Before taking tours of Egypt, you should know what to expect. There are a number of things you should expect to do, from getting a visa to boarding a sleeper train. Also, you should know about how to get on a boat on the Nile. If you’re going on a cruise, you might want to get an Egyptology Expert on board to answer your questions. Depending on your interests, the tour may include visits to temples, pyramids, and tombs.
Getting a visa for a trip to Egypt
Before you leave for Egypt, you’ll need to get a visa. There are several ways to get this visa, including visiting the Egyptian consulate or embassy. If you’re traveling for business purposes, you’ll want to apply for a business visa before your trip. The process will depend on the particular consulate or embassy, but it can be completed in less than seven days. You’ll also need to pay the visa fee in advance, either by bank transfer or in person. Be aware that you’ll likely have to undergo an interview to secure the correct visa.
An e-visa can be used for a single visit to Egypt, but it’s not revalidated if you change your passport within six months. Alternatively, a physical visa can be issued and used as many times as you like within 180 days. Both types of visas must be applied for in advance, so if you change your mind during the trip, you’ll need to apply for a new one.
Getting a visa for a sleeper train
If you are planning a sleeper train tour in Egypt, you must apply for a tourist visa prior to travel. You must also have a valid passport. You will need to have your own airline tickets and other travel documents ready. Most airlines allow travelers from most countries to board a sleeper train for an overnight journey. You can also opt to travel by express train that has air conditioning. The seats are very comfortable. Otherwise, you can take an ordinary train with non-air-conditioning.
The ticket office in Luxor or Aswan may have the ticket you need. However, you should note that regular trains do not offer beds. The train conductors can help you resolve any double booking issues. Also, you cannot buy a return ticket if you have purchased the original ticket. The most popular travel seasons are winter and summer in Upper Egypt. Students with ISIC cards are entitled to one-third discount on the regular train fare. You can also buy first-class tickets from travel agencies for a small commission.
Getting a boat ride on the Nile
If you are planning to go on a boat ride on the Nile as part of your Egypt tours, there are a few things you should keep in mind before booking your trip. First of all, you should know that you’ll be walking over uneven surfaces, so you’ll want to make sure to wear comfortable shoes or sturdy sandals. Second, you’ll want to be sure to bring along any necessary medication, as you may need it.
You can also opt for an overland tour to get more flexibility. Aside from the fact that you’ll have your own driver, you can also hire a car or get on public transport to make sure you see everything you’re interested in. Moreover, most cruise itineraries tend to focus on the more popular temples and leave out the smaller but equally beautiful sites. For this reason, if you only have a limited amount of time to spend on your Egypt tours, it’s best to focus on one or two sights.
Getting a tour guide in Egypt
Getting a tour guide in Egypt is the best way to ensure your safety while visiting this ancient country. While public transport is inexpensive in Egypt, you should avoid taking it unless you have to. A taxi will be much cheaper than the public transportation. Your hotel can recommend a good taxi company for your needs. In multi-center tours, you should leave your luggage at your first hotel. Most hotels offer luggage storage services.
Make sure your tour operator is a local one. Local operators specialize in putting together the itinerary, and they should have a strong roster of Egyptologists. Their priority is to offer the best customer experience, and a big tour operator can subcontract the work to smaller operators. However, these tour operators may have better organization and communication skills. The cost of hiring a tour guide in Egypt is dependent on the type of tour you’re looking for, so it’s worth a little extra money.