In the Wake of Cleopatra

Egypt's climate is hot and dry most of the year. During the winter months (Dec-Feb), average daily temperatures are in the upper 60s°F on the Mediterranean coast and in the 80s°F in Aswan. In spring and fall, daytime temperatures can get up to the 90s°F. It can be quite cool in the evening, especially when on the Nile River (and please note: there is no heat aboard the L’Orient). From January through March, the temperature is cooler, down to the 50s°F and 60s°F during the day, and dropping much lower at night, sometimes into the low 40s°F. Egypt has a very dry climate, which makes a temperature of 80°F feel much cooler than it would in a humid, tropical climate.

Our home base for five nights is the 100-foot dahabiya L'Orient, a traditional Nile sailboat built at the end of the 19th century and completely refitted in 2003. She is air conditioned and has two decks and four double or twin cabins and one suite with private baths. The L'Orient is sail-powered only, but will use motor-boat assistance in cases of low wind. Public spaces on L'Orient include an interior lounge and a large shaded deck where meals are served. There are electrical outlets in the cabins for charging batteries. (You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter). Meals are on board the L'Orient. Bottled water is available on board as well as tea and coffee. A selection of imported wine and beer is available for purchase. There is no corkage fee for trip members who bring their own.

Please note that internal flights in Egypt are known for delays and changes. Some of our internal flights may depart very early in the morning or arrive late at night, so please be prepared for the possibility of early wake-up times and later check-in times. Even though we strive to book the best-available flights for all our departures, changes in weather, overbooking, and other factors beyond our control can also result in delays or flight changes, even with confirmed reservations. We appreciate your patience, flexibility, and willingness to embrace change with a sense of adventure.

Some of our departures may coincide with Ramadan, the holiest month of the Islamic calendar. Ramadan is a deeply spiritual time for Muslims, during which they abstain from food, drink, and smoking from sunrise to sunset. Working hours are often shortened so folks can return home in time to break their fast with family and friends. Rest assured that you'll be able to eat and drink during the day at all hotels and restaurants we visit. Alcoholic beverages are generally available to foreigners and non-Muslims at most hotels. During Ramadan, some shops and sites may operate on reduced hours. If this occurs, we adjust our itinerary accordingly to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Ramadan is a wonderful time to visit this region, offering engagement with a meaningful aspect of local culture. Throughout the month, hotels and restaurants host special “Iftar” meals (the fast-breaking dinner at sunset) and “Sahoor” (the pre-dawn meal), often accompanied by festive decor. Visitors to Egypt will see streets adorned with colorful lights and decorations, especially in traditional areas such as the Al-Hussein Mosque. Lanterns, known as “fawanees,” hang from doorways and storefronts, a tradition dating back nearly 1,000 years when the lanterns were used to light processions celebrating the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the start of Ramadan. Today, they remain a beloved symbol of the season throughout the Arab world-much like a Christmas tree during the holiday season. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.