Discover Egypt (with flights)
FEATURED ITINERARY HIGHLIGHT
11 day tour:

Discover Egypt (with flights)

This comprehensive 11-day flight inclusive Egypt tour is designed to provide a great introduction to some of Egypt's best Pharaonic sites in Cairo and the Nile Valley, with a 1-nig...

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Discover Egypt (with flights) Tour

This comprehensive 11-day flight inclusive Egypt tour is designed to provide a great introduction to some of Egypt's best Pharaonic sites in Cairo and the Nile Valley, with a 1-night felucca river cruise and time by the Red Sea.

Trip Highlights 8 featured moments
The Pyramids & Sphinx
Egyptian Museum
Philae Temple
Abu Simbel option
Nile felucca cruise
Temple of Karnak & Valley of the Kings
Colossi of Memnon
Red Sea at Hurghada

Itinerary

This comprehensive 11-day flight inclusive Egypt tour is designed to provide a great introduction to some of Egypt's bes...

DAY 1 Depart from the USA
DAY 2 Arrive into Cairo and tra...
DAY 3 Cairo, Pyramids, Sphinx &...
DAY 4 Aswan, Nubian Village and...
DAY 5 Abu Simbel option. Nile F...
DAY 6 Edfu temple, Luxor temple...
DAY 7 Luxor, West bank tour, Ka...
DAY 8 Luxor to the Red Sea at H...
DAY 9 Red Sea at Hurghada, free...
DAY 10 Drive to Cairo, Old Cairo...
DAY 11 Cairo, free time, departu...
DAY 1

Depart from the USA

Day 1 Meals TBC

Today you'll board your overnight international flight to Egypt. Options are available from New York (JFK), Washington DC (IAD), Chicago (ORD) and Los Angeles (LAX), though if you'd like to fly from other airports not listed, please contact us for details.

Depart from the USA
DAY 2

Arrive into Cairo and transfer to hotel

Day 2 Meals TBC

Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport, assist you with obtaining your visa and luggage, and then transfer you to your hotel for the start of your trip. They will help you settle in, introduce you to the local area, and explain tomorrow's arrangements. The rest of the day is free. If you arrive early you may like to take an evening dinner cruise on the Nile, or enjoy a spectacular sound and light show at the pyramids (both available to book locally on arrival).

 

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Single room supplement
Extra day in Cairo (5-star) - pre-tour
Arrive into Cairo and transfer to hotel
DAY 3

Cairo, Pyramids, Sphinx & Museum tour

Day 3 Breakfast,Dinner

Our tour of Egypt begins with a drive to Giza on the outskirts of Cairo to visit the Sphinx and the three great pyramids of Egypt. One of our local Egyptologist guides will be accompanying you on this and all of your other sightseeing tours, and you'll find them a wealth of knowledge and full of enthusiasm about Egyptian history, and their country in general. At 500 feet high and 750 feet wide at its base the Great Pyramid of Khufu (Cheops) is an awesome man-made structure constructed of giant stone blocks with a hard limestone casing. The casing has, over the years, been stripped away to leave exposed the inner block structure. Together with the smaller pyramids of Khafre (Chephern) and Menkaure (Mycerinus), the majestic sight of these enormous structures rising out of the desert is a breathtaking spectacle. You will have the opportunity to climb down right inside the pyramids if you wish, though your guide cannot accompany you (a limited number of tickets are available for the Great Pyramid). Following on from the Pyramids we then head to the Egyptian Museum. Home to the fantastic Tutankhamun exhibit the museum hosts a huge number of other ancient Egyptian artefacts.

This evening we transfer to the station for the overnight sleeper train to Aswan (approx. 12 hours). You’ll enjoy dinner on board in your private twin-berth compartments before the steward sets your beds up for the night.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Cairo to Aswan flight upgrade
Cairo, Pyramids, Sphinx & Museum tour
DAY 4

Aswan, Nubian Village and Philae Temple

Day 4 Breakfast,Lunch

This morning we arrive in Aswan and transfer to our hotel overlooking the Nile which is at its most picturesque here, with lush green islands, and feluccas sailing to and fro. Aswan itself is a melting pot of African and Middle Eastern cultures, most easily experienced by wandering through the busy markets. It's also part of the ancient region of Nubia, which comprised parts of present day southern Egypt and northern Sudan around the Nile rivers. Many descendants of the Nubian people still live here and we'll visit a local Nubian village to see their colourful houses, simple way of life and to enjoy a traditional lunch.

We continue our tour this afternoon with a visit the Temple of Philae, a beautiful island complex dedicated to Isis and reclaimed from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, which we reach by a scenic boat ride. The evening is then free to look around Aswan's spice and general markets, and to walk up and down the popular Corniche, on the banks of the Nile. An option is also available to take a camel ride through the sands on the far bank of the Nile to St. Simeon's monastery. If you've chosen the Abu Simbel option then head to bed early this evening to be ready for a very early start tomorrow morning.

