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Egypt is one of the most popular and most-chosen holiday destinations - not only by lovers of sunbathing and water sports in seaside resorts and lavish all inclusive hotels! In addition to wide, sandy beaches and the warm Red Sea, travelers will also find bustling cities full of monumental architecture and colorful markets, countless archaeological sites such as the pyramids, temples, tombs of greatest pharaohs, statues and obelisks. Adventurers will also appreciate desert safaris and accommodation in Bedouin villages and evening stories by the fire, under a magically starry sky. Whatever you're looking for, a trip to Egypt will give you great fun and lots of memories and reasons to come back here in the coming years!
You need to know how to prepare for a trip to Egypt and what to know before traveling to Egypt, to get the best experience possible. So if you are planning a trip to Egypt we have a lot of useful information for you.
Looking at a map of the world you can see that Egypt is a very vast country with locations in various continents and with different climatic zones. There are two main seasons of the year - a mild winter and a hot summer. Planning a trip to Egypt can be done for most of the year: even in the cooler months, the water temperature is quite high, and the weather in Egypt is pleasant with temperatures during the day being above 20°C, with sunshine. The greatest temperature differences occur inland, where you see more than 68 °F (20°C) between day and night, and in winter the temperature even drops to around 41 °F (5°C). The hottest summer days bring heat reaching almost 104 °F (40°C), in the south - at this time it is best to relax on the Red Sea coast.
When you plan a trip to Cairo, Egypt you need a tourist visa for all travelers - single ($ 25) or multiple ($ 60). You can apply for the visa through the following website - www.visa2egypt.gov.eg. You must also have a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry. When planning your vacation with Inside Egypt, we'll let you know how to prepare for a trip to Egypt and you will always receive up-to-date information on entry conditions and visas. However, you must complete the formalities yourself or use a visa agency.
What to know before traveling to Egypt. When packing your hand luggage, remember to keep your passport and money for a visa in an easily accessible place for you but one that is protected against pickpockets. Despite the fact that Egypt is a very warm country, we can get cold at the airport and on the plane, so it is worth having a scarf or a sweatshirt with you when traveling. A phone charger might also come in handy. In addition to the usual things that we always pack in hand luggage, remember about the additional little things that you need for your protection and safety when traveling during the coronavirus pandemic. Always have a face mask or two with you. Also have an antibacterial gel, and cleansing wipes with you. Remember to wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, and disinfect the products you buy at the airport.
There are no compulsory vaccinations required for entry to Egypt. However - as with almost every trip abroad - standard vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, typhoid, polio and tetanus are recommended. In Egypt, there is no risk of Malaria or the need for anti-malaria prophylaxis, but it is worth remembering to pack mosquito spray when planning a trip to Egypt - even harmless ones can effectively make the holiday unpleasant.
When you plan a trip to Cairo, Egypt or any other Egyptian city there are things that you need to remember to take with you. Having an Egypt trip planner will help you to make sure you have everything you need for your trip.
Egypt has lifted all restrictions that were previously imposed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. You can now travel to the Land of the Pharaohs without requiring a negative PCR test or an accredited Covid-19 vaccination certificate.
After you've dealt with the necessary formalities, you can start packing your luggage. The list of things to take is not that different from what you'd take to other destinations - some of them are just universal. Holidays in Egypt are a huge shot of sun, so first of all, pack a sun cream with a high UV filter, a hat, and sunglasses. If you plan to actively explore the country, make sure you wear appropriate clothing that's comfortable and which adapts to the weather conditions. It also needs to be suitable for visiting temples or other places of religious worship. Although there are no strict religious or moral standards in the country, it is worth remembering to respect local culture, customs and religion when planning a trip to Egypt. Use holiday clothes on the beach and during your stay in the hotel, but when you're out and about it is definitely better to give up shorts and open tops.
A must-see during any Egypt pyramids tour is, of course, the majestic pyramids themselves. Also, another equally popular attraction is swimming in the sea and admiring the coral reefs. If you plan to spend whole days in the water, you can take your own masks, glasses or fins to help you enjoy every moment in the Red Sea. Since sharp corals also grow on the sea bed, be sure to wear appropriate water footwear. When taking your camera or phone underwater, don't forget about a waterproof case. You should find standard electrical sockets there, so the adapter will not be needed.
Egypt is a huge country with different regions, some that are highly touristic and some that are completely non-touristic and unpopulated.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of many countries advises against trips to some of these regions and recommends organizing vacations by choosing a reputable Egyptian travel agency. In many places, increased checks can be seen on the streets, in public places and at tourist attractions. Tourist resorts attracting the greatest number of tourists are described as safe, usually having a designated and protected area. Apart from tourist zones, basic precautions should also be taken - as in any place there may be petty thefts, attempts to extort or fraud. Egypt and Tunisia are the most popular countries in Africa in terms of the number of tourists, in 2019 the number of visitors was estimated at almost 14 million visitors.
The currency used in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP) which is divided into 100 piastres or 1000 millimeter. The most common denominations are 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 pound banknotes and the 1 pound coin.
