FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
5-STAR ACCOMODATION
1. Is there laundry service on the cruise ship and in the hotel?
– Yes, the laundry service is available both on the cruise ship and in the hotel as part of the room service. making it easy for moms to keep everything fresh during your trip.
2. Are there hairdryers in the rooms?
– Yes, all the rooms are equipped with hairdryers. so you won’t need to worry about packing extra bulky items.
3. Are there telephones and Internet in the hotel and on the ship?
– Yes, both the hotel rooms and cruise ship cabins have telephones for international calls, as well as internet access. Stay connected with loved ones back home or share your travel experience as you go!
4. Can I upgrade my room on the ship or in the hotel?
-Yes, upgrades are available! If you’re traveling with kids and need more space, we can arrange for family suites or room upgrades. Just let us know your preferences when booking, and we’ll handle the details.
5. I’m a solo mom traveler – can I share a room with another mom on the tour?
– Absolutely! If you’re traveling solo and would like to share a room with another mom from the tour, simply choose the SHARE option during the booking process. We’ll pair you with a like-minded, family-oriented traveler of the same gender.
6. I am booking for two people – I chose SHARE option on the form. Will I be paired with my travel companion?
– Yes, if you make a booking for two guests together and you choose to share a room, you are automatically booked in the same room with the person you are booking with.
7. I am booking for one person, but I have a friend on the same tour, we want to share a room together. How do I make sure we have the accommodation booked together?
– After booking, please contact us with the name of your friend and let us know you would like to share a room. We will join your reservations.
FLIGHTS
1. When should my flight to and from Egypt arrive and depart?
– Your flight can arrive at any time on the first day of the tour. For a smooth experience, we recommend arriving around noon(early afternoon) so you and your little ones have time to relax before the welcome dinner. On the last day, departures can be scheduled for any time, though hotel check-out is at 12pm.
2. What if I have a very late or early flight?
– No worries! We offer airport reception and transfers at any time, day or night. You and your family will be well taken care of, whether you arrive late in the evening or depart in the early morning.
3. I would like to arrive one day early or leave one day later. Can I do it?
– Yes, we can arrange your reception and book extra nights in our family-friendly hotel in Giza if you’d like to extend your stay and explore more of Egypt with your children.
4. Can you help with the booking of the international flights?
– Yes! We can assist you in finding the best flight options for you and your family from your place of residence and also make the booking for you. Please send us an email, if you would like us to help you with your flights.
HEALTH
1. Are there any required vaccinations for Egypt? Can you drink tap water?
– There are no required vaccinations for the travelers in Egypt. However, we recommend that you consult your physician for advice as to the vaccinations and health care before the departure. To avoid the risk of stomach upset or food-borne or water-borne infections we recommend drinking only bottled water, avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food.
2. What medications should I bring for my family?
-While basic medications are readily available in Egypt, we recommend bringing your own supply of essential items like pain relievers, fever reducers, allergy medicines, and tummy-friendly medications for you and the kids. It’s always helpful to be prepared, especially for little ones, so you don’t need to search for a pharmacy while on the go. also We have a dedicated doctor on-call 24/7 during the entire tour who can attend to any medical concerns or emergencies. Whether it’s a minor issue like a child feeling unwell or more urgent medical attention, the doctor can come to your hotel or provide assistance at any point during the trip. Additionally, our staff is trained to handle basic first aid, and we ensure that every family has access to local medical facilities if needed.
3. What to eat and what foods to avoid?
– Stick to well-cooked, hot meals and ensure that fruits are peeled and washed properly. We offer meals at 5-star hotels and restaurants with the highest food safety standards, so you can rest assured that the whole family is well taken care of. For the kids, we provide a selection of kid-friendly meals and healthy snacks throughout the tour.
SIGHTSEEING
1. Will there be free time for moms and kids to relax and shop?
– Yes! We know how important it is to have downtime. There will be opportunities for shopping, next to almost each site that we will visit, you will find small local bazaars and vendors with souvenirs, local products and if you wish you can do some shopping after the sightseeing.
2. Is the tour kid-friendly?
– Absolutely! We’ve designed the itinerary with both Parents and kids in mind. While there are plenty of fascinating historical sites for you to explore, the tour pace is comfortable and allows plenty of time for family breaks. also the tour itinerary is very rich, because we wish to show our guests all the wonders of Egypt within the 2 weeks they spend with us. Every day we have great attractions waiting for our guests. However, our tour is also designed to be an in-depth experience of archeology and culture of Egypt, so we devote more time to each site than standard travel agencies. The tour is not too strenuous and most places have flat surfaces. Our experienced tour leaders and guides will adjust the pace to the needs of each group and they can do it because we have plenty of time on each site that we visit, so that our guests can take part not only in the guided sightseeing with the guide, but also explore the beautiful temples, tombs and pyramids on their own. During the 8-day Nile Cruise our ship is docking close to attractions we sightsee, so you will not have to spend too much time in the coaches. There is also time to rest and relax on our 5-star ship.
3. Are the tours too strenuous for families?
– Our tours are filled with amazing experiences, but we balance excitement with relaxation. Moms with young children will appreciate that many of the historical sites have flat walking areas, and the pace is adjustable to suit your family’s needs.
Childcare & Family Services
1. Will there be a nanny or caregiver available during the tour?
– Yes, we can arrange for a nanny or caregiver to join your family for the tour. This allows you to focus on the experience while ensuring that your children are taken care of in a safe and comfortable environment.
