Journeys: Discover Egypt

G Adventures · 10 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Journeys: Discover Egypt
Journeys: Discover Egypt
Journeys: Discover Egypt
10 Days
From AUD $4439 Was AUD $5549
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating

Journeys: Discover Egypt

Journeys: Discover Egypt

G Adventures · 10 days

Use code BONUS10 to get an extra 10% off all tours — for a limited time only. T&Cs apply

Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Follow in the footsteps of the Pharaohs on a remarkable journey through Egypt. Uncover its most iconic archaeological sites — Abu Simble, Philae Temple, Edu fu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple and the Valley of the Kings — with expert-led tours through each of these jaw-dropping wonders.

Includes

Activities

  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Nawaya Project Visit, Cairo Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Meet with an Archaeologist, Luxor Your G for Good Moment: Funtasia Project Visit, Luxor Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group Your Local Living Moment: Boat ride to Nubian Village with Traditional Meal, Aswān Your Local Living Moment: Local Family Home Hosted Lunch, Luxor Your Foodie Moment: Cairo Food Tour, Cairo
  • Arrival transfer
  • Guided visit to the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx
  • Guided visit to Sakkara and the Step Pyramid of Zoser
  • Guided visit of Philae Temple in Aswan
  • Visit to the Abu Simbel temple
  • Guided visit of the Valley of the Kings and Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
  • Guided visit to the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo
  • Guided visit to the temples of Karnak and Luxor
  • Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum
  • Visit the Hanging church, St Sergius church & Ben Ezra Synagogue
  • Explore the Khan El Khalili market and Muiz Islamic street
  • Departure transfer
  • Internal flights on tour and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

  • Hotels – 9 nts.
  • 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

  • Private vehicle, plane, bicycle, walking, felucca, motorboat.

Group Leader

  • Certified Egyptologist as National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout.

Highlights

  • Marvel at the breathtaking pyramids of Giza the oldest and last remaining of the original Seven Wonders of the World
  • Tour the majestic site of Abu Simbel and relish in the striking rock-cut temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II
  • Sample traditional Egyptian fare with a special dinner served in the home of a local Nubian family
  • Join an archaeologist and learn about the ongoing excavations of some of Egypt’s most famed archeological sites — including the West Bank at Luxor.
Journeys: Discover Egypt

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, plane, bicycle, walking, felucca, motorboat.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Cairo, Egypt

Finishes

Cairo, Egypt

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

National Geographic Journey, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Cairo

Arrive at any time. Your arrival transfer is included.
Enjoy a welcome meeting at the hotel in the evening, where you will receive more details about the coming adventure. Before you go, make sure to catch the National Geographic documentary series "Lost Treasures of Egypt" which features many of the archaeological sites you will explore throughout this adventure.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Sit back and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle during your included arrival transport from the airport to your start hotel in Cairo.Activity - Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Safir Hotel Cairo
2

