FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Egypt Tours & Travel with tutvoyages
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Booking & Reservations
Everything you need to know about booking your Egypt tour
Booking your dream Egypt tour is easy! Simply browse our tour packages, select your preferred dates, fill in your details, and complete payment online. You can also contact us via WhatsApp at +20114 4211142 for personalized assistance. Our team typically confirms bookings within 2-4 hours.
You'll need a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from your travel date. For international visitors, ensure you have your tourist visa (available on arrival for many countries or apply online via the official Egyptian e-Visa portal). We'll need your full name as per passport, date of birth, and passport number for booking confirmations.
Absolutely! We specialize in tailor-made tours. Whether you want to add more days in Cairo, extend your Nile cruise, or combine multiple destinations like Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, and Alexandria, we can create a personalized itinerary. Contact our travel experts to design your perfect Egyptian adventure.
There is no minimum age for most of our private tours. Families with children of all ages are welcome! For specific activities like hot air balloon rides in Luxor, the minimum age is 6 years. For scuba diving excursions, participants must be at least 10 years old with parental consent.
Yes! We specialize in group tours for families, friends, corporate events, and school trips. Contact our group booking department for custom quotes and exclusive discounts for groups of 10+ people. We offer private transportation, dedicated guides, and tailored itineraries for large groups.
Yes, subject to availability. We recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance for the best selection of tours and accommodations. However, we can often accommodate last-minute requests within 24-48 hours for private tours. Contact us directly via WhatsApp for urgent bookings.
After booking, you'll receive a confirmation email within 2-4 hours containing your booking reference, itinerary details, and payment receipt. 24 hours before your tour, you'll receive a reminder with your guide's name, contact number, and exact pickup time. For Nile cruises, you'll receive boarding instructions 48 hours in advance.
For Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan, we recommend booking 2-3 months in advance, especially during peak season (October-April). This ensures you secure the best cabins and preferred sailing dates. Last-minute bookings may be available but with limited cabin choices.
Yes! All our tour packages include complimentary airport transfers in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Hurghada. Our driver will meet you at the arrival hall with a sign displaying your name. For customers booking multiple tours, we coordinate all transfers seamlessly.
Absolutely! Solo travelers are very welcome. We offer private tours with no single supplement fees. You'll have your own guide and vehicle. Many solo travelers also enjoy joining small group tours to meet other travelers. Let us know your preferences when booking.
Definitely! Our travel specialists can create a comprehensive Egypt itinerary combining Cairo, Nile Cruise, Red Sea, and Alexandria. Multi-day packages offer better value and seamless logistics. Contact us to design your dream Egypt vacation package with discounted rates for combined tours.
Cancellation & Refunds
Understanding our cancellation policies and refund process
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure. 25% fee for cancellations 15-29 days before. 50% fee for cancellations 7-14 days before. 100% fee for cancellations less than 7 days before departure. No-shows are non-refundable. We strongly recommend travel insurance for protection.
Flight delays are covered by our flexible rescheduling policy. If your flight is delayed and you miss your tour, contact us immediately. We'll reschedule your tour at no extra cost, subject to availability. For this reason, we recommend allowing a buffer day between international flights and tours.
If you're unwell before your tour, contact us immediately. We offer free rescheduling with a doctor's note. Alternatively, we can transfer your booking to another person at no cost. For last-minute illness, we'll do our best to accommodate a partial refund or credit for future travel.
Yes, partial cancellations are possible. The refund amount depends on the specific component being cancelled. For example, if you cancel a day tour within a 5-day package, you'll receive a refund for that day minus any non-refundable costs like entrance fees or pre-booked activities.
Payment & Insurance
Secure payment methods and travel insurance information
Yes! We accept bank transfers, PayPal, and cash payments upon arrival for select tours. For bank transfers, please contact our team for account details. A deposit may be required to secure your booking, with the remaining balance payable in cash on the day of your tour.
Yes! Students with a valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC) or student ID receive up to 15% discount on selected tours. A valid student ID must be presented on the day of the tour. This discount applies to entrance fees as well, as many Egyptian sites offer student rates.
Refunds are processed within 7-14 business days after cancellation approval. Credit card refunds may take 1-2 billing cycles to appear on your statement. PayPal refunds are instant to your account. Bank transfers take 5-10 business days depending on your bank. We'll notify you when processed.
Yes, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical expenses (including evacuation), lost luggage, and flight delays. Egypt has excellent private hospitals in major cities, but insurance ensures peace of mind. Some tour packages include basic insurance - check your booking details.
General Egypt Travel Information
Destinations, culture, safety, and practical travel tips for Egypt
Our guides speak multiple languages including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic. When booking, specify your preferred language, and we'll assign a guide accordingly. Most guides are Egyptologists with university degrees in history.
