Journey through the heart of ancient civilisation on the Egypt Highlights tour, where each day delivers a new marvel. From the soaring pyramids and enigmatic Sphinx of Giza to the priceless treasures of the Egyptian Museum, you will walk in the footsteps of pharaohs and explorers alike.
Sail along the majestic Nile, watching timeless landscapes drift by as you relax on deck, before stepping into the Valley of the Kings, the final resting place of Egypt’s greatest rulers. Explore the monumental temples of Luxor and Karnak, and uncover the serene beauty of the Red Sea’s tranquil shores.
Egypt Highlights offers an unforgettable blend of history, culture and natural wonder awaits.
Cairo
14 Days/ 13 Nights
13 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
Airport pickup and transfers
Air-conditioned Bus
English Speaking Local Guide
Arrive at Cairo International Airport, where our friendly representative will greet you and assist with all arrival formalities, ensuring a smooth start to your journey. You will then be transferred to your hotel in the heart of the city.
Once settled, meet your guide for a relaxed briefing that walks you through the exciting itinerary ahead. Enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Cairo.
After breakfast, your adventure begins at the legendary Giza Plateau, home to the awe-inspiring Great Pyramids and the enigmatic Sphinx. Stand in the shadow of these monumental wonders, absorbing the immense scale and mystery that have captivated travellers for thousands of years.
We then continue to Sakkara, the vast necropolis of ancient Memphis. Here you will visit the remarkable Step Pyramid of King Djoser, the very first pyramid ever built and a groundbreaking masterpiece of ancient engineering. Explore the surrounding tombs, decorated with vibrant carvings that offer an intimate glimpse into Pharaonic life and the afterlife.
Return to your hotel in Cairo for a relaxing evening.
This morning we board an early flight from Cairo to Aswan, touching down in one of Egypt’s most picturesque and tranquil cities. Upon arrival, our dedicated representative will meet you at the airport and escort you directly to your Nile Cruise, your beautiful base for the next few days.
Your exploration begins with a visit to the enchanting Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Set on a serene island surrounded by shimmering waters, this temple is known as one of Egypt’s most romantic and atmospheric sites. The short motorboat ride to reach it offers a stunning approach, with the temple gradually rising into view like a vision from ancient mythology.
After a day filled with beauty and discovery, settle into your 5-star Nile Cruise and enjoy a relaxing evening on the river.
Today we set sail along the majestic Nile, taking time to relax on deck as the river carries us past peaceful villages, emerald fields and palm-lined shores. The gentle rhythm of the water and the changing scenery offer a beautiful glimpse into daily life along Egypt’s lifeline.
Our first stop is the fascinating Temple of Kom Ombo, a unique riverside sanctuary dedicated to two gods. Its perfectly symmetrical twin entrances and elegant reliefs make it one of the most striking temples on the Nile, and its location beside the water creates a truly memorable setting.
We then continue sailing towards Luxor, often described as the world’s greatest open-air museum. As we approach this historic city, you’ll begin to see some of the grandest monuments ever built, lasting reminders of the power and splendour of ancient Thebes.
Optional Extra: Visit the awe-inspiring Sun Temple of Ramses the Great at Abu Simbel, one of Egypt’s most impressive ancient masterpieces, carved into the cliffs near the southern border of the old kingdom.
After breakfast, your cruise arrives in the remarkable city of Luxor, where an extraordinary day of exploration awaits. We begin on the East Bank of the Nile, once the thriving centre of life, worship and ceremony in ancient Egypt.
Your first visit is to the magnificent Karnak Temple, one of the largest and most significant temple complexes ever built. Stroll through its grand courtyards, towering columns and sacred halls as your guide brings to life the stories of pharaohs, gods and the powerful priests who once shaped Egypt’s destiny. The sheer scale of Karnak is breathtaking.
We then make our way to the elegant Luxor Temple, beautifully aligned with the river and rich in symbolic detail. Here, the impressive Avenue of Sphinxes stretches out before you, forming a ceremonial pathway that once connected Luxor to Karnak. Wander through its statues, chambers and colonnades, soaking in the atmosphere of ancient festivals and royal celebrations.
A memorable day exploring two of Egypt’s most iconic temples.
After breakfast, we cross to Luxor’s West Bank, the ancient realm of the afterlife and one of the most remarkable archaeological landscapes on earth.
