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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the best time to visit Egypt?
Will we be traveling with people from other countries?
Will I be traveling with reliable staff, associates and/or representatives of the company?
What are the qualifications of your guides?
Do I have time on our own or are all of the days filled with touring?
What is meant by an “Optional day” or an optional excursion?
Are there breaks along the way when traveling from place to place?
Is it safe for us to walk the streets by ourselves?
Can we get our own taxis on the streets of Cairo?
Is it safe to eat in restaurants outside of the hotels?
What types of food can we expect to find?
Are alcoholic beverages allowed?
What are the extras that I will have to pay for?
What currency is accepted in Egypt?
Do we need to have Egyptian currency before entering the country?
Do I have to have my Egyptian Visa before entering the country?
What can we expect to shop for?
Are shops or other facilities closed for prayer Friday?
Can we visit various sites during Ramadan?
Do we need any vaccinations before leaving?
What should I wear – as a woman do I need to keep myself covered?
Can we enter a mosque as a foreigner?
How much is airfare – is it Canadian or American?
What choices do I have for departures?
What tips are included in my package?
Can you provide conference facilities for corporate and business clubs?
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. - back to beginning -
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. - back to beginning -
Will we be traveling with people from other countries?
As our market place consists of basically Canada and the United States our clientele originates from these two countries. - back to beginning -
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. - back to beginning -
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. - back to beginning -
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. - back to beginning -
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. - back to beginning -
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 travellers 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. - back to beginning -
Are there breaks along the way when traveling from place to place?
Yes, we do stop for a stretch when touring. - back to beginning -
Is it safe for us to walk the streets by ourselves?
As with any country – a conscientious traveller 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. - back to beginning -
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. - back to beginning -
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. - back to beginning -
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. - back to beginning -
Are alcoholic beverages allowed?
Yes, absolutely and all of the hotels, tourist restaurants and the cruise ships offer a fairly good selection. Stella beer is a cool refreshing drink after a hot day in the sun but the wines are not to be anticipated with as much eagerness. Cocktails are available at any of the tourist sites. It is very difficult to buy off sale liquor as there is a lack of liquor stores and in addition to this the Muslim religion frowns upon the actual handling of liquor so having someone buy you something will be a difficult thing to do. - back to beginning -
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. - back to beginning -
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.
If Canadian Travellers cheques are drawn on Canadian banks it can be a small issue at some of the smaller centers but can usually be done in Cairo at a traditional bank rather than the hotel banks. - back to beginning -
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. - back to beginning -
Yes there are and you will receive your cash in Egyptian Pounds - back to beginning -
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. - back to beginning -
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 $25 US. - back to beginning -
What can we expect to shop for?
Oh my, the 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 and of course an endless array of statues and imitation artifacts. - back to beginning -
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. - back to beginning -
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 abit earlier than usual. For the most part everything continues to operate as normal. - back to beginning -
Do we need any vaccinations before leaving?
There is nothing that is required or mandatory. - back to beginning -
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. - back to beginning -
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. - back to beginning -
How much is airfare – is it Canadian or American?
We quote our airfare in Canadian funds and you are free to choose whether you choose to fly with our supplier or if you want to use your own agent. We do get good rates but the choice is yours. Domestic flights – as long as it is not listed as an option - will be included in your tour package. - back to beginning -
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. - back to beginning -
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. - back to beginning -
Do you cover any comprehensive Insurance, cancellation protection, excess Medical coverage, baggage insurance etc.?
Our agent that we contract our flights to carries all of these insurance coverages. You will be given the choice as to what you want to carry at the initial stage of buying your airfare ticket with us. - back to beginning -
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. - back to beginning -
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 each a small amount. - back to beginning -
Can you provide conference facilities for corporates and business clubs?
Absolutely, we can arrange for an exotic location to hold your function and provide site seeing options as well.
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