Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to all your questions about our luxury Egypt tours, photography experiences, booking process, travel safety, and more. Everything you need to know for your perfect Egyptian adventure.

General Tour Information General Info

Our Egypt photography tours are uniquely designed for photography enthusiasts and travelers who want to capture stunning images of Egypt's ancient wonders. We focus on photography key spots, less crowded times, unique vantage points, and include professional photography guidance from our dedicated tour guides and photographers. You'll not only see Egypt but capture its essence beautifully with expert support.

Our tours are specifically timed for optimal lighting conditions - golden hour at the pyramids, soft light in temples, and magical sunset views along the Nile. We also provide photography tips specific to Egyptian conditions, helping you master techniques for capturing ancient architecture, desert landscapes, and vibrant local culture.

Currently, all our listed Egypt tours are private, allowing for maximum flexibility, personalized attention from your guide and photographer, and the freedom to spend more time at locations that interest you most for photography. We can arrange small group tours upon special request for families or friends traveling together.

Our private Egypt tours ensure that your photographic experience is tailored to your skill level and interests. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or an advanced photographer seeking unique compositions, we adapt the pace and focus to match your needs.

Our luxury Egypt tours generally include private transportation, licensed Egyptologist guides, professional photography services (including edited photos), all entrance fees to specified sites, and premium accommodations with breakfast. Some longer tours also include selected lunches and domestic flights. Please check the specific tour's "Inclusions" section for full details.

Additional inclusions may vary by tour but often feature special access to restricted areas, traditional Egyptian meals at authentic local restaurants, and unique cultural experiences designed specifically for photographers. Our premium packages also include portfolio development sessions and personalized photo editing tutorials.

Typically, international flights, Egyptian visa fees, travel insurance, dinners (unless specified), personal expenses, optional activities (like hot air balloon rides or camel rides), and tips for guides/drivers are not included. This allows you flexibility in budgeting for these items according to your preferences.

We recommend budgeting approximately $20-30 per day for meals not included, $10-15 per day for tips, and $25 for the Egyptian visa (if obtained on arrival). Optional activities like the Luxor hot air balloon ride or Abu Simbel day trip can range from $80-150 depending on the experience.

Absolutely! We specialize in creating tailor-made itineraries to suit your interests, schedule, and photography goals. Contact us with your ideas, and we'll work with you to design your perfect Egyptian adventure.

Whether you want to focus on specific archaeological sites, incorporate special photography workshops, extend your stay in particular locations, or combine different types of photography (landscape, portrait, architectural), we can create a bespoke Egypt tour that matches your vision. Our expert planners will ensure your custom itinerary includes the best photographic opportunities while maintaining a comfortable pace.

Our Egypt tours cover all the major photographic destinations including Cairo and the Giza Plateau (Pyramids and Sphinx), Luxor (Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple), Aswan (Philae Temple, Abu Simbel), Alexandria (Mediterranean coast, Bibliotheca), and the Red Sea resorts. We also offer specialized tours to less-visited gems like the White Desert, Siwa Oasis, and Sinai Peninsula.

Each destination offers unique photographic opportunities - from the monumental scale of ancient temples to the vibrant colors of local markets and the stunning contrast between desert landscapes and the Nile's lush banks. Our guides know the best times and vantage points at each location to capture truly memorable images.

Booking & Payment Booking

You can browse our Egypt tours on the "Our Tours" page, select your preferred tour, choose a start date (if applicable), and add it to your cart. You can then proceed to checkout using our secure payment system. For custom tours or further assistance, please fill out our contact form or email us directly.

We recommend booking at least 2-3 months in advance for the best availability, especially during peak seasons (October-April). For last-minute bookings (within 30 days), please contact us directly as we may still have availability for private tours.

We accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) through our secure online payment gateway. Bank transfers may also be an option for larger bookings; please inquire. For custom Egypt tours, we typically require a 30% deposit to secure your booking, with the balance due 30 days before your tour start date.

All payments are processed securely, and you will receive immediate confirmation of your payment along with detailed booking documents. We also offer flexible payment plans for longer Egypt tours - contact us to discuss options that work for your budget.