HERE you can check the exchange rates in Egypt according to the National Bank of Egypt.
It is best to exchange EUR or USD for the local currency. In larger cities, you can easily find ATMs or exchange with sellers. You can even pay in EUR or USD at tourist sites, but always pay attention to the exchange rate. In shops or restaurants, you can usually pay by card.
Staying on the topic of finance, keep two points in mind when planning a trip to Egypt. First of all, always try to haggle! The prices shown are only starting points, and the final amount will depend largely on your bartering abilities. Compare prices in neighboring places, think about how much you really want or can spend and then try your hand at the difficult art of negotiation. Second, there is an informal custom or even an obligation to tip in Egypt. It is worth having some change in your pocket, because you will often have to pay something extra, e.g. for bringing suitcases, to staff, drivers or guides. Tipping or 'Bakshish' is valid not only for tourists but also for locals, so do not feel offended or that you're being targeted as a tourist. This amount can also provide you with a better seat in a restaurant, a waiter's attention or a larger room that was vacated at the last minute. You can also give away small gifts instead of money.
Holidays in Egypt are not only an opportunity to get to know a different culture, visit fascinating monuments and temples, wander in the desert, or sunbathe on the delicate white sand on the shores of the Red Sea. Our 10-day tour of Egypt is one of the many incredible experiences we offer for those looking to explore the world, create unforgettable memories and stay at the best hotels.
The element that brings these new experiences together while traveling to Egypt is your accommodation. This is also very important when planning your trip to Egypt! Our clients know very well that your hotel is not a "corner to survive the night", but an integral part of a trip to Egypt. This also meets the needs of discovering a new place and relaxation.
Very often, a place is chosen from the location of the hotel, and not the other way around! In line with our philosophy of tailor-made travel, we accommodate our clients in luxurious 5-star hotels. These are the best in Egypt, where your stay is an unforgettable experience due to the distinguished interior and hotel service, which is at the highest level.
When planning your trip to Egypt, we work with proven 5-star hotels of well-known chains, such as Marriott Mena House, Four Seasons at First Residence and Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo. During a cruise on the Nile, our guests travel on the luxurious ship MS Le Fayan or similar. We can also guarantee that the prices of accommodation that we offer to our clients in these hotels are lower than those they would receive if they were booked individually. Our vacation packages - e.g., the 8-day Egypt tour - include those hotels.
Internet access will almost certainly be provided in the hotel, but sometimes its quality leaves much to be desired or is additionally payable. After arrival at the airport, you can easily buy disposable SIM cards with a certain amount of GB to be used for data transmission. Prices start from as low as $ 3, and by paying around $ 15 you can count on a package above 20 GB. Cards can also be purchased in shopping malls, from street vendors or in hotel shops. The most popular operators are Vodafone, Etisalat and Orange.
Holidays in Egypt are a real treat for lovers of culinary experiences! The rich cuisine draws on Arab, Turkish, Greek and Jewish influences, which makes it very colorful, diverse, aromatic and most importantly - deliciously tasty. The base of the cuisine is rice, local beans and chickpeas. Along with vegetable additives, they create countless humuses, pastes and sauces adding vegetables or meat. They are then heavily seasoned with parsley, mint, ginger, coriander or turmeric. You won't find pork on the tables, but your taste buds will be delighted with the beef, mutton and poultry, often straight from the grill, stuffed with vegetables and poured with aromatic sauce. You will definitely have the opportunity to try the traditional kebab made of various types of meat, kofta - a small meat shashlik or meatballs with lots of aromatic spices or the popular koshari - a mixture of rice, lentils and pasta with a spicy tomato-based sauce. For those looking for culinary curiosities, we can recommend the stuffed pigeon.
For dessert, try a sweet pudding with pistachios, baked goods with honey and almonds, coconut and dried fruit, or shortbread cookies. You will also get coffee and tea at every turn, often very strong and sweet, with aromatic spices. Bon Appetit!
You cannot buy alcohol in shops and supermarkets in Egypt. In Cairo you will find a lot of places (independent bars, pubs, discos and restaurants) where you can drink beer, wine or something stronger. You can also count on a drink in better hotel restaurants. But remember that Egypt is a Muslim country, so alcohol is not available everywhere and It is illegal to drink alcohol in public. For example, in Aswan it is very difficult to find a place with alcohol. Detox can be useful to everyone, start your detox on a trip to Egypt.
Cairo - the capital of Egypt, the largest city in the country and in all of Africa, and the largest center of Islamic civilization. It is a modern metropolis with over 20 million inhabitants and 24 hours a day, a commercial, industrial and financial center. Its history dates back over 3000 BC, and the most important remains are the archaeological sites, the Giza pyramids (including the pyramid of Cheops and the statue of the Sphinx in front of the pyramid of Khafre) and Saqqara with the pyramid of Djoser. When you plan a trip to Cairo, Egypt, you must visit the Egyptian Museum, Al Azhar Mosque and Park, Alabaster Mosque, Cairo Tower and countless markets and bazaars.
