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 Your top 6 questions about tours to Egypt answered It’s no surprise that a visit to Egypt makes it on many a bucket list. The Pyramids, only surviving wonder of the ancient world, the Sphinx, perhaps the most famous sculpture on earth, and the Valley of the Kings, a legendary set of royal tombs, all make their home here. They are remnants of the longest living civilization in history, still preserved more than 5,000 years later for us to explore. No other country captures the experience of stepping back into ancient times quite like Egypt does. However, it’s one thing to have Egypt on your bucket list, and another to start planning your journey. Below, we’ve covered the top questions our travellers have about journeying to this unique country. See Bestway’s selection of Egypt tours
Photo credit: Peter Langer
1. Where should I visit in Egypt?The Pyramids and Sphinx will earn top spots on many traveller’s lists, of course. However, an exploration of Cairo and a cruise along the River Nile are also must-dos in our books. Cairo’s Islamic roots go back more than 1000 years, to when it was founded by the Fatimid dynasty. It offers stunning mosques, the oldest university in the Middle East, and other architectural gems, as well as a selection of first-class museums. The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities here is home to an extensive collection of 120,000 items, while the soon-to-open Grand Egyptian Museum is set to be the largest archaeological museum in the world (see the next question for more information)! On the other hand, a cruise offers a one-of-a-kind experience taking in the sights and sounds of the Nile, as well as its famous monuments. These tours typically include visits to legendary temples along the river’s shores, such as the temples of Kom Ombo and Horus, as well as the famous Valley of the Kings, used as the primary burial site for pharaohs and other nobles spanning a period of 500 years. For those who want to venture further afield, Abu Simbel, the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Alexandria, founded by Alexander the Great to become one of the greatest cities of the Roman Empire, can round out a lovely Egypt journey.
Photo credit: Peter Langer
2. What is Egypt’s GEM and why is it so unique?The Grand Egyptian Museum, also known by the abbreviation GEM, is currently under construction in Giza. Bigger than Vatican City, the GEM will be in a class of its own. Set to be the largest archaeological museum in the world, it contains more than 50,000 artifacts, including, on display to the public for the first time ever, the entire collection of artifacts found in King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Its construction and opening has been delayed many times (the original planned opening date was in 2011!). However, the museum is now expected to open later in 2021. Bestway Tours & Safaris will be announcing the opening dates as soon as they are available, so keep an eye out.
Photo credit: Peter Langer
3. What is the best time to travel to Egypt?The best time of year to travel to Egypt is between October and April, when climates are cooler, but still pleasantly warm. Generally, temperatures during this timeframe range from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius (68 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit) in the daytime, depending on the region, with very occasional rain. The summer months of May through September tend to be very hot and dry. However, air conditioning is readily available and much less tourists visit at this time, which can be appealing to some. During this period, temperatures generally range between 30 to 42 degrees Celsius (86 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit), peaking in June, July and August.
Photo credit: Peter Langer
4. Is it safe to visit Egypt?Bestway has been helping travellers explore Egypt for years without issue. In fact, Lonely Planet notes that, “The incidence of crime, violent or otherwise, in Egypt is negligible compared with many Western countries.” However, as per the advice for visiting any other big cities around the world, don’t carry valuables or more cash than you need, and keep an eye out for pickpockets. We recommend checking your local government’s travel advisories for the most up-to-date information. In Egypt (and many other countries around the world), we find travelling with a local guide familiar with the area goes a long way to ensuring you have a safe and comfortable journey. Rare incidents of terrorism and unrest have happened here in the past, and, as a result, the government has introduced many extra security precautions, including special armed tourist police at the majority of sightseeing locations. Tourism is very important to the Egyptian economy, and they want to make sure tourists who visit are safe and secure.
Photo credit: Peter Langer
5. What are transport and accommodations like in Egypt?For better or worse, Cairo is known around the world for its traffic. Delays are common, and roads are filled with not only vehicles, but often pedestrians and animals as well. We like to think of it as part of the local experience, but it’s always better to have a local driver familiar with the driving conditions, or a local guide that can assist you with crossing the road. Throughout the country, you can expect luxurious accommodations—Bestway uses only 5-star hotels—including from well-known brands such as Sheraton, Hilton and Movenpick.
Photo credit: Peter Langer
6. What are some do’s and don’ts of visiting Egypt?Do dress modestly. Egypt is an Islamic country, and it is respectful to the local culture to cover your knees and shoulders. What’s more, some religious monuments actually require this kind of modest dress to enter. Don’t be intimidated by vendors. In tourist areas, vendors can be very persistent. If they’re bothering you, a simple “No thank you,” (“la shukraan” in Arabic) will generally do. Do leave tips. Egyptian culture actually revolves around tipping, which is expected of both visitors and locals alike. You should expect to tip in cafes, restaurants and shops, and, of course, for the services of your local guide and driver. However, tips also may be expected for small tasks like giving directions or taking a photo of someone. It’s a good idea to keep small change for exactly this purpose. Don’t forget sunscreen and water. Egypt is predominantly desert, so applying sunscreen regularly and keeping hydrated is a must! Bring enough sunscreen from home to avoid inflated tourist prices. Though drinking tap water is not recommended, bottled water is readily available. Do remember to bargain. When buying souvenirs or other items from local shops, bargaining is expected, and can be a unique part of the experience. A good rule of thumb is to start with offering half of the price the shopkeeper has set, then work your way up from there. Again, having small bills is important here, or you may run into the problem of a shopkeeper saying they have no change!
Photo credit: Peter Langer
BONUS QUESTION: How many pyramids are there in Egypt?Though the Great Pyramids of Giza are the most famous, did you know that there are actually between 118 and 138 pyramids throughout Egypt? Most were built as tombs for pharaohs and their consorts during the Old and Middle Kingdom of Ancient Egypt. Bestway Tours & Safaris has specialized in unique small group journeys and private tours through Egypt for more than 40 years. Take a look at our most popular Egypt tours below, then browse through our full selection of Egypt adventures. Or, if you are interested in a custom Egypt tour created just for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch at bestway@bestway.com. Egypt: Cradle of the Nile - Our 9-day adventure explores Egypt’s heritage highlights, including an exciting 4-day cruise down the historic Nile. Learn more Egypt: A Journey Through Time - From the view at the bottom of the Pyramids, to the banks of the Nile, to the historic sites of Abu Simbel and Alexandria, each stop on this 12-day journey will offer a unique angle on one of the oldest regions in the world. Learn more From the Pyramids & St. Catherine to Petra - Egypt is artfully combined with Jordan, home of stunning desert landscapes and ancient monuments, in this 15-day journey. Learn more
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Posted by Kierra Jones