Our cancellation policy varies depending on the Egypt tour and booking lead time. Generally, a full refund (minus any non-refundable deposits or flight costs) is available for cancellations made 60 days or more prior to the tour start. Cancellations made 30-59 days before departure receive a 50% refund. Cancellations within 30 days may incur charges up to 100% of the tour cost. Full details will be provided at the time of booking confirmation.

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers cancellation for any reason. In case of unforeseen circumstances, we do our best to be flexible and may offer credit toward future Egypt tours depending on the situation.

Yes! We offer special rates for group bookings of 4 or more people traveling together. We also provide a loyalty discount of 5% for returning customers who book another Egypt tour with us. Additionally, we occasionally run seasonal promotions and early bird discounts for bookings made 6+ months in advance.

For large groups (8+ people) or special occasions like family reunions or photography clubs, we can create custom Egypt tour packages with enhanced benefits and additional guides. Contact us with your group details for a personalized quote.

Photography & Equipment Photography

We recommend bringing your preferred DSLR or mirrorless camera with versatile lenses. A wide-angle lens (e.g., 16-35mm) is excellent for expansive landscapes and temple interiors, while a telephoto zoom (e.g., 70-200mm) is perfect for capturing details and compressing scenes. A standard zoom (24-70mm) covers most general photography needs.

Essential accessories include extra batteries, memory cards, a sturdy tripod (especially for low-light temple shots and sunrise/sunset scenes), lens cleaning supplies, and protective gear for sand and dust. A polarizing filter can enhance skies and reduce reflections, while neutral density filters are useful for long exposures of the Nile or desert scenes.

Yes! A key feature of our Egypt photography tours is the presence of a dedicated professional photographer who will provide tips, help you find the best angles, assist with camera settings, and ensure you get stunning shots. They are there to support your photographic journey throughout your Egypt adventure.

Our photography guides are not only skilled photographers but also knowledgeable about Egyptian history and culture, enabling them to help you capture images that tell compelling stories. They provide both technical guidance (exposure, composition, lighting) and creative direction to help you develop your photographic style while exploring Egypt's wonders.

Generally, handheld camera photography is allowed at most sites for personal use. Tripods often require a special permit or may be prohibited in certain areas (e.g., inside tombs or museums). Our guide will advise you on specific site regulations and help facilitate any necessary permissions if possible.

For commercial photography or filming, special permits are required and must be arranged well in advance. We can assist with this process for professional photographers. Note that photography restrictions may apply in certain sensitive areas, and flash photography is typically prohibited inside tombs and museums to preserve the ancient artwork.

Our tour photographers capture complementary images throughout your Egypt tour, which are professionally edited and delivered to you digitally after your trip. You receive full rights to use these images for personal purposes. Typically, we deliver 50-100 edited high-resolution images per day of photography, depending on the tour length and activities.

Images are usually delivered within 2-3 weeks after your tour concludes via a private online gallery where you can view, download, and share your photos. We also provide selected images in black and white versions and may create a highlight slideshow set to music as a memorable keepsake of your Egypt photography adventure.

Travel & Safety Travel

Egypt is generally safe for tourists, and the government has significantly increased security measures around tourist areas. We prioritize your safety and comfort, using trusted drivers and guides, and staying informed on local conditions. Our private tours offer an added layer of security and personalized attention throughout your Egypt travel experience.

We monitor travel advisories closely and adjust itineraries if needed to ensure your safety. All our transportation partners are vetted for safety standards, and we maintain communication with local authorities to stay updated on any regional concerns. Common-sense precautions (like not flashing expensive equipment in crowded areas) are always recommended, as in any tourist destination worldwide.

The cooler months from October to April offer the most comfortable weather for touring and photography in Egypt, with pleasant temperatures and clear skies. However, these are also peak tourist seasons. May, September, and early October can offer a good balance of fewer crowds and still manageable temperatures for photography.

