Egypt Escorted Tour by Tauck
Jewels Along the Nile
Egypt: Jewels Along the Nile
2010 – 12 Days from $4,900 plus on-tour airfare
Tauck's expert Egyptologists invite you to
delve into a fascinating civilization where architectural feats and antiquities
still amaze thousands of years after their creation - an intriguing land of
pyramids, temples, colossal statues, mummies, golden treasures, and hieroglyphic
symbols! Our comprehensive Egypt tour includes a ride atop a camel and a sound &
light show at the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza; a sunset cocktail
cruise aboard a traditional felucca; stays at Egypt's finest hotels -
including Pyramid-view rooms in Cairo, a Tauck exclusive - and visits to the
temple complexes of Luxor, the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, Old Cairo, the
Egyptian Museum and more. And of course, no Egypt tour is complete without a
cruise along the River Nile; Tauck guests spend four nights aboard
Nile Adventurer, one of the best ships
on the ancient river.
Day-by-Day
Itinerary
2010 Itinerary
• Indicates cruise day
Day 1 - Welcome to Cairo
Tauck's Egypt tour begins at the Mena House
Oberoi. A transfer is included from Cairo International Airport to
your hotel, a sumptuous former royal hunting lodge. Your room looks out on
to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramids of Giza.
Since most international flights arrive between 3:00 and 11:00 PM local
time, you might want to consider traveling to Egypt a day early and arrange
a pre-stay in Cairo to ease the effects of jet lag before the first day of
sightseeing on your Egypt tour begins.
Meals: A snack in your hotel
room upon late arrival
Lodging: Mena House Oberoi,
Cairo, Egypt
Day 2 - The Sphinx, the Great Pyramid, and a
camel ride
A visit to the Pyramids is on every world-traveler's
must-see list, and is an iconic image of your Egypt tour. After meeting
Tauck's local Egyptologist this morning, visit the Solar Boat Museum, whose
main attraction is an ancient Egyptian cedarwood boat dating back 4,500
years. At Giza, see the Sphinx guarding the plateau, as it has for
the
same 4,500 years. Marvel at the Great Pyramid of Cheops (Khufu), a crowning
architectural achievement. Cap the day with a camel ride* at the Pyramids.
Attend a welcome cocktail reception and dinner this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch,
dinner
Lodging: Mena House Oberoi,
Cairo, Egypt
Day 3 - Pyramids galore in Memphis, Sakkara and
Dahshur
Travel to the site of ancient Egypt's first capital,
Memphis, for a look at some of Egypt's oldest antiquities; you'll see the
Alabaster Sphinx and an imposing statue of Ramesses II. In Sakkara, visit
the Teti Pyramid, and view the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world's first
monumental structure built of stone. Continue off-the-beaten-path to the
less-often visited necropolis at Dahshur for a look at the numerous pyramids
and temples there, including a Tauck Exclusive - entry into the private tomb
of one of the early mastabas at the site.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Mena House Oberoi,
Cairo, Egypt
Day 4 - Luxor, the Temple of Karnak and a
felucca cruise
Take a private charter flight to Luxor, site of ancient
Thebes, where your Egypt tour continues at the vast Temple of Karnak, built
over a span of 1,300 years and one of the world's largest temple complexes;
explore it with our expert Egyptologist. Next up is a guided visit to the
Luxor Museum, displaying rich archeological finds from the temples and tombs
of Upper Egypt. Later, enjoy a sunset cocktail cruise on the Nile aboard a
traditional felucca, followed by dinner at a choice of restaurants
at your hotel - where your room overlooks Egypt's timeless river!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch,
dinner
Lodging: Steigenberger Nile
Palace Luxor, Egypt
• Day 5 - Valleys of the Kings & Queens, Luxor &
your cruise
On a major highlight of your Egypt tour, visit the Valley
of the Kings, where at least 62 ornately decorated tombs for the pharaohs
were hidden. Our Egyptologist accompanies your exploration of the Valley of
the Queens, revealing 80 tombs of royal family members; see Medinet Habu.
