golden travel egypt

FAMILY TRIPS

Golden Tours Honeymoon Travel department help you to you to plan your dream honeymoon vacation not only inside Egypt but mainly all across the globe. We manage to recommend, plan and book some of the most fascinating honeymoon destinations in the World. We promise to plan a Honeymoon with memories that last a lifetime.

BUSINESS TRIPS

Golden Tours Corporate department offers a highly experienced team of corporate travel consultants, handling all business travel needs from scheduled and private air travel and hotel reservations through to car and chauffeur hire and rail reservations.

Golden Tours Honeymoon Travel department help you to you to plan your dream honeymoon vacation not only inside Egypt but mainly all across the globe. We manage to recommend, plan and book some of the most fascinating honeymoon destinations in the World. We promise to plan a Honeymoon with memories that last a lifetime.

SIGHTSEEING

Egypt, is our soft spot, it’s where we want to take you around to proudly show off our beautiful heritage. Whether it’s your first or tenth visit we promise you a unique experience every time.

INTERNATIONAL TRIPS

Experience the world with Golden Tours international trips programs. We offer a wide range of suggestions, choices and selections at all world destinations. Our long standing relationship with hotels and airlines enable us to arrange international trips with the lowest possible rates, and special holiday offers.

At Golden Tours we are prepared to take on corporate events in a turn key fashion. Not only do we handle the client company’s travel arrangements but we also take charge of all events logistics and details. Events can include but are not limited to, meetings, conferences, incentive trips and gala dinners. Our professional and qualified staff offer suggestions on venues, rooms, ushers training, relevant equipment as well as event staff selection options. Once an agreement is reached our clients are free to relax and enjoy the event as much as their staff or guests do

Contact us by e-mail at:  [email protected] , send us a request online, or talk to us live through live chat!

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Check out our extensive range of travel services, leisure destinations, business trips, family trips, discover the world with Goldentours.

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Corporate Travel

Golden Tours Corporate department offers a highly experienced team of corporate travel consultants, handling all business travel needs from scheduled and private air travel and hotel reservations through to car and chauffeur hire and rail reservations. We are currently handling travel requirements for top companies and organizations in Egypt & abroad. These range from small to large sized companies covering all industries.

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Things to know

Things to know, 1-documents.

If you are an American or a Canadian, you will need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the day you plan to return from Egypt. You must also provide proof that you intend to return or continue your travels elsewhere. You are responsible to ensure your passport is current and that your name on your passport matches all other travel documents we will issue. If you find that your name differs between any documents, please let us know right away.

Egypt is very dry in some places and very wet in others. Be prepared for a hot and dry climate. It can get cold in the northern regions if you happen to visit in the Winter. Most tourists visit during the cooler months from December to February.

February to April as well as October to November is the best time of the year climate-wise to see the pyramids and Valley of the Kings. It can be very hot and dusty in April because of winds blowing in from the Sahara, so visiting sites can be a bit of a problem during that month.

Updated weather forecasts can be obtained from Weather.com.

3-CLOTHING FOR WOMEN

In general, for women traveling to Egypt, anything that is below the knee should be fine. Short sleeves should be fine as well, but nothing too short or too tiny. You do not need to cover your head in Egypt but do dress modestly. Wear pants or long skirts. In the summertime it is hot, so loose-fitting pants are going to be more comfortable than a pair of skinny jeans. It is also dusty and dirty, so white clothing will appear soiled far more quickly than clothing of other colors.

4-INSURANCE

It is a good idea to have insurance in case of a need to cancel your trip or any medical need while abroad. Most insurance policies also cover baggage loss/damage or problems completing the trip due to circumstances beyond your control. Get a policy that provides medical coverage to avoid large health care expenses in an emergency. We can help you find the right insurance policy for your trip with us.

5-VACCINATIONS

There are currently no vaccinations required to travel to Egypt.

There have been some occurrences of “Bird Flu” (avian influenza) in Egypt. We recommend that you:

* Avoid going to live animal farms or poultry markets * Avoid eating eggs or poultry that have not been fully cooked * Wash your hands regularly * See a doctor if you feel any symptoms of the flu coming on while traveling or after you return home

You will need a visa to travel to and inside Egypt. You can get one when you arrive at the Cairo airport. We can include visa fees and proceeds in your itinerary upon request. When you leave Egypt, you must show proof of entry via a stamp on your valid passport. If you don’t provide this stamp, officials may prevent you from leaving Egypt.

We recommend that you bring about $100 US per person for each day’s expenses. Small bills are best to tip waiters, porters, and housekeeping. Tipping is at your discretion based on your satisfaction with the service you receive.

The Egyptian currency is called the “Egyptian Pound” (guinay in Arabic). Notes come in denominations of 5pt, 10pt, 25pt, 50pt, E£1, E£5, E£10, E£20, E£50 and E£100. Coins come in denominations of 10pt, 20pt, 25pt, 50pt, and E£1. Some tour operators and hotels only accept US dollars or Euros.

Get your Egyptian Pound currency from your own bank before leaving or from an Egyptian bank machine. Those methods are cheaper than in the airport currency exchange or in tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but your bank card may or may not be valid in-country.

8-ELECTRICITY, INTERNET, PHONE

Egypt’s power grid is set up for 220V AC. Some rural areas only have 110V AC. Sockets are either the “Type C” Europlug or the “Type E” and “Type F” Schuko plug. You’ll need to purchase an adapter for devices from North America. Outlets marked as 110V or “For Shavers Only” won’t work for devices not rated for 110V and may even damage them.

Mobile phone roaming charges are different between carriers, so be sure to check on costs with your phone provider in each area you’ll travel to.

The large cities such as Dahab, Luxor, Cairo, and Alexandria have many Internet cafes where you can pay to use the WiFi or wired network ports. Some small towns like Siwa have at least one Internet cafe. Hotel in-room or lobby WiFi can be expensive, so check the rates before connecting to their services. Goluxor tours will not have control over which hotels have Internet access, but we do have information on which establishments are likely to provide it. We can help you find contact information to get in touch with the properties directly and ask what they make available.

* Time Zone: UTC + 2 * Electricity: 220V AC + 110V in certain rural areas * Telephone: Country code for calling you from outside Egypt is 20 * Calling North America: Dial 00 + 1 and your 10 digit number * Emergency numbers in Egypt: Police: 122; Tourist Police: 126; Ambulance: 123; Fire: 125

9-MEDICINES

Make a list of all the medicines and medical items you need to bring with you on your trip, plus dosages of prescription drugs, details of prescription glasses and contacts, and any other medical necessities. Put spare eyewear and medications in checked and carry on bags in case some of your luggage gets lost in transit.

There are non-prescription, over-the-counter medicines available in Egypt, but it is often difficult to get prescription medication or eyewear. Bring water purification devices or iodine tablets in case bottled water is not available. We can advise which locations will have potable vs. non-potable water. We strongly recommend bringing some type of over-the-counter diarrhea medication.

Medical Needs Checklist

* Basic first aid and medicine kit (band-aids, antiseptics, pain meds) * Pepto-Bismol, Imodium, electrolyte powders for adding to drinking water to solve dehydration problems, and anti-diarrheal medications * Anti-itch cream for insect bites and allergies Tablets for motion sickness * SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, aloe-vera lotion for sunburn treatment, large-brim hat, lip balm, insect repellent, and sunglasses * Hand sanitizer and baby wipes

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Egypt Trips & Tour Packages

Awesome ancient wonders, endless golden sands and atmospheric local souqs make Egypt the ultimate travel destination.

You’ve got to see it to believe it in Egypt – the chaos of Cairo (seriously, this city never stops); the bustling bazaars; the imposing glory of the Pyramids of Giza, and the world’s most famous lion with a human head (the iconic Sphinx).Only in Egypt can you sail into the sunset on a felucca cruise along the Nile, marvel at the world's most spectacular temple complexes, wander through Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, and then float facing towards the sky in the glittering expanse of the Red Sea. Take a moment as time stands still in Egypt.

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Egypt at a glance

Capital city.

Cairo (population 9.4 million)

107.5 million

Egyptian pound (EGP)

(GMT+02:00) Cairo

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin)

Learn more about Egypt

Best time to visit egypt.

Egypt is blessed with lots of sunshine and very little rain. Generally, the hottest months are June to August, and the coolest month is January. Rainfall is negligible, except on the coast, with rain usually occurring during the winter months (December to March).

During the summer months (from June to August), daily temperatures can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) - perfect for snorkeling and soaking up the sun on the beaches of Sinai, but can prove challenging for some in the crowded streets and souqs of Cairo.

Choose to escape the crowds by traveling from March to May or September to November when the weather is milder, and there's the opportunity to experience Egypt during Ramadan and the celebrations of Eid (which marks the breaking of the fast). If you are planning to travel during Ramadan, it's important to consider that many restaurants and shops will either be closed or operating at reduced hours.

Read more about the best time to visit Egypt

Culture and customs

Life in Egypt has been in a state of flux since the 2011 revolution. Many of the issues that motivated so many to take to the streets in protest continue to be points of contention, but Egyptians remain hopeful, relying on religion, family and humor to get them through, like they have for thousands of years. A strong sense of community binds people across the country. Families and communities support each other and there is a prevailing sense that everyone is in it together. For all these reasons, most express great pride in being Egyptian, despite their nation’s recent turmoil.

As a largely Muslim country (about 90% of the population is Muslim while most of the remaining 10% identify as Coptic Christian), Islam permeates daily activities. Life revolves around the five daily prayers and everything is closed on Friday, the Muslim holy day. A wide array of cultural norms, including how people dress and interact with the opposite sex, are influenced by religion. Women are largely defined by their role as a mother and matron of the house, whereas men are expected to be the provider.

Many Egyptians consider their country the gateway between the West and the rest of the Arab world, and take pride in their ability to mix tradition with modern influences. This mixing is most apparent in major cities, such as Cairo and Alexandria, where American fast-food chains can be found next to traditional cafes, secular attitudes are more common, and pop music rings through city streets.

Food and drink

With fragrant spices, fresh fruit and vegetables, and delicious sweets on offer, culinary adventures in Egypt are guaranteed. On many Intrepid trips you'll be given the opportunity to dine with a local family – this offers a great chance to see how meals are prepared and learn more about the ingredients.

Things to try in Egypt

1. Hamam mahshi

A north African delicacy, hamam – roasted pigeon stuffed with cracked wheat and rice – can be found on the menu of most traditional Egyptian restaurants. You may need a few to fill up though, as they don’t contain a lot of meat. And be careful of all the tiny bones.

2. Ta'ameya (falafel)

Crunchy on the outside, and moist on the inside, these deep-fried balls of spiced fava beans are a Middle Eastern vegetarian staple. Usually served in a pita with salad, pickles, and sesame-based tahina - buy it at a street stall for a quick, cheap meal.

