Egypt Nile Cruise: Where the Ancient Meets the Eternal

AFS Egypt  Trip Tips 2025

Prepare to be thrilled for a fantastic adventure.  Our new vacation creation covers so many different regions, and April is the perfect time to visit before Easter. Dozens of our past AFS groups love this trip.  This one is first class with our excellent Egyptologist guides. We have a wonderful group of 24 travel lovers with space for two more, so tell your friends. I know all but 3 of you on this and know there will be great laughter throughout. 

These Trip Tips are designed to answer trip-related questions. It’s your responsibility to read this information. Updates and addendums will be posted here. Some travelers have lost their entire trip for not reading what we send on visas, air details, inoculations, etc. Check back from time to time.

Payment Dates:

• 50% due December 5
• Final balance due January 5
• You’ll receive an automatic email reminder.

 Payment Methods:

• Electronic Check (No Fee): Use WeTravel, our data management company. Follow the instructions to pay by electronic check without any extra fees.
• Credit Card: A processing fee will be added to your payment at the time of purchase. This helps us, as a small business, keep costs low and provide you with the best price.
• Check (No Mailing Required): Make your check out to AFS, take a photo of it, and Text it to 770-432-8225. We’ll enter the information for you at no extra credit card fee.

Your fearless GTL (Gracious Trip Leader, not a guide but a liaison between our guides and group to ensure things run smoothly.)

GTL Deanna – Atlanta’s intrepid globe-trotter. Having explored over 60 countries (mostly solo), this fearless adventurer joined the AFS family in 2017. With degrees in Photography and Graphic Design from SCAD, Deanna loves helping others craft stunning social media posts that’ll leave friends green with envy.

But that’s not all – her IT/Communications background makes her your tech troubleshooter extraordinaire. When not resolving device dilemmas, Deanna pursues an active lifestyle of fitness, skiing, snorkeling, and hiking. An avid learner, she’s been studying and speaking French for over 8 years, ensuring she’ll always have insider travel tips at the ready.

Deanna is an AFS treasure, inspiring others with her leadership, wisdom, and infectious enthusiasm. Everybody celebrates when she leads a trip. Buckle up, because with Deanna guiding you, every adventure will be unforgettable.

Trip Prep:

• • Read the revised Heading Abroad with AFS, especially if you are new to AFS.
  • Ensure your passport is valid 6 months after return date with two blank pages – these are Visa pages, not addendum pages.  Take a photo of your passport to store in the cloud or bring a copy. If you lose your passport, US embassies now except a digital copy from your email.
  • To speed through US Customs download Mobile Passport. Look in your App Store for details.
  • Notify bank and cc company of travel dates so they don’t block charges.
  • All airline rules differ. It is imperative to read your airline rules on their website to ensure a smooth departure! Always check your flight before departure.

Visa – For U.S. citizens traveling to Egypt as tourists in 2024, there are two primary visa options:

1. Visa on Arrival: You can obtain a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival at Egyptian airports. This visa costs $25 for a single entry. You’ll need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your entry date and at least one blank page for the visa stamp. Paying in cash (USD) is recommended.  Make sure bills don’t have rips or tears.
2. E-Visa: A tourist visa is required. U.S. citizens can obtain a renewable single-entry 30-day tourist visa, which you can get online before you arrive if you want.  The cost is $25 USD. The Government of Egypt has created a website for the issuance of e-visas- https://visa2egypt.gov.eg/eVisa/Home. There are other websites purporting to offer electronic visas, some of which reportedly charge double the official price, but this is the only official Government of Egypt portal for this service.

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Fitness Level: We recommend a moderate fitness level for our trips, which typically involve daily walks of at least a mile in 20 minutes (stroll). This adventure is soft with moderate activity, but can involve walking on uneven pavement.

Know Your Limits: It’s important to honestly assess your physical stamina before booking. As we age, activities that were once easy can become strenuous and slow down the group. If you have concerns, text us at 770-432-8225 to discuss. We cannot book trips beyond your skill level.

