smithsonian tour to egypt

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Smithsonian tours of Egypt? - Egypt Forum

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Just returned from Gate1 12 day tour and am pleased to say that it was beyond our expectations. Would recommend Gate1 in a heartbeat.

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Smithsonian journeys announces egypt tours for 2011.

Smithsonian Journeys provides more ways than ever to experience the cultural treasures of Egypt’s Old Kingdom in 2011. Travelers can join “Egyptian Odyssey” as a general escorted-highlights tour, an exclusive women’s departure or a family adventure. These popular tours feature a unique aspect specific to each audience, yet all visit World Heritage sites in the company of an Egyptologist, who makes travel more meaningful by providing lectures and informal commentary.

“We’ve taken special note of the different ways our travelers want to experience a destination and have applied those insights to our most popular destinations,” said Amy Kotkin, director of Smithsonian Journeys. Yet another way to see Egypt is “Ancient Civilizations of the Red Sea” featuring a four-day cruise of the Red Sea along with land excursions to important sites in Egypt and Jordan. Photographs, video and specific details on itineraries, experts and hotels can be found at www.SmithsonianJourneys.org .

“Egyptian Odyssey” (multiple departures February through May 2011), begins with a visit to Cairo’s Museum of Antiquities then on to sites related to the more modern influences of Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Flying to Luxor, travelers will experience an in-depth view of the ancient Pharaohs during visits to the Temples of Karnak and Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. They will also veer off the beaten track to the Valley of the Nobles. Following a four-night cruise up the Nile with stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo, the highlights in Aswan include the Nubia Museum, a traditional felucca ride and the Aswan Dam. Travelers then spend a morning at the World Heritage site of Abu Simbel, the colossal temples of Ramses II and his queen Nefertari. Returning to Cairo, the tour concludes with excursions to enjoy the timeless beauty and mystery of the Pyramids of Giza and Step Pyramid of Sakkara, followed by an engaging panel discussion about modern Egypt. Prices start from $4,995,airfare included, and can be found at www.SmithsonianJourneys.org/Egypt .

The Nov. 23, 2011-Dec. 4, 2011, departure of “Egyptian Odyssey” is exclusively for women. Only women guides and Egyptologist are featured, which enables lively discourse with Egyptian women, something rarely featured on other programs. This departure also embodies women-focused conversation and lecture topics, which allows an often eye-opening perspective on Egypt’s contemporary culture and society.

Special family departures of “Egyptian Odyssey” (Dec. 27-Jan. 3, 2011, and July 6-13, 2011) feature a similar itinerary along with family-friendly activities such as a camel ride, special four-wheel drive excursion into the desert, sound and light show at the Pyramids, scavenger hunt in the bazaar and family bike ride along the Nile. Additional staff also provides special enhancements for the children’s program (ages 7-12). Prices for the December departure start from $4,145, airfare included, based on a child rate and special offer. Further information can be found at www.SmithsonianJourneys.org/EgyptFamily .

Smithsonian Journeys also features a unique cruise of the Red Sea, “Ancient Civilizations of the Red Sea” (Jan. 23, 2011-Feb. 7, 2011), which combines a five-night cruise with in-depth land tours of Egypt and Jordan. Following tours of important sites in Cairo and Luxor, and an opportunity to take a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the Nile, travelers embark the 52-passenger Harmony V . The ship calls at ports along the Red Sea, including the World Heritage site of St. Catherine’s Monastery on the Sinai Peninsula. On arrival in Jordan, passengers travel by land to other significant sites such as Petra, Mount Nebo, Jerash and Amman. (Prices start from $5,995, airfare included from New York City if booked by Sept. 30, 2010.) A pre-tour extension in Syria features sites along the old Silk Road, including Damascus, Palmyra and Krak des Chevaliers, and a post-tour extension in Alexandria, Egypt, features the new Royal Library of Alexandria. More information can be found at www.SmithsonianJourneys.org/RedSea .

About Smithsonian Journeys

Smithsonian Journeys is the Smithsonian Institution’s travel program, with more than 40 years dedicated to life-enriching experiences worldwide. The Smithsonian is known for “Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery,” which is central to Smithsonian Journeys and its more than 150 expert-led international and domestic tours featuring exclusive access and unforgettable experiences. For more information, call toll-free 1 (877) 338-8687 or visit www.SmithsonianJourneys.org .

