Participant Information
September 11 – 19, 2026
This will be a physically demanding tour. In the event you join the tour and are unable to participate in certain activities, we reserve the right to guide you to stay at the hotel, cruise boat or bus as the situation dictates.
You will need a visa and passport to enter the country.
Please bring a valid passport for at least 6 months past your return date with at least 1 blank page.
For your convenience, our tour company will provide and cover the cost of your Egypt entry visa upon arrival.
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Airport/Flight Information
If a flight gets delayed and arrival is different from what was sent how do we communicate that to someone?
The tour company will be tracking your flights and aware of any changes.
If a flight gets delayed and arrival is different from what was sent how do we communicate that to someone?
The tour company will be tracking your flights and aware of any changes. They will be there holding a Sai Maa or MAA sign whenever you arrive.
Who should we contact at our arrival at the Cairo airport?
There will be someone from the tour company waiting for you with a sign that says Sai Maa or MAA in the passport control area.
How are roommates determined if I don’t know anybody going during my dates?
We will be matching up participants.
Clothing
Dress code for the cruise & tour?
Dress modestly – Cover shoulders, cleavage, and knees and bring a scarf to cover head inside mosques. There may be a gala dinner one night on the boat and you are welcome to dress up for this occasion.
What kind of shoes do we need?
A good tennis shoe/walking shoe will be sufficient for the days we are walking. Sandals may be brought for the cruise boat.
Cash
Can you pay for meals with a credit card?
Yes
How many meals are we on our own?
1-2
How much cash do you recommend for the full trip?
You may wish to bring some cash for personal purchases at markets. ATMs will be available throughout the tour.
The only gratuity not covered in your tour tuition is for our Egyptologist guides. If you would like to offer a tip, the suggested amount is $12–15 USD per day, which can be given at the end of the tour. USD or the equivalent in local currency is acceptable.
The Cruise
Are we the only ones on the cruise?
Yes.
Is it okay to wear a bathing suit when swimming on the cruise?
Yes.
Is bottled water included?
The tour company has an endless supply of bottled water on the tour buses.
Her Holiness Sai Maa
How will Sai Maa be interacting with us?
Her Holiness Sai Maa will be holding the entire journey energetically. Throughout the sacred sites of Egypt, Sai Maa will guide the deeper spiritual dimension of the pilgrimage, supporting the group in receiving the transmissions and consciousness available at each location.
At various moments during the tour, Sai Maa may offer Darshan, Satsang, teachings, meditations, or transmissions aligned with the energy of the temples and sacred locations we visit. As with all sacred journeys with Sai Maa, the exact unfolding happens organically in response to the group and the consciousness of the sites themselves.
Telegram
Is there an official telegram group for this tour?
Yes. Telegram information will be emailed to you.
The Tour Company
If you would like to use the tour company for help with additional travel, please contact support@sai-maa.com with your requests.
Time Zone: GMT + 2 hours (9 hours ahead of the west coast)
Weather: During the month of September, the average temperature is 75-93°F (24-34°C)
https://www.holiday-weather.com/cairo/averages/september/
Language: Egyptian Arabic – Here’s a link to some useful phrases. https://www.fodors.com/language/arabic/basic-phrases
Private Plane and Luggage: We are delighted to share that for our domestic flights within Egypt, we will be traveling together on a private charter plane!
Because of the smaller aircraft, luggage space will be more limited than on commercial flights. Please note the following allowances for your travel:
Carry-on bag: up to 7 kg (15 lbs)
Checked bag: up to 20 kg (44 lbs)
If you have items you don’t need during the Upper Egypt portion of the journey, our tour company can securely hold them in Cairo and deliver them to your hotel when we return.
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend that participants purchase travel insurance covering trip cancellation, medical care, and travel interruptions.
WiFi: Free WiFi will be available in the hotel and on the cruise.
Money: Egyptian Pound (EGP) – The current exchange rate is $1USD to 48 EGP. You can check the exchange rate here. https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=USD&To=EGP
US dollars are accepted as well. You can withdraw money from the ATM or exchange money at the hotel. Credit cards are accepted at most places with the exception of the markets/street vendors. Let your bank and credit card company know you are traveling abroad before departure.
Also, make a copy of all your cards (both sides) and put them in a separate location from your wallet. In the event that your wallet is stolen, you will have a copy of all the cards in it to cancel and replace them. Most of the expenses are pre-paid on the tour, but you will need some cash for gifts, snacks, tipping etc.
Plugs: Egypt has two types of plugs – C and F. You will need a plug converter to plug in your electronics. However, these do not convert the voltage. Egypt uses 220V and 50Hz. Make sure your electronics will adapt the voltage from 110V to 220V or you will need a voltage converter. Most cell phone, tablet, and laptop chargers run on either voltage, so you will only need a plug converter. All the hotels (and cruise) have hair dryers, but if you bring additional hair tools, you’ll need to check the voltage. Here’s a good resource. https://www.worldtravelplugadapter.com/egypt/
Cell phone: You can buy a local SIM card at Cairo airport for around USD20. If you would like to add an international plan with your service provider before departure many providers offer this option.
Clothing: Bring casual clothes that are comfortable and provide protection from the sun. It is suggested to bring quick drying, UV protection clothing for the day and casual clothes for the evenings at the hotel.
