intrepid tours to egypt

walking through traffic

My egypt tour with intrepid travel: highlights.

In November 2017 I embarked on a journey that took me completely out of my comfort zone. I traveled alone to a country that made my friends and family express great concern and near-confusion as to why I would want to do this. Almost everyone I knew (including my neighbours), seemed so incredibly relieved when I came back home in one happy, fulfilled and content piece. I don’t get why though: I had one of the best weeks of my life.

The country? Egypt . Home of the last remaining wonder of the ancient world and a land adorned with beautiful scenery and a never ending scattering of ancient temples and ruins that continue to be discovered until this day.

I stayed in Egypt for two weeks. Nestled into those 14 days, were eight near-perfect days on the  Egypt Adventure tour with Intrepid Travel . Intrepid’s itinerary was unique, ambitious and offered a genuinely authentic Egyptian experience. I had never done a group tour before. I usually like exploring on my own. This was new to me. I was nervous and excited and had no idea what those two weeks would look like (spoiler alert: I had an amazing time!).

There were many highlights of Intrepid’s “Egypt Adventure” tour for me personally. These are some of the things I remember fondly and made me so happy I chose a group tour over doing this solo:

You thought I was going to say the pyramids, right? I’m getting to those. I’m putting Abu Simbel at the top because it is not an official stop on this particular tour. It was an extra excursion that we could opt in or out of while we were in Aswan. Abu Simbel is located roughly 40km north of the Sudan border and home to the massive temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari. On some Egypt tour itineraries you can choose to fly there for an even higher price, but there is no need. The early morning drive was such a special part of the whole experience. Watching the sunrise over the Sahara Desert made everything worth it. The site itself is incredible. The temples are massive and they are a sight that really need to be seen in person. I’ll say this for everywhere in Egypt: Pictures don’t do it justice. This place left me in complete awe.

24 Hours on a Felucca

A felucca is a traditional wooden sailboat, still in regular use in Egypt today. One of the most amazing highlights of this trip was getting to spend a whole day and night sailing along the Nile River . We docked at night and I shivered like a baby as the November Egyptian temperatures dropped to 12C (little did I know that a month later I’d be shivering at home to temperatures that were 30-40 degrees colder!). We had delicious food cooked for us for both dinner and breakfast. At night, I nerdily gawked at the sideways angle of the constellation Orion  just above the horizon, as I never get to see it on that angle at home. It’s my favourite constellation and I always look for it wherever I go. Everyone bonded, laughed, shared stories and got to know each other better. It was a really great vibe and a really great day and night. I can see how this day is often cited as the favourite for many people who take this tour. You are either going to learn to love or hate your tourmates on “Felucca Day” and thankfully for us it was all love and laughs!

Karnak Temple

I seriously loved Karnak Temple and my only complaint was that I had to leave. We went later in the day and eventually the crowds thinned out. Soon I found myself virtually alone, as the sun was about to set, walking among staggering columns while trying to wrap my head around the fact they have been here for thousands of years. I had a moment here and felt so lucky for those few minutes I was completely alone in this magical place. Wandering through ancient history and the feelings that came with it left me speechless numerous times throughout our journey through Egypt, but especially here. If I go back to Egypt someday, Karnak Temple is a place I absolutely want to visit again.

The Homestays

A very unique part of the Intrepid itinerary included two separate visits to authentic Egyptian homes. Our first was in Aswan, where we took a boat along the Nile at sunset to a Nubian village and ate an amazing home cooked dinner inside a Nubian family’s house. From the beautiful boat ride, to interacting with the family and listening to their stories, then enjoying easily one of the best meals of the trip – This inclusion on the tour was incredible and something we just wouldn’t be doing had we tried to do Egypt on our own. In Luxor a couple days later, we visited another family for lunch and had yet another amazing feast. I really enjoyed these visits and am beyond grateful for the experience.

I didn’t realize this until the end of the tour, but pretty much everything we ate for the duration of the trip was Egyptian or what Egyptians traditionally eat. Egyptian Falafels (they’re made with fava beans, not chickpeas, and they’re amazing), Feteer (like an Egyptian pizza and seriously delicious), Koshari (Egypt’s most popular dish), Hibiscus Tea (I raided a supermarket and brought back boxes of this and will cry when I run out), shawarma (I’ve had shawarma many times, but the chicken shawarma we had at a place near the pyramids is something I’m still dreaming about and I sadly don’t remember the name of the restaurant!). The emphasis on trying authentic Egyptian food was something I really ended up appreciating the longer I was there. I eventually found myself totally not craving Western-style foods in my last days in Egypt. So much so, that I complained to a manager at the airport hotel I stayed at on my last day about the lack of Egyptian food on their menu (they had none). He looked shocked that I was upset about this. Oh how times had changed in those two weeks!

I’ve mentioned it a few times now. I was really looking forward to the boat and felucca rides scheduled along this historic river. I was actually giddy about it when we got to Aswan . The majority of Egypt’s staggering 96+ million population lives relatively close to the Nile River. It has been Egypt’s source of water, thus life, since ancient times. Our hotel in Aswan sat right at the edge along the water and the patio had the most beautiful view. This was the only place in the hotel to get decent Wi-Fi and it also had the best view. Needles to say, I hung out here on my own late at night quite a bit and just relaxed and took it all in whenever I could.

