Country(ies): Egypt
Tour type: Small Group
Group size: Min: 2 | Max: 18
Accommodation: No Accommodation
Meals: Breakfasts - 5, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 1
Transport: AC minibus/coach, overnight train
Highlights: The great Pyramids & Sphinx, beautiful Philae temple by boat, Nile felucca cruise, Traditional Nubian Villages Pharaonic sites of Luxor's East and West Banks, back streets of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar
This tour is the perfect introduction to Egypt, taking you through Cairo and along the Nile Valley between Aswan and Luxor. It begins with the awe-inspiring Pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza.
From Cairo, we travel overnight by seater train to Aswan, where you’ll enjoy a boat ride to the stunning island temple of Philae. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the monumental Abu Simbel temples, built by Ramses II. In Aswan, we stay overnight in a warm and welcoming Nubian village.
Next, you’ll experience one of Egypt’s most relaxing highlights — an overnight cruise along the Nile aboard a traditional felucca sailboat. A support boat with toilet, shower, and kitchen facilities travels alongside during the day and night, with the crew preparing your meals. This peaceful sail offers a welcome break from sightseeing, and for added comfort, an upgrade to a hotel stay is available for this night.
After discovering the spectacular ancient sites of Luxor, we take the overnight train back to Cairo. Before your departure, you can choose from optional half-day tours: explore the Egyptian Museum, Citadel, and Khan el-Khalili bazaar, or delve deeper into pyramid history with a visit to Dashour and Memphis. Additional nights in Cairo and extensions to the Red Sea can also be arranged.
Accommodation includes comfortable mid-range hotels, a cosy Nubian guesthouse in Aswan, and one night aboard the felucca.
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Upon arrival, our staff will greet you at the airport, assist you with visa processing and luggage retrieval, and then transfer you to your hotel in central Cairo to begin your trip. They will help you settle in, familiarize you with the local area, and outline the arrangements for the following day. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Should you arrive early, you might consider an optional evening dinner cruise on the Nile or experiencing the captivating sound and light show at the pyramids, both of which can be booked locally upon arrival.
OVERNIGHT:
Cairo 4-star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 0, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
Extra day in Cairo pre-tour (3-star)
Nile dinner cruise in Cairo
Single Room Supplement (EGSHES)
Our Egyptian adventure begins with a visit to the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza, situated just outside Cairo. Arguably the most recognizable ancient structures globally, these three magnificent pyramids were constructed around 2500 BC by the Pharaohs Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Here, our Egyptologist guide will introduce you to the fascinating history of Egypt, explaining the construction and purpose of these monumental tombs and their significance within the broader narrative of ancient Pharaonic civilization. For the adventurous (and those without claustrophobia), there will be an opportunity to descend into the interior of one of these remarkable structures.
Nearby, we will then explore the majestic Sphinx, a captivating monument that was fully excavated only in the 1920s. Following this awe-inspiring encounter, we will pause for a delicious Koshary lunch. This quintessential Egyptian dish is a flavorful and satisfying blend of fluffy rice, lentils, macaroni, and chickpeas, all layered with a zesty tomato sauce and topped with crispy fried onions – a true taste of Egypt's culinary heritage that will energize you for the afternoon.
After lunch, you will have free time to explore the renowned Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, home to an unparalleled collection of ancient Egyptian treasures.
In the evening, we will board an overnight VIP seated train from Cairo to Aswan. For those seeking enhanced comfort, an upgrade to the sleeper train is available, offering private cabins and included airline-style meals.
OVERNIGHT:
Overnight seater train
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
Two way sleeper train upgrade
Following our overnight train journey, we arrived in Aswan and settled into a Nubian-style hotel in a vibrant Nubian village. This ancient region of Nubia once encompassed the Nile Valley in parts of present-day southern Egypt and northern Sudan, and many Nubian descendants still reside around Aswan, evident in their colorful homes.
The next morning, we embarked on a boat trip to the Temple of Philae, a stunningly located sanctuary dedicated to Isis and remarkably salvaged from the waters of Lake Nasser. Afterwards, we ventured south of Aswan to immerse ourselves in Nubian culture. We experienced the local way of life, visited Nubian homes, and spent the night in our Nubian-style hotel.
