Here we go. This is your complete travel guide to Egypt for your amazing tour or holiday with Egypt Escapes. Or anyone else you may have booked with for that matter. We don’t mind. We just want everyone to get on and have a great time. Maybe next time… 🙂
GENERAL INFORMATION
Passports
A full 10 year passport is required for everyone entering Egypt and must be valid from the date of issue for at least 6 months beyond your return date.
Visas
British/EU passport holders travelling to Egypt normally require a visa. Other nationalities should check with their Embassy.
British Nationals travelling to Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba and Taba resorts for up to 15 days receive a free entry permission stamp upon arrival. If you intend to travel out of the mentioned areas or stay longer than 15 days, you must obtain a visa.
E-Visas – Host Information
If you are looking to obtain your visa online you will require the host details for when you are in Egypt, these are as follows:
Name – Sun International
Telephone – 00201220711113
Email – [email protected]
Address – Villa 26, Atteya El Sawalhi Street, Nasr City, Cairo 11471
Visas on Arrival
This is our recommended option for obtaining visas and the one that we use for ourselves when we travel to Egypt. On arrival at airport you will be met by our representative, who has security clearance to be your side of passport control in the arrivals hall and will be displaying a sign and dressed in our livery.
Providing you are a European Citizen with a valid passport two options are available:
• A visa can be purchased by queuing at the visa booth and paying the charge of $25.00 for the visa stamp. This is possible in cash ($, £, €) or by bank card.
* Visa charge is subject to currency fluctuations.
Luggage
If you are transiting through Cairo (or staying in Cairo for less than 24 hours) your luggage will automatically be assigned your final destination if all your flights are booked with the same reference number. If you wish to collect you baggage upon arrival in Cairo you will have to specify this upon check-in.
Vaccinations
No compulsory vaccinations are required by UK residents at present. You should however, take advice from your doctor as to which, if any, may be advisable. Protection against Hepatitis, Typhoid, Tetanus and Polio are recommended. It is advisable to pack a small first aid kit containing remedies for short term stomach problems, dehydration and small cuts. Use of a repellent cream or spray is usually sufficient to keep mosquitos at bay.
Currency
The local currency used in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (LE). Credit cards and debit cards are accepted for bar bills and additional expenses that are chargeable. Not all Nile Cruise Boats accept credit cards, but they are widely accepted in hotels, local shops and restaurants. Many street traders and shops will accept GBP, Euros and US Dollars for your purchases, please check before you start to haggle. Please be aware that additional fees for exchange rates or processing fees may apply if you are making payment by card. It can be a good idea to obtain some low denomination local currency if you want to tip anyone when off the boat and at some places it may be expected that you tip when using the bathroom facilities. This can be done at ATMs and banks in arrivals at airports and our reps can help with this too.
Religion
The majority religion in Egypt is Islam, Christianity being the lesser in numbers but equally important religion. Ramadan is the most important and holiest month of the Islamic year. Allowances should be made if your holiday falls within Ramadan, as you could experience a slightly longer service time during this period, as many people with be fasting from dawn to dusk.
Voltage
The voltage in Egypt is 220v. Therefore, a two pin plug is required (same as in the EU). We recommend that a travel plug adaptor be taken as part of your holiday requirements.
NILE CRUISES FAQs***********
Nile Cruise Itinerary
All excursions and tours will be locally guided by English speaking guides. The order or content of your itinerary may have to be amended due to lock closures, low water levels or any other unforeseeable circumstances. Due to the increasing number of boats on the Nile, at some docking points boats are moored side by side obstructing the view from cabins. You may also experience delays at Esna Lock due to congestion. This situation will, however, not affect your excursion itinerary.
In order that the excursions can be accommodated into the sailing itinerary it may be that you have early starts on some days during your cruise. Your Guide will advise you of this when you get onboard. You will also spend a longer time moored up in certain destinations such as Luxor and Aswan this is in order to cover all of the excursions that are included within these areas, unfortunately this is unavoidable due to the way the itinerary has to be configured.
Swimming Pool Onboard:
Swimming pools onboard Nile Cruisers are not heated therefore during the winter months they will be colder than expected.
Cabin Allocation:
Cabins on the Nile cruise boats are predominantly twin bedded cabins, these make up around 80% of the cabins onboard. Double cabins are limited, they can be requested but we cannot guarantee that we will be able to fulfil this element of your booking, this is also stated on your travel vouchers that are issued to you. If you have paid a supplement for an ‘Upper Deck’ cabin or a ‘Suite’ then this is guaranteed to be allocated to you. Upper deck cabins on some boats will be allocated without supplement applying dependent upon the level of occupation for the dates of your cruise.
