The perfect introduction to Egypt! Uncover the magic of this captivating country on a 15-day adventure as you explore the pyramids, marvel at ancient temples, wander through the bustling streets of Cairo and take a trip down the Nile on a traditional felucca. Roam Egypt ROAM 2008 GPF 5 15 Max 15, Avg 10 North Africa / Middle East Egypt Culture/History 15 3 2 http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/egypt/egypt_sphynx.jpg Arrive in Cairo at any time. Cairo is an exciting mix of history and contemporary metropolis. Enjoy a half-day guided tour of the Great Three Pyramids in Giza, ride camels, join the locals for coffee and wander through the bazaars. Take a felucca ride around the islands of the Nile. Visit Elephantine Island, Aga Khan Mausoleum and the botanical gardens on Kitchener's Island. Stop by a Nubian village to get a feel for the local surroundings. An optional tour to Abu Simbel will let you see some of the most magnificent monuments in the world. Sail in a traditional sailboat along the Nile. Stop in Kom Ombo and viist the Temple of Kom Ombo. Enjoy the sights along the Nile and the stars at night.
This city has been home to the treasures of the Luxor and Karnak Temples for centuries. A donkey ride takes you to the Valley of Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. There is an opportunity to take an exciting hot air balloon ride to see the city from a different view. Explore the catacombs of Kom Ash-Shuqqafa, the largest Roman burial site in Egypt and the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, built to hold over 8 million books. Visit the lovely Greco-Roman Museum and stroll down the waterfront to the historical Fort Qaitbey. Journey to Mt Sinai where pilgrims have sought shelter since the 4th century. Climb the Mountain for a glorious desert sunset. Dahab, the city of gold, derives its name from its yellow sand beaches. Known for windsurfing and scuba diving, enjoy your time in the sun exploring this beautiful city. Arrive in Cairo at any time. Cairo is an exciting mix of history and contemporary metropolis. Enjoy a half-day guided tour of the Great Three Pyramids in Giza, ride camels, join the locals for coffee and wander through the bazaars. Take a felucca ride around the islands of the Nile. Visit Elephantine Island, Aga Khan Mausoleum and the botanical gardens on Kitchener's Island. Stop by a Nubian village to get a feel for the local surroundings. An optional tour to Abu Simbel will let you see some of the most magnificent monuments in the world. Sail in a traditional sailboat along the Nile. Stop in Kom Ombo and viist the Temple of Kom Ombo. Enjoy the sights along the Nile and the stars at night.
This city has been home to the treasures of the Luxor and Karnak Temples for centuries. A donkey ride takes you to the Valley of Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. There is an opportunity to take an exciting hot air balloon ride to see the city from a different view. Explore the catacombs of Kom Ash-Shuqqafa, the largest Roman burial site in Egypt and the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, built to hold over 8 million books. Visit the lovely Greco-Roman Museum and stroll down the waterfront to the historical Fort Qaitbey. Journey to Mt Sinai where pilgrims have sought shelter since the 4th century. Climb the Mountain for a glorious desert sunset. Dahab, the city of gold, derives its name from its yellow sand beaches. Known for windsurfing and scuba diving, enjoy your time in the sun exploring this beautiful city. 755 660 465 330 915 660 640 Local Payment 250 USD 755 660 465 330 915 660 640 Local Payment 250 USD 755 660 465 330 915 660 683 Local Payment 250 USD 755 660 465 330 915 660 640 Local Payment 250 USD 755 660 465 330 915 660 683 Local Payment 250 USD 755 660 465 330 915 660 640 Local Payment 250 USD 755 660 465 330 915 660 640 Local Payment 250 USD 755 660 465 330 915 660 640 Local Payment 250 USD 755 660 465 330 915 660 640 Local Payment 250 USD 755 660 465 330 915 660 640 Local Payment 250 USD 755 660 465 330 915 660 640 Local Payment 250 USD 755 660 465 330 915 660 640 Local Payment 250 USD 755 660 465 330 915 660 640 Local Payment 250 USD 755 660 465 330 915 660 640 Local Payment 250 USD 755 660 465 330 915 660 640 Local Payment 250 USD Accommodation Simple hotel (10 nts), sleeper train (2 nts), train, felucca (with support boat) (2 nts). Brief Highlights Khan el-Khalili, Aswan, Nubian village, Felucca sailing trip, Valley of Kings, Mt Sinai
Departure Departs monthly DepEnd Sun-Sun Group Leader Tour leader, local guides. Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Included Highlights - Full day guided excursion to Great Three Pyramids in Giza ( entrance fees not included )
- Egyptian Museum guided tour (entrance fees not included)
- Visit the Islands in Aswan
- Nubian village dinner
- Felucca sailing trip (with support boat)
- St Catherine monastry guided tour
Local Payment USD250 Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow USD250 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see dossier. Meals Included 14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinner. Min Pax 5 StartFinish ex Cairo Testimonial "The tour was great and compact and our guide knew all the right things. It covered a fantastic amount of places in a good time." - Elizabeth Ann Lee travelled on Roam Egypt Transport Private van, sleeper train, felucca. Trip Map USD250 A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
About Accommodation The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a toilet and sink. The fare includes a basic airline-style tray-meal for dinner and breakfast. Room service can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost.

