Imagine exploring the mystical land of Egypt, where ancient wonders and awe-inspiring landscapes converge. From the magnificent pyramids of Giza to the tranquil serenity of the Nile River, this land is teeming with extraordinary wonders, both cultural and natural.
When you travel to Egypt, you won't merely experience exclusive comfort; you’ll embark on a transformative journey guided by knowledgeable experts. These guardians of the ancient past will lead you through the labyrinthine temples of Luxor, the bustling bazaars of Cairo, and along the meandering waters of the Nile. Their expertise ensures that your adventure is both enlightening and enriching, as you forge a deep connection with the land and its inhabitants.
Ready to start planning? Let's talk. Our experts look forward to crafting a tailormade itinerary for your luxury Egypt tour.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Egypt's wonders. Relax on the stunning beaches of the Red Sea, cruise the Nile to discover ancient temples in Luxor, Edfu, and Kom Ombo. Stand in awe before the magnificent Pyramids of Giza and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Cairo's bustling souks.
Venture on an exclusive tour of Egypt that goes beyond imagination. Get up close to the paws of the mighty Sphinx, sail the Nile on a private luxury dahabiya, exclusive to you, your family, and friends. Experience the magic of a dawn visit to the pyramids, guided by expert Egyptologists. Enjoy the convenience of private charter flights, and indulge in unparalleled luxury and exclusivity throughout your journey.
Can’t decide between a luxury Nile Cruise or a Big Game Safari? Experience the best of both worlds exploring the wild plains of Kenya and the magnificent temples of Egypt, two of Africa’s most iconic destinations, in one incredible trip.
Immerse yourself in Egypt's rich history exploring the pyramids and the vibrant city of Cairo. Indulge in a relaxing Nile River cruise. Then, venture into the heart of Kenya for awe-inspiring game viewing on a private Big Five safari in the Masai Mara and Loisaba Conservancy.
The best time to visit Egypt is from October to March when the weather is warm and dry, providing an excellent opportunity to explore the classic sites and enjoy a luxury Nile cruise without extreme heat. Avoid the peak summer months of June to August when temperatures can soar to 40°C / 104°F or higher.
For beach lovers, the Egyptian Red Sea resorts offer delightful experiences year-round with consistently dry and warm weather.
Top 10 Egypt Activities: 1. Uncover the Secrets of the Iconic Pyramids
If you want to truly understand the pyramids and their history, you need to visit the ancient sites of Saqqara and Dahshur. Here you’ll see how the pyramids evolved from the Bent Pyramid, an early and imperfect structure, to stepped pyramids, to the magnificent Great Pyramid of Giza. It’s likely you’ve seen countless images of the famous pyramids before, but to see the true scale of them with your own eyes is an overwhelming experience.
Top 10 Egypt Activities: 2. Wander Luxor Temple After Nightfall
Visiting Luxor Temple at any time is an incredible experience, but at night it is something truly special. Come nightfall, the temple is delicately lit by carefully considered lighting that creates an enchanting atmosphere whilst still allowing you to see the intricate details of the ancient engravings and hieroglyphs. After soaking up the temple’s history, you’ll move on to a rose garden where you can indulge in a private dinner in the cool and calm of the Egyptian evening.
Top 10 Egypt Activities: 3. Get Up Close to the Magnificent Great Sphinx
Easily one of Egypt’s most iconic structures, everybody wants to see the Sphinx and it can become very crowded. We can arrange your own private tour, where you can enjoy the site undisturbed and accompanied by a leading Egyptologist who can answer your every question. Get up close to the gargantuan sphinx, built incredibly from just one stone, and be amazed by the ancient craftsmanship behind it.
Top 10 Egypt Activities: 4. Cruise the World’s Most Famous River
Undoubtedly the best way to explore Egypt is a cruise of the river Nile. Wake up in your spacious cabin and sip a hot coffee looking out over the sparkling waters before discovering Egypt’s fascinating ancient history with your expert guide. Cool off with cocktails and refreshing dips in the pool, indulge in delicious cuisine and while taking in the mesmerising sights of ancient temples and timeless landscapes.
Top 10 Egypt Activities: 5. Explore the Tomb of an Ancient Queen in Privacy
After visiting the remarkably well preserved tomb of Queen Nefertari, people often report feeling moved and emotional. We’ll arrange for you to see it privately, without any other tourists around, ensuring a calm and deeply personal experience, immersing yourself in this fascinating ancient history. With no other visitors there, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back thousands of years as you admire the brightly coloured and exceedingly detailed illustrations of her tomb.
Top 10 Egypt Activities: 6. Discover Egypt with the Very Best Egyptologists
Seeing Egypt’s ancient tombs and structures will undoubtedly spark your curiosity and raise a multitude of questions. So, who better to accompany you on your Egypt trip than an expert academic Egyptologist?
