Egypt Tours

We encourage you to consider what the holiday is likely to cost you at the end, not the beginning. People usually get what they pay for, so if one product is significantly less than another, try to understand why. It’s unlikely to be generosity but rather things like the quality and location of hotels, plus the number and quality of inclusions such as meals, sightseeing, special events, entrance fees, local guides and tipping. Check which and how many of these is actually included in the price.

All the ‘little extras’ that you have to pay for can add up to a sizeable amount by the end of the holiday. Does the tour include bottled water during touring days, tea, coffee and water with meals?

Whisper Headsets are important when visiting sites such as the Pyramids and Abu Simbel so that you can clearly hear your Egyptologist.

The cost of meals can be a significant part of your holiday. Always be clear which meals are actually included and which are not. Scenic Tours provides Scenic FreeChoice Dining on selected itineraries where you will have the choice of several dining options that are all included in the price.

Beware of ‘optional tours’. Often these are portrayed as a means of providing flexibility for guests but what do they cost? Has the price been inflated so that the tour operator or Tour Director can be paid a commission? With Scenic Tours the only optional attraction that is not included in your tour price is the balloon ride over the West Bank in Luxor. Scenic Tours have negotiated a special discounted price and pass the savings directly back to you, so you pay less even though this is not included in the tour.

One of the great highlights of any tour to Egypt is a cruise on the Nile River. Check which ship you will be sailing on and the location of the cabins you are being offered on board. Scenic Tours guarantees that all guests will be allocated on main or upper deck cabins at no additional cost. In addition Scenic Tours partners with a cruise operator with private docking facilities in Luxor ensuring you will not cross other operator ships when docked.

A Nile or Lake Nasser River Cruise is like holidaying on a floating hotel. Your cabin will be your home for three or four nights so you need to be sure of what you are getting. There are many river cruisers and not all of them offer a standard of service, space and amenities that people have come to expect. Check the size of your cabin to make sure that you’re going to be comfortable. And check the services, the amenities and the facilities that are being provided.

A brochure will often talk about ‘included sightseeing’; make sure you ask what that means. Do they simply take you to the venue and then leave you to queue and pay your own entrance fees, or do they include the entry fees and escort you with priority queuing? Many operators to the Middle East offer standard tour programmes which do not take into account the fact that this is a trip of a life time. With Scenic Tours your time at the key highlights has been planned to ensure you have maximum time to enjoy these amazing places. Scenic Tours are the only Australian tour operator that allows a full day to tour the Pyramids, at the start of your journey, at your own pace.

When a brochure lists the key sights and attractions visited, does that mean a drive through in your tour coach leaving a blurred memory of what might have been a jewel of the Middle East? Or does it mean a proper guided tour, with a professional English speaking guide and Whisper Headsets so you don’t miss a word? Check this for each city, site and attraction on your tour. Is Abu Simbel included in the tour price or is this an optional tour?

Also, take care when booking tours as it is common in the Middle East that certain shopping venues will pay a commission to either the Tour Director or the tour operator. At scenic Tours we do not take guests on shopping excursions. If asked we will make suggestions but there is no link back to either the Tour Directors or the company.

What validity do I need on my passport?
All passengers are required to possess a passport valid for 6 months beyond the conclusion of their trip and you must also be able to provide evidence of a return or onward ticket. You should carry your passport with you at all times to ensure against its loss or theft in hotels. However, certain hotels may need to hold your passport overnight in order to comply with local regulations.

Please note: If your nationality (passport) differs from the country in which you reside, please take the time to check carefully with your local consulates concerning visa and passport requirements for your travels. Holidays can be disrupted or have to be altered altogether if the correct documents cannot be supplied at airports or borders, so check very carefully that you have the required papers.

What visas do I require?
You must contact your Travel Agent or applicable government authorities to get the necessary documentation. It is the sole responsibility of each passenger to have necessary visas and to comply with entry, health or other requirements of the countries visited.

