Everything you need to know for your perfect Egyptian adventure
Egypt is full of treasures. For first-time visitors, the must-see list includes the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the temples of Luxor and Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, and the breathtaking Abu Simbel temples in Aswan.
For relaxation, head to Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, or Marsa Alam on the Red Sea. If you want a blend of history and Mediterranean charm, Alexandria is a perfect choice.
Top experiences include:
Egypt is a dream destination for its:
The essential highlights are:
Optional add-ons: Alexandria, White Desert, Siwa Oasis
Yes. We can arrange last-minute activities such as camel rides, hot air ballooning, dinner cruises, or desert safaris. Booking with Respect Tours ensures availability and fair prices.
Respect Tours provides meet-and-greet airport transfers with professional drivers holding name signs. We monitor flight schedules to ensure timely pickup, even for delayed arrivals.
The most comfortable options are domestic flights (Cairo to Luxor/Aswan takes 1–1.5 hours) or private road transfers. Overnight sleeper trains are also available. Respect Tours arranges the best option based on your schedule and comfort preferences.
Most travelers need a visa to enter Egypt. Citizens of many countries can obtain an e-Visa online before traveling or a visa on arrival at Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Hurghada airports.
A single-entry tourist visa costs $25 USD and is valid for 30 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
The e-Visa allows you to apply online before traveling, saving time at the airport. The visa on arrival can be purchased on the spot for eligible nationalities but may involve waiting in line.
For peace of mind, we recommend the e-Visa.
Egyptian cuisine is hearty and full of flavor. Don't miss koshari (rice, lentils, pasta & tomato sauce), ful medames (stewed fava beans), falafel (ta'ameya), and molokhia (green soup).
For meat lovers, shawarma and grilled kofta are popular. For dessert, try basbousa or kunafa.
Yes, most Nile cruises cater to vegetarians. Buffets usually include salads, rice, pasta, and vegetable dishes. If you have dietary needs, inform Respect Tours in advance so we can notify the cruise staff.
The ideal time to visit is October to April, when the weather is cooler and perfect for sightseeing. Summer months (June–August) are very hot, especially in Upper Egypt, but Red Sea resorts offer great beach escapes year-round.
Winter (December–February) is high season, so book early for tours and cruises.
Egypt has a desert climate. Summers (May–August) are hot (30–40°C), while winters (December–February) are mild (15–25°C). Upper Egypt (Luxor, Aswan) is hotter than Cairo and the coast.
The best season is October to April, when the weather is mild for sightseeing. For Red Sea beach holidays, Egypt is great year-round.
The most affordable months are May, September, and early November, when it's less crowded and hotel/cruise prices are lower.
Egypt is conservative, especially in rural areas. For men, light shirts and trousers are fine. For women, modest clothing is recommended — cover shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites.
At resorts, swimwear is accepted on the beach and by pools. Comfortable shoes are essential for exploring temples and ruins.
Pack light, breathable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and a scarf or shawl for religious sites. In winter, bring a light jacket for chilly evenings.
Don't forget universal adapters, a reusable water bottle, and personal medication. If you're taking a Nile cruise, pack semi-formal wear for dinners.
Absolutely. Respect Tours specializes in tailor-made itineraries. Whether you want more history, leisure time, or adventure activities, we adapt the schedule, hotels, and tours to your style.
Yes, Respect Tours works only with licensed Egyptologists. Our guides speak English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and other languages upon request.
Included: private transport, licensed guide, and itinerary planning.
Excluded: entrance fees (unless stated), meals, tips, and personal expenses. We always clarify inclusions so there are no surprises.
At Respect Tours, we make sure your trip is seamless from start to finish. We provide:
We don't just organize trips — we create memories that last a lifetime.
Yes, Egypt is considered safe for tourists, with security measures in place at airports, hotels, and major attractions. Popular tourist destinations like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea resorts are well-guarded.
Dress modestly, especially outside tourist resorts, to avoid unwanted attention. Use scarves when visiting mosques. Traveling with a guide or group adds comfort and security.
Yes, Nile cruises are very safe. Boats follow strict safety regulations, and security checks are carried out at ports. Respect Tours only works with trusted cruise lines to ensure high standards.
Yes, Nile cruises are family-friendly. Children enjoy the experience of sailing and visiting temples. Many cruises provide family cabins and child-friendly menus.
Yes, many women travel solo in Egypt safely. Choose reputable guides, dress modestly, and use private transfers. Respect Tours ensures a smooth and secure experience for solo female travelers.
Egypt celebrates Islamic and national holidays. Key dates include Ramadan (month of fasting), Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha. National holidays include Revolution Day (July 23) and Sinai Liberation Day (April 25).
Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken in hotels, airports, and tourist areas. Many guides also speak French, German, Spanish, Italian, and other languages.
Egypt offers domestic flights, trains, buses, Uber, and taxis. For comfort, private transfers and guided tours are best for tourists. Overnight trains run between Cairo and Luxor/Aswan.
In Cairo, Uber is more reliable than street taxis. Respect Tours offers air-conditioned vehicles with professional drivers.
Yes, Respect Tours provides luxury vehicles including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and other premium cars with professional chauffeurs for VIP clients who prefer extra comfort and style.
Yes, you can exchange foreign currency at banks, airport counters, and exchange offices. US dollars and euros are widely accepted for exchange.
Exchange rates are generally better at banks than hotels. Keep exchange receipts as some places require them for certain purchases.
The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the official currency. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Carry small notes for tips and small purchases.
