for inquiries on the investment: email isisindriya@gmail.com
What are the dates?
JOURNEY ONE: 5th - 20th January 2025 (5th is arrival day, and 20th is the final full day of the Journey)
Where do I fly in and where do I fly out of?
The simplest option is to book a round trip ticket to Cairo International Airport.
How soon should I book tickets?
We suggest booking a round trip ticket to and from Cairo International Airport as soon as possible.
What documentation is needed?
All participants are required to have a passport that is valid for 6 months beyond the return date, to be carried at all times. A Visa is required for entry into Egypt. You can bring $25 USD in cash and pick it up upon your arrival at the airport in Cairo. Other countries qualify for Visas at the Cairo airport, so check with us or your embassy to be sure.
We strongly recommend that all participants obtain short-term travelers insurance covering lost baggage, accident/life and trip cancellation.
Can I arrive before the retreat starts and stay longer? Is this possible?
Yes, it's possible. We would need your dates in advance, and we can assist with reservations as long as there is availability.
Which travel insurance companies do you recommend?
Here are a couple of options that have been helpful for us. Contact them for a quote:
What does the investment for the Journey include?
All 5* accommodations: 9 nights in hotels and 4 nights on the cruise
Ground transportation (for dates of the Journey only) and domestic flights
Journey One: Breakfast / lunch and dinner from the 9th - 21st, and breakfast on the 22nd December (note you will need to cover food outside these meals)
Journey Two: Breakfast / lunch and dinner from the 5th-18th January, and breakfast on the 19th January (note you will need to cover food outside these meals)
Visits to Seti I temple, Ramses II temple, Dandarah, Luxor temple, Valley of the Kings and Queens & Workers, El Kab tombs, Kom Ombo temple, Aswan, Last Supper Dinner and traditional song sharing on the banks of the Nile, Elephantine island, Sohiel island, river swim, Nubian storytelling, Ritual Theater Offering, Philae, Egyptian Museum, Khan el- Khalili bazaar.
Private visits to Amun temple, Sehkmet temple, Horus Temple, sunrise at Isis Temple, Abu Ghurab, Sakkara, Great Pyramid and the Sphinx.
Do I need to pay in full, or is there a payment plan?
To secure your seat, a $2,000 deposit is required, followed by one final payment for the remaining balance of the trip.
Can I come to the event for just a few days?
Our journey is an intimate experience curated for a limited amount of guests who choose to join us for the entire experience.
What level of physical activity does this trip require?
This trip is rigorous, involving early morning temple visits and sometimes many hours of travel by bus. While we don't engage in extensive hiking, we will be walking a lot through temples.
Are there any scholarships or volunteer opportunities available?
There are no scholarships or volunteer opportunities on this trip. Thank you for your inquiry.
How many people will be attending?
Each trip is capped at 28 people.
Are there local cultural customs I should follow in Egypt?
Egypt is a conservative society so dress modestly, especially in rural areas, mosques and souqs (markets). Best that women cover their legs and upper arms. Pants are acceptable.
Best that men cover their chests at all times.
Public displays of affection are uncomfortable for locals, so best to refrain from this in public.
Drinking in the street and anywhere other than a licensed restaurant or bar is not allowed and can lead to arrest.
Photography of or near military official installations is strictly prohibited. This includes the Suez Canal. Don’t photograph officials without their consent.
Although homosexuality is not in itself illegal under Egyptian law, homosexual acts in public are illegal and homosexuals have been convicted for breaching laws on public decency.
Women are advised to take extra caution when traveling alone as there have been cases of harassment and sexual assault.
Remember that Egypt has many people in poverty who think that all tourists are rich, no matter where they come from in the world. Learn the phrase “la shukran” (no thank you) and don’t be afraid to say it to anyone who tries to sell you anything.
How is the weather during this time of year?
In January, the daily weather remains reliably dry and sunny and rather warm. Daytime temperatures rise to an maximum of 70°F, and fall to a minimum of 50°F overnight, and are combined with generally low humidity.
What should I pack?
Whatever the activity, you should remember that Egypt remains a conservative country and we wish to be respectful. Shoulders should always be covered outside the hotels and boat. Keeping this in mind, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for layers in the daytime. A light jacket, sweater or wrap for early morning and evening and also for the air conditioning in the hotels are advised. Wear comfortable walking shoes—sneakers or sandals with a supporting back strap and cotton socks. In the evenings, as everyone will be dining in very pleasant surroundings at our hotels or local restaurants, somewhat nicer attire would be appropriate.
Best not to overpack. Keep in mind there is a wide range of things to buy at the markets.
Day bag (for keeping hands free), money belt
Tissues - many public toilets lack paper
Good walking shoes, cotton socks, and good sandals
Sunglasses, hat, swimsuit, sunscreen, insect repellent
Toiletries, earplugs, eye mask, washcloth (sometimes not available at hotels)
Cameras, small flashlight, notebook, pens
Adaptor plugs are the standard European type with two round pins. An adaptor is adequate for most appliances. A converter is optional but required for certain appliances. 220 volts
Intention, focus, and especially your sense of humor
How are roommates for Double Occupancy rooms selected?
Roommates will be assigned based on a short questionnaire. Alternatively, you may contact us with your roommate preferences.
Can I drink the water? How should I stay healthy during the trip?
DO NOT drink the tap water in Egypt. Drink only bottled water, and use bottled water to brush your teeth.
There are no inoculation requirements for persons with flights originating in the US or Europe. Your good health and good physical condition will enhance the experience for you as well as for the group. The most common health issue is diarrhea. It is recommended to take megadophilus or acidophilus daily for at least one month prior to travel as well as for the duration of the trip. You may also want to bring an herbal immune-support formula.
Where should I change money?
We recommend waiting until you are in Egypt to exchange money. A money belt or other secure means of carrying money and documents is advisable. Once currency is exchanged, it helps to carry many one and five pound notes for gifting and tipping. We will have opportunities to support local artisans at the bazaar.
Will there be internet access?
Mena House hotels have a business center and internet access in the rooms. The cruise ships also have internet access. There are some Internet cafes available in Luxor and Aswan.
What is the language spoken in Egypt?
Egyptian Arabic is the official language of Egypt. Most educated people in Egypt study English and French at school.
What should I expect in the Khan-el Khalili market ?
Click HERE to learn.
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
Deposits are non-refundable.
The remaining payment is fully refundable until October 8th.
50% of the remaining payment is refundable until November 8th.
After November 8th, no refunds will be provided.
Do I need a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test to enter Egypt?
As of now, there are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements. We will update you if anything changes.