Board the Nile Adventurer for the start of your 4-night cruise
along the Nile. After settling into your cabin, go ashore and ride a
horse-drawn carriage to the Temple of Luxor - noted for its avenue of
sphinxes, grand colonnades, and colossal statues of Ramesses II - for a
spectacular evening visit. Join us for a welcome dinner featuring belly
dancers and entertainment back aboard the ship tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch,
dinner
Lodging: Aboard Nile
Adventurer
• Day 6 - A day on the Nile and a visit to Esna
Spend a day cruising the Nile, glimpsing life along the
ancient river's banks. Arrive in Esna for visits to its Greco-Roman
antiquities including the Temple of Khnum, constructed during the reign of
Emperor Claudius. Back aboard ship, a cooking demonstration, private galley
tour and afternoon tea await. This evening, enjoy Egyptian wine and local
beer at the Captain's welcome reception aboard the Nile Adventurer.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch,
dinner
Lodging: Aboard Nile
Adventurer
• Day 7 - Cruising to Edfu and celebrating
Egyptian culture
Continue your Egypt tour with another day on the amazing
River Nile. After a morning at leisure aboard ship, you'll travel to Edfu
for visits to the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Horus and the ancient
stone quarries nearby. Join your shipmates tonight for a special evening
featuring traditional Egyptian dress, cuisine, dancing and entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch,
dinner
Lodging: Aboard Nile
Adventurer
• Day 8 - Kom Ombo, Aswan and a shipboard
farewell
Discoveries abound on the last day of your unforgettable
Nile cruise, as your Egypt tour takes you to see the unusual double temples
of Kom Ombo, then on to Aswan for a motorboat ferry ride to the Philae
Temple on Agilka Island; dedicated to Isis, it was moved to its present
location to save it from the rising waters caused by the building of the new
Aswan Dam. You'll also see the Unfinished Obelisk, still in the quarry where
its carving was begun thousands of years ago. Tonight, the Captain and crew
of Nile Adventurer bid you farewell at a gala dinner served by
white-gloved waiters.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch,
dinner
Lodging: Aboard Nile
Adventurer
Day 9 - Across the desert to Abu Simbel and a
flight to Cairo
After disembarking Nile
Adventurer in Aswan, set out across a corner of the Sahara Desert for
Abu Simbel, in what was once the ancient kingdom of Nubia. Marvel at the
Great Temple honoring Ramesses II - carved out of a cliff, with four
67-foot-high seated statues of the pharaoh at the entrance - and the
adjacent Temple of Hathor, dedicated to his wife, Queen Nefertari. Fly to
Cairo by private charter for a three-night stay at your hotel in the city's
heart; enjoy stunning Nile views from the balcony of your room.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch,
dinner
Lodging: Semiramis
InterContinental Cairo, Egypt
Day 10 - Egyptian Museum and the "Boy King's"
treasures
Explore the Egyptian Museum's world-renowned collection
of antiquities, many 5,000 years old, for yet another memorable experience
on Tauck's Egypt tour. Behold treasures found in the tomb of the "Boy King,"
Tutankhamun, including his golden funeral mask, solid gold coffin, carved
throne, and jewelry. "Meet" ancient rulers, including the mighty Ramesses
II, face-to-face in the Royal Mummy Room. This evening's elaborate sound and
light show at the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx in Giza is a spectacular way
to end an unforgettable day.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Semiramis
InterContinental Cairo, Egypt
Day 11 - Discovering Old Cairo
A lecture by a professor of modern Egyptian history kicks
off your day, followed by a walking tour of Old Cairo that visits the Church
of St. Sergius, a 5th-century Coptic Christian Church; Ben Ezra Synagogue,
built in 882; and the Amr ibn al-As Mosque, the first mosque on the
continent of Africa; and the tomb of 20th-century Egyptian ruler King
Farouk. Be sure to join us for a special farewell dinner tonight to share
the amazing memories you've created with your fellow travelers as your
extraordinary Egypt tour concludes.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch,
dinner
Lodging: Semiramis
InterContinental Cairo, Egypt
Day 12 - Bound for home
Tour ends at Cairo. A transfer is
included from the Semiramis InterContinental Cairo to Cairo International
Airport; allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in.
Meals: Breakfast
For activities marked with an asterisk(*),
participation is at your own risk and a signed liability waiver will be
required.
