Egypt Tour Holidays: Private & Guided Tours in Egypt

Egypt is a difficult but intriguing nation that is home to some of the planet’s most enduring historical landmarks. It is a place that travelers will never forget. Despite the upheaval it has experienced recently, this country in North Africa manages to maintain its pride, friendliness, and accessibility. It’s also not a place that will quickly fade from the public’s memory, with artifacts to brag about that are as ageless as the pyramids and temples of the Nile. There’s certainly a lot of opportunity for excitement on a trip here.

There are essentially two Egypts. The first is the Egypt of the Nile and Cairo, of riverboats, bustling medieval bazaars, and exoticism reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s time. The second, which is equally important to many tourists, is the Egypt of the Red Sea, where a variety of expansive, contemporary resorts serve as a haven for sun worshippers and scuba divers. The most well-known of them is Sharm el Sheikh, which offers world-class diving, opulent hotels, and desert experiences.

The pharaohs built the majority of the nation’s historic artifacts. Situated along the Nile, the pyramids of Giza—the only surviving examples of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World—the temples of Abu Simbel and Luxor with their lotus columns, the Valley of the Kings, Aswan, and the Valley of the Kings have all attracted tourists for ages. They stand for the enduring memory of one of the most legendary eras in human history.

Naturally, the greatest way to understand the nation is not so much by looking at its magnificent coral reefs or famous monuments, but rather by looking at its people. You can get a taste of a nation full of personality, color, and tenacity by haggling for a better deal at Cairo’s historic Khan al-Khalili bazaar, having tea and striking up a lengthy conversation with a local, or just spending some time in a rural town where the only sound is the hoofs hitting the asphalt.

Attractions in Egypt

Admire Alexandria

Nestled in the Mediterranean, Egypt’s’second city’ boasts art deco architecture, a laid-back Greek influence, a French colonial vibe, and a blend of continental patisseries. In the summer, the sandy beaches are packed with people. Don’t miss the contemporary Bibliotecha and museums, or the mosaics in the Roman Amphitheatre. To work up an appetite for dinner of freshly caught fish, take a stroll down the corniche.

Learn about the Kings’ Valley.

Many Egyptian pharaohs were buried with their mummified bodies in the Valley of the Kings, located in the Theban Hills. The tombs still have amazing murals on the walls that represent the pharaohs’ life, even though they were empty centuries ago. The most well-known tomb is that of Tutankhamun, which Howard Carter found in perfect condition in 1922.

Dive the Red Sea

The Red Sea’s reputation as a global hub for undersea exploration is well-earned. The pristine seas, dotted with coral and featuring striking drop-offs, are teeming with a vibrant array of marine life. This underwater habitat is best displayed at the Ras Mohamed National Park, a headland located 20 kilometers (12 miles) west of Sharm el-Sheikh.

Discover Islamic Cairo

The historic Islamic city of Cairo is full of activity, yet when one walks down the calm street of Al-Muezz Al-Din, one can see mausoleums and mosques with dim lighting lining the cobblestone roadway. Undoubtedly, a local will volunteer to take you up a minaret. For expansive views, climb the one at Al-Azhar Mosque, which is home to the oldest university in the world.

Explore the temples at Luxor

The ancient city of Thebes stood in Luxor, which is situated straddling the Nile. The magnificent Temple of Karnak, with its epic statues, obelisks, and lotus-columned chambers, is located on the east bank. Luxor Temple, located in the heart of the city, is especially striking at night. Take advantage of the opportunity to see the world from above by riding in a hot-air balloon.

Explore Khan-el Khalili bazaar by yourself

Visit the well-known, medieval, labyrinthine Khan-el Khalili bazaar in Cairo, where haggling for trinkets, spices, copper, and perfume has become an art form. The best spot to people watch is Fishawi’s teahouse, which has been around for more than 200 years. Don’t miss it.

Go on pilgrimage to Mount Sinai

Christian travelers have been traveling to Mount Sinai for ages in order to see the sunrise over the surrounding desert. The three-hour hike is amazing, but if it seems too hard, spend the night at the Saint Catherine’s Monastery, a UNESCO-listed structure from the sixth century, rent a camel, and take your time descending.

Return to Aswan

One of Egypt’s iconic views is to see the feluccas drifting along the Nile at dusk. Aswan, a historic border town, is a popular stopover for cruise ships. Elnabatat’s Island, often known as the “island of plants,” is home to a stunning botanical garden that Lord Kitchener constructed in the 1890s and is still open to the public. Other attractions include Elephantine Island.