OVERNIGHT:
Aswan - Nubian Village hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 0, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
None
This morning offers an optional excursion to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site of Abu Simbel, home to the temples of Ramses II. We'll depart in the early hours to witness the breathtaking sight of the sunrise illuminating these ancient wonders. For those not participating in the Abu Simbel visit, the morning is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Around lunchtime, we'll embark on a traditional Nile felucca for a relaxing afternoon sail. Drifting along the Nile on a felucca provides a unique perspective on local Egyptian life as the rural landscapes unfold along the riverbanks. Our Nubian crew will expertly navigate the boat, entertain you with their culture, and prepare your meals. A separate support boat, equipped with toilets, showers, and a hygienic kitchen, will accompany us during the day and moor alongside us at night. Tonight, you'll sleep under the stars on the deck of the felucca, with mattresses, blankets, and mosquito nets provided for a fun, albeit basic, experience. For those seeking more comfort, an optional upgrade to spend the night back at the Aswan hotel is available. You'll then rejoin the group the following morning.
OVERNIGHT:
On board felucca
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 1
EXTRAS:
Abu Simbel overland
Felucca to Hotel upgrade
This morning, we lingered onboard the Felucca, savoring breakfast with the crew before a reluctant farewell. Afterward, we journeyed north to Luxor, pausing to explore the magnificent Edfu Temple along the way. Luxor, often called the jewel of Egypt, boasts the Nile Valley's, if not the world's, most extensive collection of ancient ruins. These are divided by the Nile: the West Bank, the City of the Dead, reveals numerous mortuary temples and tombs carved into the rugged mountains. On the East Bank, the impressive Temples of Luxor and Karnak, connected by the Avenue of Sphinxes, stand as highlights. This evening offers an optional excursion to Luxor Temple, centrally located and beautifully illuminated at night. Alternatively, you might choose to venture into town, discovering Luxor's lively outdoor cafes, perhaps engaging in a game of backgammon and trying a shisha pipe with the locals. Our accommodation for the night is a comfortable four-star hotel with a pool, situated on the banks of the Nile.
OVERNIGHT:
Luxor 4-star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
Hot air balloon in Luxor
This morning's excursion takes us to the West Bank of the Nile. There, we will explore the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, delve into the ancient tombs of the Valley of the Kings, and gain insights into the lives of the skilled laborers at Deir El-Medina, also known as the Valley of the Artisans. Our visit will also include a stop to marvel at the imposing Colossi of Memnon.
The afternoon offers you leisure time to unwind at the hotel or the chance to join an optional tour to discover the vast temple complex of Karnak. For a truly unforgettable experience, a spectacular hot air balloon flight over the West Bank of the Nile is also available today, requiring an early start to witness the breathtaking sunrise from above.
This evening, we will board the overnight VIP seating train back to Cairo. For those seeking enhanced comfort, an upgrade to the sleeper train is available.
OVERNIGHT:
Overnight seater train
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
Hot air balloon in Luxor
Karnak Temple tour
Two way sleeper train upgrade
This morning, we'll arrive back in Cairo and transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Cairo independently, or you may choose to participate in an optional tour. Several options are available, including a city tour of Cairo that visits Coptic Cairo, the Citadel, and the Mohamed Ali Mosque. Alternatively, you could take a half-day tour to Saqqara, Dashour, and Memphis to delve into the history and evolution of pyramid construction. For a full-day excursion further afield, consider a trip into the desert outside Cairo to experience the World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan.
If you haven't opted for one of the full-day optional tours, an opportunity awaits in the afternoon for a guided walk through the back streets and vibrant bazaars of central Cairo. Our exploration will begin as we pass through the grand Bab al-Futuh gateway, leading us through fascinating streets dedicated to metalwork, spices, pottery, fabric, jewelry, and a myriad of other crafts. We'll gradually make our way into the more bustling and tourist-friendly Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Here, we'll pause for a refreshing break to savor some tea and perhaps try a shisha pipe. You might also consider enjoying an early dinner of Kushari, Egypt's unofficial national dish, before we return to our hotel.
OVERNIGHT:
Cairo 3-star hotel
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 0, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
Alexandria day trip
Cairo city tour
Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis
Wadi Rayan day trip (Valley of the Whales)
Enjoy your free time this morning for last-minute sightseeing or shopping before your transfer to the airport for your departure flight. To make the most of your day, we suggest booking an afternoon or evening flight, allowing you time to visit the remarkable Egyptian Museum and explore more of Cairo. Should you wish to extend your stay, extra nights in Cairo are available.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfasts - 1, Lunches - 0, Dinners - 0
EXTRAS:
Extra day in Cairo post-tour (3-star)
Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis
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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.
This tour features regularly scheduled small-group departures every Saturday throughout the year. We guarantee that all departures will proceed with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 26 travelers. For specific departure dates and pricing information, please refer to our website or the separate dates & prices sheet, which is 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.