Essential Egypt
A value-packed adventure through ancient Egypt in 8 days. Travelling from Cairo, home of the legendary Pyramids of Giza, to Aswan with its colourful souqs and Luxor, famed for its awe-inspiring temples and incredible Valley of the Kings.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Latest Review
Tour Overview
Duration
8 daysHotel Rating
3 - 4 starStarts
CairoEnds
CairoMinimum age
15 years oldMaximum age
No max ageArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
No - can be booked for a supplementTour Guide
Yes, escorted by a tour guideCountry
EgyptMeals included
Breakfast: 7Passengers
$1,245.25
$400.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 4 / Max 32
Trip Type
Group Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip. Our Budget tours offer incredible experiences at a great price. As well as guided sightseeing (depending on the Tour Inclusions), there's free time to explore independently or take part in optional excursions so you can focus on doing just the things that suit you.
Guiding Style
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who stays with you throughout the entire journey. From start to finish, they manage logistics, offer insights at every stop, and are on hand to assist with anything you need. You may also enjoy sightseeing with local expert guides, as per the Inclusions. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
Demands a higher level of physical effort, including extended walking, hiking, or more challenging terrain. You must be able to walk around 5-kilometres without stopping and on overland trips, you must be able to manage steps up into overland trucks.
Tour Guide
Yes, escorted by a tour guideGroup Size
Min 4 / Max 32Tranportation
N/ALanguage
EnglishLanguage
EnglishRange
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip. Our Budget tours offer incredible experiences at a great price. As well as guided sightseeing (depending on the Tour Inclusions), there's free time to explore independently or take part in optional excursions so you can focus on doing just the things that suit you.
Guiding Style
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who stays with you throughout the entire journey. From start to finish, they manage logistics, offer insights at every stop, and are on hand to assist with anything you need. You may also enjoy sightseeing with local expert guides, as per the Inclusions. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
Demands a higher level of physical effort, including extended walking, hiking, or more challenging terrain. You must be able to walk around 5-kilometres without stopping and on overland trips, you must be able to manage steps up into overland trucks.
Trip Type
Group ToursTour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Cairo
Saturday. You will be met upon arrival at Cairo Airport and transferred to our start hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or those arriving early can opt to join our optional Backstreets of Cairo tour which departs the hotel at 10am.
If you'd like to extend your stay in Egypt we offer a Day Trip to Alexandria. pre tour on Thursday and Saturdays or post tour on Sundays.
Day 2 - Pyramids of Giza
Cairo - Aswan. Our tour begins with a visit to one of the world's most famous sights this morning - the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the iconic Sphinx. Built over 4500 years ago, the three great pyramids are sole survivors of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World.
This afternoon we take a guided tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which contains an incredible array of relics and antiquities, including the complete treasures of King Tutankhamun — from his ornate jewellery and chariots to his iconic golden funerary mask. The museum also showcases monumental statues and exquisitely preserved artefacts that offer a vivid glimpse into Egypt’s ancient past.
We will also visit a government supervised Papyrus Museum. This evening, we board the overnight train to Aswan.
Day 3 - Aswan & the Philae Temple
Our train pulls into Aswan early this morning and we check into our hotel. Then we take a scenic boat ride out to Agilika Island for a guided tour of the beautiful Philae Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Isis. Travelling back to Aswan we visit a perfume oil emporium before spending the rest of the day at leisure. Relax by the hotel pool, explore Aswan's colourful souks and watch a beautiful sunset over the Nile.
Day 4 - Optional Abu Simbel
Today these in an early morning optional excursion to the magnificent Temple of Abu Simbel. The gargantuan rock-cut temple at Abu Simbel was created to revere the mighty pharaonic ruler King Ramses II. Guarding the entrance to the temple, the four colossal statues of Ramses II sit majestically, staring out across the desert.
The rest of the day is free to relax, enjoy the hotel facilities and independently explore this attractive riverside city. Time can easily be spent strolling along the broad Corniche watching felucca sailboats tack, ambling around the city's souk - renowned as the best outside of Cairo, sitting in floating restaurants listening to Nubian music.
