Introduction
Discover the wonders of ancient Egypt on the Best of Egypt tour, a ten-day expedition through pharaohs’ lands, temple ruins and the timeless motion of the Nile. From the mighty Pyramids of Giza, the only remaining wonder of the ancient world, to the relaxing shores of the Red Sea, each day brings a new extraordinary moment.
Journey through the dramatic temples of Luxor and Karnak, and wander the sacred tombs of the Valley of the Kings, where Egypt’s ancient rulers rest in chambers filled with colour and myth. Travel in comfort aboard a five-star Nile cruise, letting the river’s gentle rhythm carry you past palm-lined banks, desert horizons and ancient stone monuments.
The Best of Egypt invites you not simply to witness history, but to experience it.
Cairo
10 Days/ 9 Nights
9 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 6 dinners
Included airport pickup and transfers
Air-conditioned Bus
English Speaking Local Guide
Arrive at Cairo airport where you will be met by our representative who will assist you through the formalities. Transfer to your hotel to meet your guide for a briefing explaining the tour itinerary. Overnight stay at your hotel in Cairo.
Travel Note: Airport pick up on the first day from Cairo International Airport (CAI). We also arrange pick ups from Sphinx International Airport (SPX).
After breakfast, your adventure officially begins with a visit to the iconic Giza Plateau. Stand before the monumental Great Pyramids and gaze into the mysterious eyes of the Sphinx, guardians of Egypt’s ancient past. Few moments in life compare to standing at the foot of the world’s last surviving ancient wonder.
Your journey continues to Sakkara, home to the remarkable Step Pyramid of King Djoser, the earliest pyramid ever built. Explore surrounding tombs carved with vivid reliefs, offering a powerful glimpse into life and ritual more than 4,000 years ago.
Travel Note: Your flight to Aswan is scheduled for this evening or tomorrow morning. Depending on your flight time, your overnight stay will be in either Cairo or Aswan.
Welcome to Aswan, one of Egypt’s most enchanting cities. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by our representative and transferred directly to your Nile Cruise, your floating home for the next stage of your journey.
Your exploration begins with a visit to the Philae Temple, a breathtaking sanctuary dedicated to Isis. Reached by a peaceful motorboat ride, the temple’s island setting creates an unforgettable first impression, golden stone, shimmering water and soaring palm trees framing this ancient masterpiece.
After returning to your cruise, enjoy a relaxing evening aboard as the Nile drifts gently by.
Today, you will have a free morning. In the afternoon sail along the legendary River Nile, soaking in scenes of rural life, swaying palms and desert horizons that melt seamlessly into green riverbanks.
Your first stop is the striking Temple of Kom Ombo, a rare double temple with perfectly symmetrical design, dedicated to two gods. Built directly beside the Nile, its riverside location creates one of the most dramatic settings in all of Egypt.
As the cruise continues north, the landscapes gently shift as you approach Luxor, a city often described as the world’s greatest open-air museum and once the beating heart of ancient Thebes.
Enjoy a peaceful evening onboard, as the river carries you toward some of Egypt’s most extraordinary ancient wonders.
*Optional extra: Experience the monumental Sun Temple of Ramses the Great at Abu Simbel, a testament to ancient Egypt’s grandeur at its southernmost tip.
Savour a final relaxing morning on deck as the timeless landscapes of the Nile drift by.
In the afternoon, your cruise glides into the ancient city of Luxor, a place often described as the world’s greatest open-air museum. Today, you step deeper into the heart of the Best of Egypt.
Your exploration begins at the monumental Karnak Temple, a vast complex of towering pylons, sacred lakes and forest-like columns that once formed the most important spiritual centre in ancient Egypt. As you walk through the awe-inspiring Hypostyle Hall, imagine ceremonies, processions and rituals that took place here thousands of years ago.
You then continue to the elegant Luxor Temple, beautifully aligned with the Nile. The impressive Avenue of Sphinxes stretches toward you, guiding your path into grand courtyards, towering columns and ancient inscriptions that have stood the test of time.
Return to your Nile Cruise for a peaceful evening on the river.
Please note: The timings of each day are subject to change; morning activities may change to the afternoon or evening and vice versa.
After breakfast, cross the Nile to the legendary West Bank, where ancient Egypt’s greatest secrets lie buried beneath desert cliffs.
Your first visit is the world-famous Valley of the Kings, a vast necropolis filled with the richly decorated tombs of pharaohs. Step into several of these tombs, their walls alive with colour, mythology and the promise of eternal life.
Next, marvel at the stunning Temple of Hatshepsut, carved into towering limestone cliffs at Deir el-Bahri. This extraordinary structure honours Egypt’s only female pharaoh and remains one of the most impressive architectural achievements of the ancient world.
Your final West Bank stop is the mighty Colossi of Memnon, two colossal statues that have stood watch over the Theban plain for more than 3,000 years.
Later, travel by air-conditioned bus to Hurghada, a vibrant resort town on the Red Sea. Settle into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening by the coast.
Today is yours to enjoy the warm, sparkling beauty of Hurghada at your own pace.
Choose from a variety of Red Sea activities, snorkelling vibrant coral reefs, swimming in crystal-clear waters, scuba diving among colourful marine life, or simply relaxing under the Egyptian sun.
Enjoy delicious meals throughout the day and unwind in the peaceful atmosphere of your coastal retreat.
Embrace a day of pure Red Sea bliss. Whether you’re diving into world-class snorkelling and scuba spots, swimming in turquoise waters, or simply soaking up the Egyptian sun, the day is yours to design.
Overnight at your hotel in Hurghada.
Rise early for our return journey to Cairo. Once settled at the hotel, we dive into history at the Grand
Egyptian Museum. This isn’t just a museum; it’s a state-of-the-art tribute to Ancient Egypt, housing more than 100,000 relics. You’ll have the rare opportunity to see King Tutankhamun’s treasure hoard—never before displayed in full—within a facility that blends cutting-edge conservation with the timeless backdrop of the Giza Pyramids.
Positioned perfectly with the Giza Pyramids visible through its massive glass facades, the GEMÂ offers a seamless bridge between the ancient world and the future of conservation.Â
Spend your afternoon lost in the sheer scale of human history before enjoying one last evening in the “City of a Thousand Minarets”.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Cairo.
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Cairo Airport for your onward flight.
As you say goodbye, carry with you the unforgettable sights, sounds and memories that made your journey through the Best of Egypt truly extraordinary.
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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.
The Best Of Egypt starts and finishes in Cairo.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 Jaz Pyramids Resort 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 / MS Lady Mary
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 from Cairo to Aswan:
Your flight to Aswan is scheduled for Day 2 in the evening or Day 3 in the morning. Depending on your flight time, your overnight stay will be in either Cairo or Aswan.
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$60 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. 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$8-10 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$150 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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