The best time to visit Egypt is during the cooler months, from October to April. This is when the weather is most comfortable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Our guides are available year round to help plan the dates that work for your schedule.

We will have private vehicles with drivers for longer trips, especially in Cairo.  We will also have the opportunity to try more common local forms of transportation, like Tuk-Tuks (a small open air vehicle), Horse & Carriages, River taxis, and more.

All transportation is included in your itinerary.

Currency:

Local currency is the Egyptian Pound. Check online or your bank for current exchange rates. Due to significant inflation in Egypt, the currency exchange rate changes frequently.

Many restaurants are cash only. 

Many individuals or shops will accept USD.  

Most hotels have ATMs, or local ATMs can be found nearby. Hotels often cannot change down to smaller bills. Be cautious about using ATMS which set their own currency conversion (instead of leaving it for your bank). Often there are multiple machines, so you will have a choice.

Egyptian culture has a heavy dependence on tipping, as determined by low wages. 

There are many circumstances in which you will be expected to tip.  You may tip in either Egyptian Pounds or in USD.  In either case, be sure to carry small bills.  

As in the US, hotels will have bellboys to assist with your luggage. If you use this service, tipping is appropriate. Similar practices as in the US apply to housekeeping at the end of your hotel stay.  

 In public bathrooms, there will be an attendant.  This attendant will provide you will toilet paper (hint: if you use a lot of toilet paper, best to bring your own!).  These attendants should be tipped approx 5-10 EGP.

When visiting temples or tombs, there are many “guards/guides/helpful persons” who will assist you in seeing areas that are closed, take your photo, etc.  All services are expected to be paid, even taking your photo.  Anything from 10-20 EGP or $1-5 USD is appropriate, depending on the service provided.  If the person takes you beyond a barrier, you should tip more than if they simply took a photo for you.

On your tour, you will have private drivers. Tips are expected if they serve you for the day (waiting for you between sites, etc).  $2.50 USD is appropriate for a full day or multiply if driver serves you for multiple days (tipping at the end of the days of service, not each day).  If it is for a single ride, your guide will often take care of any tip with the payment.  For tuk-tuks, ferries, or other alternative transport, your guide can advise if more than a $2-3 USD is appropriate.

Tipping your guide: a general global suggestion is approx $10 USD per person per day, and should be based on your experiences during the trip.

There are numerous modern, historic, and ancient sites across Egypt.  What you see is dependent on your areas of interest.  For some, seeing the pyramids and a handful of temples is plenty of antiquity, and they prefer to spend the rest of their time seeing sites in Cairo or relaxing at the Red Sea.  Some people want to focus on tombs, temples and museums to dive deep into ancient Egyptian history.  Some families might want to tailor days to meet the needs of younger children. The great thing about your private tour is that you can customize it to fit your areas of interest.  

Egypt is a predominately Muslim country, although moderate in its cultural acceptance and tolerance.  Tourists can generally feel comfortable wearing typical American clothing.  It is suggested that everyone dress moderately, especially when going to religious sites.  Women should cover their shoulders, arms, and knees, and men should avoid wearing sleeveless shirts and shorts. Women are not required to wear long pants or long sleeves in non-religious sites, but you may find you receive more attention by dressing more provocatively. 

Your itinerary will include lodging at 3, 4, or 5 star accomodations, as you wish.  

Egypt is filled with culinary delights.  We can tailor your experience to your dietary needs. 

At most hotels and on Nile cruises, wireless internet connectivity is available.
Many US based Telco providers offer international coverage. Check your plan. T-Mobile has especially good plans for basic travel usage.
If you want a SIM card for your trip to Egypt, there is an Orange (an international Telco provider) kiosk in the Cairo Airport that can provide you with a SIM card. You will need to show your passport and make sure that your phone is unlocked before your trip to Egypt.

Egypt uses a 220-volt electrical system with European-style two-pin plugs. You may need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter for some devices.