Alternatives: If you’re looking for something less active, consider Eldertreks, who specialize in trips for older adults. AFS is about having fun, so please choose an itinerary that suits your needs to fully enjoy your trip. Be respectful of your fellow travelers and their pace.

 General Air Information:  Always download and use your airline’s app to track your booking, monitor delays, follow your baggage, display your boarding pass, and contact the airline. If problems arise, reach out to the airline via their website’s “contact us” page, or through text, social media, Skype, or a call to their international number.

Many premium credit cards offer valuable air travel perks like assistance, insurance, lounge passes, and Global Entry. Visit www.tpg.comto learn about the best cards for these benefits.

Business class fares can range from $4,000 to $9,000. We have contacts who can secure seats at nearly half the cost by combining award miles: Alen@skylux.com and ali@business-class.com. Mention Suzy sent you for a discount.

 Important Air Dates: Important Dates:  April 4-12. Stop overs are great to augment your vacation but AFS is not responsible for extensions. Note that TK, QR and EK have the best fares.

• Arrive in Cairo by April 5 for the tour start.
• Tour ends on April 12 in Cairo.
• Leave the USA on April 4.

Several airlines fly from the USA to Cairo International Airport (CAI). Here are some options:

• EgyptAir: Direct flights from New York (JFK) and Washington, D.C. (IAD).
• Delta: Connecting flights via Amsterdam (AMS).
• American Airlines: Connecting flights via London (LHR) or other European cities.
• United Airlines: Connecting flights via various European cities.
• Lufthansa: Connecting flights via Frankfurt (FRA) or Munich (MUC).
• British Airways: Connecting flights via London.
• Air France: Connecting flights via Paris (CDG).
• Qatar Airways: Flights with a stopover in Doha (DOH).
• Turkish Airlines: Connecting flights via Istanbul (IST).
• Emirates: Flights with a layover in Dubai (DXB).

When planning your trip, be sure to check for the most current flight availability and schedules, as they can vary based on the season and demand.

Group Air:  None. Sometimes we offer group air but find few people book sometimes find better rates on own direct from hometown.  This provides you better flexibility to go early or extend at trip end.  I know we will not meet the minimum required to make a group booking since this is a small group.

Internal flight –  built in the trip

Doing Own Air–  This trip originates in Cairo, Egypt. You can search routes to Cairo from your departure city.  We like using Google flight search air.   3rd-party booking engines like Expedia, make it easy to book, but it is nearly impossible to handle air problems. Feel free to search their algorithms but be sure to buy directly from the airline.  If you need help air with the economy seat,  our guy Delhi can help; email flights@diversedestination.com with your exact air dates, destination, passport name, and details with birthdate.

Airport Transfers:  We will arrange one common group airport pickup and drop offs to accommodate as many people as possible. I know many will go in early.  Please note that if we cannot get a minimum of 8 people for a transfer due to spaced-out arrival times, no pickup transfer will be provided. Taxis are a safe and affordable alternative. If we have a group transfer and your arrival time falls outside the group window, simply take a taxi to the hotel. We will be asking for everyone’s flight details a few weeks before departure to arrange this transfer.

Important: With no group air and travelers arriving and departing at different times, managing individual airport transfers is no longer feasible. Like other tour companies, transfers are now your responsibility. We recommend the following:

1. Visit your arrival airport’s website to explore transfer options, such as airport buses, taxis, Uber, etc.
2. Connect with fellow travelers on the group Facebook page to arrange transfer cost sharing if desired.
3. If you arrive early and check into the AFS hotel before the group, please be prepared to change rooms with your roommate on the first day of the trip if necessary.

Transfers are not expensive, and with a little planning, you can easily get to the hotel.

Meet Up With Group- On day 1 on APRIL 4th, a time will be set to meet the group at the hotel for a briefing. More on this later.

