# Egypt Escapes – Full Reference Document > Egypt Escapes is a UK-based, award-winning travel specialist focused exclusively on holidays to Egypt. The company specialises in Nile Cruise & Stay packages and has been operating as part of The Broadway Consortium since 1948. All holidays are fully ABTA & ATOL protected. --- ## 1. Company Overview **Egypt Escapes Limited** Westmead House, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 7LP, United Kingdom - **Company Registration:** England & Wales, No. 05642720 - **Parent Group:** 2Bookaholiday / The Broadway Consortium (est. 1948) - **ABTA Number:** P601X - **ATOL Number:** 3634 - **Telephone:** 02070303971 - **Email:** enquiries@egyptescapes.com - **Opening Hours:** Mon–Fri 09:00–21:00 | Weekends & Bank Holidays 10:00–21:00 - **Live Chat:** Available 09:00–21:00, 7 days a week - **Website:** https://egyptescapes.com **Awards & Recognition:** - 'Best Egyptian Specialists' – SME News - 'Platinum Reviews Award' – Feefo - 'Rated Excellent' – Trustpilot **Sister brands under 2Bookaholiday / The Broadway Consortium:** Going Luxury, Aegean Holidays, CHC Holidays, Kresten Holidays, Going Turkey. **Financial Protection:** All flight-inclusive holidays are ATOL protected. An ATOL Certificate is issued at the time of booking confirming full financial security. Egypt Escapes is obliged to maintain a high standard of service under ABTA's Code of Conduct. **Recommend a Friend Scheme:** Customers who refer a friend who books a holiday (both over £600 gross, booked by phone) receive a £50 discount off their holiday balance. --- ## 2. Core Products Egypt Escapes offers three main categories of holiday: 1. **Nile Cruise & Stay** – Combines a River Nile cruise with one or more hotel stays at Egypt's key destinations. The flagship product. 2. **Beach / Hotel-Only Holidays** – Hotel stays across Egypt's Red Sea and Nile destinations without a cruise component. 3. **Excursions** – Add-on day trips and sightseeing packages available alongside any holiday. All packages include return flights from UK airports and transfers unless otherwise stated. --- ## 3. Nile Cruise & Stay Packages (Full List) ### 3.1 Just Nile Cruise Package - **Duration:** 7 nights / 8 days - **From:** £599pp including flights - **Includes:** 7-night 5-star full-board River Nile cruise, outside cabin with Nile view, return flights - **URL:** https://egyptescapes.com/nile-cruise-stay/river-nile-just-cruise/ ### 3.2 Delights of Egypt – Nile Cruise & Red Sea Stay - **Duration:** 14 nights - **From:** £699pp including flights - **Includes:** Return flights from UK, 7 nights full-board River Nile cruise, 7 nights all-inclusive Red Sea stay - **URL:** https://egyptescapes.com/nile-cruise-stay/delights-of-egypt-river-nile-cruise-and-red-sea-stay/ ### 3.3 Egyptian Fun – Nile Cruise & Hurghada Stay with Waterpark Hotels - **Duration:** 14 nights - **From:** £799pp including flights - **Includes:** 7 nights 5-star Nile cruise, 7 nights all-inclusive aqua park hotel on the Red Sea Riviera, return flights - **URL:** https://egyptescapes.com/nile-cruise-stay/egyptian-fun-nile-cruise-red-sea-twin-centre-stay/ ### 3.4 Highlights of Egypt – Nile Cruise, 2 Red Sea Stays & Overnight Pyramids - **Duration:** Multi-centre - **From:** £999pp including flights - **Includes:** 5-star Nile cruise, 5-star Soma Bay stay, 5-star Hurghada stay, overnight pyramids stay - **URL:** https://egyptescapes.com/nile-cruise-stay/highlights-of-egypt/ ### 3.5 Temples & Tombs – The Luxor Nile Cruise & Stay - **Duration:** 14 nights - **From:** £999pp including flights - **Includes:** Return flights from UK, 7 nights luxury Luxor hotel stay, 7 nights luxury Nile cruise - **URL:** https://egyptescapes.com/nile-cruise-stay/the-luxor-cruise-stay/ ### 3.6 Pyramids & Temples – Nile Cruise & Cairo Stay - **Duration:** 9 nights - **From:** £1,199pp including flights - **Includes:** 7-night deluxe Nile cruise, 2 nights Cairo with pyramid view room, full Nile cruise excursion package, Pyramids & Museum excursion - **URL:** https://egyptescapes.com/nile-cruise-stay/nile-cruise-cairo-stay/ ### 3.7 Ultimate Egypt Experience - **Duration:** 14 nights - **From:** £1,499pp including flights - **Includes:** 7 nights 5-star full-board River Nile cruise, 3 nights in Giza with pyramid view room, 4 nights all-inclusive Red Sea Riviera, Nile cruise excursion package, Pyramids, Museums & Alexandria tours. Can be tailored. - **URL:** https://egyptescapes.com/nile-cruise-stay/ultimate-egypt-experience/ ### 3.8 Egyptian Romance – Adult-Only Nile Cruise & Hurghada Stay - **Duration:** 14 nights - **From:** £1,599pp including flights - **Includes:** 7 nights 5-star full-board River Nile cruise, 7 nights adult-only boutique Red Sea stay, full excursion package on cruise - **URL:** https://egyptescapes.com/nile-cruise-stay/egyptian-romance/ ### 3.9 Nile Cruise, Giza & Alexandria Tours - **Duration:** Multi-night - **From:** £1,599pp including flights - **Includes:** 7-night deluxe Nile cruise, 2 nights Cairo with pyramid view room, full Nile cruise excursion package, Alexandria tour - **URL:** https://egyptescapes.com/nile-cruise-stay/nile-cruise-giza-alexandria/ ### 3.10 Lake Nasser Cruise & Stay - **Duration:** Multi-night - **From:** £1,749pp including flights - **Includes:** Lake Nasser cruise & Nile cruise combination, all flights, all transfers - **URL:** https://egyptescapes.com/nile-cruise-stay/lake-nasser-cruise-stay/ ### 3.11 Highlights of Egypt & Jordan Tour - **Duration:** Multi-night - **From:** £1,999pp including flights - **Includes:** Pyramids, Nile cruise, Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, Red Sea, Grand Egyptian Museum - **URL:** https://egyptescapes.com/nile-cruise-stay/egypt-jordan/ ### 3.12 The Original Long Nile Cruise – Cairo to Aswan - **Duration:** Extended - **From:** £2,999pp including flights - **Includes:** Full-length Cairo to Aswan Nile cruise, up to 19 excursions, all transfers - **URL:** https://egyptescapes.com/nile-cruise-stay/original-nile-cruise/ --- ## 4. Beach & Hotel-Only Holidays (Selected) | Hotel | Location | From | Highlights | |---|---|---|---| | Barcelo Cairo Pyramids (Pyramid & GEM Package) | Giza | £299pp | Pyramid view room, GEM visit, upgrades available | | Caves Beach Resort | Hurghada | £399pp | Adult-only, cave-style rooms, private beach, spa | | Tropitel Oasis Dahab | Sharm el Sheikh | £449pp | Private beach, health club, diving, all-inclusive upgrade | | Serenity Alma Heights | Hurghada | £499pp | Superior rooms, waterpark, fairground | | Novotel Marsa Alam | Marsa Alam | £529pp | Beachfront, TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice Award, free Wi-Fi | | Grand Resort Hurghada | Hurghada | £599pp | All-inclusive, central Hurghada | | Iberotel Luxor | Luxor | £649pp | Nile-side location, large pool, restaurants & bars, refurbished | | Savoy Sharm El Sheikh | Sharm el Sheikh | £699pp | All-inclusive, 25% off SOHO Square, spa & dive centre discounts | All hotel packages include return flights from UK and transfers. **Beach Destinations Available:** - Hurghada (Red Sea Riviera) - Sharm el Sheikh - Marsa Alam - Soma Bay - El Gouna - Makadi Bay - Dahab --- ## 5. Nile Cruise Fleet (Full List) Egypt Escapes works with one of the largest selections of Nile cruise vessels in the UK market, spanning budget, standard, deluxe, and ultra-luxury tiers. ### Budget Tier (from £499–£699pp) | Vessel | Notes | From | |---|---|---| | MS Royal Adventure | Budget option, full-board, pleasant cruiser | £499pp | | MS Club Adventure | Budget, full-board | £499pp | | MS Odyssey | Classic, elegant, fully air-conditioned | £599pp | | MS Presidential Commodore | Well-appointed, Luxor–Aswan | £599pp | | MS Nile Jewell | Outdoor