Shops specializing in this popular ‘poor man’s dish’ can be found throughout Cairo. A hearty mix of rice, macaroni and lentils, chickpeas, and fried onions, koshary is topped with a tomato-vinegar sauce.

4. Ful medames

Don't leave Egypt without trying the classic dish of ful medames, which can be traced back to pharaonic times. Consisting of slow-cooked fava beans, served with olive oil, parsley, garlic, and lemon juice - add some spice by seasoning with chili paste and eat with bread.

5. Pastries

Delicious, sweet pastries are found in restaurants, markets, and cafes in Egypt. Never was there a better time to live by the adage ‘Life is short, eat dessert first’.

Egypt is a mostly Muslim country, and any consumption of alcohol here is relatively low-key. There are many fantastic alternatives. Juice stands are common on main streets offering freshly squeezed banana, guava, or mango juice. Karkadai is a chilled, crimson drink brewed from hibiscus leaves (served hot in the winter). And tea (or shai) is the beverage of choice for most Egyptians, which is sipped throughout the day and with meals.

Read more about what to eat in Egypt

Read more about what to drink in Egypt

Geography and environment

Located in the northeast corner of Africa, Egypt shares its borders with Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Libya, and Sudan, as well as the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the east. The two seas are connected by the man-made Suez Canal.

The remote triangle-shaped peninsula is largely characterized by limestone and desert, but also has a vibrant coral reef along the Red Sea coastline. Hot, dry desert covers most of the country’s terrain, with the Western Desert occupying much of the west, and the Arabian (or Eastern) Desert stretching the length of the eastern coast. These two regions are dissected by the Nile River, which runs the length of the country, emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile Valley, a narrow fertile band extending from the river, is the country’s only fertile land and where 98% of the population lives.

History and government

Recent history.

Napoleon Bonaparte, the infamous pint-sized French leader, invaded Egypt in 1798, seeking to set up a French colony. However, not long after, the French were repelled, and Egypt became a part of the Ottoman Empire once again.

From 1882, the British Army occupied Egypt to protect the Suez Canal. Muhammad Ali officially ruled from the early 1800s, and his family and successors continued to rule for decades (alongside and during British occupation) until overthrown by a military coup in 1952.

During World War II, Egypt became a crucial element in Britain's defense. The Italian Army tried to advance into Egypt in 1940 but was stopped by the British Army at Mersa Matruh. Egypt continued to serve as a vital base for British troops during World War II and despite the disruption, Egypt's shopkeepers and retail trade benefitted from the thousands of Allied troops staying in Egypt.

In 1953, Egypt was officially declared a republic, and a year later, Colonel Nasser was declared Prime Minister, then President. In 1979, after decades of confrontation with neighboring Israel, the historic Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty was signed. This agreement made Egypt the first Arab country to officially recognize Israel as a country - a significant step in the peace process. More recently, in February 2011, large-scale protests and mass demonstrations resulted in the removal of President Mubarak after decades of autocratic rule.

Early history

Ancient Egypt has been the focus of much fascination, investigation, speculation, and intrigue. It's hard to escape the education system without having studied Ancient Egypt in some way. Drawn in by the mighty pyramids, mysterious hieroglyphics, distinct burial rituals and animal-headed gods - scholars, students, historians, and travelers are all amazed by this civilization which has endured cycles of dynastic rule, invasion, and natural disasters.

Through key archaeological finds, historians have been able to unravel some of the mysteries of this great land. What is known is that the daily life of the average Egyptian usually involved working in agriculture with the waters of the Nile providing fertile ground for planting crops. Egyptians usually lived in modest homes with children and domestic pets. Professions were usually inherited - so if your father was a farmer, then so were you.

While most Egyptians led simple lives, dynasties of Pharaohs led lavish lifestyles, with the most well-known being Ramses II, Hatshepsut, Akhenaten, Tutankhamun, and Cleopatra. Huge monuments, imposing pyramids, golden artifacts, and detailed paintings all hold details about pharaonic rule and succession, as well as commonly held beliefs about religion and the afterlife.

Spanning centuries and full of drama worthy of a soap opera, the epic history of Ancient Egypt is complex and we suggest you read about it before visiting.

Top places to visit in Egypt

1. nile river.

Sail down the mighty Nile River on a traditional Egyptian felucca.

Trip: Egypt Experience

Trip: Explore Egypt & Jordan

Dive into the warm, glittering waters of the Red Sea on a snorkeling adventure in Hurghada.

Trip: Jordan & Egypt Express

Trip: Explore Egypt

Trip: Egypt Family Holiday

3. Alexandria

Discover the historic wonders of Alexandria, an ancient port city that locals call the Bride of the Mediterranean Sea.

Trip: Jordan & Egypt Uncovered

Experience the bustling energy of Cairo and shop for souvenirs at Cairo's Khan al-Khalili bazaar.

Trip: Egypt Adventure

5. Mt Sinai

Hike to the summit of Mt Sinai, which many believe is where Moses received the ten commandments.

Trip: Discover Egypt & Jordan

Explore the impressive chapels, pylons and obelisks of Karnak Temple.

Trip: Egypt, Jordan, Isreal & the Palestinian Territories

7. Abu Simbel

These massive monuments dedicated to Ramses II and Queen Nefertari are seriously impressive.

8. Valley of the Kings

King Tut’s treasures may be long gone, but his hieroglyphic-covered tomb remains an incredible sight to see.

Trip: Essential Egypt

Trip: Epic Egypt, Jordan & Isreal & the Palestinian Territories

Trip: Real Egypt & Jordan

Top 10 ancient wonders of Egypt

1. grand designs.

The original grand design - monumental and magnificent - the Pyramids of Giza are an impressive achievement in ancient engineering. Towering above the desert sands and standing proudly for centuries, the first glimpse of these stunning structures will render visitors breathless.

2. Stony enigma

Be captivated by the mysterious aura of the Great Sphinx of Giza. This monolithic mythical beast possesses a lion’s body and a human head - and has sat quietly in the desert sands for eons. Gaze at the Sphinx and try to work out the riddle of its existence.

3. Mighty Nile River

No trip to Egypt is complete without visiting the Nile River - the life force of Egypt that has flowed for centuries. A provider of irrigation, an essential travel route, home to hippos and crocodiles, and now a source of leisure for locals and travelers alike, the Nile is an aquatic link to Egypt’s ancient heritage.

4. Terrific temples

Discover an enormous open-air museum like no other. The awe-inspiring Temples of Karnak are filled with stately statues, immense columns, and gigantic gateways. Explore this intriguing site and be left in no doubt about the brilliance of the ancient Egyptian civilization.

5. Holy mountain

Embark on a trek to the top of Mt Sinai and witness an incredible golden sunrise to remember. A place of worship for many faiths, a pilgrimage to Mt Sinai reveals stunning scenery, an ancient monastery and historic chapels. An iconic highlight of Egypt for believers and non-believers alike, Mt Sinai is not to be missed.

6. Double happiness

Located in the Nile Valley, the unique Temple of Kom Ombo is a ‘double temple’ and a rare archaeological find. Dedicated to two gods, a visit here is a true highlight of an Egyptian escapade. Marvel at the well-preserved wall reliefs, try to decipher the hieroglyphics and honour the craftsmen who created this wonder.

7. Museum magic

Step into a dazzling world of antiquity at the Egyptian Museum. Be amazed by the glittering treasures recovered from King Tutankhamun’s tomb – with jewelry, furniture, chariots and that famous gold funerary mask, this pharaoh was certainly prepared for the afterlife.

8. Roman ruins

The Roman ruins of Kom el-Dikka in Alexandria may not be the biggest, but they are certainly among the best-preserved in Egypt, if not the world. Soak up the atmosphere of the Roman amphitheater and imagine it in all its glory - packed with 800 spectators ready for action.

9. Colossal characters

Near the modern city of Luxor stand the imposing Colossi of Memnon. These massive stone statues of Amenhotep III, while badly damaged, still maintain an unmistakable air of authority. Stand below them and be dwarfed by the scale of these tremendous figures.

10. The ancient heart of Cairo

Wander the cobbled streets of Islamic Cairo and uncover the ancient heart of this chaotic city. Admire mosques, palaces and houses, and peruse the goods on offer at one of the world’s oldest bazaars. Dating back to medieval times, the Khan al-Khalili bazaar is where people have traded goods for centuries.

Souqs – or open-air bazaars – are both the best place to shop in Egypt and attractions in their own right. The biggest and most famous souq is the 500-year-old Khan El Khalili Bazaar in Cairo. Within the maze of narrow streets and laneways lie stalls selling jewelry, glass, copper, spices and artisan goods, along with more standard tourist fare. Quality can vary greatly so spend some time shopping around.

Like many markets around the world, bargaining is the norm, but Egyptians take it to another level. Expect to be offered tea (it can take that long) and for elaborate theatrics from the seller. While bazaars in Cairo tend to sell everything, visit Aswan’s bazaar for spices, incense, and basketwork, and Luxor for cheaply priced alabaster figurines and vases. It's also a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country.

Things to buy in Egypt

You’ll often see spices piled high in bazaars. In addition to making a great photo for Instagram, they’re often a good buy as long as you keep a couple of things in mind. Always buy whole spices rather than ground to ensure freshness and skip the ‘saffron’ – it’s actually safflower and tastes like dust.

2. Glassware

Hand-blown Muski glass, recognizable by its air bubbles, comes in brilliant shades of blue and green and purple and has been made in Egypt since medieval times. Be careful with this purchase though as it’s extremely fragile.

3. Cartouche

A kind of nameplate written in hieroglyphics. Most gold or silver shops sell these and many can customize them by engraving your name.

Festivals and events

Eid al-fitr.

After fasting for an entire month, Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr, or ‘Feast of Breaking the Fast’. For three days, starting on the first day of the tenth month of the lunar calendar, people celebrate with feasts, family, and festivals. Look for vendors selling kahk cookies (nut-filled cookies covered in powdered sugar) while taking in the festivities, a tasty treat synonymous with Eid for many locals.

Eid al-Adha

Arguably the most important holiday in Egypt, the ‘Feast of Sacrifice’ is not one for vegetarians and vegans. About 70 days after Eid al-Fitr, sheep, and goats are slaughtered (often in the middle of the street) for a mighty feast.

Sham el-Nessim

Each year on March 21st, Egyptians celebrate the coming of spring by spending the day outdoors. Join the locals for this ancient holiday by packing a picnic and heading to a park or public garden.

Abu Simbel Sun Festival

As if the two temples dedicated to Ramses II and Queen Nefertari weren’t impressive enough, they were constructed in such a way that twice a year, the sun’s rays reach its innermost chambers and illuminate three stone gods that reside within, while leaving Ptah (god of the underworld) in the dark. And those days just happen to be Ramses’s birthday (October 21) and coronation (February 21). Coincidence? We think not.