Join Tauck's
professional Egyptologists for an exciting Egypt tour featuring a 4-night Nile
River cruise - book today!
Prices
12 Days from $4,900 plus airfare
2010 Price Per Person
January 1 - December 15
|
Land / Cruise
Price |
+ |
On-Tour Air
(2 flights) |
= |
Total
per Person |
|
Nile Deck
(Standard Cabins) |
Double
|
$4900 |
+ |
$490 |
=
|
$5390 |
Single
|
$5857 |
+ |
$490 |
= |
$6347 |
Main Deck
(Standard Cabins)
|
Double
|
$5000 |
+ |
$490 |
= |
$5490 |
Single
|
$6103 |
+ |
$490 |
= |
$6593 |
Bridge Deck
(Standard Cabins)
|
Double
|
$5100 |
+ |
$490 |
= |
$5590 |
Single
|
$6208 |
+ |
$490 |
= |
$6698 |
|
Promenade Deck
(Standard Cabins) |
Double
|
$5200 |
+ |
$490 |
=
|
$5690 |
Single
|
$6365 |
+ |
$490 |
= |
$6855 |
Main Deck
(Deluxe Cabins)
|
Double
|
$5500 |
+ |
$490 |
= |
$5990 |
Single
|
$6995 |
+ |
$490 |
= |
$7485 |
Promenade Deck
(Presidential Suites)
|
Double
|
$6000 |
+ |
$490 |
= |
$6490 |
Single
|
$8008 |
+ |
$490 |
= |
$8498 |
December 16 – 31
|
Land / Cruise
Price |
+ |
On-Tour Air
(2 flights) |
= |
Total
per Person |
|
Nile Deck
(Standard Cabins) |
Double
|
$5270 |
+ |
$520 |
=
|
$5790 |
Single
|
$6359 |
+ |
$520 |
= |
$6879 |
Main Deck
(Standard Cabins)
|
Double
|
$5370 |
+ |
$520 |
= |
$5890 |
Single
|
$6509 |
+ |
$520 |
= |
$7029 |
Bridge Deck
(Standard Cabins)
|
Double
|
$5470 |
+ |
$520 |
= |
$5990 |
Single
|
$6664 |
+ |
$520 |
= |
$7184 |
|
Promenade Deck
(Standard Cabins) |
Double
|
$5570 |
+ |
$520 |
=
|
$6090 |
Single
|
$6818 |
+ |
$520 |
= |
$7338 |
Main Deck
(Deluxe Cabins)
|
Double
|
$5870 |
+ |
$520 |
= |
$6390 |
Single
|
$7726 |
+ |
$520 |
= |
$8246 |
Promenade Deck
(Presidential Suites)
|
Double
|
$6370 |
+ |
$520 |
= |
$6890 |
Single
|
$8893 |
+ |
$520 |
= |
$9413 |
More information on cruising aboard Nile
Adventurer.
Cruising Aboard Nile
Adventurer
Cruise to Egypt’s remarkable antiquities aboard the 5-star
Nile Adventurer, a sleek, elegant
cruiser with the feel of a comfortable private yacht.
Nile Adventurer’s state-of-the-art
design provides a relaxed and intimate atmosphere ideal for cruising the
legendary River Nile.
Nile Adventurer’s five spacious decks
include an upper sun deck with swimming pool, a lower sun deck with outdoor bar,
a restaurant featuring an international menu, lounge, library and games room,
gift shop and laundry, complemented by well-appointed staterooms including two
Deluxe Cabins and two Presidential Suites.
All staterooms are fully air-conditioned and outside-facing, overlooking the
Nile. Each features a private bathroom with bathtub, shower and hair dryer;
individual air conditioning controls; color TV, CD player and mini-bar;
electrical current is 220 volts / 50Hz.
Highly experienced in Nile cruising, the Nile
Adventurer’s seasoned crew of 34 includes well-trained security personnel
and an attentive staff that anticipates your needs, ensuring that your cruise to
the treasures of the Nile will be most memorable!
28 meals included.
Land / Cruise Price Includes: port
charges, cruise fare, shore excursions, wine with dinner aboard
Nile Adventurer, gratuities to ship
staff, local guides and drivers.