Marvel at the Pyramids of Giza

The Giza Necropolis on Cairo’s outskirts has long been Egypt’s top tourist destination. The Great Pyramid, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was built about 2500 BC. Explore the site on foot or by camel to get a real sense of the scale of the construction project, and don’t forget to stop by the Great Sphinx, which is located close.

Have a round of golf.

Egypt has established a strong reputation for itself in the golfing world and has about 20 courses, despite the sport not being commonly connected with the nation. They range from settings along the Nile and the Red Sea to spots with views of Cairo’s Pyramids, the most well-known of which being the Mena House Oberoi 18-hole course.

Relax at Siwa Oasis

Siwa, one of the six oasis in the enormous Western Desert, is a serene sanctuary of saline lakes surrounded by palm trees and an ideal starting point for desert exploration. Known for housing the Oracle Temple of Amun, which Alexander the Great visited, Siwa is strikingly topped by the 13th-century fortification remains of Shali, which are best ascended in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense desert heat.

While snorkeling in Sharm el-Sheik is a well-liked method of seeing the vibrant coral and marine life, you may still enjoy Egypt’s breathtaking coastline without a wetsuit. The fish will come to you if you just wade out with a mask and snorkel or ride in a glass-bottom boat from Sharm el-Sheik’s shoreline.

Take in the Old Kingdom at Saqqara and Dahshur

Few tourists are aware that Egypt’s Old Kingdom existed for many years before the construction of the Giza Pyramids when they first travel there. The stepped Pyramid of Djoser, the most famous landmark in Saqqara, serves as the necropolis of the ancient capital of Memphis. The nearby Dahshur is well-known for its oversized field of royal tombs and its tilted pyramid.

Travel to the Nile

Travel the river that separates Luxor and Aswan to have a traditional Nile experience. Along the river, Egypt’s ancient archaeological masterpieces, such as the temple of Kom Ombo, open like a fairytale, drawing egrets to the water’s edge. Take a traditional white-sailed felucca or treat yourself on a luxuriously furnished wooden barge called a dahabiya for a trip that lasts three to five days.

Test your skills as a camel trader

The Camel market (Souq al-Gamaal) is a bustling and aromatic location to trade most mornings starting at 0700, although it’s not the best spot to buy souvenirs. Transported from Sudan to Birqash, 35 km (20 miles) west of Cairo, camels are a visual feast for the senses, with purchasers prodding and prodding them.

Pass through the Suez Canal

By boat is the greatest way to witness this magnificent work of contemporary engineering; the view from the Peace Bridge, which spans the canal close to Ismailiya, is a close second. You never quickly forget the sight of enormous tankers navigating the constrained passage that connects the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.

Wander the Abu Simbel temples

Situated on the banks of the breathtaking Lake Nasser, the two temples of Abu Simbel are devoted to the Pharaoh Ramses II (1304–1237 BC) and his adored queen Nefertari. When the Swiss explorer Burckhardt discovered them in 1813, they were covered in sand. Later, as part of a large-scale project supported by UNESCO, they were moved to protect them from the rising lake level.

WHAT WE RATE & WHAT WE DON’T

UNDERRATED

Budget trips

You don’t have to travel the Nile in elegance or go opulent in Luxor. For entertainment, you can rent a felucca or explore Nubian communities. Because traveling on a tight budget does not imply sacrificing culture. They could entail traveling overland between, say, Egypt and Jordan, or hopping on a last-minute small group excursion. So instead of counting the threads on your Egyptian sheets, marvel at the innumerable Egyptian miracles.

Family adventure

Taking your kids to view the mummies at the British Museum is not the same as taking them on a family vacation to Egypt. They may pair PADI training with pyramids, a felucca ride and fun at the Philae Temple and the Sphinx with snorkeling; sand boarding and dolphin watching are the cherry on top. Families may currently find excellent value in Egypt, with deals offered by reputable ethical travel firms.

Felucca trips

You have to adore both the phrase and the object itself—a classic wooden sailing boat used for transportation and fishing on the Nile and Red Sea. And now primarily for amusement. Feletuccas, which are frequently owned by tiny, locally owned businesses, glide freely among the flotsam and stop at beautiful locations along the river for important cultural performances, despite growing worries about cruise boat pollution.