Aswan, Nubian Village and Philae Temple
DAY 5

Abu Simbel option. Nile Felucca Cruise

Day 5 Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

An option is available this morning to visit the temples built by Ramses II at the amazing UNESCO world heritage site of Abu Simbel. We depart very early with the aim of seeing the rising sun over the temples. If you don't visit Abu Simbel, then this morning is free.

We board our traditional Nile felucca at lunchtime to enjoy an afternoon sailing down the Nile. Floating down the Nile on a felucca is one of Egypt's most enjoyable activities and you'll be able to watch local rural Egyptian life pass you by on the banks of the river as you drift past. Our Nubian crew will sail the boat and entertain you on the way, as well as preparing meals for you. Our separate facilities boat will join with us from time to time during the day and moor up with us at night. This boat has a welcome toilet and showers on board as well as a hygienic kitchen. You sleep on the deck of the boat tonight (mattresses, blankets and mosquito nets provided). This is a fun, but basic experience, and we offer an optional upgrade to spend this night back in the Aswan hotel instead of sleeping on the felucca for those wishing some more comfort. You then rejoin the rest of the group the next morning.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Abu Simbel overland
Upgrade from felucca to hotel in Aswan
Abu Simbel option. Nile Felucca Cruise
DAY 6

Edfu temple, Luxor temple at night

Day 6 Breakfast

After breakfast on-board we bid farewell to our felucca crew and visit the nearby temple at Edfu before continuing on north to Luxor. The town of Luxor is built on and around the ancient site of Thebes, and boasts the largest concentration of ancient ruins in the Nile Valley, if not the world. To the west of the Nile lies the City of the Dead, with its mortuary temples and rock-hewn tombs, whilst to the east lie the Temples of Luxor and Karnak.

We check into a luxury 5-star hotel on the banks of the Nile and have time to relax and enjoy time by the pool this afternoon.

Later this evening we'll take a walking tour of the smaller Luxor Temple which is right in the middle of town and beautifully lit up at night.

DAY 7

Luxor, West bank tour, Karnak temple

Day 7 Breakfast

We cross the Nile early this morning to begin our tour of Luxor’s West Bank. Home to the Valley of the Kings, the dusty tombs in this ancient burial site are still revealing their secrets today and so it remains one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Our tour includes several of these Pharaonic tombs, as well as the temple of Queen Hatchepsut, Deir-el-Medina (the Valley of the Craftsmen), and the huge Colossi of Memnon.

A spectacular hot air balloon flight over the west bank of the Nile is available this morning (expect an early start to catch sunrise as the balloon rises).

After lunch we'll tour the huge temple complex at Karnak , once the religious centre of Thebes and Upper Egypt. It was linked to Luxor by an extensive avenue, lined with sphinxes, and the whole complex was in turn linked to the Nile via a canal through which moved the sacred boats of the god Amun. Entering through a smaller sphinx-lined avenue, built by Ramesses II, you come to the immense pylon entrance. Inside the huge Courtyard are three chapels dedicated to the gods Amun, Khous and Mut. The remarkable Hypostyle Hall has 134 towering columns, each carved with scenes of gods and pharaohs, and hieroglyphic inscriptions adorn the walls.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Hot air balloon in Luxor
DAY 8

Luxor to the Red Sea at Hurghada

Day 8 Breakfast,Dinner

After a lazy morning we leave the Nile Valley and drive to the Red Sea resort of Hurghada where we check into a 5-star resort. Your stay here is on a 'soft all inclusive' basis, with all meals, soft drinks and snacks included but not alcoholic beverages.

 

DAY 9

Red Sea at Hurghada, free day

Day 9 Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Your day is free today to relax and enjoy your time by the Red Sea. Hurghada is world famous for its scuba diving and snorkelling and the rich Red Sea marine life here attracts divers from all over the world. Other adventurous activities available include wind surfing and kite surfing, glass bottomed submarines, quad biking, camel rides and sea fishing trips. Our local rep based in Hurghada will be on hand to help make any arrangements. Hurghada itself has an interesting marina and old town to explore.

If you wish, we can book extra nights in the resort in Hurghada for you to extend your time here - please contact us for details and prices.

Note: Please note that when adding extra nights in Hurghada you will leave the group here and miss the remaining activities in Cairo. You can either finish the tour in Hurghada or fly back to Cairo later. Please contact us for more information and customised pricing.

