YOU MUST HAVE A VALID PASSPORT WITH MORE THAN 6 MONTHS AVAILABLE BEFORE IT EXPIRES. WE DO NOT ISSUE REFUNDS OR CREDITS FOR GUEST WHO FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THIS REQUIREMENT AND ARE NOT PERMITTED TO BOARD THEIR FLIGHTS.

EGYPT TAKEOVER

NOV 1-6, 2023

Leave The USA Oct 31st
(to arrive on Nov 1st)

Flight Home Nov 7th

This is the final confirmation for everything related to The EGYPT Takeover.  Please review closely the details of the trip:

EVENT LOCATION:

CAIRO to CAIRO

BEST AIRPORT:

CAIRO (CAI)

TRAVEL VISA:

In addition to your passport, you are also required to have a Visa to enter this country. We are not talking about a credit card, we are talking about a travel Visa. This is actually purchased once you land in Egypt. This is not included in your package so be prepared to make the payment. – our team will meet you off the flight but before you get to the visa booth. Look for SET Network Signs

The cost is $25 and it is in CASH ONLY – You will be dramatically delayed if you do not have cash, no credit cards are accepted. A delay in this area may forfeit your transfers to the hotel. Avoid this by simply having $25 in USD.

BEDDING:

In this country and most European countries the bedding is different than here in the USA not to mention that the rooms run smaller. For instance a double bed in our language is a twin bed there. A king in our language is a double bed there.

We do not guarantee bedding, however we do try our best to get it close to what you want. If you are 3 to a room the bedding will be a king bed and either a rollaway or pullout couch.

LAND AND SEA PACKAGE:

Once you land in Cairo, your trip will also include a domestic flight to Aswan and from there you will board a river boat ( similar to a carnival cruise liner but not as big) . This riverboat will be your home for 3 days. Once that part of the tour is complete you will then fly back to Cairo – all of this is already covered in your package. Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner all included on cruise as well.

CURRENCY, TIPS AND GRATUITIES:

Tips and gratuities are not included in your package. The recommended tip is about $20 a day, basically $100 for the week. This is for your drivers, handlers, tour guides and host. We will have envelopes for your tips throughout the tour. Please show love where love is due. The perception is we do not tip as a people sadly. We however know this is not true but please keep this in mind.

The currency in Egypt is: Egyptian Pound – EGP.

While credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, there are some locations that will only be in EGP. We suggest that you purchase some of this cash before leaving the USA from your bank. $300-$500 is a real save bet.

Security is an issue to consider seriously:

“Is Egypt safe?” and “should I visit Egypt?”
-Egypt generally has low crime rates, particularly serious crime.
-The country has increased police security, especially in tourist areas.
-Egypt’s government is highly invested in maintaining the safety of visitors due to the importance of tourism to its economy.
-Demonstrations, when they occur, are typically localized in major city centers.
-By observing local customs and exercising standard travel precautions, tourists can generally expect a safe stay.

CLIMATE:

The Nile Valley region stretches nearly 1532 kilometers and as such the weather can differ quite considerably from Alexandria on the coast in the north, along the river to Luxor, Aswan, or Abu Simbel further south. Generally, though, the climate in the Nile Valley is moderate with lots of sunshine and very few rainy days, unlike the desert areas that have much hotter temperatures. The best times to go are from mid-April onwards and May or September and October, and November when the temperatures are lower, therefore making it easier to sightsee and explore. Between July and August, the sun is at its hottest. Average temperatures in Cairo are around 25-35°C (95°F), while in Luxor they are 30-40°C (107.6°F) and in Aswan hotter still at 31-42°C (107.6°F). Below are examples not confirmed temps at the time of travel.

LANGUAGE:

The official language of Egypt is Arabic and other languages are widely spoken too, especially in tourist areas.

HEALTH:

There are no vaccinations needed to visit Egypt. Sunburn and dehydration can be avoided by using plenty of sun cream, wearing light cotton clothing and a hat, and drinking lots of water. The health care facilities in Egypt are generally good and it is advisable to have health insurance.

CURRENCY:

The currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound, which is divided into 100 piasters. Cash is generally easily obtained from ATMs, which can be found in larger towns and cities. Most of the major hotels and stores accept credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, along with travellers’ cheques and certain foreign currencies like euro, sterling and dollars. If venturing off the beaten track you will find that generally only the Egyptian pound in cash will be accepted.