I’m not sure how other tour groups interact with each other and get along. This was my first week-long group tour experience and I feel the bar was set extremely high. We were a group of 11, plus our tour guide, and by the end of the week I was genuinely sad to say goodbye and see everyone go. We hailed from different corners of the globe: Australia, USA, South Africa, UK and me: the lone Canadian. They were a very entertaining, well traveled and adventurous bunch, who kept me laughing throughout the week. One tourmate decided to start a Facebook group as a way to share our photos and keep in touch. So glad she did. Over the course of the next few weeks, after we all returned to our corners of the globe, everyone gradually started to post photos from the trip. Seeing everyones photos weeks after I got back was such a nice treat as I shivered in the Arctic cold snap that gripped Canada for a month after I returned.

While every Intrepid Egypt review I read highly praises all the Egyptian tour guides, I think we all agreed that we lucked out with ours. Ahmed was brilliant, not only in his vast and remarkably extensive knowledge of both ancient and modern Egyptian history, but also with the seamless execution of every last detail of our entire trip. We never had to worry about a thing. On numerous occasions he went above and beyond what any of us expected (like the night he surprised one of us with a birthday cake) and his infectious love for his country couldn’t help but leave us loving it too. One of the guys in my group said it best: “Whenever you Google anything about Egypt, Google asks Ahmed.” That was hilarious and accurate and pretty much sums up how we all felt by the end of the trip.

The Pyramids!

Oh, yes. The pyramids! How could I forget? “Pyramids Day” was our first full day on the tour and it didn’t disappoint. I won’t bother describing what it was like to finally see them in person, as there are no words. I opted in for the chance to walk inside the Great Pyramid of Giza . There is a disclaimer that those with back or knee problems or claustrophobia shouldn’t do this. I will admit: I fall under the slightly claustrophobic category. I almost didn’t go in. However, I figured since my back and knees were okay, then my genuine fear of getting stuck in the narrow tunnel Winnie The Pooh style would just have to be dealt with. I came all this way and I’m not going to go in? Screw that. I was doing this. When we finally made it back outside, I felt a huge adrenaline rush and sense of accomplishment. I did it! The claustrophobic Canadian didn’t pass out (a longer post about my pyramids experience is coming in the near future).

So many things.. . I could write for days about my entire experience on this Intrepid tour specifically and Egypt in general (stay tuned). We saw so much and there were many early morning starts. No day was ever wasted. I was exhausted at times, but looking back on it, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The places we visited were beautiful. Egyptians are friendly and genuinely happy to see you visiting their country. I never felt unsafe in all our travels on this tour. Quite the opposite actually. There are parts of Toronto where I feel less safe than anywhere we went in Egypt. It was an intense and magical experience in a very unique country and my only real regret is that I didn’t stay longer and see more of it. Now is a good time to go to Egypt, as tourism is low and our dollar goes incredibly far. Check it off your bucket list now and if you do – Please bring me back a slice of feteer! I’m hungry.

Disclaimer: Intrepid didn’t pay me to write this. I wanted to write a review for any would-be travelers currently sitting on the fence. It took me forever to decide which company to go with and when to go. Just sharing my experience! 

Links: Intrepid Travel: Egypt Adventure The 8 day tour I took. They have longer tours with slightly tweaked itineraries that also come highly rated. Egypt Tourism Authority Official website for Egypt’s tourism board. Loads of info on things to do, places to see, etc. Amira’s Pantry: Alexandrian Feteer Feteer! A recipe. Please make some and send it to me.

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Explore Egypt

Health Safety +

• Set sail on one of the world’s most iconic rivers with an included felucca trip down the Nile. Relax and soak up the landscapes as scenes of everyday Egyptian life pass you by.
• Bask in the unique atmosphere of Aswan and experience not only the warmth and charm of Nubian hospitality but also some delicious traditional cuisine at a local homestay.
• Explore the balmy Red Sea on a snorkelling adventure in Hurghada – sharing a tasty lunch aboard the yacht and looking out for clownfish, turtles and manta rays among the kaleidoscopic coral.
• Uncover one of the greatest cities in antiquity, Alexandria, reborn as Egypt’s alternative capital, and pay your respects at El Alamein – an important World War II battle site.
• Lose yourself in Cairo’s many iconic sites – visit Giza’s great pyramids (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), the Sphinx and maybe head inside The Great Pyramid of Khufu.

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Travel themes.

• High Adventure
• Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

Attractions, trip includes.

• Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
• Nile - Felucca overnight sailing trip
• Luxor - Karnak Temple
• Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
• Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
• Hurghada – Red Sea Snorkelling Adventure
• Cairo - Khan al-Khalili bazaar visit
• El Alamein - War Museum
• Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
• Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina
• Alexandria - Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque

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Intrepid Travel Reviews & Ratings

I think without intrepid our experiences in.

I think without intrepid our experiences in Egypt would have been very negative. I feel that Walid, our guide kept us protected. Our itinerary was changed because o...

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Walid and intrepid really took the hassle out of Egypt for me. I was ...

