When it comes to picking the perfect time for your Egypt vacations and other Africa tours, the weather is one of the most important things to think about. Egypt experiences mild to very hot temperatures year-round, especially when you are farther inland. The most pleasant weather can be experienced from October through April, which is also when the country gets the most visitors. Egypt's peak tourist season starts in December and continues through January, so prepare to contend with some crowds at famous sites like the Pyramids of Giza and Temples of Luxor.

Temperatures soar well into the nineties from May through September. If hot weather is right up your alley and summertime trips to Egypt call you, you'll be rewarded with fewer crowds at the country's most famous sites. Just keep in mind that Ramadan also occurs during the summer months, and shops and attractions tend to close a bit early during this time.

Egypt calls to mind pyramids, pharaohs, sphinxes, and tombs, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to experience these iconic sites during Egypt tours with us. When you choose our Egypt guided tour packages, you'll travel to the country's can't-miss destinations securely while enjoying in-depth guidance from an expert Egyptologist, who'll be with you every step of the way.

Main cities are the places to discover how ancient history mingles with modern life on Egypt tour packages. Here a few sites to marvel at on our Egypt & the Nile tour:

• The Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx in Giza, which are two of the top destinations in Egypt
• The Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa in Alexandria, Egypt’s second-largest city
• The Aswan High Dam in Aswan
• The Museum of Egyptian Antiquities and a beautiful array of Islamic architecture in Cairo

Of course, one of the best ways to see all that Egypt has to offer is from the storied Nile, which passes some of the country's most famous sites. Hop aboard a Nile River cruise on our Egypt vacations to see:

• The Temples of Karnak and Luxor
• The West Bank
• The Valley of the Kings
• Edfu’s Temple of Horus
• The Temple of Kom Ombo

Thanks to the rich soil of the Nile River Valley and the Delta, Egypt's cuisine is supplemented by bountiful harvests of vegetables, fruits, and legumes. Popular ingredients you'll taste on Egypt group tours include fava beans, lentils, chickpeas, eggplant, zucchini, onions, tomatoes, cabbage, and citrus fruits. Spices like cumin, coriander, and cardamom are typical in many Egyptian dishes, as is a clarified butter called ghee.

Lunch is the biggest meal of the day. While meals usually center around vegetables and stews, some meat dishes are also popular. Here are some of the bites to seek out on trips to Egypt:

• Lamb kebabs
• Skewered, spiced meat patties called kofta
• Eish baladi, Egyptian bread that's similar to pita bread and is commonly used to scoop up food
• A hearty dish called kushari, which is a mixture of pasta, rice, chickpeas, lentils, tomato sauce, and fried onions
• Baba ghanoush
• Falafel
• Stuffed grape leaves
• Fish from the Red Sea
• Tea, the national drink, which is offered at breakfast, after lunch, and in most social situations

Keep in mind that you should only drink bottled water on Egypt guided tours. It's best not to drink tap water, including when brushing your teeth, and you should avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they are cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.

Group travel to Egypt is always amazing, but having the right stuff in your suitcase makes every trip better! The country experiences high temperatures and many iconic sites are in desert locations, so a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and light layers will help protect you from the sun. If you're traveling between October and April, bring a warmer layer for when the temperatures dip in the evenings.

Even when it's hot out, it's best to be respectful of the more conservative customs in the country by covering shoulders and knees. Don't fret—you can still stay relatively cool by taking a page from the ancient Egyptians and wearing light, breathable fabrics like linen! And, get ready to explore all Egypt has to offer by packing a sturdy pair of walking shoes.

Toss a small bottle of hand sanitizer and tissues in your day bag, just in case; you'll be happy you have them if you come upon a public restroom where other facilities aren't available. Pack a small first-aid kit in your carry-on, and be sure to ask your healthcare provider about any over-the-counter medications you plan to bring with you as some may not be permitted in Egypt.