Frequently asked questions

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How long is the drive from Alexandria Port to Cairo/Giza, realistically, each way?

Realistic range: about 2 to 3 hours each way under normal traffic; expect ~2–2.5 hours if traffic is light and a safer 2.5–3+ hours if you hit Cairo congestion or busy port processing. Road distance is roughly 210–230 km depending on which Alexandria berth and which Giza drop-off you use.

Typical driving time: ~2–2½ hours each way (around 200–210 km). Yes — it’s routinely doable as a day trip if you depart very early and avoid Cairo rush hours; a private transfer makes same-day trips practical but expect a long day and build buffers for traffic and immigration.

Distance varies by route but is generally ~175–250 km depending on which source/route you pick; realistic driving time is about 3 to 4 hours each way (some operators quote ~3h10m; allow up to 4–5h if you include extra rest stops or slower convoy pace). Plan for a long transit when scheduling site time.

The common claim “~1.5 hours” is a best-case number from eastern Cairo off-peak; typical realistic ranges are 1.5–2.5 hours depending on time of day and starting point in Cairo. If you’re coming from Ain Sokhna to the Pyramids and back the same day, transit will eat most of the day — you can squeeze a short Pyramids visit (photo stops + Sphinx + quick plateau walk), but expect limited on-site time unless you accept a very early departure or overnight near Giza.

Booking pages show scheduled operator departure times, not your ship’s exact berth/immigration time. Reputable private operators will: (a) monitor your ship’s AIS/port schedule and adjust pickup when possible, (b) ask you to confirm once you’re through immigration, or (c) offer a later departure slot or different group if timings conflict. If you’re on a fixed group/coach with a strict ship-time policy, the operator may not wait — get clarity up front and consider buying a Back-to-Ship guarantee if offered. (See note on guarantees below.)

If you have two port days you can do Cairo as an ambitious same-day trip both ways, but an overnight in Giza is far less rushed and gives far more flexibility (more evening/night photos, early start to avoid traffic, and less risk of missing the ship). If time is tight and you must return same day, book private transfer and build buffers — but overnight is the calmer, higher-value option.

With a private car expect ~2–3 hours on site at Giza for highlights (plateau viewpoints, Sphinx, short walk, photos); with a coach/group you’ll usually get less time on site (often 60–120 minutes) because the schedule is rigid. From Alexandria/Port Said most of the day will be transit — plan on 4–6 hours transit total and 2–3 hours on site as a realistic allocation. For Safaga→Luxor, expect 3–4 hours transit each way and typically 2–4 hours at Luxor sites depending on how many temples/tombs you choose. 

Good operators always build a buffer into shore-excursion schedules (extra time for traffic, immigration, checkpoints). Many will state a minimum buffer (e.g., back to ship 60–90 minutes before departure). Some sell explicit Back-to-Ship Guarantees (see below) that define what they cover; always confirm the exact buffer and policy when you book.

Meeting points vary by port and operator: common options are inside the cruise terminal arrival hall, outside the terminal gate on the port side, or a marked meeting point near the cruise terminal security/escort area. Operators should send a precise meeting instruction (terminal name, gate number, a phone/WhatsApp contact and a photo of the meeting spot) before arrival. Always save the operator’s contact and a copy of the voucher.

Ain Sokhna has taxis and local drivers, but walk-up tour options are limited compared with major ports. For shore passengers (tight ship schedules) it’s strongly recommended to pre-book a reputable private tour to guarantee pickup, timing, permits, and a Back-to-Ship plan.

Professional private transfers normally supply bottled water and will stop for restroom breaks on long routes; Wi-Fi in the vehicle is sometimes available (ask in advance). Even if the vehicle has Wi-Fi, don’t rely on it for critical ticketing — have offline copies and phone roaming/portable eSIM as backup.

If delays occur: (a) your guide/operator may delay pickup if they can and if they are monitoring ship notifications; (b) they may offer a later replacement transfer or reschedule; (c) if you miss the excursion and you bought a Back-to-Ship Guarantee that covers missed sailings, that policy will determine compensation. If you’re independently booked, communicate with your operator immediately — reputable companies give a grace period but won’t legally guarantee missing the ship unless they offer the formal guarantee.

Short answer: Yes — generally safe when you travel with licensed, reputable local operators and drivers who know checkpoints and port procedures. Ports have security and immigration protocols; avoid unlicensed drivers or street offers, and insist on proper IDs/permits and recorded vehicle details.

Many professional private operators offer a Back-to-Ship Guarantee as an add-on — typical coverage: operator will escort you back to the ship or provide compensation/alternative transport if their fault (driver late, routing error) causes you to miss sail. Coverage varies wildly (some limited to provider fault, some include certain delays); always read the terms precisely — what’s covered, grace periods, and refund vs compensation. If a guarantee matters to you, insist on it in writing before confirming.

Experienced operators plan routes around peak traffic windows, use drivers familiar with regional checkpoint procedures, and sometimes coordinate with port authorities for smooth passage. For certain convoys/large groups (rare for tourist transfers) drivers may use standard police escort protocols; individual private transfers typically just follow legal checkpoint procedures and driver experience to minimize delay.

Current common schedule: April–September: roughly 7:00–19:00 (summer extended hours); October–March: roughly 8:00–17:00 (winter shorter hours). Last entry is usually 30–60 minutes before closing, but exact hours can change seasonally and for special events — always confirm the day before your visit. Expect practical visitor hours of 07:00–16:00 / 07:00–17:00 / 08:00–16:00 depending on season.