Mixed group, great guide, perfect organization and

Mixed group, great guide, perfect organization and back-up at all time

Huge variety of activities, exploration of ancient

Huge variety of activities, exploration of ancient tombs, history, culture and amazing people. Its the first time I have been Scuba Diving, seen the pyramids, slept ...

Overall I think the trip was well

Overall I think the trip was well organised and our safety was of the highest priority. Also it was good that collective decisions were made when plans had to be cha...

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The intrepid group were excellent to…

The intrepid group were excellent to work with and were very helpful at all times and made organising the trip a breeze. This was an excellent trip, and was enjoyed ...

Michael Campbell

Awful waste of time and money.

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Intrepid Egypt and Jordan Tour – A Comprehensive Review

Thinking of booking a group tour with Intrepid to Egypt and/or Jordan? Here’s my honest review and what you can expect from this trip. All your questions answered!

This post will cover:

• what’s the booking process?
• what are the hotels like?
• do you really need a sleeping bag ?
• what was the food like?
• do you need to be physically fit ?
• how many people were in the group?
• what were the buses and trains like?
• do you get much time to yourself?
• how much extra did I spend on tickets, food, etc?
• what did I pack ?
• what luggage did I take?
• what were the highlights ?
• where did I stay before/after?
• benefits of taking a tour
• thoughts on the itinerary
• some final tips

Which tour did you take? How much does it cost?

I went on Intrepid’s Jordan and Egypt Uncovered trip which is 22 days long and costs from £1936 (at the time of writing).

This itinerary is actually two tours combined:

• the 9-day Jordan and Egypt Express
• the 15-day Explore Egypt

Both of these trips are Lonely Planet branded itineraries at Intrepid’s Basix comfort level (more about that below).

If you’re interested in travelling to Jordan and Egypt but would prefer a shorter trip or a higher comfort level there are several further options?

• Real Egypt and Jordan – Basix, 15 days, from £1758 (18-29s only)
• Explore Egypt and Jordan – Comfort level, 19 days, from £3511
• Discover Egypt and Jordan – Original level, 15 days, from £2084
• Premium Egypt and Jordan – Premium level, 15 days, from £4005
• Premium Egypt and Jordan In Depth – Premium level, 22 days, from £5340

I chose this particular itinerary because it was the longest trip for the least money and it was the only tour which included Dahab.

The Lonely Planet branded trips also claim to have a decent amount of free built in to the schedule. This was important to me because I’m a slow traveller and an introvert who likes my space (this was my first ever group tour).

What’s the booking process like?

The website provides plenty of information on each tour. I recommend downloading the trip information PDF which will give you a day-by-day breakdown as well as packing and climate suggestions.

There is the option to pay the total or just the deposit upfront. If you select the latter option Intrepid will include a payment schedule with your receipt.

I received an initial ‘Thank You for Booking’ email followed a few days later by the full confirmation which states:

‘After a thorough review, we are happy to advise that, at time of writing, your trip will be operating as scheduled. * * Subject to your trip meeting minimum numbers, if applicable.’ 

So you might want to hold off on booking any flights until you’ve received that full confirmation .

A quick moan : when purchasing, you can tick a box to indicate interest in help with extras transfers and additional nights. It’s also mentioned in several e-mails. But no-one ever got in touch, nor did they reply to the contact form.

Eventually I phoned only to be told I couldn’t book any extra nights through Intrepid because we were now outside the contracted booking period with the hotel. Which is fine but I wish this information was somewhere in booking info – I would have booked it sooner! It would be nice if you could just add these as part of the booking process but for now it’s still a manual step. 

What were the hotels like?

Intrepid do explain what to expect from the accommodation on different trip styles but you have to go hunting for it (you can find it here ).

On Basix trips expect:

‘… clean and centrally located accommodation to give you a good night’s rest along with a great trip price. Generally Basix trips use budget accommodation, sometimes with shared facilities and occasionally on a multishare basis… Typical accommodation types include budget hotels, local guesthouses, camping or homestays. ‘

It’s worth noting that hotels in Jordan and Egypt are not of comparable standard to Western hotels with the same star rating.

I found most of the hotels basic but comfortable enough. Expect a few hard beds and pillows, crispy/small towels, lack of wi-fi, mouldy showers, AC/heating issues, street noise – but thankfully not all at once. 

If you’re used to roughing it or staying in hostels then you’ll be fine. If you prefer a certain level of comfort, cleanliness, and convenience then you might be better off choosing a higher category.

Wi-fi is patchy and in many hotels it’s outside the lobby only. Upload/download speeds are sometimes slow. If you want to upload a lot of photos/video then it’s worth buying a SIM cards, they are pretty cheap in Egypt. Your guide can help you with this in Aswan.

Do I really need a sleeping bag?

I travelled in March which is towards the end of the winter season, and the trip information/packing notes suggested bringing a sleeping bag for the outdoors accommodation (the Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum and the traditional wooden felucca boat in Egypt). We were also supposed to stay in a beach camp but for this trip we were upgraded to a resort.

Most of our accommodation seemed to have plenty of thick blankets available so personally I didn’t feel the need for a sleeping bag. I did bring a sleeping bag liner but didn’t use it. Freshly laundered sleeping bags were also available to hire on the felucca.

