Highlights of Egypt (Small Group) Trip Notes

General

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Discover Egypt in ultimate comfort on a luxury small group tour designed to immerse you in ancient wonders and modern elegance. From grand temples and timeless monuments to rich culture and unforgettable experiences, this journey offers the best of Egypt with premium service every step of the way.

Explore the historic heart of Alexandria, wander through the vibrant bazaars of Cairo, and strike a pose with the iconic Sphinx beside the awe-inspiring Pyramids. Then unwind aboard a stylish 5-day Nile Cruise, sailing past temples and villages as you experience the enchanting rhythm of life along the Nile — all with 5-star accommodation, expert guides, and seamless travel throughout.

Please Note: This tour is operated by our sister company Ciconia Exclusive Journeys, specializing in premium travel experiences.

Duration : 11 Days

Destination : Egypt

Start/Ends in : Cairo / Cairo

Group Size : 24 People Max.

Age Req. : 18+

Trip Theme : Luxury

Hotels : 5 Star

Departs : All Year Around

Why you will love this tour

• * Ciconia Exclusive Tours include premium services such as 5-star accommodation, modern comfortable transportation, incredible sights & all entrance fees, breakfasts & most dinners, tips, porterage and more.
• * Enjoy 5-star accommodation throughout, including a premium Nile Cruise — comfort, style, and seamless service from start to finish.
• * Travel in an intimate group for a more personalized, relaxed journey with plenty of space to connect, explore, and unwind.
• * Cruise the legendary Nile for five unforgettable days, stopping at majestic temples while soaking in the scenery from a deluxe floating hotel.
• * Stand before the Pyramids of Giza, marvel at the Sphinx, and dive into ancient history with the insight of professional, passionate guides.
• * Wander through Cairo’s lively bazaars, visit ancient wonders in Luxor and Aswan, and get a real feel for Egypt’s vibrant culture and traditions.
• * With most meals, tips, entrance fees, and domestic flights included, you can relax and fully enjoy the experience — we’ve thought of everything.

Arrival Details

The group welcome meeting with you guide and other travellers is held around 18:30 at the hotel lobby on Day 1 of your tour, unless otherwise notified.

Meeting Point:

The meeting point for the tour is:

Crowne Plaza West Cairo – Arkan – CAIRO

Arkan Plaza Zayed Entrance, 2 26th of July Corridor, First Al Sheikh Zayed, Giza Governorate 12588, Egypt

Phone : +20 2 21240333

Emergency Number: +44 203 14 99 200

Airport Transfers :

All tours starting in Cairo include arrival airport transfer.

To arrange your airport transfer please email us the following information at least 2 weeks before your departure date. [email protected]

Travel Date, Flight Number, Local Arrival Time, Name/s of the Passengers

Making Your Own Way to the Starting Point

The arrival hotel, Crowne Plaza West Cairo, is located in the 6th of October area, approximately 45 km from Cairo Airport (CAI). Depending on traffic, the drive takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour by taxi.

You can take a regular taxi from the airport directly to the hotel, with fares typically around 350–400 EGP. Alternatively, Uber is available if you have mobile data access — though please note that license plate numbers are shown in Arabic, which can make it tricky to locate your driver. For added convenience, you can also arrange a private transfer through cairoshuttlebus.com; visit their desk at the airport or book ahead online. This option is usually 50–70 EGP more than a regular taxi. We recommend avoiding white cabs, as they tend to charge higher rates.

Finishing Point

The finishing point is:

Crowne Plaza West Cairo – Arkan – CAIRO

Arkan Plaza Zayed Entrance, 2 26th of July Corridor, First Al Sheikh Zayed, Giza Governorate 12588, Egypt

Phone : +20 2 21240333

Emergency Number: +44 203 14 99 200

Highlights

Aswan: Sunniest city of Egypt and a popular touristic stop for many cruises. The local market here is an excellent place to do some shopping and to find Egyptian fresh spices.