For specific photography goals: November-February provides the clearest air and best light for landscape shots; March-April offers comfortable temperatures with blooming vegetation; while September-October features dramatic skies and softer light. Summer months (June-August) are extremely hot but offer opportunities for unique atmospheric shots with fewer tourists.

Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton or linen) is ideal for Egypt's climate. Consider modest attire for visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees covered). Sun protection is essential: hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring archaeological sites. Don't forget any personal medications, a small backpack for daily excursions, and travel adapters (Egypt uses Type C and F outlets, 220V).

For photography: bring all necessary equipment, extra batteries and memory cards, lens cleaning supplies, a dust-proof bag or case, and a lightweight tripod. For evening outings or upscale dining, smart casual attire is appropriate. A light jacket or sweater is recommended for cooler desert evenings and air-conditioned vehicles.

Most nationalities require a visa for Egypt. Many can obtain a visa on arrival at major airports or apply for an e-Visa online prior to travel. We recommend checking the latest visa requirements for your specific nationality with the Egyptian embassy or consulate in your country well in advance of your trip.

The visa on arrival costs $25 USD (payable in cash) and is typically valid for 30 days. For the e-Visa, apply through the official Egyptian government portal at least 7 days before travel. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Egypt. We can provide supporting documents for your visa application if needed.

Luxury & Premium Tours Luxury

Our luxury Egypt tours feature accommodations in 4-5 star hotels and boutique properties carefully selected for their quality, location, and character. In Cairo, we typically use properties with pyramid views; in Luxor and Aswan, we select Nile-facing hotels; and for Nile cruises, we partner with premium 5-star ships known for their service and amenities.

Examples of hotels we use include the Mena House Hotel (with direct pyramid views), Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan, Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor, and premium Nile cruise ships like Oberoi or Sanctuary. We can also arrange stays at unique boutique properties for a more intimate experience. All accommodations include breakfast, and many feature swimming pools, spas, and multiple dining options.

Our premium Egypt tours include breakfast daily at your hotel, and selected lunches during full-day excursions. Dinners are typically not included (unless specified) to allow you flexibility in choosing dining experiences that match your preferences. We provide recommendations for excellent restaurants at each destination.

We can arrange special dining experiences as part of custom tours, such as private dinners with pyramid views, traditional Egyptian meals in local homes, or gourmet dining on Nile cruises. Our guides are knowledgeable about the best local cuisine and can recommend everything from street food delights to fine dining establishments showcasing modern Egyptian cuisine.

Our luxury Egypt tours include exclusive experiences not available to regular tourists, such as private access to certain sites during off-hours, special photography sessions at iconic locations without crowds, meetings with local experts and artisans, and unique cultural interactions. We also arrange special moments like sunrise at the pyramids with no other tourists, private boat trips on the Nile, and access to restricted areas in temples and tombs.

For photography enthusiasts, we offer specialized workshops with professional photographers, portfolio reviews, and editing sessions. We can also arrange for models in traditional dress for portrait sessions at historical sites, and access to locations typically closed to the public for unique photographic opportunities.

Tour Guides & Services Guides

All our Egypt tour guides are licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and have extensive knowledge of Egyptian history, archaeology, and culture. Many hold advanced degrees in Egyptology or related fields. Our photography-specific guides are also experienced photographers with portfolios demonstrating their skill in capturing Egypt's beauty.

Beyond formal qualifications, our guides are selected for their communication skills, patience, and ability to connect with travelers. They receive ongoing training in photography techniques and stay updated on the latest archaeological discoveries. Many have been working with us for years and have developed specialized knowledge of the best photographic opportunities at each site.

Our primary Egypt tour guides are fluent in English, and we have guides available in multiple languages including Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, and Arabic. When booking, please let us know your language preference so we can assign an appropriate guide.

For languages not listed, we can arrange for an interpreter to accompany your guide at an additional cost. Our guides are skilled at communicating photographic concepts clearly, regardless of language barriers, using visual demonstrations and hands-on assistance to ensure you capture the best possible images during your Egypt tour.

Still have questions about our Egypt tours?

Contact us directly and our team will be happy to assist you with any additional information you need for your perfect Egyptian adventure.

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