pool, restaurant, Luxor-based | £599pp | | MS Nile Symphony & Nile Supreme | 5-star deluxe floating hotel, Luxor–Aswan | £599pp | | Nile Carnival Cruise | Warm, welcoming; UK departure options | £599pp | | MS Emilio | 5-star superior, Emilio Prestige Line | £599pp | | MS Champollion | French Empire décor, modern facilities | £599pp | | MS Lady Carol, Mary & Sophia | Five-deck; relaxed atmosphere | £599pp | | MS Princess Amira | Premier experience, outside cabins | £599pp | | Sunrise MS Semiramis I, II & III | Outdoor pool, Luxor-based | £599pp | | MS Sultan Hassan | Budget-friendly, pool, poolside bar | £699pp | | MS Royal Viking | Panoramic French balcony cabins, Nile views | £699pp | | MS Jamila | High-class facilities, luxurious atmosphere | £699pp | | MS King Tut | Pool, rooftop terrace, poolside bar, Wi-Fi | £699pp | | Lake Nasser Cruise | World's largest artificial lake, desert views | £699pp | ### Mid-Range Tier (from £899–£999pp) | Vessel | Notes | From | |---|---|---| | Jaz Nile Cruises | Panoramic sliding windows; Luxor–Aswan | £899pp | | MS Le Terrace | Elegance, charm, superior comfort | £899pp | | TUI Al Horeya | Opulent, adult-only; all-inclusive available | £1,099pp | | TUI Bahareya | All-inclusive, adult-only, round-trip Luxor | £1,099pp | | Iberotel Crown Emperor | 5-star super-deluxe floating hotel | £999pp | | Iberotel Amara & Helio | Deluxe outside cabins, panoramic Nile views | £999pp | | MS Radamis & MS Renaissance | 5-star, Luxor–Aswan 220km route | £999pp | | MS Sunrise Mahrousa | Fully renovated | £999pp | | MS Royal Beau Rivage | 5-star deluxe, family-friendly | £999pp | | MS Royal Olivia Signature | Elegantly designed, Luxor-based | £999pp | | MS Esmeralda | Luxurious modern facilities | £999pp | | Sunrise MS Terramar | One of the most luxurious on the Nile, Royal Panoramic Suite | £999pp | | MS Blue Shadow | 5-star super-deluxe, Luxor–Aswan | Contact for price | | MS Tuya | Luxury, modern | Contact for price | | MS Queen Tiyi | Pool, cocktail bar, sun deck, Luxor–Aswan | Contact for price | ### Premium/Luxury Tier (from £1,199pp+) | Vessel | Notes | From | |---|---|---| | Steigenberger Minerva, Regency & Royale | Luxury, large panoramic windows | £1,249pp | | Steigenberger Legacy | Fine-dining, sun-deck pool, winery; ultra-luxurious | £1,199pp | | MS Esplanade | 5-star luxury river cruiser, floating hotel | £1,399pp | | MS Nile Dolphin | Fully renovated for 2025+; pool, bar, restaurant | £1,499pp | | MS Da Vinci | Warm welcome, elegant | £949pp | | MS Liberty | 19th century ambiance, 7,000 years of civilisation theme | Contact for price | | Movenpick Royal Lily | Land-and-water luxury, 7,000 years of history focus | Contact for price | | Movenpick Misr | Luxurious steamer cruise | Contact for price | | MS Grand Rose & MS Grand Sun | Understated luxury, panoramic sun deck | Contact for price | | MS Le Fayan | Mediterranean stone floors, dark wood, Egyptian cotton | Contact for price | | MS Moon Dance & Moon River | 5-star mega-modern ultra-deluxe, Luxor–Aswan | Contact for price | | MS Royal Elite | 5-star ultra-luxurious | Contact for price | | MS Mayfair & Hapi | Five-star deluxe, part of 14-night packages | Contact for price | | MS Nile Ruby & Royal Ruby | Among the finest Nile cruises | Contact for price | | Jaz Royale | Uber deluxe, elegant, regal experience | Contact for price | | MS Alexander The Great | Luxurious yacht, ultimate comfort | Contact for price | ### Ultra-Luxury / Specialist | Vessel | Notes | From | |---|---|---| | MS Historia The Boutique Hotel | Most luxurious yacht on the Nile, ultra-sophisticated | £4,699pp | | HS The Oberoi Zahra | Spa, pool, free Wi-Fi; Aswan–Luxor 7 nights | £2,899pp | | MS Sonesta Star Goddess | All outside cabins, ultra-luxurious | £1,999pp | | Nile Monarch | Long-route deluxe cruise | £2,999pp | | MS Darakum | Full-length Cairo to Aswan, unique experience | £3,899pp | ### Dahabiya (Traditional Sailing Vessels) | Vessel | Notes | From | |---|---|---| | Dahabiya Nile Cruise | Traditional, gracious, elite-style sailing | £1,899pp | | Anoush Dahabiya | Suite balconies, sundeck, elegant | £1,899pp | | MS Merit Dahabiya | Luxurious boutique sailing vessel | £2,999pp | | Gorgonia Dahabiya | 12 cabins, health club, rooftop terrace, hot tub, live BBQ | Contact for price | ### Floating Hotel | Vessel | Notes | From | |---|---|---| | MS Prince Omar Floating Hotel | Docked in Cairo on the Nile; breakfast included | £349pp | --- ## 6. Nile Cruise Itinerary (Standard 7-Night / 8-Day) The standard Luxor–Aswan (or Aswan–Luxor) route covers approximately 220km. **Typical Day-by-Day:** - **Day 1:** Embarkation at Luxor. Settle in, welcome meeting, tips briefing. - **Day 2:** Luxor – Karnak Temple & Luxor Temple - **Day 3:** West Bank – Valley of the Kings (inc. Tutankhamun's tomb), Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon - **Day 4:** Sail to Esna – Khnum Temple (Esna), continue to Edfu - **Day 5:** Edfu Temple (best-preserved in Egypt), sail to Kom Ombo - **Day 6:** Kom Ombo Temple (dedicated to Sobek & Horus), sail to Aswan - **Day 7:** Aswan – Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam, optional Abu Simbel excursion - **Day 8:** Disembarkation **Also available:** 4-night (Luxor to Aswan, Days 1–5) and 3-night (Aswan to Luxor, Days 5–8) itineraries. --- ## 7. Excursions (Full List) ### Cairo & Giza Excursions - **Full Day – Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) & Pyramids** – From £99pp (coach) / £199pp (by air, day trip or overnight). Combines the brand-new GEM with the Pyramids of Giza. - **Half-Day – Pyramids of Giza & The Sphinx** – Qualified Egyptologist guide, inclusive lunch. - **Cairo, Giza, Pyramids, Great Sphinx & Museum Trip from Hurghada** – From £99pp by coach. - **Discover Saqqara Step Pyramid, Serapium & Tomb of Mereruka** – Ancient necropolis tour. - **Memphis, Sakkara & Dashour** – Includes the Red Pyramid, Bent Pyramid, and ancient capital Memphis (built ~3100 BC). - **Sound & Lights at The Pyramids** – Evening spectacular at Giza. - **Explore Ain Sokhna from Cairo – Red Sea Beach Day** – Full-day relaxation trip, ~1hr drive from Cairo. - **Port Said & Suez Canal** – City tour, traditional markets, Suez Canal visit (opened 1869), local restaurant. - **Fayoum & Wadi Rayan Private Tour** – Waterfall of Wadi El Rayan, petrified whales at Wadi Hitan, Mudawara Mountain. 100km southwest of Cairo. - **Alexandria Tours** – Catacombs of Kom El Shoukafa, Roman Amphitheatre, Alexandria Library. - **Egypt by Train** – Independent rail travel Cairo to Luxor. ### Nile Cruise Sightseeing Packages - **Full Sightseeing Package** – From £290pp. Includes: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings (Tutankhamun), Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Kom Ombo, Esna (Khnum), Philae, Aswan High Dam. English-speaking Egyptologist guide, A/C transport. - **Light Sightseeing Package** – From £220pp. Includes: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Kom Ombo, Esna, Philae, Aswan High Dam. English-speaking Egyptologist guide, A/C transport. - **Nile Cruise Luxor to Aswan Itinerary Guide** – Detailed day-by-day breakdown. ### Individual Temple & Site Excursions - **Valley of the Kings** – Tombs of pharaohs and nobles; includes Tutankhamun's tomb. Optional Valley of the Queens extension. - **Karnak Temple** – Largest column-supported temple in the world; dedicated to Amun. - **Luxor Temple** – Temple of Amun Ra; structures from the 12th Dynasty onward; avenue of sphinxes. - **Hatshepsut Temple** – Built for the female pharaoh; also a sanctuary of Amon Ra. - **Edfu Temple** – Best-preserved Egyptian temple; sandstone construction; on all cruise itineraries. - **Kom Ombo Temple** – Greco-Roman period; double temple to Sobek (crocodile) and Horus (falcon). 