About Smithsonian Institution

Founded in 1846, the Smithsonian is the world’s largest museum and research complex consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. There are 6,000 Smithsonian employees, including approximately 500 scientists, and more than 6,500 volunteers. There were approximately 30 million visits from around the world at the Smithsonian in 2009 with more than 188 million visits to the Smithsonian websites. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at 137 million.

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National Museum of Natural History Virtual Tours

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The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History virtual tours allow visitors to take self-guided, room-by-room tours of select exhibits and areas within the museum from their desktop or mobile device. Visitors can also access select collections and research areas at our satellite support and research stations as well as past exhibits no longer on display.

Virtual Tour Tips

• To navigate between adjoining rooms in the tours, click on the blue arrow links on the floor or use the navigation map in the upper right of the presentation screen.
• Look for the camera icon which gives you a close-up view of a particular object or exhibit panel.
• Try zooming in as some of the images are stitched together from individual pictures in order to create very high resolution gigapixel images.

Please note: This tour and these presentations have been tested and should work on all common devices, browsers, and operating systems (using a desktop computer with Windows, Mac, Linux or a mobile device such as an iPhone, iPad, or Android). Functionality and appearance may vary as it will adjust automatically to accommodate the most visitors. While the virtual tour has no advertising, ad blocking software or browser settings that block JavaScript and/or XML may interfere with the functionality of the virtual tour. Please let us know what you think of the tour and how the experience can be improved. Send your feedback to the NMNH Web Team .

Site Credit: Imagery and coding by Loren Ybarrondo

Equipment Used: Professional Nikon digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera bodies and lenses. The photography is typically done using rectilinear lenses with minimized distortion and shooting equirectangular panoramas at 22K pixels on the long side.

Software Used: No authoring software is used. The tours are hand-coded in HTML5 and JavaScript using the krpano graphics library.

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*Prices below are per person based on double occupancy and include airline taxes, surcharges and fees of $0, which are subject to change until final payment is made. All tour prices (excluding airline taxes, surcharges, and fees) are guaranteed.

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Egypt & the Eternal Nile

Accompanied by an expert Egyptian guide, this singular small group journey through antiquity travels from vibrant Cairo and the Great Pyramids to Abu Simbel and the Upper Nile for a fascinating cruise on Lake Nasser. Then: a classic voyage along the Lower Nile from Aswan to Luxor before returning to Cairo.

Tour Details

From $5,397

Small Group Highlights

• Cairo’s intriguing ancient sites, including the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis, Sakkara
• Old Cairo touring
• Renowned Egyptian Museum
• Abu Simbel’s dramatic temples
• Sound & Light show at Abu Simbel
• Lake Nasser cruise through ancient Nubian homeland
• Aswan’s temples at Kalabsha
• Nile  felucca  sail
• Nile River cruise
• Aswan Dam visit
• Ancient temple complexes at Karnak and Luxor
• Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens
• Egypt’s inestimable historic atmosphere

Day-by-Day Itinerary

The Sofitel Cairo Nile el Gezirah is located at the southern tip of Gezirah Island in the Nile River close to the sites of historic Cairo.  The 433-room hotel features three restaurants, two lounges, a poolside bar, café, spa with massage treatments (for a fee), fitness center, heated infinity swimming pool, hair salon, laundry and dry-cleaning service (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access.  Each air-conditioned guest room overlooks the Nile River and has private balcony, private bath with hair dryer, minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

Launched in 1998 and renovated in 2007, the M/S Prince Abbas offers travelers a unique vantage point from which to experience treasures of antiquity in the comfort of contemporary amenities.  With just 65 cabins, the 120-passenger ship offers a level of personal service well suited to small group travel.  The ship features a dining room, lounge, bar, observation room/library with panoramic windows, laundry service (for a fee), gift shop, billiard room, and fitness center.  Situated on the canopied sun deck are a plunge pool, jacuzzi, and bar.  Your air-conditioned outside cabin has a private bath with hair dryer, window, minibar, TV, and phone.  Please note that the ship docks at regular docking facilities in Abu Simbel and Aswan; at other stops you will take small launches or motorboats from the ship to shore.

