Frequently Asked Questions — Luxury Egypt Travel | Highend Egypt Tours

Question 1

How far in advance should I book a private Egypt tour?

Accepted Answer

We recommend enquiring at least three to six months in advance, particularly for travel between October and March — Egypt's peak season. For bespoke requests such as private air charter, exclusive site access, or travel during the Abu Simbel Sun Festival (February and October), six to twelve months allows us to secure the finest arrangements. That said, we have assembled exceptional last-minute journeys for guests with flexible timelines — do reach out regardless of your lead time.

Question 2

What is included in the price of a private tour?

Accepted Answer

Every itinerary is bespoke, so inclusions vary by package. As a rule, our private tours include all accommodation at the properties listed, a dedicated private Egyptologist throughout, all private transfers and internal flights, all entrance fees and site access, and all meals unless otherwise noted. International flights are not included unless specifically arranged. We will provide a detailed inclusions list with your personalised proposal.

Question 3

Can the itinerary be customised?

Accepted Answer

Entirely. Every itinerary we present is a starting point, not a fixed programme. We will adjust the pace, swap destinations, add experiences, change properties, or build something from scratch based on your interests. Whether you want to focus exclusively on ancient history, combine Egypt with Jordan or Morocco, or spend a week on a private dahabiya with no fixed schedule, we will design it around you.

Question 4

Do you cater for solo travellers?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Several of our guests travel alone, and a private tour is in many ways ideal for solo travel — the pace, the depth of engagement with your Egyptologist, and the flexibility are all entirely yours. Pricing for solo travellers reflects the single-occupancy supplement at our partner properties, which we will outline clearly in your proposal.

Question 5

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Our cancellation terms are set out in full in your booking agreement. In general, cancellations more than 90 days before departure receive a full refund of any deposit paid. Between 30 and 90 days, a partial refund applies. Within 30 days, deposits are non-refundable, though we will always work with you to reschedule where possible. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes cancellation cover.

Question 6

Do I need a visa to visit Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Egypt. Citizens of many countries — including the United States, United Kingdom, most EU member states, Canada, and Australia — can obtain a visa on arrival at Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Hurghada airports, or apply in advance through Egypt's official e-visa portal (visa2egypt.gov.eg). The e-visa is straightforward and takes 3–5 business days to process. We recommend applying online before travel to avoid queues on arrival. Your consultant will advise on the specific requirements for your nationality.

Question 7

How long can I stay in Egypt on a tourist visa?

Accepted Answer

A standard tourist visa permits a stay of up to 30 days from the date of entry, with a single entry. Multiple-entry visas are available and allow stays of up to 30 days per visit within a 6-month validity period. Extensions can be obtained in-country at passport offices in Cairo and other major cities. For stays longer than 30 days, we recommend applying for a multiple-entry visa or arranging an extension through our local contacts.

Question 8

Is Egypt safe for tourists?

Accepted Answer

Egypt's main tourist destinations — Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, the Red Sea coast, and the Sinai — are well-established and visited by millions of international travellers each year. The areas we operate in are considered safe for tourism. As with any international travel, we recommend checking your government's current travel advisory before departure and taking standard precautions. Our team monitors conditions continuously and will advise if anything affects your itinerary. Your private guide and driver are with you throughout, which adds a significant layer of comfort and security.

Question 9

Are any vaccinations required or recommended?

Accepted Answer

No vaccinations are legally required to enter Egypt (unless arriving from a yellow fever zone, in which case a yellow fever certificate is required). However, we recommend consulting your doctor or a travel health clinic 6–8 weeks before departure. Commonly recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, typhoid, and ensuring routine vaccinations are up to date. Malaria is not a significant risk in the main tourist areas. Your doctor is the best source of personalised medical advice for your trip.

Question 10

Is the food and water safe?

Accepted Answer

Tap water in Egypt is not recommended for drinking. All our partner hotels and restaurants provide bottled water, and your private vehicle will be stocked throughout your journey. The food at our partner properties is prepared to the highest standards. We recommend avoiding street food and unpeeled fruit or vegetables from unknown sources, particularly in the first few days as your system adjusts. Most guests experience no issues at all.