Baggage– Think light to ease your burden, not like you’re fleeing your homeland.  You change hotel properties 5 times. 1 carry-on bag & 1 medium suitcase not to exceed 45lb checked bag – weigh on a bathroom scale.  Apple AirTags work great to track checked bags when the airline cannot, also good for carry-on.   Leave space for great souvenirs. Be sure to attach ID inside and out of carry-on and checked bag.

Packing-  Check the weather forecast before your trip to ensure you’re prepared. Historically, temperatures in Egypt are between 79°/55°.

Packing – you’ll want summer/spring clothing, a light jacket, an umbrella, daypack, hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, a swimsuit, and beach gear. Ladies should bring a light headscarf and dress modestly. Clothes should be lightweight, loose-fitting, and full-length. Avoid shorts when visiting mosques.

Cool travel hacks from our AFSers! Pack overnight outfit in your carry-on, liquid IV packets to hydrate, use packing cubes, downy wrinkle spray, Apple AirTags, extra nylon bag to check laundry home, tons of US dollars for extra tips, fully charged travel banks, less is more, get global entry.

Electric– Don’t forget a portable backup charger, cords, gadgets, etc. Cell phones and tablets do not need a converter; you only need an adapter plug.  AFSers often leave charger cords in room, so be sure to double-check your room before check out. All properties have hairdryers.  See https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com  Electric is 220 V and they use to plug types – C or F.

Money Matters – You’ll need some cash for tips, meals, and shopping. $350 should be enough. Be sure to bring newer bills that are not damaged. These will not be excepted.  You can exchange money at the airport, a bank, or a hotel. Or, you can withdraw cash from an ATM. But be careful: Some ATMs might have scams. The safest ATMs are at the airport and banks. Always cover the keypad when you enter your PIN. The money in Egypt is the Egyptian pound (£E). Try to get a lot of small bills. You’ll need these for tips and small buys. Many shops and taxis might not have change for big bills.

Currency Egyptian Pound  Exchange Rate  $1= 49 EP  (A great rate. In 2019 when we did this trip $1 equaled 18 EP) Dollar is so strong now, you’ll get an excellent rate!

Bring two major credit cards. Inform your bank you’ll be overseas during the trip so they don’t shut down your cards.

Currency  Exchange Rate

• Follow the link below to create a conversion cheat sheet
• https://www.oanda.com/currency/travel-exchange-rates

 Gratuities –  (Prepaid) It’s protocol to tip your local guides, assistants, porters, drivers and ground staff.  A $120  has been be added to your invoice. Please understand this is only the suggested minimum.  For ease of distribution, your GTL will tip the different ground services for the entire group each day.

Tipping on own – Egypt has a long and intensive tipping culture. Everyone you encounter will have their hand out for “baksheesh” as tips are considered an essential means of supplementing their meager salaries.  If service is stellar, feel free to give more directly.  All we tourists leave behind is our reputation.   I carry a personal stash of US ones to draw from as needed. (Tip $1 min. if porter wheels your bag to your room.  I leave $2 to $5 to maid.)  Restaurants 10%.  For group lunches or dinners please leave a dollar or two.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMf2mGvdMak  Bellstaff/porter: $1 to $3 per bag The hotel staff that’s responsible for lugging your belongings to and from your room should be tipped a dollar or two. However, if they’re tasked with hauling particularly heavy luggage or take the time to show you the amenities in your room, your tip should reflect the added service.

 Communication– Internet is available. With smartphones, be sure to check with your provider for rates and coverage for international phone plans before departure. Data Roaming rates can be expensive. To reach home – Texting, iMessage, WhatsApp, and Facebook messaging when using WIFI. Be cautious using public Wi-Fi without using VPN. Without VPN never open attachments or view financial or personal accounts on the Internet while abroad.  Phone calls, text messages, and data usage of all kinds, it is crucial to understand that, unless you are connected to Wi-Fi, every use of your phone incurs a data toll. That means that viewing and downloading email, browsing the web, viewing social media, and mapping all incur data charges, as do applications that we sometimes assume to be “free,” such as Skype and WhatsApp. Unless you are connected to Wi-Fi, however, WhatsApp is using cellular data, so you are getting charged at your provider’s international roaming data rate.  Facebook Messenger Phone is an easy free way to make calls.