Length:             280 feet Width:              50 feet Draft:               7 feet

Please note that M/S Prince Abbas will not have phone reception once we begin sailing until we near Aswan, or on weekends from approximately 11:00 a.m. on Saturday to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday.  There is also no elevator aboard.

An on-board experience waits for you on this 56-cabin river ship, which offers such amenities as a dining room, bar, lounge, sun deck with outdoor pool, heated whirlpool, sauna, massage treatments, fitness center, Wi-Fi internet access (for a fee), and gift shop.  Air-conditioned cabins have private bath with a hair dryer, minibar, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

Length: 244 feet Width: 46 feet

Please note that there is no elevator aboard this ship.

Within the heart of Luxor’s historic center sits Steigenberger Nile Palace, a 303-room hotel just across the river from the Valley of the Kings. The hotel features five restaurants,  three bars, a fitness center, spa with massage treatments (for a fee), sauna, steam bath, heated outdoor pool, on-site doctor, complimentary      Wi-Fi internet access, bookstore, gift shops, hairdresser, and laundry and dry-cleaning services (for a fee).  Air-conditioned guest rooms each have private baths with a hair dryer, minibar, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

Tour Price Includes

• Round-trip air transportation from listed cities; all flights within Egypt
• 13 nights’ accommodations: 6 nights in Deluxe and Superior First Class hotels; 7 nights aboard Deluxe and Superior First Class ships
• 32 meals: 13 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners
• Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
• Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director
• Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip, including shore excursions
• Luggage handling for one bag per person
• Gratuities for dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
• $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next Odysseys Unlimited tour ($200 after 3 tours; $300 after 10 tours)

Average Daily High by Month (°F )

Average temperature (°f ), dates & prices.

Airline upgrades (subject to availability; pricing subject to change) on round-trip Trans-Atlantic flight: Business Class – $4,995; Premium Economy – $1,695 per person all dates

A visa is required for this tour. Odysseys Unlimited will provide information about entry requirements upon reservation.

Apologies, we were unable to retrieve the latest tour information at this time.

Regrettably, we do not currently have any available departure dates for this tour.

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Post-Tour Extension

Jordan: Petra & Amman

Discover the fabled “rose-red city, half as old as time” on this exciting exploration. Plus: ancient Jerash and the capital of Amman.

Post-Tour Extension Price Includes

• Air transportation Cairo/Amman
• 4 nights’ accommodations: 2 nights in Petra at Mövenpick Resort Petra (Superior First Class); 2 nights in Amman at Grand Hyatt Amman (Deluxe)
• 9 meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
• Extensive included sightseeing: Madaba (City of Mosaics); Mt. Nebo pilgrimage site; full day at Petra; Amman’s Roman theatre and Citadel; Roman ruins of Jerash
• Private motorcoach transportation

A visa is required for this post-tour option. Odysseys Unlimited will provide information about entry requirements upon reservation.

Accommodations

The 183-room Mövenpick Resort Petra is located at the entrance to Petra and features a mixture of Western, contemporary, and traditional architecture and artwork.  On-site amenities include two restaurants, a bar, lobby lounge, tea room, outdoor pools, fitness center, spa with steam bath (for a fee), gift shop, laundry and dry-cleaning services (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access.  Each air-conditioned guest room has a private bath with hair dryer, minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

Located in the center of the historic city of Amman, the luxurious Grand Hyatt Amman offers a host of amenities to help guests enjoy their stay here.  Along with its sophisticated and stylish décor, the Grand Hyatt Amman boasts two upscale restaurants, outdoor cocktail lounge, terrace bar, 55-foot indoor/outdoor swimming pool, spa, shopping gallery, fitness center with workout equipment, sauna, steam room, whirlpool, laundry and dry-cleaning services (for a fee), and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access.  Each air-conditioned guest room features private marble bath with hair dryer, minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

Tour Directors

Tour Director – Jordan Extension

"Outstanding tour director…He was very knowledgeable [on] the ancient history of the sites visited and also linked what we saw throughout history to the present day."

