Walking through Egypt is more like wandering through the history of an ancient world aged 7’000 years ago. Egypt will never fell to astonish you with a unique nature from arid beauty of the desert “Black & White” where you can relief your soul and watch a pure & surprising view of the stars by night, to the warm waves of the Red Sea where you can have so much fun snorkeling, diving or relaxing to get as far as you can from the daily life pressure…
The mighty Nile River which floats tenderly over Luxor & Aswan cities, overlooking planted area both sides, combining the nature beauty with glorious era of ancient Egyptian Monuments located in Luxor “Well known to be an Open Museum” & the well preserved Temples in Aswan “Philae Temple”, Abu Simbel Temples” in addition to a good number of “Not to be missed sights” en route passing by Kom Ombo, Edfu & Esna.
Facts!
Location
A Middle Eastern country, situated in the north-east of Africa, is well known to be the center of the Arab world. Egypt takes control of the Suez Canal, which links the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.
Geographical Facts
An exclusive mixture of nature combining deserts (Eastern & Western Deserts), the Mighty Nile River provides the land with fertile soil. Overlooking the Mediterranean & Red Sea with the amazing coasts.
Official Name: “Arab Republic of Egypt” – Egyptian say it in easy way “Misr”
Capital: Cairo (One of the largest cities in Africa)
President: Abdel Fatah El SiSi
Official Language: Arabic.
Widely Spoken Languages: English, French & Armenian
Religions: Muslim 85%, other 15% (mainly Coptic Christians)
More about people: Egyptians, Berbers, Bedouins, Hamitic Arabs and Nubians
Area: 1 million sq. km.
Population: 114,353,123 as per the latest statistics published in 2024.
National Holidays
7th Jan. – Christmas holiday for Egyptian Coptics
25th Jan. – National Police Day – 2011 Egyptian Revolution
25th April – Sinai Liberation Day
1st May- Labor Day
23rd July – Revolution Day
6th Oct. – Armed Forces Day
30th June – 2013 Egyptian Revolution
Entry Visa – single & double entry
For the vast majority of the nationalities; entry visa could be optioned upon arrival; like Australians, New Zealanders, Americans, British and it is required.
To check your visa requirements, you can visit this link.
You might need to consulate your Embassy for visa information. In case you are asked for a letter to guarantee that Soul Of Egypt is arranging your trip; we are more than happy to issue that document within booking procedures; including all your booking details.
For many nationalities, it is easy to obtain an Egyptian single-entry visa upon arrival at Cairo International Airport. The current cost is U$D 25.00 per person.
As for the double, considering that single entry visa is not changeable to multiple entry visas upon arrival.
If you wander about land arrival from Israel, entry visa must be obtained overhead. In case you are arriving by ferry from Aqaba Jordan, a single-entry visa can be obtained upon arrival for $25.00 per person.
For the departure ex. Nuweiba port, you will be charged 50 –150 Egyptian Pounds as departure tax; of course, it is subject to be changed.
Currency
The exchange rate might sway from time to time, so you can use the below as guideline only:
Approx. exchange rate: (October 2024)
$ USD = L.E. 48.45
€ EUR = L.E. 53.19
$ CAD = L.E. 35.68
$ AUD = L.E. 32.91
£ GBP = L.E. 63.41
Money, Cash & Credit Cards
You will need to bring suitable funds for covering meals, optional tours, personal expenses, and souvenirs that are not listed on your included items, as well as any various extras.
It might be hard to tell how much exactly you would need to bring recently, and according to the exchange rate of the U$D against the Egyptian pound, we can give an average of $25.00 & up to $50.00 per day. If you are arranging to do more shopping, we advise that you get more. You can also exchange your foreign currency to local one upon arrival at Cairo International Airport or at any bank.
Also, the maximum amount you can get with you to Egypt is 10,000 U$D per person as per the Airport Authorities.
Credit cards are also a good solution; most shops and restaurants, especially in Cairo accept credit card settlements. You might be charged 3–5% extra as a credit card surcharge.
Preferable Credit, Debit Cards are Visa and Master Card, you may have difficulties with American Express since so many places don’t accept it.