Read more about festivals in Egypt

Similar destinations

We have a variety of similar destinations, trips and routes that you could consider! Tie another trip into your holiday, or, see how we can help you get from A to B. We have tours departing from a number of locations across Africa. The options below may be of interest:

Cairo to Madaba

Amman to Madaba

Tours from Cairo

Tours to Cairo

Egypt or Jordan?

Further reading

Egypt travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do you need a visa to travel to Egypt?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Check the Essential Trip Information section of the itinerary for more information.

Is tipping customary in Egypt?

Tipping is customary for pretty much all services in Egypt. A tip of 10–15% is customary at cafes and restaurants and loose change is acceptable for food purchases from street vendors and markets. It’s also a good idea to tip local guides and drivers USD$2.50-3 per day.

What is the internet access like in Egypt?

Internet access is growing in Egypt, with internet cafes and Wi-Fi hotspots becoming increasingly common in large cities, especially Cairo, though access may be limited in smaller towns and remote areas.

Can I use my cell phone in Egypt?

Cell phone coverage is generally good in Egypt’s urban areas, but may not be available in remote and desert areas. Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before leaving home.

What are the toilets like in Egypt?

Squat toilets are most common in Egypt, although Western-style flushable toilets can be found in larger hotels and some tourist areas.

What will it cost for a...?

Egypt's unit of currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). Here's what you can expect to pay for a:

A couple of pastries = EGP 49 Cup of tea or coffee = EGP 35-50 Falafel sandwich from a street stall = EGP 92 Sit-down dinner at a local restaurant = EGP 100-300

Can I drink the water in Egypt?

Drinking tap water isn’t recommended in Egypt. Remember to avoid drinks with ice and to peel fruit before eating it. Help the environment and try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water. Ask your leader or hotel where to find filtered water.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Egypt?

Credit cards are usually accepted by modern hotels, large retailers, and tourist sites but are less commonly accepted by smaller vendors in remote areas. Always carry enough cash for smaller purchases in case credit cards are not an option.

What is ATM access like in Egypt?

ATMs are commonly found in larger cities, like Cairo and Alexandria, near shopping centers, tourist areas, and 5-star hotels, but are far less common in small towns and rural areas. Make sure you have enough cash before leaving urban areas.

What public holidays are celebrated in Egypt?

• 7 Jan: Coptic Christmas
• 28 Apr: Coptic Easter*
• 25 Apr: Sinai Liberation Day
• 28 Apr: Sham el-Nessim*
• 1 May: Labor Day
• 5 Jun: Eid al-Fitr*
• 23 Jul: National Day
• 12 Aug: Eid al-Adha
• 11 Sep: Coptic New Year
• 1 Sep: Islamic New Year*
• 6 Oct: Armed Forces Day
• 10 Nov: Birth of Prophet Mohammed*
• *Please note many of these public holidays are religious holidays and change each year as they are celebrated according to the Islamic lunar cycle. For a current list of public holidays in Egypt go to World Travel Guide's website.

Is Egypt a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

Discretion is advised for LGBTQI travelers in Egypt. Though homosexuality is not officially outlawed, gay men have been prosecuted using debauchery and public morals laws and given long prison sentences. Be aware that signals are ambiguous in Egypt as men commonly hold hands, link arms and greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. As long as you use common sense, travel in Egypt should not be a problem.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex  or ILGA before you travel.

If you are traveling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travelers who do not wish to share a room.

What to wear in Egypt

Summer temperatures can get very high, so light fabrics like linen, cotton and athletic gear made to take the heat are best. If you’re traveling outside of winter, don’t underestimate the cool change that can come in the evenings, especially if you’re spending the night in the desert or on a Nile cruise. Avoid packing anything in white – desert dust will quickly turn those light-colored clothes a not-so-delightful shade of brown.

How will I travel around Egypt?

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Where will I stay in Egypt?

Traveling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavor to provide travelers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When traveling with us in Egypt you may find yourself staying in a:

Felucca Glide down the Nile on a traditional Egyptian felucca; sleep on deck under the stars as the sun slides away for the day - a must-do experience while in Egypt.

Homestay Be welcomed into the home of a local family and experience the cuisine, culture and customs of Egypt firsthand during your stay. A truly authentic travel experience like no other.

Desert camp Travel deep into the White Desert to camp under the stars amid surreal scenery. This is a rare chance to experience the remote wonder and isolation of the Egyptian desert.

With calming Red Sea views and fresh sea breezes, this rustic breach abode is all about life’s simple pleasures.

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What is it like traveling on a small group tour?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or you’re about to embark on your first trip, traveling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organizing amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), traveling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.

Does my trip to Egypt support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to Egypt directly support our foundation partner, Animal Care in Egypt . 

Animal Care in Egypt  

Animal Care in Egypt (ACE) cares for sick or injured working animals, like horses and donkeys, in Upper Egypt. Donations from our trips help ACE provide free veterinary care and fund education programs that empower local people with the knowledge and skills to best look after their animals. 

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Does my Intrepid trip include airfare?

While our Intrepid trips include many modes of transport, from tuk-tuks to overland vehicles, bullet trains and feluccas, airfare to and from your home country is not included in your tour package.

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Golden Egypt

• In-depth Cultural
• Fully Guided
• Personalized
• Christmas & New Year

Places You’ll See

• Explore the historic museums in Cairo
• Learn about the Great Pyramids of Giza
• Marvel at the Karnak Temple in Luxor

Ready-to-book adventures, personalized

Make your adventure more you

Enjoy a tour focused solely on your travel group

Professional

Access our Travel Experts’ insider knowledge

Travel within your own bubble

• Introduction
• Day 1 Airport pick up to hotel in Cairo
• Day 2 Cairo to Luxor
• Day 3 Luxor
• Day 4 Luxor to Cairo
• Day 5 Cairo city tour
• Day 6 Cairo airport transfer

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Where You'll Stay

Adventure type.

• Group of 10 travelers max.
• Fast booking confirmation
• Carefully planned itineraries
• Travel with like-minded people
• Choose your preferred dates and duration
• Upgrade your accommodation
• Customize the itineraries

Customer Photos

Operated by Timeless Tours

We are a travel agency that knows time must be treasured; therefore together with our tour suppliers we aim to provide comprehensive introduction to the history and traditions of the country you are visiting. We offer a range of tours with fully qualified and educated guides to suit every traveller. Not only you will see the famous sights of your chosen destination, we also want you to experience it in depth with local tour guides who were born and bred there. It is vital to us that you have a memorable and authentic experience the tours – by combining the well-trodden tourist spots with moments of real adventure you are fully immersed in the heritage and culture of the country. Since we began, we have helped to create unforgettable travel experiences for thousands of travellers from all over the world. That is down to the quality of our people. Our staff members have extensive and firsthand knowledge of the region and are passionate about what they do. We have a close knit, friendly team who will take care of you on your travels and be there to answer your questions every step of the way. We look forward to welcoming you on your Timeless Tour.

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.3
• Itinerary Excellent 4.5
• Guide Excellent 4.6
• Transport Excellent 4.4
• Accommodation Good 4.0
• Food Good 3.6
• Tour Operator Timeless Tours 4.6
• Most Recent
• Most Popular
• Highest First
• Lowest First

• YF Yulia · 13th January 2020 I was a little disappointed because it seems it was Christmas time and all was very disorganized. The hotels were average, not as they are selling them to you on the tour and one in Luxor was disgusting, dirty as hell and they didn't change us to... Show more Trip date: January 2020

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• August 2025
• September 2025
• October 2025
• November 2025
• December 2025
• January 2026
• February 2026
• Monday 20 May, 2024 Saturday 25 May, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €670 Confirm Dates
• Tuesday 21 May, 2024 Sunday 26 May, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €670 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Wednesday 22 May, 2024 Monday 27 May, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €670 Confirm Dates
• Get Instant Confirmation Thursday 23 May, 2024 Tuesday 28 May, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €670 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Friday 24 May, 2024 Wednesday 29 May, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €670 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Saturday 25 May, 2024 Thursday 30 May, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €670 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Sunday 26 May, 2024 Friday 31 May, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €670 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Monday 27 May, 2024 Saturday 1 Jun, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €670 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Tuesday 28 May, 2024 Sunday 2 Jun, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €670 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h
• Get Instant Confirmation Wednesday 29 May, 2024 Monday 3 Jun, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €670 Confirm Dates Hold space for 48h

Frequently Asked Questions

Travellers arrive from all over the world to begin the tours so it is not possible to include international airfare. You will need to make your own arrangements to get to the meeting destination for the first day of your Timeless Tour.

Most of the Timeless tours include airport transfers. If stated on the itinerary that an arrival transfer is included, you will be picked up from the airport by a representative holding a Timeless Tours sign at the airport on the first day of your tour, at any time you wish. To organise an airport transfer please contact our team of Travel Experts.

It is important that you receive the most accurate and up-to-date travel health information for the region you will be visiting. It is recommended to contact your local GP or Travel Doctor specialist.

It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements & costs from the moment you decide to leave the tour. If you feel this may be necessary for you to join the tour please consult our team of Travel Experts before you book your tour.

Travel insurance is compulsory on this tour, if you have not already organised your travel insurance we recommend World Nomads as just one of many options to choose from.

Depending on the tour you select, dates and hotel availability, it may be possible to arrange additional accommodation pre or post tour. Please contact our team of Travel Experts for further information.

Tipping is not included in the tour price as this is at your own discretion. Your finalised travel documents will include further information in regards to the tour as well as suggestions for tipping amounts.

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Good to Know

• Currency £ Egyptian Pound Egypt

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for Egypt. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Egypt. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Egypt. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Rabies - Recommended for Egypt. Ideally 1 month before travel.
• Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an infected area for Egypt. Ideally 10 days before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 16th July 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 16th July 2024, a minimum payment of 10% is required to confirm your booking with Timeless Tours . The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 65 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Timeless Tours will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Timeless Tours " tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Timeless Tours . Please familiarise yourself with the Timeless Tours payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Book Amazing Private Egypt Tours with Golden Desert Tours

We offer different experiences to explore all Egypt has to offer. Every day is a journey, and your journey starts here.

Top Egypt Travel Deals 2023

Book now & save 10% off.

Our Egypt Travel deals are special packages offered to those who want to experience the wonders of this fascinating country. Whether you’re interested in exploring the ancient pyramids, cruising along the Nile River, or discovering the bustling streets of Cairo, a tour to Egypt will offer you an unforgettable adventure.

3 Days Cairo & Luxor Private Tour Package

3 Days Cairo & Alexandria Private Tour Package

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Tour To Egypt: Experience the Best of Egypt Tours by Category

Egypt vacation packages, egypt day tours, egypt nile river cruises, egypt shore excursions, benefits of booking a egypt tours & packages.