 Safety: The Egyptian government has augmented strict security measures for all visitors. For the past seven years, every tour group is required to have armed guards with them. Visible or incognito, please understand they cannot befriend you.

AFS, safety of our Travelers is our priority since our inception in 1989. Our local teams constantly monitor any issues with your destination. They can access real time safety updates and inform us if necessary.

Avoiding Hackers on Vacation.  Thieves not only want your money but also your data.    Change passwords often. Check device security settings before you leave for your trip. Back up, update, and encrypt your devices and data using a virtual VPN. Since 1989, your safety is our primary concern. Our local teams are experts, constantly monitoring any issues with your destinations. They can access real-time safety issues and will keep us informed if necessary.

• Bottled water is always best abroad, as our gut isn’t accustomed to local tap water.  Stay hydrated.
• Travel health – Avoid street foods. Bring Imodium or anti-diarrhea medicine.  Bring sunscreen.  Load up on antioxidants like vitamin C to zinc.

 Health –  All our meals are pure and water is filtered. Bottled water provided throughout. Don’t use ice outside hotels.

Photography – Before taking pictures of locals, know it is polite to ask.  Your AFS Private Facebook Group Page is a great way to share your best shots with each other. AFS loves photos with group participants (not typical churches, monuments, or any shot that looks like you pulled it off of the net, etc.) for our website. The best photos are ones that include a group member with a local, children, animals, or at iconic sites in the same frame! Note, there may be some restrictions with photos in Buddhist places and religious sites. Guide will advise.

Websites of Interest: http://www.egypt.travel, http://www.antor.com/members/egypt, http://www.touregypt.net/tourinfo.htm

Chewing-  Egypt’s rich history, with occupations by the French, British, and Turks, has greatly influenced its cuisine. You’ll also notice flavors from neighboring countries like Lebanon and Greece, though Egyptians favor more cumin and coriander. Expect to find grilled beef, poultry, or mutton, often served with foul (a fava bean dish) and spicy vegetables. While pita bread is common, the Egyptian version tastes different from its counterparts elsewhere.

For quick eats, try shawarma (similar to a gyro) – just make sure the meat is fresh. Don’t miss fateer, a flaky pancake with sweet or savory fillings, and mulukhiya, a garlicky soup featuring molokhiya leaves. Koshari, a mix of rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas topped with spicy tomato sauce and fried onions, is another must-try.

Egyptian wine has come a long way since the state vineyards were privatized in 1998. If beer is your preference, you’ll find Stella and Sakara are reliable choices with a 100-year history and improving quality.  While alcohol is forbidden for strict Muslims, our hotels, boat and restaurants serve wine and beer.

Accommodations – Our itinerary has links to each hotel.  Hotels can change, but it’s rare.

Leisure Time –  For your free time, we recommend consulting with our local expert guides for personalized suggestions. We’ve observed that pre-planning multiple activities for your AFS trip can sometimes lead to disappointing results. Our daily itineraries are carefully curated to provide a full and enriching experience. Experienced travelers often appreciate the element of surprise when exploring a new destination and allow for flexibility in their plans. Please feel free to ask our guides for recommendations once you arrive.

 Amending tour pre-or post-trip. We honor your independent spirit, but encourage you to extend more days at the trip’s end when you’re acclimated well to the destination.  If you add another country, we often see many AFSers on Facebook urging others to join them what do you consider the cost of tours, transport, hotels, etc.  Stopovers are great to add, but understand AFS has no responsibility for the quality of your trip. Please understand that we are a group tour organizer and do not have the time or resources sources to arrange private vacations for individuals.