I was colder in some of the hotels which only had thin blankets. If you’re travelling in the winter/shoulder season then I do recommend lots of thermals and layers.

The felucca deck is pictured below – everyone’s on the deck, sleepover-style.

How are the toilets?

Maybe this is one benefit of having a tour guide – they know where the good toilets are. We didn’t come across a single squat toilet in 3 weeks. Most toilets cost 5EGP to use, occasionally 10EGP. Nearly every toilet had paper but it’s worth having a small packet of tissues on you just in case.

Is there a toilet on the felucca?

Yes! But you’ll be sleeping on deck under blankets and there are no shower facilities. We were informed by our guide that most feluccas don’t have a toilet but if you’re travelling with Intrepid you should be ok.

What was the food like?

To be honest, the food was not bad but a bit samey by the end of 3 weeks. There’s a lot of falafel (especially if you’re a vegetarian) and beans , especially at breakfast. The quality varies. Bring snack bars if you think you might get bored of the same breakfast. There were a few hotels with buffet breakfasts which we swooped on.

The best restaurants were in Dahab and Luxor. 

Even if you don’t have a sweet tooth I recommend trying the doughnut balls in Dahab!

Do you have to be physically fit?

Intrepid rate this trip 3/5 active – ‘ This trip will raise your heart rate. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.’.

As a responsible travel company Intrepid don’t recommend using the camels/donkeys/horses at the ancient sites, and sometimes the only alternative is a long walk.

Petra was the day with the most walking – we easily did 27k steps. You could cut this in half if you don’t do the hike to the Monastery which also has lots of steep and uneven steps.

Electric carts are available at the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel. Coaches can drive between the main points at the Pyramids.

Balance might be more of an issue as there are several boats on this trip.

Staff at the snorkel sites are used to guiding those who aren’t confident swimming using a life ring. The life jackets will help you to float too.

How early were the mornings? And how late were the nights?

The pace of the tour wasn’t as gruelling as I expected. I found the itinerary well-planned in that respect.

The busiest bit was Cairo > overnight train > Aswan > early start for Abu Simbel . It probably wasn’t so bad for those joining the trip in Cairo who were still feeling fresh! Thankfully it was followed by the very relaxing felucca trip.

Most mornings were 7-8am. There were two brutally early starts for Abu Simbel and the hot air balloon. These are both optional but personally I wouldn’t miss either of them.

There were several days/scheduled activities scheduled in which were a slower pace, and the second Egypt week was less hectic than the first.

Nights were mostly early, perhaps because our group skewed slightly older but also everyone wanted to get the most out of the ancient sites.

Egypt and Jordan aren’t exactly known as party destinations and not all restaurants serve alcohol but your guide will point you to bottle shops (hello Drinkies!).

How many people were in the group?

There were just 4 of us doing the Jordan portion of the trip but the group size went up to 16 in Egypt.

Our group was 50% under and 50% over 60, the majority women but a few men. It was mix of people travelling together as either friends or couples, and solos.

It truly was an Intrepid bunch – most were well travelled and had been on at least one Intrepid trip before. Some had been on upwards of 10!

I must say that 16 felt a bit too many people for me – although it’s still much smaller than many other tour companies. In the future I would look for trips with a max size of 12.

I was very lucky with my roommate who was lovely. A single supplement is available if you’d rather have a room to yourself.

Do you get much time to yourself?

If there’s one thing I was really worried about before taking a tour it was was having enough time to myself.

When we did have free time I mostly spent it chilling in the hotel rather than doing any extra activities or sites. But I need plenty of time to recharge, your mileage may vary.

I ate with the group most nights but it’s another opportunity to go off by yourself if you’re craving some alone time. 

If you’re still concerned then I recommend getting a single supplement.

What were the buses and trains like?

One bonus of having a bigger group is a bigger bus. In Egypt we mostly travelled on private coaches . We used different buses in different places rather than one bus for the whole trip.

In Jordan we were a smaller group so used minivans . This can feel more tiring for long trips.

The longest drive was 6 hours, most were 2-4 hours.

Don’t be surprised if you get the odd bus which smells of smoke, it’s still very common in this region.

At most stops we were able to leave ours things on the coach and I felt perfectly safe doing so. There was no scary driving, all of our drivers were safe and careful .

How much extra did I spend on meals, tips, and tickets?

Intrepid do give guidance in the Trip Information PDF on how much to put aside for the tipping kitty and tipping your guide. Neither are compulsory but they are the done thing, so to speak. 

However they don’t provide much guidance on how much extra to allow for your personal spending. The Trip Information PDF gives a long list of prices for extra sites and activities but it’s really hard to work out how many you’ll be able to fit in, if any.

I had a quick look on competitor website G Adventures and found that for Egypt they suggested $250 per week. I found this to be roughly accurate for me if you exclude shopping but include food and the main optional extras (guided tours of the Egyptian Museum, Abu Simbel, Philae Temple, a few extra tombs and smaller sites, and the hot air balloon).

Jordan is more expensive, I spent around $330 in 5 days including a private driver for Jerash.

What was on my to-do list before flying out?

