Practical information
Visa
Most international travelers need a visa to enter Egypt. Visas must be purchased upon arrival at one of the banks in the airport terminal of the airport you first arrive in Egypt. The cost of 30 euro or dollar should be paid in cash. If you cannot pay appropriately, you will receive the change in Egyptian pounds. Photos are not required. You will only have to show your passport. The visa is valid for 30 days. Please note that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months when leaving Egypt.
Arrival at Luxor Airport
When entering the airport terminal of Luxor you will find a branch of Banque MISR straight ahead. Unless you arrived in Cairo first and got your visa there, you have to buy your visa here and you can exchange euros to Egyptian pounds. The visa is a small ticket that is placed in your passport. After this you proceed to go to customs where you present your passport with your visa and the immigration card that you filled out on the airplane. It’s useful to carry a pen with you in your hand luggage. You continue your way to the Baggage Claim where you can pick up your luggage.
After this you exit the arrival hall and a taxi driver of Iberotel will be waiting for you outside, holding up a sign.
Egyptian pounds
The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP). It may be hard to obtain Egyptian pounds in your own country. Don’t worry, you can buy Egyptian pounds at one of the counters of the banks at Luxor or Cairo Airport together with your visa. Close to Iberotel are several ATM machines where you can also obtain Egyptian pounds. Also, many (larger) shops and restaurants in Egypt accept euros.
Bank cards
There are several ATM machines near the hotel where you can get cash with your bank card.
Larger shops have facilities to pay by bank card, but the smaller local shops do not.
You may want to check if you need to adjust the settings of your card in order to use it outside Europe or the US.
Airport transfers
Included is a pick-up service from Luxor Airport to Iberotel (15 km) and back, available independently of your date of arrival and departure (it’s also included if you arrive earlier or leave later). You will receive info from us on how to book this service after you registered.
International flights to Luxor
There are some direct flights to Luxor from Europe (for example every Thursday from Brussels and Dusseldorf with TUI during the winter season). The other, more frequently available option is to fly to Cairo first and from Cairo Airport, Egyptair flies to Luxor multiple times a day in about 1 hour.
A third option is to fly to Hurghada (a popular destination on the Red Sea) and from there take a bus (Go Bus) or private taxi to Luxor (4 hour ride). We can arrange a taxi for you.
Internet connection
Iberotel offers free WiFi for its guests. Keep in mind that the internet in Egypt can be slow and the connection can be poor. To ensure a good internet connection (also outside the hotel) it’s best to buy a local prepaid simcard.
There are several telecom providers in Egypt. Vodafone offers the best network coverage and the best performance. You can buy a prepaid simcard in one of the local Vodafone shops in Luxor. If you need assistance, shop employees can place the card in your phone and help you start it up. When buying a local simcard you need to show your passport.
Please check if your phone doesn’t have a simlock, otherwise it will not be possible to use a simcard from another provider. If you’re not sure about this you can contact your telecom provider to check if your phone is simlock free.
Electricity
The standard voltage in Egypt is 220 volt, the frequency is 50 Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type C and type F. Please check which type is used in your country. If this is a different one, you will need a power plug adapter for the power sockets in Egypt.
Restaurants
You can enjoy lunch and dinner in one of the three restaurants of Iberotel. In Côte Jardin a variety of food is served buffet style. Pizzas and other Mediterranean food can be ordered at Pizzeria Romance. If you prefer to dine a la carte you can visit restaurant Sultana and choose from a variety of dishes from the Middle East. Drinks and cocktails, with or without alcohol, can be ordered at Karkadeh Bar and the Pool Bar.
Vegetarian or vegan meals are available on request. Do not hesitate to ask for it, even if the menu does not show these options.
There are also some great restaurants in Luxor which are definitely worth a visit.
One of them, at walking distance or a short taxi ride from the hotel, is Sofra Restaurant & Cafe. The cuisine is authentic Egyptian/Middle Eastern and offers vegetarian and vegan options. The food is wonderful and affordable, the interior is pleasant and the staff is friendly.
Another very nice place to eat is Blue Sky restaurant. Overlooking the Nile from the roof terrace you can enjoy fresh, tasty food in a family ambiance for a good price. It’s vegetarian friendly. The owner is very kind and makes you feel at home.
The restaurant is located on the other side of the river Nile (West Bank). You can get there by using the public ferry at 20 min walking distance from the hotel or by private boat (for a few euros).