International Airfare is additional. Call
Tauck for special rates on international air, in coach or business, for travel
originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).
Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour
begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
Note: This tour features extensive
walking; please remember, the antiquities are thousands of years old and do not
have elevators!
Need to Know
Inclusive Prices
Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All
accommodations, motor coach and cruise ship transportation, sightseeing,
admissions, shore excursions, luggage handling and services of Tauck Directors
are included.
Hotel and Ship Accommodations – Tauck’s price includes all hotel and
ship accommodations with private baths. The Tauck standard is to provide the
best available hotels without sacrificing value. Although the quality of
accommodations may differ from place to place, Tauck's commitment to your
comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples
are two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort.
Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
Tauck Director – “Egypt: Jewels Along The Nile” is conducted by
a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the duration of the
tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully-trained employee of Tauck.
Gratuities Included – All gratuities for bellmen, luggage handling,
dining room servers, guides, and drivers are included
No Options Sold - Tauck Directors sometimes assist with information on
free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance, but they will not
sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed, pleasant
experience for you.
On-Tour Flights
Airfare While on Tour – There are two on-tour flights which must be
purchased through Tauck as part of your tour package.
Not Included
Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not
included. Airfare may be purchased from Tauck for travel originating in
the United States (subject to availability).
Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight
delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or
following your tour. As a service, Tauck will book additional nights for you
on a space-available basis using special rates only available through Tauck.
Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend
additional nights, please consult the
section on this website and discuss it with the
reservations agent when you book your tour.
Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle
guests’ luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or
accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to
breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group
carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection
that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these
eventualities. Please refer to
for more information.
Personal Expenses - Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar
beverages, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa
services (if applicable) and other optional incidental extras are not included
and may be significant.
Tauck Director Gratuities - The customary gratuity to the Tauck
Director and driver is not included. Gratuities should be extended on a
voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
Additional Information
Airline Security Measures – In the U.S., you must provide
identification in the form of a passport at the time of airport check-in for
travel to international destinations. Your passport name must match the
name on your tour reservation and airline ticket or you may be denied
boarding.
If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you
will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is
required for that particular airport.
Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail
file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, and
aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your
airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible
carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.
You may also visit the U.S. Transportation Security
Administration Internet website to obtain more information on acceptable
identity documentation and prohibited luggage items by clicking
here.
Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through Tauck for travel
originating in the United States. By using Tauck's air services, you agree
that Tauck, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation,
is acting only as your agent and is not liable or responsible for any
accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other
loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of
any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide
services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors
and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by Tauck. Your airline
ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not Tauck),
even if purchased through Tauck. Tauck is not liable for, and does not assume
responsibility or accept claims with regard to, seat assignments, schedule
changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement
of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason
whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization or similar relief from creditors). Tauck must handle ticketing
for Tauck's special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be
guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other
promotional offer. Tauck's air services can only be purchased in conjunction
with a Tauck tour. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final
documents. If you cancel or change your air before or after departure, all
airline cancellation and change fees will apply.
Cruise Regulations – Travelers must provide their passport number and
date of birth to Tauck at time of booking. Tauck must provide this information
to the cruise line before departure or you may be denied boarding.
Holidays and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time
may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state
and local holidays locally observed.
Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – Tauck pledges to make every
effort to operate all tours as advertised. Tauck reserves the right to alter
or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or
conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be
refunded to passengers. Any resultant added expense will be covered by Tauck.
Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to
unexpected significant external factors not forecasted at the time of
printing.
Journey Start and End Times are provided at time of booking and are
subject to change due to airline schedule changes. All booking agents and
guests will be advised of such changes. When making flight arrangements, allow
sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs.
Membership will be granted to all persons. Tauck reserves the
right to terminate the tour of any persons who are abusive of others or whose
behavior disrupts the tour.
Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs taken by
fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for promotional purposes. If
you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please
notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
Preparing To Go
Air Conditioning – All hotels and the Nile Adventurer provide
air conditioning.