As of late 2025 the GEM has been running a soft-opening / partial access phase for visitors and the government has scheduled a formal full opening for November 1, 2025 (with some reports of public access resuming November 4). Many operators already include GEM visits as part of tours where permitted — you can add GEM to an itinerary, but confirm current gallery access and ticketing because soft-opening sections and special galleries (e.g., full Tutankhamun displays) may have restricted access or timed slots.

Yes — interior access to the Great Pyramid of Khufu (King’s Chamber) and limited access to other pyramids are offered as separate, additional tickets beyond the general plateau entry. The Khufu interior ticket is limited and commonly quoted at around EGP 1500 (adult) while general site entry is roughly EGP 700 (figures change; confirm before travel). Interior tickets are popular and sometimes sell out, so buying in advance or asking your guide to secure them is recommended. The interior visit involves narrow, steep passages and is not suitable for people with serious mobility issues or claustrophobia.

Many tour operators, hotels, and larger attractions accept USD/EUR/GBP but local sites and small vendors prefer Egyptian Pounds (EGP). Official ticket booths increasingly accept card payments, but having some EGP cash is very useful for small purchases, tips, or markets. Exchange rates at airports/ports are usually less favorable than banks or ATMs; using a local ATM for some cash upon arrival is a common strategy.

Most professional tour companies and many hotels accept major credit cards (Visa/Mastercard); smaller vendors, street stalls, and some museum ticket booths may be cash-only or offline. If paying by card, check for a foreign transaction fee and whether the vendor prefers EGP vs home currency.

Typical gratuity ranges (per private land tour): Driver: $10-$20 per person per day; Tour guide: $20-$50 per person per day, depending on the quality of service, duration of the trip, and group size. For short (half-day) private tours, it is advisable to reduce the gratuity proportionally. Tips are accepted in Egyptian pounds or major currencies; consult your tour guide for local rates.
Note: Group gratuities vary slightly from these rates.

Comfort + modesty: lightweight, breathable clothing for heat; shoulders and knees covered at mosques and religious sites is respectful. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for inside pyramid passages and uneven terrain. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Summer (June–Aug) can be very hot (daytime often 35–45°C in Upper Egypt/Cairo); winter (Dec–Feb) is mild but nights are cool. Operators commonly schedule early-morning starts in summer to avoid midday heat and may shift itineraries in winter to maximize daylight. Expect earlier departures in summer.

Walking amount: Moderate at the Pyramids plateau (uneven sand/stone surfaces, some slopes); museum visits are mostly indoor with accessible routes and seating; Old Cairo involves narrow streets and steps. You can usually request reduced-walking tours, hire a wheelchair, or arrange closer drop-offs with private transfers — tell your operator about mobility needs in advance.

Street foods like koshari and falafel (ta‘amiya) are popular and widely eaten; safety depends on vendor hygiene. Reputable shore-tour operators stop at trusted local restaurants or well-reviewed street vendors where food turnover is high. If you have a sensitive stomach, stick to cooked, hot food and bottled water. Ask your guide for safe, recommended stops.

Yes — many operators can arrange a Nile-view or rooftop lunch in Cairo (Giza/Nile corniche) or a riverfront lunch in Luxor. Request dietary preferences and budget in advance; premium views/locations may require reservations.

Yes, we can arrange a private photographer, camel ride, and an Inside Great Pyramid upgrade for your tour. These can be added as optional upgrades, and we’ll coordinate the details to ensure you have a memorable experience.

Absolutely! Our guides are trained to manage and shield you from aggressive vendors. They are experienced in negotiating on your behalf, ensuring you can enjoy your tour without any unwanted distractions or pressure.

Our tours are no-shopping by default. We understand that many travelers prefer not to make shopping stops for items like papyrus or perfume, so we focus entirely on your sightseeing experience without these interruptions.

Drones are generally not allowed for recreational use in Egypt without prior approval from the authorities. Using a drone without a permit can lead to fines or confiscation of the equipment. We recommend checking the latest regulations with the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority before bringing your drone.

Yes, there are restrictions on the use of tripods and flash photography in many areas, especially inside museums and the Great Pyramid. Flash photography is prohibited to protect the artifacts, and tripods are generally not allowed in crowded or confined spaces. Our guides will inform you of specific rules for each site.

For day trips from the port, most cruise passengers will need a visa to enter Egypt. However, certain cruise lines have agreements that allow for easier access through special procedures or group visa exemptions. It’s best to check with your cruise line to confirm the specific requirements.

Yes, all of our vehicles are fully licensed and insured for tourist transport, ensuring your safety and comfort during the trip. Our guides are also certified Egyptologists with official licenses, offering expert knowledge of Egypt’s history and cultural heritage.

Port Said is generally closer to Cairo, but it can require a longer drive depending on traffic conditions. Alexandria is a better choice for exploring the local area, with attractions such as the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Citadel of Qaitbay. For a trip to Cairo, Port Alexandria is the preferred port.

Yes, a day trip from Ain Sokhna can include visits to the Pyramids, the Museum of Egyptian Civilization, and Old Cairo, although it will be a full and somewhat tight schedule. Starting early in the day is recommended to ensure you have enough time at each site without feeling rushed.

We offer both private and small group tours. If you prefer a more cost-effective option, we can arrange for you to join a small group with other cruise guests. The small group option allows for a more affordable experience while still providing an intimate and informative tour.

Yes, prices may vary depending on the group size. Smaller groups typically use cars or minivans, while larger groups are accommodated in mini-coaches. We will provide a tailored quote based on your group size and the type of vehicle required.

Yes, we offer live WhatsApp support throughout the day to assist with any issues or questions you may have during your tour. Our team is available to provide immediate assistance and ensure your experience runs smoothly.

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