Egypt 11-day Trip

$4,365 USD – Trip cost per person (See below for inclusions and exclusions.)

I’m a single traveler. Will I be charged a single supplement?

If you would like a single room throughout the tour, you can purchase the “single supplement”. The single supplement fee for this trip is $750. If you would like your own room, you can purchase the additional supplement at check-out. We have made the single supplement fee as affordable as possible so that those traveling solo are encouraged to travel with us.

If you are comfortable sharing a room with another traveler of the same gender and would like us to pair you with someone to avoid paying the single supplement, we can try to arrange this for you. Pairing with another person of the same gender comes on a first-come, first-served basis. At the time of booking, there will be a questionnaire pertaining to this. Please complete it accurately so that we can try our best to accommodate your preferences.

IMPORTANT: If we cannot find a roommate for you, you will need to purchase the single supplement. Roommates will always be the same gender. We try our best to pair roommates based on preferences (i.e. non-smokers, no snoring, night owls, early birds, etc.), but this is not always possible. If you are a light sleeper, sensitive to certain smells, etc., we recommend purchasing the single supplement. We will put you in contact with your roommate after booking. If you wish to have your own room at any point during the trip, you will need to purchase the single supplement pro rata. This will also be subject to availability.

What is included :

  • 7 nights accommodation in hotels
  • 3 nights on a premium Nile riverboat cruise
  • Private, air-conditioned ground transportation
  • 2 domestic flights
  • Activities as indicated on the itinerary
  • All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
  • Airport pick-up & drop-off (hotel shuttle)

What is not included :

  • Optional excursions and activities
  • Some lunches and dinners
  • Gratuities
  • Souvenirs
  • International flights
  • Insurance

  1. Each group consists of 4 – 14 travelers. We prefer small group travel because based on our experience, large groups are less easily able to integrate into society and generally have less authentic contact with the locals.

    A small group number also means that group members will receive more personal treatment from the guide who can more thoroughly attend to the needs of each person. Small groups are also more mobile and flexible as travel plans can be more easily altered en route.

  2. Most of our travelers are in their late 30s to late 60s/early 70s and most are solo travelers. The minimum age on our trips is 18. Generally, we get a good mix of diverse people and every trip is unique thanks to the group dynamic.

    We like to think of our trips as get-togethers at amazing destinations. Past travelers have told us that the group dynamic and the friends they made were highlights of the trip.

    Check out pictures from our previous trips to get an idea of the group dynamic by clicking HERE.

  3. Almost all foreign visitors to Egypt will need a visa and must apply for an e-visa online or get the visa on arrival upon landing in Cairo.

    Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, the EU, the USA, the UK, and Canada can get a visa on arrival or an e-visa. A single entry visa is valid for three months from the date of issue and entitles the bearer to one month of travel in Egypt. An Egypt tourist visa allows a total stay of 30 days per entry.

    As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.

    *After booking your trip with us, we will provide you with details and instructions on applying for the e-visa and/or the visa on arrival.

  4. While most daily activities are already included in the trip price, you will have some free time and the guide can recommend and/or help arrange any activity that might interest you. Most of the activities can be arranged with little to no notice. Optional activities are not included in the trip cost and will be paid at your own expense.

    There is an optional hot air balloon ride in Luxor for 120 USD per person. You can sign up during the trip with the guide and pay in cash or by credit card.

  5. The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP).

    Find out the live mid-market rate for your currency by using a currency converter online.

    Smaller notes are especially useful for tipping but are in increasingly short supply. Therefore, it’s a good idea to stockpile them when you can by withdrawing irregular amounts from ATMs or ensuring change by paying with larger bills in high-end establishments so you can get small change.

  6. We recommend that you use ATMs while in Egypt as they usually offer the best exchange rates. The easiest way is to pull money out from the ATM at the airport upon arrival and throughout your trip.  It is always a good idea to carry some cash on you in case your bank puts a hold on your ATM card.

    Some ATMs have an EGP 2,000 limit. However; look for a Banque du Caire machine if you wish to draw more than that.

