scenic tours egypt

Top Tours in Egypt, Africa

Egypt tours.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Archaeology Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 8-Hour Private Tour of the Pyramids, Egyptian Museum and Bazaar from Cairo

2. All inclusive Private Giza Pyramids,Sakkara, Memphis,Lunch&Camel

3. Special Private All INC-Pyramids,Camel Ride(1 Hour) Four Wheeler(ATV) & Lunch

4. 1-day trip to Cairo with flight from Hurghada / Makadi Bay / Soma Bay / El Gouna

5. Small group Hurghada to Luxor, Valley of the Kings by Van

6. Hot Air Balloon Ride in Luxor Egypt with Transfers Included

7. Cairo By Big Bus full day From Hurghada (Pyramids-sphinx-Egyptian Museum-Lunch)

8. Half Day Tour Giza Pyramids and Great Sphinx with Private Tour Guide

9. Siwa Oasis All inclusive 3 days Tour from Cairo or Giza

10. Swimming with Dolphin VIP Snorkeling Sea Trip With Lunch and Transfer - Hurghada

11. Orange Bay Island Tour

12. Alexandria Day Trip From Cairo

13. Ras Mohamed & White Island luxury Yacht Trip Sharm el Sheikh

14. 8 hours Cairo day Tour to Giza Pyramids, Memphis City, Sakkara and Dahshur

15. Day Trip To Luxor From Cairo By Plane

16. Safari 5 in 1 Quads, Camels, Show, Dinner & Star Gazing in Sharm El Sheikh

17. Day trip to Cairo by bus from Sharm el Sheikh

18. 4-Days Nile Cruise From Aswan To Luxor including Abu Simbel and Hot Air Balloon

19. Super Safari ATV, Drive Buggy Car, Camel Ride, Bedouin Dinner, Show-Hurghada

20. Private tour to Giza Pyramids,Sphinx,Egyptian Museum with Local Lunch

21. Small Group Excursion to Luxor Valley of the Kings from Hurghada

22. Luxury Sunrise Balloon Ride in Luxor with Hotel Pickup

23. Orange bay full day

24. Private Day Tour to Abu Simble Temple from Aswan

25. Private Day from Cairo to Luxor by plane with hotel,balloon,west,east and lunch

26. 4-Day 3-Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor - Private Tour

27. Private Tour To Giza Pyramids, Memphis City, Dahshur And Sakkara Pyramids

28. Luxor Day Tour: Valley of Kings & Queens & Hatchepsut Temples

29. Day trip from Sharm el Sheikh to Cairo by plane

30. Hurghada: Star watching Desert Adventure by Jeep with Dinner

What travellers are saying.

Wonders of Ancient Egypt Package

A Private Guided Tour Packed with all the Wonders of Ancient Egypt.

6 Days From $2,499 pp

Cairo, Nile Cruise, Luxor & Aswan

Or call 888-688-8854

Osiris Tours Advantages

• Enjoy a personalized tailor-made trip to Egypt with a private and qualified tour guide, driver, and traditional Egyptian cuisine. Your tour will be customized just for you and suit your own style, schedule, and budget.
• Avoid the crowds with your own private guide & private vehicle during your tour around the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx.
• Learn about Luxor’s history and its monuments on a private custom tour to the Valley of the Kings & Queen, Karnack Temple, and Luxor Temple.
• Wind your way around scenic Aswan islands with your private guide and your private felucca/sailboat .
• Sail down the Nile on a three-night luxury Nile River cruise on Nile Admiral.
• Stay in a comfortable and safe hotel , Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel, with scenic views of the Great Pyramids.

Tour Overview

If you are planning a trip to Egypt but don’t have a lot of time, this 5 night/6 day is packed with all the wonders of ancient Egypt, including the Great Pyramids and Sphinx, to a cruise down the famed Nile River. You’ll visit Cairo, Giza, Aswan, and Luxor with a private guide, a private driver, and more.

This Egypt travel package explores the golden heritage of ancient Egyptian civilization. Your trip to Egypt begins in Cairo and Giza, exploring the Great Pyramids with a trained Egyptologist guide. Wander through ancient Memphis, Saqqara, The Solar Boat, Chephren Pyramid, learning about Egyptian kings and queens’ ancient ways.

Take a short flight from Cairo to Aswan, where you will tour the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Philae temple, as well as a private sailboat ride through the most picturesque portion of the Nile River and Kitchener Island.

Next, experience more of Egypt’s Golden Era as you embark on a luxury Nile River cruise from Aswan to Luxor. Your Nile River cruise on board the luxury small-ship Nile Admiral will include stops at Kom Ombo and Edfu temples, both with private Egyptologist guided tours.

In Luxor, a custom tour of the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queen, including private tours of the Karnak and Luxor Temples. The Karnak temple is more than just a temple; it is an open museum and the largest ancient religious site globally. Built for the sacred Theban triad, God Amun-Ra, his wife Goddess Mut, and their son, God Khunsu, more than 30 pharaohs, including Hatshepsut, Ramses II, King Tut, and more contributed to its construction process.

After visiting Karnak and Luxor temples, head to the West Bank of the Nile, where you discover King Tut’s tomb in a  private guided tour , and the Queen Hatshepsut temple, where you can wander around the temple of the most famous and powerful women in the ancient Egyptian history.

Our  Egypt travel package  includes all accommodations, a private Egyptologist guide, a private vehicle, a private driver, internal flights, all entrance fees, taxes, and much more!

Choose this itinerary or customize your own personal trip to Egypt at no additional cost.

Your safety is our primary concern. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance. Check the itinerary to learn more about this luxury tour.

To find out more about this Egypt 6 Day Tour or any of our other Egypt private tours , please feel free to  contact us  at any time.

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

Upon arrival at Cairo airport, our representative will help facilitate the visa process for you and escort you through customs, where immigration will meet you. A private transfer will be waiting to pick you up from the airport to transfer to Le Meridien Pyramids hotel.

Accommodation Le Meridien Pyramids (4*)

Day 2: Giza

Today you will wander around the Great Pyramids, ancient Memphis, Saqqara, the Solar Boat, Chephren Pyramid, and the famous Sphinx with your private Egyptologist guide.

The tour includes a private vehicle with a private driver, a trained Egyptologist guide, and entry to the Chephren (Khafre) or Menkaure (Mycerinus) Pyramids and entrance to the Grand Pyramid.

Every day, a limited number of people are allowed inside the Grand Pyramids. Be sure to tell your tour guide the day before, if you are interested.

After visiting the Great Pyramids, enjoy true Egyptian cuisine with lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, experience the sunset with a panoramic view of the Great Pyramids while you are riding a camel or horse (your choice).

The luxury tour includes an Egyptian dinner at one of the best local Bedouin restaurants by the Sphinx.

Day 3: Cairo – Aswan

Transfer in a private vehicle between Le Meridien hotel and Cairo airport is provided. Flight from Cairo to Aswan is included.

Upon arrival at the Aswan airport, an airport transfer with a private vehicle is provided to the Nile Admiral Nile cruise.

Aswan is located about 550 miles south of Cairo (one hour by flight). It is famous for its natural beauty, the River Nile, its history, and the best places to visit in Egypt, such as the Philae temple, the Nubian Village, and much more.

In Aswan, start your private tour with a High Dam visit, then to the Philae temple. The temple was built on a beautiful island in the middle of the Nile and attracted visitors from all over the ancient world.

Philae temple was pulled out of the water and re-erected on Agilika Island after the Egyptians built the High Dam. The UNESCO and United Nations played an important role in saving the Philae temple.

The tour includes a private guided tour to the main granite quarry, where you will visit the unfinished obelisk. There, enjoy a practical demonstration of the methods used by ancient craftsmen to cut impressive obelisks and granite statues for thousands of years.

Your guide will take you on a private Felucca (sailboat) ride on the Nile River in the afternoon. Enjoy taking pictures of the most beautiful part of the Nile in Egypt. You will sail around Kitchener Island, the biggest botanical garden in Egypt, founded by Lord Kitchener, the famous British army leader. During your sailing trip, you will get to sail around Agha khan Mausoleum. There, you will learn from your private Egyptologist guide about one of the most famous love stories that happened at the Agha Khan Mausoleum in the nineteenth century.

Accommodation: Nile Admiral (5*)

Day 4: Nile

Early in the morning, the luxury Nile cruise will start the journey from Aswan to Luxor. Relax and enjoy your first breakfast while sailing down the picturesque Nile River.

Later in the morning, you will reach its first destination, Kom Ombo. There, visit your first Greco-Roman temple with your private Egyptologist guide. Kom Ombo temple was dedicated to God Sobek, the crocodile god, and god Haroeris, the falcon-headed god.

After you visit the Kom Ombo temple, continue sailing to Edfu.

In the afternoon, with your private Egyptologist guide and private horse carriage, visit Edfu temple. Edfu temple, also known as the falcon-headed god temple. It was built for God Horus and his wife, Goddess Hathor. Hathor was the Goddess of motherhood, beauty, and love.

