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Just mention the word Egypt, and you’ll be conjuring up images of Pyramids and The Great Sphinx! Steeped in ancient history, this mystifying country is one of the world’s most interesting and oldest civilizations. From the chaos of Cairo with its bustling bazaars to the peace and tranquillity of the Red Sea, Egypt is a truly captivating ancient wonder of the world, and it will surely bring out the explorer in you. One of the best ways to see the country is to take Egypt Tours, and we outline the top 10 best tours below.
Visit the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, where Tutankhamun’s tomb was unearthed just 100 years ago, soaking up the archaeological treasures at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, or take a cruise along the serene River Nile. Called the Father of African Rivers, the Nile is the world’s longest river and stretches some 6,695 km, winding northwards through eleven countries from its source south of the equator before draining into the Mediterranean Sea. Whether you choose to indulge in a luxurious boat trip or a more traditional boutique-style Felucca, you cannot fail to be amazed by the stunning and diverse scenery. One moment, you might be drifting past lush green jungle foliage, and the next, you could be taking in the sights of a camel-filled desert with its incredible oases.
Filled with their ancient carvings, paintings, and hieroglyphics, the spectacle of the ancient tombs is a real must-do when visiting Egypt. Scattered with the remains of many temples, such as the Luxor and Karnak temples, Luxor itself is known as ‘the world’s greatest open-air museum.’ To the South of Egypt, you will find the historical Nile-side city of Aswan with its mesmerizing Abu Simbel and Philae temples.
And if you are seeking a little peace and tranquillity after your archaeological adventures, Egypt’s beaches are pure paradise. Soft golden sand, natural pools of crystal blue water, and gentle waves are perfect for lazy days at the beach. The Red Sea is as warm as a bath, with average water temperatures of 66 degrees Fahrenheit in December and January and a scorching 84 degrees in the summer months. Its dizzying marine life and colorful coral reef make it the best place to dive in Egypt.
And last but not least, the aromatic flavors of Egypt’s food scene are sure to make your mouth water. Like in many Middle Eastern countries, a big part of Egyptian culture is gathering and celebrating with friends and family…. where there is a party, there is food! Try the traditional dish of Ful mudamas or the Ta’meya falafel as part of your traditional Egyptian breakfast. And for that street vibe, Koshari is an inexpensive but delicious dish served from carts and in restaurants.
So, with so many exquisite places to visit in Egypt, why limit yourself to just one location? We believe the best way to experience the magic of this Pharohic country is by tour. Whether your preference is a group, private, or bespoke tour, we have selected the top 10 Best Tours in Egypt to help get you started.
The best time to visit Egypt is between October and April. The slightly cooler (but still warm) temperatures make discovering the busy streets of Cairo, visiting the temples and pyramids, and exploring the desert more comfortable. It’s still possible to visit during the hotter summer months of May through to September as air conditioning, fewer visitors, and lower prices can make it appealing to some. There is always a breeze on the Nile, so any time of the year is possible if your trip involves a river cruise.
1. Cairo, The Nile & Red Sea Vacation
Our first choice favorite tour is the 13-day Cairo, The Nile, and Red Sea Vacation by Memphis Tours, which provides a great range of exclusive tours. Discover all this captivating country has to offer while experiencing pure indulgent luxury. Your tour will start in Cairo, where you will visit the most popular sites, including the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Museum of Egyptian Antiques. Try your hand at a little bartering in the Khan El Khalili Bazaars and Open Market before flying to Upper Egypt, where you will board the salubrious Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise boat to start your journey along the Nile. Experience the splendor of the cocktail receptions, extravagant dining, and onboard relaxing spa, all sure to prepare you for the historical explorations of the Aswan and the Luxor regions. Your tour continues onto the Red Sea resort of the Sahl Hasheesh Oberoi Hotel. Here, you can experience the delights of its first-class facilities and select from a number of optional tours, including snorkeling, jeep safaris, and cave adventures.
2. Luxury Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise & Cairo
Many of the Egypt tours include a cruise along the River Nile, and this eleven-day tour is no exception. Starting in Cairo, you will begin your tour in Memphis, the old capital of Egypt. Take in the magnificent sights of the Pyramids at Giza and experience the hustle and bustle of the Khan El Khalili, Cairo’s old bazaar. During your visit to Cairo, you will stay in the refined Four Seasons hotel, where timeless sophistication and personalized attention combine. After a short flight to Luxor, sail in luxury aboard the five-star Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise. From here, you will be guided around the many magnificent temples in Luxor and Aswan, including the Valley of the Kings, Luxor temple, Philae temple, and High Dam.
3. Luxor to Abu Simbal Short Break
If you are looking for a tour that will provide you with a taste of Egypt while capturing the best of what this magnificent country has to offer, then this four-day tour is for you. Encapsulating the magic of Egypt, you will stay in two luxurious hotels, the first of which is in Luxor. You will visit The Valley of the Kings, Luxor, and Karnak temples from here. Drive to Aswan, where you will stay a second night and visit the Abu Simbel Temples, High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, the Temple of Philae, and more.
