Highlights |
Escorted Package Includes
- Round trip flights NYC-Cairo
- Airline fuel surcharges
- Intra-Egypt flights
- 8 nights First Class accommodations
- All transfers
- 14 meals: 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners (all meals on cruise)
- Sightseeing per itinerary in a modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking Egyptologist tour manager throughout
Click here for May '09 - Aug '09 departures, 8 Day package
Click here for Sep '09 - Aug '10 departures, 8 Day package
Also Available
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Itinerary |
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DAY 1, Monday - Depart the USA
Depart the USA to Egypt. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey
DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Cairo
Arrive in Cairo and transfer to your hotel in the Pyramids area. Balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Cairo
DAY 3, Wednesday - Full Day in Cairo
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Cairo, a city that straddles time, spanning the dawn of civilization to the present. From the ancient Pyramids at Giza, to the historic mosques, Coptic Churches, and medieval architecture of Old Cairo to modern Midan Square, home of the Egyptian Museum and American University in Cairo, all eras are represented in this amazing city
Optional: Half Day Old Cairo
Optional: Cairo Sound & Lights Show at Pyramids
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Thursday - Full Day in Cairo
Enjoy another full day at leisure
Optional: Full Day Egyptian Museum & the Pyramids
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Friday- Depart Cairo, Embark Cruise
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, transfer to board your Nile cruise ship, which serves as your floating hotel for the next three nights. Enjoy time at leisure in Aswan before sailing to Kom Ombo in the afternoon. In the evening, continue to Edfu
Optional Shore Excursion: Aswan High Dam, Obelisk, Temple of Philae, and Temple of Kom Ombo
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Saturday - Cruise to Luxor
This afternoon, sail via Esna to Luxor, known in ancient Egyptian times as the city of Thebes
Optional Shore Excursion: Ptolemaic Temple in Edfu (AM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Sunday - Full Day in Luxor
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Luxor. The premier destination in Upper Egypt, Luxor features an array of ruins and monuments and is often considered the most extraordinary open-air museum in the world. The city is also known for its horse carriages, called caleches, which offer a charming way to enjoy the area's many sightseeing opportunities
Optional Shore Excursion: Necropolis of Thebes, Colossi of Memnon, Valleys of the Kings and Queens, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut (AM)
Optional Shore Excursion: Temples of Karnak and Luxor (PM)
Optional: Luxor Sound and Light Show (PM)
Overnight: Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Monday - Return to Cairo
After breakfast, disembark the boat and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure
Optional: Half Day Memphis & Sakkara
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9, Tuesday - Full Day in Cairo
Enjoy a full day at leisure
Optional: Full Day Alexandria with lunch
Overnight: Cairo
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Wednesday - Depart for the USA
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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Optionals |
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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| Half Day Old Cairo |
Day #3 |
01 Jan 2009 - 30 Sep 2010 $49
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Tour Old Cairo, where early Judaism and Christianity flourished in Egypt. Visit sites such as the Ben Ezra Synagogue and the Moallaka Church, where the Virgin Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus are said to have taken refuge. Drive to the Islamic quarter to visit the Great Citadel and visit the Mohamed Ali Mosque, also known as the "Alabaster Mosque."
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| Cairo Sound & Light Show at Pyramids |
Day #3 |
01 Jan 2009 - 30 Sep 2010 $39
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At sundown, drive to the Sphinx area to attend one of Egypt's most entertaining productions--the Sound & Light Show at the Giza Pyramids. Since 1961, this exhilarating performance has wowed crowds and is a "must" for visitors to Egypt. The show combines ancient Egyptian history with a dazzling display of modern lights and lasers.
Winter: Departs approximately 5:30 pm; returns at 8 pm.
Summer: Departs approximately 7:30 pm; returns at 10 pm
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| Full Day Pyramids & Egyptian Museum |
Day #4 |
01 Jan 2009 - 30 Sep 2010 $79
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Visit the Pyramids at Giza, built during the Third and Fourth Dynasties. These monumental undertakings stand as a marvelous testimony to the almost unbelievable skill and determination of their builders. Enjoy an up-close view of the Great Pyramid, built for the Pharaoh Cheops, as well as the Pyramids of Khefren and Mycerinus. Not far from the Pyramids, see the great Sphinx of Giza, the legendary chimeral statue that combines the head of king Khfren with a lion's body. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the most important repository of Egyptian antiquities in the world. Over 250,000 artifacts are on display, including an exhibit dedicated to the Tut-Ankh-Amon collection of treasures, gold, and jewelry. The collection had been enclosed in his tomb for over 3,500 years before its discovery in the 1920s, when his tomb was finally excavated. End the day at the bazaar of Khan El Khalili, before returning to your hotel.
