Preparing for your trip

Checklist

Documents & Entry Requirements

Entry requirements are provided for your convenience. However, unless otherwise stated, it is your responsibility to determine the requirements that apply to you and your trip and to comply with them, including obtaining any necessary visas or other travel documents by the required deadlines and carrying them with you. Especially with COVID-19, requirements are subject to change, so check back for the latest before you depart.

Travelers departing in 2022 & beyond: you will be responsible for obtaining your own Egypt eVisa. Please see the information below from our partners at Sherpa. Jordan visas will be granted upon arrival. 

Egypt Entry Requirements

Advice from our partner Sherpa

Jordan Entry Requirements

Advice from Friendly Planet

A visa is required to visit Jordan and will be obtained upon arrival at no additional charge. 

Advice from our partner Sherpa

General Requirements & Guidelines

• In general, you must have a passport to travel abroad, which should be valid for at least six months after your return date. Passports expiring before then should be renewed as soon as possible. Passports contain at least 2 blank pages for each country visited. If your passport does not have this many pages, obtain a new passport as soon as possible.
• if your passport and visa are not in order, airlines and cruise ships may deny boarding, countries may deny entry, and your trip may be disrupted. Travel insurance may not cover such losses.
• Any changes in names or passport information should be reported to us immediately. Airlines and cruise ships may deny boarding if the name on your passport does not match your tickets.
• Minors (age 17 or younger) departing and/or returning to the U.S. without parents or with only one parent may be required by U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) to present a notarized parental consent letter and/or unabridged birth certificate (more information). Many other countries have similar entry requirements, especially for minors traveling with a parent/guardian with a different surname; check with the consulates of all countries you'll be visiting to learn more.

Final Documents

Your final travel documents will be sent to you via email by 14 days prior to departure. These will include your daily itinerary, hotel and emergency contact information, and other relevant information. Please print your documents and take them with you. If you're departing in less than a week and haven't received your documents, let us know immediately!

Travel Insurance Documents

If you purchased travel insurance, please print and carry your policy documents, including contact information for emergency travel assistance and instructions on how to make a claim. If you purchased the travel protection plan we offer, we recommend you print the full policy.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

We encourage all U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This free service allows you to receive important updates about safety and security issues in your destination, and makes it easier for the U.S. Embassy, as well as family & friends, to contact you in case of an emergency. To enroll or get more information, please visit the STEP website or any U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Flights, Transfers & Arrival

Questions about your flights before you depart? Read the information below first. If you still have questions, contact our air specialists at 800-555-5765 ext. 2 or [email protected].

Flights & Tickets

For this package, we generally book your flights and issue tickets after your final payment due date.

Once we have issued your tickets, we'll send you an "e-ticket receipt" which contains all of your flight information, including times, carriers, an airline booking reference number, and an e-ticket number. If you have not received this, or have questions about the flights we booked for you, please contact our air department. You will not receive paper tickets. We recommend you print and carry a copy of your flight details, including the airline booking reference number and e-ticket number, as some airports require this to enter the terminal. You do not need to reconfirm your flights with the airline prior to your departure, as we will handle this for you.

Egypt Air will allow advanced seat selection for a fee after tickets are issued. You may contact our air department via email, for your preferred seating once you receive your electronic tickets, and no later than 48 hours prior departure. Otherwise, seats will be assigned at the airport when you check-in.

Please Note: Egypt Air is a dry airline; they do not serve alcoholic beverages on their flights. 

Flight Schedule

You may review the sample flight schedule(s) below. This information is for general planning puposes. You will receive your actual flight schedule by email once we issue your tickets.

Airlines may change schedules at any time, even after flights have been confirmed, and we are not responsible for such changes. Please check for updates to your flight schedule prior to booking any connecting flights and again 72 hours prior to departure.

Connecting Flights

If you plan to purchase connecting flights to your departure city, we strongly suggest waiting until after your final payment due date and after you receive the e-tickets for your international flights, to reduce the chances that that your departure might be cancelled or rescheduled or that your international flight times might change. Before purchasing connecting flights, verify the times for your international flights. Leave at least 3½ hours connecting time between flights, and if you're traveling within a few weeks of Daylight Savings Time changes (in March and November, when flight schedules may change even more dramatically), allow 5–5½ hours between flights. Nobody likes waiting around the airport, but missing your flight is far worse!