Tipping
Traditionally tipping in Egypt is expected as part of local customs. Tipping on a standard seven night Nile Cruise is advised at a rate of of ÂŁ27.00* per person, although this is not compulsory. This sum covers tipping to the coach drivers, bell boys, housekeeping staff, crew and bar/restaurant staff to name but a few. Tipping monies are paid to the guide at your welcome meeting, the guide will distribute the tips during your week. Additional tipping is not expected. *The rate can vary from boat to boat with Deluxe Cruisers requesting a higher amount for tipping. Tipping on the cruises with a duration in excess of 7 days is advised at an amount of $10.00 per person per day.
Wi-Fi & Television Coverage
The Wi-Fi connection and television signal on board the boats is intermittent at best. There will be little connection whilst the boat is sailing through remote areas and there will be an intermittent signal even when the boat is docked. This is not an issue that is specific to the boats as the Wi-Fi connection and television signal is unreliable even for hotels in cities or towns. In order to gain access to the Wi-Fi onboard a data card can be purchased from the boat reception. Alternatively you could contact your provider for a data package for your travel in Egypt (approx ÂŁ6/day) or look to purchase a temporary SIM card or E-SIM for use whilst you are abroad which may prove to be a cheaper and more reliable option. If you are unsure with regards to this then please consult our rep and they will be happy to assist you.
Videographer
When on your Nile cruise there is the possibility that there will be a resident Videographer onboard. He will be there to film various elements of your cruise experience which you can purchase if you wish to do so. If you do not wish to be filmed then please let them know and they will do their best to not disturb you when filming is taking place.
Galabia Party Evening
During your cruise you have a number of evenings where there is entertainment onboard. One of the most popular evenings is the Galabia Party Evening where you are encouraged to dress in traditional Egyptian attire. If you want to purchase this prior to your departure please feel free to do so or you can purchase this locally or from the onboard shopping outlet. This is not compulsory but it makes for a great evening if everyone gets dressed up.
Shopping Trips
As part of the excursions when out and about you will stop at a few different locations for some shopping opportunities. You will visit an Alabaster factory outlet and Perfumery/Essential Oils outlet. If you take tours in Cairo you will also visit a Papyrus outlet. Time permitting you may also be able to visit cafes and spice markets. You are by no means obliged to purchase any goods whatsoever but if you do wish to buy anything and you have any doubts then please consult our rep who will be only to pleased to assist you with negotiating the best price possible. Payment by card is available at most of these outlets.
Alcoholic Drinks
Alcoholic drinks purchased outside of the boat are not permitted for consumption outside of your cabin whilst onboard. The purchase of alcoholic drinks locally may be restricted at certain times of year, i.e. Ramadan, however this does not apply whilst you are onboard the cruise boat.
Bottled Water Onboard
On some cruises two small bottles of water will be supplied on a daily basis, on other cruises all water will have to be purchased when onboard, this is a decision that is made by the boat owners. Water is not supplied at meal times and will have to be purchased in the same way that it would as if you were staying in a hotel. If you are on the all-inclusive option then water will be provided between the relevant times applying to that option.
Goods Purchased Onboard:
Please be aware that the outlets are run completely independently of Egypt Escapes, our local reps and the boat operators, these businesses are franchised and if you purchase anything it is entirely at your own risk and any issues that may arise.
Standard All-Inclusive Board Basis:
If you have chosen the “All-Inclusive” board basis (indicated by “AI” on your invoice) the following applies between the hours of 10:30 and 22:30 or 11:30 and 23:30 depending upon which boat you are on:
• Full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner), local beers, local spirits, soft drinks and mineral water by the bottle or glass served between the hours stated above, otherwise it is chargeable.
• Tea, coffee are juice are served at breakfast. If you outside of these time it is chargeable.
• Local wines are served by the glass at lunch and dinner times only. If any beverages are required these will be chargeable unless you are on the All inclusive package (times of operation apply).
• On the day of departure tea, coffee and mineral water will be included until 12:00 noon for all-inclusive guests, this will be chargeable outside of breakfast time for full board clients.
HEALTH & SAFETY
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Ancient Sites, Temples and Tombs
Please be aware that there are uneven surfaces, narrow passageways and steep uneven stairs around the archaeological sites in Egypt.
Nile Cruise Boats
When the boat is moored, vessels may have to berth alongside each other which may result in restricted views and you may be required to pass through a number of boats in order to disembark. Upon disembarkation clients may be required to walk along a gangplank and there may be uneven steps to climb up/down by the quayside. Due to the proximity of other boats moored around you when you are stationary unfortunately you may experience the smell of diesel, unfortunately this is something that is unavoidable as the boat generators have to be operational even when the boats are stationary.
Fire/Evacuation
On the boat details are provided on the inside of the door of your cabin advising the location of the Muster stations in the event of a fire. Please follow the staff’s instructions in the event of an evacuation. In resort you should familiarise yourself with the fire evacuation procedure on the boat that you are cruising on or the hotel that you are staying in.