Day 2: Cairo

In the morning, enjoy a visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. No matter how many photos or documentaries you have seen, the first glimpse of these marvels of the ancient world will take your breath away. As a qualified Egyptologist certified by the Ministry of Antiquities, your Expedition Leader will share their knowledge about these massive structures. From here, visit a local farm supported by Nawaya, a community-led project which helps small scale farming families generate new income streams in the tourism industry. Embark on a farm-to-table experience learning about sustainable cultivation practices and traditional food-cultural preservation work being carried out on nearby farms before a cheese making demonstration and a hands-on bread baking experience in a female-led community kitchen followed by lunch. After, travel through barren desert and fertile farmlands to Sakkara, the site of Egypt's first pyramids where you'll dig deep into the history of this important archaeological site. The rest of the evening is on your own.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a tour of the magnificent great pyramid of Giza and the Sphinx. No matter how many photos or documentaries you have seen, the first glimpse of these marvels of the ancient world will take your breath away. As a qualified Egyptologist, your Expedition Leader has all the facts about these massive structures.Activity - Nawaya’s Community Kitchen is a communal space where rural women cooks host visitors for hands-on culinary and farm experiences rooted in local heritage. Located in Abusir, the kitchen was first established as a training space to build women’s skills in professional kitchen operations, food safety and hygiene. Today, it is a vibrant hub where a network of 20 rural cooks design seasonal menus, lead cooking workshops and cater traditional meals for gastrotours, schools and private groups.Through Nawaya’s trainings, they have learned food safety, hygiene and presentation skills, turning inherited recipes into dignified and respected paid work. Experiences are designed as farm-to-fork journeys. Guests may begin with a farm walk to see crops in season, meet farmers and participate in planting or harvesting. Back at the community kitchen, women demonstrate how to prepare dishes featuring local grains and products such as deshish stews, kishk sa‘idi, fereek, roqaq, bekhero and arish cheese, wild plants like regla, and a variety of pickles and breads. Visitors roll dough, stir pots and shape cheeses using traditional tools like the reed mat (hasira), before sharing a communal meal. Programs are tailored for adults, families and school groups, with special children’s activities that encourage younger generations to appreciate and enjoy traditional foods. Menus can also accommodate dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free options. Through these 5 experiences, participants gain a deeper understanding of local food systems, while rural women and farmers gain income, confidence and recognition for their knowledge and skills.Activity - Travel through desert and farm lands to visit Şaqqārah, the necropolis of the old kingdom of Ancient Egypt. The main attraction here is the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, the very first constructed in human history. It dates back to 2750 BC! Delve into the history of one of Egypt’s most important archeological sites.Accommodation - Safir Hotel Cairo
3

Day 3: Cairo/Aswān

Board an early flight from Cairo to Aswan. Upon arrival, visit Philae Temple, built as a dedication to the Goddess Isis and the temple walls are adorned with scenes from Egyptian mythology. Philae Temple complex was moved from its original location on the Island of Philae after Lake Nasser flooded. Learn about the temple's architecture, history and important place in Egypt's culture. This evening embark on a sunset felucca ride on the Nile to a Nubian Village. Walk through the village, learning about local customs while listening to the Nubian Peoples' own distinct language, which does not have an alphabet and was thus never written down. Afterwards, sit down for dinner in the home of a local family.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Activity - Sail across the Nile to the beautiful island of Agilkia and explore the Greco Roman history of the Temple of Philae, built as a dedication to the Goddess Isis. This temple complex was moved from its original location on the Island of Philae after the flooding of Lake Nasser, the word "philae" meaning "the end" in reference to this island's placement on what was once the southernmost border of Egypt.Activity - Board a local boat, to take a trip along the magnificent Nile, with views of the Aga Khan Mausoleum and Kitchener Island. Stop on one of the inhabited Nile islands in this area, to tour a local Nubian village. Walk through the village and fields and learn more about the life of the Nubian people before enjoying a delicious traditional dinner at a local home.Accommodation - Movenpick Aswan
4

Day 4: Aswān

In the morning, board a flight to Abu Simbel where you will explore the two rock-cut temples built by and dedicated to famed King Ramses II and Queen Nefertari. A true testament to innovation, the temple was saved from the waters of Lake Nasser by a massive global mobilization led by UNESCO in the 1960s. Fly back to Aswan to enjoy lunch and an afternoon at leisure. In the free evening choose to experience one of the best sound and light shows in Egypt at Philae Temple.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Sit back and enjoy the views from above on a short flight between Aswān and Abu Simbel.Activity - Part historic monument and part modern marvel, Abu Simbel is one of Egypt’s grandest temples. Built during the rule of Ramses the II this structure was almost swallowed by the Nile, but now stands safe and sound thanks to some crafty archaeologists and UNESCO. Travel through Egypt’s rugged landscapes and the towering figures of Ramses himself, Ra-Horakhty, Amun, and Ptah will all be waiting to welcome you.Transport - Sit back and enjoy the scenery on the short flight between Abu Simbel and Aswān.Free_time - Enjoy a free afternoon at your leisure in Aswān.Accommodation - Movenpick Aswan
5