Are you thinking of embarking on a new adventure? A Tour to Egypt might be just the place for you! With its rich history, magnificent landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes, Egypt is a destination that promises to be unforgettable. Here are some of the benefits of booking a Tour to Egypt package.

Expert Guidance

Hassle-free, range of activities, meeting travelers, value for money.

Expert guidance and local knowledge

When you book a Tour to Egypt, you will benefit from an expert guide providing insider knowledge about the country’s history, culture, and customs. Your guide will take you to the most popular tourist destinations in Egypt, such as the Pyramids of Giza, but they can also take you to off-the-beaten-path locations less frequented by tourists. They can also recommend the country’s best restaurants, shops, and experiences.

Hassle-free travel arrangements

Planning a trip to Egypt can be daunting, especially if you are unfamiliar with the country. Booking a Tour to Egypt package can relieve the stress of planning your trip. Your travel agency will handle everything, including accommodations in Egypt, transportation within Egypt, and activities. This way, you can relax and enjoy your vacation without worrying about the logistics.

A diverse range of activities

Egypt has something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, culture, or adventure. A Tour to Egypt package can offer diverse activities, including visiting the pyramids, exploring ancient temples, cruising the Nile River, and riding camels in the desert. You can customize your itinerary to include the activities that interest you the most during your Tour to Egypt, and your tour guide can help you make the most of your time in Egypt.

Meeting like-minded travelers

Booking a Tour to Egypt package is a great way to meet other travelers who share your interests. You will be traveling with a group of people passionate about exploring new places and learning about different cultures in Egypt. This can lead to lifelong friendships and create lasting memories.

Safety and security

Safety and security are important considerations when traveling to any country, especially one unfamiliar. When you book a Tour to Egypt package, your travel agency will have a network of contacts in Egypt who can provide you with up-to-date information about any safety concerns. Your Tour to Egypt guide will also be able to advise you on how to stay safe while exploring the country.

Booking a Tour to Egypt package can offer you value for money, as you can take advantage of group rates for accommodations, activities, and transportation during your Tour to Egypt. Your travel agency can also negotiate discounts, saving you money. Moreover, by booking a Tour to Egypt package, you can avoid the hidden costs that often come with planning your trip, such as unexpected fees for transportation or activities.

Latest Travel Tips, Guides about Traveling to Egypt

Here are a few interesting posts to ancient history, modern culture, or natural beauty, Egypt has something to offer everyone.

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Most related faqs to tour to egypt, is travel to egypt safe.

There is no warning from the British Foreign Office not to go to Cairo, Alexandria, the tourist areas along the Nile, Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada on the Red Sea. People also believe that the part between the Nile and the Red Sea is mostly safe.

Can I get a visa on arrival in Egypt?

Most travelers, including people with US and UK passports, need an Egypt visa. Americans and people from 40 other countries can obtain a visa to enter Egypt at Cairo International Airport at bank kiosks before immigration offices for $25 USD. These visas are valid for up to 30 days and can be used by people from the United States and 40 other countries.

What are the best tour packages for Egypt?

Many tour packages are available for Egypt, and the best one for you will depend on your interests, budget, and travel style. Some popular tour packages include visits to iconic sites like the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, and the Abu Simbel temple. Other tour packages may include a Nile River cruise or a desert safari. To choose the best tour package, consider your must-see sights, the level of comfort you desire, and your budget.

What is the best time of year to visit Egypt?

The best time of year to visit Egypt is in the winter months, from November to February when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for sightseeing. From June to September, temperatures can be extremely hot in the summer months, and sightseeing can be uncomfortable. However, the summer can also be a good time to visit Egypt if you are interested in a Nile River cruise, as the water levels are higher.

What is the best way to travel around Egypt during a Tour?

There are several ways to travel around Egypt during a Tour, and the best way will depend on your itinerary and preferences. Many tours include private car or coach transportation, while others may include domestic flights or a Nile River cruise. Taxis and public transportation are available in larger cities like Cairo, Alexandria, and Luxor. If you prefer more flexibility and control over your itinerary, you may consider renting a car or hiring a private driver.

How long does a typical tour to Egypt last?

A typical tour to Egypt can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the itinerary and the level of depth you want to explore. A shorter tour may include visits to the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, while a longer tour may also include a Nile River cruise, visits to other ancient sites in Luxor and Aswan, and even a desert safari.

What is the cost of a Tour to Egypt?

The cost of a Tour to Egypt will depend on the level of comfort you desire, the length of your tour, and the itinerary you choose. A budget tour can cost as little as $500 per person, while a more luxurious tour can cost several thousand dollars. Remember that your tour’s cost may include accommodations, transportation, activities, and meals.

Is it safe to travel to Egypt for a Tour?

Egypt has experienced political instability in recent years, but the country is generally safe for tourists. The government has taken steps to increase security measures in tourist areas. Tourists are advised to follow standard safety precautions such as avoiding large crowds and staying aware of their surroundings. It’s always a good idea to check for travel advisories before booking your trip to Egypt.

Can I customize my Tour to Egypt itinerary?

Many tour operators offer the option to customize your Tour to Egypt itinerary. This can include adding or removing destinations, changing the length of your tour, or modifying the activities included in your tour. Customizing your itinerary can be a great way to tailor your tour to your interests and preferences. However, remember that customizing your tour may come with an additional cost, and it’s important to communicate your requests clearly to your tour operator to ensure that they can accommodate your needs.

What kind of accommodations are available for to Egypt?

Egypt offers a range of accommodations to suit every budget and travel style. There is something for everyone, from hotels to Nile River cruises to desert camps to guesthouses. Whether you prefer comfort, adventure, or authenticity, the right accommodation can enhance your experience of Egypt and help create unforgettable memories.

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Rekindling a Love of Travel on a Grand Tour of Egypt

By Rebecca Misner

For Conde Nast Traveler' s Iconic Itineraries , we partner with our travel specialists to create classic trips through our favorite destinations that showcase the difference it makes to travel with the help of an expert.

“No cherubs, pearly gates, or having dinner with Elvis and Jesus,” says Egyptologist Hala Sayed, my private guide for today. Movie-star glamorous in a crisp blouse and white jeans, she is explaining that ancient Egyptians imagined an afterlife that didn't look so different from life on Earth. It's an early morning in September, and we're standing on the nearly empty main floor of the neoclassical, sensationally salmon-hued Museum of Egyptian Antiquities on Cairo's Tahrir Square before the tour buses have arrived to disgorge their passengers. Tombs, Hala explains, were often painted with everyday scenes—people grinding grain, having sex, brewing beer—and depicted the family members and beloved pets the deceased hoped to see again. This prosaic version of paradise was not due to any lack of imagination (these are the same people who dreamed up the wasp-headed, hippo-bodied goddess Ahti) but because “life was pretty good,” Hala says. “Egypt was heaven.”

Unfortunately, the present isn't quite so heavenly for my 12-year-old son Joe. By 9 a.m., it's pushing 90 degrees, and we've barely slept. We're at the very start of a weeklong trip—our first international adventure in over two years—visiting Cairo and sailing down the Nile to see the temples and tombs that line the river between the southern Egyptian cities of Aswan and Luxor . This is a dream trip for both of us, and today is a big one: the museum, the pyramids of Giza, and the Sphinx. However, as Joe turns from end-of-summer tan to chalky green, I can see that he is fighting a losing battle with jet lag and the heat. Before I have to make the type of lose-lose decision that parents so often have to make when traveling with unwell or unwilling kids, Hala takes charge. She calls our on-the-ground trip coordinator, and within minutes they've made a plan that everyone feels comfortable with: Our driver will pick up Joe, whose need to rest trumps his desire to see Giza, and take him to the hotel; the hotel's doctor will be looped in; and I will be updated periodically while Hala and I head for the pyramids. It's the right call, but I still feel guilty that Joe will miss out on the day he was most excited about. I promise, on the spot, to bring him back someday soon.

Boats ferry passengers between Aswan and Elephantine Island, a historic gateway between Egypt and Sudan.

The Temple of Edfu was completed in 57 B.C., during the reign of Cleopatra VII.

As we snake our way through midday traffic, Hala and I chat—about our kids, politics after the Arab Spring, and the Muslim Brotherhood's short reign in Egypt. She is a lifelong Cairene who since 1990 has worked for Abercrombie & Kent, which has been bringing travelers to Egypt for more than four decades. Like the majority of the company's guides in the country—many of whom are professors and/or former diplomats—she has a master's degree in Islamic art and architecture and is currently going for her Ph.D. She points out the new neighborhoods cropping up between Cairo and Giza, which have merged into a single megalopolis with a combined population grazing 21 million, then tells me about President Sisi's new administrative capital about 30 miles outside Cairo, which, when completed, will be the largest planned city in the world. I have missed this about travel: these casual but meaningful conversations and connections that happen during the in-between moments.

In Cairo, the past smashes up against the present like nowhere else in the world, and as we've been chatting we've been inching closer to the pyramids that loom over this most urban landscape. After a lifetime of seeing photos of the Great Pyramid, the oldest of the Giza group and the sole survivor of the seven wonders of the ancient world, I think I know what it will be like in person. I do not. The scale and the texture and the way the light hits it as the sun reflects off the surrounding desert and dips in and out of the clouds is something you have to feel. Hala has timed our visit for late afternoon, when the heat isn't so oppressive and the crowds have thinned. People are milling around, but apparently today is relatively quiet. Even pre-COVID, tourism numbers hadn't quite returned to what they'd been before the 2011 revolution. The government hopes to grow them with high-profile projects like the long-delayed Grand Egyptian Museum , whose glass-and-concrete outline I can see off in the distance. Apparently there is archaeological treasure enough to fill both the beloved Cairo museum and this one—although many big-ticket items, like all 5,600 objects excavated from Tut's tomb, will move over to the newcomer. When the $1 billion state-of-the-art facility finally opens later in 2022, after about a decade of delays, it will be the largest archaeological museum in the world.

It's even less crowded inside the pyramid. I pass a single person coming down as I climb up the steep, low-ceilinged tunnel that leads to the King's Chamber, the burial vault that lies precisely in the center of the Great Pyramid. The guard tells me that if I stand in the middle of the room and close my eyes for two minutes, I'll feel a strange energy, then leaves me to it. And I do feel something. A certain stillness or grounding. Maybe it's from being surrounded by 2.3 million blocks of granite, each weighing over two tons. Or perhaps it's that I'm standing alone in the very spot where King Khufu was laid to rest some 4,500 years ago.

