Country(ies): Egypt
Tour type: Small Group
Group size: Min: 2 | Max: 18
Accommodation: No Accommodation
Meals: Breakfasts - 11, Lunches - 4, Dinners - 5
Transport: A/C minibus, sleeper train, felucca sailboat
Highlights: The Pyramids & Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Philae Temple, Abu Simbel option, Nile felucca cruise, Temple of Karnak & Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon, Red Sea at Hurghada
We offer a variety of Egypt Tours, and this particular one includes visits to Cairo, the Nile Valley, and the Red Sea in Hurghada. The journey begins with visits to the iconic Pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza, where expert local Egyptologist guides will provide in-depth insights into ancient Egyptian history and the development of pyramid construction. While in Cairo, you’ll also explore the expansive Egyptian Museum, home to a vast collection of ancient artifacts, mummies, and the famous King Tutankhamun exhibit.
Afterwards, we board an overnight sleeper train heading south to Upper Egypt, reaching Aswan the following morning. Aswan is known for some of the most picturesque stretches of the Nile, and we’ll embark on a boat trip to the beautiful Philae temple located on an island. You can also opt to visit the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel temples, which were dismantled and relocated to higher ground due to the flooding caused by Lake Nasser.
Next, we set sail on a relaxing overnight river cruise aboard a traditional Nile felucca sailboat, accompanied by a friendly Nubian crew. This provides a perfect opportunity to unwind and enjoy the rural Egyptian landscape along the Nile. Once we disembark, we’ll visit the stunning Edfu temple on the way to Luxor, often regarded as the world’s greatest open-air museum. In Luxor, we’ll explore both the east bank, including the impressive Karnak temple complex and the majestic Luxor temple, which is beautifully illuminated at night, as well as the west bank to discover the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut’s temple, Deir El-Medina (the valley of the artisans), and the colossal statues of the Colossi of Memnon. You can also choose to take an extraordinary hot air balloon ride over Luxor if desired.
Our journey concludes with a visit to Hurghada on the Red Sea coast for some relaxation at the beach resort. Here, you can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water sports. You may also choose to extend your stay at the resort. The tour wraps up back in Cairo, where you’ll stroll through the charming backstreets of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. Additional optional day trips and extensions are available after the main tour.
The tour features stays in 5-star hotels in Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, and Hurghada, with an overnight sleeper train ride from Cairo to Aswan. During the felucca cruise, our support boat will accompany the group, offering clean toilets, showers, and a hygienic kitchen. Upgrades are available to switch the sleeper train ride to a flight and hotel package, or to extend your stay in Aswan instead of the felucca cruise.
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Upon your arrival, our team will greet you at the airport, assist with your visa and luggage, and then escort you to your hotel to begin your journey. They will help you get settled, familiarize you with the surroundings, and go over the plans for the following day. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. If you arrive earlier, you may wish to join a dinner cruise along the Nile or experience an amazing sound and light show at the pyramids (both can be booked locally upon your arrival).
OVERNIGHT:
Cairo 5-star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 0, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
Our journey through Egypt kicks off with a scenic drive to Giza, located just outside Cairo, where we will explore the iconic Sphinx and the three grand pyramids of Egypt. A local Egyptologist will accompany you throughout this excursion, as well as all future tours, offering a wealth of insight into Egypt’s rich history and culture. Standing at an impressive 500 feet tall and 750 feet wide at its base, the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) is a remarkable structure made of enormous stone blocks with a smooth limestone outer casing. Over the years, the casing has been removed, revealing the raw inner blocks. Along with the smaller pyramids of Khafre (Chephern) and Menkaure (Mycerinus), the sight of these massive structures towering above the desert landscape is truly awe-inspiring. If you wish, you can descend inside the pyramids, though access is limited and your guide cannot accompany you (a limited number of tickets are available for the Great Pyramid). After visiting the Pyramids, we will head to the Egyptian Museum, which is home to the incredible Tutankhamun collection as well as countless other ancient Egyptian artifacts.
