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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION: EGYPT

Passport & Visas

A full ten year passport together with an Egyptian Visa are required by British and US citizens to enter Egypt. Tourist visas can either be obtained prior to departure from the nearest Egyptian Consulate, or are easily purchased on arrival at Cairo International Airport (Currently $15 per person). Passports must have a minimum of 6 months validity from your return date and have at least two free pages.

Accommodation

We use some of the best hotels available in Egypt. These are typically of an International 4 and 5 star standard. As hotel ratings can vary widely across the globe, to avoid confusion the star ratings given on this website are our own, and approximate to those found in the UK and USA. Please note that standards of accommodation and the level of facilities found aboard Nile and Lake Nasser cruise ships cannot be equated to those on luxury ocean going ships.

Transportation

All transfers in Egypt are chauffeur driven. The type of transportation used will depend on the size of your party. For groups of 2 we will typically use a saloon car or a minivan. For 3 people or more we will use a minivan. These vehicles are all equipped with air-conditioning, heating and proper safety facilities, and can comfortably accommodate 1 piece of checked luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage per person. If you think you will be travelling with more luggage, please let us know at the time of booking so that we can arrange the most appropriate vehicle size for you. Sightseeing excursions from Nile cruises are on a shared basis and are operated by the cruise ship using modern coaches. As driving standards in Egypt are not the same as in the UK, we make sure that all of our drivers are experienced, and used to local road conditions.

Departure Tax

There is currently no departure tax on exiting Egypt.

Walking

Many of the sites in the Middle East are quite spread out and our tours consequently necessitate a reasonable amount of walking. Whilst the walking is normally easy going, a full-day sightseeing can be quite tiring and sometimes strenuous.

Nile Cruises

Cruise boats in Egypt may vary their itineraries with little or no notice if water levels become unusually low, or to avoid areas of dense traffic, or if the Esna lock is closed. Such changes are rare, but you should check the final itinerary at reception when you embark. Access to all Nile Cruise boats is via a gang plank. Clients will require good mobility into order to embark and disembark from the vessel. No disabled facilities are provided. Cruise itineraries are based on full board, but all drinks will be charged as extras. Christmas and New Year dinners are compulsory at some hotels - these will be charged as a supplement when the prices are confirmed.

Dahabiya Cruises

Dahabiyas in Egypt may vary their itineraries with little or no notice due to navigational conditions, or at the discretion of the Captain. It is important to be aware that there is also a great element of flexibility in the cruise itinerary concerning departure times, lunch stops, and the location of overnight moorings - this is the very essence of a Dahabiya cruise and one of the defining difference between cruising by Dahabiya and a regular Nile cruise. When weather permits the Dahabiya will travel under its own sail power, at other times you will be pulled along by a tug boat. Dahabiyas can serve alcohol but are not licensed to sell any. All alcoholic drinks therefore need to be brought with you at the time of embarkation. We have included a bottle of Egyptian wine and five 500ml cans of Egyptian beer per person a day while on board the in the cost of the holiday and would be happy to assist you with any additional drinks requirements. Boarding and disembarking the cruise requires negotiating small gangways, making the cruise potentially unsuitable for passengers who require assistance or have difficulties with mobility. No disabled facilities are provided. Cruise itineraries are based on full board, but all drinks will be charged as extras.

Guides

To enhance the enjoyment you will have private guides for all sightseeing with the exception of sightseeing excursions from Nile and Lake Nasser cruises which are on a shared basis accompanied by the ships resident on-board Egyptologist. Please note that the guide will be a separate person from your driver.

Language

The official language of Egypt is Arabic. English is generally widely spoken in tourist areas.

Electricity

The electricity supply is 220v. Plugs are European style with two circular pins so adapters are required for British and US appliances. Visitors from the US will require a transformer. This can be supplied by most hotels.

Mobile telephones / Internet

GSM mobile telephones work through much of Egypt. It is advisable to check the rates for roaming charges with your phone provider prior to your departure. There is virtually no mobile phone reception on Lake Nasser. The internet can be accessed throughout Egypt and most hotels offer either wired or wireless internet connections. The internet is available on some Nile Cruises but not all. Please enquire for details.

Time

Egypt is GMT + 2. The time in Egypt is thus generally 2 hours ahead of that in the UK, 7 hours ahead of EST, and 10 hours ahead of PST.

Religion

Egypt is a predominantly Muslim (90%) country with a small Christian minority (10%). Nearly all Muslims belong to the Sunni branch of the faith, while the Christians are mainly Copts.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims do not drink anything from dawn until sunset. During this time some restaurants maybe closed during the day but most tourist attractions and hotels are unaffected. Concentration spans may however be shortened. Some disruption may continue into the three-day Eid ul-Fitr festival that follows Ramadan.

2012 20 Jul - 18 Aug
2013 9 Jul - 7 Aug
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Your Financial Protection: The air holiday packages offered by Corinthian Travel are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL T7335. Where flights are not included your holiday is protected through our membership of the Travel Trust Association. We hold TTA membership number U6485. Please see Financial Protection or our booking Terms & Conditions for further information.