    You can find ATMs at almost all bank branches as well as at most large supermarkets, some petrol stations, shopping malls, airports, and post offices.

    ATMs are easily found in large cities and airports, although they are less common in rural and remote areas. When traveling outside of the city, be prepared by having enough cash as ATMs aren’t always an option.

    Your guide will inform you when you will be visiting an area that is cash-only with no ATMs around. He will plan a stop at an ATM and/or exchange house before heading into those areas.

    It’s important to tell your bank and/or credit card company that you’ll be using your card in Egypt. Some banks block transactions in foreign countries or currencies if they haven’t been forewarned of your travel plans.

    You can also change currency easily in the major cities and tourist areas of Egypt. The airports have several exchange desks so it’s worth shopping around. If you aren’t happy with the exchange rates offered, then simply change what you need immediately and look for a better deal in town. Keep in mind that airports and hotels often offer poorer currency exchange rates. Upon arrival, the guide can help you find a place to exchange money at a reasonable rate. When bringing cash to exchange upon arrival, make sure that you have clean, crisp notes.

    Your guide will be with you for the duration of the trip and he will make frequent stops for ATM withdrawals as well as banks to exchange money.

  7. Debit and credit cards from major foreign banks should be accepted throughout Egypt (Visa and Mastercard are typically best). Before you travel, contact your bank to confirm whether or not your card will work and ask about withdrawal fees on their side. You should also ask them to make a note of your travel dates so they won’t think your card has been stolen and cancel it the first time you use it at an Egyptian ATM. A backup card is a good idea if you have one as is making a note of your bank’s overseas helpline number in case of emergency.

  8. Based on past travelers’ feedback, an estimated amount to bring for spending is between $400 – 700 USD. WE HIGHLY ADVISE BRINGING OR HAVING ACCESS TO MORE MONEY THAN YOU EXPECT TO SPEND IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

    As most components of your trip have been prepaid, you will only need money for a few lunches and dinners and any optional activity you may want to participate in. If you are an avid shopper or enjoy a cocktail in the evening, these costs are incurred at your own expense.

    Like most travel destinations, Egypt does not lack in its offerings of unique items. Past travelers have said it was their favorite country for shopping so pack light! You will be visiting a lot of fantastic places that offer unique items. Remember that most places that offer high-end products will often accept credit/debit cards.

  9. While tipping isn’t mandatory in Egypt, it is customary. Rounding up the bill and leaving spare change at restaurants and cafes is generally standard practice. Taxi drivers and porters will also accept tips and the equivalent of 1 USD is usually sufficient in this case.

    On the first day of your trip, your guide may discuss the idea of running a group tipping kitty to which everybody contributes an equal amount at the start of the trip. Your guide then uses this to tip drivers, local guides, and hotel staff on your behalf. In Egypt, this can be beneficial as it is hard to break large bills and get small change for tips.

    If you wish to take a picture of a market vendor, artisan products, etc., expect to be asked for a tip.

    Tipping your bus driver and guide: At the end of the trip, if you are satisfied with the service that you received from your guide and bus driver, you are more than welcome to tip them, especially if you feel they did an exceptional job and helped you have a great trip. Below are recommended amounts based on past travelers’ feedback:

    • Egyptian guide: $10 – $15 USD per day
    • Egyptian driver: $2 – $5 USD per day

    For more information about tipping your guide, please see our blog on tipping your tour guide.

  10. When using your phone overseas, be sure to check with your provider to get informed about data and call roaming prices. When you land in Egypt, you will usually get a message from your provider that will give you the price of data, calls, and texts in that country. See the example below:

    Welcome to Egypt! Your plan gives you unlimited data at up to 2G speeds and texts at no extra cost. Calls at 20 cents/min. Want our fastest data and unlimited calls? Get an International Pass for just $5/day. 

    You may consider contacting your service provider to learn about what kind of international plans they offer for calls, texts, and data.

    *NOTE: Even with an international plan, phone coverage is slow and inconsistent all over Egypt. Expect limited or no coverage in remote and mountainous areas.

