Important Information

VISAS: Most travellers require a visa to enter Egypt. US, UK, Canadian, and Australian visitors are eligible for a visa on arrival for tourism purposes for a maximum visit of 30 days. An e-visa can also be applied for in advance, please visit the Arab Republic of Egypt’s website here for more information. Please note that while in the past there have been reports of travellers being barred entry to Egypt for having Israeli stamps in their passport, this is not listed as an official disqualification for entry by the Egyptian government. If you are travelling to Israel before or after this tour, we recommend requesting that immigration does not stamp your passport. Some exceptions may apply, and travelers are responsible for their own visas and making sure they meet entry requirements into the country.

MEDICATION & BANNED ITEMS: Drones and binoculars cannot be brought into Egypt and will be confiscated on entry. Egyptian authorities consider some prescription and over-the-counter medicines to be controlled substances. Narcotics and psychotropic medications will be seized even with proof of the original prescription. For all other prescription and over-the-counter medications:

• Carry the original prescription.
• Ensure the medication is in its original packaging.
• Don’t attempt to enter with a supply over what’s required for your trip.

Bringing small amounts of properly labeled medication into Egypt is normally not an issue. All travelers are responsible for complying with local laws and entry restrictions. The ultimate authority, if you are unsure, would be the Egyptian embassy closest to you.

CULTURE SHOCK: As a moderate Islamic nation, your views and opinions may be challenged by Egypt. Also, customs such as the five-times-a-day call to prayer may be new to you—we ask you to keep an open mind and embrace these cultural norms. You should also expect heavy traffic, along with unanticipated inconveniences such as road closures from time-to-time. Please note our transportation may be altered, and/or our itinerary changed, due to such circumstances beyond our control. Finally, it’s worth remembering that in 2011 the country experienced a watershed moment when it democratically elected Mohammed Morsi. Unfortunately, the new president disappointed many Egyptians and was usurped by the military which has led to its current political teetering. Tensions can be high as Egypt wades through uncharted waters.

LOCAL LGBTQ+ SCENE: Egypt is a largely conservative country. Caution should be practiced at all times and all public displays of affection should be avoided for the safety of yourself and your group. Further, gay dating apps should be avoided as local authorities have historically targeted gay men through them.

WEATHER: November and December tend to be excellent months to visit Egypt. More moderate temperatures make outdoor tours bearable—daytime highs sit around 27C, while nighttime lows can fall to 15C. Rainfall is extremely rare at this time of year.

VACCINATIONS: Based on entry requirements, only travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever may be required to show proof of a vaccination. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.

ELECTRICITY: In Egypt the power plugs and sockets are of type C and F. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. For more information visit https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/egypt/.

CONNECTIVITY: We should have reliable Wi-Fi our hotels, however the connection will likely be weak onboard the cruise ship. Feel free to tweet, pin, post and share your experience with your friends and family at home.

We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, and it is our belief that each traveller has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from illness. Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, nor to isolate in the event of respiratory illness. Our Hosts and/or Group Leaders may ask those with respiratory or cold symptoms to wear a mask in confined areas. Local laws may be more strict and will always supersede our policies.

While cruising on the Nile, we’ll be on the luxurious Mövenpick Hamees. Our group will be up to 20 people on this 140-person vessel. We’ll eat together, and all activities will be private for our group, however common spaces on the ship will be shared.

Out Adventures is all about good times with like-minded guys. Whatever’s on the itinerary – from fireside camping to five-star decadence – our goal is to make the experience magical. We’re also committed to supporting the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations when possible, and celebrating local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

On this tour all domestic flights are included in the cost of the tour. By including domestic flights, we are better able to get all passengers on the same flight before it sells out. However, it is not guaranteed that all passengers will be on the same flight and the later you reserve your spot, the more likely you’ll be booked on a different domestic flight than rest of your group.

For everybody’s peace of mind, medical travel insurance is required on all Out Adventures tours. At a minimum, your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, with a minimum medical coverage of US $200,000.

Click here for more details on our requirements and how to obtain coverage. We highly recommend that you insure your full purchase, including trip cancellation and medical.

All Out Adventures are led by a gay (or gay-welcoming) guide. On this adventure, you’ll be accompanied by an Out Adventures Gay Tour Host and a local Egyptologist.

Out Adventures are a great way to meet people from around the world and all walks of life. Bear in mind that everybody’s there for a good time, so mutual respect will go a long way. Please be on time for any meet ups, empathetic to the needs of others, and ready to roll with whatever the adventure brings.

Although we can’t tell you who your fellow travellers will be for privacy reasons, we can tell you many great friendships began with an Out Adventure. And just because we’re a gay tour operator doesn’t mean we’re exclusive: friends and family are always welcome to join the fun.

If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If there’s an odd number of solos, we’ll rotate a single room on a random basis.

The itinerary is correct at time of publishing. If anything, it will only improve with feedback from prior travellers and our own research. It’s best to reference your final trip documents, rather than our website, in case there have been any changes that affect your departure.

Every Out Adventure offers optional excursions that are not included in price of this trip. Please see the daily itinerary in your final pre-trip packet to learn what’s available.