There would be no Egypt without the Nile. You get a sense of this on the hour-and-a-half flight from Cairo to Aswan, about 500 miles to the south. The Sahara covers 94 percent of the country, and most of the population lives within a few miles of the river. From the air, the narrow strips of fertile land on either bank look like an emerald-green serpent winding its way across a thirsty land. Nearly every facet of life in Egypt was dictated by the Nile's rise and fall. Even how long it took to mummify a body: 70 days, because the Nile floods when the star Sirius returns to the night sky after 70 days of absence; the rebirth of the land was a metaphor for the rebirth of the deceased. Even what taxes the king collected: Most temples had a nilometer, a structure like a deep well, to measure the water level; the higher the river, the more the citizens would owe. It feels right that we'll be seeing this country by boat, journeying down the waterway that sustained both ancient and modern Egypt.

For millennia, the city of Aswan has been the gateway between Egypt and the rest of Africa, and a vibrant trade center. Besides the massive dam that was completed here in 1970, it is best known for the exchange of two precious goods: spices and camels. “Camels are the most loyal and the naughtiest of all domesticated animals,” says Mohamed Ezzat, a funny, whip-smart Egyptologist who will be with us for the next few days. We're using a free hour before we have to meet the boat to wander through the Aswan spice market. Through a boyish grin, Mohamed tells us about his uncle's camel who refused to eat or drink for two weeks out of solidarity with the uncle, who was sick and on bed rest; this is the same camel who Mohamed swears he saw smoking a hashish cigarette through his nose a few days later. We stop at Mohamed's favorite spice shop for a cup of strong mint tea with the owner, who patiently lets us sniff whatever we like, and walk out with little bags of vibrant yellow-orange cumin, beautifully perfumed cardamom pods, and dukkah, a blend of spices that tastes delicious sprinkled on hummus.

A market stall in the town of Edfu sells spices

On the Nile, a traditional felucca sailboat catches a breeze

We are sailing on the 40-cabin Sanctuary Sun Boat IV , a spacious, Art Deco–inflected vessel with plenty of places to lounge and watch life on the Nile unfold. Our days on the river take on a rhythm. Most start with an outing to a temple, followed by lunch on the boat, then another temple visit or excursion, and then back to the boat for dinner and actual sailing to the next location. On our first afternoon, while we're still docked in Aswan, we take a ride on a felucca, a traditional wooden boat, tacking hard to catch the wind. As our captain scrambles barefoot to work the two sails, Mohamed points out the sites, like the lush Aswan Botanical Garden on Kitchener's Island and the 1899 Old Cataract Hotel (now managed by Sofitel), where the film adaptation of Agatha Christie's 1937 book Death on the Nile was shot and famous visitors to Aswan have always stayed, from the British archaeologist Howard Carter to Princess Diana. My favorite time is evening, when we return to the boat and recap the day over cold drinks and bottomless bowls of salty peanuts. Joe and I scan the river, looking from bank to bank as kids jump off docks into the water, yelling hello as we sail by, and fisherman putter home for the night. One evening, we watch three boys lead a dozen horses into the Nile for a swim as the setting sun turns everything to honey.

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Alexandra Hall

The temples we visit along our sail—including Kom Ombo, 30 miles north of Aswan, with its still intact painted ceilings, and the Karnak Temple complex in Luxor, whose enormous Temple of Amun-Ra is the largest religious building ever built—are all astonishing. But the temple to Isis at Philae might be the most moving. It's the site of an inscription dated to A.D. 394, thought to be the last example of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. A one-liner about the god Mandulis is the last known vestige of a writing system, and really a way of life, that came to an end here after three millennia. Mohamed points out where the Christians who took over the temple in the fifth century scratched out the faces of Egyptian deities. He shows us little crosses allegedly carved by the Knights of Malta during the Crusades and the graffiti left here by Napoleon's troops in 1799, as well as a memorial carved high up on an outside wall that names British soldiers who were killed in the Sudan in 1884. The entire temple complex is a tribute to modern engineering; in the late 1960s, fearing it would be totally submerged by flooding from the newly built Aswan High Dam, the Egyptian government and UNESCO moved the buildings, stone by stone, to the nearby island of Agilkia, where they stand today. Philae is a timeline of the last 2,000 years, and the layered history is as captivating as the structures themselves.

“We used to find bones and sell resin-bead necklaces to tourists,” Egyptologist Mohammed Abdelrehim tells me about growing up in Luxor in the 1970s, in a neighborhood near the Valley of the Kings. Mohammed, who is old friends with our previous guide Mohamed (“It's the ‘Mike’ of Egypt,” he jokes, then tells us we can call him Mohammed the Better), is taking Joe and me on a private tour of the ancient necropolis where royals who lived during the New Kingdom—a sort of Golden Age of Egyptian art and political stability that ran from a period spanning 1570 to 1070 B.C.—were buried in tombs sunk deep into the heart of the surrounding barren hillsides. Mohammed knows every nook and cranny of Luxor. With his bookish beard and safari hat, he looks the part of the trusted expert in an Indiana Jones–style flick about Egypt. As we drive past half-demolished houses on the edge of the site, he tells us that many of them have been purchased by the government so archaeological digs can continue; there are still tombs that have yet been found. When he was growing up, Mohammed says, it was common to lift a rug at someone's house and find a tunnel where the family had been digging for treasure.

We are outside the tomb of Amenhotep II, waiting for the guards to unseal the door. Mohammed has arranged an opening of this tomb, which, he tells us, was closed for 20 years and can now be seen only on private tours to prevent further deterioration; Joe and I might be the only guests to lay eyes on it for a year. We feel incredibly lucky that we're getting this rare access—and that we'll be able to take our time and really look around. Guides aren't allowed in the tombs, so Mohammed preps us on what to look for. It's a good thing he does, or I would have spent the entire time mesmerized by the tomb's ceiling, which is painted to look like the night sky, the deepest inky blue covered with little yellow stars. Later, we have King Tut's tomb to ourselves, and a guard motions us over so we can get up close and peer into King Tut's face, separated only by a plate of glass and a few inches. In the gorgeously painted tomb of Queen Nefertari, we recall Mohammed's words and locate her in one of the reliefs with an Eye of Horus tattoo (apparently the first tattoo captured in art). We spot the red edit lines, places where the master painter corrected the strokes of more junior artisans.

After we've returned to Cairo, Hala takes us to the recently discovered tomb of Wahtye in the Saqqara necropolis, about 15 miles southeast of the Giza pyramids, where, perhaps unfairly, we have a laugh at poor Wahtye's expense. Wahtye lived around 4,100 years ago, and while he was the priest to a king, he himself was not royalty. However, as Hala points out with a smirk, he really wanted us to know how important he was, as the huge and numerous images of him throughout the tomb attest.

The Temple of King Seti I in Abydos, outside the Valley of the Kings, built around 1279 B.C.

Numerous Egyptian kings over the span of roughly 2,000 years contributed to the sprawling Karnak Temple complex in Luxor.

Later, we're in the car, headed to the old Islamic neighborhood of Cairo to see the 14th-century Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan, when Hala says something to our driver in Arabic. Thirty minutes later, we pull over, and Hala tells Joe to come with her. We are at the lesser-used back entry to the Sphinx and the Giza Pyramids. Joe doesn't have the time to explore like I did, but he gets to experience them nonetheless—and I'm beyond thrilled that my promise to bring him back one day has been fulfilled only a week after I'd made it. I see Joe text friends a photo of himself with the pyramids in the background. Later, he posts it to Instagram, giving in to that most timeless human need—as did Wahtye, and the early Christians and Napoleon's troops—to let the world know, “I existed; I too was here.”

The highlights

Day 1: The scale of and ingenuity behind the Giza Pyramids blew my mind. Barring claustrophobia, definitely climb up inside the Great Pyramid to the King's Chamber, the burial vault that lies in the mathematical center of the 4,500-year-old structure.

Day 2: A feluca (traditional wooden boat) ride on the Nile at sunset–gliding past Old Cataract Hotel where the film adaptation of Agatha Christie's 1937 book Death on the Nile was shot and the lush Aswan Botanical Garden–was the perfect ending to the day.

Day 3: I couldn’t get over how, in the 1960s, the colossal temple to Isis at Philae (the site of the last example of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics) was moved stone by stone to its current location so it wouldn’t be submerged when the Aswan High Dam was built. 

Day 5: There was truly nothing, nothing like having a private opening of King Amenhotep II’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings–being able to wander around and look at the sumptuously painted walls without another soul in sight.

How this trip came together

When I began plotting this trip with Rami Girgis , who's been with Abercrombie & Kent since 2005 and has been on Traveler's list of top travel specialists for several years running, I told him I'd be traveling with a 12-year-old, that we wanted to see absolutely everything, and that we'd have only a week to do it. Rami grew up and studied in Cairo and worked as an Egyptologist for years before moving to the United States. He has traveled on countless Egypt itineraries and returns to the country at least once a year to vet new stops and venues and meet with guides. After a flurry of calls and emails, we came up with a full-on (but not insane) itinerary that used one of A&K's classic Nile River journeys as a jumping-off point but left some room for riffing. Rami prearranged special openings of two tombs, and, after I asked to learn about daily life, replaced a visit to another ancient temple with a stop at Deir el-Medina in Luxor, the remains of a village where the artisans who worked on the royal tombs lived. I experienced the same flexibility during our actual trip, like when I asked if we could go by an essential-oils shop in Aswan or when my son asked a question about education; our guide called a teacher he knew, and we swung by the school 10 minutes later. Long, deep local relationships enabled Rami and our on-the-ground guides to be incredibly nimble, making us feel like we were on our own journey rather than a one-size-fits-all tour. 

A 10-day journey, with three days in Cairo and a four-night river cruise between Aswan and Luxor, starts at $7,595 and includes all accommodations, meals, fully guided sightseeing (including park and entrance fees), and airport transfers; abercrombiekent.com .  

A version of this article appeared in the January/February 2022 issue of Condé Nast Traveler.  Subscribe to the magazine   here .

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Golden Egypt

A squeeze tour is prepared to present the highlights of Cairo, Giza, and a chance to visit 75% of Egypt's ancient monuments by visiting Luxor and enjoying Hurghada beaches on the Red Sea.

Tour Itinerary

Day 01: welcome to cairo.

Estimate Time: 8 Hours

Meet and assist service from the airports, Great Pyramids, Pyramid of Chephren, Sphinx, Khan El Khalili old market

Day 02: Cairo (City Tour)

Egyptian Museum, Salah El-din Citadel, Religions Complex

Day 03: Cairo - Luxor

Estimate Time: 6 Hours

Valley of the Kings, Statues of Memnon, Luxor Temples, Karnak Temples

Day 04: Luxor - Hurghada

Hurghada, Red Sea, Resort, Beach, Diving, Relax

Day 05: Hurghada

Estimate Time: Full Day

Hurghada, Safari Desert, Sea Trip, Glass Boat, Submarine

Day 06: Final Departure

Meet and assist service to the airports

Tour Information

Tour includes.

