Egypt Adventure

Days

8+

Activity Level

Easy

Host City

Cairo, Egypt

From

$2,995 USD

Egypt Adventure

Our curated Egypt adventure explores the highlights of this extraordinary North African nation. Unravel the mysteries of the pharaohs, feel the beating pulse of modern Cairo, ride camelback over the shifting sands of the Sahara Desert, gaze at the sunset across the winding Nile River, walk the fabled Valley of Kings – these are just some of the iconic moments and experiences that await you on this adventure of a lifetime.



Explore Egypt with TEP

Trip Highlights

Visit the eye-watering wonders of the Pyramids of Giza as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Memphis Necropolis, they host the Great Pyramid of Giza that stands a whopping 453 feet (138 meters) tall and other iconic landmarks like the sphinx.

Sail the Nile on a traditional Dahabiya riverboat like the ancients did. Spot wild hippos and even the elusive Nile crocodile, along with age-old farming communities set to a backdrop of the dust-billowing Sahara Desert.

Visit the archaeological treasures of the West Bank of Luxor and be astounded by the sheer scale of the tomb building. Then, explore the legendary Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens.

Explore the vibrant heart of Cairo where bazaars that have been buzzing for centuries converge on grand mosques and moving churches.

Let’s Plan Your Trip Today:


TRIP COST

From $2,995 USD per person

*More info. on pricing

More questions? Read more about pricing here

Start dates

Custom dates available all year round

To inquire about a custom date,
please contact us!

Duration

8 Days / 7 Nights 

Accommodations

Relax in comfort & luxury

max. group size

No minimum or maximum

*All Private Groups

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Easy*

8 Day / 7 Night Trip Daily Overview

Sample Trip Itinerary

Custom trip itineraries are available for any size group. Please contact us for a complete detailed itinerary.

Want more information? Download a detailed itinerary.

Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights, and more. It’s the perfect resource to help you choose!

Request Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

Welcome to Egypt! Our tour leader will greet you at the Cairo International Airport. They’ll even be available to assist with all the admin at customs and immigration (which isn’t always the most straight-forward process here). Once everything is sorted, we’ll have a private transfer ready to take you straight to your hotel so you can rest after long hours of flying.

Accommodations: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir, Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah or Four Seasons Hotel

Day 2: Giza

Your first full day in Egypt is packed with historical interest. First, we’ll head to Memphis – the original capital of ancient Egypt, with roots tracing back more than 5,000 years to 3200 BC. Visit the vast Pyramid Fields that contain over 100 individual structures with weathered intricate stone carvings, worn statues, and the ruins of ancient courtrooms of the civilization’s first true city.

Then, we go to the striking Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara (the oldest of all the pyramids built by the pharaohs) before heading to Giza, the most epic section of the pyramid zone and arguably the most iconic ancient complex on the planet. You’ll see the soaring Great Pyramid, walk beneath the Great Sphinx, and even duck inside an ancient tomb.

Accommodations: Nile Ritz Carlton

Day 3: Cairo

Get ready for the sprawling city of Cairo – the largest urban area in the whole of Africa. We’ll begin at the Citadel of Saladin, which was once the home of Egypt’s medieval Islamic rulers, and see the majestic Mosque of Muhammad Ali. Next, we’ll hop over to the pulsating streets of old Cairo to the Khan El Khalili market where trading traces back to the 1300s. It’s a maze of perfumed spice sellers, copper lantern shops, silk emporiums, and more!

Finally, we’ll explore the acclaimed Egyptian Museum which houses the largest and most prestigious collection of Egyptology and Pharaonic antiquities anywhere in the world. See the famed haunting Mask of Tutankhamun and lesser-known masterworks from the Old Kingdom period.

Accommodations: Nile Ritz Carlton

Day 4: Luxor & Karnak

Today starts with an early flight to Luxor, a town known as the “world’s largest open-air museum” and where the pharaohs made their power base between the 16th and the 11th centuries BC. Monuments, temples, relics, ruins – they’re everywhere.

We’ll tour the Karnak Temple Complex (the largest conglomeration of ancient shrines in the country) and visit the Precinct of Amun-Re, where 33-foot (10-meter) high columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall display some of the most iconic hieroglyphic inscriptions. In the evening, we board our river cruiser for visions of the blazing sunset kissing the oasis palms and the glistening waters of the Nile.

Accommodations: Steigenberger Resort Achti

Day 5: Cruise to West Bank of Luxor

Welcome to the West Bank of Luxor, where the largest group of pharaonic mortuary tombs and shrines on the globe.

We begin at the legendary Valley of the Kings and its 63 individual burial sites. This is where you’ll enter the mystical resting place of Tutankhamun. Be stunned by the intricate interiors of the Tomb of Tausert and Setnakht and other tombs adorned with eye-watering mural stories from more than 3,000 years ago. Later, we head to the Valley of the Queens, where you can what some experts hail as the best-preserved tomb in Egypt.