Day 5 - Kom Ombo Temple & Luxor
Aswan - Kom Ombo - Luxor. This morning we bid farewell to Aswan and drive to the ancient temple of Kom Ombo, which is dedicated to the crocodile headed god - Sobek. After a guided tour of the temple we travel on to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at its best! Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 6 - Karnak Temple
This morning is free to relax by the pool or independently explore the ancient city of Luxor, which is often referred to as the world's greatest open-air museum. This afternoon we enjoy a guided tour of the Temple of Karnak, a magnificent religious complex, dedicated to the Theban gods and built on a gigantic scale. In evening there's an optional tour of the beautiful Temple of Luxor (book and pay locally). This remarkable temple and the Avenue of Sphinxes which leads to it, are most spectacular at night when they're illuminated by hundreds of atmospheric lights.
Day 7 - Valley of the Kings
Luxor - Cairo. We travel to Luxor's West Bank this morning for a guided tour of the legendary Valley of the Kings, which is home to an array of beautifully decorated pharaohs' tombs, three of which you can enter. Arriving at the West Bank we will be greeted by the towering 18m-high Colossi of Memnon and after the Valley of the Kings we enjoy a tour of the beautiful Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Returning to the hotel the afternoon is free to relax by the pool. This evening we board the overnight train to Cairo.
Day 8 - Cairo
Saturday. This morning, we arrive back into Egypt's bustling capital. We return to our start hotel which marks the end of our tour. Make your own way to the airport for your onward flight.
Day use rooms can be purchased at an additional cost or you may wish to purchase extra nights and extend your stay. You could also do some last minute souvenir shopping as we offer an optional visit to Cairo's bustling Khan el Khalili bazaar.
Please note flights should not be booked to depart before 2pm. Airport departure transfer or Cairo post tour accommodation can be arranged on request.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Pre Tour Accommodation - Cairo
Double
Twin
Single
Post Tour Accom Essentials Tours - Cairo
Double
Twin
Single
Additional Extras
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
Carry on your Egyptian affair before or after your tour, with a day trip (including lunch) to amazing Alexandria on the Mediterranean Coast. Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria boasts wonderful beaches and an impressive seafront corniche, along which are dotted cafes and restaurants, as well as catacombs, a fortress, souks and relics from a bygone age.
Add-on
Possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt, with its gargantuan rock-cut facade is the magnificent Abu Simbel. Guarding the entrance to the temple are 4 colossal seated statues of the pharaoh himself, staring out across Lake Nasser.
Add-on
Discover some of Cairo’s most fascinating neighbourhoods and get off the beaten track on this Backstreets of Cairo tour. Stroll through the bustling Downtown and explore the beautiful mosques and monuments of Islamic Cairo’s spectacular El Moez Street, before bartering for goods at Khan el Khalili Bazaar. Then learn about the life of the Zabbaleen waste pickers before visiting the famous Cave Church of St Simon.
Add-on
Cairo Departure Airport Transfer per car
Add-on
Experience the magic of sunrise over Luxor with a breath-taking hot air balloon ride, complete with private transfers from/to your hotel. After an early morning pick-up (approx. 4.30am), enjoy a safety briefing before gently ascending into the sky for a 30–45 minute flight, depending on weather conditions. Marvel at stunning aerial views of the River Nile and ancient landmarks like Karnak and Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple as the first light of day bathes the landscape. After landing, receive a personal flight certificate before returning to your hotel in time for breakfast and your day’s adventures.
Add-on
Enjoy a full-day excursion to the historic city of Suez, located 140 km away from Cairo, on the northern coast of the Gulf of Suez. Explore the Moses Springs Military Tourist Shrine, a significant site from the October War, and visit the Suez National Museum, which showcases the rich history of the Suez Canal through rare artifacts. Stop at Port Tawfik to watch the sea convoys passing through the canal, followed by a local lunch and a short city tour through Suez’s well-known streets. This fascinating excursion offers a unique blend of military history, maritime heritage, and local culture before returning to Cairo in the evening.
Add-on
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
All dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 4 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.
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