Tours to Egypt 2025

Climate and Seasonality

Egypt is a year-round beach destination, offering warm weather, gentle sea conditions, and comfortable air temperatures in every season — making it suitable even for families with small children. The Red Sea remains pleasant throughout the year, and sunshine is almost guaranteed. However, the most favorable months for travel are May, early June, the second half of September, and October, when temperatures are especially pleasant and not overly hot.

Time Zone

Egypt operates on Eastern European Time (EET), which is 2 hours behind Tbilisi time.

Currency

The official currency of Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP), which is subdivided into smaller units called piastres. While you can exchange money almost anywhere — including banks, hotel exchange desks, and currency exchange offices in resort areas — it’s recommended to bring US dollars or euros for the best exchange rates.

When traveling in Egypt, it’s wise to store cash, passports, and valuables in a hotel safe to ensure their security.

Geographical Background

Egypt is strategically located in northeastern Africa and shares borders with Libya to the west, Sudan to the south, and Israel and Palestine to the east. It also has maritime borders with Saudi Arabia and Jordan across the Red Sea.

The country is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the east. One of Egypt’s most significant features is the Suez Canal, the world’s largest man-made canal, which connects the Mediterranean and Red Seas — providing a vital shipping route between the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans.

Egypt is also home to the Nile River, one of the two longest rivers in the world, which flows from south to north across the country. More than 90% of Egypt's territory is covered by desert, including parts of the Sahara, the Libyan Desert, and the Arabian Desert.

Historical Information

Egypt is a land steeped in mysticism and ancient heritage — the cradle of the Pharaonic civilization that has left behind enduring wonders and countless mysteries. Its rich historical legacy continues to captivate not only archaeologists, but also millions of curious travelers from around the world.

Modern-day Egypt, with Cairo as its bustling capital — and the largest city on the African continent — is home to some of the world’s most iconic monuments. Visitors are awed by the Great Pyramids of Giza (Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinos), the enigmatic Great Sphinx, the awe-inspiring temples of Luxor and Karnak, and the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings in Thebes. The architectural beauty of Alexandria, dating back to the Hellenistic period, adds to Egypt’s layered historical appeal.

For a deeper exploration of these ancient marvels, many travelers opt for a cruise along the Nile River — the lifeline of Egyptian civilization that winds through the heart of this desert land.

Language and Religion

The official language of Egypt is Modern Standard Arabic, often referred to as “High Arabic,” used in formal settings and media. In everyday life, Egyptians speak a local Arabic dialect that varies slightly by region.

In tourist areas, English is widely spoken, especially by hotel and service staff, and some also speak Russian, particularly in popular resort destinations.

The majority religion is Islam, which plays a central role in Egyptian culture and daily life, while Christianity — primarily the Coptic Orthodox Church — is also practiced by a significant minority.

Cuisine

Egyptian cuisine is widely available in hotels and restaurants throughout the country. Its ingredients are simple, hearty, and familiar, featuring staples like rice, beans, poultry, lamb, goat, and a variety of dairy products. Along the coast, fresh fish and seafood are local favorites, often prepared with skill and regional flair.

Here are some traditional Egyptian dishes that are sure to delight any visitor:

• Rosetta – A flavorful rice-based dish, often served with meat or vegetables.
• Ful medames – A beloved national dish of stewed fava beans with lemon, olive oil, and often served with barley groats.
• El molokhia – A green, garlicky soup made from molokhia leaves, rice, coriander, and pepper.
• Kofta – Grilled or fried spiced minced meat, usually made from lamb or beef.
• Magbous – Roast lamb served with a side of seasoned rice.
• Biryani – Fragrant rice cooked with a generous portion of fish or meat, infused with spices.
• Haris – A traditional dish of lamb slow-cooked with grains for a soft, porridge-like texture.

For dessert, figs and dates are common favorites, and Egypt is renowned for its oriental sweets, often made with honey, nuts, and milk — rich, sticky, and delicious.

Among local beverages, one of the most iconic is karkade — a refreshing tea made by brewing hibiscus flowers, enjoyed both hot and cold and valued for its tart flavor and health benefits.

Transportation

In Egypt’s resort areas, shuttle cabs (shared minibuses) are a common and inexpensive mode of transportation along the coast. These vehicles do not use designated stops — you simply wave them down from the roadside. While the fare is generally considered fixed (around 2–3 Egyptian pounds), it can vary depending on the driver or location. It’s advisable to confirm both the price and route with the driver before getting in.

For more convenience and comfort, especially for longer trips or if traveling with luggage, it's best to order a regular taxi through your hotel. Always agree on the fare in advance, as prices can range from 10 to 30 Egyptian pounds depending on the distance.

Holidays

• June 3–5 – Abu al-Haag: This celebration honors a revered Muslim saint and is especially vibrant in Luxor, where the streets come alive with shows, performances, and carnival processions.
• August 15–30 – Nile Flood Festival: Marking the annual flooding of the Nile, many hotels host water sports competitions, flower exhibitions, and historical reenactment shows during this period.
• December 31 – New Year’s Eve: Widely celebrated across Egypt, especially in hotels and resorts, with lively parties and special events to welcome the new year.

Medicine

All medical services in Egypt are paid. If you require medical assistance, contact your hotel reception for help or use your medical insurance policy obtained when purchasing your trip.

Emergency Numbers

• Embassy of Georgia in Cairo: +2 02 33-04-47-98 / +2 02 33-04-47-68
• Tourist Police: +2 02 25-31-54-54 / +2 02 25-32-98-12
• Police Department: 122
• Ambulance: 123

Useful Guidelines

• Foreign women may wear short sleeves, but bare shoulders are discouraged. Avoid low necklines and short skirts for respect and comfort.
• Drinking alcohol is allowed, but public drunkenness may lead to arrest.
• It is strictly prohibited to photograph military sites, remove fragments of historical monuments, climb the pyramids, swim or sunbathe topless, damage coral reefs, swim in the Nile, walk barefoot or lie on the ground without bedding near the riverbanks.
• Camel rides are often offered freely to get on, but a fee is typically required to dismount. It’s best to negotiate prices through a guide beforehand.
• Before visiting temples or mosques, check the specific dress codes and rules. Your guide or travel.