Our first stop is the legendary Valley of the Kings, a vast desert necropolis where Egypt’s greatest pharaohs were laid to rest. Step inside several of the richly decorated tombs, their vibrant colours and intricate carvings offering a breathtaking glimpse into ancient beliefs, rituals and royal journeys to the afterlife.
We then continue to the striking Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahri, an architectural wonder rising in terraces from the base of towering limestone cliffs. Built for Egypt’s only female pharaoh, this temple stands as a testament to her power, vision and enduring legacy.
Our final visit of the day is to the imposing Colossi of Memnon, two monumental statues that once guarded the entrance to the grand mortuary temple of Amenophis III. Standing silently over the Theban plain for more than 3,000 years, they remain one of Egypt’s most iconic landmarks.
After a day filled with discovery, return to your hotel in Luxor to unwind and reflect on the extraordinary history you’ve encountered.
Today brings a relaxed pause in your Egypt Highlights journey. Enjoy the morning at your own pace, take a stroll through Luxor’s charming streets, unwind by the pool, or explore nearby markets and cafés. This is your time to soak up the warmth and rhythm of local life.
As evening approaches, you will board your air-conditioned coach for a scenic drive east across the desert to the Red Sea town of Hurghada. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and enjoy a peaceful night, ready for the coastal adventures that await on the shores of the Red Sea.
Today is yours to enjoy the beauty of Hurghada, one of Egypt’s most beloved beach destinations stretching along the sparkling shores of the Red Sea.
Spend your day however you wish, dive into crystal-clear waters for snorkelling or swimming, join an optional scuba adventure among vibrant coral reefs, or simply relax by the beach and soak up the warm Egyptian sun.
Explore seaside cafés, sample fresh local cuisine, or unwind with a cool drink overlooking the water. However you choose to spend it, today is all about enjoying the coastal charm of the Red Sea.
Settle in for another restful night at your Hurghada hotel.
Today offers another blissful day to enjoy the sun-kissed shores of Hurghada, your peaceful Red Sea escape. Whether you crave adventure or pure relaxation, the day is yours to shape.
Dive beneath the surface to explore colourful coral reefs, join an optional scuba or snorkelling trip, or simply float in the crystal-clear waters that make this coastline so irresistible. Prefer to take it slow? Stretch out on the beach, sip something refreshing and savour the gentle sea breeze.
Wander through local cafés, indulge in fresh seafood or treat yourself to a lazy afternoon by the pool. This is your chance to unwind completely and enjoy the best of Red Sea living.
Another relaxing overnight stay in Hurghada.
We want to ensure you have enough free time on your trip, so today is another free day to enjoy the serene beauty of Hurghada, your peaceful oasis along the Red Sea.
If you spent yesterday snorkelling, why not try something new today? Join an optional scuba dive, take a swim in the clear turquoise waters or simply stretch out on the beach and bask in the warm Egyptian sun. Whether you prefer adventure or relaxation, Hurghada offers the perfect setting to enjoy your final day on the coast.
Another restful overnight stay in Hurghada.
Begin your day with an early transfer to Hurghada Airport for your short flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel, ready to dive back into the vibrant energy of Egypt’s capital.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Explore Cairo’s bustling streets, browse colourful markets, visit nearby attractions or simply relax and unwind after your Red Sea retreat. Settle in for a comfortable overnight stay at your Cairo hotel.
Prepare for an exciting day as we explore the many layers of Cairo’s remarkable history and culture.
We begin at the world-famous Egyptian Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of ancient artefacts, including the dazzling treasures from King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Your guide will bring these masterpieces to life as you wander through halls filled with statues, jewels and relics from Egypt’s golden age.
Next, we head to the historic Coptic Quarter to visit the beautiful Hanging Church, one of the oldest churches in Egypt, built above the remains of ancient Roman gate towers. Its architecture, icons and peaceful atmosphere offer a fascinating contrast to the city’s bustling streets.
From here, we make our way to the iconic Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali, set high within the Citadel of Saladin. Enjoy panoramic views across Cairo as you explore its grand courtyards and elegant Ottoman design.
We end the day at the vibrant Khan El Khalili Bazaar, a maze of narrow alleys filled with handcrafted souvenirs, glittering lamps, fragrant spices and traditional cafés, the perfect place to soak up Cairo’s lively spirit.
Return to your Cairo hotel for an overnight stay, reflecting on a day filled with extraordinary discoveries.