Dr. Mary and Raymond Thompson Celina, TX

“Raina’s expertise and knowledge of Egyptian history and current affairs were astounding and wonderful.”

David Hook San Jose, CA

Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

“Mr. Morsy was simply amazing!  He not only was an expert on Egypt but his added touches helped make the trip a once in a lifetime experience.  Tarek loves Egypt and his enthusiasm was contagious!”

Theresa Leutze West Bloomfield, MI

“Amr was outstanding, he was a wealth of knowledge about everything Egyptian (history, religion, and culture).”

JoAnn & Brian Royce Davison, MI

“Sam is fabulous! Very knowledgeable, well organized, and great with people. Could not have been better. He was the best!”

John & Martha Gerty Greene, NY

“A true gem. He was both knowledgeable and personable. He had a wonderful sense of humor and his talks always included amusing anecdotes.”

Marcy Stecker Great Neck, NY

"Taher had an excellent fund of information and was unfailingly friendly and accommodating."

Robert & Anna Day Bradenton, FL

“I honestly cannot imagine a better tour director than Sam. He was far and away the best I’ve experienced … he was beyond knowledgeable about the sites we visited.”

Alexandra Solomon Glastonbury, CT

"Mr. Osama Al Ziyoud is an excellent tour guide…His talks on Jordanian culture, society, politics, and history were fascinating and thorough…Highly recommend him as a tour director."

William & Sharon Hockensmith McKinney, TX

"Mahmoud is first and foremost among the best tour leaders we have encountered during our travels abroad. [He is] exceptionally passionate about his country and its tourism…"

Ellery & Lesley Kuhn Roseville, CA

"Youssef can’t be rated as just excellent…His organization skills, site visit scheduling, problem-solving, and friendship are only exceeded by his unfathomable knowledge of Egyptology. He is in a class of his own."

Frances & Philip Levin Isle of Palms, SC

“Reda was one of the best tour guides we have ever encountered. His knowledge base, humor, friendliness and organization were amazing.”

Debra Moser Potomac, MD

"It was a privilege to have Hassan as our tour director. His knowledge was bottomless, his caring for the group and sense of humor made it an outstanding trip."

Elizabeth Rainoff Southern Pines, NC

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Physical Activity Level

• Walk 2-4 miles per day, often uphill and on uneven terrain, especially at archaeological sites
• Several early morning departures
• Occasional long walks from motorcoach drop-off to sights
• Embarkation/disembarkation from multiple boats
• Optional Petra Extension: two-mile round-trip walk from hotel to Treasury site

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Queens of Egypt at National Geographic Museum Daytime Tour

Free for smithsonian associates members, noon members-only program, select your tickets.

Travel back in time to ancient Egypt, one of the world’s greatest civilizations, and get to know the mighty queens of the New Kingdom period, beginning with Nefertari (who reigned from 1539- 1514 B. C.) and culminating with Cleopatra who lost her life to the Roman empire in 30 B.C. Learn about the hidden role of women in all aspects of Egyptian society, and follow in the footsteps of women in their daily lives and into the tombs on their journeys to reach the afterlife.

The exhibition blends contemporary technology with ancient objects, and features more than 300 incredible artifacts, including monumental sculptures, sparkling jewelry, and impressive sarcophagi. Visit a spectacularly decorated, two-level catacomb, and don a pair of 3-D virtual reality glasses to tour one of the most beautiful and well-preserved tombs in the Valley of the Queens.

The final grand chamber features 12 sarcophagi, arranged so that both container and contents can be seen. This exhibit has something for everyone interested in the powerful, mysterious, and fascinating culture of the ancient Egyptian Empire.

General Information

• Meet your Associate Rep by the Information Desk, no later than listed start time.
• While   there is metered street parking and several parking lots and garages near the museum, space is limited, your best bet is using METRO.