Private Facebook Group Page  –  The benefit of the Private FB Group Page is that you have an opportunity to introduce yourself to your fellow travelers before departure and share trip photos during and after the tour.  The link can be found in your Wetravel welcome letter after your initial deposit.  (We found that some never read the Trip Tips jumping right to the Private FB Group Page assuming they will get all trip info needed. Often, they only receive rumors or misinformation. All important information is ALWAYS emailed to each participant and posted in Trip Tips under UPDATES. Nobody misses a thing.)

Emergency Contact – AFS phone or text 770-432-8225, or email us at https://afstravelers.com/contact-us/    More contacts will be provided with your Final Docs email 2 to 3 weeks before departure. Your guide can handle a call home for a true emergency. Do not expect to use your trip leader’s cell phone; you’ll need to use your own.

Travel Insurance– While travel insurance is optional, in today’s world we highly encourage you to get standard coverage to cover trip interruption and cancellation.  Best source for all is www.insuremytrip.com.   CFAR or cancel for any reason covers Covid but is expensive.  Note that no company covers for fear.

Preexisting conditions – If you would like the security of travel insurance and have a pre-existing condition (elderly parent, medical, etc.), you must purchase insurance within 15 days from your initial trip deposit in order to assure full coverage.  The trip cost can be amended or adjusted as needed after your initial purchase (eg. like adding an air ticket cost later). You can buy travel insurance at any time, just know that there may be some possible limitations if purchased outside the 15 day period.  We like TravelSafe, Allianz or Seven Corners.

• Click here to Purchase Travel Insurance online

AFS Group Etiquette – Prepare for your departure joyfully with no contempt before investigation upon arrival. Please understand that with travel, things are not like at home and changes may occur. Great trips work best for those with an open mind, flexible attitude and adventuresome spirit.  If changes occur, embrace them with serendipity. Who knows?… The unexpected may prove to be a better experience.  Adapt and go with the flow with a laid-back attitude.  Be spontaneous. Be tolerant of foreign cultures in respecting their centuries of traditions. Embrace the differences. Be curious, not shy. Smile – locals will sense your energy of kindness and kindness always begets kindness.  Our common goal is to experience different cultures, make new friends, get great photos, have large fun, and return home safely with memories worthy of recollection.

10 Commandments for AFS Travelers

1. Thou shall not expect to find things as thou hast at home, for thou hast left thy home to find things different.
2. Thou shall not take anything too seriously.A carefree mind is the beginning of a fun vacation.
3. Thou shall not let other group members get on thy nerves, for thou art paying good money to enjoy thyself.
4. Thou shall not forget that doist represent America (Canada too) at all times. Kindness begets kindness, ugliness begets ugliness.
5. Thou shall not worry. This is for thine AFS trip leader.  They who worry hath no pleasure, and few things are fatal.
6. Remember thy passport at all times. A person without a passport is a person without a country.
7. Blessed is the person who can say “thank you” in any language
8. When in Rome, do as the Romans do
9. Do not judge the people of a foreign land by one person with whom thou hast had trouble.
10. Remember, thou art a guest in each land. They who treateth their host with respect shall be treated as a guest of honor.

Please note that AFS is non-partisan – With our homogeneous groups, we all want to focus on the common denominator – our love of travel.  In today’s divisive world, we suggest members not discuss politics and if you must, please practice my rule of TOK:  Tolerance, Open-mindedness and Kindness.

Please be advised that the operation of some tours may need to be rearranged or modified to suit local conditions, but all activities stated will be included.  We are here for you to address any questions about your trip. In time, we believe travel will begin to normalize with less rules and we appreciate your cooperation until then.  Now more than ever before, travelers value the privilege of travel to explore our world. You’ve been waiting so long, it’s time for recess!

The best spirit of an Explorer requires the openness of a child – Suzy

“When traveling, remember that a foreign country isn’t designed to make you comfortable.  It’s designed to make its own people comfortable.” – Clinton Fadiman