After breakfast, we travel to the Pharaonic Village, a unique living museum where the world of ancient Egypt is brought vividly to life. Here, you will step back thousands of years as actors in traditional costumes recreate daily life during the time of the pharaohs.
Glide along gentle canals past replica villages, watch skilled craftsmen demonstrate ancient techniques, and see scenes of farming, weaving and temple rituals unfold before you. One of the highlights is the remarkable reproduction of Tutankhamun’s tomb, complete with detailed replicas of the treasures discovered inside.
Following your immersive journey through Egypt’s past, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure, relax at your hotel, explore more of Cairo or pick up some last-minute souvenirs.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cairo Airport for your onward journey. As you board your flight, carry with you the unforgettable memories of ancient wonders, timeless landscapes and the vibrant spirit of Egypt.
We wish you a safe journey home and hope to welcome you back again.
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Our passionate guides bring each destination to life with stories and insights you won’t find in a guidebook.
Every day is balanced with must-see highlights and meaningful local experiences.
Contact us using the details below, or use our chatbot for instant answers and to reach one of our friendly travel specialists. If you have any questions about this tour, need help with a booking, or just want to chat about your next adventure, we’re here to help.
We know booking travel can be daunting and we want to give you as much information as we can about our tours so you feel happy and comfortable with the inclusions. Click the tabs below to read our trip notes. If you still need help reach out to our team who will be more than happy to assist.Â
It is important when considering and preparing to travel anywhere in the world that you have a good understanding of the country you are visiting, its laws and customs, and the possible risks and situations that may occur. This includes specific risks related to your itinerary (eg. does it involve water & you can swim, are you fit enough for the activities included), as well as more general risks such as terrorism and natural disasters.
General details, visa requirements, money, and travel insurance are given in these tour notes. We recommend that you re-read all these before your departure as well as the small print of your travel insurance policy so you know exactly what is covered and what is not.
You should take copies of your important travel documents with you and ideally also store them online securely as a backup.
 Make sure that you have given us your emergency contact details and told that person where and when you are travelling. Ensure you take enough money with you and that you have access to emergency funds.
Egypt Highlights starts and finishes in Cairo, Egypt.Â
The hotels used on this tour are rated at the 3- and 4-star level in Egypt. Local star ratings may vary from international standards but we ensure that we use some of the best hotels available at the level stated. Accommodation is based on twin or double en-suite rooms with air conditioning. The tour starts at the Oasis Hotel located in Giza 15-20 minutes from the Pyramids.Â
Address:Â Jaz Pyramids resort, Alexandria Desert Rd, Giza Governorate, Egypt
Hotels:Â The hotels listed below are the ones that we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels with ones of a similar standard.
Cairo:Â Jaz Pyramids Resort
Nile cruise:Â MS Symphony
Luxor:Â Lotus Hotel
Hurghada:Â Gravity Hotel & Aqua Park Hurghada
Nile Cruise:Â The cruise boat has many of the facilities of a normal hotel, including restaurants, bars, shops, a relaxing sun deck and a swimming pool. Nile cruise boat itineraries are subject to alterations depending on local conditions at the time of travel. Some sailing may be done after dark. Boats may moor up alongside each other at night, requiring you to cross through other boats to reach the shore.
Airport Pick-Up and Transfer:
Your tour includes a 24-hour airport meet & assist service from Cairo International Airport – your arrival and departure airport-hotel transfers and all other transfers.
On arrival in Egypt our representative will meet you before passport control. They will assist with visa formalities and then help you with your luggage and take you to your hotel. Please inform us of your flight details (date of flight, flight number, arrival time and name of travellers) at least 10 days prior to your arrival for the confirmed arrangement of your transfer.
Your airport transfers are only included on the first and last day of the set tour itinerary unless you have booked any additional accommodation with us either before or after the set dates. If you make your own arrangements for additional accommodation at either the beginning or the end of the tour then you will need to arrange your own airport transfers on these days.Â
In Egypt, we use AC minivans/minibuses/coaches, many of which are fitted with speed limiters, and all are inspected and checked daily.
Flight upgrade from Cairo to Aswan:
Upgrade your journey to flight from Cairo to Aswan for only £150 GBP per person including extra night hotel accommodations instead of 14 hours bus ride. Please note, the flight from Cairo to Aswan will depart either on Sunday evening or early Monday morning depending on availability.
Distances
Please find below the distances between the sights visited in Egypt and the approximate driving times. We will always strive to take a short break every few hours to enable passengers to stretch their legs, purchase snacks and use wash facilities during long drives.
