When is the best time to visit Egypt?
The ideal month would be February but any of our Canadian winter months are a great time to go. September and October are still very hot while visiting the Valley of the Kings/Queens but after that day temperatures cool down. Evening temps can be quite cool in November, December and January will day time temps ranging from about 70-80’ F.

Do I have to have my Egyptian Visa before entering the country?
You can purchase the visa in Canada before leaving, however it is very easy to purchase at Cairo International and our representative will assist you with that. It is easier for them to get your visa more quickly. The cost there is approximately $15 US. Requirements for travel visas vary widely depending on your nationality and your destination. Most of the Europeans, Canadians, and Americans can get the visa on arrival.

Can you provide me with a list of the hotels we will be staying at? 

Starting and ending hotels are listed on your travel voucher. We use a variety of hotels en-route and so a complete list of hotels won't be provided until 1 – 3 weeks before your tour, depend on the booked date. If your family requires contact information, or in case of emergency, please have them phone 0114550088. If our office is closed our emergency number (011455088) can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Can I extend my vacation?
Most definitely. You just must discuss this with us at the beginning of your tour so that we can make all of the necessary arrangements for you.

What choices do I have for departures?
Each of our tours has its own departure dates that you will be required to follow. Once in Egypt if you need to depart at a different time you must notify us so that we can arrange your transportation to the airport. There will be an extra charge for this.

Can I book extra nights of hotel accommodation before or after my tour? 

Yes, in most cases we can arrange additional accommodation at our starting or ending hotels. Please contact us for price information. If we are unable to provide you with the extra nights we will give you the name of a hotel you can contact directly.

What vaccinations are recommended for my tours? 

It's important that you receive the most accurate and up-to-date travel health information for the region you will be visiting. The only one qualified to provide you with this advice is your family physician or a specialist from a Travel Health clinic. Our page does provide links to a number of websites that contain excellent background information related to travel health issues. Nevertheless these websites are no substitute for a personal consultation with a qualified medical professional. 

What is the most appropriate type of luggage to bring?

We strongly recommend bringing a backpack or duffel bag, as suitcases can be cumbersome and difficult to store in buses, under seats, etc. Keep in mind that you will normally have to carry your own luggage on and off buses and trains and up and down hotel staircases. Suitcases with wheels may not work well on dirt or cobblestone roads. 

Do your tours include international airfare? 
Travelers arrive from all over the world to begin our tours and as such it is not possible to include international airfare in our prices and still maintain an economic rate.

Are airport transfers included? 24 hours

Most of our tours include 24 hours airport transfers and you should give us your arrival and departure flight details.

What type of ground transportation is used on your tours? 

Trip specific information on transportation can be found on the price included list however in most cases we use private cars, public transportation, sitting trains, sleeping trains, domestic flights…, etc.

Can I join a tour late or leave it early? 

It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary please consult one of our travel consultants before you book your tour. 

How large are your groups?
We keep our groups to no more than 20 people so that we may provide the best of personalized and constant attention to all of our clientele. We also can do customized itineraries for individuals and couples or smaller groups if you have special destinations or requirements.

Will we be combined with any other large groups at various sites or put on large tour buses with other companies?
No, our groups are exactly that, our groups and our private mini buses or tour buses are designed to accommodate the size of each one of our groups. All of our buses are modern and air-conditioned for your comfort

How many people can join a tour? 

Basically these are a private tour and we can match it with your arrival dates, and we can do to the basic tour any changes you want, but in case you will join other people that are traveling with the same tour dates. The majority of our tours have a maximum of 12 participants although some may take as many as 16 or 22 passengers

What are the age restrictions on your tours? 

To travel independently you must be at least 18 years of age. There are no upper age limits on our tours however travelers aged 70 years or older are required to complete a medical questionnaire. Our Family packages are open to families with children aged between 0 and 17 years of age. Our standard (non-family) tours are open to children when accompanied by a parents or teachers.

What clothing should I pack for one of your adventures? 

We always recommend packing as light as possible however the specific requirements for your tour will vary widely depending on where and when you are traveling. Each tour includes a suggested packing list. 

I'm a single traveler; will I be charged a single supplement? 

Most of our trips do not have a single traveler supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if you are traveling on your own, toy should contact us first to check availability and the supplement. 

Will I be traveling with reliable staff, associates and/or representatives of the company?
Yes, your tours will always be fully escorted with a guide and quite often a personal “tour concierge” or tour leader. Our drivers are professional and highly qualified in the industry as being reliable and safe. Our aim is to make this your “Trip of a Lifetime” and we do our utmost to ensure that all of your needs are met to the very best of our ability. The combination of a very large support team, both in Canada and Egypt and our years of experience can resource any requirements that you may need. -

What are the qualifications of your guides?
Your guides will always be professional Egyptologists that are licensed through the General Tourist Guides Syndicate of Egypt. Many of our guides also have a history of being associated with the Egyptian Antiquities so their knowledge and expertise is rated among the best in the industry. In addition to these specifics- some of the guides that we use are archaeologists and do lectures at various facilities throughout the world. -

Do I have time on our own or are all of the days filled with touring?
Yes, we do give you “Optional days” as well as try to have you back to your hotel by mid afternoon so that you may enjoy being poolside at your 5 star hotels.

