Egypt Small Group Tour

Salam alaikum - welcome to Egypt! Upon landing at Cairo airport, meet our representative, who will facilitate all your arrival procedures, before taking you to the group hotel to freshen up.

Later meet your group and your guide. You’re heading to the historic neighbourhood known as Islamic Cairo, or Old Cairo, where today’s 9.5 million metropolis was born. Follow your guide through the ancient streets, lined with beautiful mosques and other illuminated buildings. The air is filled with the smell of incense and calls to prayer, this is what they call Arabian nights!

Settle in a restaurant for a chance to get to know your co-travellers over your first taste of Egyptian cuisine. Afterwards, stroll around colourful Khan El Khalili bazaar. It’s touristy for sure, but a must-see when in Cairo. Your Egyptian adventure has begun!

The Great Pyramids of Giza are the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the only ones to remain largely intact. Today is your chance to visit these icons - some of the most famous structures in the world!

As you wander around the pyramids, colourfully decorated camels line the sand, their traditionally dressed handlers bartering for business. If you’d like to ride a camel, your guide will be happy to help you find a suitable one and negotiate a price.

Afterwards, head towards the enigmatic Sphinx. Did you know that the Sphinx is actually male? Learn more about the guardian of the pyramids and its meaning, before snapping some beautiful pictures of the Sphinx and pyramids together - wow! Try our favourite falafel place for lunch.

The afternoon is free at your disposal. You may want to head to the Egyptian Museum, or back to the bazaar for some browsing.

In the early evening, board an overnight train to Aswan. The journey is an adventure in itself - your private cabin has a little sink, you eat from airline trays. Find yourself rocked to sleep after a warm dinner.

Wake up to the gentle chugging of the train and rush to peek out the window: you’re now in a sea of palm trees! After a simple breakfast and hot cup of tea in your cabin, you’ll soon arrive in Aswan station.

You're now in the land of the Nubian people, and see the mighty Nile before you. Hop on a traditional felucca sailboat for a turn on the river with our Nubian sailor friends.

Later, the boat captain Omar invites us to his home, where we enjoy a mouthwatering homemade lunch with his family. A special way to gain insight into life along the Nile!

We continue our exploration of Nubian culture with a visit to an island with wonderfully colourful housing, decorated in traditional local style. Explore the alleys and snap some pictures in front of your favourite building before heading to Aswan, where you have the evening free to unwind.

Those of you who are interested in visiting Abu Simbel Temple complex can book a half day tour to visit the impressive site a few hours away.

Those who won't visit Abu Simbel have a free day to enjoy the hotel pool or browse at the local bazaar. Don't forget to haggle!

The riverside temple Kom Ombo is unique. It is the only temple in Egypt dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile-headed god and Horus, the falcon-headed god. But that is not all that makes it special. The temple is covered with thousands of incredibly well-preserved carvings and hieroglyphs. Thankfully, your guide is an Egyptologist and can explain to you more about what they mean. Spend some time exploring the fascinating images and trying to find quirky ones!

Then you continue to Luxor, the former capital of Upper Egypt, driving through villages, where locals wave at you. In the evening, take an orientation stroll through town with your group.

Today we recommend waking your inner early bird, because those who get up really early are in for a treat! Take an optional hot air balloon ride over Luxor's west bank to watch the sun rise - a view you won't forget.

Later, you're all off to explore an absolute highlight of Egypt's: The Valley of the Kings! This desolate landscape hides over 63 tombs, carved deep into the rock to provide a home for pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom after their deaths. The most famous Egyptian kings were buried here, including Tut Ank Amun. Visit several of the tombs with their stunning wall decorations, giving you glimpses into bygone eras and the ancient Egyptians' lifestyles.

And then for the queen of kings! Hatshepsut became the mightiest woman ever to rule the Nile - because she pretended to be a man! Disguised as "King Maatkare", Hatshepsut ruled Egypt for two decades. Find out more about this fascinating woman and her unconventional rise to power when visiting her tomb.

In the evening, enjoy one last special event: you're invited to our friend's house, where his family has prepared a home cooked feast. Dig into some of the tastiest dishes you can imagine and toast to your Egyptian adventure with fresh juice. What a trip!

Will you spend your free last morning in Luxor picking up some souvenirs at the bazaar, or exploring the giant statues at Luxor temple (entry around US$ 8)? Either way, you'll be heading home with a head (and possibly suitcase!) full of new memories you created during your journey along the Nile. Our tip: pick up some dried hibiscus flowers and spices, to relive your adventures back at home.