Luxurious Egypt & Jordan Exploration: A 15-Day Journey into Ancient Wonders
Welcome to a grand adventure where luxury meets history and culture intertwines with opulence. Join us on the "Luxurious Egypt & Jordan Exploration," a 15-day journey meticulously crafted for a small group of discerning travelers seeking an immersive experience in the rich tapestry of Egypt and Jordan.
Overview:
Embark on a voyage that promises the perfect blend of luxury, culture, and exploration in the enchanting lands of Egypt and Jordan.
Highlights:
Exclusive Features:
Booking Information: Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience! For inquiries and bookings, please get in touch with Amy Walker, Owner of Walker Wellness Retreats, at amy@walkerwellnessretreats.com. Amy will be delighted to assist you, including arranging airfare for a hassle-free journey.
Embark on a journey that transcends time and indulges your senses in the grandeur of Luxurious Egypt & Jordan Exploration.
Navigating Style and Comfort: What to Pack for Your Trip to Egypt
Intro: A journey to Egypt promises an enchanting experience, immersing you in the wonders of a country steeped in ancient history and vibrant modern culture. However, it's essential to be mindful of local customs and climate when curating your packing list for this mesmerizing destination.
1. Modesty in Dress: Understanding the predominantly Muslim population and the Islamic customs prevalent in Egypt is crucial for respectful and comfortable travel. With 90% of Egyptians being Sunni Muslims, it's common to see local women dressing modestly, covering their shoulders, knees, and often their hair. While some upscale Cairo neighborhoods may have more relaxed views on attire, Western women should follow local customs and opt for modest clothing. Leave tank tops and shorts at home unless you're staying in a beach resort where more relaxed dress codes often apply.
2. Exceptions in Resort Areas: It's worth noting that in beach resorts like Sharm El-Sheikh, different rules may apply. Foreigners often feel at ease lounging in swimsuits and summer dresses on hotel premises. This provides a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the conservative dress expected in other parts of the country. Always be attentive to the specific customs of the area you'll be visiting.
3. Seasonal Considerations: The timing of your visit to Egypt can significantly impact your experience. The high season, spanning from October to April, offers more bearable temperatures. Daytime heat is more manageable, but evenings can be surprisingly cold. Packing essentials like a sweater and possibly a raincoat ensures you're prepared for varying weather conditions during your stay.
Conclusion: As you prepare for your adventure in Egypt, striking the right balance between cultural sensitivity and personal comfort is critical. Embrace the local customs while considering exceptions in resort areas, and pack accordingly for the seasonal nuances. A thoughtful and well-prepared approach to your travel wardrobe will undoubtedly enrich your journey to this captivating destination. Safe travels!
Important Documentation:
Helpful Tip: Make two copies of your passport, travel insurance papers, and other essential travel documents. Diversify your copies by storing them electronically on your computer/smartphone and separating them in your money belt, carry-on bag, and checked luggage. Keep your vaccination records with your passport.
Money:
Helpful Tip: You can withdraw local currency from ATMs, and it's usually the most convenient way to get local currency. However, it's always a good idea to bring some petty cash just in case of an emergency. Be mindful of the denomination you carry, as some shops and vendors may not accept large bills.
Clothing: Pack summer clothing made with light fabric. Egypt is dry, hot, crowded, and has many deserts.
Helpful Tip: Pack for the season and be mindful of local customs and dress codes. If you run out of outfits, plan to do laundry or purchase clothes locally.
Toiletries:
Electronics:
Additional Personal Items:
Things to Leave at Home
A Guide to Cultural Etiquette and Safety: Navigating Your Egyptian Adventure
Introduction: An adventure to Egypt promises a journey filled with mesmerizing landscapes, ancient wonders, and vibrant cultural experiences. As you immerse yourself in the beauty of this enchanting destination, it's crucial to keep certain aspects in mind to ensure a seamless and enjoyable trip. Here are some tips for cultural etiquette and safety to enhance your Egyptian adventure.
Conclusion: Your journey through Egypt promises to be a captivating experience filled with cultural richness and historical marvels. By adhering to these cultural etiquette and safety tips, you can navigate your adventure seamlessly, creating lasting memories while respecting the traditions and customs of this remarkable destination. Always be open to learning from the locals and embrace the beauty that Egypt has to offer. Safe travels!
Personal Safety:
Transportation:
Money Tips:
Tipping:
Bring small bills and be prepared to tip. Tipping in Egypt is still standard practice, especially in the service industry. Tips, or baksheesh, can range from 5 EGP (<$0.50) to 100 EGP ($5.50), depending on who you are paying and where. A lot of people ask for tips in Egypt and Jordan. It is good to have small bills on hand for tipping.
Egypt is mainly cash-oriented, so pick up both large and small bills when you're exchanging currency to make payments and tipping easier.
In restaurants, it is customary to tip between 10-15% of the total bill. For hotel staff, such as housekeeping, bellhops, and doormen, a tip of 20-30 Egyptian pounds per service is appropriate. For tour guides, a tip of 100-200 Egyptian pounds per day is customary, depending on the length and quality of the tour.