Dolphin watching

Dolphins dance and dive around a horseshoe-shaped coral from March to November. The reef is “zoned” to prevent boats from disturbing the dolphins; only the inquisitive come out to examine the boats. In these secure, shallow harbors, you may go snorkeling with dolphins, sea turtles, and a wide range of other species. Look into reputable businesses that offer professionally supervised swimming excursions with dolphins. Not theme park style; this is pure animal welfare.

RATED

Pyramids

They are Egypt; they are not merely graded. vast, mysterious, old, occasionally eerie, occasionally lovely, captivating for some, and transformational for others. Indeed, it is highly touristic, but not as much these days as fewer people have been visiting after the 2011 Uprising. Although there are more than a hundred pyramids in Egypt, the three at Giza are the medal winners—gold, silver, and bronze—and they all sparkle when the sun sets.

Red Sea diving

You can scuba dive without traveling to Sharm. See the delights of smaller locations, such as Dahab, for excellent diving all year round. Additionally, it is shore-based, and the Red Sea descends rapidly to enormous depths, making this an excellent location for family vacations and novice divers. With more than 1,000 fish species and 150 types of coral, the underwater scene is anything but amateurish. Select a responsible diving company at all times.

Aswan

home of the well-known Aswan Dam, which is notorious among the native Nubian people of the area who were uprooted only to witness their historic homelands disappear into the past as the dam was constructed in the 1960s. Though Aswan and its breathtaking surroundings, which are home to towns, felucca cruises, and markets, are a must when you come to this, the Nubian beautiful south, their culture and language are slowly returning.

Abu Simbel Temples

These temples, which were constructed by Ramses II, were completely demolished and rebuilt after Lake Nasser inundated and the Aswan Dam was constructed. No longer standing alone, but now cut into the slope and tunnelled into the rock face. Every year on the eve of October 22 and February 22, people come here to witness the sun rising and illuminating just three of their four sculptures, leaving Ptah, the God of Darkness, in the shadows.

OVERRATED

Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh is an empty land with constantly growing infrastructure that adds little to its already extremely limited attraction. It is mostly known for its all-inclusive resorts. Give it credit where credit is due: Dahab, a far less developed location that we heartily suggest as a substitute, has an amazing assortment of dive spots just as well.

Straying in the Sinai

Security measures have tightened since the 2011 Uprising; it is now forbidden to camp in the White Desert and into the heart of the Sinai Peninsula (although this has been prohibited for more than ten years). Travel agencies are aware of this, which is one of the reasons we strongly advise using someone with extensive and current local expertise to book your trip.

Giant floating hotels

There are massive ships arriving in Alexandria and Port Said, in addition to the enormous ones on the Nile, several of which have questionable environmental histories. If you wish to dodge the torrent of tourists at major attractions, peak season is during the cooler months of October to May. At Responsible Travel, we think that one industry where a larger boat is clearly not necessary is tourism.

Camel trekking

Though many of the camels are mistreated, underfed, and overworked, everyone wants to do it. Don’t utilize them if they appear listless or skeletal. Inform your trip operator if you are dissatisfied with their treatment and the tourism board, if required. They may get the hump, but it’s crucial that they understand that poor animal welfare behavior is not acceptable.

Visas and Entry

Travelers can typically obtain a renewable, single-entry visa at Egyptian airports upon arrival from the majority of nations, including the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and EU countries (see list below). The majority of these tourist visas cost $25 and are valid for 30 days. You also have the option to apply for a multiple entry visa, which costs sixty dollars. As of right now, entry into Egypt does not require any vaccines.

That being said, we provide visa services to all of our guests as part of the package. The cost of the trip includes the visa for all nationalities for which it is possible to obtain one upon arrival. Once you arrive at the airport, our agent will stamp your passport, allowing you to head straight to the luggage carousel.

Language

Arabic is the official language of Egypt. English is commonly spoken and understood throughout Egypt, particularly in popular tourist destinations like Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh, and Luxor, even though the majority of Egyptians speak one of several vernacular Arab dialects. Furthermore, communication issues are rare when you have our knowledgeable guides with you on your Egypt holiday.

Cash and Currency

The Egyptian Pound, also known as the EGP (or ج. م in Arabic), is the national currency of Egypt. Typically, the EGP is divided into smaller units called millimes or qirsh. The good news is that you may simply use the US Dollar in place of the Egyptian Pound because it is widely accepted throughout the nation, particularly in Cairo and other tourist attractions. Cities and popular tourist destinations accept credit cards readily. But, you’ll probably need some cash for tipping, little purchases, and shopping in more remote locations.

