FAQs

Activities are generally not very strenuous, however, guests should be able to enjoy two hours or more of walking, be sure-footed on uneven surfaces (gravel, sand, stone), and be able to walk up and down stairs without assistance.

Due to the structure of some buildings, handrails may not be present, and facilities for the disabled may be limited.

Arrival and departure information is provided in the Air & Transfer section of the Confirmation Documents emailed to reserved guests approximately five to seven days after booking a tour. Guests who arrive and depart during the suggested times are eligible to receive complimentary airport transfers. If you need an additional copy of your Confirmation Documents or have questions, email guestservices@orbridge.com for assistance.

A visa is required for all U.S. citizens to enter Egypt. For guests arriving during the suggested time, tourist visas will be obtained by your airport representative prior to your arrival. The representative will be awaiting guests in the immigration area with a red Orbridge sign. Visa payment ($25 USD per person, payable in exact cash only) is due directly to the representative upon arrival.

For guests arriving outside the suggested time, including those who have purchased a pre-night hotel room through Orbridge, it is the guests' responsibility to obtain a tourist visa upon arrival in Cairo. Visas can be purchased at kiosks located directly inside the immigration area. Further, if transfers have been purchased through Orbridge, a representative holding a red Orbridge sign will be awaiting guests at the entrance to the immigration area.

We do not recommend using the e-visa process for Egypt, as it is prone to errors and long processing times.

A passport is required for all U.S. citizens traveling internationally. Ensure that your passport has sufficient space for entry and exit stamps, and that it is valid for six months after the date of your return from this tour. Send a copy of your passport photo page to Orbridge at least 90 days prior to departure.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, contact the Embassy of Egypt for more information and requirements.

For the optional pre-tour, a visa is required for all U.S. citizens to enter Jordan. Visas will be obtained for guests by the airport representative prior to arrival, free of charge.

The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is Egypt's legal currency, however, some establishments accept U.S. dollars. We recommend carrying some U.S. cash and local currency in small denominations to cover your expected expenses, about $200.

ATMs are available at each hotel visited during this program as well as in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. Check with your bank to ensure you can use your ATM card in a foreign country. ATMs typically offer the best exchange rate.

Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, and American Express is rarely accepted. When using a major credit card, you may be charged a higher exchange rate than if you use cash. Be aware that credit cards might not be accepted for small purchase amounts, and vendors may require a minimum purchase.

Inform your bank or credit card company prior to departure that you will be using your card(s) in another country to avoid security blocks. Your bank or credit card company may charge a fee for international transactions.

For the optional pre-tour, the Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is Jordan's legal currency, however U.S. dollars are widely accepted, as are most major credit cards. ATMs are located in all hotels visited during the post-tour and throughout major cities.

Egypt's winter months (October-February) typically offer highs in the mid-70s °F and lows in the upper 40s °F. As is typical in desert climates, temperatures can drop rapidly after sunset. There is very little rainfall and an abundance of sunshine.

For the optional pre-tour, Jordan winters have average highs in the mid-50s ºF to mid-60s ºF and lows in the upper 30s ºF and low 40s ºF. There is also sporadic rainfall in Northwestern Jordan, including Amman and the surrounding area.

Check the predicted forecast for your travel dates on weather.com to help you prepare.

Egypt uses two types of electrical outlets both on a 220V system:

• Type C—two-wire ungrounded and unpolarized prongs
• Type F—two round pins with two earth clips on the sides

You will need an adapter to use North American electrical appliances. A Type C adapter will also work in Type F outlets.

Converter Requirements: North American 110V or 120V appliances will require a converter to operate on a 220V system. The need for a converter also depends on your electrical device. Many newer devices are equipped to handle dual voltages. Before using a converter, check the power label on your device. If it shows "110V AC or 120V AC," it requires a converter (curling irons and flat irons will likely need one). If the label shows "110-240V," it is dual voltage and only requires an adapter plug. Some devices have a switch to go back and forth between voltages.

Use a high quality electric current converter to avoid risk of burning out your device. We recommend purchasing an international adapter/converter set so that your two-or three-prong plug can connect to the electrical outlets and convert the voltage, if necessary.