Can Scenic Tours arrange my passport and visas?
Scenic Tours and/or their employees and their agents are not responsible for passport, visa requirements, entry, health or other requirements of the countries visited or for any loss sustained by you for failing to comply with laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited, and will not be liable for any costs or cancellation penalties or inconvenience where travellers do not have a travel authorisation, and are not permitted to travel.

How do I obtain an Egyptian visa?
Please note that United States passport holders require a visa for entry into Egypt. You may obtain your visa before departing North America from the Consulate General of the Arab Republic of Egypt or you can choose to organise your visa on arrival. There are a number of currency and visa booths in the terminal prior to arriving at Immigration. The process is to approach the booth, request a visa and pay US$15 per person. The booths will be able to provide change of larger notes into US dollars or Egyptian pounds. You then proceed to the Immigration booth and hand over your passport, visa sticker and relevant documents (which will be handed to you onboard the aircraft prior to arrival). Our transfer representative will be waiting for you once you clear immigration to assist with baggage collection.

How do I obtain a Jordanian visa?
Please note that United States passport holders require a visa for entry into Jordan. The visa can be arranged prior to departure from North America, although this is not recommended. The visa should be arranged on arrival at Amman airport, and is required to DEPART from Jordan. The cost of the Visa is 20JD (approximately USD$30) per person. Dependent on the number of clients departing together as a group, Scenic Tours may be able to obtain a group visa waiver. The Departure Fee (visa) will only be payable if you are departing within a group of 1 to 4. Groups of 5 and above do not need to pay the fee.  The Tour Director, or our local representative in Jordan, will advise you of this prior to departure flight. 

How do I obtain a visa for Turkey?
Australian passport holders will need a visa to enter Turkey. This can be obtained at the border in the form of a sticker at a cost of USD$20 per person. New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa to Turkey. Please check current details with your travel agent before departure.

How do I obtain a visa for Dubai?
For United States passport holders that are visiting Dubai, a visa is issued free of charge upon point of entry. In Dubai the law also states that every passport must be scanned individually at check-in to the hotel. The scanning is done individually as the system is connected to Police Authorisation and takes several minutes to do each one.  Your Tour Director will collect your passport prior to arrival at the hotel and will hand them to reception for scanning overnight. A receipt for each passport will be issued. You will be advised to collect your passport from reception after breakfast in the morning.

Can Scenic Tours organise my travel insurance?
No, this is the responsibility of the passenger, however your travel agent can do this on your behalf. We strongly advise you to take out travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances, which may arise as defined in the respective proposal forms. It is a good idea to take your travel insurance documents with you.

How much luggage can I bring?
The luggage allowance whilst on tour is one suitcase with a maximum size of 76 x 53 x 28 cms (30 x 21 x 11’’) and weight of 20 kilograms. You may also carry a small backpack or the Scenic Tours issued overnight bag on board the coach for the duration of the tour. Additional bags beyond the luggage allowance may incur additional charges and are to be settled directly to the hotel or as required.

Is porterage included?
Handling and porterage of your luggage (as per the luggage allowance above) is included in your tour.

Should I attach the Scenic Tours luggage label provided prior to departure?
No, please wait until you have claimed your baggage at your destination airport. This will ensure airline companies will not tear off this tag, as it is required to easily identify your baggage for transfer services and Hotels.

Will my luggage be secure?
We strongly advise that you do not pack anything of value in your check-in luggage and that you check-in ONLY your own suitcases. Do not carry items packed by other people. Never accept packages or articles from anyone unknown to you to carry onboard the aircraft. As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage.

What happens if my luggage goes missing?
It is highly unlikely for your luggage to be mislaid, however we suggest if travelling as a couple to pack each suitcase with back up clothes and toiletries for each person. We also suggest writing your personal and tour details on a label INSIDE each suitcase (including name, address, telephone number, departure and return flight details). Write only your name and destination address on outside labels.

What clothing should I pack?