Day 5: Aswān/Luxor

After breakfast, drive north along the Nile passing local villages and farmland as you make your way to the top of the Temple of Kom Ombo. Built along the riverbank, the temple is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek. Continue your journey north towards Luxor and stop to explore the temple of Edfu, it took nearly 200 years to build and was dedicated to the God of War and Sky, Horus. Enjoy lunch before continuing the scenic drive to Luxor.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a visit to this temple located in a scenic spot, right on the banks of the Nile. It was dedicated to the crocodile god, and you can still see the remains of an ancient mummified crocodile that was worshipped here thousands of years ago.Free_time - Enjoy yourselves on a free evening in Luxor.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle on the very scenic drive north from Aswān to Luxor with stops along the way to visit Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples.Activity - Enjoy a visit to the Edfu Temple, which is located in the middle of a bustling village. It is the most completely preserved temple in Egypt.Accommodation - Sonesta St. George Hotel Luxor
6

Day 6: Luxor

Today, head to the West Bank of Luxor. Start the morning with a visit to Funtasia, a G for Good project. Enjoy a short bike ride led by a student guide before stopping for tea and a discussion about the project and community. Continue to explore the famed Valley of the Kings—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and active archaeological site of over 63 tombs–many still in excavation. Descend inside a few tombs with the option to visit Tutankhamen's resting site.

Afterward, meet an archaeologist at the temple of Hatshepsut, dedicated to the powerful Queen that ruled for 21 years. During your visit, you'll learn about the archaeologist's dig site and continuing work in cataloging new discoveries. Finally, visit the colossi of Memnon, which guarded the entrance to King Amenhotep III's massive temple. Enjoy a late lunch in the home of a local family that has been hosting travellers through G Adventures for 15 years, before heading back to Luxor.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - After breakfast the group will travel to the West Bank to meet our student-guide. Together we will bike through the village and visit the Funtasia Project Center where the group will learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with our guide. Funtasia is a local nonprofit that works with young people in the West Bank of Luxor to develop life skills and social consciousness. They work with youth in after school programs that teach art, communication, and social skills.Activity - Rise early to cross the Nile to the west bank, passing through farmers fields on your way to the Valley of the Kings. Descend the narrow, rock-hewn corridors and take in the magnificent decoration and designs of the tombs of the pharaohs. While the treasure has now all gone, the tombs contain the incredible paintings of the life of their incumbent and stories from the Book of the Dead. Continue on to visit to the impressive Funerary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, which seems to rise out of the surrounding limestone outcrops - a reminder of the power women held in the Ancient Kingdom. End the day with a stop at the two mammoth statues of Amenophis II at the Colossi of Memnon. Please note, there is an additional 300 EGP fee to take photos in the Valley Of Kings.Activity - During your visit to the Valley of the Kings proceed to Hatshepsut temple and meet with an archaeologist who is a member of the excavation team doing research while working on the West Bank. Learn about some of their findings and get more acquainted with the work they’re doing. Hatshepsut was the first woman to rule Egypt as king after her husband died and her stepson tried to eradicate all evidence of her rule after her death. According to an interesting article on National Geographic’s website titled, “How did this female pharaoh survive being erased from history?” It's believed her likeness was chiseled away from monuments and her statues destroyed to secure the tradition of males serving as ultimate rulers. Celebrate her un-erasable legacy and memory on this visit to her temple.Activity - Enjoy a fabulous community connection moment during a delicious home-cooked lunch hosted by a local family outside of the Valley of the Kings. In a village where most of the tourist buses speed by heading to the sites Egypt is known for, we will stop and visit a family's home and witness true hospitality from locals. Learn about the family who live here, hear about the importance of their garden, and about how they cook the food the group is about to eat. For 15 years this family has been hosting groups of G Adventures travellers and the support they have received has helped four generations (close to 50 people) thrive, as well as provided education opportunities for the family's children, nieces, and nephews. Sit down, smell the delicious flavours of the special dishes prepared, and relax in the home and hospitality of a truly local Egyptian family.Free_time - Arrive back to your hotel in Luxor in the late afternoon and freshen up before a night to yourself.Accommodation - Sonesta St. George Hotel Luxor
7