Later this evening, we will transfer to the station for the overnight sleeper train to Aswan (approximately 12 hours). Enjoy a delicious dinner onboard in your private twin-berth compartment before the steward prepares your beds for a restful night’s sleep.
OVERNIGHT:
Sleeper train
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 2, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 2
EXTRAS:
None
This morning, we arrive in Aswan and transfer to our hotel with stunning views of the Nile, which looks especially scenic here, dotted with lush green islands and feluccas gliding back and forth. Aswan is a vibrant blend of African and Middle Eastern cultures, best experienced by exploring its bustling markets. It also sits in the historic region of Nubia, which once included parts of modern-day southern Egypt and northern Sudan along the Nile River. Many Nubian descendants still call this area home, and we’ll visit a nearby Nubian village to admire their colorful homes, witness their simple way of life, and enjoy a traditional meal.
Our afternoon continues with a visit to the Temple of Philae, a stunning island sanctuary devoted to the goddess Isis, which was salvaged from the rising waters of Lake Nasser. We reach it by a scenic boat ride. The evening is yours to explore Aswan's spice and general markets or to stroll along the Corniche, the popular promenade on the Nile's banks. For an added experience, you can take a camel ride across the sands on the opposite bank of the Nile to St. Simeon’s Monastery. If you’ve opted for the Abu Simbel excursion, you’ll want to rest early tonight for a very early departure tomorrow morning.
OVERNIGHT:
Aswan 5 star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 2, Lunches - 2, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
This morning, you have the opportunity to visit the incredible UNESCO World Heritage site of Abu Simbel, home to the temples constructed by Ramses II. We depart early to catch the stunning sight of the rising sun over these magnificent structures. If you choose not to visit Abu Simbel, the morning is yours to enjoy at leisure.
At lunchtime, we embark on a traditional Nile felucca for an afternoon of sailing down the river. A felucca ride on the Nile is one of the most delightful activities in Egypt, offering a chance to observe rural Egyptian life along the riverbanks. Our Nubian crew will take charge of the sailing, entertain you during the journey, and prepare meals for the group. A separate boat with essential facilities will occasionally meet up with us during the day and dock with us overnight. This boat is equipped with a toilet, showers, and a hygienic kitchen. Tonight, you’ll sleep on the deck of the felucca (mattresses, blankets, and mosquito nets will be provided). While this offers a fun and authentic experience, we also offer an optional upgrade for those who prefer more comfort—an opportunity to return to the Aswan hotel for the night, with the group reuniting the following morning.
OVERNIGHT:
On board felucca
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 1, Dinners - 1
EXTRAS:
None
After breakfast on-board, we say goodbye to our felucca crew and head to the nearby Edfu Temple for a visit before continuing our journey north to Luxor. Luxor is built on and around the ancient city of Thebes, home to the largest collection of ancient ruins in the Nile Valley, and possibly the entire world. To the west of the Nile, you'll find the City of the Dead, with its mortuary temples and tombs carved into the rock, while to the east are the magnificent Temples of Luxor and Karnak.
We check into a luxurious 5-star hotel situated along the Nile and have the afternoon to unwind and enjoy the poolside.
In the evening, we’ll embark on a walking tour of the smaller Luxor Temple, located right in the heart of the city, which is beautifully illuminated after dark.
OVERNIGHT:
Luxor 5-star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
We cross the Nile early in the morning to start our exploration of Luxor’s West Bank. This area, home to the Valley of the Kings, holds the ancient tombs where secrets are still being uncovered, making it one of the world’s most significant archaeological sites. Our visit includes several Pharaonic tombs, the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Deir-el-Medina (the Valley of the Craftsmen), and the monumental Colossi of Memnon.
A breathtaking hot air balloon ride over the west bank of the Nile is offered this morning (be prepared for an early rise to witness the sunrise as the balloon ascends).