• Casual sportswear for daytime that can be mixed/matched/layered 
• Jumper/warm jacket for cooler nights
• Swimwear 
• Comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles for good grip 
• Sunglasses and sun hat 
• Women require at least one dress or skirt

What do I need to pack to wear on the Nile cruise?
Dress onboard the boat is casual during the daytime and smart/casual in the evening. Shorts are not permitted at dinner. Ladies may like to dress up a little more in the evening. For gentlemen, jackets and ties are not obligatory. One night on the cruise is a ‘Galabya Night’ where passengers are asked to wear the local Egyptian dress. Traditional outfits can be bought in Egypt at a small additional cost.

What is appropriate dress in Egypt and Dubai?
As Egypt and Dubai are conservative Muslim nations, modesty in dress is expected. In religious buildings, both men and women need to cover their shoulders and legs. Some holy places will supply scarves for tourists to borrow. For those passengers travelling to Dubai, the dress code is more relaxed compared to most of the Middle East. However, take care to wear clothing that would not be considered too revealing. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended, as you will need these daily whilst sightseeing, which includes climbing through ruins and crossing rough ground. Closed-in shoes are better than sandals as they keep out the dust and sand.

What else do I need to pack?
The following list may be useful when packing for your trip:

• Airline tickets and passport (plus a photocopy and extra passport photos) 
• Travel and travel insurance documentation, and itinerary (make a copy for your emergency contact) 
• Traveller’s cheques/cash/debit or credit card and emergency contact numbers if lost or stolen, plus local currency for first day and a money belt 
• Spare memory card for your digital camera or film in clear plastic containers 
• Only those keys needed on return 
• Personal medication and prescriptions, extra glasses/contacts and prescriptions
• Sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent 
• First aid kit including anti-itch cream for insect bites, antibiotics and medication for motion sickness, diarrhoea and vomiting
• Pocket calculator, address book, journal and pens 
• Tissues and anti-bacterial hand wipes or hand sanitiser  
• Raincoat or umbrella 
• Plastic bags for dirty laundry, washing powder and elastic clothesline 
• Travel alarm clock, earplugs and sleep mask 
• Adaptor plugs, mobile phone charger, battery charger 
• Small torch and batteries (there is minimal lighting at remote locations) 
• Binoculars
• Face cloth/flannel (most hotels don’t provide) 
• Multiple photocopies of your passport to assist with Hotel check in

Should I provide Scenic Tours with my health and fitness details prior to travelling?
We will supply a Health and Fitness form in your travel wallet. These forms are designed to provide us with instant information if an emergency should arise. These forms will be returned unopened at the completion of the tour. It is not compulsory to fill out these forms but strongly recommended.

Can I take prescription medicine into Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Dubai?
Yes. We suggest you pack an ample supply of any medicine you are taking, copies of prescriptions and the telephone/fax number of your doctor. Because of strict drug laws in some countries, drugs you take on doctor's orders should be carried in their original container showing the prescription label. Always keep your medication in your hand luggage.

Are there any health risks that I should be aware of?
Viral gastroenteritis is a very common virus that can be found almost anywhere, but its opportunity to spread is greater in contained environments. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It may also include fever, stomach issues and headache. The symptoms usually start 12 to 48 hours after viral infection and can last from 1 to 10 days. Most people who become sick with viral gastroenteritis recover quickly with no further problems.  However if the illness is more severe, further medical care may be required to treat dehydration. The most effective protection from personal contamination is ensuring strict attention to personal hygiene and in particular, frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water and refraining from hand-to-mouth contact.

Colds and other viruses can spread quickly in an enclosed area such as a ship. Continue to practice common-sense hygiene and respiratory courtesy. Wash your hands often and cover your coughs and sneezes.  It is recommended that passengers carry an anti-bacterial hand sanitiser, which does not require rinsing with water. Use a sanitiser frequently i.e. after shore excursions, prior to meals and throughout the day.

Motion sickness can be a problem for some people when cruising, flying or travelling on coaches and trains and it is a good idea to take precautionary measures. Drugs for treating motion sickness can be purchased at most pharmacies in Australia, however a side effect can by drowsiness. Alternatives such as ginger tablets and acupressure wristbands are also available and work well for some people.

If you have any questions regarding your health or safety while on tour, please do not hesitate to ask your Tour Director.