Day 7: Luxor

Start your day exploring Luxor with a visit to Karnak Temple. The temple is known as the house of Amon Ra, the King of Gods. The Temple was the largest religious complex of its time and took 2,000 years to complete, as each subsequent king has added something to the temple. Lunch will be on your own before an afternoon of free time. In the evening meet back up with the group for a visit to Luxor Temple after dark to witness the monuments lit up in their glory. Dinner will be on your own.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a visit to the Karnak Temple, which was once the centre of all religious life in ancient Egypt. Built and extended by successive generations of rulers, admire the amazing architecture, massive columns, and painted hieroglyphs.Free_time - Spend the afternoon on your own in Luxor before meeting back up with the group in the early evening.Activity - Take in the beauty of the Luxor temple, an architectural splendour located near the Nile and right in the centre of downtown Luxor. One of Egypt's most impressive temples, Luxor has been used as a place of worship all the way from it's conception in 1390 BC to present day. Evidence of ancient worship, Coptic Christianity and Islamic architecture are found throughout the temple, illustrating how the regional culture has evolved over several thousand years. Your visit will take place after dark to allow you to witness the temple lit up in all of its glory.Accommodation - Sonesta St. George Hotel Luxor
8

Day 8: Luxor/Cairo

In the morning, fly from Luxor to Cairo. Head to ancient Coptic Cairo and enjoy visits to the Hanging Church, St. Sergius Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure to explore Cairo on your own. In the evening, travel to Tahrir Square to meet a local food expert for an Egyptian foodie experience. Visit urban local food counters and small specialty restaurants while learning about traditional dishes and their connection to Egyptian culture.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Activity - Explore Cairo’s fascinating architectural, cultural, and historical contrasts on a tour of Coptic Cairo. Visit the iconic Hanging Church, St. Sergius Church, and Ben Ezra Synagogue on a full sampling of Cairo's religious buildings.Free_time - Enjoy a free afternoon in the lively city of Cairo.Activity - Visit the famous Tahrir square in the heart of Cairo where the 2011 revolution was centred. The square became very important after the revolution as a symbol of freedom; it was recently renovated and an Obelisk surrounded by Sphinx has been installed in the middle of the square. Here we start our walking tour along some of Cairo's busiest streets while enjoying the taste of popular Egyptian food and exposing yourself to new flavours. Enjoy Koshari which is Egypt's national dish, consisting of rice, lentils, macaroni, tomato sauce, onions, hummus and garlic. Take the opportunity to try an Egyptian falafel sandwich as well as sugar cane juice.Accommodation - Safir Hotel Cairo
9

Day 9: Cairo

Drive to the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum for a morning visit on a tour that will take you through the kingdoms of Ancient Egypt. From there, proceed to Khan El Khalili, the largest bazaar in Egypt. The iconic market was established in 1382 and contains hundreds of stalls with a treasure trove of souvenirs, spices, and more. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the market, then walk along Muiz Islamic Street as you continue to explore the lively stalls.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - The Grand Egyptian Museum is the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to the single civilization of ancient Egypt. Here you will find vast collections of over 100,000 artifacts, many of which have never been displayed before. Wander the grand halls and take a journey through Egypt’s ancient heritage and modern design.Activity - Head to the Khan el-Khalili bazaar in downtown Cairo for a walk through with the Expedition Leader. Learn the best places to buy various things, and opt to enjoy a cup of tea in a cafe. Take advantage of free time to stroll and shop the narrow pathways. The iconic market was established in 1382 and contains hundreds of stalls with a treasure trove of souvenirs, spices and more. Lunch will be had at a local restaurant in the market.Accommodation - Safir Hotel Cairo
10

Day 10: Cairo

Depart at any time. Your departure transfer from the hotel to the Cairo International Airport is included.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
  • 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 will do 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.

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.

From
AUD $5549

AUD $4,439
(Tour only)
Offer ends 01 Apr, 2026 Per Person Standard
20% Off

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Follow in the footsteps of the Pharaohs on a remarkable journey through Egypt. Uncover its most iconic archaeological sites — Abu Simble, Philae Temple, Edu fu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple and the Valley of the Kings — with expert-led tours through each of these jaw-dropping wonders.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 31 May 2026

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990