Day 5: Luxor

Start your day in Luxor by visiting the West Bank of Luxor. Enjoy the Valley of the Kings with your private Egyptologist guide and your private driver. There you will have the opportunity to visit 3 tombs plus the tomb of King Tut Ankh Amun. More than 64 tombs are found in the Valley of the Kings; however, most of them are closed for restoration. About 10 tombs at a time remain open to visitors.

The second tour in the West Bank will be to Al-Deir Al-Bahari or Queen Hatshepsut temple. It is less than 5 minutes drive from the Valley of the Kings.

The custom tour includes a private guided tour of the Valley of the Queen and a stop by the huge Colossi of Memnon. Enjoy a local Egyptian lunch. In the afternoon, your tailor-made tour will take you to the Karnak temple.

Karnak consists of huge pillars, towering columns, massive avenues of sphinxes, and an obelisk that stands 97-feet tall and weighs 323-tons (646000 pounds). Explore Sphinx Avenue, a mile and half sphinx statues, once connected to Karnak and Luxor temples. At one time, approximately 1500 sphinx statues lined this road. This road was used once a year during the Opet festival (the honeymoon for God Amun Ra & his wife Goddess Mut)

After visiting the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Karnak temple, continue to Luxor Temple. Luxor, once the famous city of Thebes, was the capital of Egypt in the twelfth dynasty.

Day 6: Luxor To Cairo

Transfer in a private vehicle with an English speaking driver between the Nile Admiral River cruise and Luxor airport is provided.

Flight from Luxor to Cairo is included.

Le Meridien Pyramids (5*)

Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel is beautifully set in its own landscaped gardens with an unrivaled and time-honored location; it is located southwest of Cairo and less than one mile from the Sphinx and the Giza Pyramids. It is a twenty minutes drive from the city center and 45 minutes from Cairo International Airport.

With optimum taste and comfort in mind, the state of the art rooms and suites are generously sized, offering the latest in-room facilities and services. Non-smoking rooms and rooms modified for disabled guests are also available. Recreation and entertainment facilities include a health and fitness center, a heated outdoor pool (seasonal), tanning beds, and live entertainment.

Nile Admiral (5*)

The Nile Admiral Nile cruise offers a total of 72 double cabins. All cabins are fully air-conditioned and equipped with an en-suite bathroom, TV, mini-bar, telephone, and safety deposit box.

The restaurant, bar, and sundeck seat 150 people and provides comfort and convenience throughout your trip. The restaurant serves a buffet breakfast and lunch and a set meal at dinner. The bar and deck provide an ideal setting to enjoy a relaxing drink and the Nile scenes.

Other facilities are a swimming pool, table tennis, laundry service, internet/fax/international phone lines, and gift shops.

Things you should know before you visit Egypt

If you are an American, you will need a valid passport for at least 6 months after the day you plan to return from Egypt. You must also provide proof that you intend to return or continue your travels elsewhere. You are responsible for ensuring your passport is current and that your name on your passport matches all other travel documents we will issue. If you find that your name differs between any documents, please let us know right away.

You will need a visa to travel to and inside Egypt. You can get one when you arrive at Cairo airport. We can include visa fees and proceeds in your itinerary upon request. When you leave Egypt, you must show proof of entry via a stamp on your valid passport. If you don’t provide this stamp, officials may prevent you from leaving Egypt.

It is a good idea to have insurance if you need to cancel your trip or any medical need while abroad. Most insurance policies also cover baggage loss/damage or problems completing the trip due to circumstances beyond your control. Get a policy that provides medical coverage to avoid large health care expenses in an emergency. We can help you find the right insurance policy for your trip with us.

In general, for women traveling to Egypt, anything that is below the knee should be fine. Short sleeves should be fine as well, but nothing too short or too tiny. You do not need to cover your head in Egypt but do dress modestly. Wear pants or long skirts. It is hot in the summertime so that loose-fitting pants will be more comfortable than a pair of skinny jeans. It is also dusty and dirty, so that white clothing will appear soiled far more quickly than other colors’ clothing.

Egypt’s power grid is set up for 220V AC. Some rural areas only have 110V AC. Sockets are either the “Type C” Europlug or the “Type E” and “Type F” Schuko plug. You’ll need to purchase an adapter for devices from North America. Outlets marked as 110V or “For Shavers Only” won’t work for devices not rated for 110V and may even damage them. Mobile phone roaming charges are different between carriers, so be sure to check on costs with your phone provider in each area you’ll travel to. The large cities such as Dahab, Luxor, Cairo, and Alexandria have many Internet cafes where you can pay to use the WiFi or wired network ports. Some small towns like Siwa have at least one Internet cafe. Hotel in-room or lobby WiFi can be expensive, so check the rates before connecting to their services. Osiris Tours will not have control over which hotels have Internet access, but we do have information on which establishments are likely to provide it. We can help you find contact information to get in touch with the properties directly and ask what they make available. – Time Zone: UTC+2 – Electricity: 220V AC + 110V in certain rural areas – Telephone: Country code for calling you from outside Egypt is 20 – Calling North America: Dial 00 + 1 and your 10 digit number – Emergency numbers in Egypt: Police: 122; Tourist Police: 126; Ambulance: 123; Fire: 125

Egypt is very dry in some places and very wet in others. Be prepared for a hot and dry climate. It can get cold in the northern regions if you happen to visit in the Winter. Most tourists visit during the cooler months from December to February. February to April and October to November is the best time of the year climate-wise to see the pyramids and Valley of the Kings. It can be very hot and dusty in April because of winds blowing in from the Sahara, so visiting sites can be a bit of a problem during that month. Updated weather forecasts can be obtained from  Weather.com .

We recommend that you bring about $100 US per person for each day’s expenses. Small bills are best to tip waiters, porters, and housekeeping. Tipping is at your discretion based on your satisfaction with the service you receive. The Egyptian currency is called the “Egyptian Pound” (guinay in Arabic). Notes come in denominations of 5pt, 10pt, 25pt, 50pt, E£1, E£5, E£10, E£20, E£50 and E£100. Coins come in denominations of 10pt, 20pt, 25pt, 50pt, and E£1. Some tour operators and hotels only accept US dollars or Euros. Get your Egyptian Pound currency from your own bank before leaving or from an Egyptian bank machine. Those methods are cheaper than in the airport currency exchange or in tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but your bank card may or may not be valid in-country.

There are currently no vaccinations required to travel to Egypt. There have been some occurrences of “Bird Flu” (avian influenza) in Egypt. We recommend that you: – Avoid going to live animal farms or poultry markets. – Avoid eating eggs or poultry that have not been fully cooked. – Wash your hands regularly. – See a doctor if you feel any flu symptoms coming on while traveling or after you return home.

Make a list of all the medicines and medical items you need to bring with you on your trip, plus dosages of prescription drugs, details of prescription glasses and contacts, and any other medical necessities. Put spare eyewear and medications in checked and carry-on bags in case some of your luggage gets lost in transit. There are non-prescription, over-the-counter medicines available in Egypt, but it is often difficult to get prescription medication or eyewear. Bring water purification devices or iodine tablets in case bottled water is not available. We can advise which locations will have potable vs. non-potable water. We strongly recommend bringing some type of over-the-counter diarrhea medication. Medical Needs Checklist – Basic first aid and medicine kit (band-aids, antiseptics, pain meds). – Pepto-Bismol, Imodium, electrolyte powders for adding to drinking water to solve dehydration problems, and anti-diarrheal medications. – Anti-itch cream for insect bites and allergies. – Tablets for motion sickness. – SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, aloe-vera lotion for sunburn treatment, large-brim hat, lip balm, insect repellent, and sunglasses. – Hand sanitizer and baby wipes.

Travel Inspiration & Info

Egypt Tours & Holidays

Awesome ancient wonders, endless golden sands and atmospheric local souqs make Egypt the ultimate travel destination.

You’ve got to see it to believe it in Egypt – the chaos of Cairo (seriously, this city never stops); the bustling bazaars; the imposing glory of the Pyramids of Giza and the world’s most famous lion with a human head (the iconic Sphinx). Only in Egypt can you sail into the sunset on a felucca cruise along the Nile, marvel at the world's most spectacular temple complexes, wander through Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, and then float facing towards the sky in the glittering expanse of the Red Sea. Take a moment as time stands still in Egypt.

Our Egypt trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

Egypt tour reviews

Filter by rating

Classic Egypt

Premium Egypt

Egypt Adventure

Articles of Egypt

I didn’t grow up travelling but now I’m visiting all the landmarks that inspired me

The 7 best places to go on a hot air balloon ride  

Egypt or Jordan? Which country should you travel to?

What it’s like to visit Egypt as a transgender traveller

For this solo female traveller, her first trip abroad in over 20 years was worth the wait 

Egypt vs Morocco: where to next?

What to expect on an Intrepid Premium trip

10 awesome places to go for your 21st birthday

Egypt at a glance

Capital city.

Cairo (population 9.4 million)

107.5 million

Egyptian pound (EGP)

(GMT+02:00) Cairo

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type C (European 2-pin)

Learn more about Egypt

Best time to visit egypt.