What sort of vaccinations and health precautions should I take? 
You will need to make an appointment with your personal GP before departure to review pertinent health precautions including necessary vaccinations and medications. No inoculations are compulsory at present for entry into Egypt, however typhoid, cholera, tetanus and polio are recommended.

What fitness level do I require?
All travellers to Egypt should be in reasonably good health. There is a significant amount of walking on this tour and archaeological sites and temple floors are far from even. On several days the walking can be arduous, and even on those days when walking is not difficult, there may be long stretches of time when guests will be on their feet. Guests who require assistance walking may not be able to fully participate in the sightseeing. If you have a medical condition, which might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so.

Are wheelchairs accommodated?
Lake Nasser and Nile Cruise Ships do not have elevators therefore you will need to navigate two flights of stairs to access guest cabins and public areas. We regret that wheelchairs cannot be accommodated. Disembarking the riverboat requires walking down many steps to a narrow gangway. The steepness and the number of steps depend upon the river water level.

Can I smoke on tour?
Smoking is very common in Egypt, Jordan and Dubai. As a result, few restaurants and hotels have nonsmoking sections. A “non-smoking” room often means the establishment has merely removed the ashtray. Where possible we have requested non-smoking rooms and non-smoking sections of restaurants. On board the Lake Nasser and Nile Cruise Ships, smoking is only permitted on the outer decks. Smoking is not allowed in cabins or in public areas. Smoking is not permitted on motor coaches used during the land touring and shore excursions.

Are there any health risks that I should be aware of?
Viral Gastroenteritis is a very common virus that can be found almost anywhere, but its opportunity to spread is greater in contained environments. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It may also include fever, stomach issues and headache. The symptoms usually start 12 to 48 hours after viral infection and can last from 1 to 10 days. Most people who become sick with Viral Gastroenteritis recover quickly with no further problems.  However if the illness is more severe, further medical care may be required to treat dehydration. The most effective protection from personal contamination is ensuring strict attention to personal hygiene and in particular, frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water and refraining from hand-to-mouth contact. If you have further questions about any aspect of your health or safety while on tour, please do not hesitate to ask your Tour Director.

What sort of fitness level do I require to travel in Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Dubai?
It is not possible for large coaches to be used for some city sightseeing. Many towns and cities will be visited by way of walking tours and accordingly, a reasonable level of fitness is required. There may be split-levels, steps and uneven surfaces in many cities, so please watch your step. Access to some establishments may not be convenient for wheelchair use, and facilities for the disabled in general may be limited. High-heeled shoes are not suitable for walking whilst on tour and it is essential to have comfortable, rubber-soled walking shoes. We recommend you bring a collapsible walking stick if you have any mobility difficulties.

What can I expect on the Nile cruise?
Space is obviously a limiting factor, so please accept that cabins will be smaller than hotel rooms. Drinks and extras are signed and paid for at the end of your cruise. The Nile cruises featured on all itineraries to Egypt operate between the cities of Luxor and Aswan. These cities lie only 240km apart, which means this distance could easily be covered in only 1 or 2 days without stops. Due to logistical and scheduling reasons the cruises are offered only as 3 or 4 night packages. This allows for extensive sightseeing along the way and, as such, time is spent in port in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo or Aswan.  Each cruise itinerary will, however, have an element of daytime cruising allowing you to relax and see life along the river.

What time can I check-in to my hotel?
If your flight arrives before noon (usually 2pm is check-in time) at the city where your tour starts, the hotel may not have your room available until mid afternoon. We endeavour to ensure that rooms are ready for your arrival times however this is not always possible and is outside our control. Some people use this time to explore the neighbourhood, shop or relax in the hotel public areas.

Please Note: You are required to have at least 4 copies of your passport when checking in to your hotel in Egypt.

When will I receive details of my internal flights?
Please note that in Egypt internal flight allocations to and from Aswan and Luxor are not under Scenic Tours control, but are advised by the Egyptian airline at short notice. For this reason we do not have flight numbers or times for your internal flights. These will be advised as soon as possible by your Tour Director whilst you are on tour.