International flight tickets
You are totally free to choose your airline company to book your flight on your own, with your own preferred route and price. You need to make sure you are arriving on the right arrival / departure date and time; otherwise, you would need a pre- or post-night.
Please consider the normal check-in and check-out times while booking your international flight ticket. Please make sure to send us a copy of your ticket and flight details to arrange the greet, meet, & assist service at the Airport and the transfer properly. We will need FULL details like the flight carrier, flight number, number of your tickets, connection, etc.
Please report us with any updates / changes to your international flight tickets to re-arrange all relevant services.
The luggage allowance on International Flights is your responsibility, depending on the airline company.
Domestic Flight Tickets
If your domestic flight tickets are arranged by Soul of Egypt, please keep/print your copy.
EgyptAir flights might be postponed, flight rides might be cancelled, and EgyptAir will offer an alternative flight. In this case, EgyptAir shoulders the whole responsibility. We will take care of adjusting your itinerary accordingly.
In case you issue your own domestic flight tickets, please make sure that your travel consultant confirms that the timings match your daily arrangements of sightseeing, cruise sailing schedule, etc.
The luggage allowance on Domestic Flight is only one suitcase with a maximum weight of 23 kilograms; carry on 7 kilograms. Any additional weight or suitcase would be charged by Egypt Air. “Average cost is 30 U$D.”
Train Tickets
Sleeper trains in Egypt offer an exciting ride in between Cairo, Luxor & Aswan; where you can spend a full night enjoying the sights on both sides.
Cabins are classified as 1st class, including the 2 meals served on board (Dinner & Breakfast). Sometimes there might be a lack of available train tickets; as a solution, we can offer a flight upgrade.
A copy of Master Documents that you need to bring/travel insurance
1. Airline Tickets (International & domestic if issued).
2. Copy of latest Itinerary as agreed with your travel consultant
3. Copy of your insurance policy & your credit cards (make sure to keep in a safe place)
For your travel insurance
It is necessary to get comprehensive travel insurance that will cover the medical costs related to hospitalization, emergency travel, and deportation back to your home country.
What to pack “Bring”
Comfortable shoes for a lot of walking, sun glasses, sun cream, camera, hat, wipes, hand gel, personal care supplies, summer and winter clothes, a light rain jacket, and a jumper while in the winter, your phone, laptop chargers, and electricity converter.
Water / Bottled water & Tap water in Egypt
We don’t recommend using tap water, even at 5-star hotels, since it’s a different bacteria than what you are used to. even for brushing your teeth.
Bottled water is highly recommended by medical experts, just to avoid gastric upsets. You will find too many quality and licensed brands like Dasani, Hayah, Safi, and Aqua Nestle.
For juice and milk bottles, just check the expiration dates. For hot drinks like coffee, tea, espresso, or likewise, it should not be a problem at all, as water and milk will have already been boiled. In some cities, like Dahab, Nuweiba, and Taba, tab water is not really recommended as it is a little bit salty. You will find shops selling bottled water that you can use.
Weather
In the Egyptian winter, it is cold in the early morning and by night, sunny in the day time. Sometimes windy or light raining but not as cold as Europe, or we can say our Egyptian winter is like Europe’s summer or even sometimes hotter.
Weather changes even during the day like a bit warm then windy then cold. We can say the weather of the four seasons of the year during one day. But overall, Egypt’s winter is sunny and warm and not too cold.
In the Summer, it’s sunny during the day, and starts to be nice in the evening and early morning.
We highly recommend bringing both summer and winter clothes, a light rain jacket, and a jumper.
What to wear “Dress code”
It is a Muslim country, but still liberal and not conservative. You don’t have to be covered all the time. So, you can wear shorts and shirts with short or cut sleeves while visiting sights such as pyramids, temples, etc. because people around such sights get used to it and they see tourists every day. But you will need to be covered if you are visiting a mosque or church or walking down the local market, and in that case, you should show some respect to the local culture by covering your chest, shoulders, and knees.
Photography
You can bring your own camera and tools; drones are not allowed at all. You can take photos at all touristic places with your mobile phone for free, but at some places you can’t use flash light. Some places require an additional ticket to use your professional camera or camera stand.