Comfortable footwear is essential – hiking boots/sneakers for trekking through the sand and sandals/flip flops for the hotel. Below is a packing list. You can send out laundry at the hotels which will take a day to be returned. Laundry is also available on the cruise, for an additional charge of $3-$5 USD per piece.
Vaccinations/Testing: Not required to Enter Egypt.
Arrival in Cairo/Visa: When your flight lands in Cairo, you will follow the signs to the passport control area. Here you will be met by a representative of the tour company holding a sign with Sai Maa or MAA, providing you your visa. You will need your passport. Then you will be escorted through passport control and onto baggage claim. Once you have your luggage, you will be transported to the hotel.
Important Travel Note:
For your ease at arrival, please do not pack drones or binoculars. These items are not permitted and may be confiscated at the airport.
Security: There is a security guard who will travel with us at all times. This is standard practice in Egypt. We will always have a driver, guide, and security guard with us. All of the sites in Egypt have police and military presence to protect the site and the tourists. When you enter a site or hotel, you will walk through a metal detector and bags will go through an x-ray machine or be inspected. Also, we will drive through security checkpoints on the roads.
Toilets: There is a toilet on the bus and toilets at the entrances to most sites. For the public toilets, bring your own toilet paper/tissues. You will need to tip the attendant 5 EGP to use the toilet.
Tipping: Please bring USD or EUR to tip our Egyptologist (suggested amount is $12-15 USD per day offered at the end of the tour) . Gratuities for Reps, drivers, Porters & Cruise are included.
Photography: Photos outside/inside are permitted. Please do not take any photos of Her Holiness Sai Maa without first receiving permission.
Food/Drink: Egyptian food is a delicious blend of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and African cuisines. There’s fresh fruit (pomegranates, guava, dates), vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant), legumes (chickpeas, fava beans, lentils), hummus, kebab, falafel, pita bread, baklava, and hibiscus tea. Our tour guide’s favorite dish is koshari, a chickpea/pasta/rice/tomato sauce casserole.
Avoid raw unpeeled vegetables or fruits since they could have been washed in water. It is better to eat cooked vegetables and fruits or those that can be peeled. Only drink bottled water from sealed bottles and use it to brush your teeth as well. Do not order ice for drinks. When showering or washing your face, be careful not to drink the water or get it in your eyes. Most meals are included in the tour, however, you may want to bring some snacks.
Shopping: At the markets and with street vendors, haggling is expected. Keep in mind that this is the seller’s livelihood, but be prepared to bargain. At the stores, the prices are set. There are lots of unique gifts to purchase: papyrus scrolls, scarabs, gold cartouche with your name in hieroglyphs, alabaster items, spices, healing oils, cotton clothing, rugs, chocolate, jewelry, and inlaid wood items. Our Guide will help you to get quality gifts.
Patience: Sometimes, things change. Just be patient and know that it will all be sorted out by the tour company. We are going to have a fabulous adventure!
Download the travel packing list provided by the tour company here.
This is an approximate schedule and may be adjusted to create the best experience for all.
Friday, Sep 11:
Arrival: Arrive at Cairo Airport. Our meet-and-assist service will take you through the passport control area and help you through luggage claims and customs. Then transfer to your hotel, the Four Seasons Nile Plaza.
An Orientation will be scheduled for that evening ~ 7:30 PM.
Saturday, Sep 12:
Breakfast: Breakfast Boxes from the Hotel
Exclusive private tour / access to the Sphinx Paws
Lunch: At the 9 Pyramids lounge
Afternoon visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
Dinner: At the Four Seasons Hotel
Evening private Visit to the Pyramids
Sunday, Sep 13:
Breakfast: At the Four Seasons Hotel
10:00am private charter to Luxor
Arrive in Luxor and transfer to hotel Steigenberger Nile Palace
Lunch: At the Steigenberger Nile Palace
Afternoon visit to Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut
Dinner: At the Steigenberger Nile Palace
Monday, Sep 14:
Breakfast: At Steigenberger Nile Palace
Morning visit to Abydos/Osirion
Lunch: House of Life Hotel
Afternoon visit to Dendera
Dinner: Onboard your cruise (Le Soleil).
Evening Activity: Luxor Temple / Market
Tuesday, Sep 15:
Early morning visit to Karnak Temple
Breakfast: Onboard your cruise
Lunch: Onboard your boat while sailing
Dinner: Onboard your cruise
Wednesday, Sep 16:
Breakfast: Onboard your cruise
Morning visit to Edfu Temple
Lunch: Onboard your cruise
Evening visit to Kom Ombo Temple
Dinner: Onboard your cruise
Thursday, Sep 17:
Early morning visit to Philae Temple (Isis Temple) on
Philae Island
Breakfast: Onboard your cruise
Optional morning shopping expedition
Lunch: Onboard your cruise
Afternoon excursion on a traditional Felluca sailboat
Dinner: Onboard your cruise
Friday, Sep 18:
Breakfast: Onboard your cruise
Nubian Expedition
Lunch: At an authentic Nubian House
Transfer to Aswan Airport to fly back to Cairo on private charter
Arrival & check in at the Waldorf Astoria Airport Hotel
Dinner: At Waldorf Astoria
Saturday, Sep 19:
Breakfast: At Waldorf Astoria
Departure: Checkout from the hotel & take the shuttle to your departure flight.
You are invited to bring a tip (USD or EUR) for our Egyptologist (suggested $12-15 USD per day).
Gratuities for Reps, Drivers, Porters & Cruise are included.
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