Airport Transfers

Scheduled group airport arrival and departure transfers are included with this package. When you exit customs, please look for our representative holding a Friendly Planet sign, who will cheerfully escort you to your transfer vehicle and assist with your luggage. 

Arrival Complications

We make every effort to ensure our tours run smoothly and trouble-free. We don't expect any problems, and nor should you. But when things don't go as planned, here's what to do:

• You miss your flights, or your flights are cancelled: Please call us immediately. If it's outside our normal business hours, leave a message in our emergency mailbox, with a phone number at which to reach you, and we'll get right back to you.
• Your flights are delayed and you're worried about missing your included transfers: Please contact us to let us know about the delay, and we will notify our partners in destination. They will be tracking your arrival and will plan accordingly.
• Your package includes transfers, but you can't find our representative at your destination: Don't panic—they may have been unexpectedly delayed. Wait up to 30 minutes. Then contact our local partners in destination, listed on the emergency contact page of your final documents. If you can't reach them, call us. If it's outside our normal business hours, leave a message in our emergency mailbox. If all else fails, make your own way to the starting hotel (or cruise port), and we'll refund you the cost of your transfer.

Packing & Luggage

Baggage allowance: Your checked-in luggage should weigh no more than 50 pounds, and each piece may not exceed 62 inches as a sum of all three dimensions (length, height and width). Your carry-on luggage should fit under your seat or in the overhead compartment. Medications and other essentials should be packed in your carry-on luggage. Porterage during your tour is covered for only one checked bag per person.

We highly suggest that you bring toiletries as those available locally may not be of the same quality to which you are accustomed. We recommend that you bring insect repellant, high SPF sunscreen, after sun lotion, common drugs and vitamins you normally take as well as extra batteries and chargers for your electronic devices as these may not be readily available in the places visited on this tour. We also suggest bringing close-toed shoes as the streets are dusty and to protect your toes from the hot sand on the sites along the Nile. Small packs of tissues or wipes will also come in handy at rest stops, as toilet paper is not always available.

What to wear: Egypt is generally a conservative country and has a very warm climate. Dressing for modesty and comfort is encouraged, especially in big cities like Cairo and the city centers in Luxor and Aswan. Although the dress code at tourist sites tends to be relaxed, we recommend that women avoid revealing clothes such as short shorts and short skirts to avoid attracting unwanted attention or offending the locals. It is best to wear short sleeved t-shirts, capri pants or skirts that cover the knee. We suggest bringing clothes made of cotton, a wide brimmed hat to cover your face and back of your neck. Sunglasses and a light shawl or scarf are also valuable accessories for your trip. If you have two pairs of comfortable (broken in, not brand new) walking shoes, by all means, take both pairs. We also suggest bringing a pair of swim shoes, a swimsuit, cover-up, and at least one smart casual outfit if an occasion arises. Packing to dress in layers is another way to prepare for a variety of weather conditions. Finally, remember that the countries visited on this tour are casual, and comfort should dictate your wardrobe for the tour.

Appropriate Attire for Visits to Mosques & Other Religious Sites: When visiting mosques and sacred sites, please ensure to dress appropriately – short sleeved shirts and ankle length trousers for men; capris or skirts that cover the knee for women. A head scarf is required for women and should avoid transparent or see through clothing. A pair of socks will come in handy if you are required to remove your shoes. Despite the heat, women are advised not wear short shorts or halter-style tops. Capris, khaki pants, slacks or skirts with loose cotton shirts, tee shirts or tunics are considered appropriate for touring.

Learn more about Baggage Allowances on your international flights. Note that our baggage allowances may be less than those for your international flights. If you exceed the baggage limits, you may be subject to excess baggage charges levied by the airlines and/or by Friendly Planet.

Regardless of the limits—we recommend a smaller size and weight for both your checked and carry-on bags. It's so much easier and faster for you to get around when you have fewer, lighter bags! For your carry-on, consider a soft-sided bag such as a duffel rather than a hard clamshell-type case, which may not fit as easily into overhead compartments or under your seat, especially on buses. For your protection, we suggest your checked luggage have a TSA-approved lock.