2 . Is the tour suitable for young children?
– Absolutely! Our Montessori-inspired tours are designed to be family-friendly. We encourage children to learn through hands-on experiences, exploring Egypt in a way that engages their curiosity and fosters a love for learning.
3 .Do you offer kids’ meals and snacks during the tour?
– Yes, we provide healthy snacks and refreshments throughout the day to keep everyone energized. We also cater to children’s tastes with kid-friendly meals during the tour. If your child has specific food preferences or allergies, please let us know, and we’ll accommodate their needs.
DOCUMENTS AND VISA
1. What documents do I need for my family?
– You’ll need a passport that’s valid for at least six months after your trip. You can easily get a tourist visa upon arrival at Cairo International Airport for $25 per person (kids included). No need to apply in advance!
2. Is travel insurance included?
– Basic travel insurance is included in your tour price. For added peace of mind, especially when traveling with kids, we recommend purchasing extended travel insurance in your home country.
PAYMENTS
1. How can I make my payments?
– Before your tour there are two payment options: by wire transfers and by credit card. Credit card payments will include 3.9% fee for payment system operator. The information for wire transfers is detailed on your Registration Form. In Egypt during the tour any payments can be done in cash to your tour leader.
2. When is the deposit due?
– The deposit is due when you would like to make your booking (after you fill in and send us your Registration Form, or online booking form).
3. When is the final payment due?
– The final payments are due 90 days before the tour starts. We will send you a reminder email before your final payment time.
4. How to pay by card?
– payment online with a special secure payment link, which you will receive after sending us your Registration Form.
5. How to send a wire transfer?
– Please find the wire transfer information on your Registration Form – page 2 (bank account number and SWIFT code, company’s address and the bank’s address). With this information you can visit your bank and order a wire or send us a wire from your online banking system. In the title of the wire, please enter your name and the tour date and country of your tour (eg. Cynthia Smith for Egypt April). Please send us an email to let us know that the wire was sent and for what amount. Please make sure to cover all the bank fees if there are any required by your bank or intermediary banks, in order to transfer the right amount for the payment. The wire transfer should be sent in US dollars.
ABOUT EGYPT
What’s the weather like?
Our tours are organized mainly when the weather is best for sightseeing. During cooler months such as January, February, November, and December, you can expect the temperature to be in the range of 60°F to 75°F. In March, April, September, and October, the temperature is usually between 70°F to 90°F. Although Egypt’s climate varies depending on the region, generally most of the days are sunny and warm, while nights can get slightly chilly. Rain in Egypt is considered a rarity.
We also have some tours during the summer months – from July to August. Those tours are recommended mainly for younger travelers, scholars, or people who are unable to travel outside of the summer season.
2. What currency should I use in Egypt? Do I have to exchange money before my tour?
– You can use both American dollars and Egyptian pounds (the local currency) to shop, pay for additional services in the hotel and to tip the staff. In our hotel in Giza there is an exchange office with good rates. You can exchange your money after you arrive to your hotel.
3. What kind of clothes to take?
– Comfortable shoes are a must (that could be sneakers, trainers or strong leather shoes). It is best to choose comfortable clothes, preferably also some older clothes that won’t be missed if lost, stained or damaged. When it comes to respecting Egyptian customs – men’s clothing is not really an issue, normal trousers, shirt or t-shirt are fine, but in Cairo it would not be acceptable to wear short shorts or a tank tops/sleeveless tops. As to the women’s clothing, adopting the conservative dress code will hopefully deflect unwanted attention from the Egyptian men. Basic clothes could include loose linen/cotton trousers or a below knee skirt and sleeved blouse. Women should take a scarf to cover the head for the sightseeing inside the Mosque of Muhammad Ali in Cairo (it is the only religious place on the tour where the scarves are required). In the Mosque men are also asked to wear long sleeves and long trousers. For the mornings and evenings, please take a jacket or a sweater.
4. Voltage and outlets in Egypt:
– The voltage in Egyptian outlets is 220V, 50Hz. The outlets are standard European type (round with two prongs). You can find an adapter for the European outlet without any problems in any electrical shop.
5. What souvenirs to buy?
– Egypt is famous for many items from good quality carpets and cheap jewelry to historical papyruses. During our tour you will have plenty of occasions to buy souvenirs.
6. Can I use ATMs in Egypt?
– You can easily withdraw some money from an ATM. There are two types of cash machines – you can either withdraw money in US dollars or in Egyptian pounds, but the ones that allow withdrawing the local currency are more common. If you need more money, there is a possibility to use an ATM. Let your tour leader know that you want to find the nearest cash machine and he will help you out.
7. Can we (should we) bargain on the bazaars and markets in Egypt?
– All prices are negotiable, especially on the markets. Many travelers find it a hassle having to bargain for everything they wish to buy, but prices are usually inflated, so if you are not happy with the price, move on to another shop. You are under no obligation to buy, so don’t be intimidated by the sellers.
Do you have more questions?
We hope that this section has been helpful to you. If you have any other questions, or you would like to talk to one of our travel consultants, please contact us by phone or via email.
Our telephone: +0201226409742
E-mail: contact@elitemommytours.com
Best regards,
Elite Mommy Tours Team
www.elitemommytours.com