If you have a bit of a sweet tooth and enjoy high quality pastry, Twinky is the place to be. Their sweets and cakes aren’t just delicious, they are also a feast for the eyes. Twinky is located at walking distance or a short taxi ride from the hotel. Sofra restaurant is nearby, it might be an idea to visit Twinky for desert after dinner.
Please keep in mind that the food in Egypt can be different from what you’re used to at home. Should you have an attachment to a specific kind of food, (for instance your favorite brand of muesli/teabags) please consider bringing it with you.
Water
Tap water in Egypt is not safe to drink. It’s best to only drink bottled water. Upon arrival in Iberotel you will find a bottle of water in your room. There are shops nearby the hotel where you can buy bottled water for a good price. Bottled water is (much) more expensive when bought in hotels. Please make sure to bring water with you during the excursions.
Transportation in Luxor
If you go sightseeing by yourself, please be aware that it’s best to negotiate in advance and come to an agreement about the price of a taxi/boat/horse ride before you get in. This way you will avoid possible disagreements/misunderstandings afterwards.
Options for sightseeing (on free afternoons)
Temple of Hatshepsut
The temple of Hatshepsut is one of the most outstanding monuments of ancient Egyptian architecture. Hatshepsut was the first woman pharaoh who ruled Egypt during the New Kingdom. The impressive temple is located on the West Bank (on the other side of the Nile) and can be reached by public ferry/private boat, followed by a short taxi ride.
Valley of the Queens
The Valley of the Queens is an ancient royal burial site where the wives of the great pharaohs were laid to rest from 1550 to 1070 BCE. The tombs are beautifully decorated and the colours are still very bright. The site is located on the West Bank (on the other side of the Nile) and can be reached by public ferry/private boat, followed by a short taxi ride.
Colossi of Memnon
On the West Bank of the Nile are the Colossi of Memnon, giant twin statues about eighteen meters high, representing the pharaoh Amenhotep III. Their function was to preside over the entrance to the burial site where the remains of Amenhotep III lay. The Colossi are situated on the other side of the Nile (West Bank) and can be reached by public ferry/private boat, followed by a short taxi ride.
Souk of Luxor
The Souk of Luxor is the main bazaar of the city. It’s a lively, loud and colorful market. The countless shops sell among other things souvenirs, jewelry, clothing, spices, fresh fruit etc. When buying something it’s advised to bargain with the vendor. From the hotel it’s a 20 minute walk or a short taxi ride. The souk is open daily from 7 am until midnight.
Winter Palace Hotel
Also worth a visit is the famous Winter Palace hotel, a historic British colonial-era 5 star luxury resort hotel. The hotel is located on the banks of the river Nile, 200 meters from Iberotel. Visitors can take a stroll in the lush garden and enjoy drinks in the beautifully decorated bar.
Interesting facts: a regular guest was Lord Carnarvon. He discovered the intact tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. Agatha Christie wrote ‘Death on the Nile’ while staying in the hotel.
Clothing
In January temperatures will be very pleasant during the day, around 20-25 degrees Celsius, with sunny and clear skies. It’s recommended to bring a sunhat/sun cap/scarf, sunglasses and sunscreen lotion with a high protection factor (SPF 30 or higher), apply frequently. Mosquito repellent would also come in handy.
During the day it’s pleasant to wear light, breathable cotton clothing. In the evening it can get chilly, so definitely bring a sweater and light jacket. It’s advisable to bring comfortable shoes. During the excursions we will walk small distances on uneven terrain. You might also want to bring swim wear. Towels are available at the pool of Iberotel, it’s not necessary to bring your own.
Vaccinations
The Egyptian government has not made any vaccines mandatory for travelers arriving from most countries.
There are no COVID-19 restrictions in place for travel to Egypt. It is no longer necessary to complete a passenger locator form, to show proof of vaccination or negative PCR test to enter Egypt.
Travel insurance
When travelling abroad it’s recommended to have travel insurance to cover unexpected medical cost, lost items etc.
Travel Pharmacy
When travelling, it could be wise to bring a small medical kit with items such as painkillers, anti-diarrhea medication and ORS (oral rehydration salts: a mixture of salt and sugar to prevent dehydration).
In general
Please note that participation in the retreat is at your own risk and responsibility. We accept no liability for personal injury or damage to personal belongings of the participants, nor any liability as a result of events occurring during the trip.
The retreat is suitable for everyone with normal health and an average level of fitness.