Are their laundry facilities available?
Laundromats are scarce and having laundry done professionally in the hotels can be expensive, so you may wish to bring some washing powder. A laundry service is available on the Nile River cruise and the cost is reasonable.

Will I need an adaptor for electrical items?
Most areas use 220 AC volts, requiring a rounded two-prong wall plug. An adaptor will be required.

What is local transport like for free days in Cairo?
Shared taxis (black and white) are an inexpensive and convenient option around Cairo. You should fix the fare before departure and tips are not expected. Private taxis and hotel taxis are more expensive, but offer a greater degree of comfort and reliability.

What monetary currency is in use in Egypt Jordan, Turkey and Dubai
The unit of currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (LE) divided into 100 Piastres (PT).

• Notes: (LE) 100, 50, 20, 5, 1 (PT) 50, 25 
• Coins: 25pt, 20pt, 10pt, 5pt

The unit of currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JD), which is often called the ‘jaydee’.  The dinar is divided into 100 piasters of 1000 fils. The fils is the unit most commonly used and you will usually see prices written as 4,750 (which is 4 JD and 750 fils).

• Notes: 50, 20, 10, 5, 1

The unit of currency in Turkey is the Yeni Türk Lirasi (New Turkish Lira; YTL). 
Notes: 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 lira
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 kurus and a 1 lira coin

The unit of currency in Dubai is the UAE Dirham (Dh.) or the Arab Emirate Dirham (AED) as it is termed in international markets. The dirham is divided into units of 100 fils.

• Notes: 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 
• Coins: 1 (Dh.) 50, 25, 10, 5, 1

How much foreign money should I bring with me?
Before you leave on your trip, it is a good idea to obtain a decent supply of cash in Egyptian Pounds for your immediate use on the first day of the tour and for use at the airports during transit. Banks are not always open and hours can be inconvenient. Foreign currency can be purchased before you leave at major banks and international airports.

Are ATMs widely available?
Yes, using a debit or credit card is becoming a popular method of obtaining money whilst travelling. In most cases, you pay only your usual bank fee rather than a commission, although this may vary depending on your bank's policy. Generally, you will get the best available exchange rate as well. Be sure to check with your bank before departing to activate your card and don't forget to bring your pin number.

What about credit cards?
Most international credit cards are accepted locally. Some shops and restaurants require a minimum purchase amount when using them. Due to increasing credit card fraud worldwide, be prepared to show identification (i.e. your passport) when making a transaction with your credit card. We recommend that you have a pin number for your credit cards, as some businesses only accept payment with a pin. Most credit cards charge a fee (about 3%) for currency exchange, which means that every time you use your credit card, you add this fee to the price of goods and services. Check with your credit card company before you go to see what their policy is.  It may be worthwhile to take more than one type of credit card as not all types of credit cards are accepted. Before travelling ensure your credit cards are valid for at least 30 days after the completion of the tour. Also ask your credit card company for the emergency number (suitable for international access – not starting with 1800 or 0800) to report loss. It is recommended you contact your bank before leaving Australia to advise that you will be using your credit card overseas and to check that you can withdraw cash on your card abroad.

Are travellers cheques widely accepted?
Travellers cheques are easily obtained from your bank. You will find it an advantage to have your travellers cheques in a currency that is easily exchanged such as US Dollars or Pounds Sterling. Remember to make a separate note of all the numbers and denominations of your travellers cheques as well as an emergency contact phone number (suitable for international access, not those starting with 0800) in case of loss or theft. It is worth carrying some cheques in small denominations as it may be difficult to cash larger cheques in hotels and shops. Travellers cheques can be changed at your hotel and some local banks. Many banks charge a set rate, so it could be worth your while cashing more money, less often. Banks usually offer a better rate of exchange than hotels, restaurants and large shops.  Please note that travellers cheques are becoming harder to cash while credit and ATM cards are becoming more readily available and there are also the options of money cards pre-loaded with foreign currency.

What are banking hours?
In Egypt, banks are open 8.30-13.30 Sunday to Thursday. In Dubai it is 8.00-13.00 from Saturday to Wednesday with some also open 16.30-18.30. On Thursdays banks operate from 8.00-12.00.