• Book flights
• Travel insurance (check if your government advises again all but travel in Egypt as this can invalidate your insurance and you’ll need to find a specialist company, I used Battleface as Intrepid suggested)
• Book any extra hotel night in Amman and Cairo plus transfers
• Scan your travel documents and save them somewhere you can access from abroad like Google Docs
• Apply for any visas that you need and can’t get on arrival
• Check vaccination/test requirements
• Check in for your flight and print your boarding pass if necessary
• Download Google Maps offline for your starting city with your hotel saved in it
• Get cash if you need it (I mostly use ATMs but took some Jordanian dinars for my transfer and first day)
• Charge anything that needs charging
• Check that you have the right adapters
• Let your bank know you’ll be travelling abroad
• Take a photo of your luggage before checking it (I also like to keep a packing list with all my items, and make sure your contact details are easily found inside.

What did I pack/wear? And what did I take but not need?

I was expecting a mix of hot and cold weather in March so I packed two outfits of jeans/sweaters plus thermals and fleeces for extra layering, a few maxi dresses, and tunics/leggings.

Unfortunately it turned out to be a cold month with only one or two days warm enough for dresses.

So I wore my packable down jacket a lot. My sandals didn’t get a look-in.

I wish I’d packed an extra couple of pairs of jeans, t-shirts, and hoodies.

It wasn’t too much of an issue being a bit cold during the day but some hotels were very cold at night. I slept in a sweater and thermals most nights. I’m a cold soul so I also  brought a mini hot water bottle which I was very thankful for in Alexandria in particular.

If you’re travelling in warmer months then lots of light loose layers will be most comfortable.

You’ll need a scarf for visiting religious sites (every tourist shop will have them for sale). In more conservative places it’s appropriate to cover your knees, shoulders, and elbows.

A big water bottle (mine is 1.5L) is handy.

What about luggage?

Nearly everyone in our group had at least one rolling suitcase and one carryon . There were a few places we would have to walk with our bags for 5 minutes to reach the hotel so if you’re packing extra make sure you can carry them.

It’s recommended that you bring padlocks for your bags. We didn’t have any issues but better safe than sorry. Not all of the places we stayed had safes in the room.

What were the highlights of my trip?

So many! Petra was a stand out. The site is so much bigger than I had expect and the landscape is totally stunning too.

Everything in Luxor was amazing – Karnak Temple , the Valley of the Kings , and the hot air balloon at sunrise. We had a fun surprise when we checked in and realised we could see the Avenue of the Sphinxes from our balcony!

I loved the chaos of Cairo and the lush beauty of Zamalek , our neighbourhood base.

I’ll never forget the night train to Aswan and the felucca – the Nile scenery took my breath away.

My favourite food was the baba ganoush in Jordan. The best restaurant was Al Sahaby in Luxor.

And my favourite place was unsurprisingly Dahab with its relaxed boho vibe and endless cafes.

Where did I stay before/after?

In Amman I booked a few extra nights at the hotel Intrepid used. This was my least favourite of the hotels and if I was doing it again I’ll book myself into a nicer hotel to make the ease myself in gently.

It’s worth getting to Amman at least one day early because the itinerary does not include anything in the city, nor does it include the huge Roman site Jerash which is undoubtedly one of the country’s highlights. The easiest way to see it is to organise a private driver through your hotel, although it is possible to get the bus if you’re feeling adventurous. I paid 35JOD.

If you only have the one day then it’s worth booking a driver for longer to incorporate any sites you want to see in Amman itself (such as the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Citadel), because Amman is super hilly and it’s attractions are spread out.

I choose not to stay any extra nights in Cairo because I thought we would see enough on the tour. However all of our time there felt rushed. 2 or 3 extra days at the end would be perfect for extra tours to Saqqara, Islamic and Coptic Cairo, and extra shopping time.

I really liked the neighbourhood we were staying in (Zamalek) but I would probably move somewhere with a pool like the Hilton Zamalek which is just down the room.

Is it worth booking the transfers?

I think so yes. I’m a big fan of taking the stress out of arrival in a new place. Although Uber is popular (and cheap) in Cairo we had some problems getting them to actually turn up at the hotel.

Benefits of taking a tour

I’m so glad I went on a tour can’t even imagine trying to do all that by myself!

This point should really be at the top of this page because it’s really the most important – it’s so amazing to have a local guide in Egypt in particular. One who not only can introduce you to Egyptian culture but also has a degree in Egyptology and can translate hieroglyphics for you! Who can help you out with logistics, the tipping, the police permissions, SIM cards, tout hassle, cultural differences, shopping tips, and where to find the best falafel sandwich.

It certainly makes sense for an itinerary that includes a lot of historic sites.

As someone used to travelling solo, it was a real treat being able to leave all the organisation up to someone else. I felt quite relaxed by the end of it (if a little bit passive).

Both my Intrepid guides were amazing and really made the trip special.

Also some of the experiences would not have been possible travelling on my own – like the Nubian homestay and the felucca.

I would happily to return to Jordan, Cairo and Dahab on my own and hire drivers where needed, but I was thankful to be on the Intrepid tour for Egypt’s major sights.

Some thoughts on the itinerary

The Jordan and Sinai section of the trip was perfectly balanced, I loved it.