48km north of Aswan. - **Esna Temple** – Ancient city of Senat (Latopolis), 55km south of Luxor, west bank of the Nile. - **Aswan High Dam** – Built 1960–71; also includes Unfinished Obelisk and Temple of Isis on Philae Island. - **Abu Simbel** – Four colossal statues of Ramses II carved from a mountain. Visited from Aswan (coach departs 0500hrs, 3.5hr drive) or as part of Lake Nasser cruise. 2–3 hours on site. - **Kalabsha Temple** – Located on Lake Nasser near the High Dam; reached by motorboat. - **Dendera Temple** – Dedicated to goddess Hathor; one of Egypt's best-preserved temples. Accessible by river on Iberotel Lotus boat from Luxor. - **Felucca Ride** – Traditional Egyptian sailing boat; ancient Nile transportation. - **Hot Air Balloon over Luxor** – Dawn flight; views of temples, farmlands, and villages. - **Sound & Lights at Karnak** – Evening light show at Karnak Temple. ### Lake Nasser Cruises - **3 & 4-night Lake Nasser Cruises** – From £899pp. Aswan–Abu Simbel or vice versa. Vessels: MS Eugenie, MS Nubian Sea, MS Omar El Khayam. Sites: Temple of Kalabsha, Temple of Beit el Wali, Temple of Amada, Abu Simbel. ### Red Sea Excursions - **Mahmaya Island Full-Day Tour** – Small island off Hurghada coast; clear blue water, coral reefs, food & lounge facilities. - **Giftun & Paradise Island (from Hurghada)** – Day at sea; snorkelling, coral reefs; Egypt's first eco project. - **Scuba Diving Courses (from Hurghada)** – INTRO to PRO; PADI courses over 4 days. - **Abu Dabab Beach (from Marsa Alam)** – Sandy beach, coral reefs; chance to spot dugong (sea cow), turtles, and dolphins. - **Things to do in Sharm el Sheikh** – Glass bottom boat, camel rides, beaches, marine life. ### Jordan Excursions (available on Egypt & Jordan Tours) - **Petra City** – UNESCO World Heritage Site; 7 Wonders of the World; 1km narrow gorge, 80m cliffs, rock-cut tombs. - **Wadi Rum** – 1.5-hour jeep ride into the desert; described by T.E. Lawrence as "vast, echoing and god-like." - **Amman City** – Citadel of Rabbath-Ammon (~850m above sea level); museums and historic sites. - **The Dead Sea** – Second saltiest major body of water in the world; healing mineral waters. ### Practical Add-Ons - **Egypt Visas** – British passport holders require a visa. Available on arrival (up to 30 days) for US$25 at airport bank kiosks. Sterling, Euros, and USD accepted. Recommended to pay on arrival. - **Travel Insurance** – Egypt Escapes recommends Covered2Go as a partner. --- ## 8. Practical Egypt Travel Information ### Visas British passport holders need a visa for Egypt. Single-entry tourist visas (up to 30 days) are available on arrival at Egyptian airports for US$25, payable at bank kiosks before reaching immigration. Sterling, Euros, and USD accepted. An e-visa option is also available online before travel. ### Currency - Egyptian Pound (LE / EGP) is the local currency. - GBP, Euros, and US Dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, hotels, and by traders. - Credit and debit cards accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. Not all Nile cruise boats accept cards – cash is advisable. ### Tipping (Baksheesh) Tipping is an important part of Egyptian culture and is expected: - **Standard 7-night Nile cruise:** Approximately £27pp total (covers cruise crew, drivers, guides, housekeeping). Paid to the tour guide at the welcome meeting. - **Cruises over 7 nights:** Approximately US$10pp per day. - Small additional tips (£1–£2) are customary for porters, toilet attendants, and local helpers. ### Health & Vaccinations No compulsory vaccinations are required for UK residents travelling to Egypt. The following are recommended: - Hepatitis A - Typhoid - Tetanus - Polio Consult a GP or travel clinic at least 4–6 weeks before travel. Travel insurance with medical cover is strongly advised. ### Safety