Luggage tags: For your safety, we are no longer mailing Friendly Planet luggage tags to you. We encourage you to use your own. Fill in the luggage tags with your name and contact information and attach to each bag, including carry-ons and camera cases, so that your luggage can be identified should it get misplaced during your trip.

What to pack: Check out our list of top 10 must-haves for international travel, as well as what not to pack. Pack smart: put your travel documents, medications, one change of clothing, and other essentials in your carry-on, in case your checked baggage is misplaced. And pack light, for your own comfort and convenience. For clothing, we suggest packing a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.

What not to pack: U.S. law forbids you to carry hazardous materials aboard aircraft in your checked or carry-on baggage or on your person, including explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids & solids, loaded firearms, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Common examples include paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, mace/tear gas and oxygen bottles. Restricted materials may vary by airline and destination. Some items, in quantities of no more than 70 ounces total, may be carried within baggage, including medicinal or toilet articles such as hairspray, perfume and certain medicines that are necessary during your journey. Please check with the airline and/or visit the FAA website prior to travel if you have any questions.

While on Tour

What to Expect

This fast-paced, escorted tour includes a reasonable amount of walking or hiking and requires an average level of physical fitness. Expect early wake up times and very long days in order to fit in all included visits. The Nile cruise portion of this tour can total up to 100 passengers.

Your Schedule: On several days during your trip, a very early departure time is required to accommodate flight schedules and to avoid touring during the hottest part of the day. Your patience and understanding is appreciated.

Customs & Culture: Since Egypt is primarily a Muslim country, customs will be different from the USA. Be sensitive and respectful of local customs and traditions.  For example, it is customary to only use your right hand to eat or hand things to others. The left hand is considered unclean, as it is used for hygiene. Locals are very appreciative of tourists who show respect for their customs and culture.

Bargaining: Bargaining is a way of life in Egypt, especially at markets or souks. Once you ask “bi-kam da?” (How much is it?) be prepared to bargain hard or walk away.  A good bargaining policy is to start negotiating by offering half of the asking price. Don’t be afraid to walk away if you think the price you’re being quoted is too high. Generally, vendors will come after you and offer a lower price. Negotiations should be done in a respectful manner.

Photography: Expect to pay a small fee to bring your camera inside the monuments, temples, tombs and museums. Once inside, flash photography is generally forbidden. Be sure to ask permission before taking pictures of people or animals.  It is not unusual for a camel’s owner to ask for a small fee if he sees you taking a picture of his camel.

Remember that you're a guest in someone else's homeland, and that you're traveling to experience their country and culture. Be sensitive to local customs and manners, as many things may be done differently than what you're used to. And while we have made every effort to secure modern and comfortable accommodations and transportation, please note that the standards in other countries may be different from those you are accustomed to at home. Overall, you will find a polite, positive, patient, and open-minded approach generally yields the best travel experience!

Please keep in mind that you'll be traveling with a group. Sharing your explorations with like-minded folks can often be a source of joy, and some of our travelers become lifelong friends. But traveling with strangers can also sometimes be challenging, especially in a foreign country. We ask that you be patient and respectful with your fellow travelers, including their needs and preferences. Also remember that you have responsibilities to the group—please be prompt for group activities so you don't keep everyone else waiting. Lastly, please defer to your tour leader, guide or manager. They are there for your safety and wellbeing, and to ensure the journey goes smoothly for everyone. If you have a problem with one of our tour guides or managers, please let us know, either while you're on tour or after you return, and we'll make sure your concerns are addressed.

Accommodations

Our hotels are all western style, and your room will have a private bathroom. You will be sailing the on the recently refurbished MS Tulip or a similar ship, with contemporary-styled staterooms featuring a panoramic window and en-suite bathroom. Facilities on board include a fitness center and spa, swimming pool, and a lounge bar. The main dining room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring a variety of local and international cuisine.

Eating & Drinking

The meals included with your package are listed in the itinerary.

The welcome and farewell dinners in Cairo include a glass of local wine or local beer, a bottle of water and coffee or tea.  Drinks on other meals are not included and will be charged separately. 