Health
If you require medical attention whilst on board the boat: please let the guide or rep know, who will arrange this for you.
If you are in resort at a hotel, reception will be able to organise the doctor for you.
If an accident occurs whilst on the boat, the rep/guide will complete an Accident Report Form which you will be
asked to sign.
Climate
Egypt has temperatures that rise above 45°C during the summer months. During the winter months, the average temperatures are in the twenties but can drop considerably after sunset and are quite chilly in the evening.
Clothing
In resorts and on board the boats, lightweight and informal summer clothes are the norm. However, please remember that Egypt is of a strong Muslim faith and care should be taken not to offend, particularly away from tourist resorts.
Food
A combination of heat, spicy foods and not enough water are all contributing factors for stomach upsets. Following a few simple guidelines can often save sickness during your holiday.
Please remember to:
• Wash your hands before eating. We also recommend you take hand cleansing gel with you.
• Try to avoid ice cubes in drinks. We advise not to drink tap water. Always make sure that the seal of the bottle top is unbroken before drinking. Lastly, if you have a particularly weak stomach, try to avoid foods such as salads that may have been washed with tap water.
• We do advise that clients do not eat or drink off of the boat or their hotel, unless it’s in another good quality hotel or restaurant used regularly when out on tours in Cairo.
• Avoid buying bottled water from street sellers, it will be cheap but sometimes it comes from a tap.
• Make sure that food has been cooked properly and is hot when eaten.
• Do not drink too much alcohol during the day as this can cause dehydration.
• Clean your hands after handling money with cleansing gel.
Please be aware that not all of the boats will supply you with bottles of water on a complimentary basis, this is supplied at the boats discretion so you may have to purchase all of your drinking water when you are onboard.
This is also applicable to tea and coffee at meal times with the exception of breakfast. If you are on an All Inclusive basis then you won’t be charged for water, tea or coffee and the other beverages included within the advised operational times of the all-inclusive option.
Local Taxis
Before getting into local taxis look at the outside to make sure it’s clean and well presented, if it’s clean on the outside, there is a better chance that the driver looks after the vehicle. Always agree the fare before you get inside.
Travel Insurance
We do not sell travel insurance ourselves but we can recommend Covered2Go who offer policies suitable for most of our holidays (UK residents/EU residents) with 4 different levels of cover: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. It is your responsibility to ensure that your insurance provides sufficient cover appropriate for the activities included in the holiday. Certain activities and optional excursions (such as Hot Air Ballooning) are allowed subject to an extra premium being paid, please check with your insurance company.
NILE CRUISE OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
To complement our cruises, optional excursions are offered in conjunction with the twelve excursion package that is offered in the Nile Cruise itinerary and are shown below:
Abu Simbel
As famous for its modern history as for the Pharonic time. The Temple of Ramses the second at Abu Simbel is one of the most impressive sights of the modern world. Originally carved into solid rock on the shore of Lake Nasser. This monument truly shows mankind past and present at its most ingenious.
ÂŁ120 per person by road – ÂŁ280.00 per person by air. AM.
Bird Watching & Nubian Farm
A trip along the Nile by motor launch to the extreme south of Aswan, to visit a typical farm of the Nubian people who have inhabited this land for thousands of years. The trip is escorted by a local Ornithologist who will explain local birds and flora as the boat travels through the 1st Cataract in the nature reserve on the way down to the Nubian farm and house where baby crocodiles and camels are kept.
ÂŁ40.00 per person. PM.
Old Cataract Hi Tea:
Enjoy the afternoon tea rituals with delightful pastries served on elegant setup with the gorgeous sunset view over the Nile at a historical hotel
ÂŁ60.00 per person. PM
Sound and Light Shows:
Re-visit the temple after dark, when the history is brought back to life by the sound and light show that beams around the various aspects of the temple and explains its history. This show gives the temple a completely difference aspect from the daytime visit.
ÂŁ55.00 per person. PM.
Luxor City Tour by Horse & Carriage:
A chance to tour the city in the traditional horse and carriage, away from the main tourist areas into the local markets. This tour can reach sections of the city which are impossible to see by coach. Accompanied by your Egyptologist the tour lasts for around one and a half hours.
ÂŁ30.00 per person. PM.
Hot Air Balloon in Luxor:
You have by now experienced the Valley of the Kings from the ground. Before you leave Luxor, you can see the whole area from the air. The flights take off from the West bank at sunrise and last between 35 minutes and one hour depending upon conditions on the day of your flight. A truly memorable experience.
ÂŁ110 per person. AM.
*Prices correct at time of publishing and may change due to increases and currency fluctuations.
*Optional Excursions and prices detailed above typically apply to the seven night cruise, cruises of different durations will also offer optional excursions that may differ from those indicated.