Accommodations: Farah Nile Cruise (Cabin)

Day 6: Edfu & Kom Ombo

You’ll wake having spent the night sailing south down the meandering Nile to Edfu. After breakfast on board, you’ll disembark for a trip to one of the most celebrated relics of the ancient world: the Temple of Horus. Considered the single most intact temple left from the Ancient Egyptian era, the site was miraculously preserved after being buried in layers of desert sand.

Your journey continues down the Nile from Edfu toward the incredible temple ruins of Kom Ombo. This temple dates from the Ptolemaic dynasty (180-47 BC), making them contemporary to Hellenistic Greece and the Roman Republic. Accordingly, they showcase a curious intermingling of ancient African, Egyptian, and Mediterranean styles throughout their shrines.

Accommodations: Farah River Boat (Cabin)

Day 7: Aswan

We’ll finish our cruise down the Nile in Aswan, a town that houses a true feat of human engineering called the High Dam. You’ll be guided to local Aswan quarries that were used by the ancients to source stone for some of the most magnificent tombs at Giza and Saqqara. Later, we hop over to the islands that rise above the water between the High Dam and Low Dam to the enthralling Philae temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s a layer cake of historical interest from the Ptolemaic, Roman, and Pharaonic eras. Your final evening on the Nile will be spent sailing between the palm-topped isles on a traditional Egyptian felucca boat.

Accommodations: Farah River Boat (Cabin)

Day 8: Return to Cairo

We fly back to Cairo today for more time in the enthralling Egyptian capital. There’s plenty left to do. We’d especially recommend people watching in Al-Azhar Park or exploring the streets of Coptic Cairo. In the evening, sample some local cuisine and teas before settling in for your last night in Egypt – we wish you safe travels home and hope to join you on your next adventure!

Accommodations: N/A

Create your OWN Unique Experience

Customizing Your Egypt Adventure

Are you interested in another activity or destination in Egypt? Planning to spend extra time in the region, or interested in specific travel dates? No problem. As experts in tailored trip planning, we can weave your interests and your timeframe into our customizable itineraries so that every detail of your extraordinary trip unfolds precisely the way you want it to. Click the options below to learn more:

With The Explorer’s Passage, you can choose between a variety of excursion options in Egypt:

  • Philae Temple
  • Aswan High Dam
  • Cairo Food Tour
  • Valley of the Kings
  • Temple of Hatshepsut

While in/around Egypt, you can choose to add on one or several of the following:

  • Israel
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Jordan
  • Morocco
  • Tanzania
  • South Africa

In addition to your time in Egypt, many travelers choose to add in other destinations to their trips, including (but not limited to) some of the following:

  • Galapagos Islands
  • Machu Picchu
  • Argentina Patagonia
  • Iceland (The Laugavegur Trail)
  • Annapurna Trek in Nepal
  • Mongolia
  • Jordan
  • Costa Rica
  • South African Safari
  • Arctic Cruise

Contact us today to get started customizing your dream trip to Egypt!

Hear what travelers are saying:

5-Star Review Average on TripAdvisor! Read More >
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Just book with these guys, they are the best and I work in the industry! Had an amazing trip with Explorers Passage. Everyone from the start was so friendly and courteous and this got even better when we arrived in Chile. Guides, drivers and hotel staff were out of the world.
Couple this with the stunning scenery and it’s one of my top vacation ever!”
– Richard B.
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“Explorer’s Passage made our W trek adventure not only possible but seamless and amazing. It was clear from the start that they had thought of everything – from the transfers to tickets to gear. We were very prepared from all their detailed checklists and training guide. And we knew what to expect from all our pre-trip calls and emails. The level of detail in all they do is remarkable. We were able to enjoy the adventure that much more because we had so much trust in their guidance as well as execution of all those details.”
– Kate W.
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“My wife and I just got back from Patagonia after completing the W Trek that Explorers Passage had arranged for us. From our first contact with Jeff Bonaldi to our last transfer, our experience was stellar. Jeff guided us through the rather complicated logistics and was very responsive to concerns before and during the adventure. His focus was always on how to make the adventure memorable not on the bottom line for his company. I rarely write reviews but felt compelled to do so because our experience was beyond 5 stars.”
– Steve B.
relax in comfort and luxury

Trip Accommodations

Relax in the comfort of accommodations ranging from 3.5 to 5+ Star luxury options – featuring some of the finest hotels in Egypt.

5+ Star Accommodations

Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza | Cairo, Egypt

Rejuvenate between visits to the pyramids of Giza and walks through the Cairo bazaars by picking the opulent Four Seasons on the Nile. This hotel is consistently rated among the best in the city and for good reason. The sprawling suites combine elegant Victorian-style furnishings with plush Egyptian cotton bedding. There’s also a full-fledged spa and haute Lebanese dining at the on-site restaurant.