Egypt is blessed with lots of sunshine and very little rain. Generally, the hottest months are June to August, and the coolest month is January. Rainfall is negligible, except on the coast, with rain usually occurring during the winter months (December to March).

During the summer months (from June to August), daily temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius - perfect for snorkelling and soaking up the sun on the beaches of Sinai, but can prove challenging for some in the crowded streets and souqs of Cairo. 

Choose to escape the crowds by travelling from March to May or September to November when the weather is milder, and there's the opportunity to experience Egypt during Ramadan and the celebrations of Eid (which marks the breaking of the fast). If you are planning to travel during Ramadan, it's important to consider that many restaurants and shops will either be closed or operating on reduced hours.

Read more about the best time to visit Egypt

Culture and customs

Life in Egypt has been in a state of flux since the 2011 revolution. Many of the issues that motivated so many to take to the streets in protest continue to be points of contention, but Egyptians remain hopeful, relying on religion, family and humour to get them through, like they have for thousands of years. A strong sense of community binds people across the country. Families and communities support each other and there is a prevailing sense that everyone is in it together. For all these reasons, most express great pride in being Egyptian, despite their nation’s recent turmoil.

As a largely Muslim country (about 90% of the population is Muslim while most of the remaining 10% identify as Coptic Christian), Islam permeates daily activities. Life revolves around the five daily prayers and everything is closed on Friday, the Muslim holy day. A wide array of cultural norms, including how people dress and interact with the opposite sex, are influenced by religion. Women are largely defined by their role as a mother and matron of the house, whereas men are expected to be the provider.

Many Egyptians consider their country the gateway between the West and the rest of the Arab world, and take pride in their ability to mix tradition with modern influences. This mixing is most apparent in major cities, such as Cairo and Alexandria, where American fast-food chains can be found next to traditional cafes, secular attitudes are more common, and pop music rings through city streets.

Food and drink

With fragrant spices, fresh fruit and vegetables, and delicious sweets on offer, culinary adventures in Egypt are guaranteed. On many Intrepid trips you'll be given the opportunity to dine with a local family – this offers a great chance to see how meals are prepared and learn more about the ingredients.

Foods to try in Egypt

1. Hamam mahshi

A north African delicacy, hamam – roasted pigeon stuffed with cracked wheat and rice – can be found on the menu of most traditional Egyptian restaurants. You may need a few to fill up though, as they don’t contain a lot of meat. And be careful of all the tiny bones.

2. Ta'ameya (falafel)

Crunchy on the outside, moist on the inside, these deep-fried balls of spiced fava beans are a Middle Eastern vegetarian staple. Usually served in a pita with salad, pickles and sesame-based tahina - buy it at a street stall for a quick, cheap meal.

Shops specializing in this popular ‘poor man’s dish’ can be found throughout Cairo. A hearty mix of rice, macaroni and lentils, chickpeas and fried onions, koshary is topped with a tomato-vinegar sauce.

4. Ful medames

Don't leave Egypt without trying the classic dish of ful medames, which can be traced back to pharaonic times. Consisting of slow-cooked fava beans, served with olive oil, parsley, garlic and lemon juice - add some spice by seasoning with chilli paste and eat with bread.

5. Pastries

Delicious, sweet pastries are found in restaurants, markets and cafes in Egypt. Never was there a better time to live by the adage ‘Life is short, eat dessert first’.

Egypt is a mostly Muslim country, and any consumption of alcohol here is relatively low-key. There are many fantastic alternatives. Juice stands are common on main streets offering freshly squeezed banana, guava, or mango juice. Karkadai is a chilled, crimson drink brewed from hibiscus leaves (served hot in the winter). And tea (or shai) is the beverage of choice for most Egyptians, which is sipped throughout the day and with meals.

Read more about what to eat in Egypt

Read more about what to drink in Egypt

Geography and environment

Located in the north-east corner of Africa, Egypt shares its borders with Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Libya and Sudan, as well as the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Red Sea to the east. The two seas are connected by the man-made Suez Canal.

The remote triangle-shaped peninsula is largely characterised by limestone and desert, but also has a vibrant coral reef along the Red Sea coastline. Hot, dry desert covers most of the country’s terrain, with the Western Desert occupying much of the west, and the Arabian (or Eastern) Desert stretching the length of the eastern coast. These two regions are dissected by the Nile River, which runs the length of the country, emptying into the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile Valley, a narrow fertile band extending from the river, is the country’s only fertile land and where 98% of the population lives.

History and government

Recent history.

Napoleon Bonaparte, the infamous pint-sized French leader, invaded Egypt in 1798, seeking to set up a French colony. However, not long after, the French were repelled, and Egypt became a part of the Ottoman Empire once again.

From 1882, the British Army occupied Egypt to protect the Suez Canal. Muhammad Ali officially ruled from the early 1800s, and his family and successors continued to rule for decades (alongside and during British occupation) until overthrown by a military coup in 1952.

During World War II, Egypt became a crucial element in Britain's defence. The Italian Army tried to advance into Egypt in 1940 but was stopped by the British Army at Mersa Matruh. Egypt continued to serve as a vital base for British troops during World War II and despite the disruption, Egypt's shopkeepers and retail trade benefitted from the thousands of Allied troops staying in Egypt.

In 1953, Egypt was officially declared a republic and a year later, Colonel Nasser was declared Prime Minister, then President. In 1979, after decades of confrontation with neighbouring Israel, the historic Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty was signed. This agreement made Egypt the first Arab country to officially recognise Israel as a country - a significant step in the peace process. More recently, in February 2011, large scale protests and mass demonstrations resulted in the removal of President Mubarak after decades of autocratic rule.

Early history

Ancient Egypt has been the focus of much fascination, investigation, speculation and intrigue. It's hard to escape the education system without having studied Ancient Egypt in some way. Drawn in by the mighty pyramids, mysterious hieroglyphics, distinct burial rituals and animal-headed gods - scholars, students, historians and travellers are all amazed by this civilisation which has endured cycles of dynastic rule, invasion and natural disasters.

Through key archaeological finds, historians have been able to unravel some of the mysteries of this great land. What is known is that the daily life of the average Egyptian usually involved working in agriculture with the waters of the Nile providing fertile ground for planting of crops. Egyptians usually lived in modest homes with children and domestic pets. Professions were usually inherited - so if your father was a farmer, then so were you. 

While most Egyptians led simple lives, dynasties of Pharaohs led lavish lifestyles, with the most well-known being Ramses II, Hatshepsut, Akhenaten, Tutankhamun and Cleopatra. Huge monuments, imposing pyramids, golden artefacts and detailed paintings all hold details about pharaonic rule and succession, as well as commonly held beliefs about religion and the afterlife. 

Spanning centuries and full of drama worthy of a soap opera, the epic history of Ancient Egypt is complex and we suggest you read about it before visiting.

Top places to visit in Egypt

1. nile river.

Sail down the mighty Nile River on a traditional Egyptian felucca.

Trip: Egypt Experience

Trip: Explore Egypt & Jordan

Dive into the warm, glittering waters of the Red Sea on a snorkelling adventure in Hurghada.

Trip: Jordan & Egypt Express

Trip: Explore Egypt

Trip: Egypt Family Holiday

3. Alexandria

Discover the historic wonders of Alexandria, an ancient port city that locals call the Bride of the Mediterranean Sea.

Trip: Jordan & Egypt Uncovered

Experience the bustling energy of Cairo and shop for souvenirs at Cairo's Khan al-Khalili bazaar.

Trip: Egypt Adventure

5. Mt Sinai

Hike to the summit of Mt Sinai, which many believe is where Moses received the ten commandments.

Trip: Discover Egypt & Jordan

Explore the impressive chapels, pylons and obelisks of Karnak Temple.

Trip: Egypt, Jordan, Isreal & the Palestinian Territories

7. Abu Simbel

These massive monuments dedicated to Ramses II and Queen Nefertari are seriously impressive.

8. Valley of the Kings

King Tut’s treasures may be long gone, but his hieroglyphic-covered tomb remains an incredible sight to see.

Trip: Essential Egypt

Trip: Epic Egypt, Jordan & Isreal & the Palestinian Territories

Trip: Real Egypt & Jordan

Top 10 ancient wonders of Egypt

1. grand designs.

The original grand design - monumental and magnificent - the Pyramids of Giza are an impressive achievement in ancient engineering. Towering above the desert sands and standing proudly for centuries, the first glimpse of these stunning structures will render visitors breathless.

2. Stony enigma

Be captivated by the mysterious aura of the Great Sphinx of Giza. This monolithic mythical beast possesses a lion’s body and a human head - and has sat quietly in the desert sands for eons. Gaze at the Sphinx and try to work out the riddle of its existence.

3. Mighty Nile River

No trip to Egypt is complete without visiting the Nile River - the life force of Egypt that has flowed for centuries. A provider of irrigation, an essential travel route, home to hippos and crocodiles, and now a source of leisure for locals and travellers alike, the Nile is an aquatic link to Egypt’s ancient heritage.