Many of our tours are wheelchair accessible. The Giza Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple have accessible pathways. Nile cruises have accessible cabins available. Please inform us of any mobility requirements when booking so we can make appropriate arrangements.
The best time to visit Egypt is from October to April when temperatures are mild and pleasant. For Cairo and Luxor sightseeing, winter months (December-February) are ideal with daytime temperatures around 20-25°C (68-77°F). Summer (June-August) is very hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan, but perfect for Red Sea resorts like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.
Yes, Egypt is safe for tourists. Tourist areas, archaeological sites, hotels, and resorts have heavy security presence. The Egyptian government prioritizes tourist safety. Popular destinations like Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh are very safe. Always use licensed tour operators and follow local advice.
Most nationalities require a tourist visa for Egypt. You can obtain a visa on arrival at major airports for $25 USD (cash only). Alternatively, apply online for an e-Visa before travel at the official Egyptian government portal. Visas are valid for 30 days. Some nationalities get visa-free access - check with your local Egyptian embassy.
Egyptian Pound (EGP). US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted at hotels, tour operators, and large shops, but smaller transactions require EGP. ATMs are available in all cities. Inform your bank before travel. Credit cards are accepted at major establishments, but cash is preferred for markets (bazaars) and small purchases.
Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus. Depending on your activities, consider Hepatitis B and Rabies (for animal contact). Yellow Fever vaccine is required if arriving from an endemic country. Consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before travel. No COVID-19 restrictions currently, but check latest requirements before travel.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. For mosques: shoulders and knees must be covered, women should bring a headscarf. For temples: comfortable shoes (lots of walking), sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), light breathable fabrics (cotton/linen). At resorts, swimwear is fine. In cities, casual Western clothing is acceptable.
Must-try Egyptian dishes: Koshari (national dish - rice, lentils, pasta), Ful Medames (fava beans), Ta'meya (Egyptian falafel), Molokhia (green soup), Hawawshi (stuffed pita), Fattah (rice and bread with meat), Umm Ali (bread pudding). Drinks: sugarcane juice, hibiscus tea (karkadeh), sahlab, and Turkish coffee.
Tipping (baksheesh) is customary in Egypt. For guides: $10-15 USD per day. For drivers: $5-10 USD per day. For hotel staff: $1-2 USD per service. Restaurants: 10-15% if service not included. Bathroom attendants: small change. Always carry small bills. Our tours include tips for guides and drivers unless specified otherwise.
Yes. International roaming works but can be expensive. We recommend buying a local SIM card at the airport upon arrival (Orange, Vodafone, or Etisalat). A tourist SIM with 10-20GB data costs around $10-15 USD. WiFi is available at most hotels, restaurants, and cafes. Some remote areas may have limited coverage.
📍 Cairo & Giza
Cairo's top attractions include: The Giza Pyramids and Great Sphinx (one of the Seven Wonders), The Egyptian Museum (Tutankhamun's treasures), Coptic Cairo (Hanging Church), Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Cairo Citadel (Mohamed Ali Mosque), and the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) - the world's largest archaeological museum.
We recommend 3-4 days in Cairo to see the main attractions comfortably. Day 1: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, and camel ride. Day 2: Egyptian Museum, Coptic Cairo, and Khan El Khalili. Day 3: Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and Cairo Citadel. Day 4: Optional day trip to Saqqara, Dahshur, or Alexandria.
Yes! You can enter the Great Pyramid of Khufu (additional ticket required), the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Step Pyramid at Saqqara. Tickets are limited daily and sell out quickly, especially during peak season. We recommend booking this in advance through your tour package to guarantee access. Interior spaces are narrow and can be stuffy.
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is the world's largest archaeological museum, located near the Giza Pyramids. It houses over 100,000 artifacts, including the complete Tutankhamun collection (over 5,000 items displayed for the first time together). GEM opened partially in 2024 and is now fully operational. Allow at least 4-6 hours for your visit.
Coptic Cairo is the oldest part of Cairo, home to some of the world's earliest Christian sites. Highlights include: The Hanging Church (suspended over Babylon Fortress), Church of St. Sergius (where the Holy Family stayed), Ben Ezra Synagogue, and the Coptic Museum. Free entry to churches, donations appreciated. Allow 2-3 hours.
📍 Luxor
Luxor, the world's greatest open-air museum, features: Valley of the Kings (Tutankhamun's tomb), Hatshepsut Temple (Deir el-Bahari), Karnak Temple (largest religious complex ever built), Luxor Temple (beautifully lit at night), Colossi of Memnon, Medinet Habu, and hot air balloon rides at sunrise over the West Bank.
We recommend 2-3 days in Luxor. Day 1: East Bank - Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple (visit at night for sound and light show). Day 2: West Bank - Valley of Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Medinet Habu, Colossi of Memnon. Day 3: Optional hot air balloon ride at sunrise, then Dendera or Abydos temples day trip.
