EGYPT PRE-TRIP INFO

Quick Info | Arrival & Visa Info | Felucca & Sleeper Train | Tipping | Packing List & Tips | Itinerary | FAQS

You’re officially going to Egypt and this is about to be one of the most unforgettable trips of your life! This trip will likely shape the way you view the world’s history, and your place in it.

From packing tips to cultural notes and logistics, we’ve got you covered so you can focus on the experience once you’re there. This pre-trip info is here to help you feel fully prepared so you can relax and enjoy every second once you arrive.

Please read the Visa, Felucca/Sleeper Train, and Tipping sections if nothing else!

General Quick Info

12 Days | 4 Destinations: Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, Red Sea

This is a fully supported, start-to-finish itinerary. Once you arrive in Cairo, everything else is handled for you including transport, accommodations, activities, and your guide.

You’ll experience:

• Ancient wonders like the Pyramids, temples, and tombs
• A Nile River sailing experience
• A sunrise hot air balloon over Luxor
• Local culture, markets, and meals
• Relaxation time on the Red Sea

Your local guide Mizo will be with the group throughout Egypt. He’s been guiding for nearly 20 years and has a PhD in Archaeology. Mizo knows virtually everyone, and is an invaluable resource to have for anything from logistical help, to nitty gritty historical questions. We’re in very good hands with Mizo!

Arrival Info

You’ll fly into Cairo International Airport (CAI).

• If arriving on the trip start date, try to arrive before 4pm to the hotel, landing no later than 2pm would be ideal to give you time to get to the hotel, check in, change, and be ready to depart for the group dinner.
• Airport transfers are included if you arrive on the main arrival day
• If you are arriving early and have booked a pre-night through us, your pre-night hotel includes your transport from the airport. We will collect your flight info and arrange pickups.
• After landing, you’ll go through immigration (this is where your visa comes in – more below)
• Once you exit, you’ll be met and transferred to the group hotel
• On departure day, we plan to be back in Cairo around 1pm, so flights that depart after 4pm. would be ideal.

You’ll meet the group later that day for a welcome dinner and first introductions!

Visas

Most travelers WILL need a visa for Egypt, and this is your responsibility to obtain.

• Cost is typically $30 USD
• You can typically get it:
  • On arrival at Cairo Airport OR
  • Online in advance

For eVisas online, you must apply at least 7 days prior to arrival. If you choose to do an eVisa, we recommend applying at least 60 days before the trip start date. The earliest you can apply is 90 days out.

👉 For additional details on how to obtain your visa, I’ve created a quick guide for this here: Egypt Visa Guide

Important reminders:

• Bring a printed copy of your visa if applying online
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival
• Bring a printed copy + photo of your passport

Tipping Customs

Tipping is not required, but it is an important part of the culture and a meaningful contribution to the people who make your trip great. The recommendations for tipping are generally as follows:

• Guides/Mizo: USD $10-$15/person/day (~$140 total)
• Drivers: USD $5-$7/person/day (~$60 total)
• Total: budget roughly $200-$250 USD total for tips for the trip
• You may also want a few small bills on hand for spontaneous moments, $1-2 USD goes a long way.

Generally I’ll collect tips in cash (USD preferred) on Day 1 in Cairo so you don’t have to think about it for the rest of the trip.

Felucca Overnight Sail

This is a core memory experience, and there’s a few things to know ahead of time so you’re prepared!

• We will spend the day and overnight on a traditional sailboat on the Nile
• Total of about 24 hours onboard – we will get on the boat around 10 AM and be on it until the next morning, where we will disembark and head to Luxor
• We sail the entire way during the day, without stops, just relaxing views, and sightseeing from the boat
• Overnight we will dock on the shore
• The Nile is generally very calm, and not rocky, but if you’re prone to motion sickness plan to take dramamine
• While you *can* swim in the Nile, it’s generally not recommended just due to bacteria, etc

What to expect:

• Two levels: shaded lower deck + open-air top deck
• Communal sleeping (camp-style with mattresses, pillows, blankets)
• Option to sleep under the stars on the top deck ✨
• All meals included onboard

Important notes:

• Very relaxed, slow-paced, and one of the most loved parts of the trip
• There is 1 bathroom with a toilet
• Larger luggage will be stored away, so bring a day/overnight bag

Sleeper Train Experience

One of the most unique parts of this trip!