Aswan – Luxor: 247 kms – 3 hrs
Cairo – Aswan: 982 kms – 12 hrs
Aswan – Abu Simbel: 309 kms – 3.5 hrs
Luxor – Cairo: 735 kms – 9 hrs
Luxor – Hurghada: 298 KMs – 3.5 to 4hrs
Egypt- Tipping is also very much a part of Egyptian culture and customs, and many people you meet along the way will expect and make it clear they are waiting for a tip.
To make it easier for you to budget and to remove much of the stress and hassle of tipping lots of people as you go along, we collect US$75 a ‘Tipping Kitty’ at the start of your time in Egypt.
Your guide will manage this as the tour goes along and ask one or more of the group members to assist and make some of the payments.
The kitty provides tips for a wide range of people you’ll meet along the tour including hotel porters, train and station staff, drivers, site guards, local reps etc. your satisfaction with and appreciation of the service they have provided.Â
Again, you should not feel obliged to.
Your Egyptologist guide is not included in this kitty and you may tip them at the end of your tour subject to tip any particular amount, and should consider your personal budget.
As a guideline, approx. US$6-10 per person per day would be appropriate.
Egypt- passports should be valid for at least six months after your departure from the country. Please do not bring an almost full or almost expired passport. Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities. We recommend that you contact your closest Egyptian consulate or embassy for current information about your nationality.
In general, the official advice is that all nationalities obtain their Egypt visas in advance, as we cannot guarantee that you can get them at the airport. An online e-visa is available through https://visa2egypt.gov.eg/eVisa/. Please do not use any other website as there are many scam sites offering Egypt e-visas.
In practice, however, many nationalities (including British and European, Australian, New Zealand, and USA) can and do obtain their visas on arrival at Cairo airport. The process is much quicker and simpler, the cost is currently US$25 p/p and must be paid in hard currency (i.e., GBP, USD or EUR) – you’ll be given change in local currency if necessary. There are no forms to fill in and you don’t need to bring passport photos.
Visas are issued at one of the bank desks in the immigration hall before you get to passport control. Our representative will have met you by this stage and will assist with the process.
All African & Indian nationals, and some others, will need to obtain their visas in advance.
For further information on your visa requirements, please your local Egyptian embassy/consulate.
The local currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound, often denoted ‘LE’. The Egyptian Pound can vary significantly in value against the British Pound, but sticks fairly close to the value of the US Dollar. You do not need to arrange to bring any Egyptian Pounds with you to Egypt, as change facilities are available in all the hotels, airports and banks. You should try to obtain and keep hold of small denomination notes or coins on you during the tour as these are useful for toilets, tips and small purchases. ATMs are readily available in major towns and some local shops will accept VISA/Mastercard or Amex, but may charge fees of up to 10% – check before you pay. Travellers cheques are not recommended as they cannot be changed in many places now, and can incur high fees.
While in Egypt you will need sufficient funds to cover meals not included in the itinerary, drinks, snacks, souvenirs and personal expenses such as laundry. These should generally all be paid for in Egyptian Pounds. You may also need to pay for the tour Tipping Kitty and site Entrance Fees while you are in Egypt. Payments for these may be made to your tour guide in hard currency (USD, GBP, EUR) at the start of your tour.Â
It is difficult to recommend a level of personal spending money which will suit everyone as this can differ greatly, but as a guideline, we would suggest allowing USD 25-35 per person per day as a minimum. Allow more if you plan on doing lots of shopping, or buying many alcoholic drinks.
Budgeting
Please note that entrance fees to sights and optional activities are not included in the tour price. Optional activities are not operated by Timeless Tours and may require a certain number of attendees to run. Your guide will be happy to inform you further about the available optional activities at the start of your tour.Â
Entrance Fees
Egypt – please allow approximately US$140 for all entrance fees for the sights visited on this tour. Your guide will be happy to collect payment for all the entrance fees at the start of the tour, and pay them for you as you go along if you wish.Â
Cairo
Giza Pyramids/Sphinx — EGP 700
Sakkara Pyramid — EGP 600
Egyptian Museum — EGP 625
Aswan
Philae Temple — EGP 550
Komombo Temple — EGP 450
Luxor
Luxor Temple — EGP 500
Hatshepsut Temple — EGP 440
Valley Of the Kings — EGP 750
Karnak Temple – EGP – 600Â
Optional Activities
Please note that Optional Activities are not operated by Timeless Tours.