TIME DIFFERENCE:

Egypt is 2 hours ahead of GMT and 6 hours behind Hong Kong time. There is no time difference between Zurich, Switzerland and Egypt

ELECTRICITY:

Egypt’s electricity supply: 220 volts, AC50 Hz. Certain rural parts still use 110 to 380 volts AC. The plug has two round pins. It is advisable to bring an international adaptor. One is provided in your welcome box.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS:

Auto-roaming is possible in Egypt. Alternatively, you can purchase a phone card. The providers to look for are Vodafone and Orange . The local guide can assist to purchase a SIM card (own account) from airport if needed.

Downloading Whatsapp is the best option as this is the MAIN communication between SET Network and our onsite guest. Download this now BEFORE you leave on this trip. If you are reading this and have not downloaded the app, you have likely already missed some updates so take care of the ASAP.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

We highly recommend that you take up personal insurance policy to cover you against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements, cancellation etc. We do not provide this service.

TIPPING:

Egypt is a tipping society and you are expected to tip at almost every turn. A tip of 10% of the total bill is expected in local restaurants (for meals which is not included). You would need to tip your guide, driver and the crew if you are taking a Nile cruise, portage in hotels and nile cruise, restaurant . Below is our recommended guideline.

Tipping Guideline:
Per person per day 15$-20$

TAP WATER:

This is one of the first things your tour guide will tell you about traveling around Egypt. The tap water in Egypt is not safe to drink, and you’re also advised to brush your teeth with filtered or mineral water. Hotels provide bottled water to their guests, or you can boil water ahead of time to brush your teeth or refill your water bottles.

SPORTS:

While other areas of Egypt are synonymous with scuba diving and snorkeling, such as the Red Sea resorts of Hurghada, El Gouna, Marsa Alam, Dahab and Sharm el-Sheikh in Sinai, the Nile Valley is known for its balloon trips over the Valley of the Kings, its excellent golf courses, particularly in and around Cairo and Luxor, and its felucca sailing opportunities.

For the energetic, there’s a horse and camel riding, organized hikes and safaris, while for those who like to take it really slow there’s some superb spas just waiting to be enjoyed.

DRESS CODE:

Is there a dress code in Egypt?
There really is no dress code in Egypt for tourists. But, you should know that Egyptian men dress rather smartly and are rather conservative – both the Islamic majority and the Christian minority. You will see most men in shirts, long trousers, and leather shoes. Rather no jeans, no t-shirts

Clothing tips for women
Egyptians find it very inappropriate to reveal even the slightest amount of stomach or hips, so short tops, short skirts or shorts, or tight clothes should be avoided completely when away from tourist hotels.

Can tourists wear shorts in Egypt?
Egyptian men do not often wear shorts, but they are perfectly fine for a male tourist to wear. Aside from beachside resort cities, it is not recommended for female tourists to ever wear shorts in Egypt. Before traveling to Egypt for the first time, many travelers ask us what clothes to bring.

What shoes to wear to the pyramids?
The area surrounding the pyramids is rocky, sandy and uneven. For comfort and safety, it’s best to leave fancy footwear behind and wear something comfortable, sturdy and practical. If you choose to go with sandals, make sure they’re tough enough for walking on rough terrain and can be securely fastened with straps.

Leave your drone at home
Planning on flying your drone over the pyramids of Giza? Think again. Egypt
without a license from the Ministry of Defense. There are many stories of people risking the penalties and getting their drones confiscated at the airport, and violators can face serious penalties or even jail time. It’s not worth the hassle so don’t even bother bringing your drone if you are just a recreational user.

Be prepared to see a heavy military presence
This is one of my top tips for traveling to Egypt – don’t be alarmed at the somewhat intimidating military presence. Egyptian military and security personnel are everywhere and it’s not uncommon to see heavy duty weapons at tourist landmarks (especially those in Cairo). When entering any major landmark, you will also need to have your bags scanned and walk through a metal detector.

Can I brush my teeth with tap water in Egypt?
Tap water in Egypt is actually safe to drink but as it is heavily chlorinated we do not recommend that you do as it causes stomach upsets. Bottled mineral water is easily available from hotels, restaurants and shops at low cost. The tap water in Egypt is fine for brushing your teeth and showering.

