egypt and nile tours

Egypt & Nile River Cruise

4.6 out of 5 stars

You have up to 60 days to get a full refund

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Float past the pyramids, temples, and tombs of Egypt atop the Nile’s gentle waters.

Descend into a world of ancient wonders to discover the land behind the legends. Walk past towering stone icons, through avenues of sphinxes, and into royal valleys tucked amid desert sands. Then, cruise down the Nile and anchor at remote islands under the watchful gaze of the Theban Hills. End your adventure in Cairo, where the prayer calls of historic houses of worship echo amidst the modern bustle. Extend your trip across the Sinai Peninsula, to Jordan, to explore the umber-colored remains of Petra and take a dip in the Dead Sea.

Your tour package includes

• 6 nights in handpicked hotels
• 4 nights aboard a Nile River cruise ship
• 10 breakfasts
• 9 dinners with beer or wine

Included highlights

• Pyramids of Giza
• Great Sphinx
• Grand Egyptian Museum
• Temples of Karnak and Luxor
• Valley of the Kings

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

Day-by-day itinerary

Board your overnight flight to Cairo today.

Welcome to Egypt, where tales etched in stone await your discovery—and where your own Egyptian story will unfold.

Transfer from Cairo to your hotel in Giza and get settled in. This evening, enjoy dinner at your leisure in the hotel.

Set off on a guided tour of Cairo, where its strategic location in the Nile Valley drew the area’s first settlements 2,000 years ago. You’ll explore labyrinthine alleys and ornate mosques as you learn more about the region’s history from your Egyptologist—who is also your Tour Director.

• Visit the Cairo Citadel. Built in the 12th century by the mighty Saladin and originally used as a fortress, it remained the seat of the Egyptian government until the 19th century.
• Stop at the Muhammad Ali Mosque, built in the Ottoman style and known as the Alabaster Mosque for its extensive marble paneling. Its twin minarets make it one of the most striking structures in Cairo’s cityscape.

Gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner with beer or wine at a local restaurant this evening.

Please note: Travelers are required to remove their shoes when entering the Alabaster Mosque, and to dress modestly. Women should cover their heads and shoulders, and men should wear long pants.

Meet up with your Tour Director and set off on a guided tour of Giza, Egypt’s third-largest city and home to some of the world’s most enduring ancient monuments.

• Stand in the shadow of the Pyramids of Giza, the only Wonder of the Ancient World to have survived into the modern era. Standing as tall as 480 feet when it was built, the Great Pyramid of Giza continues to amaze with its size and the precision with which it was constructed.
• Visit the enigmatic, 4,500-year-old Great Sphinx, the largest monolithic statue in the world. (It was carved from a single limestone bedrock!)
• Enter the Grand Egyptian Museum, said to be the world’s largest museum, and explore its vast collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts alongside your Tour Director.
• Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant.

Please note: If the Grand Egyptian Museum is not yet open to the public, travelers will visit the Egyptian Antiquities Museum instead.

Dine like an Egyptian by adding an optional home-hosted dinner in Cairo, during which you’ll sample Egypt’s complex flavors, like dukkah and fenugreek.

Cairo Home-Hosted Dinner

From $129 per person

Please note: Some cruise departures will follow days 5-9 in reverse.

Fly to Luxor, where you’ll board your cruise ship this afternoon. Enjoy an included lunch before seeing the painstakingly excavated Temple of Karnak and Luxor.

It’s said that 30 pharaohs presided over the building of the temple—a sprawling and vast ancient site. You’ll feel a palpable connection to the ancient world as you walk in the footsteps of priests and worshippers who came here for thousands of years.

• Venture through the Karnak temple complex with your guide to see the Precinct of Amun-Re, whose mudbrick walls stretch over 1.5 miles around. Gaze over extensive hieroglyphic inscriptions marking moments in history, and end at the Temple of Khonsu—a smaller, more intimate temple dedicated to the god of time and the moon.
• Take an early evening walking tour through Luxor Temple, located on the banks of the Nile River. As you approach, an avenue of human-headed sphinxes creates a dramatic and awe-inspiring entrance. The temple unfolds with a series of striking architectural elements that include massive columns, colossal statues, and hieroglyphs.
• Continue your exploration of the complex at the Abu Haggag Mosque. Although the structure itself “only” dates to the 13th century, its site has been used as a place of worship for more than 3,500 years—and is still in use today.