ATM and Credit Cards ― We recommend that you contact
your bank in advance of departing for this tour to determine whether you will
be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your
bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges
being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may
appear to them to be “suspicious” charges. We also recommend that you make a
photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave
behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are
misplaced, lost or stolen.
Clothing and Packing -
Egypt has import restrictions on certain “high value” personal items.
Please read the section on “Customs” below.
Select a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. We suggest you
wear loose, light cottons and linens in the summer and, in the winter, layers
that can be taken off during the heat of the day and put back on for cool
evenings. For the welcome and farewell dinners, many guests like to dress up,
but by all means be comfortable.
It is inadvisable for women to wear anything short or sleeveless unless on the
beach or by a pool so as not to offend local custom.
When visiting churches and mosques, women are not allowed to enter with bare
shoulders or short pants or short skirts. A scarf is acceptable to cover
shoulders if women are wearing a sleeveless top. Head covering is not
required. Men should also dress appropriately for a holy sanctuary. Shorts are
discouraged. Women and men will be required to remove their shoes in mosques.
We recommend that you pack your prescription medicines (an adequate supply to
last through your journey) along with your travel documents and a change of
clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that
your flight or luggage is delayed.
Following is a list of recommended items to pack:
- Comfortable walking shoes, well broken-in
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Eye drops for the dust when visiting Pyramids and
temples
- Camera, extra film and batteries
- Wash-and-dry or antiseptic cleaner
- Bathing suit
- Binoculars
- Light jacket for cool nights on the river
- Travel alarm clock
Both the Oberoi Mena House and the Four Seasons Hotel Cairo
at The First Residence have laundry facilities and dry cleaning service.
Laundry service is available aboard the Nile Adventurer, but there are
no dry cleaning facilities on board.
Elevation - The maximum elevation on this tour is 1,200 feet, or 366
meters.
Health - All travelers to Egypt should be in reasonably good health.
There is a significant amount of walking on this tour and archaeological sites
and temple floors are far from even. Guests who require assistance walking may
not be able to fully participate in the sightseeing.
If you have a medical condition which might limit your participation in
activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and
notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise
your Tauck Director accordingly.
We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to guests for walking,
dining or other personal needs. Persons needing such assistance must be
accompanied by an able companion who will assist them.
Special Health Information for this Tour:
The Nile Adventurer does not have an elevator; you will need to
navigate two flights of stairs to access guest cabins and public areas. We
regret that wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Disembarking the riverboat
requires walking down many steps to a narrow gangway. The steepness and the
number of steps depend upon the river water level.
Tap water in hotels, restaurants and aboard the Nile Adventurer is not
potable. Use caution when eating salad items that may have been washed
in tap water. Always drink bottled water with an unbroken seal. Well-known
brands of bottled beverages are generally considered to be safe. For the first
few days, it may be advisable to clean your teeth with bottled water. Avoid
having ice in drinks unless you are confident it has been made with bottled
water.
Eating uncooked vegetables should be avoided. Eat fruit that you can peel, and
make sure fresh fruit has been washed. Wash your hands before and after
eating. Most meals on this Egypt tour are in hotel restaurants where
cleanliness is good and they are used to catering to westerners.
There is a physician on board the Nile Adventurer.
Smoking is very common in Egypt. As a result, few restaurants and hotels have
nonsmoking sections. A “non-smoking” room often means the establishment has
removed the ashtray. Where possible, we have requested non-smoking rooms and
non-smoking sections of restaurants.
On board the Nile Adventurer, smoking is only permitted on the outer
decks. Smoking is not allowed in cabins or in public areas. Smoking is not
permitted on motor coaches used during shore excursions.
For vaccination and inoculation information, guests should contact their
personal physician, the public health service in their area, or the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia. The Travelers' Health
Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, pre-recorded “Travelers' Health
Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the
CDC Internet website at
www.cdc.gov.
Luggage Restrictions:
Special Luggage Restrictions for this Tour
Due to space limitations aboard motor coaches and on-tour flights, only one
average-size piece of checked luggage per person, weighing up to 44 pounds, or
20 kilograms, is allowed. Luggage exceeding these restrictions is at risk of
being left behind, or, if permitted on board, may be subject to additional
excess luggage charges.