Meet, greet & assistance at Cairo International Airport
24 hours prior to your departure date, we will provide you with an emergency contact number as well as the mobile phone number of the tour manager who will be meeting you at Cairo International Airport.
The recognition sign at the airport will be Soul Of Egypt Travel attached; please look for this sign and don’t go through passport control unless you meet the SOET rep.
He will then take you to the air-conditioned vehicle waiting for you, followed by a transfer to your selected hotel, where he will help with a quick check-in, or he will meet you up with your tour guide if you are starting the tour upon arrival.
If you can’t see our rep, please contact us at our emergency contact number.
Baggage & personal belongings
You are totally responsible for carrying your own baggage during the trips. We recommend that you use hotel safety boxes to stock any valuable kinds of stuff like money, cameras, documents, especially the passport, and any gold material.
We don’t really recommend leaving that valuable stuff on your bus or minivan during the sightseeing. Soul of Egypt takes no responsibility for any lost or stolen belongings.
You don’t need to hold your passports all the time during the tours; you can keep them in the safety boxes at your hotel. You are under the responsibility of “Umbrella” of Soul Of Egypt Travel.
Left behind / luggage loss
In the case of missing luggage, we highly recommend that you report it immediately upon arrival to Egypt & as soon as you know. Please inform your tour leader; he will advise on the best procedures to reclaim your luggage.
Lost or missing luggage is something between you and the airline carrier and airport authorities. The recovery of your luggage is your responsibility at your own expense. Meanwhile, our tour leader(s) will do their BEST to assist you through the whole process.
Before departing your room, Nile cruise cabin, please make sure to check all your belongings. It is always good to keep a checklist and use it every time you have to pack. Soul of Egypt shoulders no responsibility for any left-behind items.
Accommodation in Egypt (Hotels, Nile Cruises, Dahabeyas)
Accommodation Styles in Egypt
It’s not fair to compare the American or European standards of hotels to the Egyptian standards of hotels. We are still in Africa, but they’re still neat, clean, and decent hotels.
Offering a variety of accommodation classes, starting with clean, nice & decent ones like 3* hotels “Bronze”, 4* hotels “Silver”, and 5* standard “Gold” and 5* deluxe “Diamond” ,in addition to boutique style and eco-lodges, based on your plans, interests, and budget, you will be able to pick the category that meets your needs.
Hotels
Normal check-in time is 03:00 PM (for most of the hotels). Early check-in requires an extra supplement and depends on availability upon check-in; the same applies for late check-out.
If you arrive early in the morning of the day, like 1 am or 3 am, we will need to book you an extra pre-night just to guarantee that you will be accommodated upon arrival (i.e., if your flight will be arriving at 2:00 am on the 26th, we have to book the night of the 25th).
The normal check-out time is 12:00 (noontime). Late check-out could be arranged based on availability, and it requires extra cost. For a few hotels, it will be calculated as a full night (your travel advisor will guide you while booking).
Nile Cruises/ Yachts
Floating hotels, which offer all the facilities that a normal 4- or 5-star hotel would have. With numerous accommodation categories, standard cabins, and stylish royal and presidential suits, we guarantee that you will enjoy a NILE view!
Cruises’ amenities are too similar to those of hotels, like restaurants, swimming pools, spa treatments, gyms and libraries, and beauty salons. All cabins on board have large windows or balconies, enhancing the joy of the changing views of the lavish green riverside.
Check-in timing is 12:00 noon; your meals start with lunch and end with breakfast on the disembarkation day. Check-out timing is 08:00 AM. The Nile Cruise trip expands from 3 nights up to 14; depending on your plans, travel dates, and interests, our tour expert will be quite accurate in offering the appropriate trip!
Dahabeyas
Dahabeya is a small traditional sailing boat with a maximum capacity of 16–20 guests, served by 10–20 crew members. It has air-conditioned rooms that are very comfortable, stylish, and beautifully furnished. Each room has its own private safe deposit box and a dignified bathroom. It has common areas such as a small reception, a small library, a dining room, and a sundeck with beautiful spots for relaxation, intimate group meetings, yoga, meditation, etc.
Food in Egypt
Basically, Egyptian food is very close to Lebanese and Turkish dishes, with diverse tasty cuisines such as “Syrian, Lebanese, Chinese, Indian, French, Italian, and more.”