4. Terrific temples

Discover an enormous open-air museum like no other. The awe-inspiring Temples of Karnak are filled with stately statues, immense columns and gigantic gateways. Explore this intriguing site and be left in no doubt about the brilliance of the ancient Egyptian civilisation.

5. Holy mountains

Embark on a trek to the top of Mt Sinai and witness an incredible golden sunrise to remember. A place of worship for many faiths, a pilgrimage to Mt Sinai reveals stunning scenery, an ancient monastery and historic chapels. An iconic highlight of Egypt for believers and non-believers alike, Mt Sinai is not to be missed.

6. Double happiness

Located in the Nile Valley, the unique Temple of Kom Ombo is a ‘double temple’ and a rare archaeological find. Dedicated to two gods, a visit here is a true highlight of an Egyptian escapade. Marvel at the well-preserved wall reliefs, try to decipher the hieroglyphics and honour the craftsmen who created this wonder.

7. Museum magic

Step into a dazzling world of antiquity at the Egyptian Museum. Be amazed by the glittering treasures recovered from King Tutankhamun’s tomb – with jewellery, furniture, chariots and that famous gold funerary mask, this pharaoh was certainly prepared for the afterlife.

8. Roman ruins

The Roman ruins of Kom el-Dikka in Alexandria may not be the biggest, but they are certainly among the best-preserved in Egypt, if not the world. Soak up the atmosphere of the Roman amphitheatre and imagine it in all its glory - packed with 800 spectators ready for action.

9. Colossal characters

Near the modern city of Luxor stand the imposing Colossi of Memnon. These massive stone statues of Amenhotep III, while badly damaged, still maintain an unmistakable air of authority. Stand below them and be dwarfed by the scale of these tremendous figures.

10. The ancient heart of Cairo

Wander the cobbled streets of Islamic Cairo and uncover the ancient heart of this chaotic city. Admire mosques, palaces and houses, and peruse the goods on offer at one of the world’s oldest bazaars. Dating back to medieval times, the Khan al-Khalili bazaar is where people have traded goods for centuries.

Souqs – or open-air bazaars – are both the best place to shop in Egypt and attractions in their own right. The biggest and most famous souq is the 500-year-old Khan El Khalili Bazaar in Cairo. Within the maze of narrow streets and laneways lie stalls selling jewellery, glass, copper, spices and artisan goods, along with more standard tourist fare. Quality can vary greatly so spend some time shopping around.

Like many markets around the world, bargaining is the norm, but Egyptians take it to another level. Expect to be offered tea (it can take that long) and for elaborate theatrics from the seller. While bazaars in Cairo tend to sell everything, visit Aswan’s bazaar for spices, incense and basketwork, and Luxor for cheaply priced alabaster figurines and vases. It's also a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. 

Things to buy in Egypt

You’ll often see spices piled high in bazaars. In addition to making a great photo for Instagram, they’re often a good buy as long as you keep a couple of things in mind. Always buy whole spices rather than ground to ensure freshness and skip the ‘saffron’ – it’s actually safflower and tastes like dust.

2. Glassware

Hand-blown Muski glass, recognizable by its air bubbles, comes in brilliant shades of blue and green and purple, and has been made in Egypt since medieval times. Be careful with this purchase though as it’s extremely fragile.

3. Cartouche

A kind of nameplate written in hieroglyphics. Most gold or silver shops sell these and many can customise them by engraving your name.

Festivals and events

Eid al-Fitr

After fasting for an entire month, Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr, or ‘Feast of Breaking the Fast’. For three days, starting on the first day of the tenth month of the lunar calendar, people celebrate with feasts, family and festivals. Look for vendors selling kahk cookies (nut-filled cookies covered in powdered sugar) while taking in the festivities, a tasty treat synonymous with Eid for many locals.

Eid al-Adha

Arguably the most important holiday in Egypt, the ‘Feast of Sacrifice’ is not one for vegetarians and vegans. About 70 days after Eid al-Fitr, sheep and goats are slaughtered (often in the middle of the street) for a mighty feast.

Sham el-Nessim

Each year on March 21st, Egyptians celebrate the coming of spring by spending the day outdoors. Join the locals for this ancient holiday by packing a picnic and heading to a park or public garden.

Abu Simbel Sun Festival

As if the two temples dedicated to Ramses II and Queen Nefertari weren’t impressive enough, they were constructed in such a way that twice a year, the sun’s rays reach its innermost chambers and illuminate three stone gods that reside within, while leaving Ptah (god of the underworld) in the dark. And those days just happen to be Ramses’s birthday (October 21) and coronation (February 21). Coincidence? We think not.

Read more about festivals in Egypt

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

Coptic Christmas

Coptic Easter

Sinai Liberation Day

National Day

Coptic New Year

Islamic New Year

Armed Forces Day

Birth of Prophet Mohammed

Many of Egypt's public holidays are religious holidays and are celebrated according to the Islamic lunar cycle. Please note the dates may vary.

Similar destinations

We have a variety of similar destinations, trips and routes that you could consider! Tie another trip into your holiday, or, see how we can help you get from A to B. We have tours departing from a number of locations across Africa. The options below may be of interest:

Cairo to Madaba

Amman to Madaba

Tours from Cairo

Tours to Cairo

Egypt or Jordan?

Further reading

Egypt travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do you need a visa to travel to Egypt?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Check the Essential Trip Information section of the itinerary for more information.

Is tipping customary in Egypt?

Tipping is customary for pretty much all services in Egypt. A tip of 10–15% is customary at cafes and restaurants and loose change is acceptable for food purchases from street vendors and markets. It’s also a good idea to tip local guides and drivers AUD$4–5 per day.

What is the internet access like in Egypt?

Internet access is growing in Egypt, with internet cafes and Wi-Fi hotspots becoming increasingly common in large cities, especially Cairo, though access may be limited in smaller town and remote areas.

Can I use my mobile phone in Egypt?

Mobile phone coverage is generally good in Egypt’s urban areas, but may not be available in remote and desert areas. Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before leaving home.

What are the toilets like in Egypt?

Squat toilets are most common in Egypt, although Western-style flushable toilets can be found in larger hotels and some tourist areas.

Can I drink the water in Egypt?

Drinking tap water isn’t recommended in Egypt. Remember to avoid drinks with ice and to peel fruit before eating it. Help the environment and try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water. Ask your leader or hotel where to find filtered water.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Egypt?

Credit cards are usually accepted by modern hotels, large retailers and tourist sites but are less commonly accepted by smaller vendors in remote areas. Always carry enough cash for smaller purchases in case credit cards are not an option.

What is ATM access like in Egypt?

ATMs are commonly found in larger cities, like Cairo and Alexandria, near shopping centres, tourist areas and 5-star hotels, but are far less common in small towns and rural areas. Make sure you have enough cash before leaving urban areas.

Is Egypt a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers?

Discretion is advised for LGBTQI-travellers in Egypt. Though homosexuality is not officially outlawed, gay men have been prosecuted using debauchery and public morals laws and given long prison sentences. Be aware that signals are ambiguous in Egypt as men commonly hold hands, link arms and greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. As long as you use common sense, travel in Egypt should not be a problem.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex  or ILGA before you travel.

If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room.

What to wear in Egypt

Summer temperatures can get very high, so light fabrics like linen, cotton and athletic gear made to take the heat are best. If you’re travelling outside of winter, don’t underestimate the cool change that can come in the evenings, especially if you’re spending the night in the desert or on a Nile cruise. Avoid packing anything in white – desert dust will quickly turn those light-coloured clothes a not-so-delightful shade of brown.

Where will I stay in Egypt?

Travelling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

These are some of the types of accommodations you will stay in:

Felucca Glide down the Nile on a traditional Egyptian felucca; sleep on deck under the stars as the sun slides away for the day - a must-do experience while in Egypt. Homestay

Be welcomed into the home of a local family and experience the cuisine, culture and customs of Egypt firsthand during your stay. A truly authentic travel experience like no other.

Desert camp Travel deep into the White Desert to camp under the stars amid surreal scenery. This is a rare chance to experience the remote wonder and isolation of the Egyptian desert.

Beach hut With calming Red Sea views and fresh sea breezes, this rustic breach abode is all about life’s simple pleasures.

How will I travel around Egypt?

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

How do I stay safe and healthy while travelling?

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What is it like travelling on a small group tour?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or you’re about to embark on your first trip, travelling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organising amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), travelling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.

Does my trip to Egypt support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveller. Trips to Egypt directly support our foundation partner, Animal Care in Egypt . 

Animal Care in Egypt  

Animal Care in Egypt (ACE) cares for sick or injured working animals, like horses and donkeys, in Upper Egypt. Donations from our trips help ACE provide free veterinary care and fund education programs that empower local people with the knowledge and skills to best look after their animals. 