  11. All hotels you will be staying at (except the Nile cruise) offer free Wifi. However, expect slow and weak connections. Please note that Wifi is not guaranteed to work, even in large hotels. In more rural areas, Wifi can be spotty and may not work in your hotel room. You may only have access to Wifi in the hotel lobby area. Be prepared to ‘disconnect’ when traveling in the rural areas of Egypt.

    While on the cruise, free Wifi is available in the lobby area and lounge, you can purchase a daily Wifi card for an additional charge if you need wifi in your room.

  12. Adapters/converters may be necessary for many of your electronic devices. Egypt operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz.

    The plug facilities have 2-prong outlets with two round prongs in line which look like this:

    In Egypt, the power plugs and sockets are the types C, E, and F. Type C is also known as the standard “Euro” plug.

  13. Temperatures in Egypt during all seasons will vary depending on the region, but are generally warm to hot during the day and cooler at night. Pack lightweight clothing and don’t forget your sunscreen! Also note that in the desert, temperatures drop very low at night. Therefore, a warm coat/jacket is a must all year round. Please be aware that the weather across Egypt can be unpredictable so it is best to be prepared for extremes.

  14. Whether you travel in summer or wintertime, always bring a warm coat as temperatures in the desert can drop very low at night despite the warm/hot days. It is important to dress modestly in order to be respectful of the culture as well as to avoid unwanted attention.

    As a tourist, you are not expected to dress like the locals. However, it’s best to dress appropriately to be respectful of local customs and to avoid unwanted attention. You can wear whatever you feel comfortable and cool in. We recommend avoiding very short shorts, showing cleavage, and tight or revealing clothing.

    Below are a few things that we suggest bringing to make your trip more comfortable:

    • Sunglasses/hat
    • Flashlight/headlamp
    • Umbrella (for shade)
    • Light clothing covering knees and shoulders (for the Muhammad Ali Mosque)
    • Lip balm (it gets dry in the desert!)
    • Warm coat (for cool nights & optional hot air balloon ride)
    • Jacket/cardigan (for cool nights)
    • Swimsuit & cover-up
    • Comfortable walking shoes
    • Flip flops/sandals
    • Sunscreen 
    • Insect repellent
    • Small backpack or across-the-shoulder bag for the day
    • Prescription and over-the-counter medication (if needed)

    All hotels will have a hair dryer and a toiletries kit, but if you want extra shampoo, conditioner, or soap, you can bring your own.

  15. Almost all of the hotels on this trip offer laundry services for a fee, if needed.

  16. Restaurants throughout Egypt offer a wide variety of foods. When making your reservation, please notify us of your specific requests such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc. Alternative options will always be possible throughout the tour although options might be limited.

  17. It is not advisable to drink the tap water in Egypt. Bottled water is readily available for a small fee at restaurants, hotels, cafes, stores, and kiosks.

    Egypt has a plastic waste problem like many places in the world, but unfortunately, there are not many water refill stations. Your guide can help you buy larger jugs of water and these can be used to refill your personal water bottles so you can bring a water bottle and refill it from these larger jugs. This is a small role we can play in the solution to the plastic epidemic that plagues Egypt.

    Another thing you can do to help the environment is to put purchased items in your day pack/backpack rather than using the plastic bag that the store provides you. Small things can add up to make a big difference!

  18. Most areas of Egypt that you will visit on this trip experience less crime compared to the bigger cities such as Cairo. During your time in the larger cities, it is suggested to travel in groups of two or more even though it is very unlikely that you will face any violence.

    As with any travel destination, it is important to be aware of your surroundings with a secure over-the-shoulder day pack that closes tightly. This way your belongings won’t easily become the property of any purse snatchers or pickpockets. Situations such as those just mentioned are most common in larger cities or at famous attractions where large numbers of Egyptians and tourists tend to congregate.

    The US State Department offers general travel information about this country. See the link below for more information.

    U.S. State Department Travel to Egypt

  19. Please review the CDC Health Information for Travelers Website before traveling to Egypt to see any recommended vaccinations.

