Egypt is a fascinating country filled with famed ancient monuments such as the Pyramids and the Sphinx with a history dating back thousands of years. Witness some of the magnificent wildlife living along the Nile including rare birds such as spot squacco herons, hoopoes, and the mighty crocodiles. In the arid desert see Shiatta Gazelles and flamingos, and the vibrant coral reefs of Marsa Alam where mantas and dolphins swim. The deserts of Egypt are filled with so much variety with endless outdoor adventures including camel and horseback rides, sandboarding near Al Fayoum, and evening camps under the stars. Hot air balloon rides are a great way to see the vast desert area and the magnificent tombs at Luxor. Experience the shopping at vibrant traditional souqs in Egypt filled with colorful fabrics, sensational smells, spices stalls, and unique souvenirs. Check out Egypt`s café culture and enjoy tea at the many unique atmospheric cafes.

Cairo is Egypt’s ancient capital known as the victorious city nestled along the banks of the Nile River. Cairo boasts some of the magnificent ancient wonders including the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Witness some of the amazing collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts in the entire world including the contents of the Tomb of Tutankhamen. Alexandria is known as The Pearl of the Mediterranean a spectacular seaside city curving along the enchanting Corniche. The historic city founded by Alexander the Great is brimming with fantastic museums and archeological sites including Pompeys Pillar, the Catacombs, and the Ancient Royal Amphitheater. Luxor is a fascinating ancient city split in two by the River Nile featuring an impressive collection of historical sites including tombs, ruins and mighty temples. The city is known as the world’s largest open-air museum where visitors can explore architectural masterpieces, visit interesting museums, cruise along the River Nile and enjoy the bustling riverside atmosphere.

We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities

By Bus: Frequent bus services are offered in Egypt connecting travelers all over the country. The bus services are frequent, reliable, and safe and routes are divided into geographical areas with long journeys out to the seaside locations.

By Plane: One of the quickest ways to travel around the substantial area of Egypt is by plane with daily flights offered between Cairo, Alexander, Luxor, Aswan, and more. There are quite a few airlines offering internal flights including EgyptAir who offer frequent, cheap, and reliable services.

By Car: Driving around Egypt is not advisable due to poor road conditions, heavy traffic, and erratic drivers. However, there is an option in Egypt to hire a car with a driver which is a good option to see sights within certain cities.

By Train: Traveling via train in Egypt is easily done with a great rail system that runs from north to south between Aswan and Alexandria. Train travel is a pleasant and practical experience in Egypt allowing passengers the opportunity to see the scenic surroundings. There are two classes of services offered; Spanish and Special which both provide first and second class seats.

The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (LE). US Dollars are accepted amongst other currencies and also preferred by the locals. You will need to exchange your dollars for pounds upon arrival; there are ATM machines at the airport and throughout downtown Cairo. You can also exchange your money at the local banks and five-star hotels.

The official language spoken in Egypt is Arabic. English is spoken and understood by most individuals in the service industry, however, if you travel to the areas of Upper Egypt you will most likely encounter individuals that do not speak or understand English. We suggest you get a good English/Arabic Guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you and numbers 1-10.

During the winter months from October to February, the weather can be much cooler with overcast skies especially in the capital city of Cairo and the Nile Delta region.

Winters in the south remain pleasant and warm during these months but temperatures tend to drop at night and become chilly. The Red Sea is ideal during these months providing perfect weather for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling.

October through April is also peak travel season in the country as most travelers visit during the cooler months and attractions can be very crowded during this popular time. Hotel accommodations and travel prices increase during this time, and often sell out quickly, it is important to book in advance. The winter holiday season of Christmas and New Years are a popular time to visit Egypt along with Easter time as well.

Tipping or ‘Backsheesh’ as it is referred to in Egypt is something you will hear requested from anyone who provides you with a service in this country, and sometimes even from individuals who did not provide you with a service.

Tipping is a large part of the service industry culture in Egypt and some service workers may even comment on the amount that you have tipped, or seem disappointed with the amount, stating that the amount is too low, do not feel obligated to tip them anymore and if they make a rude comment, simply take the money back. This is simply part of the culture here, tipping is expected everywhere in Egypt. Tips are a very important part of Egyptian workers lives as they do not receive much in wages, and therefore they depend and rely on their tips to make a living.

Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use Egyptian pounds?

The official currency in Cairo is the Egyptian Pound (LE). US Dollars are accepted amongst other currency and also preferred by the locals. You will need to exchange your dollars for pounds upon arrival; there are ATM machines at the airport and throughout downtown Cairo. You can also exchange your money at the local banks and five-star hotels.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?

At restaurants in Egypt there may already be a service charge included in your bill in the amount of 5 – 10%, always be sure to check the bill for a service charge. However, this amount goes to the restaurant and not to your waiter/waitress. The wait staff relies on their tips, so be sure to leave at least an additional 10% and give this to your waiter/waitress.

Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?

At hotels in Egypt, a tip is usually expected by anyone who assists you. You should tip the bellman at least 3 – 5LE per bag, leave the housekeeper between 5 – 10LE a night and around 10 – 20LE for the concierge. Hotels normally add a service charge to your bill, but this amount will not make it to the service staff that relies on tips.

Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?

Although it is not customary to tip your taxi driver in Egypt, they do appreciate tips. Normally a fare will be agreed upon prior to your taxi ride and most times this will include a tip. You can always leave a little extra change or round up to the next dollar.

Tour guides: Is a tip required?

Tipping your tour guide in Egypt is a common practice, there are many sights to see in this country and tour guides provide you with a knowledgeable experience and rely on their tips. If you are taking a full day sightseeing tour you should leave around 50LE for the driver and between 80-100LE for the tour guide, for a half day tour tip around 25LE to the driver and 40 – 50 for the guide. Always check your bill to see if there is already a tip included.

Miscellaneous: Is there anyone I should tip that I would not normally?

If you are visiting a spa in Egypt prepare to tip between 10 – 15% of your total bill for the staff. Bathroom attendants are common in Egypt and you can tip them between 1 – 2LE. If you take a Felucca ride in Egypt tip the captain around 5 – 10LE.

Final Thoughts:

Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. This is also true for hotel staff, however, if you should encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, we highly recommend speaking with the manager.

When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.