4. Egypt Explorer (with Felucca Cruise & Red Sea)
This small group, ten-day tour starts and finishes in the bustling and vibrant city of Cairo. Visit the awe-inspiring Great Pyramids and the Sphinx at the Giza Plateau and take in the beauty of the Philae Temple. Travel along the Nile in traditional Egyptian style on a Felucca sailboat, appreciating the colorful sights of the Nile village life en route. After taking in the spectacles that are Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor, relax in your luxury Hurghada hotel and enjoy the exquisiteness of the Red Sea. Observe the marine life by doing a spot of snorkeling or taking a swim in the warm crystal clear waters, and if that all sounds a bit exhausting, why not sit and relax in the sun before heading back for your final day of exploration in Cairo?
5. Cairo & Desert Adventure
This six-day tour by Memphis Tours is a step away from the traditional temple/Nile cruise tours. Rest assured, you will still witness the much-visited and outstanding archaeological sites of the Giza Plateau, the famous Sphinx, and Valley Temple (to name just a few), but you will also get the opportunity to visit the unique White and Black Deserts and the natural springs of Bahariya Oasis. One of the more fetching of the desert oases and a grand introduction to the Western desert’s barren beauty, shady date palms cover the floor, and the many natural springs are just waiting for you to plunge in. You can camp overnight in the desert or stay in the Farafra oasis hotel before heading back to the city of Cairo and on your return journey home.
6. Pyramids & the Nile by Train
River and rail combine on this tour to encapsulate the spectacular sights of historic Egypt. Explore the vibrancy of Cairo and visit the Great Pyramids, famous Sphinx, and Valley Temple before being transported to the gorgeous Giza station, where you will board a sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan. After a hearty breakfast, you will be transported to your luxurious floating hotel, where you will spend the next three nights aboard the spectacular Movenpick M/S Royal Lily. Its 56 cabins and four spacious suites are splendidly decorated, making the perfect viewing platform for the Nile Riverbanks. Encounter the temple of Kom Ombo, where you’ll learn about the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus before taking the return sleeper train back to Cairo from Luxor.
7. Egyptian Grand Tour
What better way to commence your Cox & Kings tour of this magnificent country than by staying in the lavish Four Seasons Hotel? After a relaxing night’s sleep, commence your eleven-day Egyptian experience with a full-day tour of the Egyptian Museum, citadel, and Bazaar. After digesting some of the most spectacular sites of the ancient world, board the magnificent cruise boat MS Mövenpick Royal Lily for a truly memorable trip along the Nile, including a traditional Felucca ride. This tour also explores the beautiful scenery of Lake Nasser. Otherwise known as the Nubian Sea in southern Egypt and created as a result of the construction of the Aswan High Dam, it’s one of the largest artificial lakes in the world. Discover magnificent temples and tombs of the ancient world on your cruise through ancient Egyptian history.
8. Egypt Yoga & Spiritual Tour
This unique tour offers a journey of enlightenment and understanding of ancient mindsets and beliefs. The Egyptians saw their land as a sacred reflection of heaven on earth and perceived the Nile as the earthly mirror of the Milky Way, the celestial river. Spiritual and yoga expert Hassan Kamal accompanies you on this nine-day tour and teaches you about spiritual Egyptian knowledge and meditation. You will encounter the many famous sites of ancient Egypt, such as the Great Pyramids and the Valley of the Kings, as well as enjoying a Nile cruise on board the Dahabeyabut. Each part of this exclusive tour has a spiritual focus, and this really is a journey of enlightenment, with mornings being started with a Free Spirit Yoga session and evenings being closed with gentle ZEN Spirit Yoga and meditation.
9. Family-Friendly Tour of Egypt: Camel Rides, King Tut & the Red Sea
This three-destination tour is the perfect family-friendly interactive experience. The private guides are on hand to breathe life into the ancient relics and remains, making it an enchanting experience for all. No matter your age, you will surely enjoy the thrill of a camel ride across the desert and the hands-on demonstration by master craftsmen showing how the pyramids were built. Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Nile on the majestic Movenpick Royal Lily boat and uncover the magic of the ancient world. Spend the last few days lazing on a private beach in Egypt’s exclusive Sharm El Sheik and enjoy the idyllic splendors of the Red Sea and all it has to offer.
10. Cairo & Beach
This eleven-day tour is the perfect combination of exploration and relaxation. Starting in Cairo, you will spend the first half of your break being expertly guided around the many ancient sites, including the pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, or the Alabaster Mosque as it’s sometimes known. Stop for a spot of shopping in the Khan El Khalili souq and perhaps even barter yourself a bargain before jetting off to the tranquil El Quseir. Located on the shores of the Red Sea, this is the perfect spot for snorkeling and discovering the brightly colored coral reefs that thrive in warm waters. Or perhaps arrange a local camelback tour of the vast desert close by.
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