Alexandria - the city founded by Alexander the Great was one of the most important centers of culture and science in the ancient world. Here the worlds of Europe, Africa and the Middle East meet. In the past, it dazzled with the majesty of royal palaces, the monumental lighthouse on Faros or the building of the Alexandrian Library, now it is the second largest city in Egypt and the most important seaport, hereinafter referred to as the scientific and cultural capital of the country. Even though hundreds of years have passed, the climate is closer to European cities on the Mediterranean than to Cairo. Currently, the biggest attractions here are the National Museum, the New Library in operation since 2002, the seaside Fort Qaitbey and the Corniche promenade. The catacombs, the Roman Auditorium Maximum and the Italian-style presidential palace have kept the memories of the past.
Aswan - this is the most important city in the hot south of the country. Its current history is related to the creation of the Great Dam on the Nile. The reason for many tourists coming here are the archaeological sites of Abu Simbel and the temples on the island of Philae (they had to be moved during the construction of the dam), and a special attraction - a cruise on the Nile. Lake Nasser stretches across the south of Aswan, bordering Sudan. In the city itself, part of our Egypt historical tours, you can admire the historic buildings, and on the islands located on the Nile - Nubian villages and ancient ruins.
Luxor - a city on the Nile located in the central part of the country, on the territory of the ancient capital - Thebes. For millennia, Egypt's rulers have built numerous temples, palaces and tombs here. The most interesting place is the Luxor Temple, located 3 km from Karnak, where the most famous building is the one dedicated to the most important of gods - Amon Ra. On the other side of the Nile stretched Western Thebes, where the burial place of former rulers is located - the Valley of the Kings with the tombs of Ramses the Great or Tutankhamen. Nearby is the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon, which are the only remnants of a larger complex of buildings.
Hurghada and the Red Sea coast - one of the most popular Egyptian resorts guarantees great weather all year round and provides plenty of attractions for the whole family. Formerly Hurghada was a small fishing village, now it attracts tourists with beautiful beaches, warm waters of the Red Sea and fantastic conditions for water sports, in particular snorkeling and diving - it is an opportunity to admire the wonderful world of the coral reef. In the evenings, when tourists leave the beaches, city life begins, numerous restaurants, bars, souvenir shops and discos open. There is an international airport on the outskirts of the city, serving direct international flights, while in the south, along the Red Sea coast, there are smaller resorts such as Safaga and Marsa Alam.
Sinai Peninsula - An equally popular resort is Sharm el Sheikh, where there are the most beautiful coral reefs in the country. As in other places, you can count on excellent weather and a very extensive tourist base, offering many possibilities depending on your wallet. An important place that attracts tourists is also the biblical Mount Sinai, where Moses was to receive the 10 commandments. At the foot there is the Christian monastery of St. Catherine, from where numerous trekking and walking routes start to the top (2285 m above sea level) and the surrounding peaks. The entire area has been entered on the UNESCO heritage list.
When you are planning your trip to Egypt, you should definitely include a luxury Nile cruise in your Egypt vacation. It is an amazing experience as you travel aboard a luxury ship in the south of Egypt, and explore magnificent Egyptian temples and tombs carved into the rocks at the same time. From the top deck of the ship during the cruise you can observe the life of the Egyptians in the small villages and towns along the Nile, as well as the beautiful nature on show. In the evenings, the ship or your travel agency will organize various entertainment for its guests, such as an Arabic evening, a galabeya party, or live music.
The Nile cruise will go from Luxor to Aswan or vice versa and can take from three to seven days. It all depends on how much time you have for your Egypt vacation. If you have time we recommend a cruise on the Nile in the longest version from Luxor to Aswan, back to Luxor or from Aswan to Luxor, back to Aswan. This gives you time to explore more, and also to relax on board a luxury ship that is a floating hotel. During the cruise on the Nile, you will be able to visit several Egyptian cities located in the south of Egypt, such as Luxor (ancient Thebes), Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, learning firsthand about their sights and stories.
Alternatively, when planning your trip to Egypt, you can travel from Aswan to Abu Simbel and see the two magnificent temples; Temple of Ramesses II the Great (Great Temple) and Temple of Nefertari (Little Temple). The temples are stunning and are really worth traveling the 290 km distance! It is worth adding that in the 1960s, the construction of the Aswan High Dam on the Nile threatened to completely flood both buildings. In the years 1964–1968, the operation of transferring the temples above the water level of the dam of Lake Nasser, where the temples are located today, was carried out by an international effort by UNESCO.
With this in mind, when you are planning your trip to Egypt, you should not miss out on a cruise on the Nile. Cruising on the Nile is a great way to both see the amazing sites and relax along the way.
Egypt is a fascinating travel destination and very popular among tourists. Proper preparation for a trip to Egypt will save you a lot of stress and nerves, and will also protect you from possible unpleasant ailments.Traveling to Egypt does not require long preparations, and offers extraordinary experiences, beautiful landscapes and unique monuments.
There's nothing else that you need to do now apart from book a luxury tour of Egypt with us, arrange your air tickets, create an Egypt trip planner and a personalized list of things to pack.