1. When will I receive the tour information after booking?
2-3 days before the tour departure, our customer service will send an English invitation letter and a Chinese tour notice via email, and help set up a WeChat group for the English assistant to arrange airport pick-up in advance. One day before departure, the English assistant will add the Chinese tour guide to the WeChat group to facilitate communication and coordination during the trip.
2. Is there a minimum and maximum number of participants for this Egypt tour?
This tour typically accommodates 2-12 international join-in small groups, with a minimum of two participants. Actual group availability, flights, and cruise arrangements require reconfirmation. Carpooling with other tourists may occur during the itinerary, and the number of participants for shore excursions during the cruise segment may exceed 12.
3. What personal information do I need to provide when booking?
Please provide complete personal information when booking, including your name, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport information, contact email, and mobile number, to facilitate order confirmation, airport pick-up arrangements, and tour services.
4. What is the airport pick-up process upon arrival in Egypt?
Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, an English assistant will be waiting in the visa-on-arrival area with a pick-up sign and will assist with the procedures. According to the local reception's notice, Cairo Airport will use QR codes for visa-on-arrival starting August 1st, replacing the original visa stickers. Travelers need to process this at the self-service machines at the airport and pay the $36 fee (including a $6 service fee) using an international credit card that accepts USD; cash is not accepted. After completing customs and collecting luggage, you will be transferred to your itinerary connection or hotel based on your flight schedule. Specific processing requirements and fees are subject to the airport's regulations on the day of arrival.
5. Do I need to exchange local currency in advance?
We recommend preparing a sufficient amount of USD cash and a Visa or Mastercard credit card for international payments. Some tourism services may accept USD or Euros, and a small amount of Egyptian pounds can be prepared for daily small expenses. The specific currency and payment method are subject to the merchant or attraction's requirements.
6. Can students get discounts on tickets?
Some attractions offer discounted tickets for students. To avail of the discount, you need to purchase tickets on-site and present a valid international student ID. Eligible travelers must carry their relevant documents with them.
7. Will there be a Chinese-speaking guide accompanying the entire trip?
This tour arranges a licensed Egyptian Chinese-speaking guide service. However, due to the multi-city itinerary and long-distance transfers, there might be situations where different guides lead different segments. During transfers between cities or free activities in the Red Sea, usually only a driver or an English assistant will be arranged, and a Chinese-speaking guide will not be present. The specific arrangements are subject to the actual itinerary.
8. Is it possible for the itinerary order and vehicle arrangements to change?
This tour is a local join-in and international group tour. Due to flight schedules, hotel locations, or group consolidation needs, there may be carpooling, shared transfers to different hotels along the way, or adjustments to the day's sightseeing order. However, without reducing the number of attractions, the specific sightseeing order and arrangements are subject to the final tour notice and actual conditions on the day.
9. Are there any mandatory shopping or optional activities that must be participated in during the trip?
This tour does not mandate shopping or participation in optional activities. The guide may recommend local specialty shops and optional activities. If other group members have shopping needs, a stop may be arranged. Optional activities are chosen voluntarily by guests; please understand the activity content and cancellation/change policy before confirming.
10. Are there any risks associated with optional activities?
Some optional activities such as camel riding, hot air balloon rides, diving, and desert dune bashing carry certain risks. Guests are advised to choose cautiously based on their physical condition and capabilities. Some activities may include local meals. Due to differences in dietary habits and hygiene standards, those with sensitive stomachs are advised to eat sparingly or prepare their own dry food.
11. Is there a tipping culture in Egypt?
Tipping culture is quite common in Egypt. In addition to the guide or cruise tips explicitly stated in the itinerary, service personnel such as hotel porters, drivers, boatmen, and carriage drivers may actively request tips. Guests are advised to respect local customs and tip appropriately.
12. What should I be aware of when traveling during Ramadan?
Ramadan in Egypt is expected to be from mid-February to mid-March 2027 (exact dates subject to local announcement). During Ramadan, some attractions may close earlier, fewer restaurants may be open during the day, and service personnel such as guides and drivers may fast and abstain from water from sunrise to sunset. Public places like cruises may suspend entertainment activities. If this is a concern for you, it is advisable to carefully consider traveling during Ramadan.
13. What are some specific behavioral guidelines to be aware of when traveling in Egypt?
Egypt is a Muslim country. During your trip, please respect local religious beliefs, customs, and cultural traditions. Be aware of dress code requirements when entering mosques. Do not bring drones into the country without permission, and do not arbitrarily photograph military personnel, police, airports, or military facilities. Obtain permission from local residents (especially women and children) before photographing them.
14. Do I need to carry my passport with me during the trip?
Please make sure to carry your valid passport with you throughout the trip. You may encounter random checks by local police, and the English assistant and guide may also need to verify your passport information to ensure a smooth journey.
15. Can I get a refund if I forgo meals or activities included in the itinerary?
If you forgo meals, transfers, or activities that are included or complimentary in the itinerary due to personal reasons, no refund will be issued. Meals included in the itinerary usually do not include beverages and alcoholic drinks; please purchase them separately if needed.
16. Which flights are included in the tour fee? What is the baggage allowance for domestic flights?
This includes two domestic economy class tickets: Cairo to Aswan and Hurghada (Red Sea) to Cairo. It does not include international flights to and from Egypt. The reference baggage allowance for domestic flights is one piece of checked luggage (20kg) and one piece of carry-on luggage (6kg) per person, with the final allowance subject to airline regulations. Some flights depart early in the morning, and the guide may not be on the same flight; guests will need to check in independently.
17. How is accommodation arranged for the Nile River cruise?
The itinerary includes 3 nights in a standard five-star river view cabin on a local cruise, not a luxury cruise. The cruise is shared with other travelers, and the number of participants for shore excursions from Aswan to Luxor may exceed 12. When multiple cruises are docked side-by-side, the river view may be temporarily obstructed; cabin locations are arranged by the cruise and cannot guarantee being away from the engine or completely quiet.
18. Besides the tour fee, what other expenses need to be paid?
Attraction tickets, optional activities, international flights, travel insurance, unincluded meals, and personal expenses need to be paid separately. The total tips for drivers, guides, and assistants are US$64 per person, plus a cruise tip of US$7 per person. Tips for boat rides, carriage rides, and luggage handling are calculated separately, with the same standard for adults and children. If staying at a Red Sea hotel on December 31st, some hotels charge a mandatory New Year's Eve dinner fee, estimated at US$100–150 per person.
19. What time should arrival and departure flights be scheduled?
It is recommended to book flights arriving in Cairo before 09:00 AM on Day 1 to participate in the day's sightseeing. If arriving after 09:00 AM, you can pre-confirm if the first day's itinerary can be adjusted to Day 8 and book a return flight departing after 09:00 PM on that day; alternatively, you can arrive one day earlier and book an additional night at the hotel. Cairo Airport offers 24-hour transfers, but early check-in and late check-out at hotels require separate confirmation.
20. Are visits to Abu Simbel Temple and Red Sea excursions guaranteed?
Not guaranteed. Abu Simbel Temple is an optional activity and needs to be coordinated with the cruise departure times; it may not be available on some dates. Free time in the Red Sea depends on the flight returning to Cairo, and a full day for sea excursions is not guaranteed. If these two activities are a priority for you, please inform us before booking so we can verify cruise schedules and flight arrangements.