Currency restrictions for tourists in Egypt:
Maximum currency allowed for entry: Less than $10,000
Maximum currency allowed for exit: Less than $10,000

Health Information

There are now no health restrictions or immunization requirements for traveling to Egypt for your impending holiday.

Even though bigger cities have plenty of pharmacies and medical facilities, it’s still a good idea to bring along any additional medications you might need for your trip. As a precaution, we advise packing drugs for unsettled stomachs. It’s possible that you won’t have easy access to pharmacies and medical facilities, particularly in isolated areas like rural and desert regions.

Infectious diseases that are spread by water, food, insects, and other sources are common. Eat no raw or undercooked food, and only sip bottled or boiling water. Make sure the insects cannot enter your lodging, and carry bug repellant at all times.

Dress Code

In particular, when visiting the less-traveled regions of the nation, we recommend that travelers dress modestly and conservatively. Egypt is an Islamic nation, so by western standards, the suitable apparel is conservative, especially for women. Although it is not required of them, visitors should dress appropriately as it is a show of respect and is usually warmly welcomed. It will assist you in avoiding unwelcome attention as well.

Getting Around

A cruise on the Nile, the biggest river in Africa, is the most well-liked mode of transportation in Egypt. By taking a river cruise along the Nile, you may see the nation’s most well-known attractions. In addition, domestic flights and road transfers are two more well-liked forms of transportation in the nation.

For our visitors, we have very high standards for hotels and transportation. We only reserve rooms with the best views for our guests and don’t offer any hotels with less than four stars. Your guide will meet you as soon as you arrive at the airport, assist you with customs and immigration, take care of your belongings, and lead you to your private vehicle.

Shopping in Egypt

Khan-el-Khalili, Cairo’s medieval market, is one of the best places to shop in Egypt. The narrow, noisy lanes are filled with inexpensive souvenirs, domestic products, imitation “antique” jewelry, brass plaques and jugs, copper utensils, and cotton goods. Make sure to visit the Spice Bazaar, where you will feel euphoric from the smells of cinnamon, coriander, and cloves. The Perfume Bazaar is close by. Cairo also boasts a fair share of contemporary malls, department stores, and chic boutiques, especially in the area around Tahrir Square, the city’s hub. While the souk in Luxor is mostly targeted towards tourists, it’s still a fun spot to explore in the nights. In Alexandria, antique stalls are arranged around Sharia el Attareen.

The merchant will probably charge what he is comfortable charging, which is typically a wildly exaggerated amount for visitors from overseas. Strike a good deal! Before making a purchase or ingesting anything, including food and drink, always check the pricing. Alabaster vases, antique books, brass and copperware, papyrus prints, leather goods, and ceramics are among the best purchases. A common memento, musubi glass is a colorful glass that has been hand-blown in Cairo for centuries and is distinguished by its air bubbles. Carpets are also an excellent investment.

Shopping hours

Depending on the area and season, shopping hours might vary greatly. Shops in most cities are open from 1000 to 2000 hours every day, with the exception of Fridays when some close early for a long lunch break. Later in the evening is when most markets remain open. Especially during the warmer months, stores may close at dusk and reopen several hours later, following meals. During Friday lunchtime prayers, certain stores might close for a few hours. Stores owned by Christians may close on Sundays.

Nightlife in Egypt

People begin to pour out of restaurants and coffee shops and onto the streets as the sun sets. Any coastline will have a corniche bustling with conversation from friends strolling arm in arm to feel the breeze, whether it’s the seafronts in Alexandria or Sharm el Sheikh, or the Nile in Cairo and Luxor. Kebab vendors on the streets, tea dealers carrying enormous urns, and trinket sellers sporting the newest, brightly colored imports compete for onlookers’ attention. Meet the residents, observe the spirit of the country, and take part in the celebrations of a local football victory here.

Many of the nation’s archaeological sites have stunning light and sound events that are a major lure for tourists, both foreign and domestic. Here, you may see the Sphinx in Giza up close and personal or witness the entirety of the Temple of Karnak in Luxor as it is illuminated by music. The Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel hosts the best of these performances. Make sure you are reading the appropriate commentary each evening as it is often available in multiple languages.

Most significant towns, including Cairo and Alexandria, have sophisticated pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs. Dinner cruises and outdoor grills along the Nile are common features of Luxor’s and Aswan’s nightlife.