The Valley of the Kings is the burial site of pharaohs from the New Kingdom (16th-11th centuries BCE). It contains 63 tombs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62). Your entrance ticket includes access to 3 tombs. Additional tickets required for Tutankhamun, Seti I, and Ramses VI tombs. Photography is not allowed inside tombs.
Absolutely! The hot air balloon ride at sunrise over the West Bank of Luxor offers spectacular views of the Valley of Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Nile River. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Flights last 45-60 minutes and cost $80-120 USD per person. Book in advance as flights sell out quickly, especially in peak season.
Karnak Temple is the largest religious complex ever built, dedicated to the Theban triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Construction spanned over 2,000 years. Highlights: Great Hypostyle Hall (134 massive columns), Sacred Lake, Obelisk of Hatshepsut, and the Sound and Light show at night. Allow at least 3 hours to explore properly.
📍 Aswan & Abu Simbel
Aswan highlights include: Abu Simbel Temples (Ramses II masterpiece, 280 km south), Philae Temple (dedicated to Isis, relocated to Agilkia Island), High Dam (modern engineering), Unfinished Obelisk (shows ancient carving techniques), Nubian Village visit (colorful houses, culture), felucca sailing on the Nile, and the beautiful Aswan Botanical Gardens on Kitchener's Island.
Abu Simbel is 280 km south of Aswan (approx 3 hours drive). Options: 1) Private tour (most comfortable, flexible timing, includes guide). 2) Shared group tour (budget-friendly, fixed schedule, departs 4 AM). 3) By flight (20 minutes, seasonal availability). We recommend private tours for the best experience. All tours include entry tickets and lunch.
Twice a year (February 22 and October 22), the sun illuminates the inner sanctuary of Abu Simbel Temple, lighting up statues of Ramses II and Ra-Horakhty. This phenomenon coincides with the king's coronation and birthday. Book accommodation in Aswan months in advance! Special early morning convoys depart Aswan around 3 AM for the festival.
A felucca is a traditional wooden sailing boat used on the Nile for centuries. Felucca rides in Aswan offer a peaceful, authentic experience sailing around Elephantine Island, Kitchener's Island (Botanical Gardens), and viewing the Aga Khan Mausoleum. Sunset rides are most popular (1-2 hours). No motor, just wind power! Perfect for photography.
Visit a traditional Nubian village on Soheil Island near Aswan. Experience colorful houses decorated with crocodile motifs, learn about Nubian culture and language, enjoy authentic Nubian tea and hospitality, shop for handmade crafts, and see pet crocodiles (Nubian tradition). Tours include boat transfer from Aswan and a local guide. Allow 2-3 hours.
📍 Hurghada & Red Sea
Hurghada on the Red Sea offers: Scuba diving and snorkeling at Giftun Island (crystal clear water, coral reefs), desert safaris by quad bike, submarine tours, dolphin watching, parasailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, glass-bottom boat tours, and trips to Giftun National Park. The Hurghada Marina, Aquarium, and Senzo Mall are great for families.
Year-round! Water temperature ranges from 21°C (70°F) in winter to 28°C (82°F) in summer. Best visibility: March-June and September-November (20-40 meters visibility). Summer (July-August) is warmest water but can be busy. Winter (December-February) has cooler air but still good diving. All major dive sites are accessible year-round.
The Red Sea is world-famous for marine biodiversity: reef fish (over 1,200 species), sharks (reef sharks, occasionally oceanic whitetips), dolphins (spinner and bottlenose), sea turtles (green and hawksbill), moray eels, lionfish, stonefish, napoleon wrasse, clownfish, and vibrant hard and soft corals. Giftun Island, Abu Dabbab, and Elphinstone Reef are top spots.
Yes! Hurghada is perfect for beginners. Many dive shops offer Discover Scuba Diving courses for absolute beginners (no certification needed). You'll have a short theory session then shallow water dive (max 12 meters depth) with an instructor. For full certification, PADI Open Water courses take 3-4 days. All equipment rental included.
Desert safaris take you into the Eastern Desert by quad bike or jeep. Activities include: quad biking (ATV) across sand dunes, buggy rides, camel rides, Bedouin village visit (learn about desert life), traditional Bedouin tea and bread-making, optional BBQ dinner, and stargazing. Half-day (4 hours) or full-day (7-8 hours with dinner) options available.
Egypt Travel Videos
Watch our YouTube guides before your trip
Ozirea Island – Hurghada
Crystal-clear water and white sand beaches on Ozirea Island
Luxor Hot Air Balloon
Soaring over Luxor at sunrise
Hurghada: Dolphins & Red Sea Vibes
Dolphins, snorkeling and Red Sea views
Dolphin House, Hurghada
Snorkeling and relaxing on Orange Bay Island
Sea Trips and Activities
A look at our sea trips and activities
Egypt Travel Short
A quick look at Egypt with Tut Voyages
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