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

1800 002 007

Wonders of Ancient Egypt

299 reviews

Internal flights included

Last Minute Deal

Standard Price

Save up to $1,039

Available Dates

Your itinerary

Dates & prices

12 months interest-free finance available at checkout. Learn more

12 Day Ancient Egypt Tour with Nile Cruise

12 days, 1 country and 8 cities

Accommodation

11 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners

View day-by-day trip itinerary

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 15 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

Trip code: 

Low deposit from $200

Deposit protection

Free booking changes

Trip map & itinerary

Day by day itinerary

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

Download itinerary

Print itinerary

Expand all days

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 utilised.

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.

Find out more

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

LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLER REVIEWS

Wonders of Ancient Egypt trip reviews

#ttancientegypt.

Real moments from real travellers, creating the greatest travel stories they’ll ever tell

Or search for something else

Help & Info

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Gold Seal Protection

Zip Financing

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar Tours Limited is a proud member of The Travel Corporation family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Travel House, Rue du Manoir St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 2JH

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

Copyright 2024 Trafalgar. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Signature Five-Star Egypt and Jordan Tour

Customers rate Zicasso's travel referral service  4.9  on a scale of 1 to 5 based on  1549  reviews on Trustpilot

We match you with top tour companies that specialize in the trip you want,  whether it's a customized private tour or a group tour.

• Trip Overview

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Request a Quote

Countries Visited

Places visited, suggested duration, customizable itinerary, cairo – glamorous views over the river nile.

After landing at Cairo International, you will be greeted by a representative and assisted through customs and immigration before being transferred to your private vehicle for your journey into the city. After your flight to Cairo, you will have a peaceful space where you can fully relax and recuperate from your journey in the luxuries of the famous Marriott Mena House, which has enchanted guests since opening in the late 1800's. The five-star pioneer combines serene vistas with modern opulence in a sensational setting.

The gorgeous hotel offers a selection of rooms with views to Egypt’s captivating pyramids symbolizing more than 7,000 years of civilization blending effortlessly with the welcoming, modern comforts for which the Marriott Mena House Hotel is famous. Celebrities like Frank Sinatra, Cecil B. DeMille, Charlton Heston, and Winston Churchill have enjoyed the beauty of the Marriott Mena House Hotel. You will indulge in the unique location with 40 acres of manicured gardens during your introduction to Egypt as the Nile glistens softly below the city when the evening lights replace the view of the sunset.

What's Included:

River Nile Cruise – The Extravagant Wonder of Karnak and Luxor Temples

Wake the next morning to be privately transferred to Cairo Airport for your short flight to Luxor and travel straight to Luxor Temple. Luxor baffles even the most worldly of travelers as seeing such ancient heritage stand in such a pristine state of conservation is hard to comprehend. Your mind will circle with questions on how these tombs and temples were built on such an immense scale? Palatial columns rise skyward and dwarf all of those who wander across the imposing temple floors. Sculpted figures guard entrances ten meters high, their eyes cast with indecipherable emotion. Footsteps will echo and bounce across the walls before evaporating into the desert sky.

Your first glimpse will be forever memorable as the scale of the temple is experienced in all of its primitive glory. As you admire the hieroglyphs and soak up the murals, you will realize that this is just the start of your journey through Egypt’s dynasties. Like each day on this itinerary, every tour is private, and your Egyptologist guide will tailor the speed and information to your interests. There is almost too much to see around Luxor, and it will be easy to be overwhelmed by temple after temple, tomb after tomb. Your guide will individualize your discovery and focus your time on the most exquisite and interesting.

You will continue down the old Avenue of Sphinxes to the temple complex of Karnak, and then the scale will multiply. The largest of all of Egypt’s temples, the scale can only be comprehended when you stand in the main temple courtyard. You can take your time and allow the silence to take over as impressions of stone imprint themselves. Your guide will unravel the details and over the course of the day, will answer those questions you had when you landed in Luxor earlier in the day. There will be time to visit the Luxor Museum should you wish, as you travel the banks of the River Nile.

River Nile Cruise – Exploring the Valley of the Kings

On Luxor’s opposite bank lie the tombs of the pharaohs, the grand structures built to protect them in a future life. The rulers of Ancient Egypt’s 18th dynasty were mummified and left in the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, where exquisite details adorn the walls and stories are told in strange images. You will visit four of the tombs, and your guide will explain the potential options. King Tutankhamen’s is usually seen as unmissable, predominantly for its fame. King Ramesses VI’s should also be seen for its beauty and size.

Down in the musty tombs, you can inspect the walls of detail as your guide will point out what has been left behind after over 3,000 years. An ethereal atmosphere hangs in the air and will remind you that these were places of rest. There will be a beautiful moment as you ascend the steps and return to the tomb entrance and admire the endless vista over the desert. After a stop for lunch, you will be guided through the Valley of the Queens and take time in the Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Of all Egypt’s ancient monuments, perhaps none capture the era’s stylistic innovation as well as this one. Enjoy your time cruising away from Luxor in the evening.

River Nile Cruise – Cruising Past the Dazzling Temples

Elegant and exceptionally appointed, the cruise ship is one of the Nile’s premier vessels. Opulent views come from your deluxe cabin, in the restaurants, and along the sun decks revealing the tranquility of the Nile and the Sahara beyond. Your boat is spacious and carefully designed to maximize the panoramas while always providing shade. Pass the forgotten villages, the green oases that cling to the sand and the remarkable temples that rise graciously from the desert. Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples have inspiring stories that are written in the symbols and sculptures that encircle them. Your private guide will narrate the tales of the crocodile god and belligerent hippos. These stops will provide the interlude to a very relaxed day of cruising that will immerse you in the gentle rhythm of the desert.

River Nile Cruise – Aswan’s Remarkable Highlights

The sunrise over the River Nile is a striking sight as bands of color linger on the horizon with golden tones shimmering off of the water. As with each morning on the cruise ship, your sumptuous breakfast will be spent with beautiful views as you cruise into Aswan to spend the day exploring a remarkable collection of highlights. Philae Temple, Aswan Dam, the staggering granite slab of the Unfinished Obelisk will pass your view as you begin to appreciate how each of Egypt’s sights has its own ambiance and style.

After a relaxed lunch, you will spend your afternoon on a traditional felucca sailboat as wind power will take you between the exotic green islands and flourishing oases. The boat is a vessel of yesteryear, a serene immersion in the distinctive mood of Aswan as it harmoniously blends Saharan desert styles with Arabic innovation and the charms of tradition. Aswan is Egypt’s most memorable town as the markets are alive with color while locals spend entire afternoons on cafe terraces, and there is a real sense of a world frozen in time. Included in the felucca cruise is a stop at a tiny Nubian village, where you can transfer to a camel and ride into the desert at sunset before settling into your relaxing accommodation combining history with exceptional attention to luxurious detail.

Cairo – Day Trip to Abu Simbel by Air

Abu Simbel is worth the journey. Rescued from the flooding of the Aswan Dam and expertly reconstructed, the Abu Simbel temples are very different to everything you will have previously seen in Luxor. It will be the details that mesmerize; the glance in the eye of sculptures that guard the entrance, the gold leaf shimmering, intricate hieroglyphs found along a hallway of seemingly endless statues. After a relaxed morning, you will fly over the desert to Abu Simbel for a private tour of these astonishing monuments. After that, continue to Cairo and return for the night to the Marriott Mena House Hotel, a place of phenomenal old-world grandeur. Ascend to the roof for an exceptional view of the Pyramids of Giza above the iconic palm trees in the foreground.

Cairo – The Epic Pyramids

For many visitors, the Pyramids of Giza are Ancient Egypt, the single icon that represents the innovation and expression of the world’s first great civilization. Your private guide will take you into the World Heritage Site at sunrise, before the crowds descend, to give you plenty of time to soak up their scale and listen to the enveloping silence. Explore the interior of one of the temples, visit the famous viewpoints, gaze up at the protective Sphinx of Giza, and understand why photos simply do not do justice to these monuments. By mid to late morning, you will be back at Mena House Hotel for a hearty brunch and some relaxed hours spent on the roof. Your private afternoon tour will reveal the oldest of the pyramids, the crumbling and weathered stepped pyramids of Saqqara. While not as visually impressive, these pyramids are a great insight into the construction and design of the icons.

Cairo – Hidden Charms in the Egyptian Museum and Coptic Cairo

Wander through the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities and an endearing chaos will greet you at every angle. Golden fragments are hidden amongst the dust with seemingly priceless artifacts lumped in piles.  It will feel as though you are opening an ancient treasure chest to search through endless gems to find one that ultimately stands out. It can be very confusing, and it could take months to see it all, but with your private guide, you can sidestep straight to the most evocative treasures, including the sparkling wonders excavated from King Tutankhamen’s Tomb. The museum first opened in 1902 and houses approximately 120,000 artifacts.  After lunch, you can spend the afternoon wandering through the cobbled streets of Coptic Cairo, where churches date to the 5th century AD. The vibrant markets are ideal places to purchase souvenirs while aromas of anise, coriander, and black pepper drift through the narrow lanes.