This evening, sit down for an included dinner aboard the ship, served with beer or wine.

Spend the morning relaxing and catching up on sleep, or greet the day with an early start for an optional, but certainly once-in-a-lifetime, hot-air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings and the Nile.

Later, tour the Nile’s West Bank with your Tour Director.

• Explore the Valley of the Kings, a series of tombs nestled between rugged limestone outcroppings and mountains in the Theban Hills. The barren, rocky terrain contrasts with the lush greenery of the Nile’s eastern bank.
• Enter King Tut’s tomb, famous for containing the treasures a pharaoh would need in the afterlife, such as clothing, food, chariots, games, and ceremonial items. Although these precious artifacts have since been relocated, you’ll observe the tomb resting amidst richly adorned walls.

This afternoon, enjoy an included lunch before sailing toward Edfu. Sit down for an included dinner this evening.

Nile River Hot Air Balloon Ride

From $169 per person

Spend a free morning while docked in Edfu or add an exploration of one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt—the Temple of Horus. This classic example of Ptolemaic architecture, with massive stone walls and towering pylons, is also one of the few temples in Egypt where inscriptions on its walls describe how it was built and used in ancient times. 

Later, continue uncovering the wonders of Egypt after an included lunch aboard your ship. You’ll visit the Temple of Kom Ombo. Dedicated to the deities Sobek and Horus, it was constructed as two symmetrical temples aligned in parallel. Although they were initially built during the Ptolemaic period, they were expanded after the Roman conquest of Egypt, resulting in a blend of both local and Greco-Roman architectural styles. 

Your day ends when you dock in the busy market city of Aswan, where you’ll sit down for an included dinner, served with beer or wine, aboard your vessel. 

Edfu & the Temple of Horus

From $75 per person

Enjoy a free morning aboard your ship or add an optional trek to Abu Simbel. You’ll visit the temples of Ramses II and his wife, Nefertari, originally carved into the mountainside and painstakingly relocated to save them from being submerged by the damming of the Nile.

Please note: Depending on flight schedules, the Abu Simbel excursion may be offered on day 9 instead of day 8.

Later, enjoy an included lunch before climbing aboard a felucca, a traditional Egyptian sailboat, to ride past Elephantine. Sited across from the hubbub of central Aswan, the island is home to two serene Nubian villages and once played an integral role in the ivory trade.

• Cruise past partially excavated ruins scattered across the island, including the remains of the Temple of Khnum’s granite step pyramid. You may also spot a nilometer carved directly into the river’s rocky shores and marked with Arabic, Roman, and Egyptian numerals. In ancient times, nilometers were used to indicate the Nile’s water levels to predict the harvest and calculate taxes for the coming year.
• Take in panoramic views of the dusty pink granite stones of the Mausoleum of Aga Khan. The historic site is the final resting place of Aga Khan III, one of Islam’s most important imams, and a testament to enduring love. Khan’s widow left a red rose on his tomb every day until her passing, a tradition still carried on today in the tomb that she commissioned.

Sit down for an included dinner, served with beer or wine, aboard the ship this evening.

From $389 per person

Disembark your cruise in Aswan and set off on a sightseeing tour of the city led by your Tour Director. Known as the gateway to Nubia, Aswan is surrounded by a unique natural setting where the Nile, dotted with lush islands, meets an arid desert landscape.

• Board a boat to visit the temples at Philae, an island in the Nile River. Watch in awe as enormous columns and imposing facades rise from the water, emblazoned with hieroglyphics.
• Walk through the colorful local market where you’ll find perfumes, spices, traditional talismans, and souvenirs.

Spend a free afternoon in Aswan perusing one of the local markets. Or, add an immersive visit to a Nubian village and experience the hospitality of this distinct group that’s indigenous to southern Egypt.

Sit down for an included dinner this evening, served with beer or wine.

Nubian Village Visit

From $65 per person

Transfer to the airport and fly back to Cairo today.

After sitting down for an included dinner, served with beer or wine, enjoy a free evening in Cairo. Ask your Tour Director for a recommendation or find a cozy cafe on your own. Be sure to order mint tea and kunafa, a spun pastry soaked in sweet syrup and sprinkled with pistachios.

Spend today in the oldest part of Cairo, exploring labyrinthian alleys, entering ancient houses of worship, and learning more about Egypt’s prismatic history.