Feluccas are very basic traditional Nile sailboats and make for an extremely relaxing and enjoyable way to travel down the river. You sleep on the deck of the boat (mattresses are provided, but you will need a blanket or light sleeping bag). Please note that the Felucca itself does not have toilets or showers, however your group will be provided with a private support boat, traveling in close proximity to your Felucca. This support boat is fully equipped with toilets and and an area to eat your meals, leaving you stress free to enjoy this tranquil and traditional experience on the Nile. About our Transportation The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a toilet and sink. The fare includes a basic airline-style tray-meal for dinner and breakfast. Room service can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost.

Feluccas are very basic traditional Nile sailboats and make for an extremely relaxing and enjoyable way to travel down the river. You sleep on the deck of the boat (mattresses are provided, but you will need a blanket or light sleeping bag). Please note that the Felucca itself does not have toilets or showers, however your group will be provided with a private support boat, traveling in close proximity to your Felucca. This support boat is fully equipped with toilets and and an area to eat your meals, leaving you stress free to enjoy this tranquil and traditional experience on the Nile.
Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Brochure Intro The perfect introduction to Egypt! Uncover the magic of this captivating country on a 15-day adventure as you explore the pyramids, marvel at ancient temples, wander through the bustling streets of Cairo and take a trip down the Nile on a traditional felucca. Checklist Suggested Items:
• 4 shirts/t-shirts
• Sun hat
• 1 pair of shorts
• 2 pairs of long trousers
• Fleece top/jacket (nights will be cool, specially aboard the felucca)
• Sturdy walking shoes
• Sleeping bag (needed during the felucca)
• Sun block
• Sunglasses
• Watch or alarm clock
• Flashlight (with extra batteries and bulbs)
• Money belt
• Small travel towel - for use on felucca, at Mt Sinai and for swimming
• Small pillow (inflatable type) for felucca and train and bus trips
• Personal female hygene products (as they are difficult to purchase locally)
• First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, band aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, dehydration powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)


Optional Items:
Camera and film, reading/writing material, binoculars, cover for backpacks


Documents:
• Passport (with photocopies)
• Travel insurance (with photocopies)
• Airline tickets (with photocopies)
• USD cash and traveller's cheques
• Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
• G.A.P Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
• Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
• Local Dress


**Please note: Unfortunately there is no sleeping bag hire available in Egypt** Departure Tax No departure tax Detailed Trip Notes REGIONAL INFORMATION

Climate
Egypt is renowned for its excellent outdoor living climate. The winter months are from October to March and are characterized by cold nights and pleasant days. Summer is from April to September and starts off with increasing dry heat and dust. It rains generally only for short time shots in the period from beginning of November and until March.