Excellent story-tellers, your guide will be able to help you achieve an in-depth understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization and accurately answer your every query. Perhaps you’re travelling with children or grandchildren? If so, these experts can make the information accessible for younger minds too.
Top 10 Egypt Activities: 7. Gain an In-Depth Perspective on Modern Egyptian Life
Engage with a guest speaker selected from a distinguished group of experts for an insightful briefing on present-day Egypt. While the country's ancient history remains captivating, there is much to discover about current affairs. Hear more about life and modern-day society during this comprehensive exploration of life in Cairo today.
Top 10 Egypt Activities: 8. Immerse Yourself in Nubian Culture
Connecting with people is unquestionably one of the most rewarding aspects of travelling. Spend some of your time in Egypt visiting a Nubian village and learning what life is like. Listen as the villagers show you their homes and community, and even some ancient remains that the majority of tourists don’t get to see. You’ll be invited into a family’s home for a traditional dinner where you can ask all your questions about Nubian culture and daily life.
Top 10 Egypt Activities: 9. Enjoy Cairo’s Unique Architecture
In amongst the hustle and bustle of busy Cairo, you’ll find Bayt El Razaz, a restored fifteenth century mansion adorned with impressively intricate and colourful stained glass windows. The glorious Egyptian sunlight floods through the windows, illuminating the beautiful images and allowing you to see their elaborate details.
Savour the peace and tranquillity that exudes this beautiful building as you discover its extensive living quarters, stables and bathrooms, before learning about the work of local artisans in its central courtyard.
Top 10 Egypt Activities: 10. Unwind on the Waters of the Nile
Step aboard a felucca for a calming evening on the Nile. These traditional sailing boats are made of wood and have a huge, white sail, meaning they’re completely quiet and perfect for a dusk sailing. Watch as the sun sets over the river’s glistening surface, illuminating the sky in reds and oranges, as you glide along the water. As the boat gently bobs up and down, you’re soothed by its delicate movements - the very best way to end a day in Egypt.
Egypt Travel FAQs: Is it Safe to Travel to Egypt?
Yes, Egypt is a safe destination for travellers. With approximately 12 million visitors in 2022, the country has a robust tourism infrastructure, particularly in key tourist areas. The pyramids and archaeological sites are vigilantly guarded by the Egyptian army and police, providing a sense of safety. The locals are known for their warm and hospitable nature, ensuring a welcoming experience.
Furthermore, when you embark on a Journeysmiths holiday, a knowledgeable guide accompanies you, enhancing your journey and offering added assurance.
Egypt Travel FAQs: What Can I See in Egypt?
In Egypt, you can explore an incredible array of historical wonders and cultural treasures. Visit the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and ancient temples like Karnak and Luxor. Marvel at the Valley of the Kings and the treasures of Tutankhamun.
Cruise the Nile River to witness breath-taking landscapes and ancient sites. Experience the bustling markets and vibrant culture of Cairo, and relax at the Red Sea resorts offering stunning beaches and underwater adventures.
Egypt Travel FAQs: What Should I Wear in Egypt?
In Egypt, lightweight and cool clothing is recommended, especially during the warm months. Pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring archaeological sites. For visits to mosques, modest attire is essential, covering legs, arms, and hair for women - lightweight scarves can be useful for covering in mosques. Remember to remove your shoes before entering the mosque, as it is customary for both men and women.
Be prepared for warm weather and wear sunscreen and a hat for added protection.
Egypt Travel FAQs: How Much Time Should I Spend in Egypt?
Egypt is vast - think roughly twice the size of France or California - and its must-see attractions are spread throughout the land.
To explore the classic sites like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, including a luxury Nile Cruise, 7 to 10 days is recommended. For a more in-depth exploration, including lesser visited sites and more remote areas such as Egypt’s White Desert, a 12 to 14 day itinerary would be more suitable.
If you also want some relaxation time on the Red Sea consider adding a few more days to your itinerary.
Egypt Travel FAQs: How Long Should I Spend on a Luxury Nile River Cruise?
The duration for a luxury Nile River cruise typically ranges from 3, 4 or 7 nights with most boats sailing between Aswan and Luxor, or vice versa. During this time, you will explore some of Egypt’s most iconic tombs, temples and ancient ruins, while enjoying the comfort and luxury of the cruise.
Nile River cruising is a wonderfully relaxed but educational way to experience this region. As a minimum, we recommend a 4 night cruise to truly appreciate all that is on offer.
Egypt Travel FAQs: How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Egypt?