Cairo: With the Great Pyradmids of Giza, ancient temples, magnificent monuments and the Egyptian Antiquities Museum, Cairo offers and experience of a lifetime.

Edfu: Edfu has the most complete and best-preserved temple in Egypt, the Ptolemaic Temple of Horus, which was constructed between 237 BC and 57 BC.

Giza: The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and the only one still remaining to this day. An absolute must see.

Komombo: Kom Ombo means “hill of the gold” crowned with Temple of Komombo. The temple is unusual as one side is dedicated to the god Haroesis and the other side to Sobek.

Luxor: A top travel destianation in Egypt with a wealth fo historic monuments and buildings bringing Egypt’s fabled past to life. Luxor is called the world’s greatest open air museum.

Philae Temple: Phliale Temple, a beautiful temple complex is one of the most picturesque in all of Egypt. It sits on Aglika Island just south of the old Aswan Dam.

Itinerary

Inclusions & Exclusions

The tour price covers the following services:

Accomodation : 5 star hotels, Nile Cruise with superior facilities including an outdoor pool on-board.

Airport Transfer : Arrival transfer on the first day of the trip

Meals : 10 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 8 Dinners

Transportation : Air-conditioned coach or minibus, domestic flights between Cairo & Luxor and between Aswan & Cairo.

Additional Transportation: Complimentary private airport transfers on arrival and departure dates. Nile Cruise with superior facilities including an outdoor pool on-board.

Guide : Local & Expert Egyptologist Travel Director throughout your trip

Included Services: Entrance fees to all cultural, historical and natural sites on tour. Seamless baggage handling, delivered to your room at every hotel. Tips at the hotels and restaurants, all taxes and porterage fees.

Sightseeing : Giza Pyramids
Sphinx
Egyptian Museum
Philae Temple
Unfinished Obeliks of Aswan

Edfu Temple
Komombo Temple
Luxor Temple
Karnak Temple
Hatshepsut Temple & Colossi of Memnon

What is NOT included in the tour price?

• Any flights not mentioned above

• Travel insurance

• Meals not stated above

• Items of a personal nature

• Other services not stated in the itinerary

Hotels & Accomodation

Solo travellers will be roomed with another solo traveller of the same gender in a twin or triple room or can upgrade to a solo room by paying the single supplement. You may choose the solo room option when booking online or contact us to arrange a private room. Your tour leader will allocate rooms upon arrival at the starting hotel in accordance with the rooming lists, last-minute changes may not be guaranteed.

Crown Plaza Cairo West – CAIRO – 5 Star

Located in the entertainment district, Crowne Plaza West Cairo Arkan, an IHG Hotel is a great choice for a stay in Sheikh Zayed City. The outdoor pool is a great spot to take a dip, and guests can grab a bite to eat at Mayrig, one of 3 restaurants, which serves international cuisine.

Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruiser

Immerse yourself in the fascinating past of Egypt on the Steigenberger Legacy, sail the Nile on a cruiser in comfortable cabins with en-suite facilities.

MS Tulip Nile Cruiser

Prepare yourself to touch the beauty and the greatness of the ancient Egyptians` wonderland and build a wonderful memory in a floating hotel experience between Luxor and Aswan.

Hilton Alexandria Corniche – ALEXANDRIA – 5 Star

Boasting an ideal location in the heart of Alexandria, Hilton Alexandria Corniche features its own private beach and wellness facility. Guests can enjoy sea views from the panoramic pool terrace or indulge in various cuisines available at the 6 outlets.

Distances

Please find below the distances between the sights visited in Egypt and Jordan and the approximate driving times. We will always strive to take a short break every few hours to enable passengers to stretch their legs, purchase snacks and use wash facilities during long drives.