Hot-Air Ballooning — 145 USD
Abu Simbel — 130 USD
Nubian Dinner — 57 USD
Health and Vaccinations:
You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation. Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination. You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions.
In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for the countries in this region are:
Egypt: Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A
Note: We are aware of some places in Egypt using ‘black henna’ instead of pure brown henna. Black henna contains a chemical dye PPD (paraphenylenediamine) which can result in severe allergic reactions and resultant scarring. To be safe we recommend avoiding any henna tattoos while in Egypt unless you are certain they are using pure brown henna.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).Â
If you plan to arrange a hot air balloon flight, or do some scuba diving during your tour, you should check the small print in your policy to make sure these are covered Please also check the maximum altitude that you will be reaching and that full cover including emergency evacuation is provided up to this altitude.Â
If you are taking expensive camera gear or other electronic equipment with you then please check the coverage and the fine print of your policy to ensure that you have sufficient cover.
Luggage:
Suitcases, rucksacks or fabric hold alls are all fine to bring with you to Egypt. You should also bring a small daypack/bag to take out during the day. Your main luggage will normally be left in the hotel during your sightseeing trips – you will not need to carry it far, and there are nearly always hotel porters to assist.
Luggage limits:
There is no luggage limit for this tour. However, most airlines restrict you to between 20kg and 25kg for your hold luggage and between 5kg and 10kg for hand luggage. Please check with your airline before travelling to the airport.
Clothing:
Most of your time in Egypt will be in a hot climate. However, at night, and especially in the deserts, the temperatures can drop quite dramatically. So, you must pack for cool conditions. Formal dress (eg. suits & ties) is not required at the hotel restaurants. Long sleeves are recommended to protect from mosquitoes if you are on the felucca. Modesty rates highly in Egypt, especially for women, so to respect the local culture &Â
people, please ensure all clothes are loose fitting and not revealing. Shorts (not hot-pants) are OK in tourist sites, as are T-shirts, but these should not show too much bare flesh (we suggest that your shoulders should remain covered). In the centre of Cairo, if you are visiting any mosques, legs and arms should be covered.
Other items:
If you will be travelling on a felucca then we recommend bringing a light sleeping sheet or sleeping bag liner all year round for comfort, and a light sleeping bag in the winter months (November to February). We also recommend you bring a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, a basic first aid kit, toiletries, small towel, money belt, small torch, camera & charger.
Contacting home:
We recommend that you purchase a local SIM card upon arrival should you wish to stay in touch with friends and family back home. The Internet is widely available; however, it is costly to use within hotels and on cruise boats and may be unreliable. In case of emergency please contact: info@timeless.tours or call, WhatsApp or text message our Egypt office on +20 1003024950 / +2 01280211886 / +201284666462. UK:-+447585332251
Travel Advice
We are closely monitoring the latest travel updates to Egypt and follow the advice of the UK Foreign Office. For the latest travel advice from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), please visit:Â https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt
Solo Travellers
We have many solo travellers joining our tours. Solo travellers will be roomed with another traveller of the same gender. If you would like a private solo room, please select a single supplement at the time of booking.
Time:
The time in Egypt is GMT plus 2 hours. Daylight saving adjustments have historically been applied in some years but not others. At present it appears that there will be no daylight-saving changes in Egypt 2016 and beyond, though this may change at short notice (with a resulting impact on flight times and schedules). Exact dates vary from year to year and sometimes the changes may be scrapped altogether.
Voltage:
Sockets are two rounds pronged and 220 volts (Type C). Universal adaptors are available in most airport shops if you don’t have one already. Standard European adapters will work fine, though sometimes they may feel a little loose in the sockets. All hotel rooms have electrical sockets where you can re-charge cameras, phones etc. Hair dryers are normally available on request from the hotel reception if not in your room already.
If you have US appliances (110 volts) you will need a voltage converter as well as a plug adapter.
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Our team’s deep commitment to quality has shaped unforgettable journeys for thousands of global travellers. Each member brings extensive, firsthand knowledge and a passionate dedication to their craft, ensuring that every Timeless Tour is not just a trip, but a lifetime experience.
Our team’s deep commitment to quality has shaped unforgettable journeys for thousands of global travellers. Each member brings extensive, firsthand knowledge and a passionate dedication to their craft, ensuring that every Timeless Tour is not just a trip, but a lifetime experience.
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