Yes, tipping ("baksheesh") is customary in Egypt. General guidelines:
Egypt offers great value for money:
Bargaining is expected in markets and with street vendors. Start at 30–50% of the asking price.
There are standard 3-night (Aswan to Luxor) and 4-night (Luxor to Aswan) cruises, plus luxury 5-star deluxe cruises. Some offer dahabiyas (traditional sailing boats) for a more intimate experience.
Standard Nile cruises include accommodation, full-board meals, guided shore excursions, and onboard entertainment. Drinks, tips, Wi-Fi, and some optional excursions are extra.
October to April offers the most comfortable weather for Nile cruises. December to February is peak season with cooler temperatures but higher prices and crowds.
Standard Nile cruise itineraries include:
Optional add-on: Abu Simbel temples (highly recommended).
No special vaccinations are required for most travelers. However, it's recommended to be up-to-date with routine vaccines like MMR, DPT, flu, and COVID-19.
It's recommended to drink bottled water, which is widely available and inexpensive. Avoid tap water, ice cubes, and raw vegetables washed in tap water.
Essential items:
Major cities and tourist areas have good private hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff. International health insurance is recommended.
The Grand Egyptian Museum tour takes you through the largest archaeological museum on earth, home to more than 100,000 artifacts spread across five massive exhibition levels and over 7,000 years of history, guided by a licensed Egyptologist who knows exactly where to slow down. Most visitors to the GEM spend their first hour lost. Without a guide who understands the layout, the scale works against you. With Respect Tours, Egypt Through Local Eyes, and more than 45 years of experience creating expert-led Egypt tours since 1978, the experience is designed to feel smooth, personal, and deeply connected to the history behind every gallery. During the tour, you’ll step into the Tutankhamun Treasure Room, where the complete collection of 5,398 objects is displayed together for the first time in history. You’ll also walk along the Grand Staircase, surrounded by colossal royal statues, before exploring the museum’s main galleries and discovering thousands of years of ancient Egyptian history. Private transfers, timed museum entry, lunch, and full guided access are all included, creating one of the most complete and comfortable museum experiences in Egypt.
1 day
1 person
You land in Luxor and want to unpack only once, yet still see Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. This 4-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan does that. It sails every Saturday on a 5-star ship, full board, with a licensed Egyptologist guide at each stop. Abu Simbel is an optional extra on the last morning. Sailing every Saturday, the cruise takes you to some of Egypt’s most iconic historical sites, including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Edfu, Temple of Kom Ombo, and the beautiful city of Aswan, while giving you time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Nile between each destination. With full-board accommodation, expert Egyptologist guides, guided sightseeing, and carefully organized transfers included, every part of the journey is designed to feel smooth, comfortable, and enriching from arrival in Luxor to departure from Aswan. With Respect Tours, “Egypt Through Local Eyes,” the weekly departure suits travelers who want temples, rest on the water and a local guide at every stop. Send an inquiry with your dates and we will confirm the rate for your departure. Item Detail Route Luxor to Aswan Length 4 nights (5 days) Departure Every Saturday from Luxor Accommodation 5-star Nile cruise ship Meals Full board, buffet-style Guide Licensed Egyptologist guide during sightseeing Entry Fees Included for the sites listed in the itinerary Abu Simbel Optional morning excursion on Day 5, priced separately Flights Not included Starting Price From $1,110
5 days 4 nights
2 people
What happens inside the Grand Egyptian Museum after the galleries close? Beginning on November 1, 2026, the museum’s Grand Hall will become the setting for Eternal Sun, a new evening experience that brings the story of ancient Egypt to life through light, music, and moving images. As the lights fade, the huge statue of Ramses II becomes the center of the show. For 35 minutes, images move across the walls and architecture while music and storytelling take you through 5,000 years of Egyptian civilization. Instead of viewing history from behind glass, you watch it unfold around you as the museum itself becomes part of the experience. This three-day package builds a complete Cairo journey around that special evening. See the Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and the Grand Egyptian Museum in daylight, then return after dark for the Eternal Sun Grand Egyptian Museum Tour. The journey also includes Old Cairo, connecting the age of the pharaohs with the cultures and communities that shaped the city in later centuries. With Respect Tours, Egypt Through Local Eyes, your airport welcome, hotel stay, private transportation, Egyptologist-guided visits, entrance tickets, included lunch, and Eternal Sun ticket are arranged in advance. Our team has welcomed travellers since 1978 and takes care of the schedule, allowing you to focus on the moment when the lights come on and ancient Egypt begins to move around you. Eternal Sun at a Glance Information Details Opening Date November 1, 2026 Announced Final Date April 30, 2027 Location Grand Hall, Grand Egyptian Museum Show Duration Approximately 35 minutes English Show 7:30 PM Arabic Show 9:00 PM Operating Days Every evening except Wednesdays and Saturdays Experience Projection mapping, music, and storytelling Important Notes The Eternal Sun schedule, language, entry time, and ticket availability are controlled by the Grand Egyptian Museum and may change without prior notice. Respect Tours will confirm the available performance before finalising your booking. The tour must be arranged around an operating night for Eternal Sun, which is currently offered every evening except Wednesdays and Saturdays. The order of visits may be adjusted according to the confirmed showtime and the guest’s arrival and departure flights. The package includes daily breakfast and lunch on Day 2. Dinners, additional meals, drinks, personal expenses, and tipping are not included unless stated otherwise. Hotel category, room type, group size, and final package price will be confirmed in the quotation before booking.
3 days 2 nights
2 people