• Enter the Hanging Church. Officially known as Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church, this third-century sanctuary is adorned with expertly turned wood carvings, colorful frescoes, and ornate marble columns. Its moniker stems from its position atop the gatehouse of Babylon Fortress, giving the impression that it’s suspended in the air.
• Step inside the Turkish-style Ben Ezra Synagogue, a place of pilgrimage for North African Jews. It’s believed to have been built on the site where, according to biblical accounts, the baby Moses was found in the Nile River.

Then, transfer to the Gayer-Anderson Museum, a former home that now showcases Egyptian art, furniture, and curios.

Celebrate your trip with your fellow travelers during tonight’s farewell dinner, served with beer or wine, and raise a glass to an unforgettable trip and new friendships.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your trip to Jordan, where you can keep satisfying your wanderlust at two of our travelers’ favorite bucket list destinations: Petra and the Dead Sea.  

Fly to Amman, Jordan, this morning and transfer to Petra. Then, sit down for an included dinner before settling in for a good night’s sleep. In just a few hours, you’ll be walking the wonders of Petra’s ancient legacy. 

Head to the city of Petra, which was carved into the soft, red rocks of Mount Hor in the third century BC by members of an Arab tribe known as the Nabataeans. Explore the sandstone city alongside your new Tour Director.

• Learn about Petra’s unique architecture—one of the reasons it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
• Walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Site to the iconic Al-Khazneh, or Treasury, which served as a tomb and features one of the most famous facades in the world—immortalized in photographs, films, and, now, your very own camera roll.
• Take in the intricately carved pillars and columns of the Palace Tomb, whose facade towers five stories above the ground.
• Stroll through the winding, high-walled gorge known as the Siq and learn how tectonic forces formed the giant crack in the rock.

Please note: In order to enter Petra, travelers should be able to walk two miles round-trip in hot weather over uneven terrain. Other modes of transportation may be available for you to book upon your arrival at an additional cost.

So much of Jordanian hospitality revolves around sharing a meal with visitors and guests. Experience it yourself by adding a Levantine cooking class and dinner to your itinerary and round out your day with the authentic flavors of the eastern Mediterranean. You can also continue your evening with free time to explore Petra on your own.

Levantine Cooking Class & Dinner

Today, delve deeper into the history and culture of Jordan on a pair of guided sightseeing tours before continuing to Amman, the capital city.

• Tour Madaba, a market town known for its collection of Byzantine-era mosaics.
• Visit St. George’s Church and view the Madaba Map. Discovered by builders in the 1880s, this sixth-century Byzantine treasure is the oldest surviving mosaic map of Palestine and is said to have originally comprised more than two million pieces.

Spend your last day in Jordan getting to know the city of Amman and relaxing in the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea. 

• Stroll through bustling local markets as you make your way to the ruins of the Citadel—a Bronze Age complex sitting on the city’s highest hill and the second-century Roman theater, the city’s most famous archaeological attraction. 
• Travel to the Dead Sea for a float in its famously salty water, located at the lowest land-based point on Earth, then share a farewell lunch with your fellow travelers. 

Later, return to Amman to board your late-night flight home.

Arrive home after your overnight flight.

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Overall rating 4.6 out of 5

5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful experience overall. Unsure you know exact requirements for entry n exit Visa requirement. Bring a sports bra or firm bra for your comfort, bumpy tide x10 going out on safari. Tour director, guides, employees at residences top notch. They were friendly, informative, kind, helpful, and e...

Lots of walking but so much to see, experience, & LEARN! Our tour guide, Maysa, in Egypt for all 10 days was amazing! As a trained Egyptologist, she knew so very many details! As a teacher myself, I really appreciated her! Jordan was good as well altho only 4 days. PS Our weather was sooo good. We l...

I went on this for a second time as I caught COVID the first time and was quarantined. EF was great and gave me a credit so I could go again. So I did but this time brought my mom. Our tour guide Maysa was kindness itself and so knowledgeable about everything Egypt. You will learn a lot on this ...

Jennifer, we are so thrilled you could finally enj...

Traveler photos

Hotels, flights & FAQ

This modern hotel is located outside of Giza. Guests enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, fitness area, restaurant, and bar options. Nearby you’ll find the...

This modern cruise ship features a bar and lounge, restaurant, sundeck, outdoor pool, spa, and gym.