As a luxury tour operator, we specialise in crafting tailor-made itineraries based on various factors, starting with your interests, the duration of your trip, the level of luxury you desire, and the activities you plan to undertake. Our sample itineraries offer indicative pricing to assist you in planning your trip.
We excel in creating extraordinary travel experiences, such as a sunrise visit to the Pyramids with a renowned Egyptologist, special access to the Paws of the Sphinx, or an exclusive Nile cruise customised just for you and your family, or friends. Let us curate a remarkable journey that exceeds your expectations.
Egypt is well-connected to the world, with international airports in key cities like Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. The primary entry point is Cairo, often preferred by most of our clients.
For travellers from the UK, a non-stop flight from London to Cairo takes around 5 hours.
From the US, a direct flight from New York takes approximately 12 hours, while West Coast travellers may opt for routes via Europe, with stop-overs, taking around 17 hours.
For travellers wanting to include the Red Sea on their itinerary, there are also airports in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.
Egypt Travel FAQs: Do I Need a Visa to Visit Egypt?
Yes, most visitors to Egypt need a visa to enter the country, which can be obtained in advance through the official e-visa portal. The cost of a single-entry tourist visa for most nationalities ranges from USD 25-50 per person. However, fees may change over time, so it is essential to check, along with the specific visa requirements based on your nationality, length of intended stay and the purpose of your visit to Egypt.
For some nationalities, if visiting the Red Sea resort area only and staying less than 15 days, a free entry permission stamp is given upon arrival. However, if you plan to travel outside these areas or stay longer, you must obtain a visa in advance.
Egypt Travel FAQs: What is There to Do in Cairo with Kids?
Cairo offers a myriad of family-friendly activities to keep kids entertained and engaged. Explore the ancient wonders like the Pyramids and Sphinx, embark on a camel ride in the desert, and visit the Egyptian Museum to discover fascinating artefacts. The Cairo Tower provides breath-taking city views, and Al-Azhar Park offers a serene escape.
Don't miss the Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids, a captivating experience for all ages. With its vibrant culture, rich history, and diverse attractions, Cairo is a fascinating destination for young and old.
Egypt Travel FAQs: What is the Best Currency to Take to Egypt?
The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound (EGP). It's recommended to have some local currency for tipping or shopping in smaller markets and restaurants. Major foreign currencies like US dollars, pounds sterling, and euros are easily exchangeable at hotels, banks, and exchange bureaus. Additionally, US dollars, euros, and credit cards are widely accepted in major tourist establishments, hotels, and souvenir shops.
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We had another fabulous travel experience, a 10 day family trip to Egypt, including a river cruise with sightseeing along the Nile and a few days in Cairo. Everything was planned brilliantly both in terms of the itinerary and assistance before and during the trip. Our local guides were also the best you could ask for.
We loved the cruise and visiting the temples and sites along the river. But we also really enjoyed our time in Cairo where we had an amazing archaeologist taking us to the pyramids and the sphinx as well as around the city's main sites. Staying at Mena House was also absolutely amazing and we had a fabulous room overlooking the pyramids. A big thank you to Ross for making sure that everything went perfectly all along! We'll certainly come back for our next adventure!
Francesca & family
What Our Clients Say: Antarctica Trip of a Lifetime!
We are so grateful that we worked with Ross from Journeysmiths. Our trip was cancelled multiple times due to Covid and without Ross' help I doubt we could have navigated the process…Our experience was life changing and we are so thankful that Ross could help with every detail, from booking to getting us to the front of the line for excursions and extras.
Joe
What Our ClientsSay: Argentina & Chile
Pre - trip advice, planning and administration were first class. The operations on the ground all went very smoothly…The itinerary covered a variety of terrain including Buenos Aires, fjords, glaciers, seaside & desert. All the accommodations & cruise ship were excellent in all respects - location & scenery, service, food, activities and guides. The trip gave us many memorable experiences including landing on Cape Horn, a wild but friendly encounter with a Puma and hiking among giant cacti in the Atacama desert. This was our second trip to South America with Journeysmiths and both have been really great.
While the evolution of travel and technology has seen much change at Journeysmiths over the years, our fundamental beliefs about the perfect holiday have not: each client is unique; each trip should be individually designed; the service we provide must be second to none; we must play our part in conserving our world’s remote places and amazing wildlife and help its people to thrive.
Travel is one of life’s great joys, but as we have seen in recent times, sometimes the unexpected happens. We have been creating unforgettable holidays for over 30 years. Your happiness and safety are at the heart of what we do.
Our Book With Confidence Promise offers flexibility and reassurance so that you can relax and look forward to the extraordinary adventures ahead.
Supporting local communities, conserving wildlife and preserving wild spaces are commitments that have been engrained in the Journeysmiths business model for over thirty years.
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