The middle bit was busy but packed with riches.

But second week in Egypt felt like it was missing a focus. Alexandria was refreshingly untouristy but dedicating a whole day to the war museum didn’t feel like the best use of time. 

On the flip side, I could easily have spent more time in Luxor and Cairo – there were plenty of extra sites that we didn’t have a chance to squeeze in such as Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Saqqara. If your main priority is the Ancient Egyptian sites then consider an itinerary which spends longer in these areas.

I could also happily have spent more time drifting down the Nile!

Any final tips?

• Make sure you read the detailed itinerary and trip information and are happy with the group size and standard of transport/accommodation before booking. 
• Be prepared for a lot of sad looking animals in Egypt.
• Make sure you have the Uber app on your phone for Cairo (but always have a backup plan).
• Keep an eye out for Black Friday and post-Christmas sales on the Intrepid website, you can usually bag yourself a chunky discount!

All images © The Mediterranean Traveller

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There’s something poetic about masala chai. It’s a symbol of Indian culture and hospitality – and this sweet and spicy blend tastes even better in good company. So stop. Inhale. Take a sip. Share smiles, connect and watch the world go by. There’s no need to rush; as the locals know, good chai takes time.

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As the sun rises on this Women's Expedition, Kathmandu sits in a quiet stillness – a rarity in these usually chaotic streets. But the halls of Khachoe Ghakyil Ling, a Buddhist nunnery on the city’s outskirts, are loud – it’s time for prayer (and chai).

Finding calm in Kathmandu

Marrakech is synonymous with sensory overload. But if you slow down and tune in to the everyday rhythm of local life – often found in the souks of the labyrinthine medina and the city’s vibrant main square – a distinctly Moroccan beat emerges.

Revel in the bazaar

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From giant tortoises to blue-footed boobies, evolutionary oddities abound in the Galapagos. With a passionate local leader and naturalist guide at your side you’ll spot penguins, marine iguanas and sunbathing sea lions. Learn about vital conservation work and leave feeling like a modern-day Darwin.

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An under-the-radar alternative to Peru’s busiest trek, the newly-expanded Quarry Trail takes in the same soaring Andean peaks, equally epic ruins and the classic Machu Picchu finale. With more opportunities to connect with local communities and far fewer crowds, this is the true definition of off the beaten track.

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Explore Egypt

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

Traveled in December 2018

Places You’ll See

• Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza
• Sleep a night on a felucca on The Nile
• Visit stunning Abu Simbel
• Visit the Valley of the Kings
• Introduction
• Day 1 Cairo
• Day 2 Cairo
• Day 3 Aswan
• Day 4 Aswan
• Day 5 Nubian Homestay
• Day 6 Nile Felucca
• Day 7 Luxor
• Day 8 Luxor
• Day 9 Hurghada
• Day 10 Hurghada
• Day 11 Cairo
• Day 12 Alexandria
• Day 13 Alexandria
• Day 14 Cairo
• Day 15 Cairo

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Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Overnight sleeper train

Nile Felucca

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5 to 99 years old

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Back in 1989, two guys from Melbourne, Australia by the names of Darrell and Manch set off on an adventure to the other side of the world. They travelled to Africa and without air conditioning on their modified truck, they filled it with supplies, some beer, a bunch of aviator sunglasses, and...

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Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.5
• Itinerary Excellent 4.7
• Guide Excellent 5.0
• Transport Excellent 4.6
• Accommodation Good 3.3
• Food Good 3.3
• Tour Operator Intrepid Travel 4.6
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• LB Lisa · 12th January 2020 A once-in-a-lifetime trip, and perfect for a solo female traveler who wants to explore Egypt. Our guide Mohammad was incredible and really made the trip seem like it was tailored just for our group. This trip is structured with very balanced drives... Show more Trip date: November 2019

• A Gloria L · 18th September 2019 Group travel is for a certain type of person so this wouldn't be for people who can't handle group travel. Trip date: December 2018
• A Celeste P · 18th September 2019 This trip is not suited to everyone! I would definitely recommend an Intrepid trip, but perhaps one with a little more comfort Trip date: December 2018
• A Aleksandra S · 18th September 2019 Great tour program, fantastic guide, felt safe, learnt a lot, well organised and saw the main attractions. Trip date: December 2018
• A Christopher L · 18th September 2019 It was a great introduction to the best sights of Egypt. Trip date: December 2018
• A Sandy K · 18th September 2019 Ahmed Elansary is an excellent and extremely caring tour guide who always took care of everyone- he helped constantly with lost luggage, took 3 people to the Hospital on 3 separate occasions and always asked about our safety, health, and enjoyment. His... Show more Trip date: December 2018

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What our customers ask about this tour

Room upgrades are subject to availability and may incur additional costs. Early requests are recommended.

Standard check-in time is usually at 14:00 hours, although it may vary depending on the hotel’s policy and room availability.

Multiple travelers may share accommodations based on twin or multi-share arrangements, with specific allocations detailed in each trip’s itinerary.

Activities listed in the itinerary are included. Optional activities such as hot air ballooning or additional tours will incur extra charges.

Airport transfers are typically included. Please verify specific details as they can vary by tour.