Petra – Sunset Over the Ancient Sandstone City Then Petra by Candlelight

Fly from Cairo to Amman where you will notice the change in atmosphere as the bustle of one capital fades to the tranquility of another. You will be greeted at the airport, and it will be a three-hour drive out to Petra, with a couple of potential stops on route dependent on your mood. Relax at the five-star Movenpick Petra and let the heat of the afternoon slip away before you enter the mesmeric sandstone city. The hotel combines the beauty and flair of natural stone, intricate handcrafted wood, and Middle Eastern fabrics for a collection of sensational textures accentuating the ambiance around one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Arabic-style courtyard provides a soothing window into the past and a selection of the luxurious rooms offer enchanting views over the Great Rift Valley. The comforts of the modern rooms contrast the antique ambiance of the ancient city located across the street from the hotel.

Late afternoon will cast a seductive glow onto the rock as swirls of rustic red and radiant orange bounce back off of the canyon walls. Tomorrow you will explore the different buildings to admire their contrasts, but today’s sunset will be about admiring the city from a raised vantage point and watching the subtle changes as dusk takes hold. Your private guide will lead you towards the famous entrance of Petra for the evening tour. You will descend slowly as the canyon narrows, and you approach Petra’s ancient, hidden entrance.

Take a few more steps, and a whole world will open as buildings are carved into red cliffs and sculptures dominate the sandstone. With candlelight as your guide, you will make out the city avenues as they wind around the cliffs and lead to majestic layers of rock. Silence reigns, and you will hear every footstep. Hold your light out and reveal a new set of detail, which then disappears as you walk on. Exploring Petra at candlelight has an almost transcendent element, one that slowly evokes the atmosphere of this city’s distant origins.

Dead Sea – Exploring the Exceptional Details of Petra

Petra looks different in the morning light as it is both inviting and inquisitive to showcase a scale that was impossible to grasp yesterday evening. This sandstone city is not merely a cluster of photogenic buildings, but a sprawling expanse of caves, tombs, Roman pillars, polished granite and sculpted icons. After breakfast, your private guide will explain the potential route options. You can only get around the city by foot, or by donkey. The area close to Petra’s narrow canyon entrance has the most famous sights but starting from the opposite side will reveal the city’s most impressive temple. The walk could be less than an hour, uncovering a few exceptional icons or you could also spend a whole day and only see half the city, such is its enormity and vivid detail. Take as long as you like because, like all good cities, the real beauty comes when you head off the beaten track. From Petra, you will be transferred to the Dead Sea, a two-hour journey that will culminate in the peaceful views overlooking the Dead Sea.

Dead Sea – Free Day on the Water

This will be a day at your leisure, and you can begin your day gazing over the water from your hotel balcony. Your hotel embodies tranquility with spacious interiors opening out onto the sea breeze for your own secluded piece of the coastline. The Dead Sea is Jordan’s premier coastal escape, even though the salty water is now hemmed in by landmasses. Relax by the shaded pool as drinks are served or take a swim in the Dead Sea to experience the buoyancy of the salt. You will feel something comforting and recognizable about the Dead Sea, yet there is also something endearingly different and exotic.

Amman – Final Historical Highlights and Departure

The journey back to Amman can take two hours with a scenic ride on route to dropping you at the airport for your international departure. But for an evening departure, this final transfer can include many intriguing stops. Spend time at the Roman ruins of Jerash for insight into the blend of Greco-Roman architecture and Arab traditions dating back to the 1st century BC or explore the epic 12th century crusader castle of Kerak, the largest crusader castle in Jordan, before reaching Queen Alia International Airport.

Trip Highlights

• Settle into the lavish comforts of five-star hotels like the Marriott Mena House Hotel, an iconic landmark in Cairo that is a favorite among VIPs, and Movenpick Petra where modern luxuries meet the grandeur of ancient civilizations
• Feel the glory of ancient empires while discovering the striking wonders of Egypt and Jordan
• Explore all of the mesmerizing historical sights on private tours with skilled Egyptologist guides to provide a narrative to accompany the lost-world atmosphere
• Cruise down the River Nile in style and grace with a relaxed view of the wonders of the riverbanks
• Uncover the famous sights in Cairo, including the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Mummy Room at the Egyptian Museum
• Fly across the desert sands to Abu Simbel to see an astonishing temple that overflows with majestic sculptures
• Journey into Petra at sunrise then explore the sandstone with candlelight and savor the expressive atmosphere of the ghost city
• Relax on the Dead Sea and recollect the highlights of the journey during your final two nights in Jordan

Detailed Description

Egypt and Jordan abound with history. Pyramids proudly dominate the desert while temples celebrate the glory of ancient dynasties, forgotten cities are sculpted from sandstone, and traditional villages and untouched tombs are juxtaposed along the banks of the River Nile. Few other regions can rival their sense of old glory with their expressions of fantastic worlds that existed long before the notions of Western civilization. Your handcrafted tour will bring the old-world glory of Egypt and Jordan and wrap it all in a thick layer of modern luxury with carefully selected hotels and guides to provide a contemporary glamour to complement the history. The Great Sphinx of Giza, King Tutankhamen’s Tomb, Petra, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel and others will showcase both astonishing scale and a sublime level of intricacy and intimacy. Travelers will also have the opportunity to partake in Egypt's modern history when staying at the the Marriott Mena House. Since its inception in the late 1800's, the Marriott Mena House has a rich history and has been the favorite among many celebrities, foreign dignitaries, and Zicasso travelers. Most of the rooms at the Mena House offer a direct view of the Great Pyramid.

Begin your trip with a lavish night spent overlooking the River Nile in Cairo, and then settle into the charm of the region’s finest cruise ship, the intimate five-star Movenpick Royal Lily. This vessel will be your base for four days with a large balcony that gazes out onto desert sunsets and riverside scenes. Private Egyptologist guides will lead you into the annals of history, starting in Luxor and Karnak, and then into the Valley of the Kings. Descend into the famous tombs and admire their untrammeled opulence, and then gaze skywards as footsteps echo across temple floors as you explore all of the wonders that make Luxor the great open-air museum that it is.

You will soon be cruising to Aswan with a stop at two remarkable temples before docking. A new set of highlights will emerge here, some of which are romantically discovered on a private felucca sailboat excursion. The end of the week will be very relaxed with your short return flights to Abu Simbel bringing a dramatic insight into one of the world’s most expressive historical sights. Landing back in Aswan, you will have the afternoon to relax in the palm-dappled oasis at the Old Cataract Aswan, a glamorous hotel that inspired Agatha Christie and epitomizes the quality of the accommodation provided throughout the tour.

Cairo has many highlights but the chaos of the city can be overwhelming, so the Kempinski Nile Hotel will provide you an oasis of calm to escape the noise and the crowds. From there, you will take private tours to the unforgettable sights like the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Mummy Room at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. Your next two days will be spent in Petra, with two unique tours that will unravel the elegance of this lost sandstone city. To complete your journey will be two nights at the Dead Sea, where the tranquility of nature will take center stage with views that are postcard-perfect. Our Egypt travel specialists use their expertise to ensure your memories of Egypt are as amazing as the history and scenery.

Starting Price

$4,207  per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

• Accommodations
• In-country transportation
• Some or all activities and tours
• Expert trip planning
• 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.91 stars based on 117 reviews.

Reviewed By  Rabah R.

Reviewed By  Prya V.

Reviewed By  Marta E.

Reviewed By  Stan C.

Reviewed By  Howard W.

Reviewed By  Irene P.

Expert Tips for Discerning Travelers

Your Dream Vacation

in 3 simple steps

Describe your dream trip

Get matched with top travel specialists

Book the trip

Help Me Plan My Trip

Free service - no credit card required

Jewels of Egypt & Jordan

• Cairo > Amman

No stone left unturned

The Scenic Difference

Jewels of egypt & jordan choose your departure, select departure month, 13 sep 2024 > 4 oct 2024, stay up to date and be inspired.

Yes, please keep me updated with the latest special offers, travel inspiration, product updates and event invites.

DATA PROTECTION NOTICE

By clicking 'SIGN UP' you consent to us sending you marketing communications featuring the latest news and offers from Scenic Tours Pty Ltd. You can unsubscribe with ease at any point. You also confirm that you have read and understood our Privacy Policy  and consent to our use of your information.

*Required fields

Cookies help us improve your website experience. By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies.

Egypt & the Middle East Land Journeys 

Ancient wonders and countless treasures await you on a remarkable journey of discovery.

• Luxury Land Journeys | Escorted Tours
• Destinations
• Egypt & The Middle East
• Previous page

Unique   and mystical moments await amongst ancient lands .

Explore the captivating lands of Egypt and Jordan on a handcrafted land journey. Trace the path of intrepid explorers and ancient pharaohs and admire the grandeur of 4,500-year-old pyramids. Cruise along the magnificent Nile River and be amazed by the breathtaking beauty of the desert landscapes.

Explore Egypt & the Middle East 

Why choose scenic .

It’s more than an escorted land tour - it’s a handcrafted journey in a class of its own. Enjoy the combined ease of personalised travel, with a selection of experiences that offer you a true insight into the culture, landscape and history of your destination.