Departs at 8 am; returns at 4 pm.
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| Nile River Optional Shore Excursion Package |
Day #5 |
01 Jan 2009 - 30 Sep 2010 $149
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Optional Excursion Discount Package includes visits to: (1) Aswan High Dam, Obelisk, Philae's Temple of Isis and Temple of Kom Ombo (2) Ptolemaic Temple in Edfu (3) Luxor West Bank: Valley of the Kings and Queens, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon (4) Luxor East Bank: Temples of Luxor and Karnak
Please note that all tours start as per the cruise itinerary, which may change according to navigation circumstances.
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| Luxor Sound & Light Show |
Day #7 |
01 Jan 2009 - 30 Sep 2010 $39
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Inaugurated in 1972, the show starts with a historical introduction covering the birth of the great city of Thebes and construction of the Karnak Temple, one of the most famous temples in the world. The show also narrates the glorious achievements of some of the great Pharaohs. Hear too a captivating description of the artistic treasures and great legacy that the Karnak Temple encompasses.
Winter: Departs at 6:15 pm; returns at 8:15 pm.
Summer: Departs at 7:15 pm; returns at 9:15 pm.
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| Half Day Memphis & Sakkara |
Day #8 |
01 Jan 2009 - 30 Sep 2010 $59
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Begin with a drive to Memphis, the oldest capital of Egypt, to see the colossal statue of Ramses II, and the alabaster sphinx of King Tutmosis III. Then, visit the Sakkara step pyramids, including the famous Step Pyramid of Zoser, built by Imhotep, the first named architect in recorded history, before returning to your hotel.
Departs at 1 pm; returns at 5 pm.
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| Full Day Alexandria with lunch |
Day #9 |
01 Jan 2009 - 30 Sep 2010 $99
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Today enjoy a full day excursion to the illustrious city of Alexandria where you will have the opportunity to see the National Museum, Catacombs, Pompeus Pillar, the Citadel, the Roman Amphitheater, and the Abu el Abas Mosque. Your tour includes lunch.
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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Rates & Hotels |
Step 1: Select Your Choice of Cabin & Hotel Plans Step 2: Click a Date to Book Online
OR: Click here to create your own flexible vacation
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*Not Included:
Airport taxes & fees, optional tours, and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Departures Nov 30, Dec 7 '09 and Jan 4-25 '10 will be on MS Neptune, Nile cruise.
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers, nor does it include flights Cairo-Aswan, Luxor-Cairo.
Package is based upon Block Seat Egypt Air flights from New York (JFK), which include the domestic Egypt flights. US domestic connecting flights are not available in conjunction with this airfare. When flying to Cairo via an alternative airline, or using Egypt Air instant purchase fares, intra-Egypt flights must be purchased separately and at an additional cost of $289 per person.
Please note that in many cases, Egypt Air changes intra-Egypt schedules, flights and reservations. Therefore, your final flight schedule will only be confirmed to you by your Tour Manager while you are in Egypt.
Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
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| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. | |
| Passports and Visas | It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.
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Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
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| Trip Preparation | A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement.
| | Health Information | Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.
| | Climate & Clothing | Egypt - Spring: 70°F-90°F; Summer: 80°F-130°F; Autumn: 70°F-90°F; Winter: 60°F-85°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat. Sunscreen and a hat or sunglasses are also recommended. Some religious sites do not allow shorts or sleeveless shirts.
As Egypt is a very warm country, at certain times of the year your itinerary may be amended to travel early in the morning and late afternoon to avoid the heat.
Egypt Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/mediterranean/default.aspx#egypt-weather
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| E-tickets | Most airlines now require that we provide e-tickets in place of paper tickets. At check-in, you should be ready to provide your e-ticket itinerary and ticket numbers, as well as identification (valid passport) to the agent. In a few cases where e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive your tickets in a paper form.
| | Airline Flights | Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Flight schedule changes are common and may occur anytime until departure. Therefore it is the responsibility of each passenger to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure for all flights.
| | Airline Luggage Restrictions | Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions. Many airlines have begun to apply charges for checked bags. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Airline policies vary and may change at any time. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any excess luggage/ weight charges levied by an airline.
| | Airline Seats | Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
| | Airline Tickets | Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
| | Code-share Flights | Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Gate 1 Travel for clarification.
| | Luggage | All Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to airline handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
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| Arrival Procedures | Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
| | What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed | Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.
| | Departure Procedures | If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
| | Transfers | Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Gate 1 to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Gate 1 or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship. The cost of a transfer will generally be more expensive than hiring a taxi as the pre-arranged transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or a 'dead-leg'. Additionally the driver may have to wait at the collection point for up to an hour.