Aswan – Luxor: 247 kms – 3 hrs
Cairo – Aswan : 982 kms – 12 hrs
Aswan – Abu Simbel: 309 kms – 3.5 hrs
Luxor – Cairo: 735 kms – 9 hrs

Nile Cruiser

We use 5-star cruisers on our Nile Cruise tours. On the Nile Cruise boat, there is ample deck space, a large sundeck, and a spacious, shaded seating area with its own bar and the best views of the majestic Nile. Meals are served in the air-conditioned restaurant and there is a lounge bar where you can enjoy your evening listening to music or playing cards. The air-conditioned cabins have a private ensuite shower, toilet, and washbasin as well as a large window offering a panoramic view of the river. Although the meals are included in the tour price, drinks will cost extra, and please note that the prices on the cruise boat can be higher than the usual Egyptian restaurants & bars.

Budgeting

Please note that entrance fees to sights and optional activities are not included in the tour price. Optional activities are not operated by Travel Talk and may require a certain number of attendees to run. Your guide will be happy to inform you further about the available optional activities at the start of your tour. Optional activities are also listed under each day in your tour itinerary.

Optional Activities

Please note that Optional Activities are not operated by Travel Talk.

Hot-Air Ballooning — 124 USD

Abu Simbel — 129 USD

Nubian Dinner — 32 USD

Group Dinner — 35 USD

Personal Spending

The currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Most major cities and towns in Egypt have ATMs and credit or debits cards are widely accepted in the tourist areas. If you plan to travel off the beaten track, be prepared to have cash for souqs, small meals, and entrance fees.

While every traveler’s spending habits may differ slightly, we have estimated the average daily expenses to help with budgeting for your next trip. Here you will find the average cost for a meal or drink.

Meals (Egypt)

Lunch at the restaurant: US$ 4-8

Dinner at the restaurant: US$ 10-15

Shawarma (lamb pitta) at a stall: US$ 1-2

Zalabya – Egyptian Donut ball: US$ 0.30

Drinks (Egypt)

Bottle of water: US$ 0.5

Coffee: US$ 1.5-2

Tea: US$ 1-2

Bottle of beer: US$ 3-4

Tipping

Known as ‘Baksheesh’, tipping is a natural part of daily life and is considered part of the traditional payment structure for services in Egypt. We recommend budgeting around 5-10 USD a day for tipping with an estimation of a ~10% tip at restaurants, taxis, and the rest. Your Guide and Driver would also appreciate this kind of gratitude at the end of your tour or their service.

Egypt Shopping

Souqs, or local markets, along with larger bazaars are not only the perfect place to shop for souvenirs but also among the most remarkable attractions of Egypt. The biggest and most famous soup is the 500-year-old Khan El Khalili Bazaar in Cairo. Quality can vary quite significantly depending on how much you spend and where you shop, so feel free to always ask your expert guide for their advice while on tour. Haggling and bargaining over prices in bazaars and souqs is a fundamental part of shopping in Egypt. The key is to start low and work your way up but always have a maximum value in mind.

Cartouche Jewellery

Cartouche, commonly known as hieroglyphics, is an ornate Egyptian scroll featuring engravings and inscriptions. It is common to find gold and silver jewelers all over Egypt selling personalised Cartouche pendants. Silver jewelry featuring a cartouche pendant is a common souvenir across Egypt but to buy quality, we recommend purchasing silver that is stamped with ‘925’ quality. Prices for quality Cartouche jewellery can range between 10 USD – 1,000 USD depending on the metals.

Muski Glassware

Since medieval times, Muski glass has been hand-blown to create incredible plates, vases, candle holders, glasses, and more to fashion through the homes of local Egyptians. This bubble-shot glassware comes in vibrant shades of blue, green, and purple, and is known to be extremely fragile so pack with caution!

Perfume

Egypt is a major trading centre for the perfume industry, and you can’t escape the country without visiting an essential-oil dealer to try a few for yourself! Got a favourite perfume that you would like to purchase on the cheap? Local shops across Egypt will duplicate famous perfumes at a reasonable price. Lotus (sawsan) and Jasmine (full) are the most distinctively Egyptian scents, and you can expect to pay approximately 15-25 USD for a duplicate perfume.

Essential Information: Egypt

Bear in mind the essential information regarding traveling to Egypt & Jordan before your trip. For more, check out our Egypt travel advice page.

