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      This program is confirmed to run as a shared departure with G Adventures, which means there may be non-educator participants who book directly through G Adventures. The minimum age is 12 years old instead of GEEO's typical minimum of 18 years old.

      If you prefer a private GEEO group with our normal age requirements, check out one of our programs next summer in June or July.

      • Hotels: Upgraded Comfort Class

      • 12/23/2024 - 01/03/2025

      • Max Participants: 14

      • 12 Days / 11 Nights

      Overview

      This journey through Egypt packs in the best of culture and adventure in 12 fast-paced days. We have upgraded the hotels and transportation to make this trip a bit more luxurious than the typical GEEO program. Explore ancient sites along the Nile, including the remarkable Great Pyramid of Giza, the tomb of Pharaoh Khufu. Embrace the culture and meet remarkable people as you enjoy a traditional meal with a local Nubian family in Luxor. Feel the buzz of vibrant bazaars in Aswan and Cairo, while still managing to relax and watch life unfold as you enjoy a 3-night cruise down the Nile. Visit Egypt with us, all while earning professional development credit with other educators.

      A map of the tour begins in Cairo. It then continues South to Aswan by plane. There is an excursion to Abu Simbel by van, then a journey to Luxor by Nile riverboat, with a stop in Kom Ombo en route. Then return to Cairo by plane, travel to Alexandria and back by private vehicle, and end the tour in Cairo.
      What's Included:
      • Three-night Nile Cruise
      • Tour of Abu Simbel
      • Tour of Kom Ombo Temple
      • Lunch with a local family in Luxor
      • Excursion to the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, Luxor, and Karnak Temples
      • Visit the Colossi of Memnon
      • Visit to the Alexandria Library, Catacombs, and Pompey’s Pillar
      • Guided visit of the Egyptian Museum
      • Guided tour of the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx
      • All entrance fees to included monuments
      • Certified Egyptologist tour leader throughout
      • 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners – allow $100-250 USD for meals not included
      • Upgraded hotels (8 nts), Nile cruise boat (3 nts)
      • Transport between destinations and to/from included activities using private air-conditioned vehicle, Nile cruise boat, and plane
      • Airport arrival transfer
      What's Not Included:
      • International air travel
      • Incidentals
      • Travel health and cancellation insurance
      • Applicable visas
      • Tips or gratuities
      • Airport taxes
      • Beverages
      • Meals not mentioned in itinerary
      • Optional tours and admissions

      Itinerary Download PDF

      Day 1: Cairo Arrive in Cairo at any time. Meet your group for a welcome meeting around 6:00 or 7:00 p.m.

      Arrive at any time. The tour begins and ends in Cairo, and the main airport is Cairo Airport (CAI). Giza is also served by Sphinx International Airport (SPX). Due to the potential for flight delays or cancellations, we highly recommend that you plan to arrive at least a day in advance. This will also give you time to adjust to the time difference and overcome any jet lag. We can book extra hotel nights for you in Cairo before and/or after the trip. Hotel Check-in and Welcome Meeting Please note that check-in at the hotel is usually around 2:00-3:00 p.m. There are no planned activities until an intro meeting around 6:00 or 7:00 p.m., usually in the hotel lobby. Check for a sign or ask at the reception desk about the exact time and location of the group meeting. Please make every effort to arrive in time for this meeting. If you are delayed and will arrive late, please inform us. Your tour leader will then leave you a message at the front desk informing you of where and when to meet up tomorrow. After the meeting, you might choose to get dinner at a nearby restaurant with your traveling companions and your tour leader to further get to know one another. Joining Instructions The program fee for this trip includes an arrival transfer from Cairo airport on Day 1, or up to three days prior if you arrive early and have booked your pre-accommodation through GEEO/G Adventures in our starting hotel. Arrival transfers will not be available to passengers who have booked pre-tour accommodations independently of GEEO/G Adventures. A G Adventures representative will be at the airport to meet you with your name on a sign. They will meet you inside the airport before immigration, as they are all licensed airport representatives. There could be many signs at this rendezvous point, so please check carefully for your name. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the hotel via taxi. G Adventures regional office emergency contact number: +44 1858378000 G Adventures local contact emergency phone number: +20 100 000 3945 CAUTION: Unfortunately, there have been cases of people misrepresenting themselves as G Adventures representatives; please check that your driver knows your name and the hotel to which you are going. If in doubt, ask them to call their manager to confirm your transfer. Approximate travel time: 1-1.5 hours included arrival transfer from airport to your hotel Accommodation: Safir Hotel Cairo (or similar) * For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

