Egypt Experience

Intrepid Travel · 12 days
Egypt Experience
Egypt Experience
Egypt Experience
Egypt Experience
Egypt Experience
Egypt Experience
Egypt Experience
Egypt Experience
Egypt Experience
Egypt Experience
Egypt Experience
Egypt Experience
Egypt Experience
Egypt Experience
Egypt Experience
Egypt Experience
Egypt Experience
12 Days
From AUD $4195
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


 (20 reviews)

Egypt Experience

Egypt Experience

Intrepid Travel · 12 days
4.7
20 Reviews
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Duration

12 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Pharaohs, feluccas, temples and tombs. Pyramids, bazaars, mummies and catacombs. Egypt has myriad possibilities to marvel and discover, and on a 12-day cultural expedition to its highlights, you’ll understand how time has stood still and why you’ll need a history lesson at every turn.

Highlights

  • Explore the magnificent temples at Abu Simbel and see the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, carved directly out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile.
  • Brush shoulders with the locals and meet some of the many store owners as you stroll through the famous bazaars of Aswan, Luxor and Khan al-Khalili in Egypt’s capital, Cairo.
  • Set sail down the Nile – one of the world’s most iconic rivers. Relax in comfort as scenes of everyday Egyptian life stream by and experience day turn to night from your sundeck.
  • Join a local family in a small village near Aswan for a memorable night of Nubian hospitality. Learn about this ancient culture while sharing a special dinner with your hosts.
  • Explore the marvels, mythology and mystery of Ancient Egypt, including the Pyramids at Giza and the tombs of iconic pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings, with expert guides providing a local insight.

Trip Details

Duration

12 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,Plane,Cruise boat,Felucca,Overnight sleeper train

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Cairo, Egypt

Finishes

Cairo, Egypt

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Cairo
Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. You'll be met on arrival at Cairo International Airport and transferred to your hotel, before your Egyptian adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. Cairo is one of the great cities of antiquity and its history can be symbolised by two imposing landmarks – the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. If you have some time spare, perhaps get out and explore the busy city streets or visit the Cairo Citadel which dates back to 1176 and is home to multiple museums and mosques.

Included Activities:

  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Optional Activities:

  • Cairo - Coptic Museum (entrance fee) (280 EGP)
  • Cairo - Islamic Art Museum (entrance fee) (340 EGP)
  • Cairo - Urban Adventures Downtown Cairo Tour (29 USD)
  • Cairo - The Citadel (entrance fee) (550 EGP)
  • Cairo - Saqqara and Memphis Urban Adventure (49 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Cairo
This morning after breakfast you’ll see two of the world’s most iconic sights – the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Explore these structures which have stood tall for over 4500 years, and for an additional charge, you may be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu, although occasionally it’s closed to visitors. Afterwards, your adventure continues to the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world's great collections of ancient artefacts. The masses of gleaming artefacts recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun are an impressive sight – from jewellery to the famous golden death mask and his gilded sarcophagi, this pharaoh was certainly prepared for the afterlife.

Included Activities:

  • Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
  • Cairo - Egyptian Museum

Optional Activities:

  • Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops (entrance fee) (1000 EGP)
  • Cairo - The 3rd Pyramid of Menkawre (entrance fee) (280 EGP)
  • Cairo - Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids Tour (minimum 2 people) (entrance, guide & transport) (55 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Alexandria
Jump in a private van today and drive to the Mediterranean coastal city of Alexandria. Egypt's second-largest city and main port, locals call this vibrant city the Bride of the Mediterranean Sea. The Greek architect Dinocrates built Alexandria in 331 BC under the orders of Alexander the Great. The city, immortalising Alexander's name, quickly flourished into a prominent cultural, intellectual, political and economic metropolis. On arrival, head underground and delve into the mysteries of the Kom ash-Shuqqafa catacombs. This Roman burial site is the largest of its kind in Egypt. The crypts are 20 metres below street level, and what probably began as a small family tomb grew into a labyrinth of chambers that could accommodate more than 300 bodies. Afterwards, stop by the strikingly modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, inspired by the original great library of Alexandria and built to hold over eight million books. Take some time to stroll along the Corniche and around Fort Qaitbey and enjoy the fresh Mediterranean air.