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Smithsonian Journeys Consumer Reviews

VIRGINIA -- We had the opposite experience with Smithsonian. We had booked a family trip to Yellowstone in 2020, which of course was cancelled because of the pandemic. We chose to roll over our deposit instead of taking a refund. In 2021, the no one else had signed up due to the continued pandemic, so we rolled it over again. In July 2022 we had a fabulous trip to Yellowstone with our grandson. Throughout our experience we were able to talk to a Smithsonian representative personally. We were contacted about adjusting the date of our trip one week earlier to be sure the trip would go. Smithsonian was dealing with travel chaos, just as we were. They were very professional and courteous, as we were with them.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS -- In February 2021, we reserved a trip run by Smithsonian Journeys to Normandy, France, scheduled to take place October 2 - 10, 2021. A deposit of $1,000 was sent to Smithsonian Journeys, who used AHI Travel to book hotels and airlines for the trip. We paid a total of $14,476 by check and credit card to AHI Travel for the full cost of the trip including Airline reservations in July and August, the last payment was made on August 3.

On August 25 we received notice that Smithsonian had cancelled the trip because the U.S. Department of State rated travel to France as "Advisory Level 4", DO NOT TRAVEL. Smithsonian offered the option of a full refund, which we took. Smithsonian refunded our $1,000 deposit within two weeks, but as of yet, we have not received the remainder of the funds from AHI Travel. They are claiming that it will take of to 8-weeks for the refund, but $6,300 of the $14,476 we paid to AHI was paid by them to Air France for air travel.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, "If a passenger is owed a refund, an airline, travel agent, or online travel agency must process it within seven business days if the passenger paid by credit card, and 20 business days if the passenger paid by cash or check".

The Normandy trip was not the first trip we have taken with Smithsonian travel and we have previously been happy with their service. However, based on our experience on the Normandy reservation, we would not recommend booking travel with Smithsonian Journeys and AHI Travel.

WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA -- My friend and I booked this trip as a "reunion" with our college buddies. We paid the deposit $1,000.00 on 11/15/19. Then Covid came along, and the trip was cancelled. We chose to have them keep the deposit in anticipation that we could make the next trip. The year 2020 passed, and in late May, 2021, they notified us we could make the trip in October. We talked with our friends, and found out that they had talked to Smithsonian about us all changing our trip to an earlier time slot. Then we found that AHI Travel (awful), booked my friend and I on a different date from our friends in Arizona. We tried to get it changed, and long story short, they finally had an opening on the other date, but did not notify us until mid September with sailing in October.

It had all been a nightmare and a mess, which they caused. We declined the new sailing date, and they have declined to return our $1,000.00 deposit. 2019-2021, and through no fault of ours they refuse. DO NOT TAKE A TRIP WITH THESE PEOPLE. I have travelled for 20 years, and never had such a terrible experience, lack of communication, and refusal to work with us.

Smithsonian Journeys suck!!! Would like to give them zero stars but unfortunately this is not an option. Booked a Peru family adventure trip through Smithsonian Journeys in August 2017. Got confirmation, paid trip in full. Few weeks later got an email from Thomson adventures - the company that Smithsonian had contracted to provide the actual trip - notifying us that Smithsonian Journeys had canceled our trip.

Smithsonian Journeys didn't even had the guts to call us personally to inform of cancellation. Smithsonian Journeys never apologized for the cancellation either. Luckily Thomson Adventures stepped up and offered to take us to the same trip minus Smithsonian lecturers. Turns out that Thomson Adventures never cancel - not for any reason. We had a wonderful trip thanks to the Thomson Adventures.

Shame on Smithsonian Journeys. Don't ever book the trip with Smithsonian Journeys - check out which tour operator they use and book directly with the tour operator. Thomson adventures and Tauck tours are good options - they don't cancel. Have never disappointed us.

TENNESSEE -- I had to cancel a trip with Smithsonian Journeys due to issues with the coronavirus. I cancelled it 6 months in advance. They will not refund my deposit! They want to transfer it to a future trip. I am very futile find that my respect for the Smithsonian is misplaced.

CAMBRIDGE, MA, MASSACHUSETTS -- In October of 2005 my wife and I booked a trip to Peru with Smithsonian Journeys located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The trip is scheduled for May, 2006. We selected this tour because of a great interest in the ruins of Machu Picchu and because it was one of the very few tours that included a stay in Sanctuary Lodge which is the ONLY hotel located within the walls of Machu Picchu. As one of the seven wonders of the modern world, it was CRITICALLY important to us to stay in that facility to achieve our travel desires. We paid a deposit of $500 for each of us.