      This morning, grab breakfast at the hotel to go and catch an early flight to Aswān, which has a distinctively African feel. Small enough to walk around and graced with the most beautiful setting on the Nile, the pace of life in Aswan is slow and relaxing. After arriving in Philae Temple, opt to join your tour leader on a visit to Philae Temple (pre-booked with GEEO). The large temple complex on the island was built around 2,000 years ago and dedicated primarily to the Egyptian goddess Isis. In the 1960s, due to frequent flooding in the area caused by the Aswan Low Dam, the entire complex was meticulously relocated to nearby Agilkia Island to preserve it. This effort was part of a larger UNESCO project to save Egypt's historical monuments from the rising waters. During your visit, learn about the history of the site and the culture of the people who live in this part of Egypt. Alternatively, you might opt to explore the busy Aswān market. Spend time strolling up and down the broad Corniche watching the sailboats etch the sky with their tall masts, or sitting in floating restaurants listening to Nubian music and eating fresh fish. In the evening, board a local boat and take a trip along the magnificent Nile, with views of the Aga Khan Mausoleum and Kitchener Island. Stop on one of the inhabited Nile islands in this area to tour a local Nubian village. Walk through the village and fields and learn more about the life of the Nubian people before enjoying a delicious traditional dinner at a local home. Approximate travel time: 1.5 hrs by plane Accommodation: Basma Hotel (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

      Early in the morning, grab another boxed breakfast from your hotel before boarding a private bus to the famed temples of Abu Simbel. Your guided visit allows around 2 hours at the site to wander through the different temples and learn more about the construction, history, and relocation of these magnificently preserved structures. The temples, built by Ramses II between 1274-1244 BC, would now be under Lake Nasser if not for the wonders of modern engineering. The towering figures of Ramses himself, Ra-Horakhty, Amun, and Ptah will all be waiting to welcome you. Later, drive back to Aswan and then board a river boat for the night. The following morning, you will start a comfortable ride down the Nile. Enjoy the pool on the sundeck and dinner on the boat. Approximate travel time: 6.5 hours by private vehicle. Accommodation: Iberotel crown empress Nile Cruise (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

      After breakfast on the riverboat, head into Aswan for some more sightseeing. Visit the market for some shopping and sample some of the fragrant spices. After lunch on the boat, set sail on a 2-day, 3-night luxury riverboat cruise. Before too long, you will make a shore excursion to Kom Ombo, a temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god. The adjacent Crocodile Museum (included in your ticket) contains some remarkable ancient mummified crocodiles. In the evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail and Galabia evening in the bar. Throughout the boat trip and in between excursions, you can relax on the sundeck with a drink, soak in the pool, and enjoy the pleasant scenery of life along the Nile. Approximate travel time: All day by boat, except 1-2 hrs at Kom Ombo. Overnight aboard Nile river boat. Accommodation: Iberotel Crown Empress Nile Cruise (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

      Early this morning before breakfast, opt to rise early for an excursion to Edfu Temple. This visit is not part of our regular itinerary, because transportation to the temple is by horse-drawn carriage and conflicts with our animal welfare policy. After breakfast on the boat, continue cruising the Nile and relaxing on board, watching the lovely scenery drift by. Arrive at Luxor in the evening, with a belly dancer and whirling dervish performance in the bar. Tonight, the boat will moor overnight just outside of Luxor. However,  sometimes the ship is directed to arrive in Luxor earlier in the day. In this case, the free time on board the boat today will be swapped with the activities on day 7, and day 7 will become a free day to explore Luxor on your own. Approximate travel time: All day by boat. Overnight aboard Nile river boat. Accommodation: Iberotel Crown Empress Nile Cruise (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

