Osiris Dream Vacations
Frequently Asked Questions
Working with a tour company often brings up a lot of questions—and we’re here to answer them. Below, we’ve compiled some of the most common questions about our tours. Our goal is to make the process simple, transparent, and stress-free. If you don’t see your question here, feel free to reach out—we’d love to hear from you and help in any way we can!
The Osiris Dream Difference 1. Who runs and guides the tours? Tours are personally planned and escorted by USA based travel advisor and trip escort Deanne. Ehab is based in Egypt and leads the sightseeing as your expert guide. 2. What makes your tour different than others? Ehab is a university professor of Egyptology, archaeologist and tour guide. You are learning directly from a science who excavates and interprets the history, not just memorizing facts and anecdotes.
Small Group Tours and Private Touring 1. What is the maximum group size? We limit our small-group tours to 18 travelers to ensure an intimate experience, easy mobility at crowded sites, and direct access to your tour guide and escort. 2. How does private touring work? Private tours enable your group to experience on of our published tours delivered just for your travel party. We will provide your group with the same travel itinerary as one of our tours. You pick the dates that work best for your group. 3. Can solo travelers join your small groups? Yes, we can pair you with a same-gender roommate when possible to avoid a single supplement, or you can opt for a private room for an additional fee.
Guides and Itineraries 1. Who leads your tour? Ehab is based in Egypt and leads the sightseeing in English as your expert guide. 2. Are entry tickets included in the price? Yes, all standard entry fees to scheduled monuments, temples, and museums are included. Premium tickets can be added upon request. 3. Do your tours include Nile River cruise? Most of our small group tours feature a 3-night or 4-nigh cruise between Luxor and Aswan.
Arrival & On-Ground Support 1. What happens when I land in Cairo? We hire an Egyptian airport agent to meet you before passport control to assist you with your entry visa and luggage. Is Egypt safe? Egypt is safe for tourists. There is low civil unrest, security present at all major landmarks and museums, and a significantly lower violent crime rate than the U.S. The current conflict with Iran and US does not impact the safety of someone traveling to Egypt. 3. Is Egypt safe for small groups? Yes, traveling in our small group with both an Egyptian tour guide and a US travel advisor provides an unmatched layer of support and safety. 4. Who answers my concerns and questions? Deanne and Ehab work together to make sure the trip runs as smoothly as possible so you can approach either one of them. Questions about history and culture of Egypt are best addressed to Ehab.
Bookings and Financials 1. How do you work with clients in booking and planning? Deanne is your U.S. based point of contact. She manages your consultations, coordinates your payments and helps you prepare for the cultural nuances of Egypt. 2. What is included in the tour price? Our packages include all accommodations, domestic flights within Egypt, entrance fees to scheduled monuments, temples, etc., private air-conditioned transport, all tips and service charges, and your private guide and escort for duration of trip. Our goals is to bundle the trip expenses together into one cost so that there ar enough hidden charges or uncharges. We do NOT include international airfare, Egyptian VISA, personal expenses and meals not included on the itinerary. 3. What form of payments do you accept? We accept cash and checks for payments. 4. Why don't you accept credit cards? We do not accept credit cards because the fees are quite high, which would only increase the overall cost of your tour. 5. What is your deposit policy? We require an initial deposit to hold your reservation and secure local hotel and cruise bookings. 6. When are future payments due? We establish a structured timeline with periodic payment due dates following your initial deposit. 7. When is the final payment due? The final trip balance must paid in full 90 days before your departure date. 8. What is the cancellation policy? We understand plans change and work personally with you to provide the fairest possible outcome based on vendor rules. 9. Can I pay in installments? Deanne will work with each guest privately if an installment plan is appropriate. Please understand that we must pay the vendors the total amount 90 days from the departure date, so we must have your final payment by that date. 10. Do you handle international flights? Our packages are land based only in Egypt. However, we can assist you in getting your international flights to and from Egypt for a small service fee. 11. Are tips for crew included. Yes, all tips and serviced changes are included in the cost of the tour and collect in advance of the tour start date.
Visas & Entry 1. Do I need a visa enter Egypt? Yes, international travelers need a tourist visa. A 30-day single-entry visa can be purchased on arrival at Cairo airport for $30 USD in cash or online via the office e-Visa portal. 2. What passport validity is required? Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Egypt. 3. Are any vaccinations mandatory? For most tours there are no vaccination certificates required. If traveling from and endemic area a specific vaccine may be required.
Hotel, Nile Cruise, Desert & Seashore Standards 1. What are the hotels like? We partner with vetted local providers to select clean, comfortable properties featuring reliable modern amenities, excellent service and great locations. 2. What is the Nile Cruise experience? Multi-night Nile cruise on a quality river vessels have comfortable cabins, onboard dining, and scenic views between Luxor and Aswan. 3. How do desert explorations work? We arrange guided desert excursions using reliable local transport and drivers, ensuring safety and comfort while you explore Egypt's unique desert landscape and communities. 4. How do seashore excursions work? We arrange for stays at comfortable seaside resorts offering warm turquoise waters and rich history across diverse coastlines like the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.
Immersion Not Worry (Tips for getting most out of your trip) 1. What should I wear? Egypt is a conservative country. Dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees. Loose breathable linen or cotton clothes and comfortable walking shoes are best for desert sightseeing. 2. What should I leave at home? Please leave valuables at home. Energy spent worrying about expensive jewelry and electronic devices can very much negatively affect your enjoyment of the trip. 3. Is Abu Simbel included on trip itinerary? The wonderful Abu Simbel is on all of our Nile cruises itineraries and is included in the cost of the trip. This is a must-see sight in Egypt. 4. How does tipping work in Egypt. Tipping is an integral part of the Egyptian culture. We provide tipping guidelines prior to your departure. 5. Can I use a credit card in Egypt? Major hotels, cruises and high-end restaurants accept credit cards. Local markets, street food stalls and smaller establishments require local cash (Egyptian Pounds - EGP). Can I get other travel advice? Deanne and Ehab are always available to help you plan and pack for your journey through Egypt based on the itinerary you select. Just reach out to us with your specific questions.