    If you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions or are concerned about what vaccinations may be right for you, we strongly advise that you visit a medical professional or your personal physician before your trip.

  20. Yes, we offer private trips to Egypt for groups of 4 people or more. The itinerary can be tailored to your needs and you will enjoy a personalized experience with our guides and your friends and family.

    Please contact us at info@globe-drifters.com for more information.

Flights

Your arrival and departure city are Cairo (CAI).

Please do not book any flights until you receive a confirmation email from us. You will receive a confirmation email within 24 – 48 hours of booking.

Visa

Almost all foreign visitors to Egypt will need a visa and must apply for an e-visa online or get the visa on arrival upon landing in Cairo.

Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, the EU, the USA, the UK, and Canada can get a visa on arrival or an e-visa. A single entry visa is valid for three months from the date of issue and entitles the bearer to one month of travel in Egypt. An Egypt tourist visa allows a total stay of 30 days per entry.

As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.

*After booking your trip with us, we will provide you with details and instructions on applying for the e-visa and/or the visa on arrival.

Temperatures in Egypt during all seasons will vary depending on the region but are generally warm to hot during the day and cooler at night. Pack lightweight clothing and don’t forget your sunscreen! Also note that in the desert, temperatures drop very low at night. Therefore, a warm coat/jacket is a must all year round. Please be aware that the weather across Egypt can be unpredictable so it is best to be prepared for extremes.

In Egypt, you will be spending 3 nights on a Nile River cruise boat and 7 nights in hotels. Please understand that in Egypt the term ‘5-star’ does not have the same meaning as it does in the West. All of our hotels and the cruise are premium accommodations where you will be very comfortable and have access to high-quality facilities and amenities.

Cairo

This five-star hotel features breathtaking views of the Giza Pyramids and boasts an outdoor pool and two restaurants that offer delicious Peruvian and Japanese cuisine.

Aswan

Set on Elephantine Island, this upscale resort overlooks the River Nile. There’s a stylish restaurant overlooking the water, plus a poolside eatery and a chic top-floor bar. 

Abu Simbel

Overlooking Lake Nasser, this hotel is inspired by Nubian architecture and you can see this in the room decor and colorful textiles. Amenities include a lagoon-style pool, 3 restaurants, and 2 bars. There’s also a shisha lounge, a cafe, and a shopping market, as well as gardens and an amphitheater on the property.

Nile Cruise

Our cruise boat on the Nile has proved to be a firm favorite with guests. After a busy morning’s sightseeing, unwind with a refreshing dip in the pool or sip a cold drink on the deck. This cruise has a well-appointed restaurant that serves a delicious range of international and regional cuisine. The lounge bar with its attractive terrace area is the perfect place for a pre-dinner drink.

There is a full range of amenities including belly dance shows, a jacuzzi, a spa, and a swimming pool.

The cruise includes all meals but drinks must be purchased separately.  Some meals will be a la carte while others are buffet. All breakfasts are buffet-style.

Free wifi is available on the boat in the common areas and at an additional charge in the rooms.

Luxor

This hotel is set on the banks of the Nile and you’ll enjoy its sweeping terrace with majestic views of the river, a grand entrance of polished marble, a health spa, and an array of fine dining choices.

Cairo (airport hotel)

This hotel is conveniently located just a 10-minute drive from the airport. The property boasts a total of 5 restaurants and 2 bars, as well as an outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace. The hotel also offers a poolside bar and a full-service spa with a hammam. Free Wifi is available throughout the hotel.

*Please note that we will arrive here in the late afternoon/early evening and unless you extend your stay in Egypt, everyone will depart the next day. For this reason, we have selected to stay at an airport hotel on the last night of your trip so you don’t have to deal with the chaotic traffic in downtown Cairo for 2 hours.

We recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance for your trip. We work with Travelex, which offers travel protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical, and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay, and more. Otherwise, you are welcome to shop around online for a provider and policy that best suits your needs.

For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, click on the image below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792. Globe Drifters’ reference location number is 09-0984.

Trip insurance get a quote travelex

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 E7N