Kempinski Nile Hotel
12 Ahmed Ragheb, Qasr El Nil, Cairo Governorate 11519, Egypt
Phone: +20 2 27980000

Standard check-in time is between 2PM and 3PM. We are unable to arrange early check ins, however you are able to store your luggage and explore the central area near the hotel while you wait. If you would like a guaranteed early check-in, you will need to reserve a pre-tour night of accommodation.

Le Meridien Cairo Airport
Cairo International Airport, Terminal 3, Sheraton Al Matar, El Nozha, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Phone: +20 2 22659600

The local currency is the Egyptian pound. We recommend carrying local currency for small purchases, however credit cards are accepted at hotels and most restaurants. We also recommend carrying approximately $400 USD, only to be used in the case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold. Finally,you are welcome to pay your cruise bar bill in cash, Mastercard or Visa.

On this tour we recommend budgeting approximately $280 USD total for gratuities:

• the ship crew (recommended $8/person per night, or $32 total)
• Egyptologist (recommended $15/person per night, or $150 total)
• Out Adventures Host (recommended $7 – 10/person per night, or $70 – $100 total).

You will also want to budget tips for your bar bill as well as any meals and activities not included in the tour cost.

Most Out Adventures entail carrying your own luggage on occasion. And while you’ll never schlep far, things can quickly get costlier than a celebrity breakup if you don’t keep your baggage under 20kg/44lb thanks to costly surcharges on domestic flights. You should also bring something smaller for day trips to carry water, your camera, and any souvenirs you find along the way.

The following packing list is a guideline, not gospel. Our Out Adventure Specialists are happy to answer any specific questions about how much or little to bring.

Travel Documents:

• Passport/Visas/Flight Itineraries/Travel Insurance
• Pre-trip packet
• Credit/ATM card

General Personal Items:

• Eye mask/ear plugs
• Smartphone/camera/tablet/charging cords/International travel plug
• Daypack
• Luggage lock
• Personal Wipes
• Guidebook/Phrase book/Reading material
• Protection for your devices from water
• Travel-size towel

Shoes:

• Socks
• Walking shoes
• Sandals
• Semi-casual shoes you’d feel comfortable wearing at a restaurant.

Bottoms:

• Underwear
• Pants/Jeans
• Shorts
• Swimwear
• Semi-casual pants (or jeans) you’d feel comfortable wearing at a restaurant.

Tops:

• Short-sleeved shirts
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Sweaters
• Semi-casual shirts (for example, a polo shirt) you’d feel comfortable wearing at a restaurant.

Other:

• Sunglasses/Hat
• Refillable water bottle(s)

Health-related Items:

• Small First Aid Kit including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, zinc oxide tape and small scissors, blister pads, diarrhea tablets, dioralyte rehydration packs
• Personal Medication
• High protection sunscreen/lip balm
• Insect repellent/bite cream/antihistamine
• Antibacterial gel/wipes
• Toiletries including toothbrush, toothpaste & deodorant

We love when groups of friends join us on an OUT Adventure, whether you’re celebrating a major milestone, or you just love to travel together. However, since we have travellers that will be flying solo, or as a couple, we would love your help ensuring everybody feels welcome and has an epic time. Here are some ways you can give us a hand, while also getting to know and befriending your fellow travellers:

• Sit with (and get to know) different people at different meals
• Mix up walking partners on excursions
• Invite solo travellers to join you for an optional excursion or meal
• Enjoy inside jokes in privacy, or let the group in on the secret 😉

If you’d rather relish an exclusive escape with just your own party, we also offer private departures. This is a great way to create and manage your own holiday guest list, while possibly saving money as well. Please contact one of our Adventure Specialists if you’re interested in a customized quote.

All Out Adventures guests must have a good level of health. All tours, regardless of activity level, involve uneven steps, stairs, walking tours, and you will be required to carry your own luggage from time to time. Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate individuals with limited mobility unless they are willing to absorb the cost of a private guide/assistant which varies by country and is only possible on a case by case basis. It is also your responsibility to advise Out Adventures of any pre-existing medical conditions that may increase the risk of you requiring medical attention, or that may affect the normal conduct of the tour and the enjoyment of the tour by other participants.

Below is a breakdown of our Physical Rating guide.

1 – Relaxing

• Very little or no hiking
• Light activities such as walking, bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
• Low altitude
• Suitable for all fitness levels

2 – Light

• Light walking and hiking (2 hours or less per day and at low altitude)
• Light activities such as bike tours, paddling or swimming are completely optional
• Suitable for most fitness levels

3 – Average

• Light walking and hiking (3 hours or less per day, rarely at high altitude)
• Some activities such as biking, paddling or swimming. Active days are mixed with relaxed days
• Suitable for an average fitness level

4 – Demanding

• Walking, hiking is a component of the tour (can range from 2 hours to 6 hours per day, at various altitudes)
• Activities such as biking, paddling or swimming may be mixed in
• Suitable for a good fitness level

5 – Challenging

• Walking, hiking, biking, paddling or kayaking are the vast majority of the trip (can range from 2 hours to 8 hours per day, generally at high altitude)
• Activities will likely happen day after day with limited rest days
• Suitable for above average fitness level