Over a month later we noticed in one of the brochures from the company that the tour would NOT be staying in Sanctuary Lodge but in another facility some miles away from the monument itself. When I called the company to inquire about this change in January, 2006 I was told that the company uses several different hotels for that part of the trip and they were not going to use Sanctuary Lodge on this trip. I told them that staying at Sanctuary Lodge was the ONLY reason we selected this tour and that if the tour was not going to stay at Sanctuary Lodge we would like to cancel our participation in the tour and have our deposits returned. They refused to do so.

After a series of letters were exchanged they continued to refuse to refund our deposit offering only “travel vouchers” for another tour. In NONE of the letters does the company deny having switched hotels without notification. Obviously, this is unacceptable to us since we believe that Smithsonian Journeys used a form of “bait and switch” and we can NEVER trust this company again. We are experienced travelers and we have never been treated in such a shoddy manner by any other tour operator.

We believe this “bait and switch” tactic to be unethical and the failure to refund our deposits is, at the very least, a terrible business practice. We would like to alert you to the practices of this company as we believe them to be totally unacceptable for any legitimate travel agent.

Letters Written by Ancient Roman Commanders Have Been Found in a Pet Cemetery in Egypt

Discovered among the graves of hundreds of cats, dogs and monkeys, the correspondence was likely written by centurions in the first century

Sonja Anderson

Daily Correspondent

An ancient pet cemetery in Egypt is becoming a gold mine for rare Roman history. Alongside its carefully constructed graves of more than 200 beloved cats, dogs and monkeys, archaeologists have now found letters handwritten 1,900 years ago by Roman centurions stationed nearby.

Though Rome controlled Egypt for centuries—from the year 30 to the mid-600s—few Roman sites still exist in the region, lead researcher Marta Osypińska, an archaeologist at Poland’s University of Wrocław ’s Institute of Archaeology, tells Science in Poland ’s Ewelina Krajczyńska. The burial ground, which dates back to the first and second centuries, is located in Berenike , a Red Sea port in southern Egypt built by Roman Emperor Tiberius .

Osypińska’s team first discovered the cemetery in 2011, and they’ve been slowly excavating it since then. Among the burials of cats, dogs and exotic monkeys, researchers have found ceramics, Roman coins and now, several letters written on papyrus by military officers who commanded units of Roman legions.

According to a statement by the University of Wrocław, these “priceless sources of knowledge about the ancient inhabitants of Berenike” are from the era of Emperor Nero , a cruel Roman ruler of the mid-first century. During his reign, Berenike was a hub of cross-continental trade, through which goods from India, Arabia and East Africa flowed, Osypińska says in the statement. The port was home to regional merchants, Roman higher-ups in charge of trading and—as historians have long suspected but never before proven—a unit of the Roman military.

The newly-found correspondence contains several names of presumed Roman centurions: Haosus, Lucinius and Petronius. In one letter, Petronius asks Lucinius, who is stationed in Berenike, about the prices of some exclusive goods, Osypińska tells Science in Poland . Petronius writes that he’s sending money via “dromedarius,” a unit of Roman soldiers traveling on camels, and tells Lucinius to provide the soldiers with veal and tentpoles.

Researchers believe ancient Romans likely kept the papyri in a nearby office which was later destroyed, accidentally distributing its contents over the pet cemetery, as McClatchy ’s Aspen Pflughoeft writes. Excavators found the papyrus in rolled fragments, which they showed to Rodney Asta, an expert of ancient inscriptions, who pieced together a page approximately one and a half feet long and a foot wide, Osypińska tells Science in Poland . Among the animal graves, researchers have found countless ostracons —pieces of pottery etched with writing—but the papyri are the first paper texts to be found on-site.

The letters are the latest evidence of advanced Roman trade to be found in the cemetery, per the statement: The skeletons of several buried monkeys, recently identified as macaques native to India, show that Romans imported non-utilitarian animals across oceans. These primates, along with long-haired cats and miniature dogs, were “elite pets,” and many were buried with toys, ceramics or other animal companions.

