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$2944 $2797

Available: 7+ spaces

Secure your place on this trip with $350 deposit. Final payment due 60 days before departure.

    Sorry, this program is full. Please provide your information below so that we can add you to our waiting list.




      We are also offering a July 24th departure of this program.

      • Hotels: Upgraded Comfort Class

      • 06/12/2024 - 06/23/2024

      • Max Participants: 14

      • 12 Days / 11 Nights

      Overview

      This journey through Egypt packs in the best of culture and adventure in 12 energetic days. We have upgraded the hotels and transportation to make this a bit more luxurious than the typical GEEO program. Explore ancient sites along the Nile, including the most famous of them all, the Great Pyramids of Giza. Embrace the culture and meet remarkable people as you sample some traditional fare with a local family in Luxor. Feel the buzz of vibrant bazaars in Aswan and Luxor, but still manage to relax and watch life unfold as you enjoy a 3-day 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.

      Eid al-Adha will take place from the evening of June 16 through June 17, 2024. This holiday may impact your travel experience, as most shops and restaurants are closed during the celebration. You will be in Aswan during over the holiday, and there may be reduced staff at hotels on the day of the celebration.

      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 $300-390 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

      Arrive in Cairo at any time. Due to the potential for flight delays or cancellations, we 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 jetlag. We can book extra hotel nights for you in Cairo before and/or after the trip. A G Adventures representative will meet you at the airport to assist you with obtaining a visa, clearing customs and immigration, and locating your driver for a complimentary transfer to your hotel. 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.

      This morning, 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 is slow and relaxing. 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. Dinner this evening is included at your hotel. Approximate travel time: 1.5 hrs by plane

      Early in the morning, take a private bus to the famed temples of Abu Simbel for a guided tour. The 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, board a river boat for the night and start a comfortable ride down the Nile. Approximate travel time: 6.5 hours by private vehicle. Overnight aboard Nile river boat.

      Following breakfast, set sail on our 2-day luxury riverboat cruise. Before too long, it is time for a shore excursion with a visit to Kom Ombo, a temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god. It still contains an ancient mummified crocodile. Please note there is an additional 50 EGP fee to take photos in the Crocodile Museum. Throughout the boat trip and in between excursions, relax on the outside decks of the boat with a drink, watching the passing desert sands and enjoying the scenery. Approximate travel time: All day by boat, except 1-2 hrs at Kom Ombo. Overnight aboard Nile river boat.

      Today, continue cruising the Nile and relaxing on board, watching the lovely scenery drift by. Arrive at Luxor in the evening. 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.

      After breakfast, the group will leave for the West Bank to meet our student-guide at the Funtasia Project Center, a local nonprofit that works with young people to develop life skills and social consciousness. Bike through the village and learn about the project over a cup of tea. Funtasia is a local nonprofit that works with young people in the West Bank of Luxor to develop life skills and social consciousness. They work with youth in an after-school program that teaches 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. Please note there is an additional 300 EGP fee to take photos in 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 tombs in total, and opt to visit the famous tomb of King (“Tut”) Tutankhamun (an extra 120 EGP each). You will also visit the impressive Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which seems to rise out of the surrounding limestone outcrops – it’s a reminder of the power women held in the Ancient Kingdom. Then 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. Approximate travel time: 6-7 hrs by private vehicle, including stops in the Valley of the Kings

      This morning, enjoy a visit to the Karnak Temple, once the center of all religious life in ancient Egypt. Built and extended by successive generations of rulers, take time to admire the amazing architecture, massive columns, and painted hieroglyphs. Next, 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 all the way from 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.

      Catch a flight back to Cairo in the morning, and the 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. Approximate travel time: 1 hr by plane, 2.5-3 hrs by private vehicle

      Spend today exploring this ancient seaside city of Alexandria. Founded by Alexander the Great around 331 BC, Egypt’s only Mediterranean 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 actually a misnomer, as it has nothing to do with Pompey, having been 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, which was opened in 2002 very close to the site of the ancient one. In the evening, opt to enjoy an optional seafood dinner at one of the city’s many outdoor restaurants.

      Start off the day by driving back to Cairo. There will be time to grab a quick lunch before visiting 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 there is an additional 50 EGP fee to take photos in the museum and some exhibits have extra fees. 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

      Begin the day with one of the highlights of any visit to Egypt, a visit to the three main pyramids of Giza. While once located in remote desert, they now touch 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 is able to expertly explain the facts and myths behind these three mammoth works of art. You will also visit the mysterious Sphinx with its lion’s body and man’s face. Later, enjoy a visit to the Papyrus Institute, home to the world’s largest collection of papyrus documents. 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).

      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.