Egypt Escapes considers Egypt safe to visit and monitors FCO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) guidance at all times. The company communicates any relevant travel advisories to customers. The Egyptian tourist industry is well-developed, with tourist police present at major sites. Standard travel precautions apply. ### Climate Egypt has a warm to hot, dry climate year-round. Key considerations: - **Winter (Oct–Mar):** Cooler temperatures ideal for sightseeing (Nile cruise, temples). Luxor and Aswan can be warm in the day, cool at night. - **Summer (Apr–Sep):** Very hot inland (40°C+). Red Sea resorts remain popular due to sea breezes. - **Red Sea coast:** Year-round appeal; warm and sunny. - **Best time for Nile cruise:** October to April. ### Religion & Culture - Majority Muslim country. Ramadan (dates vary annually) may affect restaurant hours and some services. - Modest dress is respectful, especially at temples and mosques (shoulders and knees covered). - Photography is welcomed but permission should be sought in sensitive areas; fees may apply at some sites. ### Electricity - Voltage: 220v / 50Hz - Socket type: Type C and F (European round pin) - UK travellers will need a plug adaptor. ### Wi-Fi & Connectivity - Wi-Fi available at most hotels. - On Nile cruise boats, Wi-Fi is intermittent – particularly in remote areas of the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. - Egyptian SIM cards are widely available and inexpensive. ### Water - Do not drink tap water. Bottled water is inexpensive and widely available. - Use bottled water for brushing teeth. ### Onboard Nile Cruise Experience - **Full-board catering:** All meals included on full-board cruises. - **All-inclusive drinks upgrade:** Available from approximately £200pp. - **Galabia Party Evening:** Traditional Egyptian fancy dress evening; traditional robes (galabias) can be purchased on board or ashore. - **Shopping stops:** Cruises typically include visits to an Alabaster factory, Perfumery/Essential Oils outlet, and Papyrus workshop (on Cairo tours). Spice markets are available in Luxor and Aswan. - **Entertainment:** Nile-side temple visits, onboard entertainment, cultural evenings. --- ## 9. Egypt Destination Guides ### Cairo & Giza Egypt's capital and Africa's largest city. Home to the Pyramids of Giza (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), the Great Sphinx, the brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), the Egyptian Museum (Tahrir Square), and vibrant Khan el-Khalili bazaar. A must-visit base for exploring ancient and modern Egypt. ### Luxor Known as the world's greatest open-air museum. Divided into east (temples of Karnak and Luxor) and west (Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Hatshepsut Temple) banks. The starting point for most Nile cruises. Hot air balloon flights at dawn are a highlight. ### Aswan Southern Egypt's most relaxed city on the Nile. Key sites include the Philae Temple (dedicated to Isis), the Unfinished Obelisk, and the Aswan High Dam. Gateway to Lake Nasser and Abu Simbel. Known for Nubian culture, friendly locals, and beautiful sunsets. ### Hurghada The capital of the Red Sea Riviera. Modern resort city with a wide range of hotels from budget to 5-star. Excellent diving, snorkelling, and water sports. Good nightlife and shopping. Year-round sunshine. ### Sharm el Sheikh Sinai Peninsula resort at the tip of the Red Sea. Famous for world-class diving (Ras Mohammed National Park), beaches, and the SOHO Square entertainment complex. Popular year-round. ### Marsa Alam A quieter, more unspoiled Red Sea destination, popular with divers and those seeking a more natural experience. Abu Dabab Bay is famous for dugong and turtle sightings. ### Soma Bay & El Gouna Upmarket Red Sea resort enclaves. Soma Bay is a managed peninsula resort; El Gouna is a