The service of meet and assist at the airport.

Transfers from/to the airport.

Private fluent, English-speaking tour guides throughout the itinerary.

Accommodation for 2 nights in Cairo/Giza in 5 star hotel.

Accommodation for 1 night in Luxor in 5 star hotel.

Accommodation for 2 nights in Hurghada in 5 star hotel.

Domestic air flights (Cairo / Luxor).

Sightseeing entrance fees.

All hotel rooms have a private bath, A/C, TV, Wifi, and include breakfast.

All transfer and pick-up services in the itinerary.

All your tour and trip are with A/C cars.

All meals mentioned on the itinerary.

All taxes and services charges.

Tour Excludes

Visa Entry for Egypt ($ 25 USD per passport).

International airfare from/to Egypt.

Any extra daily trips / optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary.

Any meals not mentioned in the itinerary.

Personal expenses (Laundry, Sauna, Drinks... etc).

All of our tours can start on any day, however, confirmation in advance is still highly recommended.

All of our tours can be customized to fit your time (Duration), budget (Accommodation), and interests.

This tour can easily be extended or slightly shortened if required.

During Christmas, New Year, and Easter seasons, there is an extra charge of 25%.

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Relevant tours.

Enjoy every moment of your short visit to Egypt by visiting the most famous monuments like the pyramids and sphinx, then head to Hurghada for relaxing and be dazzled by its water sports and beaches.

This tour is specially designed for tourists who want to visit remarkable ancient sites in Cairo, Giza & Alexandria and end up enjoying the marvelous Hurghada beaches on the Red Sea.

By choosing this tour package you will get the chance to combine the culture with entertainment. you will have the opportunity to explore Egypt's most popular monument areas in Giza and Luxor then enjoy our beautiful beaches in Sharm ElSheikh.

Selecting this tour is a perfect choice for those who want to have a glimpse of Egypt in a short time, be ready to visit our Eternal monuments, especially in Giza and Luxor then relax in Hurghada.

This fascinating tour has been organized to visit the main spots in Cairo - Giza, and also travel to Aswan and Luxor and the main cities between them while boarding a Nile Cruise crossing the immortal Nile River, and relaxing the marvelous Hurghada beaches.

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The golden age of travel – luxury tour in egypt.

• 18 Day Tour
• Luxury & Elegance
• Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria, Abu Simbel

Our Greatest Egypt Private Tour Package

Travel through Egypt in the style of the glamorous golden age of travel on this luxury 18-day tour. Go back in time and experience the elegance and luxury of Egypt’s grand hotels; Cruise on the Nile in 5-star luxury. Marvel at the most iconic and spectacular sites of Ancient Egypt. If anything you read here inspires a few questions, please feel free to contact us — we’re always happy to hear from people interested in our luxury tours of Egypt.

Soak up the atmosphere and culture during this exceptional private Egypt tour package. Our specially trained guides and hosts add a personal touch at every step of the journey. We can personalise your experience even further with one of our Egypt Custom Tours . Tell us what you want from your luxury Egypt tour and we’ll design the trip to suit your every need.

Every moment of this luxury tour of Egypt has been designed to maximise your comfort and safety, but, most importantly, your enjoyment of this unique and fascinating country.

A note about our ethics:

We are a small business that offers a high-value, custom tour service that is not over-priced; we’re not rip-off merchants. We operate ethically and pay every one of our guides, hosts, drivers, suppliers, etc, a fair salary or price for the work they do for us. This is to ensure they are not, for example, reliant on tips from customers or high commission from shops to earn a living wage. As a result, we get the best quality and service for you to enjoy your trip!

Pick-up Location

Cairo Airport

Tour Length

What’s included.

• 5-star accommodation
• All meals including soft drinks
• Internal flights
• Private transport in air-conditioned vehicle
• Licensed and qualified guide
• Bottled water
• Free welcome pack

What’s not included

• Alcoholic drinks

Cancellation Policy

View our Amendments & Cancellations information 

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18-day Luxury Tour of Egypt Itinerary

Day 1 arrive in cairo.

We will pick you up from your chosen location. If you are flying into Cairo, this includes a full meet and greet service as soon as you disembark from your plane, including tourist visa if required. We will then transport you to the Marriott Gezira Hotel, your home for the next five nights.

This hotel’s central wing was built as the Gezirah Palace for the Khedive Isma’il Pasha in 1869 and converted to a luxury hotel in 1894. The palace has frequently been the host of royalty and celebrities.

Day 2 Tour the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx

Today, we will visit the last remaining Ancient Wonder of the World – the Great Pyramids at Giza. Take your time to appreciate the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. The northernmost and oldest pyramid of the group was built for King Khufu.

Called the Great Pyramid, it is the largest of the three. The middle pyramid was built for King Khafre, and the southernmost and last pyramid to be built was that of Menkaure. The largest of the three pyramids is truly an astonishing work of engineering. It was built over a twenty-year period.

The sides are oriented to the four cardinal points of the compass, and it was built using around 2,300,000 limestone blocks, each weighing an average of 2.5 tons. For centuries, the Great Pyramid was encased in smooth limestone, but this was plundered to build Cairo.

The Great Sphinx is part of Khafre’s pyramid complex. It represents Ra-Harakhte, the sun god, as he rises in the east at dawn, but the face of the Sphinx is a portrait of Khafre himself. It was carved from an outcropping of limestone left after quarrying the stone for his father’s pyramid.

Unfortunately, the great sphinx has deteriorated over the millennia and was extensively renovated in ancient times. More recently it was mutilated by the Sultan Mohammed an-Nasir in AD 1300; and lost its nose in 1798, when Napoleon’s soldiers used it for target practice.

There are several options to see the Pyramids and Sphinx in the way that suits you best – if you feel more adventurous you can try a horse or a camel, or if you prefer a more relaxed mode of transport, you can take a horse-drawn carriage.

Day 3 The Egyptian Museum & The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

No visit to Egypt is complete without seeing the astonishing collections in the Egyptian Museum. Don’t miss the King Tutankhamen exhibition or the incredible artefacts of King Akhenaton, the heretic pharaoh who created his own religion. Later on the tour, you will be visiting the city he built to worship his new religion.

After lunch at Studio Masr in Al Azhar Park, where you will have a fantastic view of the Mohamed Ali Mosque and the Citadel, we’ll head to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, the home of the 22 mummies moved in the Golden Parade, as well as many other wonderful artefacts from Ancient Egypt and other periods in the history of this incredible country.

You will see many artefacts from Ancient Egyptian life including agriculture, writing, fashion and makeup as well as fascinating items from Coptic and Islamic Egypt.

Day 4 Memphis and Saqqara

Today, we will visit the ancient city of Memphis, and its necropolis, Saqqara.

Our first stop will be Memphis, the capital of ancient Egypt. During its golden age, Memphis thrived as a regional centre for commerce, trade and religion. Today it is an open museum containing a fascinating collection of scattered ruins, where you can feel the ancient history soak into your bones.

We will then travel the short distance to Sakkara, the vast, ancient burial ground serving the ancient city of Memphis. You will visit the famous step pyramids, one of which, the Djoser Step Pyramid, is the oldest complete stone building known in history. There are numerous tombs to visit with some stunning hieroglyphics, and the small but beautiful Imhotep Museum, named in honour of one of the most skilled architects of Ancient Egypt.

Day 5 Tell Al Amarna, Beni Hassan and the tomb of Akhenaton

The Tombs of Beni Hassan are situated on the East Bank of the River Nile. This ancient necropolis was named after the nearby village of Beni Hassan, and the tombs here are some of the best examples of mortuary architecture in the Middle Kingdom of Egypt.

The ancient site of Tell el-Amarna extends across several square kilometres of desert on the edge of the River Nile. Comprising monumental buildings, waterfront facilities, industrial areas, residential suburbs, and edge-of-town cemeteries, the site represents the complete ancient city of the New Kingdom founded by King Akhenaten.

Enjoy your last night in the Marriott Hotel.

Day 6 Today we leave Cairo and fly to Aswan

Arrive at the famous Sofitel Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan, and enjoy a delicious champagne afternoon tea, in the grand tour style. The hotel is a historic British colonial-era 5-star luxury, located on the banks of the River Nile, with astonishing views of the river and across to Elephantine Island. Its guests have included Tsar Nicholas II, Winston Churchill, Howard Carter, Margaret Thatcher, Jimmy Carter, François Mitterrand, Princess Diana, Queen Noor and Agatha Christie, who set portions of her novel Death on the Nile at the hotel.

Free time in Aswan, optional tours available or enjoy cocktails on the terrace as you watch the feluccas sail by.

Enjoy your first night in this unique and famous hotel.

Day 7 Aswan, Philae, Elephantine Island, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the Aswan High Dam

Our visits today will include:

Elephantine Island, which is located right opposite the Old Cataract Hotel, a short boat ride. On the southern end of Elephantine Island, you will find the site of ancient Abu, an important ancient trading town. You will also visit the Nubian villages of Siou and Koti making a peaceful change to the bustle of Aswan.

The Unfinished Obelisk is the largest known ancient obelisk, its creation was ordered by Hatshepsut and is nearly one-third larger than any ancient Egyptian obelisk ever erected. The obelisk’s creators began to carve it directly out of bedrock, but cracks appeared in the granite and the project was abandoned. The bottom side of the obelisk is still attached to the bedrock.

A short boat ride will take us to Philae Temple, built to honour the goddess Isis, this was the last temple built in the classical Egyptian style. Construction began around 690 BC, and it was one of the last outposts where the goddess was worshipped.

Aswan High Dam, Egypt’s modern example of construction on a monumental scale, the controversial Aswan High Dam and also Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes.

Day 8 Abu Simbel Temple Tour

Today, we will travel by luxury air-conditioned vehicle to Abu Simbel Temple.

The four colossal statues of Ramses in front of the main temple are spectacular examples of ancient Egyptian art. By means of a complex engineering feat in the 1960s, the temples were salvaged from the rising waters of the Nile River caused by the erection of the Aswan High Dam. Carved out of a sandstone cliff on the west bank of the Nile, the temples were unknown to the outside world until their rediscovery in 1813

We will then return to the Old Cataract Hotel where you can enjoy your final night in this iconic location.

Day 9 Morning — free time in Aswan (optional tours available), afternoon join 5-star cruise ship

This morning you have free time in Aswan. Take an optional tour, stroll by the Nile, or simply relax in the beautiful gardens of the Old Cataract Hotel.

In the afternoon you will join your 5-star Nile cruise ship. Time of joining the cruise may vary due to sailing times.

Days 10 & 11 Cruising the Nile on a 5-star cruise ship

During our three-day cruise, we will visit Kom Ombo and Edfu. Alternatively, relax on the ship and watch the world go by…

Built to overlook the Nile, the dual design of Kom Ombo Temple is dedicated to Sobek and Horus and is perfectly symmetrical along its main axis. It is one of the more unusual temples in Egypt.