• Approx 12-hour overnight train (~7:30PM- 8:00AM)
• Private cabins with 2 beds – if you booked a solo room on the trip, you’ll have a solo cabin on the train
• Shared bathroom
• Dinner and breakfast served in your cabin
• A/C on the train

Important Notes:

• Pack a small overnight bag so you don’t have to open your suitcase
• Bring snacks (we’ll have a chance to grab some beforehand!)
• It’s part of the experience, not luxury, but a fun and memorable way to travel through Egypt

Packing List & Tips

You do NOT need anything fancy, just keep it practical and comfortable. Egypt can be hot during the day, and cool during the evenings during the shoulder months. Expect average temps to be around:

• October: Highs 85-95F (29-34C) during the day, evenings ~64F (18C)
• November: Highs 68-82F (20-28C) during the day, evenings ~60F (14C)
• December: Highs 65-75F (18-24C) during the day, evenings ~50F (10C)

The water can be chilly at times in the Red Sea. There are wetsuits available to rent if needed.

Clothing Tips

• Loose, breathable clothing (linen, cotton, flowy pieces)
• Comfortable walking shoes or boots (dusty terrain!)
• Layers for early mornings and evenings
• Light jacket during cooler months
• Shawl or cover-up for sun + modesty
• Swimsuit (Red Sea + felucca vibes)
• Hat + sunglasses (polarized recommended)

Cultural Notes (especially for women)

While you are allowed to wear whatever you want, you will be more comfortable and respectful with a little more coverage.

• Flowy and lightweight is perfect
• Aim for clothing that covers shoulders, knees, and cleavage
• Avoid tight clothing like leggings

Long Haul Flight Tips

• Wear comfy loose fitting clothes
• Drink lotsss of water, a lot of jet-lag symptoms are actually dehydration and effects from being in pressurized air for extended periods of time
• Avoid alcohol in flight – it’s fine! it can just contribute to dehydration/jet-lag
• Get up to walk around as often as possible if you aren’t sleeping
• Chew up a no-jet-lag pill when you board, then another every 2 hours if you aren’t sleeping (it’s okay to skip when sleeping!) (talk to your doc before taking any meds/homeopathic items)
• I like to board the flight, take a no-jet-lag pill, start a movie, eat dinner that’s usually served around 1-1.5 hrs after take off, finish my movie, have another no-jet-lag pill and sleep as long as I can

Packing List

If possible, I’d recommend packing in a small rolling suitcase, and a backpack/bookbag. It’s a hassle to lug around a big checked bag since we make lots of moves. This is of course not an exhaustive packing list but just some helpful notes/things that may be less obvious! You can also browse my Egypt Packing List here.

• PRINTED VISA
• Color copy printed of passport
• Cash (see FAQ section below)
• Prescription medications
• Sunscreen
• Sunscreen chapstick
• Lotion
• Toiletries/soaps/makeup etc
• Sunglasses – the light is VERY bright when it reflects, I’d recommend polarized glasses
• Loose fitting clothing, think flowy pants, loose cover ups etc.
• Light jacket/warmer jacket
• Bathing suit
• Boots or good walking shoes – Egypt is very sandy/dusty so I prefer to wear ankle high hiking boots
• A light cover/shawl/button-up/etc to hide from the sun
• Hat
• Cards or games that are easy to travel with that you may want to play as a group on the felucca ride!
• Books/kindle etc for trains/buses/flights/felucca
• Dramamine if you need it for the felucca (it’s pretty smooth and calm)
• Outlet adapter
• External charger (only 1 plug on the felucca so having a charger handy will be nice!)
• Travel neck pillow (my sister loves the Trtl)
• Travel eye mask (I loveee these ones)
• No-Jet-Lag-Pills (I take these on every long flight)
• Headphones that plug into plane audio jack OR an AirFly to use bluetooth headphones
• Cross body bag/purse/fanny pack for walking around (I love TravelOn the most, I’ve used this one for 5 years and love it)
• Bag lock for your bookbag/suitcase
• Hydration packets – it’s easy to get really dehydrated and drinking lots of water is key!
• Water bottle – I like this self-cleaning one to refill/if we buy big multi gallon jugs (water in Egypt isn’t super bad, but it’s high in chlorine which can mess with people’s stomachs)

I’ve linked some of my favorite items and they are commissionable links that I receive a small portion (like a few cents) at no cost to you anytime you buy through them, but by no means is it required!

Itinerary

Day 1 – Cairo: Arrival Day

WOOHOO! You’ll land in at the Cairo airport ready to explore this magical country over the next 10 days. You’ll want to arrive before before 4pm since in the afternoon we will explore Khan el-Khalili Market and have a group welcome dinner.

• Meals Included: Dinner
• Hotel: Hyatt Regency Cairo West (or similar)

Day 2 – Cairo: Great Pyramids

We will wake up bright and early ready to explore one of the most famous sites in the world: the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Spend the afternoon learning ancient history with Mizo inside the brand new Grand Museum.