DO’S:

• Do respect the monuments archaeological sites are human heritage don’t touch scratch or sit on it.
• Do respect the monuments archaeological sites are human heritage don’t touch scratch or sit on it.
• Do dress correctly whilst there is no specific dress code in the cities, women will feel more comfortable if they do not wear shorts or have their shoulders uncovered. This is particularly relevant when visiting churches and mosques.
• Do drink lots of water be sure to drink lots of water and apply sun cream.
• Do have Egyptian money with you
• Hotels and the main shops in tourist areas are likely to accept credit cards and foreign currencies, but smaller restaurants and stores are unlikely to, especially the further you go out into the desert and away from the tourist areas. Souk traders will expect cash.
• Do buy souvenirs one of the joys of holidaying in a country as fascinating as Egypt is the variety of souvenirs you can buy to take home as a reminder of your stay. Beautiful souks and numerous Egyptian handcrafts reflect the culture of different destinations along the Nile such as blown glass rugs, perfumes, alabaster, basket ware, textile, and jewelry. However, do not attempt to take any antiquity. This is strictly forbidden.

DONT’S:

• Don’t miss your camera otherwise you‘ll miss enjoyable memories with your loved ones.
• Don’t go for desert excursions without experienced guides and good drivers.
• Don’t forget to check the time of Esna Lock during booking your Nile cruise – this is done for you.
• Don’t miss attending one of the sound and light shows along with the archaeological hot spots through the Nile.

BUSINESS HOURS & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Government, administrative offices and Banks are generally open from 9 am to 2 pm each day, except for Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays. Most shops are open from 10 am to 10 pm every day except Sunday. Please note that all these times may vary in shopping centers and during Ramadan. Most historic sites and museums are open from 9 am to 5 pm daily, and often until 6 pm in the summer.

WHAT TO BRING:

• Pair of comfortable walking shoes, there is a lot of walking, slipper and possible extra.
• Comfortable and proper dress for visiting religious places, bring shawl or light sweater/jacket for cool evening or while on the air-conditioner bus.
• Toiletries: wet and dry tissues, hand sanitizer, shampoo, toothpaste, lip balm, moisturizer.
• Extra pair of eyeglasses /sunglasses
• Swim wear for during cruise and hotel.
• Camera, chargers, batteries
• Cellphone charger
• Universal adaptor
• Folding umbrella & hat
• Supply for prescribed medicines and other medicines for colds, cough, LBM, constipation, pain relievers and other ailments that you use to take.
• Bring only jewelry that you will be wearing during the trip.
• Small US dollar bills /coins.

Day 2 – Pyramids – Saqqara (B.L.) – Nov 2, 2023

• Breakfast at Hotel
• Join your Egyptologist Tour Guide and Enjoy your tour to visit the Giza Plateau to explore the world famous Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, Mycrenos & Sphinx
  Camel ride at the Pyramids
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Join your Egyptologist Tour Guide and Enjoy your tour to visit one of the most important Museums in the world, the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities with such a rare collection of 120 thousand pieces including the treasures Of King Tut Ankhamon
• Back to your Hotel – Overnight in Cairo (Breakfast – Lunch)

Day 3 – Cairo – Aswan – Check in Nile Cruise – Nov 3, 2023

• Breakfast at Hotel
• Transfer to Cairo Airport for departure to Aswan via Egypt Air
• Arrive Aswan – Meet & Assist
• Transfer to your Nile Cruise
• Check in Before Lunch
• Visit the High Dam – Philae Temple
• Back to your Cruise
• Dinner & Overnight in Aswan (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)

Day 4 – Sail to Kom Ombo – Sail to Edfu (B.L.D.) – Nov 4, 2023

• Breakfast on board
• Noon time Sail to Kom Ombo
• Visit the Temple shared by two gods Sobek & Haeroris in Kom Ombo
• Sail to Edfu which is like a small city on the west bank of the Nile, about 56 KM south of Esna and 105KM north of Aswan – today is an important center of sugar production and pottery making
• Visit Edfu temple Of God Horus
• Afternoon tea
• Dinner on board. (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)

Day 5 – Esna – Luxor West Bank (B.L.D.) – Nov 5, 2023

• Breakfast on board
• Sail to Esna
• Cross the lock
• Sail to Luxor
• Cross the West Bank for a visit to Thebes Necropolis – The valley of The Kings – El Deir El Bahary of Hatshepsut – Colossi of Memnon
• Lunch on board
• Back to your Nile Cruise
• Dinner on board and Overnight in Luxor (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)

Day 6 – Luxor East Bank | Cairo (B.)- Nov 6, 2023

• Breakfast on board
• Check out your Nile Cruise
• Enjoy an excursion to visit the East Bank (karnak & Luxor temples)
• Then drive to Luxor airport to fly to Cairo
• Check in your Hotel
• Overnight in Cairo (Breakfast)

Day 7 – Cairo (B.) – Nov 7, 2023

• Breakfast
• Transfer to airport (Breakfast)