Before You Depart

Women-Only: Splendors of Egypt

A person rides a camel near two large pyramids at sunset in a desert. The sun casts a warm glow over the scene, highlighting the ancient stone structures and the vast, sandy landscape. Part of an exclusive Egypt tour package, the sky is partly cloudy with streaks of sunlight filtering through.

BOOKING YOUR OWN FLIGHTS

Booking your own flights has advantages like flying from your home airport, choosing your own seats, upgrading your seats, and using and collecting airline miles. Tour-only travelers are responsible for arranging their entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. Unused land services including those caused by air schedule changes and delays are non-refundable and smarTours cannot be held responsible.

When booking your flights, please note that our tour starts in Cairo and ends in Cairo. We recommend that you:

  • Fly into Cairo International Airport (CAI)
  • Fly out of Cairo International Airport (CAI)

BOOKING YOUR OWN TRANSFERS

In Egypt, taxis are a reliable way to get to/from the airport. Black taxis usually do not have a meter and prices should be negotiated before traveling. We recommend you use the new white taxis as they have meters and air-conditioning.

TOUR MEETING POINT

We recommend you arrive around 4 PM to settle in before joining the welcome orientation and dinner on Day 1. Hotel check-in is generally not before 4 PM.

TOUR ENDING POINT

The tour ends after breakfast on the last day. Generally, hotel check-out is prior to 12 PM (noon).

PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION

Travelers must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel with at least one blank visa page. A visa is required for U.S. passport holders. Apply for an e-visa online in advance of travel or obtain a tourist visa on arrival for $25 USD. Clients who purchased the air-inclusive package in 2024 with group air will be charged $28 at the Cairo International Airport. This fee includes the Egyptian visa and facilitation service upon arrival. Before your trip, review travel requirements and restrictions by country including passport and visa requirements. You can also learn more about passport and visa services. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.

TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS

Final instructions, documents, and travel tips will be emailed to you 10–14 days before the scheduled start of your tour. If you have not received your final documents, please check your spam folder or contact smarTours.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Immunizations are not currently required; however, you should consult your personal physician, local public health authorities or the Center of Disease Control (CDC) as to their suggestions.

CLIMATE

Night and day temperatures can vary greatly. Here’s what you can expect:

  • December–February: Highs in the mid to low 60s with nighttime as low as 48ËšF.
  • March & November: Highs in the upper 60s to low 70s with nighttime lows in the mid-50s.
  • April & October: High 70s and low 80s with nighttime lows in the mid-50s to mid-60s.
  • May–September: Average highs in the low 90s with nighttime lows in the high 50s to high 60s.

CULTURE AND DRESS

Given Egypt’s wide range of temperatures, we recommend you bring a sweater and/or layer to accommodate cooler morning/evening temperatures. Egyptians typically dress more conservatively. If you are exploring independently, please note that religious centers such as mosques will often require ankle-length pants, skirts or dresses, and, for women, a scarf to cover their hair.

CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY

U.S. dollars, Euros and Canadian Dollars are accepted at Egyptian banks and money-changers, which can be found at most of the places that you’ll visit throughout the country. It is typically recommended that you ask for small bills when exchanging money. The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound.

NON-INCLUDED MEALS

You may dine at the hotels or restaurants recommended by your Tour Director. The average cost for a hotel dinner (excluding drinks) in a casual restaurant is about $20-25 per person.  Restaurants outside the hotel may be less expensive.

Electricity

Egypt operates on 220 volts/50 Hz and uses plug types C & F. Learn more about plug types, adapters, and converters.

BAGGAGE

Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage and one carry-on piece. Please check with the airline for the maximum weight and size for luggage. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.