My husband and I are taking a tour in June. 4 days in Cairo and a 7 night river cruise. I know it will be REALLY hot so I am wondering what kind of clothes? Are shorts acceptable as most places? Are skirts better than pants for women?

Shorts (those to the knee) for women are fine while on the Nile Cruise, even at the temple stops along the river. While in Cairo city, best with loose fitting crop pants, short-sleeve shirts; likewise at the Pyramids/Giza, Sakkara, Memphis, etc. Skirts work if you are comfortable wearing them.

Egyptian men don't wear and it's not suggested that male visitors wear shorts... considered "underwear" - so loose fiting pants also good for men when touring. Men can probably get away with a pair of short on the Nile cruise boat only.

While June will be quite hot during daytime hours, Cairo cools a bit a night, more so when on the Nile... temps can drop 20-30/degrees, so suggest at least a shawl or sweater. The boat cabins are air-conditioned.

Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat (covering back of neck), use SPF, wear comfy shoes for the uneven and often sandy grounds and ALWAYS have water with which is available and inexpensive. Most boat cabins have a fridge where you can keep water bottles to chill and even freeze for your later shore excursions.

ditto what sandi said!

While I did wear pants in and around Cairo, I often found skirts to be a little more comfortable - especially in the summer (altho pants were better at the pyramids). My husband liked the pants that zip off at the knees because it gave him more flexibility. The Nile cruises are a little more relaxed in terms of dress, as are the beach resorts.

sandi - you know......you, me, and Debbie (oh - and Scotsgirl) really should get together and write all this down in a book! I bet Percy would pick up the tab!!!

Grcxx3, do you mean we'd have to work when doing what we do here is simply fun! Not sure if Fodor's has an Egypt guide, but if so or will... maybe we can edit it!

<<Not sure if Fodor's has an Egypt guide, but if so or will... maybe we can edit it! >>

Not a bad idea!!!!

(oh - but will Percy still pick up the tab for our collaborative effort???? )

percy is definately on the tab

sorry I let the side down for a while there, was a bit missing in action - terminally ill elderly relative so not much time for anything other than a few hours sleep.

She's stabilised for now so im back recommending long shorts again

Scotsgirl