Four Seasons on the Nile website

Farah Nile Cruise | Luxor / Edfu / Kom Ombo / Aswan

The Farah Nile Cruise elevates the concept of luxury river travel to unprecedented heights. From the moment you step aboard, you’ll be welcomed by art-filled lobbies that are bathed in natural light, creating an atmosphere of refined elegance and tranquility. The suites are designed with impeccable taste, featuring exquisite handmade timber furnishings that exude sophistication and comfort. Relax and take in the stunning river views from the sundeck, complete with stargazing telescopes for an unforgettable celestial experience under the night sky. For those with a passion for culinary arts, onboard cooking classes provide an opportunity to learn the secrets of local cuisine from expert chefs, adding a delightful and immersive element to your voyage.

Farah Nile Cruise website

5 Star Accommodations

Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah | Cairo, Egypt

Spilling off the side of leafy Zamalek Island, the Sofitel Al Gezeira Sheraton is a slice of paradise amid Cairo’s traffic-clogged streets and marketplaces. It’s got a whiff of a grand Parisian stay about it, what with lobbies adorned with glinting chandeliers. Highlights include the infinity pool overlooking the cityscape and the panoramic balconies in the suites.

Sofitel Cairo website

Mövenpick MS Royal Lily Nile Cruise | Luxor / Edfu / Kom Ombo / Aswan

There are just 56 curated cabins on the exquisite Royal Lilly cruiser from the Movenpick group. Each offers wide windows for Nile viewing from the comfort of your bed. Each gets access to an upper deck that touts a swimming pool and loungers.

Movenpick Cruise website

3.5 Star Accommodations

Nile Ritz Carlton | Cairo, Egypt

The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo carries a rich legacy of tradition and luxury. Overlooking the Nile River lies the iconic luxury hotel, offering leisure and business travelers an opulent retreat in the heart of Cairo. The hotel marries the “bucket-list” city with world-class services; offering splendid amenities including more than nine distinctive restaurants and bars, a lavish spa and unprecedented service promising you an unforgettable getaway.

Nile Ritz Carlton website

Steigenberger Resort Achti | Luxor, Egypt

Explore the City of 100 Gates from Steigenberger Resort Achti, here you have the best panoramic panoramic view of the Nile in Luxor. The Steigenberger Resort Achti is superbly located in the heart of Luxor, yet quiet and secluded, amidst eight acres of lush tropical gardens. Directly on the east bank of the Nile, only about 11 km from the airport and within walking distance of the city center. It is the ideal starting point to discover the Nile as well as the surrounding countryside.

Steigenberger Resort Achti website

Le Meridien Airport Hotel | Cairo, Egypt

Awaken your sense of wonder when you stay at Le Méridien Cairo Airport, a 5 star hotel in Egypt’s energetic capital. As the first and only hotel connected to Terminal Three of the Cairo International Airport, we offer a convenient pedestrian bridge with direct access to the hotel entrance. Treat yourself to a new wardrobe at Sun City Mall. Explore the Great Pyramids, visit the Sphinx or study artifacts from King Tutankhamun, all nearby. Afterward, return to our premium airport hotel for a cocktail by the outdoor pool or a workout at our fitness centre.

Le Meridien Airport website

we’re always happy to help

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Egypt is during the North African wintertime, which lasts from October to April. This is the coolest part of the year, though it’s still likely to be warm – average temperatures sit at around 75°F (24°C) in December. Spring, summer, and fall can also be good options. These seasons see smaller crowds but also higher mercury readings, sometimes of over 100°F (38°C)!

You’ll need at least a week to see the highlights of Egypt and even that will be a packed itinerary. Take our nine-day trip, which splits time almost equally between Cairo and the Nile River to include the wonders of the Giza pyramids, but also the impressive temples of Luxor and the Aswan High Dam.

The Giza pyramids, the Valley of the Kings, and the Karnak Temple Complex are all considered the stand-out highlights of Egypt. However, there are oodles of lesser-known historic sights that we also try to include in our itineraries. Plus, there’s something to be said for the pure joy of wandering medieval bazaars and watching the Nile roll by on a river cruise.

The famous pyramids of Egypt are located just south of Cairo. They’re officially a part of the Memphis Necropolis UNESCO site, which spreads south from the town of Giza for about 20 miles (32 km), running parallel to the Nile. Most visitors will travel to the pyramids from a hotel in Cairo city center or Giza itself.

Most Nile River cruises last around four days. That allows for enough time to sail from Luxor – the home of the Valley of the Kings – to Aswan – where you’ll see the High Dam and the ancient quarries. You can also do cruises for much longer than that if you wanted to spend extra time enjoying the beautiful views of the iconic waterway and the many historic sites along its length.

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Trip Support

Egypt adventure TRIP Support

There is no other operator in the travel industry that will provide the same level of personal attention to your travel experience.


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