Included Activities:

  • Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
  • Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina
  • Alexandria - Fort Qaitbey

Optional Activities:

  • Alexandria - Alexandria National Museum (entrance fee) (220 EGP)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Alexandria - Cairo - Overnight Train
This morning, pay a visit to Wadi El Natron, a place used by the ancient Egyptians and Romans for extracting precious resources like salt, silica for making glass and carbonated sodium which was essential for the mummification process. Learn about the history of this fascinating place, view the lakes and soak up the surroundings before returning by private van to Cairo. Take some time to relax or get some snacks before you board an overnight sleeper train to Aswan.

Included Activities:

  • Alexandria - Wadi El Natron monasteries

Accommodation:

  • Overnight Sleeper Train (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Aswan
The Nile, Elephantine Island and white-sailed feluccas. You’ll pull into Aswan – Egypt's southernmost city – at around 9am. Its easy-going charm is due in no small part to its large Nubian population. When you arrive, you’ll explore the beautiful Temple of Isis (the Goddess of health, marriage and wisdom), which was rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated on Philae Island. It's a marvel of decorative pylons featuring some of Egypt's finest carvings – definitely one of the gems of Upper Egypt. This afternoon is yours to explore your way. You might choose to visit the excellent Nubian Museum, which showcases the history, art and culture of the Nubians. This evening you’ll experience modern Nubian culture firsthand with a visit to a nearby village. Join a local Nubian family for a memorable dinner where you’ll get to sample traditional dishes like okra stew or tagen, a tasty tomato-based tagen dish, with sanasel bread to mop up the delicious sauces.

Included Activities:

  • Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner
  • Aswan - Philae Temple

Optional Activities:

  • Aswan - Nubian Museum (entrance fee) (400 EGP)
  • Aswan - Tomb of the Nobles (entrance fee) (200 EGP)
  • Aswan - High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk Tour (minimum 2 people) (entrance, guide & transport) (25 USD)
  • Aswan - Philae Temple Sound & Light Show Tour (minimum 2 people) (entrance, guide & transport) (55 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Abu Simbel - Nile River Cruise
This morning, make the drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel where you’ll explore some magnificent temples. Built by Ramses II, it was the gateway to Egypt for Southern Africans and its imposing facade clearly delineated the line between what was the Pharaoh's land and what was not. With the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, carved directly out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile, this is one of Egypt's most memorable sights. You'll have two hours to explore Abu Simbel before making the drive back to Aswan, where you’ll board your Nile cruise boat. Late in the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely sailing trip on a traditional felucca before dinner on the ship.

Included Activities:

  • Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
  • Aswan - Felucca Sail

Accommodation:

  • Cruise Boat (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Nile River Cruise
Enjoy a free morning in Aswan, perhaps enjoying coffee and exploration of the bazaar during the morning bustle. After lunch on board your ship, you’ll set sail for your first stop – Kom Ombo. This second century BC complex is unique because it has a mirror-image design, divided down the middle, with either side dedicated to a different set of gods. One half is known as the Temple of Sobek (the crocodile-headed god of fertility) and the other half is dedicated to Haroeris (also known as Horus the falcon god), and the whole temple is full of fascinating reliefs. Afterwards, return to the boat and travel upriver, with free time relaxing on the sundeck and taking in the surrounding sights – desert hills forming a backdrop to lush riverbanks, fishermen casting their nets and farmers working their land. Enjoy dinner on board, before your ship docks in Edfu late in the night.

Included Activities:

  • Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple

Accommodation:

  • Cruise Boat (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Nile River Cruise
This morning finds you moored near Edfu – a beautifully preserved temple also dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. After breakfast on board, your ship will sail onwards to Luxor, passing through the Esna Locks. Ships often have to queue to proceed through the locks, a great opportunity to check out the process from deck with a cool drink in hand, listening to the shouts of the many captains as they navigate their way through the various small boats of merchants selling their wares to a captive audience. On arrival in Luxor, join your leader for an orientation walk of the town. You have the option to visit Luxor Temple, which looks incredible, lit up at night. Return to the ship for dinner and your last night on board.