For the optional pre-tour, Jordan uses multiple outlet types, each requiring an adapter and converter:

• Type C—two-wire ungrounded and unpolarized prongs
• Type D—three large, round prongs that form a triangular pattern
• Type F—a grounded version of Type C (Type C plugs will work in Type F outlets and vice versa)
• Type G—three rectangular prongs that form a triangular pattern
• Type J—two round pins and a grounding pin (Type C plugs will work in Type J outlets)

On the post-tour, you should only need an adapter and converter for Type C and Type G plugs. If you are traveling independently in Jordan outside of our program, you may need an adapter for other outlet types.

While cellular service is available in Egypt (though unreliable in more remote areas) your U.S.-based cell phone may or may not work depending on your phone plan. Prior to travel, check with your cell phone provider about international phone plans, international fees, and service availability.

While sailing on the dahabiya, there is no internet service, but cell service may be available.

Although Egypt is a Muslim country, Egyptians are used to seeing Western tourists and do not expect the same standards of modesty with respect to clothing. It's best to err on the side of modesty, so female travelers should make sure their shoulders and knees are covered, and avoid anything low-cut or too form-fitting. Women are not required to cover their heads, but it is a good idea to bring a scarf to provide extra coverage at some sites.

While at the hotels and on board the dahabiya, resort wear is acceptable, including shorts and swimsuits.

Egypt prohibits the sale and consumption of alcohol in public places, with the exception of hotels and tourist facilities approved by the Minister of Tourism. You will be able to purchase alcoholic beverages at the hotels and most restaurants during this tour, however, options may be limited.

Taking photos may be restricted at some religious and government sites. Some sites require that visitors purchase a separate photography ticket, which typically costs between 50-300 EGP ($3-20 USD).

While shopping at the bazaars and specialty stores can be exciting, scams are common. We cannot guarantee the quality or authenticity of souvenirs purchased in Egypt, even in the shops that seem reputable or that you may visit with your guide. In the bazaars, never pay the first price that is quoted to you—haggling is a way of life in Egypt, and merchants expect it. Your guides will advise you of appropriate prices for common souvenirs. Before engaging with a merchant, decide what price you are willing to pay. Begin by offering something much lower, then let the vendor argue you up, but not above, your maximum price. Haggling is generally good-natured, but merchants can sometimes be aggressive. If you are not interested, offer a firm "la, shukran" (no, thank you) and walk away.

It is not uncommon for travelers to experience stomach upset after the first few meals in Egypt. We recommend avoiding uncooked and unpeeled fruits and vegetables, as well as street food. We recommend bringing antacid and/or anti-diarrheal medication to help aid in your comfort while traveling.

Porterage for one piece of luggage is included in the program price. We recommend limiting luggage to one medium-sized piece and one small carry-on per person.

Bag searches conducted in Egyptian airports may cause travel delays. Further, authorities have been known to confiscate high-end cameras and binoculars. Be aware of this as you pack for your trip.

Loose, lightweight clothing is recommended. Some locations can be dusty, so you may want to avoid white clothing during daily touring. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended for day tours. Formal wear is not required for dinners. We recommend smart casual attire—polished yet comfortable. For men, we suggest a dress shirt or polo with slacks or nice jeans (sport coat and tie are not necessary) and for women, a blouse with a skirt, slacks or nice jeans, or a dress.

A packing list will be included with your Final Documents. Use this form to personalize for your own needs.

The online Guest Information (GIF) does not allow you return and make updates once originally submitted. To update existing information, email the details to guestservices@orbridge.com, and your account will be updated accordingly.

To complete the GIF for the first time, access the secure online form here. It should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. The system will not save partially completed forms, so it's important to complete and submit the form in one sitting.

Access the secure passport form here to input information and upload an electronic copy.

Some domestic tours require us to collect a copy of the photo ID you plan to use while traveling in order to confirm on-tour arrangements. If you have been requested to provide a copy, upload a copy of your ID here.

To pay by check, make the check payable to Orbridge LLC and mail it to:

Orbridge
P.O. Box 1376
Poulsbo, WA 98370

To pay by credit card, click here to access our secure online credit card portal. Be sure to click “submit information” at the bottom of page one in order to be directed to the payment screen.

To pay by electronic funds transfer (EFT), click here to access our secure payment portal where you will be able to conveniently and securely provide your account and routing number.

Payments made by check or EFT may be eligible for a discount. Reference your final payment reminder or email guestservices@orbridge.com to learn more.