destination. To maximize your everyday holiday comfort during your open-air excursions, we advise packing the following essential gear:

• Warmer Months (April to September): Ultra-lightweight, highly breathable cotton and linen clothing items are strongly recommended. Cotton t-shirts, light tops, and short sleeves are perfectly acceptable.
• Cooler Months (October to March): Standard cotton base items paired with a light jacket or fleece pullover to keep you perfectly comfortable during crisp desert evenings and early morning tours.
• Sun & Skin Protection: Bring long-sleeved shirts/blouses to protect your skin from direct sun exposure, a high-factor sunscreen, protective lip balm, and an effective insect repellent.
• Accessories & Footwear: A wide-brimmed sun hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and your essential prescription glasses. Pack durable, well-broken-in comfortable walking shoes or athletic trainers for managing uneven ancient stone pathways. Do not forget to bring along a reliable camera to preserve your travel memories.

Nile Cruise General Information

• Official Structural Ratings: The star categories designated to cruise liners are officially awarded by the Egyptian Tourism Authority. While this ensures strict adherence to structural, logistical, and safety criteria, it is not the sole factor dictating localized boutique styling, modern interior updates, or overall service quality.
• All Outside-Facing Cabins: Every single cabin layout on a Nile Cruise is structurally built as an outside cabin offering large river views; there are no interior or windowless cabins on board. Private guest cabins are distributed strategically across the various upper, middle, and lower decks of the ship.
• Full Board Meal Parameters: Full Board dining packages include your main daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All table beverages, soft drinks, and alcohol are billed as extra-charge items, with the exception of standard hot tea, coffee, and fresh juices served complimentary during breakfast hours.
• Average Cabin Sizing: Stated average cabin dimensions are inclusive of the private, en-suite bathroom area.
• Charter & Maintenance Notices: On select operational dates, Nile Cruise vessels may be completely chartered out for private group functions or temporarily taken out of active service to undergo scheduled technical maintenance.
• Upper Deck & Suite Upgrades: To guarantee premium positioning in upper-deck cabins or spacious luxury suites, a promotional supplement fee must be paid in addition to the baseline cruise price.
• Settling Personal Onboard Extras: All personal extras accumulated during your voyage—including bar tabs, soft drinks, laundry service, and telephone bills—should be settled transparently on the final morning of your cruise at standard checkout time. Payments are accepted via global credit cards or cash. We highly recommend keeping a backup supply of physical cash on hand in the rare event that credit card processing networks face temporary local connectivity issues. Please exchange currency at an international bank or airport kiosk before boarding your vessel, as most cruise ships do not house physical exchange desks.
• Staff Gratuities & Tipping: Leaving tips for the hardworking riverboat staff is an essential part of local service culture. We kindly ask guests to allocate a minimum gratuity of $5 per person, per day. This can be placed in an envelope and handed directly to the front reception desk, where the cruise manager will distribute the tips evenly and fairly among the entire ship's crew. Please note that this collective crew gratuity does not include individual tips for your dedicated Private Tour Guide, which remains entirely at your personal discretion.
• Check-In and Check-Out Boundaries: Official ship embarkation check-in begins at 12:00 PM (noon), and final cabin check-out is strictly requested by 08:00 AM on your departure morning.

Section Ten: Travel Insurance (Powered by AIG)

Secure your holiday and enjoy absolute peace of mind with our competitive optional travel insurance programs provided by AIG Insurance. Coverage programs scale dynamically based on your vacation duration:

• Single Day Trip Protection: $15 per person
• One-Week Comprehensive Protection: $25 per person
• Extended Protection (More than 1 week): $50 per person
• For comprehensive details on policy coverage limits, visit www.aig.com.