Optional Activities:

  • Edfu - Edfu Temple (entrance fee) (550 EGP)
  • Luxor - Luxor Temple (entrance fee) (500 EGP)

Accommodation:

  • Cruise Boat (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Luxor
Your Nile cruise comes to an end in the open-air museum of Luxor. From the spectacular temple complex of Karnak to the Valley of the Kings, Luxor is full of wonderfully preserved reminders of the Pharaohs. After breakfast, depart the ship and drop your bags at your hotel in Luxor. From here, you’ll set off with your leader to explore Karnak Temple which is perhaps the most impressive of all the ancient Pharaoh’s monumental works. One of the world's most celebrated temple complexes, Karnak is a house of the gods built over a period of some 200 years. Your guided tour of this vast temple of impressive pylons, obelisks and chapels will reveal its finest sections, such as the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Temple of Amun. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, shop in the excellent bazaar (open until quite late) or perhaps experience the atmosphere of a local teahouse.

Included Activities:

  • Luxor - Karnak Temple (entrance fee)

Optional Activities:

  • Luxor - Luxor Museum (entrance fee) (400 EGP)
  • Luxor - Mummification Museum (entrance fee) (220 EGP)
  • Luxor - Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show (minimum 2 people) (entrance, guide & transport) (45 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Luxor
Today you’ll hop in a private minivan and discover ancient Thebes. Your first stop is the Colossi of Memnon – two 17-metre-high statues on Luxor's west bank. Continue on to the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills here are over 60 tombs of pharaohs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. With your leader, explore this place, where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BC) were secretly interred for all eternity, and where discoveries are still being made. Your group leader will explain the history and legends of these remarkable people, and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics, still well preserved in the deepest tombs. You will visit three of the royal tombs, including Tutankhamun’s tomb where Tutankhamun is buried, then continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut – a colonnaded building set against high cliffs that create a spectacular natural amphitheatre. The afternoon is yours to explore – perhaps you'd like to shop in the market or visit the world's first Mummification Museum where you can discover the secrets of pharaonic preservation.

Included Activities:

  • Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
  • Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
  • Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun
  • Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple

Optional Activities:

  • Luxor - Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) (220 EGP)
  • Luxor - Medinat Habu Temple (entrance fee) (220 EGP)
  • Luxor - Deir el Madina -Entry Fee (220 EGP)
  • Luxor - Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) (2500 EGP)
  • Luxor - Hot Air Balloon over the Valley of the Kings (Per Person) (120 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: Cairo
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and catch a short flight back to Cairo. On your return to the capital, visit the Islamic parts of the city and the frenetic backstreets of the bazaar with your leader. A labyrinth of narrow streets and passageways, Khan is one of the biggest and oldest markets in the world. The 'Khan', sprawling around an old area known as Al-Azhar, is a quintessentially Cairo experience – a warren of alleys with stalls serving up a succession of intoxicating scenes. You might explore the gold market, ‘Perfume Street’ and the spice market, where heady aromas fill the air, or make a purchase next door in the cloth market. Or you could visit atmospheric El Fishawy, one of Cairo’s oldest cafes, and discover why it’s been operating for more than 200 years. Tonight, perhaps gather together your fellow travellers for a celebratory kebab, kofta, sheesha, or all three.

Included Activities:

  • Cairo - Khan al-Khalili bazaar visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
12
Day 12: Cairo
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are free to depart at any time. Please ensure you confirm your hotel check-out time with your leader. If you would like to extend your stay in Cairo, we would be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $4,195
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 12 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Pharaohs, feluccas, temples and tombs. Pyramids, bazaars, mummies and catacombs. Egypt has myriad possibilities to marvel and discover, and on a 12-day cultural expedition to its highlights, you’ll understand how time has stood still and why you’ll need a history lesson at every turn.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 23 Jan 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Maja
Traveled, April 2024

04/16/2024

The Egypt Comfort Experience Tour surpassed all expectations! From seamless organization to the exceptional leadership of Waleed, our knowledgeable guide, it was a journey of a lifetime. Every detail, from accommodations to cultural experiences, was meticulously curated. A 15 out of 10 adventure that I highly recommend!

4.5
Thomas
Traveled, April 2024

04/13/2024

I cannot imagine a better way to experience the monuments and culture of vibrant and ancient Egypt than the Egypt Experience Tour. Mudi, our guide went to incredible lengths to ensure our experience was a safe and fulfilling one. Without a doubt, I would recommend Intrepid.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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