Non-included Meals: Egyptian cuisine can be described as a fusion of the best features of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and African cooking. Your Cairo hotel on tour has several dining choices, from coffee shops, bar or lounge to specialty restaurants. A number of cafes and restaurants offering variety of cuisines are also located within few miles from your hotel in Cairo. Average cost for lunch (not including drinks) in the cafes will be about $15 - $20 per person per meal, while the average dinner costs around $30-40 per person per meal, excluding drinks. Major restaurants and cafes accept credit card payments for not-included meals.

Please be aware that the water in the hotel tap system is not potable. Hotels will normally provide bottled water at a small fee. On occasion, a first bottle will be in your room upon check in. If not, you will have plenty of opportunities to purchase bottled water in and around the hotel. Any water that you consume from the hotel mini-bar will be charged to your room, and you will be responsible for payment. As a reminder, only drink water and other beverages from sealed bottles or cans. The rule for water also pertains to ice, as it is commonly made from unfiltered, tap water. At included meals, you may enjoy the cooked fruits and vegetables, but stay away from raw items unless you can peel them. We are not accustomed to the micro-organisms in the raw foods and water of many other countries, including Egypt. If you exercise caution, you will avoid spoiling your trip by getting sick.

Please see above for special meal requests.

Tipping

You will be traveling through Egypt in the company of a professionals who are very committed to making your tour the dream vacation you are counting on. These people feel great pride in being given a chance to show foreign visitors their country. If your guide, driver, and others with whom you are traveling are doing a good job, please take our suggestions for tipping seriously. Naturally, tipping is personal and voluntary, and if you have not received good service, your tip should reflect this fact.

The recommended amounts are as follows:

• Cairo Tour Director: $3 per person per day
• Cruise Ship staff: total of $40 ($10 per person per day for 4 days) to be paid on last day of cruise
• Driver: $3 per person per day
• Restaurant staff: $2 per person per meal (lunch/dinner)
• Egyptologist (guide): $8 per person per day
• Housekeeping: $1-2 per person per day
• Luxor & Aswan Tour Director: $ 2 per person per day

Optional Excursions

There are no vouchers needed for the prepaid optional excursions. The guide will have a list of passengers who have booked and prepaid the optional excursions. If you did not prepay the optional excursions and prefer to purchase them locally, space will be subject to availability, and the local selling price may be higher. Payment must be made by cash or by credit cards, Visa or MasterCard only.  American Express and Discover are not widely accepted in Egypt.

Abu Simbel Excursion:  This excursion requires flight arrangements and should always be purchased in advance. Space is always limited, and if you have not purchased this popular tour in advance, it is highly likely you will not be able to visit. The visit to Abu Simbel is also subject to EgyptAir’s flight schedule. Due to reduced demand, Abu Simbel flights may be cancelled with very short notice or sometimes without advance notice. If this happens, a land-based alternative will be provided. Please note that driving time from Aswan to Abu Simbel takes from 2 ½ to 3 hours in each direction, making for a very long day.

Independent Activities

Your hotel in Cairo is located near some of the city’s famous sites, museums, gardens and specialty shops. Spend your free time visiting some of the museums and cultural landmarks or shop for arts and unique crafts in the many gift shops.

You can also leave the group and explore on your own at any time; however, should the group have planned activities for that day, please make sure to inform your tour guide in advance. There is NO refund for unused group arrangements. We recommend that you ask the front desk for a business card of the hotel with the address and local phone number in both local script and English. Or take the name of the hotel and phone number - written in the local language and in English - with you so that you can communicate with taxi drivers. The hotel staff will gladly assist you with these translations.

Special Needs & Requests

Please see above for special meal requests and seat requests. If you have any other special requests, including wheelchair or electric cart assistance, please mention your request when you book with an agent, or in the special requests section when you book online. We will do our best to accommodate them!

Country FAQs

Egypt Fast Facts

Jordan Fast Facts

Fine Print

Terms & Conditions: Please review our terms & conditions for this package.

Cancellations: If something comes up and you need to cancel your trip, please let us know as soon as possible. All cancellations must be made in writing. Cancellation fees vary by package; please see the cancellation fees for this package.