This resort-style hotel is located on Elephantine Island in Aswan. Guests enjoy a pool, tennis courts, and laundry services. Nearby, you’ll find Kitch...

This classic hotel is located in the Zamalek Island district of Cairo. Guests enjoy 15 restaurant options to choose from, outdoor pool, and fitness ce...

This unique, rustic-chic hotel is located in the town of Wadi Musa, Jordan. Guests enjoy a swimming pool, sauna, restaurant, and bar. Nearby, you’ll f...

This contemporary hotel is located in Amman's Diplomatic Area. Guests enjoy the outdoor and indoor pools, homemade morning cakes and pastries, and spa...

• Round-trip flight for your tour
• Airport transfers at your destination
• A great price locked in today
• 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
• Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
• Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
• Find out more about flights
• In order to enter Egypt (and Jordan on the tour extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
• We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
• U.S. and Canadian passport holders must obtain a visa in order to enter Egypt. U.S. citizens can purchase your visa at the airport upon arrival for $25. The entry authorities require exact change in crisp, new bills. You can also purchase your visa in advance by using a visa provider, such as our partner VisaCentral . Additionally, you can opt to purchase an electronic visa on the Egyptian Electronic Visa Portal website (Please note: Canadian citizens may only obtain a visa directly from the Egyptian Embassy or consulate). Passport control officers at ports of entry can verify your e-visa in their systems. However, we advise keeping either a digital or hard copy of your e-visa in case of any system failures.
• A group visa for entry into Jordan (on the tour extension) will be provided for all travelers whose flights have been arranged through Go Ahead Tours, as well as for travelers who book their own flights and provide Go Ahead Tours with their full passport and flight details.
• If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
• You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code ENE.
• Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Cairo (or from Amman on tour extension).
• Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost if they are arriving or departing on the standard day.
• When you arrive in Cairo, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.

Physical Activity Level

This is a very high physical activity-level tour. You can expect vigorous activity throughout the course of the tour.

Tour Pacing

This is a very fast-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:

• One 1-night stay
• Most days and evenings full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
• Most transportation by motor coach
• Some transportation by boat and commercial flight
• Daily bus time varies and can be lengthy

Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements

• Travelers should be prepared to walk 3-5 miles per day over varying terrain- this includes city streets, cobblestones, packed sand terrain, uneven stairs, and hills.
• Travelers should be prepared for a 4 mile round trip walk to visit Petra, if taking the Jordan extension.
• Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
• Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.

Climate Considerations

• In the summer months (June-August) travelers can expect daily temperatures from 80Fs-100Fs with minimal cloud cover. It's strongly recommended that travelers are prepared for hot and dry climate conditions.
• Travelers should be prepared for sandstorms which typically occur between March-May in Egypt and from February-May in Jordan.
• Winter months tend to see an increased amount of air pollution in Egypt.

Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions

• Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
• Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
• If you have mobility concerns or tour pace questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team. We’re here to help!
• This tour includes various modes of transportation, including planes, boat, and motor coaches. Some modes of transportation will have raised platforms or steps and often not provide access to ramps or lifts.
• Flights from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Cairo are included in the price of your tour (the tour extension also includes flights from Cairo and Amman).
• All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
• Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and included flights.
• Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
• Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
• Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
• Travelers must manage their own luggage throughout tour as porters are not guaranteed. This includes at hotels, airports, and boarding the cruise ship.
• We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered, as well as a light jacket or rainwear. While many places in Egypt have a warm, sunny climate, the desert can be very cold at night and temperatures will dip with changes in elevation throughout your tour. Therefore, we also recommend packing a few long sleeve shirts and warmer layers to wear at night.
• A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
• Travelers on the tour extension may also wish to bring a swimsuit and pair of water shoes or strapped sandals for the included visit to the Dead Sea.
• You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
• It is preferable not to visit mosques or other religious sites with bare legs or shoulders (entrance may be denied on this basis).
• A sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen is recommended for outdoor activities.
• Public restrooms in Egypt can be quite bare. We suggest carrying bathroom tissue and hand sanitizer with you.
• We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
• We recommend packing your Insurance Card (from your primary insurance provider) in your carry on luggage.
• Go Ahead handpicks every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm.
• Accommodations are typically three and four star hotels.
• All accommodations include a private bathroom.
• Most rooms will include a safe for valuables.
• Your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but it may be limited to common areas.
• Elevators in hotels are not guaranteed.
• Some hotels on this tour require travelers to walk with their luggage a few blocks as buses cannot drop travelers off right out front.
• Egypt operates on 220 volts and use Types C or F plugs with two round pins.
• Jordan, on the tour extension, operates on 220 volts and uses Type C or G plugs with two round pins or three flat pins, respectively.
• We cannot guarantee that your hotel accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with the hotel once they are confirmed about 30 days prior to departure.
• Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
• Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
• We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
• Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
• Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
• At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov .
• If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
• If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour and any possible delays encountered.
• Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please visit our Help Center for more information or contact our customer experience team. Please note that at this time not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
• Take proper care with sun exposure, as the sun can be especially strong in some of the regions on this tour.
• Drink bottled water only. Refrain from drinking tap water, including when brushing your teeth.
• Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they are cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
• Bring a small first aid kit, including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry-on bag.
• Depending on season and weather patterns, air pollution in Cairo may be problematic for travelers with a history of respiratory problems. Based on your health history, please discuss any precautions with your healthcare provider prior to departure.
• Certain over-the-counter and prescription medications may be banned in one or all of the countries on this tour. Importing these drugs can carry severe consequences, including imprisonment. Please consult your healthcare provider prior to departure to ensure that any drugs you may want to bring with you are legal in all countries you will visit.
• This tour includes 5 lunches and 9 dinners. Included meals may be plated set menus, buffet or family style depending on the location. Dinners include one glass of beer, wine, or soft drink and water, coffee and tea.
• Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
• Meal times vary greatly in Egypt and locals often skip lunch. While on tour, breakfast will be served around 8am and lunch is often served around 3pm. Therefore, we recommended bringing energy bars, crackers, or other packable snacks with you during the day.
• Egyptian cuisine uses the bountiful harvests of the Nile Valley—corn, eggplant, zucchini, onions, tomatoes, cabbage, chickpeas, and citrus fruits are popular in many dishes. Don’t miss out on Egyptian interpretations of typical Mediterranean staples like baba ghanoush, falafel, and stuffed grape leaves. Tea is the national drink and is offered at breakfast, after lunch, and in most social situations.
• On the tour extension, Jordanian cuisine resembles that of the rest of the Middle East. Olives, hummus, sesame seeds, and herbs are typical in many meals. Falafel is the main street food and many meals are served with rice. Hummus and salad are also popular and available at many restaurants. You'll find plenty of opportunities to sip mint tea or Turkish coffee.
• At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in US dollars or local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
• We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
• If applicable, we also recommend tipping the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
• In Egypt, tipping is an important part of the local culture and you will be expected to tip for services including, but not limited to, taking photos in some areas or seeing additional exhibits. Travelers should carry small bills (in USD) for this purpose.
• Tips can only be paid in cash.
• If you are traveling to multiple countries with different currencies and the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
• The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
• You will use the Egyptian pound in Egypt (and the Jordanian dinar on the tour extension).
• You may find it useful to have a supply of U.S. currency in small denominations when bargaining for everything from taxi rides to souvenirs.
• Better rates of exchange are usually available abroad, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
• We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
• You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
• Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
• International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
• Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your tour director, local guides, and bus drivers.
• To ensure you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend you download the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. The app is free and provides important deadlines, entry requirements, your detailed itinerary, packing tips and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the chat feature in the app.
• Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
• There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
• Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
• Your Tour Director, who is also an Egyptologist, will be with you throughout your journey in Egypt.
• There will also be additional staff working alongside your Tour Director to confirm logistics, as well as assist with transfers and on-tour flights. Having these staffers, who are solely focused on ensuring all on-tour logistics go smoothly, allows your Tour Director to dedicate even more one-on-one time to teaching your group about Egyptian history and culture.
• As dictated by Egyptian Tourism Police, all foreign groups must be accompanied by an armed guard and/or convoy.
• You will have a different Tour Director in Jordan on the tour extension.
• The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
• One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
• Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
• This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
• As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
• Egypt is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and six hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
• Jordan, on the tour extension, is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and seven hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
• When it's noon in New York, it's 6pm in Egypt (and 7pm in Jordan).
• When you travel with EF Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit, and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer
• Travel, when done responsibly, can make an enormous socio-economic impact to communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at local businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend
• Prepare for your trip: be aware of the monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market, learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette, and take some time to learn a few words in the local language
• When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind
• EF Go Ahead Tours encourages our travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single use plastics. You can avoid single use plastics by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle
• Animal Welfare: Take the philosophies of World Animal Protection to heart during included tour activities and your free time. Do not touch, do not feed, and maintain a respectful distance from wild animals. Wild animals encountered on tour should be able to exhibit natural forms of behavior. If you feel we are not meeting these commitments, please share your feedback with us.
• Animal Welfare: Avoid buying any exploitative wildlife products such as tortoise shell or shark fin soup.
• On this tour you will spend 4 nights on the Nile River cruise.
• Cabins will feel very similar to a hotel room and will include a private bathroom.
• While Wifi is available on the ship, it is often available only in common areas and sometimes at an additional cost.
• Most ships do not have elevators.
• Ships often dock directly next to each other, which may require travelers to walk through other ships' lobbies and cross the small gap to their own ship.
• It is recommended travelers get any cash or necessities before boarding the ship.

