Passport & Visa: A passport and a visa is required for Egypt. Please ensure that your passport is current and that it is valid for the next 6 months after your return to home. A single entry visa for Egypt can be obtained from your nearest Egyptian Consulate office. The cost is approximately $40 for Australian and New Zealand passport holders. Australian residents who require re-entry visa please ensure your re-entry visa is valid for your return journey.

Vaccinations: Please see your doctor for current vaccination requirements and recommendations.

Budget: It is difficult to advise on how much money to bring, since people's requirements differ greatly. You should however, allow for the following expenses: Lunches & Snacks - Lunches are not included in tour costs (except for on board cruise ship). Tipping - is a way of life in Egypt. Locals themselves will always tip someone who has provided them with a service. In many cases people depend on the tips they receive to supplement meagre salaries. (Tipping is a voluntary act and it is up to you how much you spend on tipping, however we do recommend you allow approximately $100-$150 in tips for the entire journey). Drinks - drinks are not included in the tour price except for juices, tea and coffee with breakfast each morning. Souvenirs - will of course vary greatly according to individual need. Remember to budget for emergencies.

Not Included in Tour Cost: Insurance, drinks, tips, souvenirs, laundry costs, visa and passport costs, any other items, services or arrangements not mentioned in the tour itinerary.

Climate: Egypt's climate is generally dry, with two seasons: a hot season from May to October and a cool season from November to April. During the summer, temperatures may reach 42 degrees. Winters are generally warm, with average temperatures between 13 degrees and 21 degrees C. Wide temperature variations occur in the deserts, ranging from a mean annual maximum of 46 degrees C during the day to a mean annual minimum of 6 degrees C after sunset. The Mediterranean coast, which receives the most rain in Egypt, has about 200 mm or less. In drier areas of southern Egypt several years may elapse without any rain at all.

Clothes: Bring a warm jacket for the camel ride at Giza and light comfortable summer clothes. Dress code is mostly casual, however you may wish to bring some nice-casual clothing for dining at the hotels and cruise boat. Please be aware that Islam is the predominant religion in Egypt, so conservative wear is recommended outside the hotels, cruise boat and swimming pool areas.

Money: The currency for Egypt is the Egyptian Pound. Check with your bank for latest currency exchange rates. Traveller's cheques in US Dollars can easily be exchanged at commercial banks, exchange offices and many of the hotels. American Express, Visa and Master Card are good for purchases throughout the country. ATM's are available at some locations. We do not recommend Cash in Australian Dollars or travellers cheques in Australian Dollars.

Food & Water: Do not drink the tap water in Egypt. You will be able to buy bottled water, but make sure the bottles have been properly sealed before you buy them. Avoid eating fruit and vegetables from the streets and local eating places (except fruit that needs to be peeled), and also avoid drinks with ice cubes in it.

Electricity: Electric current is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz. Wall plugs are round, two pin European style.

Time: Egypt is two hours ahead of GMT.

Suggested Items to Bring:

- Comfortable shoes for day time activities e.g. runners
- Moisturisers for hair, skin and lips. (Due to the dry climate).
- Jumper/jacket, light clothing for hot days, swimmers
- Diarrhoea and Nausea Pills
- Personal Toiletries (and medication if needed.)
- Camera and/or Video Camera Recorder & films for Camera
- Small bag or backpack for day time sightseeing
- Optional: candles, crystals and incense for ceremonies.
- A small calculator
- Your favourite book for the flights!
- Personal journal is a great idea for integrating your experience.
- Tissues (Hygenic wet tissues)

Please Note: Upon confirmation of booking you will receive a complete pre-departure document designed to help you prepare for your journey to Egypt.