Passport & Visas (Egypt)

Visas to enter Egypt are compulsory for all tourists. It is possible to obtain a tourist visa when you get to Cairo International Airport for most nationalities. However, we recommend applying for a Visa online two weeks prior to arrival in Egypt.

Please note passport holders from UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, and the EU may purchase their visa stamp upon arrival, while South Africans must arrange their visa prior to arrival.

If you wish to get a visa on arrival, you can do so at approved bank kiosks within airport arrival halls, before reaching immigration counters. The visa fee is US$25, payable in in GBP, USD or EUR. Visas granted on arrival are valid for a maximum of 30 days.

Passport validity entry requirements: Travellers entering Egypt must also carry a passport or travel document valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.

This information is provided as a guidance, we strongly advise that you check with the consulate or embassy as this information can change. Please note, visa costs can change at any time and with little notice depending on the political climate of the region. It is your responsibility to make sure that all the required travel documents are ready when travelling.

Travel Advice

We are closely monitoring the latest travel updates to Egypt and follow the advice of the UK Foreign Office. For the latest travel advice from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), please visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt.

We recommend all travellers to check their Government National Travel Advisory prior to their departure:

Australia – https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

Canada – https://travel.gc.ca/

New Zealand – https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/

USA – https://travel.state.gov/

Travel Insurance

All passengers travelling with Travel Talk are required to have personal travel insurance before participating in any of our tours. Your guide will collect your travel insurance details on the first day of your trip. It is your responsibility to make sure you have an adequate and suitable travel insurance for you in place, you may read more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/travel-insurance

Health & Safety

The health and safety of our passengers, staff and communities visited is of utmost priority. As we monitor and comply with the official advice from the UK Foreign Office, as well as World Health Organization and government authorities regularly, we have implemented several policies and precautions on our tours for your wellbeing. You may find our Safe Travels Protocols at https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels

Travel Talk Adventures has received the Safe Travels stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which allows travellers to recognise companies around the world that have adopted health and hygiene global standardised protocols – so consumers canexperience ‘Safe Travels’.

Please make sure to regularly check your Government’s travel advice before travelling and be well-informed of any requirements. Your tour guide will also notify you of the regulations and protocols to follow throughout your trip with us.

Please note that if any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary or possess a potential risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to remove them from all or part of a trip.

Please consult with your doctor for the latest medical travel information and any vaccinations you may need. We recommend that you bring any personal medical requirements and medications with you as these may be difficult to obtain while on tour.

Weather

Egypt is a year-round destination with sunny days, warm climate and very little rain. The summer months, from June to August, can be particularly hot, especially towards the south of the country in Luxor and Aswan where temperatures can hit 40 degrees Celsius. If you are visiting Egypt during this time, take plenty of sunscreen and hydrate regularly throughout the day. The best time to visit Egypt, and also traditionally the busiest season, is from October to late March. During these months, the days are usually bright and sunny. If you are travelling during these winter months and plan to trek in the Sinai or cruise on the Nile river, you should expect temperatures to fall considerably overnight, especially near Mt. Sinai – Come prepared with some extra layers to rug up overnight. Spring and Autumn are only short seasons and during the 50 days (Khamaseen) between the end of March and mid-May, dust storms can occur sporadically. Check out our weather guide for the best time to visit Egypt.

Money Matters

The local currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP).

Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist sites across Egypt and Jordan. However, if you’re travelling off the beaten track, come prepared with a small stash of cash on hand inexpensive purchases at local markets, souqs, entrance fees or small meals. ATMs can be easily found in many places across the cities, however, are not as common in rural areas. We recommend you do not exchange bulk sums of money at the airport, as the exchange rates are usually more favourable in the major cities. Your tour leader will be happy to help if you need any assistance.

Please remember that everyone has different spending habits, some prefer to spend more on souvenirs, some on experiences and others on a night out! Make sure to budget your trip to your spending habits for shopping, drinking, and tipping.