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Egypt Tours

Egypt tours: a journey back in time.

The Great Pyramid of Giza and many other treasures have attracted the curious to Egypt for more than two millennia. Today, travelers to Egypt continue to flock to this mysterious destination in search of its iconic ancient wonders: the magnificent royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings , the Pharaonic temples along the Nile, and the world's largest open-air preserve in Luxor. Museum despite the passage of time.

Visit our Egypt luxury tours to delve deeper into the history of this enduring destination and experience Egypt travel like never before—in ultimate comfort and always accompanied by real experts. Slide down the famous Nile in style aboard acclaimed Nile river cruise ships, docking at private piers in Luxor and Aswan for easy access to Egypt's most famous sites . Travel in the company of the region's leading Egyptologists, and rest assured that every aspect of your Egypt holiday is supported around the clock by our experienced global network, including a local office in Egypt.

Journey to Egypt Guests can choose from carefully crafted Egypt tours , ranging from our classic Small Group Journeys and pre-packaged Signature Journeys to privately guided and completely personalized tailor-made journeys

Ideas for your Journey To Egypt

Every itinerary is created by an Expert based on your specifications. With their expert planning and first-hand, local knowledge they make sure every detail is looked after, while you get to enjoy a personalized Journey to Egypt.

Our classic journeys will give you the chance to experience Egypt's history and best attractions.

Nile Cruise Journeys

Enjoy a trip to the heart of Egypt, and take the Nile River Cruise between Luxor and Aswan.

Luxury Egypt journeys

Luxury Egypt journeys will take you back to bygone era of more comfortable travel.

Egypt Unique journeys

Egypt unique journeys, Will let you see and feel the country by an Egyptian eyes.

Egypt Spiritual Journeys

Browse our Egypt Spiritual Journeys and book the best spiritual vacation to discover the mysteries of Egypt.

Cairo journeys & city breaks are designed for a stopover or a long weekend in Cairo.

Recommended Journeys to Egypt

Below you will find the best sale Egypt tours , excursions , and Egypt tour packages in the past 5 years. These day tours and tour packages are covering the most important site in Egypt. You will visit the most exciting places in Egypt.

11 Day Cairo & Cruise 7 night

5 Day Cairo & Nile Cruise

12 Day Cairo, Cruise & Hurghada

5 Day Cairo, Luxor & Alexandria

4 Day Cairo & Luxor

10 Day Cairo, Alexandria, & the Nile

Nile Cruise & Hurghada - 7 Days

4 Day Cairo Tour Package

8 Day Pyramids & Nile Cruise by Air

Luxor & Hurghada - 5 Days

Egypt tours stories, news & visa, egyptian odyssey by philip schweier.

Planning our trip to Egypt took the better part of a year, but it was well worth it, and any concerns we...

Egypt receives World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travel Stamp

CAIRO - 20 June 2020: The WTTC has approved Egypt’s regulation for the resumption of tourism to Egypt and offered the country the Safe Travel Stamp.

Egypt Visa Online

Leaving to Egypt soon? You can now apply for your Egypt visa online in three simple steps!

Egypt Daily Tours

If you ever find yourself in Egypt , there are always many exciting tours you can go on. We offer a wide variety of Egypt Egypt Daily Tours from any location in Egypt.