It is custom to tip often, almost any time you receive a service as a tourist in Egypt (not for tiny things like holding a door, but services like bag porterage, hotel cleaning staff, restaurant servers, etc)
Tip small amounts ($1 or less) for one-off services, and tip more ($5-$20, or maybe even $30) for services that are more intensive or involve more time (driver who is with you for the day, massage, etc.)
Don’t feel obligated to tip in situations that are unprofessional or uncomfortable
Never, ever, tip using foreign coins, and I highly recommend against using $1 USD bills, since these cannot be exchanged for local currency at any currency exchange office in Egypt. When you give an Egyptian person a $1 USD bill, they will not be able to use it for anything, and will not be able to get local currency for it from any exchange office or bank.
You can expect to have one primary guide throughout the journey, with additional local experts at specific sites. Tipping each guide according to their service days ensures their efforts are appropriately acknowledged.
What do I tip Egypt tour guides
Tipping on a Nile Cruise
Do I tip in restaurants in Egypt?
When to tip at hotels in Egypt
Miscellaneous tipping in Egypt
Haggling:
Haggling for souvenirs is part of the experience. From papyrus papers and traditional souvenirs to carefully crafted silverware and hand-painted ceramics, markets in Egypt are a treasure trove. But if you feel like something is overpriced, don't shy away from haggling.
While vendors aren't particularly fond of the back-and-forth, it's all part of the experience, and no matter what you pay, you can eventually convince yourself it was a great deal.
Don't attempt to haggle in bigger shops in or outside tourist attractions. If the product's official price is posted on it, it's usually non-negotiable.
Pro Tip: Keep your eyes and ears open and gauge the price range of similar items in nearby stores so you can tell if you're being overcharged. Haggling is mainly confined to souvenir spots, souks (markets), and less formal selling areas.
Tipping Summary:
Local Guide (Egyptologist): $25 per person per day is recommended for a full day. This is often given at the end of their service in either USD or local currency (Egyptian Pounds), whichever is more convenient for you.
Drivers: A daily tip of $15 per person is suggested for full-day services.
Airport Transfer Drivers: Typically, a smaller tip of $5 per person per transfer is customary.
Hotel Porters: Generally, $2 per bag is standard.
Nile Cruise Staff: If your trip includes a Nile cruise, a tip of $10-$15 per person per day is recommended, which is shared among the crew.
Housekeepers: Suggest $2 per person per night for hotel housekeeping.
For meals and services not included in your tour package, a 10-15% tip at restaurants or for room service is typical if a service charge hasn't already been added to the bill. Regarding restroom attendants, a small tip ranging from 25 to 50 cents in local currency is appreciated.
Financial Safety:
If you want a SIM card for your trip to Egypt, there is an Orange kiosk in the Cairo International Airport (near baggage claim) that can provide you with a SIM card. The process is fast and relatively cheap. You will need to show your passport and make sure that your phone is unlocked before your trip to Egypt.
I have also had excellent luck using Airalo, which is a company that sells e-SIM cards in various countries in Europe. You can purchase your e-SIM prior to your trip and activate it once in Egypt. This saves you time since you don’t have to buy a SIM card once you arrive in Egypt. We have not used Airalo in Egypt, but our experience has been fantastic, even in more remote areas. Make sure your phone is unlocked before going this route.
Most sell phone providers charge $10 a day for their international plans if you want to go this route.
If you cancel your trip before the 90-day deadline, 25% of the total trip price is non-refundable, as are any airfare, train tickets, or ferry tickets purchased as part of your trip package due to the strict cancellation policy by foreign carriers (if applicable).
Trip cancellations requested after the final payment deadlines listed above are non-refundable, and guests are encouraged to file a claim with their travel insurance for reimbursement.
In the unlikely event Walker Wellness Retreats cancels the retreat, guests will be provided a full 100% refund of their booking.
Lastly, we partner with several third-party booking platforms that have separate deposit and cancellation policies. If you book through a third-party partner, please refer to their specific cancellation policies.
Questions about refunds or cancellations? Click here to view our payment and cancellation policy.
The deadline to book an international retreat is 30 days before the retreat begins; however, some exceptions can be made based on availability. Please email us at contact@walkerwellnessretreats.com to inquire about booking after the deadline has passed.
Double occupancy includes a private bedroom and private bathroom for 2 people.
Helpful hint: If you have two people who would like to share a room, select 2 Double Occupancy packages. If you are traveling alone but want to be paired with another solo traveler, select 1 Double Occupancy package.
Day 1 - Dec 22 Welcome to Egypt
Our representative will meet and assist you when you arrive at Cairo International Airport. He will help you handle all your procedures through passport control, customs formalities, and in the luggage area. Following this, you will be driven to your 5-star hotel in a private air-conditioned vehicle for drop-off. Overnight in Cairo.
Hotel: Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah or similar.
Meals: Dinner