Even if you are a vegetarian, you will have many choices: bread, fresh fruits, green salad, and vegetable Tajins.
McDonald’s, KFC, Hardees, and similar fast-food restaurants are also available, just in case you like to feel at home!
At hotels as well as on board cruises, food is served in an open buffet or set menu style; you will find your preferred choice. As for the famed restaurants that you might like to try: ” Sequoia overviewing the Nile in Zamalek,” Andrea’s for grills in the Pyramids Area,” “Thomas Pizza if you are fond of pizza, pasta, and burgers,” “Abu El Seed,” Om Hassan” for very real Egyptian food like Molohkya, Mesa’aa, kebabs, and other delicious dishes, in case you are allergic to any kind of food, please inform your travel advisor; he will pass this information on to all parties (hotels, Nile cruises).
Transportation in Egypt
Public Buses
A numerous number of buses are serving many terminuses inside and outside Cairo. Tickets are cheap, between 7.50 and up to 30 EGP per person. Public buses are also available in between cities, like from Cairo to Sharm, Hurghada, and even Luxor and Aswan.
Underground metro system
It is the only subway system in Egypt, almost sheltered by 60–70 stations. It costs 6 EGP and up to 15 EGP per ticket.
Taxis
Inside Cairo, Giza, and Alex., taxis are available; all you have to do is wave to the driver, tell him your destination, check that his care counter works, and most importantly, keep changing like 5 L.E. more or less.
Uber and Careem applications are working in Egypt to make it more comfortable, easy, and faster to get a car wherever you are. Just download the application to your mobile phone.
Railway Rides
Egypt offers sitting and sleeping train rides, covering too many stations from Cairo to Luxor, Aswan, and Alex. For the sleeper trains, their compartments are pretty good to spend the night till you reach Aswan or Luxor, offering two meals on board (dinner and breakfast).
Public Toilets
It is not really recommended to use public toilets at all; in case you have no other choice, please keep wipes, a small piece of soap, and a strong cleanser like Dettol or something similar; make sure to clean it carefully before usage. As an alternative, you can use toilets at any restaurant in route (if available).
Tipping
Wages in Egypt are a little bit low, so people expect to get tipped if you are happy with the offered service; locally, it is called ‘baksheesh’. Remember, it is always your decision, as it is a sign of appreciation for the service—to tip or not to tip. You can also use both foreign and local currency when tipping.
Shopping
We recommend not doing all your shopping in one city, since every city is famous for its own handcraft, like gold at Luxor.
You can use cash or a credit card to buy from the government shops or bazaars; if you will buy anything from the vendors, only use cash. Some shops offer shipping if you are getting large gifts.
Street vendors & scammers
The vendors are very smart, they know how to pay attention to them, and they speak many languages to sell their products, so the best way to avoid the hassle is to say “no thank you” and “don’t give them any eye contact.” The guide will help you in some places to get some pieces from them as a way of helping them earn their bread, but don’t deal directly with any one of them to enjoy your trip, as if you answer any one of them, the other will follow you everywhere.
Unfortunately, everywhere there are good people and bad people, and that’s how scammers get their chance to scam you. Please don’t deal with anyone to do a visit or transfer except your travel agency representative.
Sometimes they will offer you a transfer or visit for only 1 U$D, but they will drag you to another thing and start getting money from you.
Don’t accept any kind of gift from people you don’t know, especially street vendors; they are trying to mark you to follow you everywhere, and unfortunately, they will force you to buy something from them.
Please don’t follow any of the guards at the temples; they will try to convince you to go with them to show you something special.
Itinerary
The sightseeing schedule and the places you are going to visit while in Egypt. The order of visits may be changed during the trip depending on crowds or force majeures. It shows the hotels we are staying at during the whole trip, as well as the meal plan booked and confirmed.
It’s a complicated process between our company, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and the Police of the Interior to secure the sightseeing only for our group. Imagine, for example, the Great Pyramid, “the last surviving monuments of the old-world wonders,” only for ourselves for 2 hours.
We can also open closed temples for sightseeing, such as the Sphinx and the Osirion at Abydos.