Small Group Touring

Enjoy fully escorted small group touring with a maximum of 34 guests on your land journey in Egypt and the Middle East. With small group sizes, you’ll have unparalleled access at a comfortable pace as you explore your beautiful destination.

Scenic Special Stays

There’s nothing like checking into a spectacular hotel where you can relax and recharge after a busy day exploring the sights of Egypt and the Middle East. Our handpicked selection of Scenic Special Stays features a choice of remarkable hotels notable for their location, heritage and character. 

Scenic Enrich

Our signature, all-inclusive Enrich experiences offer once-in-a-lifetime moments that will take you to the cultural heart of your destination, including being welcomed into a traditional Jordanian home for a local family dinner experience, to learn about the Jordanian culture first-hand.

Scenic Freechoice

Enjoy the highlights of Egypt and the Middle East with Scenic's all-inclusive Freechoice excursions, at a pace that suits you. Choose from diverse sightseeing and activities. Discover Historic Cairo and the famed Museum of Islamic Art, witness the significant sites of Coptic Cairo or visit the intriguing Rhoda Island along the Nile – just some of the incredible excursions for you to choose from.

Expert Tour Directors and Guides

When you embark on your land journey, you can do so with the assurance that we’ve taken care of all the small details. Your expert, handpicked Tour Director, driver and local guides are dedicated to delivering an exceptional level of service to the Nth Degree and will be on hand to ensure you love every moment of your trip. 

Your seamless journey with Scenic can continue further when you add a city stay before or after your land journey in Egypt and the Middle East. Stay in the intriguing city of Abu Dhabi and discover how it artfully blends the ancient past with the modern present, or enjoy a stay in Dubai, marvelling at iconic sites and visiting world famous gold and spice souqs.

 Scenic Cruising

Glide gently down the Nile and gaze at the wonders of ancient Egypt from our exclusive private charter on board Sanctuary Sun Boat III. 

Step back to the 1920s and 1930s on board Sanctuary Sun Boat III, with spacious cabins and stunning Nile River views. Sail from Luxor to Aswan, witnessing sights like the Valley of the Kings.  

The ship evokes the heyday of Egypt’s past, with exquisite spaces, from the fine-dining restaurant to the Sahara and H. Carter lounges. You can also enjoy lunch and dinner.

Where we travel in

 egypt  & the middle east.

Featured Itineraries

Jewels of Egypt & Jordan

No stone left unturned

Contrasts of Egypt & Jordan

Journey of discovery

Your guide to Egypt & the Middle East

Discover more... .

Europe & UK

Stay up to date and be inspired.

Yes, please keep me updated with the latest special offers, travel inspiration, product updates and event invites.

DATA PROTECTION NOTICE

By clicking 'SIGN UP' you consent to us sending you marketing communications featuring the latest news and offers from Scenic Tours Pty Ltd. You can unsubscribe with ease at any point. You also confirm that you have read and understood our Privacy Policy  and consent to our use of your information.

*Required fields

Cookies help us improve your website experience. By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies.

Egypt in Depth

• Cairo > Cairo

Go with the flow

Egypt in Depth Choose your Departure

Select departure month, 13 sep 2024 > 27 sep 2024, 10 oct 2024 > 24 oct 2024, stay up to date and be inspired.

Yes, please keep me updated with the latest special offers, travel inspiration, product updates and event invites.

DATA PROTECTION NOTICE

By clicking 'SIGN UP' you consent to us sending you marketing communications featuring the latest news and offers from Scenic Tours Pty Ltd. You can unsubscribe with ease at any point. You also confirm that you have read and understood our Privacy Policy  and consent to our use of your information.

*Required fields

Cookies help us improve your website experience. By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies.

Handcrafted Land Journeys

It’s more than an escorted tour...it’s an extraordinary, small group luxury journey in incredible destinations.

• Luxury Land Journeys | Escorted Tours
• Previous page

Your Land Journey

Embark on a journey that combines the ease of seamless travel with unforgettable experiences that will immerse you into the rich cultures and breathtaking natural wonders of the world.

Destinations

The Land Experience

Stay up to date and be inspired

Yes, please keep me updated with the latest special offers, travel inspiration, product updates, and event invites.

DATA PROTECTION NOTICE

By clicking 'SIGN UP' you consent to us sending you marketing communications featuring the latest news and offers from Scenic Tours Pty Ltd. You can unsubscribe with ease at any point. You also confirm that you have read and understood our Privacy Policy  and consent to our use of your information.

*Required fields

Cookies help us improve your website experience. By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies.

• My Favourites
• Destinations

Big thing I had wrong about Egypt

Selfies are always going to be high on the agenda in a bucket list destination like Egypt — but this traveller learnt the hard way, it pays to listen to your guide, too.

This article may contain links from our affiliate and advertising partners. When you click on them, or share this content, we may earn a commission.  Learn more

7 reasons Mossel Bay needs to be on your radar

I went to the Serengeti in the off-season, it blew me away

8 things you shouldn’t miss in Portland, Oregon

“It was aliens, wasn’t it?” I was walking out of the Great Pyramid of Giza all sweaty (it’s hot there) and finally had my tour guide alone. I needed to know. Because like every other person who had never been to Egypt before, I believed.

My studies of Ancient Egypt began with drawing impressive pyramids in Grade 4 and later, crushing on Brendan Fraser in The Mummy . From this standpoint, I was certain: aliens were involved. How could they not be? With 2.5 million blocks, weighing around 30 tonnes each, individually cut to different sizes (not all uniform rectangles like bricks), transported 200km to Cairo and put together like the ultimate Tetris game, to create a perfectly aligned-with-the-stars pyramid … in an age where crocodile poo was used as contraception (true). Ain’t no way these people could build a faultless 137m-high pyramid 4600 years ago, using ropes, hands, papyrus and an abacus.

NO.1 QUESTION PEOPLE ASK ABOUT EGYPT

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO EGYPT

WORLD WONDERS YOU CAN HAVE TO YOURSELF

Ramy, a tour guide of 20-plus years’ experience, rolled his eyes. “I get asked that every trip. As I literally just told you – were you even listening, Rebecca? The blocks were put on rafts, the Nile flooded and they were floated to Cairo. Designed by skilled mathematicians and architects, they were built over 30 years, by thousands of workers and volunteers. Not slaves. And not aliens. Which aren’t even real, by the way.”

Burn. I hadn’t been listening, I’d been taking selfies. But I was sure we couldn’t build them like this today, so it must have been aliens. I decided not to argue, though, because Ramy was an Egyptologist. Which was one of the many cool things about this tour – we had an Egyptologist as our guide. He could read the hieroglyphics.

Over 11 days, he took us on a journey on coaches, planes and private riverboats through ancient Egypt. We entered temples and tombs, visited museums and mummies and walked across hot sands into valleys and villages, as Ramy explained everything we asked about and all the things we didn’t. It was like listening to an Egyptian-accented David Attenborough and we loved it.

Ramy: They have only uncovered 40 per cent of what they think is there. Last year they dug up 709 stone and 1700 bronze statues just over there; they weren’t even looking for them.

Us: No way!

Ramy: Over 2000 hand-carved statues make the Avenue of Sphinxes, a 2.7km stretch from Luxor to Karnak.

Us: What! We thought there was only one Sphinx?

Ramy: There was a pharaoh whose stepmum was also his aunty and his mother-in-law …

It was never-ending. The stories brought alive by Ramy of incest, love, hate, slavery, sacrifice, war, worship, pharaohs, and gods – it was like watching an entire Netflix series each time he pointed at something.

Past and present are hard to separate in Egypt: electric bulbs light ancient statues, century-old markets sell spices in plastic bags for US dollars, kids ride donkeys while chatting on their iPhones and tourists disappear into tombs while What’s App-ing home.

For four of our 11 days, my Legendary Scenic group got those peaceful Old Testament feels on-deck the luxurious Sanctuary Sun Boat III floating down the Nile (the word luxury originates from the city of Luxor). Hanging over the bannister with a coffee each morning, I watched oxen wallow in the bullrushes, workers in fields, kids swim and fishermen cast nets from rowboats as we travelled like Moses from Luxor to Aswan.

There was a rooftop pool, cooking lessons, sunset wines and an Egyptian-themed party where a local came on to dance the whirling dervish (imagine a Tassie devil wearing a skirt, spinning for 15 minutes straight.) There was also visiting temples and museums, which brings me to …

MY TOP THREE TEMPLES

Temple of Hathor: Dedicated to the goddess of love, it had everything: a painted blue roof covered in stars, secret chamber beneath the floor, and hieroglyphic-lined staircases leading to the rooftop and the world’s oldest zodiac. I was certain a hidden treasure chamber would be revealed if I pushed a scarab beetle carving, but touching the hieroglyphics isn’t allowed so I’ll never know.

Temple of Kom Ombo: In the light of the full moon, we entered this shrine dedicated to both Sobek the crocodile god and ol’ hawk-faced Horus. There were childbirth and medical carvings, the harvest calendar (which Egyptian farmers still use) and a hidden chamber where priests would eavesdrop on prayers. Next to the temple was a crocodile museum with mummified crocodiles. That again: mummified crocodiles.

