What are the dates for SACRED JOURNEY TO EGYPT?

  • Pre-Pilgrimage Retreat & Nile Temple Pilgrimage: Sept 22th - Oct 9th, 2024

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 -30 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.

 Is travel insurance required?

  • Due to a rise in unsettled medical bills from foreign travelers, Egypt encourages all foreigners visiting the country to purchase medical travel insurance. We also strongly recommend that all participants obtain short-term traveler insurance covering lost baggage, accident/life, and trip cancellation.

  • Below are a couple of options that have been helpful for us. Contact them for a quote: 

What does the investment for the PILGRIMAGE include?

  • All 5-star accommodations: 10 nights in hotels and 4 nights on the cruise

  • Ground transportation (for dates of the Piligrmage only) and domestic flights  

  • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner from Sept 25th - Oct 7th as well as breakfast on Oct 8th. (note you will need to cover food outside these meals)

  • Visits to Seti I temple, Ramses II temple, Denderah, Luxor temple, 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, Philae, Egyptian Museum, Khan el- Khalili bazaar with magical surprises along the way.

  • Private visits to Amun temple, Sehkmet temple, Horus Temple, Philae Temple, Abu Ghurab, Sakkara, Great Pyramid, and the Sphinx.

Can I come to the pilgrimage for just a few days?

  • Our pilgrimage is an intimate experience curated for a limited amount of guests who choose to join us for the entire experience.

How many people will be attending?

  • The Pre-Pilgrimage Retreat & Nile Temple Pilgrimage is capped at 70 people.

Can I choose who I share a room with on the Pilgrimage?

  • The Pilgrimage accommodations consist of shared rooms, each equipped with two beds. If you are traveling with someone and wish to room together, you can inform us in your application process so we can assign you together.

  • In the case you are traveling alone, we will be pairing you with another journeyer to share a room. We will host community meeting Zoom calls to assist in organizing room shares.

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). It is 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. Refrain from photographing 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 late September and early October, the daily weather remains reliably dry, sunny, and rather warm. Daytime temperatures rise to approximately 83°F - 102°F, and fall to a minimum of 65°F - 75°F overnight.

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)

  • Camera(s)

  • Small Flashlight

  • Journal & pens/ pencils

  • Snacks and/or snack bars

  • 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

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.

  • It is suggested to bring electrolytes, chlorophyll, trace minerals, and/ or shilajit for assist in optimal hydration.

  • 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 and it is suggested to exchange money upon arrival to the airport. If you bring cash, it is important that they are clean, crisp newer bills of $20 and up. Sometimes worn bills aren’t accepted. 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 so this is generally where cash is highly useful.

Will there be internet access?

  • Mena House hotels, Al Moudira, and the Cataract have a business center and internet access in the rooms. The cruise ships also have internet access.

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 is the CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY?

  • For the Pre-Pilgrimage Retreat, you have one week from the date of purchase to cancel your conference registration and request a full refund. Please send your cancellation request via email to commune@academyoforaclearts.com.

  • For the Pilgrimage, if you cancel before April 21, 2024,  you will receive a refund of 75% off the remaining $7897 payment. If you cancel after this date, you will not be entitled to a refund.

  • You can find the full payment terms here.