In addition, guests are limited to one soft-sided, carry-on bag per person
weighing no more than 15 lbs, or 6.8 kg, and no larger than an average
knapsack.
Checked Luggage – General
While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one
piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make
it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked
luggage to one average-size suitcase per person.
In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing size and
weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive
overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or
even risk being left behind.
Many carriers require checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs, or 22.7
kg, per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without
notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable for the weight limit listed
above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine
current weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that
restrictions for luggage size and weight may vary with the same airline based
on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders
may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers.
Tauck World Discovery cannot be held liable for additional fees or
inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage size, piece or weight
policies.
Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before
leaving home!
Carry-on Luggage – General
Although oversized bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline
travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or
on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for
numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is
typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses,
and small camera bags, etc.
For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your
hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you
need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film,
etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack
must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, which may not be
accessible during daytime travel.
Travel Document Requirements – U.S. citizens traveling to Egypt require
a passport with at least two blank visa pages and an expiration date of at
least six months beyond the completion of the tour. In addition, we
recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents
that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport
that contains the date of issuance, date of expiration and your citizenship,
as well as the front and back sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set
of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind
with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are
misplaced, lost or stolen.
U.S. citizens are also required to obtain a visa.
For U.S. Citizens:
U.S. citizens may obtain their Egypt visas in one of the three following ways:
1. A renewable, 30-day tourist visa may be easily
obtained on arrival at Cairo International Airport. The cost is currently $15,
payable in U.S. dollars only. Visitors arriving overland and/or those
previously experiencing difficulty with their visa status in Egypt should
obtain a visa prior to arrival.
2. Tauck has partnered with Zierer Visa Service for
processing visas to destinations in which U.S. citizens are required to have
an entry visa. Over the past several years, Zierer Visa Service has
effectively processed hundreds of visas for Tauck travelers. Tauck will
automatically send a visa application once a reservation is made and the
deposit received. The visa fee, as well as any applicable consular fees and
shipping fees, are not included in the tour cost, and payment should be mailed
with the completed application directly to the visa service. The amount of the
visa fee varies by destination and will be stated on the application.
For more information or to download a Zierer Visa Service application, please
log on to their Internet website by clicking
here.
To speak directly with ZVS Customer Service, call 866-788-1100 (toll-free in
the U.S.). Please note that visas cannot be processed more than 90 days prior
to departure and that the process will take several weeks.
3. A visa may be obtained directly through an
Egyptian Consulate. For more information, log on to the Internet website by
clicking here.
Citizens of other countries should contact an embassy or
consulate of Egypt to determine what travel documentation is required.
Travel with Children –
Age Recommendations – Children 5 years of age
or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon
our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum
recommended age to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All
children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least
one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to
make a reservation.
Babysitting – Tauck journeys are designed for adults and
children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have
occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your
Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with
whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are
met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do
offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting
services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck
Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.
Safety and Welfare Responsibility – We welcome the participation
of child travelers on our exciting excursions. For safety and security
purposes, children under 18 years of age must be booked into a room with at
least one accompanying adult. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck
journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child
with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour.
By traveling with Tauck, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all
liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are
traveling.
Special Travel Documentation for Children
Authorization for Travel
If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you
should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child
abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as
possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you
should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child
traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends,
a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling
acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or
out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so.
CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see
this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be
detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents
can be fully assessed.
If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (deceased, sole
custody, etc.), any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth
certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., will be useful.
All children who are U.S. citizens should also have a certified copy of their
birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are
also required to have a photo ID.
Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without
both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply
with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is
available from each country’s consulate.
Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment
In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require
permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we
strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents authorizing
emergency medical treatment for their child.
Tauck is not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by improper
documentation for any travelers, including children traveling without both
parents. While there is no definitive format or standard for these letters,
click here
to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.
Destination Information
Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant
communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family,
and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell
phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their
vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that guests refrain from cell phone
usage during motor coach travel, group functions, sightseeing and when the
Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There are usually ample
opportunities to make or receive calls at times when it does not affect
others.
Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine if your service extends to
Egypt.
Currency and Exchange Rates - The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian
Pound (EGP). The currency exchange is set on a national level; therefore, all
exchange places offer the same rate. Most hotels have a bank in the hotel.
