Egypt Sacred Tour - Remembrance: Embodying the Thoth Initiations

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. 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. Group and Channel. 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 $20 USD. 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!

This is an approximate schedule and may be adjusted to create the best experience for all.

Sunday, Sep 27:

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, Le Méridien Cairo Airport.

An Orientation will be scheduled for that evening ~ 7:30 PM.

 

Monday, Sep 28:

Breakfast: At Le Meridian 

Morning Private Charter flight to Aswan ~ 10:30am

Lunch: Onboard your cruise (Le Fayan II)

Nubian Village Expedition 

Dinner: Onboard your cruise

Tuesday, Sep 29: 

Early Morning visit to Philae (Isis Temple)

Breakfast: Onboard your cruise 

Lunch:  Onboard your cruise

Afternoon visit to Kom Ombo

Dinner: Onboard your cruise

 

Wednesday, Sep 30:  

Breakfast: Onboard your cruise

Morning visit to Edfu

Lunch: Onboard your cruise

Visit to Temple of Khunum 

Dinner: Onboard your cruise

 

Thursday, Oct 1: 

Morning visit to Abydos/Osirion

Breakfast: Onboard your Cruise

Lunch: House of Life 

Visit to Dendera 

Dinner: At Steigenberger Nile Palace 

 

Friday, Oct 2:

Breakfast: At Steigenberger Nile Palace

Morning: Free time / Personal Sadhana

Lunch: On your own

Afternoon visit to Sux / Luxor Temple

Dinner: At Steigenberger Nile Palace


Saturday, Oct 3:

Early Morning Hot Air Balloon Ride (optional)

Breakfast: At Steigenberger Nile Palace 

Morning visit to Ramesseum & Medinet Habu

Lunch: At Memnon Guest House

Afternoon:  Free time / Personal Sadhana

Dinner: At Steigenberger Nile Palace

 

Sunday, Oct 4: 

Early morning visit to Karnak 

Breakfast: Steigenberger Nile Palace

Lunch: Falafel Sandwiches

Private charter to Cairo at 12 noon

Dinner: At Four Seasons Nile Plaza

 

Monday, Oct 5:

Breakfast: Breakfast Boxes from Four Season Hotel

Early morning visit to Sphinx Paws

Brunch : Nine Pyramids Lounge 

Afternoon visit to Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

Dinner: At Four Seasons Hotel

Evening: Private Pyramids Visit 

 

Tuesday, Oct 6: 

Breakfast : At Four Seasons Hotel

Departure: Checkout from the hotel & take the shuttle to your departure flight.

• Meet and Assist by tour company representatives at all Airports.
• Domestic flight tickets
• Private Luxury air-conditioned vehicles throughout.
• All Airport Transfers as mentioned.
• Baggage Transfers.
• All hotel and cruise expenses.
• Complimentary shuttle from the airport hotel to airport terminal for departure.
• Entrance Fees to all the sites mentioned in the itinerary.
• All private visits to pyramids and temples.
• All meals on the cruise and most meals during hotel stays.
• Service of an Egyptologist guide on a private tour throughout your trip.
• Unlimited bottles of water during the sightseeing and meals.
• All Taxes and VAT.

Here are a few articles about traveling to Egypt and the Pyramid of Giza.

https://www.fodors.com/world/africa-and-middle-east/egypt/experiences/news/10-things-to-know-before-you-go-to-egypt

https://thehistoriantraveller.com/pyramids-of-giza-advice/