After lunch, we’ll explore the vast temple complex of Karnak, which once served as the religious hub of Thebes and Upper Egypt. It was connected to Luxor by a long avenue lined with sphinxes, and the entire complex was connected to the Nile through a canal used for the sacred boats of the god Amun. Entering through a smaller sphinx-lined path, built by Ramesses II, you’ll reach the massive pylon entrance. Inside the expansive Courtyard are three chapels dedicated to the gods Amun, Khons, and Mut. The extraordinary Hypostyle Hall features 134 towering columns, each adorned with carvings of gods and pharaohs, while the walls are covered in hieroglyphic inscriptions.
OVERNIGHT:
Luxor 5-star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
Following a leisurely morning, we depart from the Nile Valley and head to the Red Sea resort of Hurghada, where we check into a luxurious 5-star hotel. Your stay is on a 'soft all-inclusive' plan, covering all meals, soft drinks, and snacks, though alcoholic drinks are not included.
OVERNIGHT:
Hurghada - 5-star resort
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 1
EXTRAS:
None
Today, you have a free day to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the Red Sea. Hurghada is renowned worldwide for its exceptional scuba diving and snorkelling, attracting divers from every corner of the globe due to its vibrant marine life. Other thrilling activities you can try include windsurfing, kite surfing, glass-bottomed submarine rides, quad biking, camel trekking, and fishing trips. Our local representative in Hurghada is available to assist with any arrangements you may need. Additionally, Hurghada features a charming marina and an intriguing old town worth exploring.
If you’d like, we can arrange additional nights for you at the resort in Hurghada to extend your stay—please reach out to us for more details and pricing.
Note: Adding extra nights in Hurghada means you will leave the group and miss the rest of the Cairo activities. You can either conclude your tour in Hurghada or return to Cairo later. Contact us for more information and tailored pricing.
OVERNIGHT:
Hurghada 5-star resort
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 1, Dinners - 1
EXTRAS:
None
We head back to Cairo this morning (approximately 5 hours) and check into a hotel in the city center. An upgrade to an internal flight can be arranged upon request. In the late afternoon, we embark on a guided stroll through the narrow streets and markets of Old Cairo. Our route takes us through the grand Bab al-Futuh gateway, where we’ll explore areas known for metalwork, spices, pottery, textiles, jewelry, and more, gradually leading us to the bustling, tourist-friendly Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. There will be a break to enjoy some mint tea and a shisha pipe, offering the perfect chance to pick up souvenirs to remember your time in Egypt.
OVERNIGHT:
Cairo 5-star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
Your day is free for any last-minute sightseeing or shopping before we transfer you to the airport for your flight. If you’re flying in the afternoon or evening, you can enjoy a half-day tour of Coptic Cairo and the Citadel, or opt for another half-day tour to discover the history of pyramid construction at Saqqara, Dashour, and Memphis. Additional tours are also available today. Alternatively, you may choose to extend your stay in Cairo, allowing you to explore the colonial city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast or venture into the desert to visit the World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
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If you are looking for a tour and not finding what you are looking for, have a look at our best other related tours to check out for your travel plans. At Egypt Uncovered, we offer a variety of tours to suit your needs. So sit back, relax, and let us help you plan the perfect getaway.
We offer regular small-group tours departing every Saturday year-round. Each departure is confirmed with a minimum of 2 travellers and a maximum of 18. Departure dates and pricing details can be found on our website and in a separate dates & prices document available upon request.
The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often use on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level. In general, specific hotels cannot be guaranteed on our group tours, but you may select your preferred options if you are booking a tailor-made trip.
Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time in the destination you're visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.
The detailed Tour Notes below have been written to give you some more detailed information about how the tour runs, what to expect, and how to prepare for your holiday. We recommend downloading an up to date copy of these shortly before you travel in case of any changes.
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Our new facilities boat makes the whole felucca experience more enjoyable, with a clean toilet and hot showers on board, as well as massage beds and a hygienic kitchen.