Tipping is known as ‘baksheesh’ in the Middle East and while it is not mandatory, is common reward for good service paid by both tourists and locals alike. It is reasonable to tip around 10% if a service charge is not already applied to a bill. While on tour, a budget of 5-10 USD per day will usually cover tips. Your Tour Guide and Driver would also appreciate this kind of gratitude at the end of your tour or their service.

It is common for group members to contribute to a “Tipping Kitty” to minimise worries regarding tipping, such that the guide may collect tips at the start of the tour for the whole group in order to avoid the hassle while adventuring throughout Egypt.

Eating & Drinking

Egyptian food combines elements of Mediterranean, Middle-Eastern and French cuisines. Egypt’s staples are bread and beans. Eating and drinking in Egypt will introduce travellers to the native foods of the country, many of which are already commonplace in Western countries – including pita bread, falafel, and hummus. We strongly recommend not to drink tap water in Egypt and to exercise caution if buying refreshments in markets and bazaars due to the uncertainty regarding the quality of water used. Bottled water and soft drinks are inexpensive and readily available across the country.

Egyptian eating habits differ from the norm with restaurants normally serving lunch between 13:00-16:00 and dinner between 20:00-24:00. Searching for unique and authentic dishes can often be overwhelming if you’re not a local, so here’s a few must-try dishes to get you started in Egypt. For more, check out our Egypt Food Guide.

Fuul: Commonly known as fava beans, Fuul is quite cheap and can be prepared in several ways including boiled or mashed with tomatoes, onions, and spices. Often served as part of a larger mezze with babaganoush, hummus and labne, this dish has a long history.

Ta’meya: Commonly known as Falafel, Taamiya is deep-fried patties of spiced green beans are crunch on the outside, soft on the inside and considered a Middle Eastern staple! Usually served in pitta bread with salads, pickles, and tahina sauce, Taamiya can be purchased at street stalls for quick, cheap meals.

Koshary: Koshary is considered one of Egypt’s most well-known dishes, consisting of pasta, rice, lentils, fried onions, beans, garlic, vinegar, chillies and smothered in tomato paste. That mix may sound strange, but it is worth a try! The dish is sold at hole-in-the-wall eateries and street carts.

Hamam Mahshi: A North African acclaimed delicacy, Hamam – roasted pigeon stuffed with cracked wheat and rice – can be found on the menu of most traditional Egyptian restaurants.

Shawarma: A popular street food, similar to the famed Greek gyros, with an Egyptian twist. Shawarma is made up of a choice of either chicken or beef marinated with Middle Eastern spices and cooked on a spit.The shaven meat is served in a wrap with tahini.

As a predominantly Muslim country, Egypt give alcohol a low profile. Most of the hotels serve alcoholic drinks, but during Ramadan some hotels may close their bars. Public drunkenness is not widely accepted however alcohol can be obtained in most places and local beers ‘Luxor’ and ‘Stella’ are worth a try! Egypt’s national beverage is tea (shai) while every main street is teeming with stand-up juice stands offering freshly squeezed banana, guava or mango juice.

Internet Access

Egypt

Internet access has become increasingly common in hotels, cafes and restaurants in large Egyptian cities, however the quality of connection differs. Many internet cafes can be found in the cities as well. Make sure to enable data roaming on your mobile if you wish to use 3G/4G abroad, although the connection may be unreliable in smaller towns and rural areas. Purchasing an Egyptian SIM card for the duration of your tour may be a cost-effective option. Your guide will be happy to advise on this.