Tour to Pyramids & The Egyptian Museum

Abu Simbel Tour From Aswan

Luxor East And West Bank Tour

Hurghada Luxor Day Trip

Day Tour to Luxor from Cairo by Plane

Egypt travel guide.

A comprehensive Egypt travel guide to the history and culture of Egypt and all of the sites you will see during your Egypt tour . Egypt's history is much longer than most countries'. In over 5000 years, many important figures have emerged and countless events and tours have shaped history and culture in the Coptic Cairo , the great Luxor and Aswan by cruising the best Nile Cruises .

Egyptian Culture and Travel Info

Know more about the Egyptian culture and traditions, and check our Egypt travel advice list that you need to know for arrival in Egypt....

Egypt Destinations

Check our Egypt Travel Advice list and know more information about the Egyptian Travel Destinations that you need to know before you visit Egypt. Know more about Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, The Nile Valley

Ancient Egyptian History

Egypt's history is much longer than most countrys'. In over 5000 years, many important figures have emerged and countless events have shaped Egypt's history and culture. This brief overview will tell you about the most

Egypt Tours Gallery

Egypt tours reviews, egypt tours f.a.q.

The average cost of an Egypt tour varies depending on factors such as duration, accommodation, activities and level of luxury. However, a moderate 7 to 10-day tour typically ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 per person, which includes major attractions such as the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor, and Aswan.

The best months for a Nile cruise are usually between October and April when the weather is mild and more comfortable for sightseeing. During these months, temperatures are cooler, and the risk of extreme heat is less, providing ideal conditions to explore Egypt's historical sites along the river.

A four-night cruise affords enough time to see the Nile’s major highlights including the temples of Luxor and Abu Simbel, while a more leisurely paced seven-night cruise reveals a wealth of additional less-frequented sites, such as Dra Abu Nag and the magnificent Medinet Habu, built by Ramses III.

Yes, visitors are allowed into select interior chambers of one of Giza’s three most iconic pyramids. The Giza Pyramid Complex (or Giza Necropolis) also comprises some ancillary pyramid complexes and the Great Sphinx of Giza.

Aswan and Abu Simbel are can’t-miss sites in Upper Egypt. Fronting the Nile, Aswan boast a wealth of monumental treasures, including the Philae temple complex, the Temple of Isis and the Temple of Khnum. Located southwest of Aswan, the small Nubian village of Abu Simbel is renowned for its two massive rock-cut temples, both built during the reign of King Ramses II (1200 BC).

Egyptologists are experts who study the language, history and culture of ancient Egypt, a period dating back to 7,000 BC. Their skillsets span humanities disciplines such as literary theory to hard sciences, including the physics of radiocarbon dating. Leading every journey to Egypt, all of JtE Guides and Resident Tour Directors are also trained Egyptologists, revealing privileged insights every step of the way.

Yes, a tourist visa is required for U.S. and Canadian passport holders for entry into Egypt. JtE recommends an electronic visa (eVisa). To apply online, visit visa2egypt.gov.eg/eVisa/Home.

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Wonders of Ancient Egypt

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12 Day Ancient Egypt Tour with Nile Cruise

12 days, 1 country and 8 cities

Accommodation

11 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners

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The enduring buzz of Cairo's bustling city streets and imposing Great Pyramids of Giza launch your discovery of Ancient Egypt. Cruise down the Nile to Kom-Ombo, past Luxor, and explore the Valley of the Kings.

Looking to book in a group of 9 or more?

Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details

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Trip map & itinerary

Day by day itinerary

12 days itinerary trip from Cairo to Cairo visiting 1 country and 8 cities

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About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Luxor and Cairo with Egyptologist

Visit the temples of Karnak, Luxor Museum, the temple dedicated to Goddess Hathor at Dendera, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Isis on the island of Philae, the Temple at Kom-Ombo, Queen Hatshepsut's Temple and the Colossi of Memnon in Luxor, the Valley of the Kings and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo

View the Step Pyramid in Sakkara, the Great Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan, the Botanical Gardens on Kitchener's Island, the Citadel, Alabaster and Sultan Hassan Mosques in Cairo

See the Ramses II statue and Alabaster Sphinx in Memphis, the Sound and Light show in Giza

Sail in a felucca across the Nile

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

Airport Transfers

The services of a professional English speaking Egyptologist / Travel Director throughout your journey

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Return flight from Cairo to Luxor

Seven-night luxury Nile Cruise

Flight from Luxor to Cairo

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

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Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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