Temples of Philae: I bought chunks of blue crystal from a Nubian marketplace by the water (the seller had mined them from Crystal Mountain in the Sahara) then we set sail to visit a temple dedicated to the goddess of magic.

Said to scare away both fish and birds, it apparently had no power over invaders, evident by the sword marks and bullet holes of soldiers (including Napoleon’s squad) who used the facades for target practice. Beside it was a smaller temple with musicians carved on its walls. It was the ancient Egyptian version of a nightclub.

THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE

We’d cruised through the night to arrive in Aswan, where we boarded a private felucca – they look like mini yachts – and were promptly hijacked by child-pirates floating on pieces of wood who were busking for coin.

We had our choice of activity that day, and I’d opted to visit the Nubian village with an Aswan guide, who, randomly, was an ex-UN ambassador and could name every bird sighted along the river. Nubian families waved at us from the water’s edge, dwarfed by the monster sand dunes of the Sahara behind them.

At Egypt’s oldest Nubian village, two teenage girls stopped gutting fish to welcome us into their home, which had no roof. Their grandpa pointed out his five pet crocodiles living in a pit by the bathroom, and grandma poured us hot hibiscus tea to drink in the outdoor living room.

We wandered the colourful village, followed by kids kicking balls at pink walls that line the sandy streets, then headed back to Aswan for the night.

The contrast between the basic village and absolute luxury of Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan couldn’t have been greater. And it was no surprise to learn the guest book has included monarchs, tsars, prime ministers, presidents and celebrities. Agatha Christie wrote Death on the Nile sitting on its terrace.

A palm tree-lined path wound up from the river to the manicured gardens surrounding an infinity pool that overlooked the Nile, its islands, relics of the old city and the foreboding Sahara beyond. I sat stunned and blissful on my balcony for four hours, watching feluccas, row boats, party boats, house boats and child-pirates turn the Nile into a peak-hour thoroughfare.

The group dinner was held under the stars that night, and I fell asleep listening to car horns, church bells and mosque chants.

Next day, we flew over Lake Nasser which is massive, at more than 500sq km, and walked into the deconstructed, moved, then reconstructed Abu Simbel temples.

In Cairo, I was creeped out by every mummy (they have hair, and yes they’re definitely cursed) and saw my reflection in the gold mask of Tutankhamun.

I fought back tears heading to Cairo airport – I didn’t want to leave. Though history is everywhere, the country still feels vibrant and young. Egypt from last year, and even last month, is not the same Egypt as the hour you are reading this – two sarphocaguses and 1000 funerary statues were uncovered near the Valley of the Kings the week I returned home.

It’s a little bit magic. Or extra. Or extraterrestrial – sorry, Ramy, I’m still convinced it was aliens.

The writer was a guest of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours.

ESCAPE ROUTE

Scenic’s Treasures of Egypt Tour is priced from $8595 — an almost fully inclusive tour.

For Scenic’s fly-free offer, book any 20-plus day journey by February 28, 2019, for 2020 departures.

For more travel advice and inspiration sign up to Escape’s newsletter .

Rebecca Andrews explores the world searching for connections, wild adventures and food because she is always hungry. While she loves getting lost in new cities alone, she has recently discovered a crazy-love for cruises and group tours which have taken her everywhere from Swiss Alps and remote Icelandic villages, to Egypt - her favourite country on earth.

Never heard of it? This seaside town is a South African essential.

This is the best way to see Africa’s wildlife, without the stocktake-sale crowds.

There’s good reason this city claims to be America’s coolest.

I walked in the footsteps of the first humans

3.6 million years ago, the first humans walked across these plains. Now, I'm doing the same. 

16 best places to see the 2027 total solar eclipse

O n Aug. 2, 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible from a broad path sweeping across the Atlantic Ocean, Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon drifts in front of the sun while it's slightly larger in apparent size so that the moon completely covers the sun's disk.

The path of totality will measure a maximum of 160 miles (258 kilometers) wide, and it will cross Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Somalia and the Chagos Islands.

The August 2027 "eclipse of the century" will bring the longest totality since 2009 and the longest totality on land since 1991. Peaking at 6 minutes, 23 seconds, it also will be the longest remaining totality of the 21st century. The next-longest totality will occur on Aug. 12, 2045, when there will be 6 minutes, 6 seconds of totality close to Florida.

Related: Where will the 2027 total solar eclipse on Aug. 2 be visible?  

It is not safe to look directly at the sun with your naked eyes during the partial phases of a solar eclipse ; you must wear solar eclipse glasses designed for solar viewing. Read our guide on how to observe the sun safely . 

The marquee viewing location will be Luxor, Egypt, the site of the ancient capital of Thebes and home to myriad monuments and temples. It's almost guaranteed to have clear skies. However, there are many other destinations to consider in Spain, Morocco, Algeria and beyond, all of which will experience totality durations of over four minutes. 

Here are 16 locations that could be perfect for this rare event. The sun will never be lower than 37 degrees as seen from any of these locations, so sight lines should be no problem.  

All times and cloud statistics come from Time and Date and are for totality only. A partial solar eclipse will be seen around 80 minutes before and after totality. 

Related: What's the difference between a total solar eclipse and an annular solar eclipse?  

1. Castillo de Luna

"Luna Castle," just north across the bay from Cádiz, Spain, could be an apt place to witness a short totality. It dates from the 13th century and is yards from a sandy beach with a promenade.  

The oldest city in Western Europe, Cádiz, is a prime viewing location. Situated on Spain's southwest coast, it has over 100 watchtowers, the most famous of which is Torre Tavira.  

3. Baelo Claudia

It doesn't get more scenic than this — beachside ruins of a prosperous Roman city from the second century B.C., complete with views across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco.  

4. Isla de las Palomas

The longest totality in Spain will be in Tarifa, a hub for wind sports with views of Morocco, which is just 7 miles (11 km) away. Isla de las Palomas is a small island connected by a causeway; a ferry to Tangier runs from here.  

5. Gibraltar

Many are talking about the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar as an accessible location to fly to from the U.K. The trouble is, Gibraltar is dominated by a limestone ridge (hence its nickname, "The Rock"), which sometimes has its own massive cloud. Dubbed "The Levanter," it's most common between July and October.  

Just north of the centerline, this Moroccan port on the Strait of Gibraltar has a fabulous medina. Potential viewing locations include the Grand Socco entrance to the medina and a long municipal beach.  

7. Martil Beach

This east-facing beach on the Mediterranean, close to Tetouan, is just south of the centerline.  

8. Fort Santa Cruz

Overlooking the seafront of Oran from Mount Murdjadjo is this Ottoman citadel rebuilt by the Spanish. Reached by cable car or a steep road, the top affords a 360-degree view. A ferry runs from Spain to Oran.  

9. Kerkennah Islands

The reason to travel to the Kerkennah Islands from nearby Sfax is Borj el Hissar, the ancient ruins of a Roman fort rebuilt in the 16th century by the Spanish.  

10. Siwa Oasis

Some tour groups will visit this urban oasis in Egypt's Western Desert, which is home to the 13th-century mud-brick Fortress of Shali.  

If you want to dodge the crowds at Luxor, Sohag is another option to consider. This city, which is about a four-hour drive north on the Nile, has an equally long totality and is home to the Red and White Monasteries. 

The hub for this eclipse will surely be Luxor, a city of 1.3 million on the east bank of the Nile. It is home to the Karnak complex of temple ruins and Luxor Temple. Across the Nile are the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Ramesseum and the Colossi of Memnon. Expect temperatures of around 106 degrees Fahrenheit (41 degrees Celsius) but drastic cooling during totality.  

13. Temple of Horus

On the itineraries of many Egyptian tours is Edfu, the center of the cult of the ancient Egyptian falcon god Horus. About 65 miles (105 km) north of Aswan, its temple is one of the finest and best preserved in the country. 

14. Kom Ombo Temple

An unusual double temple dedicated to two gods, the Temple of Kom Ombo dates to 180 to 47 B.C. It's about 29 miles (47 km) north of Aswan.  

15. Red Sea coast

The ancient seaport Berenice Troglodytica is south of the cluster of hotels on the western shore of the Red Sea. It will also experience totality on March 20, 2034.  

This modern port city on the Red Sea is a gateway for visitors to the Islamic holy city of Mecca. Jeddah has hotels, beaches, a seafront promenade and a seventh-century historic district.  

Editor's note:

You can read about the next decade of eclipses here on Space.com and in more detail in Jamie Carter's e-book "When Is The Next Eclipse? A traveler's guide to total solar eclipses 2026-2034." 

"The book is full of 'secret' experiences that only a complete eclipse and travel nerd like me could find!" Carter told Space.com .

"When Is The Next Eclipse? A traveler's guide to total solar eclipses 2026-2034:" $9.99 from Amazon

Check out Jamie Carter's eclipse traveler guide "When Is The Next Eclipse? A traveler's guide to total solar eclipses 2026-2034" available on Amazon. View Deal