What is meant by an “Optional day” or an optional excursion?
We do offer a variety of things to do and other sites to see for those travelers who love to be kept very busy. The choice is yours as to whether you want the day to relax or do your own exploring or if you want to take in extra sites. A word of caution here is that we do need time to make arrangements for you so we will be asking you all through your tour as to what your options will be for upcoming days.

Are there breaks along the way when traveling from place to place?
Yes, we do stop for a stretch when touring. -

Can we get our own taxis on the streets of Cairo?
Yes you can although it is a good idea to catch them in front of the more well known hotels as hotel attendants in front of the hotels provide a very good system of security. It is just very much easier to ask us if you want to go somewhere and we can assist you.

Is it safe for us to walk the streets by ourselves?
As with any country - a conscientious traveler should always take care - but Egypt as a whole is a very safe and more than friendly country. The locals are more than willing to help and extend their hospitality. We, as a company, are there to give you some guidelines and “tips” as to where to go and what you may expect at each of the sites that we visit.

Is it safe to eat in restaurants outside of the hotels?
As with any location there are good and bad places to eat. You can usually decide for yourselves just by observing the restaurant before entering. Having said that, there are many good places to eat that serve wonderful authentic Egyptian food. We visit some of these places at each one of our locations to give you an idea of different Egyptian dishes and cuisine.

What types of food can we expect to find?
In the hotels the choices are endless and leave nothing to be asked for. A wide range of fresh fruits are in abundance as are dishes that cater to both Egyptian and European culinary desires. Chicken and lamb are the most common meats with beef served in a variety of ways. Many different types of salads, fresh breads and delightful pastries along some exotic deserts are at every meal. The hotel meals are all open buffet and offer as many “second helpings” as you want.

What are the extras that I will have to pay for?
Your beverages which do include water are considered extras at your meals. As far as “extras” on the tour – whatever is listed as an option is considered an extra.

What currency is accepted in Egypt?
Any world currencies are easily exchanged into Egyptian Pounds at any of the 5 star hotels that we stay at.

Can we use our credit cards?
Yes, credit cards are used extensively in Egypt. However, ALWAYS ask what rate the store is going to charge you. This rate differs from shop to shop and some can be very high, so be sure to check before using your card.

Are there ATMs there?
Yes there are and you will receive your cash in Egyptian Pounds  -

Do we need to have Egyptian currency before entering the country?
This is not necessary and you can exchange your money for Egyptian Pounds at the Cairo International airport. Just ask our representative and he can assist you once you arrive.

What can we expect to shop for?
Possibilities are endless. Of course Middle Eastern spices are renowned for their pungency and flavor so these are always a favorite. Gold is very popular there too as the quality is high 18 and 22 kt and the workmanship is exquisite. Silver is also a very good buy as are silk scarves, Egyptian clothing for men and women, alabaster vases and various dishes, gemstones, papyrus paintings and of course an endless array of statues and imitation artifacts

Are shops or other facilities closed for prayer Friday?
No, everything continues to operate but you will notice the coming and going of the shop keepers as they keep their prayers.

Can we visit various sites during Ramadan?
Yes, all of the sites remain open during this month of festivities although you may find that some places might close a bit earlier than usual. For the most part everything continues to operate as normal.

Can we enter a Mosque as a foreigner?
Yes you can, however, here it is VERY IMPORTANT for women to have themselves covered. NO SHORTS, LOW CUT BLOUSES, TANK TOPS, etc. Women will be expected to cover their heads with a scarf and if you do not have one – one will be given to you to put on before entering the mosque. This is a religious place so please respect the custom. You will also be asked to remove your shoes before entering and leave them at the door in a safe place that is provided.

What should I wear – as a woman do I need to keep myself covered?
Cotton clothing is highly recommended because of the heat. You will find that the tourists wear anything and everything when visiting there but if you dress with respect to the religious expectations over there you will find that you will be hassled far less. A short sleeved top, Capri pants, and skirts – all are fine to wear – or choose as you like.

Is tipping included and if not, how much should I budget? 

Tips are not included in the tour price and tipping is entirely at your discretion. Our Tour Dossiers include suggested tipping amounts 

What tips are included in my package?
We usually collect an upfront tip package from each person that will take care of all of your tipping while on tour. This will cover all of your drivers, your hotel attendants, your restaurant waiters and some of the guards or security officers at some of the sites. We know what is the usual amount required and we find that most people are very happy to give us this responsibility. Your tip will not include that for your guide.
This is totally at your discretion and for you to decide what you want to tip.

Is tipping REALLY necessary?
Yes, it is and it is expected by all of those in the tourist industry. Wages are very poor and any working in the industry rely heavily on their tips. We ask you to be fair in your tipping and think of it in the same light as how much that same position would receive as a tip in your home country. For instance – it is very unlikely that you would tip someone in Canada 50 cents. Likewise 50 piaster in Egypt is considered an insult unless you are surrounded by a large group of children and you want to give each a small amount.