As Osypińska notes in the statement, it may seem difficult to reconcile the image of commanders of an ancient foreign legion with such animals, which were “treated as family members.”

“However, our findings unequivocally show that the military elite surrounded themselves with elite pets and led an exclusive lifestyle,” she adds.

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Sonja Anderson is a writer and reporter based in New York City.

Do you need a visa to go to Egypt?

Sep 3, 2023 • 4 min read

Most travelers need a visa to visit Egypt, but you'll soon get to see the Pyramids of Giza © SrdjanPav / Getty Images

Almost all travelers require a visa to enter Egypt, but fortunately, the process is pretty simple, and a little advance planning goes a long way.

This guide will walk you through the entry requirements for visiting the land of pyramids on a tourist visa.

Who needs a visa to visit Egypt?

Most nationalities need a visa to enter Egypt, but citizens of many countries can apply for an e-Visa in advance or obtain a visa on arrival at Egypt’s international airports. Both cost US$25.

Getting an e-Visa is generally a smoother process than getting a visa at the airport. Apply for a tourist visa online in advance on  the Egyptian Government's official e-Visa website . All you have to do is fill out the online application form and pay.

If you decide to get a visa at the airport when you land in Egypt, be prepared to wait in line – bring your own pen to fill out the paperwork in line or on the plane – and pay in cash (US dollars, euros or British pounds only, not Egyptian pounds).

Citizens of Bahrain, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Macau, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates can enter Egypt visa-free for up to 90 days. Citizens of Malaysia can enter for up to 14 days.

If you're not eligible to get a visa on arrival or an e-Visa, head to the Egyptian embassy or consulate in your home country and apply in person. The visa process can take several weeks.

How to get an e-Visa for Egypt

To save time, apply for an e-Visa before your trip to Egypt. Citizens of these countries are eligible for Egypt’s e-Visa and can apply on the Egyptian government's official website . Your passport must be valid for at least six months before the date you intend to arrive. 

The process is simple: sign up for an account, fill the form and pay the US$25 using a credit or debit card. You’ll receive email notifications as the application is processed.  

If you’re issued a visa, you’ll be emailed a link to your e-Visa to download and print the document. When you land in Egypt, present the e-Visa to the Egyptian border patrol with your passport. Have a copy of your accommodation details or tour booking in case you’re asked to show them at the airport.

Egypt’s e-Visa can be single or multiple entry. The single-entry visa allows visitors one entry into the country for stays of up to 30 days. The multiple-entry visa allows travelers to come into  Egypt an unlimited number of times over a period of 180 days and for up to 30 days at a time. Apply for a multi-entry visa at least seven days before your trip.

Visa on arrival in Egypt

If you don’t have time to apply for an e-Visa, you can still get a visa on arrival at the airport if you’re eligible. Visas are available for purchase (US$25) at a kiosk in the arrivals hall before the immigration counters. 

Have the correct amount in cash in a major foreign currency (US dollars, euros or British pounds) to avoid delays.

The visa comes in the form of a stamp that you’ll need to put into your passport to present at the immigration counters and passport control. 

If you opt for a visa on arrival, you’ll need a passport that’s valid for at least six months from your arrival date, a travel itinerary and documentation to show you've booked accommodations or tours.

Visa on arrival is available at all of Egypt’s international airports. The downsides are that you can be issued a single entry visa only, and the lines at the airport can be long.

You don't need a visa to stay in Sinai on short trips

If you are visiting the resort towns on the Gulf of Aqaba coast and won’t be going to mainland Egypt, you can stay in Sinai for 14 days without buying an Egyptian visa. The Sinai-only visa allows travellers to visit Sharm El Sheikh , Dahab , Nuweiba , Taba and St Catherine, but you cannot go to Ras Muhammad National Park.

The Sinai-only visa is available at the airport in Sharm El Sheikh and the Egypt–Israel border crossing at Taba. If you arrive at Taba and plan to visit mainland Egypt, you must purchase a visa online in advance or at an Egyptian embassy abroad.

This article was first published Jun 26, 2022 and updated Sep 3, 2023.

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