      After breakfast, the group will leave for the West Bank to meet a student guide at the Funtasia Project Center. This local educational nonprofit works with young people in the West Bank of Luxor to develop life skills and social consciousness. Bike through the village and learn about the project over a cup of tea. The center's after-school program uses project-based learning to teach art, communication, and social skills. Next, enjoy a guided excursion to the famous Valley of the Kings. Travel by motorboat across the Nile to the West Bank and enjoy a traditional lunch in a local family home, and then ride through farmer’s fields to reach the Valley of the Kings. Descend the narrow, rock-hewn corridors and take in the magnificent decoration and designs of the tombs of the pharaohs at the Valley of the Kings. While the treasure is now all gone, the tombs contain the most incredible paintings of the life of their occupant and stories from the Book of the Dead. Visit three public tombs, and opt to visit the famous tomb of King Tutankhamun (an extra fee). The tombs of Ramses VI and Seti I are also worth the admission fee. Today, you will also visit the impressive Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which seems to rise out of the surrounding limestone outcrops. It is a reminder of the power women held in Ancient Egypt. Also visit the two mammoth statues of Amenophis II at the Colossi of Memnon, which used to stand at the front of a temple. Check out the ancient graffiti discussing the statues. On the way back to the hotel, stop at an alabaster factory and watch as the manufacturer's hands mold, shape, and reshape the rocks until they end up with stunning sculptures, statues, candle holders, and other crafted items. With what remains of the afternoon, you can explore Luxor at your own pace or relax by the hotel pool. Approximate travel time: 6-7 hrs by private vehicle, including stops in the Valley of the Kings Accommodation: Steigenberger Resort Achti Luxor (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

      Early this morning, you can opt to sign out of the tour and enjoy a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Later in the morning, enjoy a visit to the Karnak Temple, once the center of all religious life in ancient Egypt. The temple was built and extended by successive generations of rulers. Take time to admire the amazing architecture, massive columns, and painted hieroglyphs. Then, at the other end of Sphinx Avenue, take in the beauty of the Luxor Temple, an architectural splendor located near the Nile and right in the center of downtown Luxor. One of Egypt’s most impressive temples, Luxor has been used as a place of worship since its conception in 1390 BC to the present day. Evidence of ancient worship, Coptic Christianity, and Islamic architecture are found throughout the temple, illustrating how the regional culture has evolved over several thousand years. In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore on your own. You might choose to wander the bazaar to shop for souvenirs, visit the Mummification Museum to learn about the ancient art of embalming, or take a guided tour of the temples of Habu, Ramsseum, and Deir El Medina. Accommodation: Steigenberger Resort Achti Luxor (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast

      Catch a flight back to Cairo in the morning, and then begin the drive to the historic Mediterranean city of Alexandria. Stop along the way to take a tour with a local monk at the monasteries of Wadi Natrun. The history of the Wadi and its importance to Coptic Christians dates back to the 4th century AD, and they constitute some of the earliest Christian monasteries in the world. Enjoy a free afternoon in Alexandria to explore at your leisure. Stroll along the corniche or enjoy a group dinner on the roof of your hotel at sunset, taking in the views of the coast and the Citadel of Qaitbey, where the Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood. Approximate travel time: 1 hr by plane, 2.5-3 hrs by private vehicle Accommodation: Metropole Hotel Alexandria (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast

      Spend today exploring the ancient seaside city of Alexandria. Founded by Alexander the Great around 331 BC, Egypt’s second-largest city is characterized by a distinctly European atmosphere and a refreshing sea breeze. Start with a visit to Pompey’s Pillar. The name “Pompey’s Pillar” is a misnomer, as it has nothing to do with Pompey. The monument was erected in 293 for Emperor Diocletian, possibly in memory of the rebellion of Domitius Domitianus. Next, visit the Catacomb of Kom El Shoqafa. These tombs were tunneled into the bedrock in the age of the Antonine Emperors (2nd century AD) for a single wealthy family still practicing the ancient religion of Egypt. They represent the last existing major construction of the old Egyptian religion. The Ancient Library of Alexandria was probably the largest and certainly the most famous of the libraries of the ancient world. It flourished during Greek rule and functioned as a major center of scholarship until at least the time of the Roman conquest of Egypt, and likely for many centuries thereafter. The old library was destroyed in a fire around the 1st century BC. Visit the magnificent new library, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, which was opened in 2002. In the evening, opt to enjoy an optional seafood dinner at one of the city’s many outdoor restaurants. Accommodation: Metropole Hotel Alexandria (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast

      Start off the day by driving back to Cairo. Upon arrival, visit the Egyptian Museum. With over 10,000 pieces from every period of Egyptian history, including the treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun, the display can be a bit daunting. Your tour leader will direct you to the most important and magnificent items. There is also plenty of free time for you to explore on your own. (Please note: A new, state-of-the-art museum will be opening in Egypt called the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). The opening day has yet to be determined. Until the GEM is open, the group will visit the Egyptian Museum, which still contains Egypt's most important artifacts, including the contents of King Tutankhamun's tomb.) After visiting the museum, pay a visit to Khan el-Khalili, a famous bazaar and souk in the historic center of Cairo, to check out the fine brassware, copper, perfumes, leather, silver, gold, and antiques for which the bazaar is famous. The remainder of the evening will be at your leisure. Approximate travel time: 4 hrs by private vehicle Accommodation: Safir Hotel Cairo (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast

      Begin the day early with one of the highlights of any trip to Egypt, a visit to the Giza Necropolis. While once located in the remote desert, the Giza pyramid complex now abuts the suburbs of modern Cairo. No matter how many photos or documentaries you have seen, your first glimpse of these marvels of the ancient world will take your breath away. As a qualified Egyptologist, your tour leader will be able to expertly explain the facts and stories behind these three incredible monuments. Opt to purchase a ticket to enter the Pyramid of Khufu. You will also visit the mysterious Great Sphinx with its lion’s body and man’s face. In the afternoon, take advantage of free time to explore more of Cairo on your own, or opt to visit Memphis (the ancient capital of Aneb-Hetch) and Sakkara (the site of Egypt's first pyramids, including the Step Pyramid of Djoser). Accommodation: Safir Hotel Cairo (or similar) Meals included: Breakfast

      There are no planned activities today, so you may depart Cairo at any time. If you wish to extend your stay in Cairo, consider booking post-tour accommodation with us. Please note that check-out time from the hotel is usually mid-morning, but luggage storage services are available at the reception desk. Want more adventure? Book two or more GEEO programs in the same school year and receive a discount! GEEO will give you 10% off of the lesser value program(s) (up to 3 programs per year). If you would like to extend your time abroad but don't see another GEEO program that interests you, let us know. We can work with you to find a trip from our tour operator’s much larger catalog. Their tours are open to the general public and not designed specifically for educators, but we can still offer you and your travel companions a discounted educator price on any additional tours that you book. Meals included: Breakfast

      *Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the routes described on our website, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable, to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The information on our website is a general guide to the tour and region, and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