Local Currency
The official unit of currency in Egypt is Egyptian pounds (L.E.).

Electricity
Egypt uses 220V, 50Hz. and plugs are two prong rounded.

Language
Arabic (in Egyptian dialect) is the only official language of Egypt even some troops speaks Nubian or barbarian language throughout certain parts in the south or the west of the country.


RAMADAN 2008
September 1st – 1st October. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to nonmuslims throughout the day. Dossier Disclaimer The information in this dossier has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. The group leader will advise you of any changes at the initial group meeting. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to improve the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your dossier to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro The perfect introduction to Egypt! Uncover the magic of this captivating country on a 15-day adventure as you explore the pyramids, marvel at ancient temples, wander through the bustling streets of Cairo and take a trip down the Nile on a traditional felucca. Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local G.A.P Adventures operator - Anubis. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G.A.P Adventures Operator - Anubis (Egypt)
Open 5 days a week, 9am to 5pm local time (GMT +2) from Sunday to Thursday.
Tel: Int. Dialing Code +20 (0)226 908 945 (during office hours)

Anubis Emergency Cell Phone: +20(0)168 802 884 or +20(0)101 756 769 or +20 (0)101 775 329
(after office hours)

G.A.P Adventures Local Office, Spain
Emergency Cell Phone: +34 627 357 664

If you are unable for any reason to contact Anubis or our local office, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: + 1 647 504 6467 Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description All G.A.P Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G.A.P Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. On truck trips in Africa you will be accompanied by a G.A.P Adventures leader, and a driver/cook, who offer a wealth of knowledge on the regions you will be visiting. Health Nothing compulsory but we recommend protection against typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. Though malaria does exist in Egypt it is not normally found in the areas where we travel.

Please note your Adventure travels to high altitude. This is medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Most people can travel to 8,000 feet with minimal effects. However, everyone reacts to altitude differently and altitude sickness can on set with some people irrespective of fitness and age. For details on how to best prepare and what to do in the unlikely event you are effected on your Adventure, please consult your physician.

Important Notes 1. Note that the entrance fees are not included for the Egyptian Museum and Three Pyramids guided tours ( $ 10 each for each tours ).

2. In Egypt, it is advisable to drink bottled water.

3. A valid passport for at least 6 months is required for entry into Egypt but the visa can be arranged at Cairo airport upon arrival or it can be provided by our local agent if you book airport transfer service.

4. Feluccas are very basic traditional Nile sailboats and make for an extremely relaxing and enjoyable way to travel down the river. You sleep on the deck of the boat (mattresses are provided, but you will need a blanket or light sleeping bag). Please note that the Felucca itself does not have toilets or showers, however your group will be provided with a private support boat, traveling in close proximity to your Felucca. This support boat is fully equipped with toilets and and an area to eat your meals, leaving you stress free to enjoy this tranquil and traditional experience on the Nile.

5. RAMADAN 2008
September 1st – 1st October. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to nonmuslims throughout the day. Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The dossier is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Joining Hotel Happy City Hotel
92C, Mohamed Farid St.
Cairo - Down town
Tel: +20 2-3959222
Fax: +20 2-3959333 Joining Instructions The tour starts in Cairo on Day 2 at 8:00. A brief meeting of your tour will be held by your tour leader in the hotel reception area at 8:00 on day 2.

Upon arrival in Cairo make your way to the joining hotel. Official airport taxis cost 70EGP but you should be able to find a regular taxi who will take you for between 40-50EGP. The drive can take between 20 minutes and 1 hour depending on the time of day and subsequent traffic conditions. Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Aboard the expedition ships Explorer and Andrea laundry facilities are provided at a charge. Aboard the Amazon Explorer laundry facilities are provided free of charge for each passenger once a week.
Local Dress No short shorts and shoulders covered. Local Flights All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This amount is a portion of the price of the trip and the final payment for your tour. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our costs savings on to you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for local payment.
Meals Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G.A.P Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On truck trips in Africa, aboard the expedition ship Explorer or our Galapagos yachts, while trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. The above information applies to G.A.P Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an 'average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers over the age of 70, or travellers with a pre-existing medical condition, are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that senior travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical and culture shock ratings in this dossier for more information.