Is it easy to exchange currency in Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Dubai?
Exchange facilities are easily found at airports, banks and in all large hotels, and travel offices. Everywhere will give you the same tourist rate of exchange, so don't waste your time shopping around. Most hotel banks are open 24 hours.

What is the tipping protocol?
As a guide, tipping is expected in Egypt and Dubai. For this reason it is important to carry around a good number of 1 EP bills in your pocket. Porters, taxi drivers, doorkeepers and many others will expect this of you. There is no need to give a lot of money - small tips are fine. It is customary to leave a 10% tip (before taxes) at a restaurant. The bill already has a 12% service charge included in the total. For taxi drivers, tip an extra few pounds if the driver has made an extra effort to get you to your destination.  In hotels, rates vary according to the level. In five-star hotels, a 10EP tip may be in order for the porter, particularly if you have lots of luggage. Chambermaids get about 5EP for each visit, although this depends on the level of service. Room-service waiters, like restaurant waiters should be tipped approximately 10% of the total bill.

Does Scenic Tours cover the tips?
Whilst on tour, Scenic Tours has prepaid certain tips and gratuities for you, including Tour Director, boat crew, local guides, porters (1 piece of luggage), and meals included in your tour. Tipping is NOT included for meals, drinks, taxis and transfers that are not included as part of the tour.

How should I deal with hawkers and retailers?
You will experience many retailers, hawkers and taxi operators engaging you in conversation to continually offer their services. Be prepared for the need to politely decline these offers, on a regular basis, if they are not required. You may be approached by locals offering to show you interesting features, so be prepared that you will be asked for a tip if you accept their offer.

What times are shops generally open?
Most shops are open from 9am - 10pm daily except Sundays. Most shops, offices and banks close for siesta between noon and 4pm.

Is bargaining acceptable practice?
Bargaining is a way of life in the Middle East. Never be afraid to open your bid too low, you should probably expect to pay 50% of the original asking price, so enjoy the lengthy negotiations a purchase will involve.

Where is the best place to buy souvenirs?
Leatherware, alabaster, papyrus, jewellery, antique artifacts, gold, brass and silverware are also easily available at low prices in the bazaars, the West Bank of the Nile, in Luxor and other tourist spots. Goods available at the hotel stores will be more expensive (though perhaps better quality) and prices are generally fixed.

What are the local languages in Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Dubai?
The official language in Egypt, Jordan and Dubai is Arabic.

Can I speak English?
Most educated Egyptians speak some English and many are fluent. English is also widely understood in the main tourist areas.

Average Temperatures

Is tap water safe to drink?
DO NOT DRINK THE TAP WATER. It is best to not even allow your mouth near tap water, which includes brushing your teeth. We advise you to drink bottled mineral water, which is easily available everywhere at a small cost. As Egypt is very hot and dusty, you should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Ice cubes are made from local water, so we recommend you order drinks without ice also. Tap water in hotels, restaurants and aboard the Lake Nasser and Nile Cruise Ships is not potable. Use caution when eating salad items that may have been washed in tap water. Always drink bottled water with an unbroken seal. Well-known brands of bottled beverages are generally considered to be safe. It is advisable to clean your teeth with bottled water. Avoid having ice in drinks unless you are confident it has been made with bottled water.

Are there any foods that I should avoid?
Eating uncooked vegetables should be avoided. Eat fruit that you can peel, and make sure fresh fruit has been washed. Wash your hands before and after eating. Most meals on this tour are in hotel restaurants where cleanliness is good and they are used to catering to westerners.

What precautions should I take for safe travel?
Your safety is very important to us at Scenic Tours, since we make it our business to know the areas we travel in, you are never at any undue risk. Safety and security however is a matter of common sense: do not carry large sums of cash with you, keep a close watch on handbags, purses, and wallets when walking in crowded areas, avoid walking alone at night, lock up valuables in hotel safe deposit boxes and never leave valuables in view in an unattended coach. We also advise you take copies of passports, credit cards and other pertinent identification and documents. Keep one copy with you, and leave one copy with your emergency contact at home.