There are also ATM machines in many locations. Few establishments accept
travelers’ checks. Contact your bank in advance of departure to determine
whether you will be able to use your credit card or ATM card in Egypt. Should
you have any questions, your Tauck Director will be happy to assist you.
To obtain the up-to-date currency exchange rate, you may want to check your
local newspaper or log on to the Internet website
www.oanda.com
Important Note - Personal incidental accounts aboard the Nile
Adventurer may be settled in cash (U.S. dollars), travelers’ checks,
American Express, Visa or MasterCard. There is no foreign exchange facility on
the ship.
Customs and Tax-Free Shopping –
Import Regulations: "High value" articles that a traveler brings to
Egypt - particularly computers and camcorders, but also including cameras,
typewriters, tape recorders, VCR's and other electronic items - must be
declared upon entry, be listed on the traveler's passport, and be duly
exported at the conclusion of the visit. If "high value" items are not
re-exported at the time of departure, duty must be paid. In the case of
certain electronic and computer goods, duty can be as high as 100%. Cigarettes
and alcohol are permitted in limited amounts. Duty-free camera film is limited
to 25 rolls for still cameras and 10 reels for movie cameras.
For U.S. residents returning to the United States, current regulations permit
bringing back $800 worth of items duty-free, as long as you physically bring
them with you. There are limits to the alcohol and tobacco that can be a part
of this exemption - one liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and 100 cigars.
Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the
United States. Please call your local customs office or consult the U.S.
government's customs website for further details and up-to-date limits at
www.cbp.gov
Residents of other countries should refer to their own country’s rules and
regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance.
Electrical Current - The electrical current in Egypt and onboard the
Nile Adventurer is 220v, 50 Hz, and sockets take the standard continental
European dual round-pronged plug. Guests whose appliances do not meet this
standard will need to bring the appropriate converters and adapters. These
items can be purchased in a store that specializes in travel products.
Time Zones – Egypt is 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (or
Greenwich Mean Time). In June, Cairo is 7 hours ahead of New York City. To
determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on
to the Internet website
www.timeanddate.com
Weather - Egypt has one of the hottest and sunniest climates in the
world, although on the whole, it can be best described as mild. While the
midsummer months can get quite hot, the heat is less taxing than elsewhere
because of low humidity. Rainy days are few and far between in Cairo, and
nearly unknown in Upper Egypt. Cairo can be chilly from December to February,
averaging from 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, or 15.5 to 20 degrees Celsius, and
very hot from June to September, averaging from 85 to 95 F, or 29.5 to 35 C.
The heat is often relieved by a northerly breeze with temperatures dropping
during the night. Therefore, it would be wise to pack both lightweight and
warm clothing.
Climate Chart
|
|
Average Temperature
|
|
|
Cairo, Egypt
|
Luxor, Egypt
|
|
Month
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
Hi/Lo ºF
|
Hi/Lo ºC
|
|
January
|
68 / 50
|
20 / 10
|
74 / 49
|
23 / 9
|
|
February
|
68 / 50
|
20 / 10
|
74 / 49
|
23 / 9
|
|
March
|
73 / 54
|
23 / 12
|
83 / 56
|
28 / 13
|
|
April
|
82 / 59
|
28 / 15
|
93 / 65
|
34 / 18
|
|
May
|
89 / 64
|
32 / 18
|
100 / 71
|
38 / 22
|
|
June
|
93 / 70
|
34 / 21
|
104 / 76
|
40 / 24
|
|
July
|
93 / 72
|
34 / 22
|
104 / 78
|
40 / 26
|
|
August
|
92 / 72
|
33 / 22
|
102 / 77
|
39 / 25
|
|
September
|
90 / 69
|
32 / 21
|
99 / 74
|
37 / 23
|
|
October
|
85 / 65
|
29 / 18
|
93 / 68
|
34 / 20
|
|
November
|
75 / 58
|
24 / 14
|
81 / 56
|
27 / 13
|
|
December
|
67 / 51
|
19 / 11
|
75 / 48
|
24 / 9
|
To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the
Internet website, www.weather.com.