Due to the conflict between Sobek and Horus, the ancient Egyptians felt it necessary to separate their temple spaces within one temple. The Kom Ombo temple has two entrances, two courts, two colonnades, two Hypostyle halls and two sanctuaries, one side for each god.

The Temple of Edfu is the second largest temple in Egypt. It is also known as the Temple of Horus (the falcon-headed God) and it is the most beautiful and well-preserved of all the Egyptian temples.

Cruise itinerary may vary due to sailing times.

Day 12 Tour of Luxor

Today we will arrive in Luxor and disembark from our cruise ship. The modern town of Luxor is the site of the famous city of Thebes, the City of a Hundred Gates. Although the mud-brick houses and palaces of Thebes have disappeared, its stone temples have survived.

Once we have disembarked from the ship, you will spend the rest of the day in beautiful Luxor. Optional trips are available.

Tonight, you will stay in the Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel, also known as the Old Winter Palace Hotel. It is a historic British colonial-era 5-star luxury hotel located on the banks of the River Nile just south of Luxor Temple. A regular guest at the hotel from 1907 on was George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon, better known simply as Lord Carnarvon. Carnarvon was the patron of Egyptologist Howard Carter, who in 1922 discovered the intact tomb of Tutankhamun.

After the discovery was announced, the Winter Palace played host to the international press corps and foreign visitors there to follow the story. Carter used the hotel’s noticeboard to deliver occasional news and information on the discovery.

Time for disembarking the ship may vary due to sailing times.

Day 13 Tour Luxor and Karnak Temples, Avenue of the Sphinxes

Karnak is an extraordinary complex of sanctuaries, kiosks, pylons and obelisks dedicated to the Theban triad but also to the greater glory of pharaohs. The site covers more than 2 sq km; it’s large enough to contain about 10 cathedrals. At its heart is the Temple of Amun, the earthly ‘home’ of the local god. Built, added to, dismantled, restored, enlarged and decorated over nearly 1500 years, Karnak was the most important place of worship in Egypt during the New Kingdom.

Luxor Temple was built by Amenhotep but completed by Tutankhamun and Horemheb and then added to by Rameses II. The temple has been in almost continuous use as a place of worship right up to the present day. During the Christian era, the temple’s hypostyle hall was converted into a Christian church, and the remains of another Coptic church can be seen to the west.

Only recently opened to the public, the Avenue of Sphinxes or The King’s Festivities Road, also known as Rams Road 2.7 km long avenue which connects Karnak Temple with Luxor Temple. It was uncovered in the ancient city of Thebes (modern Luxor), with sphinxes and ram-headed statues lined up on both flanks.

Day 14 Valleys of the Kings and Queens, Temple of Hatshepsut, Habu Temple

During Egypt’s New Kingdom, the Valley of the Kings became a royal burial ground for pharaohs such as Tutankhamun, Seti I, and Ramses II, as well as queens, high priests, and other elites of the 18th, 19th, and 20th dynasties. Discovered by Howard Carter in an excavation expedition in 1922, one of the most important tombs found in the Valley of the Kings is the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun and all his treasures.

The Temple of Hatshepsut is considered to be a masterpiece of ancient architecture. Take time to wander around this most astonishing of temples and remember the enigmatic and powerful woman who built it.

The Temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu was an important New Kingdom period temple structure. Aside from its size and architectural and artistic importance, the mortuary temple is probably best known as the source of inscribed reliefs depicting the advent and defeat of the Sea Peoples during the reign of Ramesses III. With incredible hieroglyphics and architecture, this rarely visited temple is a must-see.

Overnight in Sofitel Winter Palace hotel.

Day 15 Fly from Luxor to Cairo

Today we return to Cairo. You have free time in the afternoon to relax at the Mena House Hotel, or there are optional tours available.

With arguably the best views in the world, the Mena House Hotel was initially a hunting lodge built in 1869 for the Egyptian Khedive Isma’il Pasha. In 1890, the hotel opened Egypt’s first swimming pool! Mena House has hosted many famous and important guests, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Winston Churchill, President Richard Nixon, Agatha Christie, Cecil B. DeMille, Charlton Heston, Frank Sinatra and Charlie Chaplin. Soak up the history in this iconic hotel.

Overnight in the Mena House Hotel.

Day 16 Drive to Alexandria

This afternoon we will be focusing on the Egyptian Royal Family. Our first visit will be to Montazah Palace, set in extensive gardens and overlooking a truly beautiful stretch of coast. Built at the beginning of the 20th century by Khedive Abbas II, a relative of King Farouk, the palace mixes Turkish and Florentine architecture.

Once you’ve had a look at the palace, take a stroll around the gardens which are filled with many varieties of trees and plants, or stop for a cup of tea in one of the cafes. There are also several greenhouses, home to an impressive variety of plants.

Our last stop for today will be the Royal Jewellery Museum, which displays the collectables of the Egyptian royal family, founded by Muhammad Ali Pasha in 1805 and which continued to rule for 150 years, until 1952. The palace itself serves as a striking backdrop to the magnificent possessions owned by the family.

The possessions amassed by the family over the period of their rule are on display in the various halls. The lavish lifestyle of the family is reflected in a gold chessboard, golden binoculars encrusted with diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and gold cups inlaid with precious stones.

Also on display are elaborate jewellery sets commissioned by the greatest designers in Europe, which once adorned the queens and princesses of Egypt’s royal family. It also contains one of the most elaborate bathrooms you will ever see in your life.

Overnight in Steigenberger Cecil Hotel.

Tonight, we stay in another iconic and historic hotel. Since its opening in 1929, Steigenberger Cecil Hotel in Alexandria has been known for its superb location right on the harbour. Author Somerset Maugham stayed here, as did Winston Churchill and Al Capone. The hotel also appears in The Alexandria Quartet, written by Lawrence Durrell.

Day 17 Touring the wonders of Alexandria

On our itinerary today will be:

Bibliotheca Alexandrina (Alexandria Library) – Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a major library and cultural centre and is a commemoration of the Library of Alexandria, once one of the largest libraries worldwide, which was lost in antiquity. An architectural marvel, the library has shelf space for eight million books, and also houses, amongst other things, a planetarium and four museums.

The Citadel of Qaitbay is a 15th-century defensive fortress established in 1477. The Citadel is situated on the eastern side of the northern tip of Pharos Island at the mouth of the Eastern Harbour. It is considered one of the most important defensive strongholds, not only in Egypt, but also along the Mediterranean Sea coast. It formulated an important part of the fortification system of Alexandria in the 15th century.

The catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa , meaning “Mound of Shards, is a historical archaeological site and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. The necropolis consists of a series of Alexandrian tombs, statues and archaeological objects of the Pharaonic funerary cult with Hellenistic and early Imperial Roman influences.

Pompey’s Pillar is a Roman triumphal column set up in honour of the Roman emperor Diocletian. The giant Corinthian column originally supported a colossal statue of the emperor in armour.

The Alexandria National Museum contains around 1,800 artefacts that narrate the story of Alexandria and Egypt. The museum focuses on three collections – Pharaonic, Hellenistic and Roman periods, and the Coptic and Islamic worlds.

The Ancient Roman Theatre is an archaeological site featuring the remains of an ancient Roman theatre, baths & a villa with mosaics.

Overnight in Steigenberger Cecil hotel.

Day 18 Return to Cairo

Today we return to Cairo and this marks the end of our grand tour. If you are leaving Egypt, we will take you to Cairo airport, right through to your gate. But why not extend your holiday in this remarkable country? See our website for many more tours, or consider a relaxing break on the Red Sea, where you can snorkel or dive, or just soak up the sun.

Not exactly what you are looking for?

Book a meeting with Mrs Egypt and we’ll help you design your perfect Egypt holiday.

This is a completely free service and there is no obligation to book with us. We offer it because we want people to visit this wonderful country in the way that fits their own interests and requirements.

Choose your date to start the simple booking process, then follow the instructions.

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Egypt touts spate of new historic findings to draw tourists as travel opens back up

CAIRO — Workers dig and ferry wheelbarrows laden with sand to open a new shaft at a bustling archaeological site outside of Cairo, while a handful of Egyptian archaeologists supervise from garden chairs. The dig is at the foot of the Step Pyramid of Djoser , arguably the world’s oldest pyramid, and is one of many recent excavations that are yielding troves of ancient artifacts from the country’s largest archaeological site.

As some European countries reopen to international tourists, Egypt has already been trying for months to attract them to its archaeological sites and museums. Officials are betting that the new ancient discoveries will set it apart on the mid- and post-pandemic tourism market. They need visitors to come back in force to inject cash into the tourism industry, a pillar of the economy.

►Unearthing history: Egyptian archeologists find 5,000-year-old tombs near the Nile River

►A mummy like no other: Researchers announce world's first known case of pregnant mummy

But like countries elsewhere, Egypt continues to battle the coronavirus , and is struggling to get its people vaccinated. The country has, up until now, received only 5 million vaccines for its population of 100 million people, according to its Health Ministry. In early May, the government announced that 1 million people had been vaccinated, though that number is believed to be higher now.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

In the meantime, authorities have kept the publicity machine running, focused on the new discoveries.

Wowing the world with new discoveries

In November, archaeologists announced the discovery of at least 100 ancient coffins dating back to the Pharaonic Late Period and Greco-Ptolemaic era, along with 40 gilded statues found 2,500 years after they were first buried. That came a month after the discovery of 57 other coffins at the same site, the necropolis of Saqqara that includes the step pyramid.

“Saqqara is a treasure,” said Tourism and Antiquities Minister Khaled el-Anany while announcing the November discovery, estimating that only 1% of what the site contains has been unearthed so far.

“Our problem now is that we don’t know how we can possibly wow the world after this,” he said.

If they don’t, it certainly won’t be for lack of trying.

In April, Zahi Hawass, Egypt’s best-known archaeologist, announced the discovery of a 3,000-year-old lost city in southern Luxor, complete with mud brick houses, artifacts and tools from pharaonic times. It dates back to Amenhotep III of the 18th dynasty, whose reign (1390–1353 B.C.) is considered a golden era for ancient Egypt.

That discovery was followed by a made-for-TV parade celebrating the transport of 22 of the country’s prized royal mummies from central Cairo to their new resting place in a massive facility farther south in the capital, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.

The Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh is now home to an archaeological museum, as is Cairo’s International Airport, both opened in recent months. And officials have also said they still plan to open the massive new Grand Egyptian Museum next to the Giza Pyramids by January, after years of delays. Entrance fees for archeological sites have been lowered, as has the cost of tourist visas.