How do I judge how safe it is to travel in these countries?
Scenic Tours can accept no responsibility for the actions of terrorism etc in certain locations.

Are there issues with pickpocketing?
Crowded tourist sites all over the world are at pickpocket risk. You should always be on alert and keep your money and valuables hidden preferably in an inside pocket or money belt. Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home. While travelling don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

What side of the road do cars drive?
Don't forget cars drive on the other side of the road - so remember to look left when you cross the road. You'll find you will tend to look both ways twice before you get orientated.

Are there any restrictions around photography? 
Museums and attractions have differing rules regarding cameras and videos. While some do not allow cameras to be taken in at all, at others a fee or a permit may be required. Your guide will advise of the rules at each particular site and what is required. Please tell your guide if you will require a permit at the time and he/she will purchase a special ticket and advise you accordingly. In many museums, tombs and temples the use of a flash is strictly prohibited. Photography is also prohibited in 'restricted' areas such as bridges, dams, ports and airports. For keen photographers it is recommended that a polarizing lens and a UV filter be taken for your lenses as the intense bright sunlight can wash out photos.

Are there any religious or holy days that we must be aware of?
The Muslim Sabbath is Friday.

M/S Sun Ray is one of the Largest and most Luxurious vessels on the Nile River between Luxor and Aswan providing the services and facilities of 5 Star Deluxe. The crew and the management on the M/S Sun Ray assure comfortable and enjoyable cruise on the Nile River.

M/S Sun Ray Fact Sheet

Category

• 5 Stars Deluxe Nile cruise

Features

• Five decks (four with cabins)
• Cabins; 62 outside cabins (20 SQM) + 2 Junior Suites
• (37 SQM) + 2 Superior Suites (39 SQM).
• All outside cabins facing the Nile & provided with large panoramic windows except the lower deck cabins ( With two sealed marine windows with tempered glass )
• Fully Air-conditioned

Cabin facilities

• The cabin have been designed to the very highest standards, keeping guests comfort & needs in mind throughout.
• Each cabin has either two Twin beds or King-size bed, private bathroom with bath tub & Hair Dryer, mini-bar, remote control LCD television, Show time & music channels,
• Internal telephone , Internet , controlled air condition, safe deposit box & 2 Life Jackets.

Deck Plan

• Deck 5: Sun Deck
• Deck 4: Lounge & 4 Cabins + 4 Suites
• Deck 3: 28 Cabins
• Deck 2: Reception & 22 Cabins + staff cabins
• Deck 1: Restaurant & 8 Cabins + Kitchen

Outlets on board

• Large restaurant seating 132 guests
• Large and Luxurious Lounge
• Bar
• Discotheque
• Gift Shop
• Laundry & Valet

Recreation facilities

• Swimming pool
• Sun Deck with Recreation Area and Bar
• Library, Reading & Playing room

Service on board

• 70 fully experienced crew members
• International cuisine

Technical specifications

• Length 72 m - Width 15 m – Height 11.50 m
• Water Purification Comprehensive System
• Electric Current 220 volts
• Fire Alarm, Sprinkler System
• 3Engines 600 hp each
• 3 Generators 500 bm each
• Marine sat.

Scenic Enrich experiences are exclusive and special once-in-a-lifetime events. During your tour you can:

• Experience the Roman Theatres as you visit The Hippodrome in the ancient city of Jerash
• Experience the spectacle of the Rose Red City of Petra at night as it is lit by thousands of candles
• Enjoy a home-cooked meal from a local family in the Jordanian capital of Amman
• Explore the treasures of Tutankhamen in the Valley of the Kings

Enjoy incredible new Scenic FreeChoice inclusions in key destinations on every tour at no extra cost. You will have the freedom to choose your activities including;

• Descending into the catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa in Alexandria to see Pompey's Pillar carved from a single block of Aswan granite or visiting the National Museum of the city
• Take an exciting 4WD tour in Dubai through the desert to an Arabian style camp and enjoy an Arabian barbeque
• Learn about the Islamic history of Cairo or explore the Christian history of Egypt as you visit all the famous sites of Old Cairo