Travel & Logistics

I want this trip to be as smooth and enjoyable as possible for everyone, so I’ve put together some key details about transportation, accommodations, and travel requirements to help you prepare.

Accommodations:
Where We’ll Be Staying

I’ve handpicked a mix of accommodations to give you a well-rounded experience. We’ll be staying in everything from a luxury Nile cruise, premium hotels, homestays that offer an authentic look at Egyptian life. Here’s a quick overview of where we’ll be resting our heads:

Cairo:

Hotel with Iconic Views:
In Cairo, we’ll kick things off with a stay at a hotel with breathtaking views of the Pyramids of Giza. Imagine waking up to one of the Seven Wonders of the World every morning!

Aswan Nubian Village:

We’ll be staying in a charming Nubian village along the Nile, where our hosts will treat us to home-cooked meals and warm hospitality. Get ready for great conversations, vibrant culture, and stunning views of the river.

Nile Cruise:

Luxury All-Inclusive Nile Cruise: For 3 nights, we’ll sail down the Nile on a beautiful cruise ship. Our Nile cruise is designed for relaxation and style, with luxury cabins, local gourmet dining, and serene Nile views every day.

It’s a perfect way to take in the scenery and relax as we explore all of the ancient sites between Aswan and Luxor.

Cruise Amenities: Outdoor swimming pool with sun terrace, Free WiFi, Restaurant, Room service, Bar

Luxor:

We’ll stay at Elphardous Oasis Hotel located near the Temple d’Amon (Médinet Habou).

Hurghada:

After all the exploring, we’ll unwind at the Fort Arabesque Resort, Spa & Villas. Whether you’re into beach days, spa time, or water activities.

Feel free to extend your stay and enjoy the beach for a little longer after our journey ends.

How We’re Getting Around

I’ve organized private transportation and internal flights to keep things comfortable and convenient. Here’s how we’ll be moving around:

Meet & Greet Service:

If you’re arriving on April 14th, I’ll be there to welcome you at Cairo International Airport and assist with the transfer to our first hotel in Giza.

Private Transportation:

For local travel between cities and sites, we’ll be using private air conditioned vans and buses. This gives us more flexibility and comfort during our journey.

Domestic Flights:

We’ll be taking two domestic flights on April 17:

Cairo to Abu Simbel – 2.5 hrs total
Egyptair MS 145 – 5:15 AM
Abu Simbel to Aswan – 45 min
Egyptair MS 150 – 1:25 PM

These flights help us cover more ground in less time, so we can focus on experiencing each place without spending too much time on the road.

The flight from Cairo to Abu Simbel has a 30 min layover in Aswan where we can remain in our seats for the layover.

Aswan to Luxor:

We’ll travel for 3 days by cruise ship heading north on the Nile making several stops along the way.

For more information, see “Nile Cruise” in the accommodations section above.

Luxor to Hurghada:

We’ll travel around 3 hours by private bus, giving us a chance to enjoy the scenery and chat along the way.

Visa Requirements

Visitors from the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom can get a visa on arrival for $25 USD. For others, visa requirements vary depending on your nationality, so be sure to check with the Egyptian embassy or consulate in your country before booking your flights.

If you have any questions or need assistance, I’m happy to help!

Health & Safety

Your safety and well-being are my top priorities. Here’s what you need to know:

General Health: We want everyone to enjoy this trip to the fullest, so it’s important that all travelers are in good health. If you’re feeling unwell before departure, it’s best to stay home and get better. Just reach out to me, and we’ll work together to figure out the next steps.
Drinking Water: Unfortunately it’s best to avoid drinking tap water in Egypt. Bottled water is widely available and is recommended for drinking and brushing your teeth. During the trip, we’ll make sure we have access to safe drinking water at all times, so you can stay hydrated and feel your best.
Travel Insurance: All participants must show proof of travel insurance at least 30 days before the trip. The insurance should cover international medical expenses, trip cancellations, and any unexpected interruptions. It’s a must-have for everyone’s peace of mind.
Vaccinations & Health Precautions: While there are no mandatory vaccinations for visiting Egypt, it’s always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider. Make sure you’re up-to-date on routine vaccinations and bring any necessary medications.

Physical Fitness Requirements

This trip is designed for participants with an average level of fitness. We’ll be doing some walking, exploring temples and historical sites, and moving around various locations. Most of the activities are manageable for anyone in good health, but a few days may include moderate exertion, such as climbing steps or walking on uneven terrain. If you have any concerns or specific needs, feel free to reach out, and I’ll be happy to discuss them with you.

Booking Your Flights

Please do not book your international flights until you receive your confirmation email. I’ll send out a notification as soon as we have a confirmed group. This way, you can book your flights with confidence!

All domestic flights are included.

Packing Tips

Egypt’s temperatures can vary widely—from intense heat to surprisingly chilly evenings. Make sure to pack a versatile wardrobe so you can layer up and stay comfortable no matter the weather.

Here’s a quick list to get you started:

Clothing: Lightweight, breathable fabrics for warm weather. Bring layers for cooler evenings and a few pieces of modest attire for visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees covered).
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are a must. The walkways around ruins can be uneven, dusty and rocky, so be sure to bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes.
Beachwear: Swimsuits, sun protection, and a reusable water bottle for our time in Hurghada.
Extras: At major sites such as the pyramids, you can expect to be exposed to the elements at length, so be prepared with a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and plenty of fluids. A small daypack or backpack will also come in handy.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Arrival & Departure Details

Start in Cairo: Please plan to arrive in Cairo by the morning of April 14. I’ll be waiting to meet you at the airport and help you settle in.

End in Hurghada: Our tour officially ends on April 24 in Hurghada. You can book your return flight from Hurghada or stay on to explore more of Egypt at your own pace. Let me know if you need help with any post-tour arrangements!

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

Extra Support & Planning Help

I will be in Egypt for the entire month of April. If you’d like to arrive earlier or stay longer, I’d be happy to help with recommendations for accommodations, transportation, and activities.

Just let me know what you’re looking for, and I’ll do my best to make it happen!