self-contained lagoon town popular with water sports enthusiasts and those seeking a boutique experience. ### Lake Nasser The world's largest man-made lake, created by the Aswan High Dam. A cruise here accesses remote temples including Abu Simbel, Kalabsha, Amada, and Beit el Wali – temples relocated to save them from rising waters. ### Alexandria Egypt's second city on the Mediterranean coast. Rich in Greco-Roman history. Key sites include the Catacombs of Kom El Shoukafa, the Roman Amphitheatre, and the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Library of Alexandria). A day trip from Cairo. ### Petra & Jordan (for Egypt & Jordan Tours) Egypt Escapes offers combined Egypt & Jordan packages including Petra (UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World), Wadi Rum desert, the Dead Sea, and Amman. --- ## 10. Frequently Asked Questions **Q: Is Egypt safe to travel to?** A: Egypt Escapes considers Egypt safe for tourists. The company actively monitors FCO guidance and communicates any advisories to customers. Tourist police are present at all major sites. **Q: Do I need a visa for Egypt?** A: Yes. UK passport holders need a tourist visa. This can be obtained on arrival at Egyptian airports for US$25 at bank kiosks, or as an e-visa online before travel. Valid for up to 30 days single entry. **Q: Are Egypt holidays ATOL protected?** A: Yes. All flight-inclusive holidays from Egypt Escapes are fully ATOL protected (ATOL 3634). An ATOL Certificate is issued at time of booking. **Q: What does a Nile cruise include?** A: Standard Nile cruise packages include return flights from UK, full-board meals on the cruise, an outside cabin with Nile views, and all transfers. Excursions (sightseeing) are generally an optional add-on unless stated as included. **Q: Can packages be tailored?** A: Yes. Egypt Escapes specialises in tailored holidays. The team can customise cruise ship choice, number of nights, hotel tier, add excursions, upgrade to all-inclusive drinks, add airport hotels/lounges, arrange private transfers, extra legroom seats, and combine multiple destinations. **Q: When is the best time to go to Egypt?** A: October to April is generally recommended for Nile cruises and temple sightseeing (cooler temperatures). The Red Sea coast is popular year-round. **Q: What tipping should I budget for on a Nile cruise?** A: Approximately £27pp for a standard 7-night cruise, covering crew, guides, drivers, and housekeeping. Tips are paid to the guide at the welcome meeting. **Q: Can I drink the tap water?** A: No. Always drink bottled water in Egypt, including when brushing teeth. **Q: Do Nile cruise ships have Wi-Fi?** A: Some do, but coverage is intermittent – particularly in remote areas of the Nile. Most larger hotels have reliable Wi-Fi. **Q: What should I wear visiting temples and mosques?** A: Modest clothing is respectful – shoulders and knees covered. Loose, lightweight fabrics are recommended due to the heat. **Q: How do I book?** A: By phone (02070303971), email (enquiries@egyptescapes.com), or via live chat on the website. Open 7 days a week. --- ## 11. Key URLs | Page | URL | |---|---| | Homepage | https://egyptescapes.com/ | | Nile Cruise & Stay | https://egyptescapes.com/nile-cruise-stay/ | | Beach Holidays | https://egyptescapes.com/hotels/ | | Nile Cruise Vessels | https://egyptescapes.com/vessels/ | | Excursions | https://egyptescapes.com/excursions/ | | About Us | https://egyptescapes.com/about-us/ | | Journal / Blog | https://egyptescapes.com/egypt-blog/ | | Contact Us | https://egyptescapes.com/contact-us/ | | Financial Protection | https://egyptescapes.com/financial-protection/ | | Terms & Conditions | https://egyptescapes.com/terms-conditions/ | | Egypt Travel Guide | https://egyptescapes.com/egypt-escapes-complete-egypt-travel-guide/ | | Reviews | https://egyptescapes.com/egypt-escapes-reviews/ |