Common Questions

I’ve taken care of almost everything! Your package includes all accommodations, internal flights, private transportation, most meals, entry fees, and guided tours at all the major sites.

You’ll need to budget separately for international flights, some meals, and optional activities like the hot air balloon ride in Luxor or snorkeling in Hurghada. Also, remember to budget for personal expenses, additional tips (see more about tips below), souvenirs, and snacks. Travel insurance is required and should also be arranged prior to the trip.

No, this trip is not organized through a tour company. I’m personally putting this trip together to show you my home country in a more authentic way. It’s designed to feel less like a typical tour and more like a friend showing you around, with the added benefit of having a certified Egyptologist (my sister) as your guide. We’re here to handle all the details and make sure you have a smooth and enjoyable experience—without the big-group, touristy feel of most tour companies.

From her decades of experience, my sister has organized everything locally for two main reasons:

1) Getting the best value for the price.
2) Supporting local vendors who can be overlooked by larger tour companies.

Yes, most people will need a visa to enter Egypt. Visitors from the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom can get a visa on arrival for $25 USD. Visa requirements depend on your nationality, so please check with your local embassy or consulate. If you need help figuring it out, I’m happy to assist!

Absolutely! I’ll be in Egypt for the entire month of April, so if you want to arrive early or extend your stay, you’re welcome to do so. I’m happy to help with recommendations and planning, but any additional costs will be at your own expense.

To reserve your spot, a nonrefundable deposit is due by November 20. The remaining balance must be paid at least 90 days before the trip starts. You’ll receive friendly reminders leading up to the deadlines!

The deposit helps secure bookings for internal flights, the Nile cruise, and other arrangements that need to be made well in advance. Because these reservations require upfront payments, I’m unable to offer refunds on the deposit.

If the tour reaches its maximum capacity of 15 people, you can join the waiting list. If a spot opens up, I’ll reach out in the order you joined the list.

Please DO NOT. I recommend waiting until the tour is confirmed with enough participants. I’ll send out a notification once we have a confirmed group, so you don’t need to worry about booking flights just yet!

Since our tour ends in Hurghada, it’s not necessary to book round-trip flights to and from Cairo. While it’s perfectly fine if that’s what you want, keep in mind that Hurghada has an international airport with direct flights to many destinations. You can consider flying out of Hurghada to save time and avoid backtracking to Cairo. 

Here’s a list of all outbound direct flights from HRG.

If you decide to fly back to Cairo after the tour, I can help arrange a domestic flight or suggest other transportation options like private cars or buses. Feel free to reach out if you’d like assistance with planning your return journey.

I’m expecting a fun, adventurous group of people, most with some experience traveling in a group already. This tour is perfect for anyone who loves history, culture, and new experiences. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or joining with friends, you’ll fit right in!

Travel insurance is a must for this trip (or any trip). It’s required to protect you in case of unexpected situations like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, or other unforeseen events. You’ll need to show proof of insurance at least 30 days before we start our adventure. A quick online search will give you many options to choose from.

In mid-April, the weather in Egypt is generally warm and pleasant, making it an excellent time to visit. Average daytime temperatures vary across different regions:

• Cairo & Giza: Temperatures range from 16°C (61°F) at night to 29°C (84°F) during the day.
• Luxor: Temperatures range from 17°C (62°F) to 35°C (95°F), with almost no rainfall.
• Aswan: Warmer temperatures, ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 36°C (97°F).
• Hurghada (Red Sea Coast): Moderate temperatures ranging from 19°C (66°F) to 30°C (86°F).

Overall, April is a dry month across the country, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. While it’s warmer in the south (Luxor and Aswan), the temperatures are still manageable compared to the peak summer months.

Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and a good pair of walking shoes! You’ll also want to bring some modest attire for visiting religious sites, swimwear for Hurghada, and a reusable water bottle. I’ll send a detailed packing list closer to the trip date!

Yes! You can have up to 2 people per booking if you choose to book together. Otherwise, if you’re traveling with friends or family, let me know by replying to the confirmation email, and I’ll make sure you’re sharing accommodations.

If you’re a solo traveler and sharing accommodations, I’ll do my best to match you with someone compatible.

Yes, tipping is an important part of the culture in Egypt, especially for guides, drivers, and hotel staff. To make things easier for you, a $15 USD tip has already been included in the trip price to cover drivers, hotel staff, and meal service staff.

For our guide, tipping is not included in the trip cost, so you can show your appreciation directly on the last day of the tour. Budgeting a little extra for our guide or offering additional tips for exceptional service is always a thoughtful gesture.

We’ll use a mix of private transportation and internal flights to keep things comfortable and efficient. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey!

My sister and I will do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions. Just let me know your dietary restrictions when you fill out the payment form, and I’ll make sure we accommodate your needs wherever possible.

If you have serious food allergies please make sure to let us know and to always bring epipens or other medications while traveling.

Yes, I’ve built in some free time so you can explore at your own pace or just relax. If you want help planning something specific during your free time, I’m always around to give suggestions!

The trip is designed for adult travelers only.

My sister and I are mindful of the ethical considerations surrounding animal treatment in Egypt. She only works with vendors who are licensed and don’t have a record of mistreating animals. Still, you are free to choose to completely avoid any activities that involve animals, such as camel or horse rides.

If you have any concerns or questions about this, I’m happy to discuss it further and ensure the trip aligns with our shared values.

The group’s safety is my first priority. You may hear Egypt mentioned a lot in the news lately, but that’s because Egypt plays an important role as a peacekeeper in the region and typically doesn’t get involved in conflicts.

While there are occasional reports of political unrest, the tourist areas we’ll be visiting—like Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, and Hurghada—are considered safe and are very far removed from any such events.

I’ve also arranged private transportation and trusted local guides to ensure we can navigate any situation smoothly. As a local, I’m familiar with the area and will always prioritize the group’s safety. If you have any specific concerns, feel free to reach out, and we can discuss them in more detail.