      Details

      Trip Notes & Expectations
      Before you decide to travel with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the information about the program contained on this page. Our programs are quite adventurous, and we find that clients who read the trip details in full are happier with their experiences.
      1. WINTER TRIPS: Please note that some sites, museums, and restaurants may be closed over Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. It is recommended that you check the operating hours of any sites or establishments that you plan to visit to avoid disappointment. It is also common for prices for meals and other services to increase during peak tourist seasons or holidays, including Christmas and New Year’s. Additionally, we may need to alter the itinerary on and around these holidays to maximize your time during your trip. Hopefully, you will be able to experience some local customs and traditions and see how people in other parts of the world experience the holidays. Traveling over Christmas and New Year’s can allow you to see a destination in a different light. You may be able to attend local festivals, try traditional foods, see special decorations, and participate in cultural activities that can add an extra layer of festivity and cheer to your trip. Overall, traveling over the holidays can be a fun and rewarding way to learn about and experience another culture.
      2. ACCOMMODATION: The purpose of the accommodation is to provide a safe, well-located place for you to sleep. Sometimes you will be pleasantly surprised by the high quality of the hotels, the beds are comfortable, and the staff is always very friendly. Do not expect luxury, however, as our priority is keeping our programs as affordable as possible. The hotel in Alexandria (an 18th-century building with classical European decor) may feel a little dated to some people, while others will have a more regal atmosphere with scenic views of the Nile.
      3. TRANSPORTATION: We use a mix of transportation that gets our guests from location to location safely. Sometimes you will have full days of transportation as our trips tend to cover a lot of ground. The transportation will often be an adventure in itself.
      4. ACTIVITY LEVEL: This trip includes light walking and hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels. The heat and sun during the summer can be very taxing. We recommend always carrying water and snacks with you, as meals can sometimes be far apart.
      5. EXCURSION RECOMMENDATIONS: Tourists often face overcharging when buying excursions from street vendors or at the airport. If you arrive early and want to book excursions, it’s best to wait until you reach the joining hotel and consult the local staff for reliable options. You can also use websites like TripAdvisor or Viator. Throughout the trip, G Adventures can arrange optional activities through your tour leader, which is generally the safest and simplest method. However, this might cost more than using other local suppliers, and we cannot guarantee the safety and quality of activities not booked through G Adventures. Please note all optional activities and entrance fees will need to be paid by card only as per a new change implemented by the ministry of tourism in Egypt.
      6. MONEY & TIPPING: U.S. dollars must be in pristine condition, with no tears or markings. We recommend using an ATM to obtain the local currency for cash purchases and tipping. To make things easier and avoid awkward situations, your tour leader will collect a contribution from each traveler at the start of the program and use these funds to tip anybody who provides services to the entire group. On Day 1 of your program, the tour leader will advise everyone about how much to contribute to this "tipping kitty." You can contribute USD (new, crisp bills) or the equivalent local currency, but the local currency is typically preferred.
      7. NILE CRUISE: Our Nile cruise boat is modern with many of the amenities of our comfortable hotels. Cabins are twin/double with air-conditioning and private bathrooms. Facilities onboard include a large single-sitting restaurant, lounge with bar, and sun deck with a small pool. Often, our cruise boats are referred to as “floating hotels,” as the actual sailing distance covered is not great and Egyptian law requires that all boats dock overnight.
      8. INTERNAL FLIGHT: All local flights are included in the cost of your tour. It is important that we have your passport information as soon as possible in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally, and you will receive your boarding pass at the airport. Domestic carriers for internal flights will be Egypt Air or Nile Air. Flight information will not be available until a couple of days prior to departure. The maximum luggage allowance on the domestic flights is 20 kg for a checked bag, plus a carry-on and personal item. You must be able to easily carry or roll your luggage, so do not over-pack.
      9. HEALTH: It is advisable to drink only bottled water in Egypt. Smoking is more prevalent in Egypt than in the United States, so be sure to pack medicine if cigarette smoke is an allergen/respiratory irritant.
      10. TOUR LEADER: Please make sure you understand the role of your tour leader on this trip. All GEEO/G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of G Adventure's group leaders, which they refer to as Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends. Our itineraries often have plenty of free time to explore on your own. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it’s the best of both worlds.
      Single Travelers
      Half of GEEO’s participants travel by themselves, so please don’t worry if you do not have a travel companion for your trip. Our program fee is for one traveler in double-occupancy accommodation, and GEEO can find you a roommate of the same gender if you do not have a travel companion. Most of our programs have a “My Own Room” option, also known as a “Single Supplement,” which is an extra fee that you can pay to have a room to yourself. You will only incur an additional charge if you specifically request a single room. To see the price for the “My Own Room” option, please find your program on our extra services page. If you want to room alone, please email travel@geeo.org to request a single room.
      Emergency Contacts
