Blog

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Tarot Tour Operation team
Field Notes

An Insider’s Take on Managing On-Ground Operations During Uncertainty

Meet Rania Abu Shady, Operations Director at Tarot Tours. Rania has been with Tarot Tours through some of Egypt’s most defining moments: the January 25th Revolution, the troubling years that followed, and the global pandemic. She’s the person to handle every part of a journey and still find time to

Islands in Egypt
Navigation

5 Best Islands in Egypt: Red Sea & Nile Escapes

Scattered along the Nile and across the Red Sea, Egyptian islands offer escapes from the bustling mainland.  Each island has its own character. Some are colored with coral reefs.  Some are rich with ancient history.  Others are vibrant with living flora.  And a few offer more premium, secluded experiences. Here

Tarot Tours Partnerships, Tarot Tours Sustainability
Featured

Traveling with Intention: Why Our Partnerships Matter as Much as Our Journeys

At Tarot Tours Garranah, every journey begins with a simple belief: travel should enrich places, not extract from them. This principle shapes not only the itineraries we design, but also the partnerships we choose to build. Sustainability, for us, is not limited to routes, sites, or logistics. It lives in

An assortment of traditional Egyptian drinks
Featured

Sip Like a Local: Egyptian Drinks You Can’t Miss

A traditional Egyptian drink starts with one natural ingredient. A flower, a pod, a grain, or a nut extract. Around it, rituals form. Even adopted traditions, like tea, are remade in Egypt’s own image. In this guide, we explore some of the most popular Egyptian drinks and show you how

Egyptian Baladi Bread
Featured

The Enduring Life of Baladi Bread (Aish Baladi)

From the time of the pharaohs to bustling modern kitchens, baladi bread or Aish Baladi has remained a constant on Egyptian tables. Recipes have evolved.  Ovens have changed.  Neighborhoods have risen, fallen, and begun anew.  Culture itself has been reshaped. Yet through it all, this Egyptian sourdough has stood its

An Egyptian goose standing in front of a temple in Aswan
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The Egyptian Goose in Aswan: The Nile’s Feral Watchman

The Egyptian Goose maintains its vigilant post on the Nile’s verdant islets and along timeless riverbanks. Its presence is both striking and enigmatic. Its figure blends the stature of a goose with the grace of a duck. Chestnut and cream feathers drape it in a mantle of elegance. At times,

A hot Air Balloon in Luxor
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Through the Lens: Experiencing the Luxor Hot-Air Balloon

What started as a simple shoot quickly became something else entirely. A quiet immersion into time itself. That is what Luxor does to you. When you rise in a Luxor hot-air balloon, the experience becomes both journey and documentary. You are floating, weightless, watching history from above as if you

Tarot Tour's Nile Azur cruise ship roaming the Nile
Field Notes

Why Global Tour Operators Win With the Nile

Cruises are not only back; they are expanding.  In 2024, 34.6 million people cruised worldwide, up from 31.7 million the year before. Forecasts for 2025 sit at around 37.7 million passengers, and global capacity is set to grow by another 10 percent between now and 2028 (CLIA, 2025). The scale

Ghost Ghoby swimming in the Coral Reef
Untold Stories

 A Day in the Life of a Ghost Goby

Meet the Reef’s Shyest—and Most Magical—Little Fish What does dawn look like through eyes the size of a sesame seed? Let us take you into the tiny, hidden world of the ghost goby—a shy but fascinating fish found in Egypt’s coral reefs. It’s almost see-through, about the size of your

History of tourism
Featured

We Drew the History of Tourism on a Whiteboard — Here’s What We Learned

Last week at Tarot Tours HQ, we took a break from planning dream journeys to travel somewhere new: the past. During an internal workshop, someone asked a seemingly simple question: “Where did tourism begin?” What followed was a brainstorm that turned into a timeline. Then, naturally, that timeline took over

Tipping, a 10 Egyptian Pounds note
Featured

Tipping in Egypt Made Simple: A Quick Guide to Baksheesh and Currency Conversion

In Egypt, tipping, known locally as baksheesh, is a long-standing tradition rooted in appreciation and hospitality. It’s less about obligation and more about expressing thanks for good service, much like tipping anywhere else in the world. This guide will help you navigate when, where, and how much to tip (plus

The Heartfelt Luxury of The Oberoi Melouk & Malekat Dahabeyas
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The Heartfelt Luxury of The Oberoi Melouk & Malekat Dahabeyas

There’s something about the Nile. A current of stories, a rhythm of life, a pulse that has shaped civilizations and continues to stir the soul of every traveler who drifts upon its waters. And now, with the launch of The Oberoi Melouk & Malekat Dahabeyas, that journey is reimagined—not just

The Day in the Life of a Tour Guide in Egypt
Untold Stories

A day in the Life of a Tour Guide in Egypt: A Love Story with History

Meet Mohamed Aboeloyoun: a true work of art. For Mohamed Aboeloyoun, guiding tours through Egypt’s ancient wonders is more than a job—it’s a lifelong love affair. With 31 years of experience and an infectious passion for history, he transforms each tour into an unforgettable performance, seamlessly blending knowledge, humor, and

Egypt Culture
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Quick Cultural Keys to Egypt: Norms & Ettiquette

Picture yourself wandering through Egypt’s sunlit streets, where ancient traditions blend effortlessly with the hum of modern life. This captivating land offers more than just iconic pyramids and timeless pharaohs; it’s a living, breathing tapestry of culture, customs, and human connection.  To truly experience Egypt, you’ll need more than a

Temple in Aswan
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Navigating Aswan, Egypt: A Complete Travel Guide

Aswan, Egypt, a treasure enveloped along the banks of the Nile, captivates visitors with its ancient wonders and natural beauty. This enchanting city is home to millennia-old temples and modern engineering marvels like the Aswan High Dam. Travelers are drawn to Aswan’s unique charm, where they can explore UNESCO World