Question 11

What travel insurance do you recommend?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended and, for some of our packages, required. Your policy should cover medical evacuation, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and personal liability. If your itinerary includes desert expeditions or adventure activities, ensure your policy covers these specifically. We recommend policies from specialist travel insurers rather than basic credit card cover. Your consultant can suggest reputable providers if needed.

Question 12

What currency is used in Egypt, and how should I handle money?

Accepted Answer

The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the local currency. US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, and tourist sites, and are often preferred for tipping. ATMs are readily available in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. We recommend carrying a mix of local currency and US Dollars. Your consultant will advise on the current exchange rate and the best approach for your specific itinerary. All major credit cards are accepted at our partner properties.

Question 13

What is the tipping culture in Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Tipping — known locally as baksheesh — is an important part of Egyptian culture and a significant part of many workers' income. For private guides, USD 20–30 per day is a reasonable guideline for excellent service. Drivers typically receive USD 10–15 per day. Hotel staff, porters, and restaurant servers appreciate USD 1–5 depending on the service. Your Egyptologist will guide you on appropriate amounts throughout your journey. We never include gratuities in our pricing — they are always at your discretion.

Question 14

What is the best time of year to visit Egypt?

Accepted Answer

October through April is Egypt's peak season and the most comfortable time to visit, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20–28°C (68–82°F) in Luxor and Aswan. Cairo is pleasant year-round. Summer (May–September) brings intense heat — temperatures in Upper Egypt regularly exceed 40°C (104°F) — but also significantly fewer crowds and lower prices. The Abu Simbel Sun Festival, when sunlight illuminates the inner sanctuary of Ramesses II's temple, occurs on 22 February and 22 October and is a remarkable event to witness.

Question 15

What language is spoken, and will I need a translator?

Accepted Answer

Arabic is the official language of Egypt. However, English is widely spoken in the tourism industry, at all our partner hotels, and by your private Egyptologist. French, German, Italian, and Spanish-speaking guides are available on request. You will have no difficulty communicating throughout your journey. Your Egyptologist will also help navigate any situations where Arabic is needed.

Question 16

What standard of accommodation do you use?

Accepted Answer

We work exclusively with Egypt's finest properties — the Four Seasons Nile Plaza and Mena House in Cairo, the Winter Palace and Sofitel Legend in Luxor, the Old Cataract in Aswan, and a curated selection of boutique desert lodges and Red Sea villas. All properties are personally inspected by our team. For Nile cruise itineraries, we use private dahabiyas (traditional wooden sailing boats) with en-suite cabins and dedicated crews, rather than large cruise ships.

Question 17

Can you arrange private villa or exclusive-use accommodation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For families, groups, or guests who prefer complete privacy, we can arrange exclusive-use villas, private Nile cruisers, and desert camps. These options provide an entirely different quality of experience and are available across all our destinations. Please mention this preference when you enquire and we will include options in your proposal.

Question 18

What should I pack for an Egypt tour?

Accepted Answer

Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colours is ideal for most of the year. Modest dress is respectful and required at religious sites — shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting mosques and some temples. A light layer for evenings, particularly on the Nile and in the desert, is advisable even in summer. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are non-negotiable. For desert expeditions, a warm layer for cold nights and a headscarf for sandstorms are recommended. Your consultant will provide a detailed packing list tailored to your specific itinerary.

Question 19

What is the electricity supply in Egypt?

Accepted Answer

Egypt uses 220V/50Hz electricity with Type C and Type F (European-style round two-pin) sockets. Travellers from the US, Canada, and the UK will need a plug adapter. A universal travel adapter is recommended. Power cuts are rare at our partner properties, which have backup generators. USB charging points are available in all rooms.

Question 20

Will I have internet access during my tour?

Accepted Answer

All our partner hotels provide reliable Wi-Fi. Mobile data coverage is good in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, and reasonable along the Nile corridor. Coverage in the Western Desert and at remote sites such as Siwa is limited or absent — which many guests find a welcome respite. Local SIM cards with data are inexpensive and available at Cairo Airport on arrival. Your consultant can advise on the best option for your itinerary.

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