      Should you need to contact G Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call their local G Adventures office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. AIRPORT TRANSFER Your arrival transfer will be arranged based on flight information provided to G Adventures. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, they will do their best to rearrange your arrival transfer, but they cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area, please take a taxi to your hotel. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS G Adventures regional office emergency contact number: +44 1858378000 G Adventures local contact emergency phone number: +20 100 000 3945 If you are unable for any reason to contact G Adventures’ local office, they have a toll-free line which will connect you directly with their Toronto office: Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100 Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000 Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000 Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618 Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
      Packing List
      Please read this article on GEEO’s blog for our staff’s suggestions on the best gear to pack for your upcoming travels. You must be prepared to carry your own bags and be comfortable carrying them up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels. As a rule, we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags, which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 22-30 lb. Most travelers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size. No XXL bags please! A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person plus a daypack per person.
      Packing List
      Please read this article on GEEO’s blog for our staff’s suggestions on the best gear to pack for your upcoming travels. You must be prepared to carry your own bags and be comfortable carrying them up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels. As a rule, we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags, which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 22-30 lb. Most travelers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size. No XXL bags please! A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person plus a daypack per person. Suggested Checklist
      • Fleece top (it can get cold)
      • Light windproof/waterproof jacket – chances are it won’t rain much
      • Scarf, warm hat, gloves
      • Sun hat
      • Personal clothing for variable weather ranging from the 40s to low 60s F
      • Daypack
      • Sturdy walking shoes
      • Sport sandals or flip-flops
      • Plenty of sunscreen
      • Sunglasses
      • Watch or alarm clock (or use your phone)
      • Flashlight or headlamp (or use your phone)
      • Toiletries – your hotels will provide soap and shampoo
      • Camera (or use your phone)
      • First-aid kit, including: lip balm, aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking
      Optional Checklist
      • Lightweight silk sleep sheet
      • Travel pillow
      • Money belt
      • Phone/tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi, but you will also want an eSIM when WiFi is not reliable (we recommend Airalo)
      • Chargers for electronics as well as converters/adapters, if needed
      • Portable phone charger
      • AirTags or Tile trackers
      • Packing cubes
      • Earplugs
      • Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can buy snacks locally, so don’t go crazy here
      • Ziplock bags (e.g., for wet clothing)
      • Reading/writing material
      • Hand sanitizer/baby wipes
      • Tissue packets or toilet paper (public toilets rarely have toilet paper, but you can purchase some from attendants)
      Document Checklist
      • Passport (with photocopies)
      • Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
      • Travel insurance ID card
      • Flight itinerary/boarding pass(es)
      • USD/EUR cash
      • Credit/debit card
      • G Adventures vouchers
      • GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent a few days before departure
      Laundry
      Laundry facilities are offered by several of our hotels for a charge, or you can ask your tour leader where the nearest laundromat is located.
      Passports and Visas
      All GEEO programs require a valid passport. Please see our general FAQ for information on obtaining a passport. As with all of our trips, we try to provide the most accurate information we can, but governments sometimes change visa rules. It is your responsibility to double check the information we provide below by searching the U.S. State Department's International Travel Guidance. PASSPORT Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date from Egypt. Be sure to renew your passport if it does not meet this requirement to avoid any issues at immigration. VISA U.S. citizens must obtain a visa to travel to Egypt. We recommend purchasing a single-entry visa on arrival at Cairo International Airport. A G Adventures representative will meet you at the airport and assist with this process. You must pay in cash ($25 exactly, no change); Egyptian Pounds and credit cards are not accepted as payment methods when obtaining an Egyptian entry visa. ATMs are available for cash withdrawal if needed. If your arrival in Egypt is atypical and you will not be met by a G Adventures representative, look for windows (marked “banks”) at the airport in the area where you line up to have your passport stamped. You need to purchase a visa from one of these kiosks before entering the passport line. The visa is a sticker that will need to be added to your passport before you proceed through the immigration checkpoint. E-Visa in Advance: We feel it is much easier and more straightforward to receive your visa on arrival, but you may also apply for an e-visa in advance from the official Egyptian e-visa website here. The website can be buggy and difficult to use, but if you choose this option, we suggest applying at least 7 days before your trip. The GEEO team is available to assist with any questions you may have while filling out the application.
      Money Exchange
      The local currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). As currency exchange rates fluctuate, we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com. We recommend that you obtain cash from ATMs while traveling; they will dispense the local currency. We do, however, recommend that you bring at least $200 USD in cash for emergency use or in case you have trouble with the ATMs. Major credit cards are accepted in most shops, but you may be charged an international transaction fee; ask your financial institution about their international fees. Please note that if you are carrying U.S. dollars, the bills should be in good condition (i.e., not torn, wrinkled, or marked on in any way) and dated recently.
      Tipping