• Meals included: Breakfast
• Hotel: Hyatt Regency Cairo West (or similar)

Day 3 – Cairo: Saqqara & Dahshur

Now that you’ve explored the most famous pyramids in Egypt, walk (more like climb) through some of the earliest and lesser known pyramids of Saqqara and Dahshur (did you know there are actually over 100 pyramids in Egypt??).

In the afternoon you’ll head back to the hotel for a chance to freshen up and change because tonight, you’re in for the adventure of a lifetime on a historic overnight train through the Egyptian countryside along the Nile River.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner on Train
• Hotel: Overnight Train Cabin with bed

Day 4 – Aswan

Did you get some sleep on the train? Because you’ve got a full day! Today you’ll explore the island temple of Philae, before a quick sail on the Nile over to Elephantine Island. Here you’ll meet up with a local Nubian family to learn about their lives, culture, and enjoy a home cooked meal in their home. 

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
• Hotel: Obelisk – Nile Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 – Aswan: Abu Simbel

Today you’ll wake early, hop on a bus, and ride down to the southern part of Egypt to witness one of the most stunning temples in the world: Abu Simbel. Not only is it thousands of years old, it was moved brick by brick to save it from being lost to the dam. After you arrive back in Aswan, you’ll have some time to relax (aka nap) before a luxurious High Tea experience at the famous Old Cataract Hotel (yes, the one from Death on the Nile!).

• Meals Included: Breakfast, High Tea (tea, light apps, deserts)
• Hotel: Obelisk – Nile Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 – The Nile River: Overnight Felucca

After days of exploring ancient temples, today you finally get to relax, put your feet up, and watch the world go by as you slowly sail the Nile River on a traditional Egyptian felucca (sailboat). Lunch will be served on the boat, and Dinner will be served on banks of the Nile where you’ll dock for the night. Everyone will sleep camp style in a communal boat, pillows and blankets will be provided. There will be a bathroom with running water for your use.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner on the Felucca
• Hotel: Overnight Sail on Felucca

Day 7 – Luxor

Wake up to the sun rising over the Nile, enjoy your last meal on this impressive river before disembarking and hopping on a bus to continue your exploration of historic Egypt. On the drive to Luxor, you’ll pit-stop to explore a temple few tourists ever see: Esna. Did you know Egyptian temples weren’t muted desert stone, but painted brilliant colors? You’ll get to see for yourself here.

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Hotel: Iberotel Luxor (or similar)

Day 8 – Luxor: East Bank of the Nile

It’s borderline offensive how early you’ll have to wake up today, but it will all be worth it to watch the sun rise over the tombs of the pharaohs and the Nile river, all from a hot-air balloon! 

After your balloon adventure you explore the magnificent Karnak Temple (Amanda’s personal favorite) before the heat, then enjoy a relaxing afternoon. In the evening you’ll walk through Luxor Temple at night.

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Hotel: Iberotel Luxor (or similar)

Day 9 – Luxor: West Bank / Valley of the Kings

For your last day in Luxor you’ll turn into a archeologist while exploring tombs of the pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings, and Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple before indulging in a local lunch at a families home. Finally, to round out the last site of the day you’ll walk through Medinet Habu Temple, one of the most beautiful in all of Egypt.  Soak it all in because these are your last temples before the beach!

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
• Hotel: Iberotel Luxor (or similar)

Day 10 – Hurghada (Dendera)

After spending the night in Luxor, you’ll wake and head to the coast. On the way you’ll stop at your last historical site, one of the most colorful and unique temples, Dendera.

You’ve been an explorer, an archeologist, Nile navigator, and now it’s time to relax (well, unless you like to snorkel). The last 2 days you’ll spend experiencing a whole other side of Egypt, the sparkling waters of the Red Sea. 

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
• Hotel: Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort (or similar)

Day 11 – Red Sea (Hurghada)

Today is all about sun and sparkling waters! You’ll enjoy all your meals at the hotel, have plenty of time to relax, and you’ll head out on a snorkel tour to admire the Red Sea from where it’s most impressive: beneath the waters.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Hotel: Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort (or similar)

Day 12 – Hurghada to Cairo

Enjoy breakfast and your last views of the (blue) Red Sea before flying back to Cairo. From the airport in Cairo you’ll either fly straight home from there, or depending on your flight time you may need an optional extra night to sleep in Cairo before flying out the next day.

Either way, you’ll be heading home with memories and experiences that will not only stick with you for life, but will likely shape the way you view the world’s history, and your place in it (not to mention new friends too!). 

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Hotel: N/A or Novotel Cairo El Borg (or similar)

Optional Day 13 – Cairo Departure Day

Depending on your flight time when we arrive back from Hurghada you may need an additional night, if so then stay in the hotel in Cairo then fly out the next day!

• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Hotel: Novotel Cairo El Borg (or similar)

FAQ’s