      Details

      Frequently Asked Questions
      Please read our general FAQs, where you can find essential information that applies to all of our programs.
      Resources to Learn & Teach about Egypt
      Visit our recommended reading page to see the list of books GEEO recommends reading before your program (this is not required reading). We also have lesson plans and Pinterest boards that may be useful for you as you learn about your destination and prepare to bring lessons back to your classroom.
      Terms and Conditions
      It is very important for you to visit our Terms and Conditions page before signing up for this program.
      GEEO Program Confirmation Process
      We require a minimum of 6 participants for most GEEO programs. We officially confirm that a program will run once at least 8 people have signed up, which provides a margin for individual cancellations. Nearly all GEEO programs ultimately meet this enrollment quota, and in the rare event that a program does not meet the minimum requirement and GEEO cancels the program, we will work with you to find a suitable alternative or provide a refund of your deposit if you prefer. We encourage you to sign up for any program that interests you, and we will notify the entire group once 6 people are booked and again once 8 people are booked. We always emphasize the importance of exercising caution when making non-refundable travel arrangements, especially given the unpredictable nature of travel. For example, we typically recommend booking flights with flexible change/cancellation policies.
      Cancellation policy
      All cancellations must be submitted to GEEO in written form by emailing your request for cancellation to travel@geeo.org. If you do not receive a confirmation that we have received your written cancellation request, please call us at 1-877-600-0105. Verbal cancellation requests will not be honored.
      • If you cancel 60 days or more prior to departure, all your program fee payments will be refunded besides your $350 deposit which is kept on file for future use
      • If you cancel between 30 and 59 days prior to departure, you will receive a 50% refund and your deposit is kept on file for future use
      • If you cancel within 30 days of departure, you will receive no refund, but your deposit is kept on file for future use
      Trip Notes
      1. EXCURSION RECOMMENDATIONS: Tourists are frequently over-charged for excursions bought from vendors on the street or at the airport. If you arrive a day or two early in Cairo and wish to do some excursions, we recommend that you wait until you get to the joining hotel and contact our local staff for more information on available tours and excursions. You can also book excursions through websites like TripAdvisor or Viator, as we have found those have good deals and are for the most part trustworthy. Throughout this trip there are many optional activities and often G Adventures can arrange them for you through your tour leader. We find this to be the simplest and safest way to book these activities, but sometimes it will cost more than a different local supplier that you may have found yourself. We can’t vouch for the safety and quality of tours and activities not booked through G Adventures.
      2. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: 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.
      3. MONEY AND TIPPING: U.S. Dollars that are series 1996 or earlier – identifiable by the year printed on the right side of the face of the bill – are not accepted and very difficult to change in East and Southern Africa, as there are a lot of forgeries in circulation. To make things as easy as possible 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 or the equivalent local currency, but the local currency is typically preferred.
      4. 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.
      5. ACCOMMODATION NOTE: Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
      6. INTERNAL FLIGHT: All local flights are included in the cost of your tour. It is important that we have your passport information ASAP in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. 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 the tour departure. The domestic flight maximum weight allowance is 20 kg.
      7. HEALTH: It is advisable to drink 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.
      Group Leader Description
      All GEEO/G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of G Adventure’s group leaders, which they refer to as Chief Experience Officers (CEOs). 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.
      Fitness Level
      This trip includes light walking and hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels.
      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.
      Joining Instructions
      Day 1 is an arrival day, and no activities have been planned. Upon arrival to the city on Day 1, or earlier if you have booked pre-accommodation with us, please make your way to the joining hotel. Please note: Check-in time will be in the afternoon. Once you arrive at the hotel, look for a note at reception from your tour leader. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on Day 1, usually between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., during which you will get a chance to meet your tour leader and other travelers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details. If you miss the Welcome Meeting, your tour leader will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need and with instructions for the next morning. 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 (see below). If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the hotel via taxi. Unfortunately, there have been cases of people misrepresenting themselves as G Adventures representatives, so 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.
      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. Health & Safety
      • N95/KN95 face masks (at least a few just in case there is an outbreak within your group)
      • Hand sanitizer
      • Rapid Covid tests/antigen tests (at least 3)
      Suggested Checklist
      • Light windproof/waterproof jacket – chances are it won’t rain much
      • Sun hat (or scarf)
      • Personal clothing for hot weather: shorts and t-shirts (you can do laundry, so do not overpack!)
      • One or two nicer outfits for dinners
      • Daypack
      • Sturdy walking shoes
      • Sport sandals or flip-flops
      • Sunblock
      • Sunglasses
      • Watch or alarm clock
      • Flashlight or headlamp
      • Toiletries – your hotels will have soap and shampoo
      • Camera
      • First-aid kit, including: lip salve, 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 converters/adapters, if needed
      • AirTags or Tile trackers
      • Packing cubes
      • Earplugs
      • Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can buy snacks when you get there too, so don’t go crazy here
      • Ziplock bags for wet clothing
      • Reading/writing material
      • Hand sanitizer/baby wipes
      • Cooling gel neck wrap/bandana
      • Toilet paper or tissue packets (most public toilets do not have TP)