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| Hotels | | Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard. | | Hotel Check-in/ Check-out | | Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism | We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
| | Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) | Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for checkin. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
| | Shopping | Shopping in a foreign country can be a wonderful experience. We do include a few stops at recommended popular shops on every escorted tour, intended to enhance your cultural experience. As you explore the country independently, you may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
| Egypt - Egypt offers many fine and unique goods. Some shops feature fixed prices, while at others haggling is expected. Vendors often use high-pressure tactics to encourage customers to buy, even at reputable stores. Please note that it is not advisable to purchase DVDs in Egypt as they usually cannot be played on DVD players in the United States due to differences in regional coding specifications.
| | Currency | We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus.
| Egypt - The Egyptian pound is the currency of Egypt.
Please note, it can be difficult to cash travelers checks while traveling in Egypt, they are not recommended. The American Express Card is not accepted in most locations in Egypt. It is best to travel with cash, Mastercard and Visa. Ensure that you have sufficient cash on hand, as ATMs will not always be readily available.
| | Purchasing Tours Locally |
On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them.
Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below.
This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information.
http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
| Egypt - Payment can ONLY be made by cash US$ or Egyptian pounds. Please note that ATM machines will only dispense Egyptian pounds.
| | Credit Cards | While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
| | Gratuities | This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
- Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide):
$6 or $7 per person per day - *Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage):
$3 per person per day - *Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program):
$2 per person per half day of sightseeing (2-3 hours) - *River Cruises:
$6 or $7 per person per day as indicated by each cruise line (see details regarding European River Cruises) - *Private car tours(small groups of 2-14 passengers):
$12 to $16 per person per day for each day of sightseeing - *Hotel Porter:
$1 per bag per person - *Wait staff:
$1.50 per person (lunch or dinner) - *Chamber maid:
$1 per person per day
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
| Egypt - It is customary to tip in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.
On Escorted and Nile River Cruise tours, tips for airport assistance, luggage handling, drivers and hotel porters will be included in your invoice.
On Nile River cruises, suggested tipping is $5 per person per day to be paid at the end of your cruise.
Many public bathrooms are staffed, and a small tip is standard when using these facilities.
| | Your Safety is Very Important | Every effort has been taken by Gate 1 Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room-use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe. If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
| | Local Emergency Phone Numbers | Egypt
- Ambulance/Medical: 0
- Fire: 03180
- Police: 0
| | Languages | Egypt - Egyptian Arabic is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| | Electricity | Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
| Egypt - The voltage used is 220 volts, including on board Nile cruises.
| | Code of Conduct | Egypt - Egypt is an Islamic country. Visitors should observe normal courtesies. Shaking hands is a standard form of greeting. Women should dress modestly, especially in non-tourist and rural areas, where traditional mores are more strictly followed. Beachwear should be confined to the beach and poolside. Public display of affection is sometimes regarded as discourteous. Smoking is very common.
| | Holidays - Egypt |
| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 7 |
Coptic Christmas |
Mar 9 |
Mawlid (celebration of the Prophet's birthday)* |
Apr 27 |
Spring Festival (Monday following Orthodox Easter) |
May 1 |
Labor Day |
Jul 23 |
Revolution Day |
| Aug 21 - Sep 19 |
Holy Month of Ramadan* |
Sep 20 - 23 |
Eid al-Fitr (Feast of the Breaking of the Fast)* |
| Oct 6 |
Armed Forces Day |
Nov 27-28 |
Eid al-Adha (Sacrifice Feast)* |
Dec 18 |
Islamic New Year* |
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* Please note that Islamic holidays are based a lunar calendar, and exact dates depend on local sightings of the moon. Because of this, actual dates may vary slightly from the dates given above.
| | | Food | Egypt - Be sure that all food, including meats, vegetables and fruits are fully cooked. Do not eat food purchased from street vendors. Avoid dairy products, unless you know they have been pasteurized. Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated drinks in cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.
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