Essentials to Bring

-Face mask/cover and hand sanitiser enough for your personal use throughout the trip – See more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels/

-Travel Documents: Passport, Visa (if required), flight or transport ticket (and photocopies)

-Travel Talk Tour Voucher (printed or digital)Travel Insurance Policy (and photocopy)

-Personal medical kit and medicine

-Money (cash, credit card, travellers’ cheques)

-Power Adapter

-Reusable water bottle

-Ear plugs and eye mask

-Sun protection – hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

-Comfortable, closed walking shoes

-Wind/water proof jacket

-Warm clothes, hat, and gloves for cold weather

-Sandals, swimwear, shorts for warm weather

Culture and Traditions

Egypt

Egypt’s culture is a fusion of both ancient and modern, bound by a strong sense of community across the country. Egyptian traditions and culture stand amongst the oldest civilisations’, and can be seen through impressive sites, architecture, and artwork. Home to breath-taking monuments such as the world-famous Pyramids of Giza and Abu Simbel, the unparalleled history accumulated over millennia around the Nile is unique. Throughout Egypt, family remains the most important link in the social chain, particularly among the Bedouin of the deserts. Tourism plays a crucial role in the country and Egyptians are friendly, open to other cultures and known for showing good hospitality towards tourists. Egyptians see their country as the gateway between Western society and the rest of the Arabian world. This mixing is most apparent in major cities such as Alexandria and Cairo where international franchises and traditional eateries stand side by side in a fusion of old and new.

Religion, Etiquette and How to Dress

Egypt

Religion plays a big role in the life of Egyptians, and it is intermingled with daily activities of Muslims and Christians. Approximately 90% of the population are Muslim, and the way people dress and interact with each other is largely influenced by religion – it affects many parts of societal life, is permitted by the law and life entails daily prayer. The religious holidays of Ramadan and Eid are the most significant events for Muslims. A wide array of cultural norms, including how people dress and interact with the opposite sex, are influenced as such. In traditional homes, women are largely defined by their role as a mother and matron of the house, whereas men are expected to be the provider.

As a general guideline, we recommend wearing lightweight, comfortable, loose fitting clothing and walking shoes while travelling Egypt. Please also keep in mind that when visiting religious sites, appropriate attire is required. It is recommended to pack at least one set of modest clothing that covers both shoulders and knees, to be worn when visiting mosques and other religious complexes. A headscarf for women is necessary when visiting religious complexes in Egypt.

Please also keep in mind that when visiting religious sites, appropriate attire is required. It is recommended to pack at least one set of modest clothing that covers both shoulders and knees, to be worn when visiting mosques and other religious complexes. A headscarf for women is necessary when visiting religious sites. In summer, cotton clothing is much more comfortable than materials like nylon. Clothing that will protect you from sunburn is an absolute necessity. Especially in summer months, white or light coloured, long sleeve cotton shirts are preferable. In winter (December-March) you will need some warm, woollen clothing but in general, the weather is still quite warm. Always ensure to pack comfortable closed walking shoes

Solo Travellers

We have many solo travellers joining our tours. Solo travellers will be roomed with another traveller of the same gender. If you would like a private solo room, please contact us. You may see out solo travels page for more details.

Rules to Follow

We are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. We do not tolerate any form of violence (physical or verbal), bullying or harassment involving customers, partners, Travel Talk staff or locals. Sexual relationships between a tour leader and a passenger are forbidden.

We will not tolerate any illegal activity, including but not limited to: use and possession of illegal drugs, trespassing, and disrupting public order. If you consume alcohol, please ensure that you drink responsibly and follow the local laws and regulations.

You must follow the advice of your tour leader and local officials regarding health and safety measures. We operate all tours under Safe Travels protocols for the wellbeing of our passengers, staff and communities visited. Please ensure that you have read the https://www.traveltalktours.com/safe-travels/ and are fully prepared for your trip.

If someone is acting inappropriately regarding these matters, please notify your tour leader immediately or contact us on the emergency contact number provided below.

Your tour leader has the right to remove from the group anyone not abiding by these rules, with no right of compensation or refund. See more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/booking-terms/

Please remember that our travellers come from different parts of the world and will have various needs and preferences. Be understanding and patient with your fellow travellers, and always strive to be on time.

Responsible Travel

We believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with you, we strive to make a positive impact on local people and economies, respecting the local culture, environment, social fabric and customs; encouraging respectful and meaningful cross-cultural exchange. Read more at https://www.traveltalktours.com/responsible-travel/