      Tipping (also widely referred to by its Arabic term, “baksheesh”) is a way of life in the Middle East. It is customary and even expected to tip small service providers such as restaurant and bar waiters, hotel staff, cleaning staff, luggage porters, and taxi drivers. In many cases, people depend on the tips they receive to supplement low salaries/wages. A guideline for budgeting for tips is approximately $5-10 USD per day. To make things as easy as possible and avoid awkward situations, G Adventures utilized a tipping kitty system in which your tour leader will collect a contribution from each traveler at the start of the program and use these funds to tip anybody who provides services to the entire group. On Day 1 of your tour, the tour leader will be able to advise on the amount to contribute to the tipping kitty (likely around $100 USD). You can contribute USD or the equivalent local currency, but the local currency is typically preferred. At the end of your program, if you felt your G Adventures tour leader did an outstanding job, a tip would be appreciated. The amount is entirely your personal preference, but as a guideline, $6-9 USD per person per day would be appropriate.
      Vaccinations
      GEEO cannot provide any medical advice, so it is very important to consult your doctor or a travel clinic about which vaccinations you will need for your trip. We recommend contacting Passport Health, which has travel clinics located throughout the United States. You can also check the CDC's recommended vaccinations for your destination. Please take this seriously!
      Flights
      We find the best prices for flights are often available around 120 days before departure, but of course this varies greatly from route to route and year to year. You should wait until this trip is confirmed before you book non-refundable flights. GEEO and G Adventures bear no responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed. This program begins and ends in Cairo. Please double-check our itinerary for the date by which you must arrive in Cairo. You may want to arrive in Egypt one or more days early in case you have flight disruptions. You can arrive at any time you choose, but try to make it in time for our 6:00 p.m. Welcome Meeting on Day 1. You can depart from Cairo any time on the final day of the program, or stay longer to see more of the city.
      Plugs and Converters
      There are two components to provide external power to your device: adapters and transformers (also called electrical converters). The adapter is for your device's plug, adapting the prongs on a standard U.S. two- to three-pronged power cord to fit the local outlets. The transformer/converter changes the local voltage to the voltage used in the U.S. Egypt uses a European-style Type C plug with two circular prongs, and the voltage is 220V. (Standard U.S. electrical outlets are 120V.) Most new devices, including phones and laptops, are made to work with the different voltage rates, but some devices, like hair dryers, may only work on the U.S. standard of 120V. Check your device's plug or manual to see what voltage range it requires. Most transformer blocks will have an “Input” line that defines its voltage capacity; for example, “Input: 100-240V” means that it will work with voltages between 100V to 240V. If your device can’t handle the higher voltage, you’ll need to purchase a transformer/converter. You can find world transformers/converters online or at many retail stores in the travel section.
      Weather
      December is a great time to visit Egypt. Mostly sunshine with very little rain with temperatures typically in the 50s and 60s. However, our winter Egypt groups have told us it was a lot colder than expected. Please make sure you have warm clothes, including a winter coat, hat and gloves.
      🗣️ Advice from other GEEO travelers:
      • It is unfortunate but unavoidable in Egypt—you will drink a lot of bottled water. You can purchase it on the bus (e.g., three bottles for $1 USD), and the hotels typically provide one or two complimentary bottles.
      • Make sure any cash USD bills that you bring are in new condition—crisp and without tears or markings.
      • Vendors can be aggressive in Egypt. Practice saying no and thank you ("shokran" in Arabic). Avoid eye contact with street vendors if you are not interested in purchasing anything.
    • Brush up on Ancient Egyptian history and religion/mythology. The Egyptologist tour leader will be excellent, but you'll get even more out of the trip if you have some historical and cultural context going into it.
    • Bring toilet paper- it is not readily available in many places and you may need to pay extra. I found it helpful to just have some in my purse or backpack.
    • Bottled water is an absolute must- I would not recommend drinking anything with ice in it.
    • My favorite part of the trip was our time on the Nile River cruise and our visit to the Nubian village. Treat yourself to some henna!
    • The food was difficult for my stomach so I stuck to mostly vegetarian options.
    • You will want to ask about seeing a papyrus shop and stone shop. Your guide can arrange this and you will get to see paper and art being made. It was amazing. We also did this with an essential oil shop on our visit.
    • It is a heavy tipping culture, but lots of banks and ATMs can be found at any point of your trip.
    • There are cold water bottles available for sale on the bus.
    • Bringing a filter for purifying water can save you from wasting so much plastic. (See GEEO's gear recommendation list.)
    • "It's not pretty, but everyone really should get a prescription for diarrhea. I think everyone had some rough days and Imodium just won't cut it."
    • "I washed my clothes by hand a lot. We had laundry options on the boat and I think one hotel because we moved so frequently. Laundry was kind of pricey to folks, and I found hand washing to be fine. But I think just to let folks know to bring clothes that can handwash and dry well or at least a shirt or two that are specifically made to wick wetness and such. I brought one t-shirt from REI that was so brilliant for this trip, and I wore it a majority of the days, handwashing it each night!"
    • The currency exchange won’t take US bills that have the slightest flaw in them (tears, pen marks, excessive wear, etc.), so if you bring US cash and want to exchange it instead of using the ATMs, make sure you go to the bank in the US and get new bills.
    • Meals are substantially more expensive at the hotels.
    • Getting small Egyptian currency is a problem and a lot of shops would not accept 100 or 200 pound bills, which is what most of us were getting from the ATMs. I found out on the last day that some ATMs at banks dispense only small currency.
    • If the bill is 35 Egyptian pounds and you have a 50 and a 200 bill, try the big bill first to see if they can break it and save the small stuff for water and bathrooms. Sometimes they can provide change, but other times they will ask for something smaller. If they don’t have the correct change, they will give you what they can and keep the difference.
    • I never had any luck withdrawing cash from an ATM using my Visa credit card, but fortunately, I also had my debit card - otherwise, I would have been in trouble.
    • It can be hard to find feminine products outside of pharmacies, so bring enough supplies regardless of where the trip falls in your cycle.