Bringing back Egypt's battered tourism industry

The government has for years played up its ancient history as a selling point, as part of an effort to revive the country’s battered tourism industry. It was badly hit during and after the popular uprising that toppled longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak and the ensuring unrest. The coronavirus dealt it a similar blow, just as it was getting back on its feet.

In 2019, foreign tourism’s revenue stood at $13 billion. Egypt received some 13.1 million foreign tourists — reaching pre-2011 levels for the first time. But in 2020, it greeted only 3.5 million foreign tourists, according to the minister el-Anany.

At the newly opened National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Mahmoud el-Rays, a tour guide, was leading a small group of European tourists at the hall housing the royal mummies.

“ 2019 was a fantastic year ,” he said. “But corona reversed everything. It is a massive blow.”

Tourism traffic strengthened in the first months of 2021, el-Anany, the minister, told The Associated Press in a recent interview, though he did not give specific figures. He was optimistic that more would continue to come year-round.

“Egypt is a perfect destination for post-COVID in that our tourism is really an open-air tourism,” he said.

Lingering COVID-19 concerns

But it remains to be seen if the country truly has the virus under control. It has recorded a total of 14,950 deaths from the virus and is still seeing more than a thousand new cases daily. Like other countries, the real numbers are believed to be much higher. In Egypt, though, authorities have arrested doctors and silenced critics who questioned the government’s response, so there are fears that information on the true cost of the virus may have been suppressed from the beginning.

Egypt also had a trying experience early on in the pandemic, when it saw a coronavirus outbreak on one of its Nile River cruise boats. It first closed its borders completely until the summer of 2020, but later welcomed tourists back, first to Red-Sea resort towns and now to the heart of the country — Cairo and the Nile River Valley that hosts most of its famous archaeological sites. Visitors still require a negative COVID-19 test result to enter the country.

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In a further cause for optimism, Russia said in April that it plans to resume direct flights to Egypt’s Red Sea resort towns. Moscow stopped the flights after the local Islamic State affiliate bombed a Russian airliner over the Sinai Peninsula in October 2015, killing all on board.

Amanda, a 36-year-old engineer from Austria, returned to Egypt in May. It was her second visit in four years. She visited the Egyptian Museum, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and Islamic Cairo, in the capital’s historic center.

She had planned to come last year, but the pandemic interfered.

“Once they opened, I came,” she said. “It was my dream to see the Pyramids again.”

El-Rays, the tour guide, says that while he’s seeing tourists starting to come in larger numbers, he knows a full recovery will not happen overnight.

“It will take some time to return to before corona,” he said.

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A practical guide to travel in Egypt, from tipping culture to independent touring

From packing tips to advice on haggling, here’s everything you need to know while planning your trip.

Whether you want to sail down the Nile on a felucca, explore ancient temples, browse the museums of Cairo or go trekking in Sinai, there are a few things to bear in mind when planning your trip to Egypt. Here’s what to be aware of when it comes to visas, tipping, guides and more.

Do I need a visa?

Almost all travellers, including visitors from the UK and the EU, need a visa to travel to Egypt. While it’s possible to get a visa on arrival, it saves time at the airport if you apply online in advance. A single-entry tourist visa costs US$25 (£20). If you plan to stay in the resort towns in Sinai for fewer than 15 days, you do not need a visa. Instead, you receive a ‘permission stamp’ in your passport when you land at Sharm el-Sheikh International Airport. While this option is a money saver, the list of places you’re permitted to visit is quite limited — even Ras Mohamed National Park at the southern tip of Sinai is off limits without the full visa.

What should I pack?

Egypt is a majority Muslim country, so it’s respectful for travellers to dress modestly. For all genders, this means covering everything between your shoulders and knees. You will likely be asked to cover up more if you visit a mosque or church.

The tap water is not safe to drink here so bring a water bottle with a filter, such as those from Lifestraw .

Wi-fi ranges from infuriatingly slow to nonexistent across the country, even at five-star hotels. Get mobile data through your service provider at home or buy an Egyptian SIM card when you land at the airport.

Can I pay by card in Egypt?

Cash reigns supreme but you can use a card at some higher-end hotels and restaurants. Take some Egyptian pounds out of a cash machine when you arrive, but be mindful of the fluctuating exchange rate and don’t take more out than you need. For bigger expenses, consider bringing US dollars, the most — and sometimes only — accepted foreign currency.

Tipping, called baksheesh, infiltrates almost every interaction you’ll have. It’s customary to tip nearly everyone you come in contact with, even for services you don’t want or require. Keep small change on hand for toilet attendants, porters, mosque caretakers and guards at temples and tombs.

Should I join a tour or travel independently?

Egypt has been a package-tour destination since the days of Thomas Cook, who first led a group to Egypt in 1869. The country is well set up for tour groups, and many first-time visitors find this option easiest, with guides and transport logistics arranged for you. Egypt’s historic sites have little signage, making a tour guide a necessity for deeper understanding.

Nile cruises generally run between Luxor and Aswan in both directions, but a few make the long journey from Cairo. Trains, planes and buses connect cities along the Nile, and buses or internal flights can take you to the Red Sea coast.

For Hungry Minds

Related topics.

• ANCIENT HISTORY
• ANCIENT EGYPT
• CITY GUIDES

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The Ultimate Guide to Egypt: Dos and Don’ts Every Traveler Must Know!

W aving hello from the land of the Pharaohs , it's Kevin Erickson , your trusty travel companion. Ever dreamed of marveling at the Sphinx , floating on the Nile , or relishing in the historic hustle and bustle of Cairo's streets? Ah, Egypt, a majestic place! But, wait – do you know the etiquettes and local customs? Dive in as I unravel the treasures of Egypt and help you navigate potential pitfalls. 🌍

• Dress modestly and respect religious practices
• Greet, haggle, and tip like an Egyptian pro
• Stay hydrated, savor local delicacies, but know where to draw the line
• Relish history but respect boundaries
• Dive deep into the culture but keep American sensibilities in mind

Why Egypt Should Be on Every Traveler's Bucket List

According to the World Tourism Organization, Egypt welcomed a staggering more than 11.3 million tourists in 2018. A beacon of history, culture, and cuisine, Egypt promises a travel experience like no other.

Cultural Nuances: Navigating Egypt's Rich Tapestry

1. dress to respect.

Egypt's culture is an intriguing mix of modern and traditional elements. In religious and rural areas, dressing modestly is the key.

Women, consider long skirts or pants and tops with sleeves, while men might ditch the shorts.

Remember, dressing appropriately is not just about blending in, it's about showing respect!

2. Communicate Like a Local

Starting with a warm " As-salamu alaykum" can break many barriers. It’s an essential phrase that means "Peace be upon you".

Plus, trust me; locals appreciate it when you put in the effort.

3. Fun with Finances: Haggle and Tip!

Haggling isn't just a transaction; it's an art form in Egypt .

Dive into the vibrant bazaars, start with half the price, and let the dance begin! And when it comes to tipping, small gestures can bring big smiles.

4. Food, Drinks, and the Egyptian Way

Egypt offers a culinary journey that your tastebuds will cherish.

From falafels to koshary, there's a world to explore. And here’s a zinger for my American friends: while Egypt is a Muslim-majority country, alcohol is indeed legal and available in many restaurants, hotels, and bars.

However, remember: public drunkenness isn't just frowned upon—it can land you in hot water!

5. Dive Deep into the History, but Respect the Boundaries

Egypt is, as Anthony Bourdain rightly said,

" a unique fusion of civilizations, cultures, and religions. Traveling here is like walking through layers of history."

But remember, while the Pyramids might tempt you, climbing them is a big no-no. Let's keep history preserved!

From a Traveler's Eye: Kevin's Secret Tips

• The Nile - More Than Just a River - The Nile isn't just about those mesmerizing boat rides. Avoid swimming, especially near urban areas, due to pollution.
• Not Everyone's After Your Bucks - Sure, there are hustlers, but many Egyptians are genuinely warm. Embrace the culture, make friends, and you'll discover the true heart of the country.
• Step Outside the Tourist Spots - Discover Egypt's hidden gems. Beyond the Pyramids and Sphinx, there’s a whole world awaiting.

Embracing the Egyptian Adventure: A Final Word

The magic of Egypt is something that has enticed travelers for generations. Whether it's the mysterious allure of the Pyramids, the sprawling beauty of the Nile , or the vibrant tapestries of the bazaars, every corner of Egypt is a testament to its rich heritage and captivating culture. But beyond the visual spectacle, the soul of Egypt lies in its people – warm, welcoming, and eager to share their stories.

Traveling here is not just about checking off sites from a bucket list; it's about immersing oneself in a timeless narrative that has shaped much of the world's history. It's about understanding the delicate balance of tradition and modernity that Egyptians navigate daily. By respecting local customs and approaching each experience with an open heart, travelers can forge connections that transcend mere tourism.

Kevin Erickson' s insights and tips are crafted from a place of deep respect and admiration for this land. While the dos and don'ts serve as a practical guide, they also underscore a more profound message: Travel with empathy. Every "do" is an invitation to embrace and every "don't" a nudge to respect boundaries.

In conclusion, as you set out to experience Egypt, remember that it's a journey both external and internal. The monuments will leave you awestruck, the cuisine satisfied, but it's the memories made and the friendships forged that will truly stand the test of time.

So here's to Egypt – an eternal story waiting for your chapter. Safe travels!

What currency should I carry in Egypt?

Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP). While major cities and tourist areas accept credit cards, it's wise to carry some local currency for smaller vendors, tipping, and haggling in bazaars.

Do I need any vaccinations before traveling to Egypt?

It's recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before your trip. Common vaccines suggested for Egypt include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever, especially if you're planning to visit rural areas.

Is English spoken widely in Egypt?

While Arabic is the official language, English is widely understood and spoken, especially in tourist areas, major cities, and by younger generations. However, it's always appreciated if you learn a few basic Arabic phrases.

Are there specific cultural or religious festivals I should be aware of?

Yes, Egypt has several religious and cultural festivals, the most notable being Ramadan, a month of fasting. During this time, many shops and restaurants may have altered hours. Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha are also significant festivals with grand celebrations.

Is vegetarian or vegan food easily available?

Yes, Egyptian cuisine offers a variety of vegetarian and even vegan-friendly dishes. Staples like falafel, koshary, and molokhia are both delicious and vegetarian-friendly.

How do I get around within the country?

Egypt boasts a range of transportation options from trains, buses, and domestic flights to more local means like tuk-tuks and horse-drawn carriages. For major attractions like the Pyramids, it's often convenient to hire a taxi for the day or join a guided tour.

Is the tap water safe to drink?

It's advisable to stick to bottled water in Egypt, both for drinking and brushing your teeth, to avoid any potential stomach upsets. Always ensure the bottle seal is intact when purchasing.

• World Tourism Organization
• Egyptian Tourism Board
• "Parts Unknown" by Anthony Bourdain