Please note that all passengers, regardless of age traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange 1 US Dollar (USD) = 5.44835 Egyptian Pound (EGP)
ATMs are found within main cities in Egypt and will accept Visa and Mastercard. A credit card is the safest way to carry money and most larger restaurants and stores accept them. Cash advances also can be done with some banks. Cash and travellers cheques are also suggested for time when ATMs are not accessible. You can exchange travellers cheques in some 5 star hotels and banks but this takes time and possible fee. Thomas Cook or American Express travellers cheques in US currency are the easiest to change. Euros, English pounds and US dollars are all easy to change to the Egyptian Pound. Please not that you should bring some cash with you for emergencies situations but carrying only cash is a high safety risk.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities Optional activity prices are subject to change and can fluctuate in relation to the high/low season and the number of people on a specific excursion. Not all excursions listed here may be available, due to season, or weather conditions. As generally not a lot of time is spent in start/end cities, you may want to arrange to arrive early, or stay longer after the trip in order to allow sufficient time to participate in optional activities there.

All prices are in US dollar amounts, per person.

- Mummy Room in the Egyptian Museum $18
-Bus trip for Cairo sightseeing $ 15
-Abu Simbel temples in Aswan $ 70
-Trip to sound and Light show at Karnak temple in Luxor $ 25
-Bus trip to Luxor West Bank $ 12
-Bus trip to Abydous & Dedera temples from Luxor $ 30
-Hot-air-balloon flight over monuments and city of Luxor $ 80
-Jeep safari trip to colored canyon from Sharm el Shekh $ 48
- Tutankhamen Tomb in the Valley of the Kings $15
-Dinner at Giza pyramids area with sound and light show in Cairo $ 18 Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your GA.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Tipping Egypt has a very strong tipping culture - it is customary and even expected to tip small service providers such as restaurant and bar waiters, hotel staff, reception, cleaning personnel, bell boys, taxis and van drivers. Tips are regarded as an essential means of supplementing income for those working in the tourism industry.

Even though this might not be customary to you, nor such common practice in your home country, it is generally expected and of great significance to the people who will be assisting you during your travels.

Depending on your preference and/or that of the group, you may choose to tip individually, organize the tipping with your traveling companions, or your Tour Leader will offer to collect the tip money at the beginning of your tour - and tip as a group with your participation as the tour progresses. A recommendation for tipping small service providers is about $3 USD per day, depending on the quality of the service (this does not include your G.A.P Adventures Tour Leader).

Feel free to ask your tour leader for the breakdown / distribution of the tips. Note that if you have been really disappointed by a particular service, please inform your tour leader right away, and the tip will be adjusted accordingly.

Also at the end of your trip if you felt your G.A.P Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is also expected and appreciated. The precise amount is entirely a personal preference, however $15-20 USD per person per week can be used as a general guideline. Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Trip Specific Safety Like anywhere in the world, major cities have areas safer than others, use common sense, be aware of your surroundings and mind your personal belongings. Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2008 - December 31st 2008. Visas All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION. We Want Your Photos Want to see your photos and/or stories in print or on the web? Then enter our "Great G.A.P Adventures Photo Story Contest". Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/contests/photo-story-contest to upload your photo stories! There are travel and camera prizes worth more than $5000 available to be won! If you prefer to submit slide film or photos instead of digital entries online, just make sure they are clearly marked with your name and contact details on each and the place where it was taken. Unfortunately, we are unable to return any entries. Send mailed entries to "Photo Editor" at our head office.
What to Take You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labeled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, or sports bag, maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited. Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags. It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, . Your Fellow Travellers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.