      • Costs

      Please keep in mind that this trip offers some free time to pursue activities that interest you. Make sure you look over all of the optional activities and note these additional costs when deciding whether you can afford this program. The prices below are rough estimates for budgeting your trip.
      • Tour Company Fee: See our price in the top right corner
      • Optional Activities: $50-200 USD
      • International Airfare from the United States: Roughly $1,200-2,000 USD If you require assistance searching for international flights, we would be happy to help you.
      • Visa: $25 USD
      • Airport transfer (departure): $5-15 USD (e.g., Uber)
      • Insurance: $79-200 USD Please note: It is mandatory for all of our travelers to have Emergency Medical insurance that covers both emergency evacuation and repatriation to the sum of $200,000 USD. We also strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance as an add-on.
      • Tipping: We recommend $70-90 USD for your G Adventures tour leader. Budget another $100 USD for tipping local guides and drivers.
      • Meals Not Listed in the Itinerary: $100-250 USD
      • Laundry, Drinks, Phone Calls, etc.: Make sure you budget for these types of expenses
      • Souvenirs: Variable. At your personal discretion.
      • Vaccines: Variable. Please consult with your primary care provider.
      • Non-Educator Donation: $100 USD (suggested donation) This is only for non-educator guests traveling with an educator on a GEEO trip. Educators and retired educators should not make this donation.

      Optional Activities

      Most optional activities are booked and paid for locally, sometimes in the local currency, and you do not have to decide in advance which ones you would like to sign up for. The prices listed are based on the latest information we have received from our participants and G Adventures. They are not guaranteed to be accurate. Please use them as a rough guide for budgeting your trip.
      CAIRO
      Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tour: $60 USD per person (pre-book with us) Explore Cairo’s fascinating architectural, cultural, and historical contrasts on a tour of Coptic and Islamic Cairo. Visit of the iconic Citadel of Saladin, the Mohamed Ali Mosque, the Hanging Church, St. Sergius Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. Grand Egyptian Museum limited tour: 1000 EGP per person The splendid new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is not yet open to visitors, but the complex is offering limited tours ahead of the official opening. Access is limited to the Main Galleries, Grand Hall, Grand Staircase, shopping area, and exterior gardens. Access to the Tutankhamun galleries and Salar Boat Museum is restricted until the official opening. National Museum of Egyptian Civilization: 240 EGP per person Visit the famed Royal Mummies Hall at the new National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) located in Old Cairo. View the ancient remains of some of Egypt’s most important rulers. Explore Memphis and Sakkara: $70 USD per person; 4-5 hrs (pre-book with us) Travel through desert and farm lands to Sakkara the site of Egypt's first pyramids. Delve into the history of one of Egypt’s most important archeological sites before continuing on to explore the streets of Memphis, the ancient capital of Aneb-Hetch.
      ASWĀN
      Philae Temple: $50 USD per person (pre-book with us) Sail across the Nile to the beautiful island of Agilkia and explore the Greco Roman history of the Temple of Philae, built as a dedication to the Goddess Isis. This temple complex was moved from its original location on the Island of Philae after the flooding of Lake Nasser, the word "philae" meaning "the end" in reference to this island's placement on what was once the southernmost border of Egypt. Philae Temple Sound and Light Show: $70 USD per person As the sun sets, sail across the Nile to Philae island. Watch the Philae Temple turn into a time machine through a magnificent sound and light display. Visit the Souk: free; 1-3 hrs Explore the Souk at your leisure, soaking in the scent and colour of spices and perfumes, and rummaging through beautiful scarves and baskets.
      LUXOR
      Hot Air Balloon Ride: $70-120 USD per person Rise early and cross to the West Bank of the Nile by boat for a sunrise hot air balloon ride, offering fantastic views of the fertile Nile valley, desert scenery on either side, and ancient temples. Explore Luxor in Depth Tour: $75 USD per person For those who wish to explore Luxor in depth, this morning excursion allows you to go back to the west bank and explore more sites of Luxor city including the beautiful temples of Habu, Ramesseum and Deir El Medina. Bazaar visit: Free; 1-2 hrs Wander through the bustling local bazaar and check out the wares for sale. Pick up a few if you like! Mummification Museum: 80 EGP per person; 1-3 hrs Learn all there is to know about the ancient art of embalming by exploring the world’s only Mummification Museum. Tomb of Tutankhamun: 250 EGP per person In the Valley of the Kings, opt to descend down into the Tomb of Tutankhamun. While the treasure has been moved to the Cairo Museum, it is fascinating to enter the tomb that held one of the most intact collections of treasures found in all of Egypt. King Tut's mummy is still located in the tomb! The tombs of Ramesses VI and Seti I are also well worth the price of admission.
      ALEXANDRIA
      Alexandria City Tour: $50 USD per person Explore Alexandria on a guided tour of the city and visit the famous Citadel of Qaitbay where the Alexandria Lighthouse once stood, considered one of the wonders of the ancient world. Visit the Abu El Abbas mosque and the Unknown Soldier.