      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 some of our hotels for a charge, or you can ask your tour leader where the nearest laundromat is located. In case you want to do your own laundry, we suggest you bring your own non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
      Passports and Visas
      All GEEO programs require that the participant have 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 here. U.S. citizens must have a visa to enter Egypt. We recommend getting a 1-month single entry visa on arrival at Cairo International airport or at the Egyptian land border; a G Adventures representative will meet you at the airport and help with this. You must pay in cash (exact amount, no change), either in U.S. Dollars (USD), British Pounds (GBP), or Euros (EUR). The visa fee is $25 USD or the equivalent in your currency. Egyptian Pounds and credit cards are not accepted as payment methods when obtaining your Egyptian entry visa. Look for windows (marked “banks”) selling these visas in the area where you line up to have your passport stamped. You need to get the visa before entering the passport line. The visa is a sticker that you need to stick into your passport before handing it to the authorities for stamping. 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 here: https://www.visa2egypt.gov.eg/eVisa/. The website can be buggy and difficult to use, but the GEEO team can assist you with the information you need to provide to obtain an e-visa if you have questions 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. 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 (http://www.passporthealthusa.com/), 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 90 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.
      Expectations
      Before you decide to travel with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the information about the program you are considering. Remember, our programs are quite adventurous.
      • You must be able to easily carry or roll your luggage, so do not over-pack.
      • We recommend always carrying snacks with you. Meals can sometimes be far apart.
      • Please make sure you understand the role of your tour leader on this trip, as they are not the traditional “guide” you may be expecting. While our trips are educational, they aren’t study/lecture trips. We want you to learn through exploring, and much of your experience will be based on how active you choose to be in acquiring knowledge and interacting with locals.
      Hopefully this is the kind of adventure you are interested in!
      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.
      Weather
      The Egyptian summer is very hot and dry in most of the country, and humid in the Delta and along the Mediterranean Coast. In recent years the humidity has spread to Cairo, and the city swelters in the summer!
      Here is some advice from teacher and GEEO Board member Maddie Hunt:
      "I traveled to Egypt in the summer, so this is my context for the trip.
      • Traveling in the summer made it MUCH less crowded than other times of the year.
      • It was easier to get in and out of different museums, historic sites, and stops on the trip (fewer lines, people, etc).
      • In the summer, it is VERY hot (I am from Minnesota so am not used to hot temperatures). I believe at one point when we were in Southern Egypt it was close to 120 degrees F.
      • Bring a water mister for the heat and some long-sleeved light layers (this will also be required when visiting any holy sites).
      • 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!
      • There are so many beautiful and stunning pools on the trip itinerary - bring a swimsuit. It is an excellent way to cool off!
      • 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.
      • Expect to be absolutely blown away by the magnitude and beauty of the structures there.
      • I would absolutely recommend finding time to visit the Alexandria Library.
      • It is a heavy tipping culture, but lots of banks and ATMs can be found at any point of your trip.
      • If you are there in the summer, prepare for many early mornings because that is when temperatures are lower. Afternoon naps are a must and always scheduled into the day :)
      • The camel rides by the pyramids were disappointing - I would not recommend them. The camels seemed worn down and not as healthy as other ones we saw later on in the trip. (See our animal welfare policy here.)"
      Here is further advice from other travelers:
      • There is 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!"
      • You will likely be taking two or more showers per day.
      • I had a cooling gel bandanna and a cooling towel (the kind that works when wet with any temp water but doesn’t need to be soaked in cold water) that really helped but the gel bandanna was the best because the cooling towel dried off too fast.
      • Don’t bring $1 and $5 bills for tips - the vendors say “$1 dollars pretty lady” but the currency exchanges won’t take the small currencies so it is useless to them. The currency exchange also 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 break it and 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.
      • Many of us found our menstruation cycles were off, probably due to the heat, jet lag and crazy eating/sleeping schedules. 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 $1,000-1,800 USD If you require assistance in booking your international airfare, we would be happy to help you.
      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
      $300-390 USD
      Laundry, Drinks, Phone Calls, etc.
      Make sure you budget for these types of expenses
      Vaccines
      Variable. Please consult your doctor.
      Souvenirs
      Variable. At your personal discretion.
      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.
      Aswān
      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. Philae Temple: $50 USD per person 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.
      Luxor
      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. Horse and Carriage Ride: 50-150 EGP per person; 30 mins-2 hrs Enjoy a horse and carriage (calèche) ride and get oriented in the city. 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 Opt to descend down into the Tomb of Tutankhamun, the Valley of the Kings’ most famous pharaoh. 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. Explore Luxor in Depth Tour: $75 USD per person For those who wish to explore Luxor in depth, this morning excursion on Day 7 allows you to go back to the West Bank and explore more sites of Luxor, including the beautiful temples of Habu, Ramesseum, and Deir El Medina.
      Alexandria
      Alexandria City Tour: $50 USD per person Explore Alexandria on a guided tour of the city and visit the famous Citadel of Quait bay where Alexandria Lighthouse once stood, considered one of the wonders of the ancient world. Visit the Abu El Abbas mosque and the Unknown Soldier.
      Cairo
      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. Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tour: $60 USD per person 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. Explore Memphis and Sakkara: $70 USD per person; 4-5hrs 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.