Room configurations for three travelers can be accommodated depending on hotel availability. Triple rooms may not be available on certain nights.

A simple room typically means basic amenities, potentially shared accommodations like hostels or budget hotels.

Staff will be available during specified meeting time windows on arrival day. Please confirm your landing time to coordinate.

The price paid at the time of booking typically covers all included activities mentioned in the itinerary. Any optional activities or personal expenses would be additional.

The standard accommodation typically features beds of varying sizes. Upgrades are subject to availability at particular destinations.

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 11th November 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 11th November 2024, a minimum payment of €400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Travel. 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 60 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 Intrepid Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
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• 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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Turkey Highlights

8 days | hit the hotspots of turkey, from cosmopolitan istanbul to the whimsical cappadocia..

This journey packs a mighty punch in just eight days. Start in Istanbul and marvel at the Blue Mosque before navigating the warrens of the Grand Bazaar. Then, discover Gallipoli on a guided tour that will teach you about the significant events that took place in this area. Travel to the Aegean Sea to soak up sun, salt and history in Kusadasi with a visit to the ancient city of Ephesus. Catch the overnight train to Central Anatolia and the fairytale landscape of Cappadocia, where hot air balloons dot the skyline and dwellings are cut into the cliffs, then finish back in Istanbul, the long-lived metropolis where East meets West.

Trip overview

• This short but sweet trip packs a punch with visits to Istanbul, Canakkale, Cappadocia and Ephesus while still leaving plenty of time to relax.
• Discover the incredible ancient and modern history of Turkey as you explore thousands of years of history hidden within the remarkable ruins of Ephesus and discover Gallipoli on a guided tour that will teach you about the significant events that took place in this area.
• Taste local fruit wines in one of the best-preserved Greek Ottoman villages in the country. Get to know the friendly locals with a home-made lunch at a local family in Cappadocia.
• Travel and stay a little differently – and come home with memories to last a lifetime – from taking local buses and trains, to staying in one of the cave hotels that Cappadocia is famed for.
• Discover the back streets and vibrant local markets of Istanbul with your expert guide, find hidden hotspots and local hangouts that you won’t find in the guidebooks.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, CYDD (Çağdaş Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği). Donations help them provide scholarships and educational programs for economically disadvantaged youth in Turkey.
• You will need to carry your bags on and off local trams and trains during this trip. The distances aren't far, and it's possible to do this with a wheelie bag – but be aware of cobblestone streets.
• This trip uses a combination of public and private transport, and all vehicles are modern and have air-conditioning and most are fitted with seat belts. Some journeys can be long in order to maximise the areas visited, but this gives you a chance to interact with the local community and see more of the country and you'll have plenty chances to stop on the way to stretch your legs.
• This is a relatively fast paced trip which will allow you to see the iconic highlights in Turkey in a short period of time. There's very limited time in Istanbul on the trip so we highly recommend spend more time in this incredible city. Please consult with your booking agent if you wish to book extra accommodation before or after the trip in Istanbul.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Welcome to Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have all once called home. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 1 pm, followed by a guided tour of the Old City with your expert leader. Visit the scene of many a chariot race in the ancient hippodrome, check out the Blue Mosque, take a walk past the wares of the Grand Bazaar and marvel at the architectural masterpiece that is Suleymaniye Cami. If you're not too exhausted after all the exploring, join your new friends for dinner and bask in the beauty of a real Turkish kebab. While you might be familiar with the shaved meats and pita bread sensation that you may have come across at 2 am, nothing beats the kind they wrap up in Istanbul.

• Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

• Istanbul - Old City Walking Tour (Half Day)
• Istanbul - Bosphorus Boat Cruise (Public Boat) - TRY200
• Istanbul - Topkapi Palace Combined Ticket (Topkapi Palace + Hagia Irene + Harem) - TRY1700
• Istanbul - Galata Tower - EUR30
• Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - EUR25
• Istanbul - Archaeology Museum - EUR15
• Istanbul - Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts - EUR17

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

After breakfast this morning, hit the road enroute to Canakkale – a port city on the southern shore of the Dardanelles. You’ll stop along the way to explore Gallipoli on a guided tour that will teach you about the significant events and history embedded in this area. Your guide will take you to ANZAC Cove and major memorial sites like Brighton Beach and ANZAC commemorative Site. You’ll also take in the views across the Dardanelles Strait and the Gallipoli Peninsula. This evening, we’ll spend the night in Canakkale with free time to grab dinner and get ready for tomorrow’s adventures.

• Gallipoli - Fully guided Gallipoli tour & visit to the Commonwealth graveyards

Today’s total travel time is approximately 6 hours.

This morning, we’ll drive to Selcuk with a stop in Troy – where history and mythology sit side-by-side – along the way. You’ll wander the ancient city walls with your group leader and even get a chance to enjoy a photo op with a replica Trojan Horse. You’ll learn more about how this place has confounded historians and archaeologists alike before continuing on to Selcuk. After arrival in the town, on the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill lie several historical buildings – you’ll follow your leader on an orientation walk, passing Isa Bey Mosque and the imposing Byzantine citadel of the Grand Fortress.Then drive out to the nearby picturesque village of Sirince and taste some locally produced fruit wines. This authentic Greek Ottoman village seems to have been overlooked by modern development and the unique local architecture nestled in the hills make for a photographer's dream. Return to Selcuk and the evening is yours.

• Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting
• Troy - Archaeological site visit
• Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk

Today's total driving time will be approximately 7 hours. Please note that Isa Bey Mosque is under renovation, so you won't be able to visit it.

This morning, take a private minivan to visit the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus – one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman classical cities in the world. Once the capital city of Roman Asia Minor, the city has a fascinating history, which really comes alive with a local guide to enhance your experience. Considering their age, the ruins are in incredible shape, and it’s not difficult to imagine them in their full glory over 2000 years ago, equipped with running water, public toilets, a medical institute, and Roman baths. The theatre is well preserved and regularly hosts concerts, but it's perhaps the magnificent library that is the most striking. Then enjoy a lunch after the tour and don't miss out the chance of peeking into their kitchen where the local ladies make the delicious gozleme. You'll some free time later before being transferred to Izmir in the early evening - an overnight train, will be waiting to transport you through the night to the central Anatolian city of Konya.

• Overnight train (1 night)
• Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
• Selcuk - Artemis Temple Visit
• Selcuk - Gozleme making demonstration and lunch
• Selcuk - Basilica of St John - EUR6
• Selcuk - Ephesus Archaeological Museum - EUR10
• Ephesus - Terrace Houses entry - EUR15

Overnight travel this evening on the Mavi Konya: sleeping couchettes are two-berth and have excellent facilities including a washbasin, small fridge and plenty of luggage storage. Fresh bedding is supplied but you are required to make your own bed. Western-style toilets are located in each carriage, but we recommend bringing additional toilet paper. There is a snack carriage with simple food on sale like sandwiches, toasts or coffee/tea. But you may wish to purchase some food in advance for this overnight train journey. 

Wake up in Konya, a traditional Turkish city that's closely linked with the whirling dervish sect of Islam developed in the 13th century by Celaleddin Rumi, considered one of Islam's greatest Sufi mystics. Visit the Mevlana Museum and stretch your legs in town before hitting the road to Cappadocia. Keep an eye out for the fairy chimneys, the hallmarks of Cappadocia's otherworldly landscape, as you drive across the Anatolian plains. Stop enroute at one of the underground cities that once provided a safe haven in times of war or persecution. Arrive in the Cappadocian town of Ugrup in the late afternoon and take a sunset valley walk before settling in for the evening. This evening, you'll be treated to a stay in a local cave hotel that Cappadocia is famous for here.

• Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
• Konya - Mevlana Museum
• Goreme - Whirling dervish performance - EUR30

Today's driving time is about 3 hours.

This morning you have the option to take a hot air balloon flight, a once-in-a-lifetime experience during which the sun illuminates a skyline dotted with balloons. Later this morning, enjoy a guided walk through one of the nearby valleys, possibly the Valley of Love, which features fairy chimneys, deserted rock-cut homes and churches. Your leader will know a number of fantastic scenic routes, and a good walk is by far the best way to experience this unique environment. In your free time today, maybe visit the UNESCO-listed Goreme Open Air Museum, a monastic complex composed of churches, rectories and dwellings cut into the soft cliff face, or check out the Dark Church. This evening you’ll be warmly welcomed into a local home where the family will prepare a special home-cooked dinner for you and your group. Sit down to a feast made with passion, enjoy a friendly chat with your affable host and perhaps top off the night with some Turkish delight.

• Cappadocia - Valley walk
• Cappadocia - Dinner at Local Family Home
• Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight - EUR260
• Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight - EUR310
• Goreme - Open Air Museum - EUR20

Hot air balloon in Cappadocia can only be booked directly with your trip leader locally. Please speak to your Turkish group leader on early on your trip to secure a spot for this popular activity. Due to local regulations, sunrise hot air balloon excursion times do vary which may result in your excursion beginning just after sunrise. This is subject to the tour provider’s discretion and is not within our control. The price of the hot air balloon activity is indicative only as the prices may fluctuate between different seasons. Your tour leader will advise you the correct rate at the time of booking.

Wave goodbye to Cappadocia and transfer to the airport for a flight back to Istanbul (expect to arrive between 1 pm and 4 pm), and get transferred to your hotel. Meet up with your travel buds in the evening and take a stroll to one of the city's trendiest neighbourhoods, a place of contradictions where tool-selling tradesman share space with chic cafes and galleries – this is the place to be seen. Perhaps, try a local favourite, balik ekmek (fish sandwich), for dinner, then cleanse the palate with a baklava. Maybe check out a few of the bars, or simply enjoy a farewell cay (Turkish tea) overlooking the Bosphorus.

Your Turkey adventure comes to an end after breakfast today, and there are no activities planned. However, if you'd like to spend more time in Istanbul, we’re happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Private Bus, Public Bus, Overnight Train, Plane

Hotel (6 nights), Overnight Train (1 night)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. This trip starts in Istanbul on Day 1 at 1 pm. This allows time after the welcome meeting to explore Istanbul. 2. There is an internal flight on this trip and most internal flights in Turkey have a luggage restriction of 15kg checked and 8kg cabin. 3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 5 (Overnight train) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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