DAY 10

Drive to Cairo, Old Cairo & Khan-el-Khalili bazzar tour

Day 10 Breakfast

We drive back to Cairo this morning (approx.. 5hrs) and check into a city centre hotel. An upgrade to an internal flight is also available on request. In the late afternoon we take a guided walk through the back streets and bazaars in Old Cairo. We'll walk through the huge Bab al-Futuh gateway and explore streets dedicated to metalwork, spices, pottery, fabric, jewelery and anything else you can imagine as we gradually enter the more touristy Khan-el-Khalili bazaar. We'll have time for a break to try some mint tea and a shisha pipe and this is a great final opportunity to pick up some souvenirs of your time in Egypt.

 

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Hurghada to Cairo flight upgrade
DAY 11

Cairo, free time, departure airport transfer

Day 11 Breakfast

Your time is free today for some last minute sightseeing or shopping until we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight. If you have an afternoon or evening flight departure, then a half-day tour of Coptic Cairo and the Citadel is available today, or you could take another half-day tour to learn more about the evolution of pyramid building at Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis. tours are also available today. Alternatively you can add extra nights to your time in Cairo which would allow you to take a day trip to the colonial city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast, or a trip into the desert outside Cairo to see the World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan.

 

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Alexandria day trip
Cairo city tour
Wadi Rayan day trip (Valley of the Whales)
Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis
Extra day in Cairo (5-star) - post-tour

Included and Excluded

Included

  • 7 nights accommodation in 5-star hotels
  • 1 night on board felucca sailboat with support boat (hotel upgrade available)
  • 1 night on board sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan (flight & hotel upgrade available)
  • International Flights from your chosen airport (JFK, IAD, ORD or LAX - see dates and prices tab)
  • All transport and transfers in private AC vehicles
  • 24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
  • Sightseeing tours as detailed in the itinerary
  • Services of a local Egyptologist guide for all the sightseeing tours
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary

Excluded

  • Supplement to fly from airports not listed (contact us for details)
  • Visa fees (US$25 available on arrival for most nationalities)
  • Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
  • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees to sites visited (allow approx. US$122)
  • Tipping kitty (allow US$65)
  • Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
  • Tour guide tips
  • Hotel gala dinners (if charged by the hotels on 24 & 31 Dec, see Tour notes)
  • Any other items not mentioned above

Notes

Full payment is required at booking so that we can finalse and issue your flight tickets. Flight inclusive pricing subject to airline availability. Hotel listed subject to availablility and may be exchanged for similar properties at the same level. 61 day cancellation required for $250 refund; 31-60 days for $125 refund, 0-30 days for no refund. 

Departure Dates

Guaranteed departures with confirmed dates. Book early to secure your preferred date.

Departure Date Return Date Availability From price Notes
No departure dates currently available.
No departure dates currently available.
Private Tours

Private Tailor-Made

Travel exclusively with your family or friends on a private tour tailored to your pace and preferences.

  • Flexible dates
  • Personalized experience
  • Premium comfort

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions for this tour are being updated. Please contact our team if you need help before booking.

Still have questions?

Contact our travel team.

Contact our team

Traveler Reviews

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Excellent
Based on 1,738 reviews
5
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4
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2
2.2%
1
1.3%
92% of travelers recommend this tour
P
PJFoyt
Egypt
Jul 01, 2016
I had already taken a big trip to London this year, so another trip abroad was not on my radar. But I'm SO glad I found the time and room in my budget to make it happen. The "Discover Egypt" tour with Encounters was absolutely the trip of a lifetime - we're talking "birthplace of civilization" stuff here, plus a ton of fun! The Tour Leader, Khalifa, arranged every little detail...including our re-routed flights home...and extras when possible, and did it all with a big smile and great sense of humor. By the end of the tour, hugs were exchanged not only with our new friends on the tour, but our new friends from Encounters. And our Tour Guide and Egyptologist, Mohamed...well, he has a gift. I learned and laughed more on this tour that on any other one. I will remember him, the adventure...swimming in the Nile, snorkeling in the Red Sea, a sand dune fire made of mango branches (oh, the smell!) with Nubian music in the background...oh, and did I mention the pyramids. They and the other Egyptian marvels were absolutely breathtaking. I was blown away by everything (including the heat...but that's what you get when you go in July!) and recommend Encounters without reservation. And, we had Tourism Police with us at all times so we were extra safe. Don't delay the trip of a lifetime. Everywhere we went the sites were pretty much ours to enjoy. It won't stay this way in Egypt forever. It's too special for people to stay away.

Accommodation

The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often use on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level.

Options

Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time in the country you're visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.

All accommodation based options (e.g. Single supplements, extra nights, upgrades) should be booked and paid for in advance so that we can make the appropriate arrangements. Most other options can be booked and paid for in advance or while you are on the tour, though we recommend booking in advance to ensure there are no issues with availability.

Most options are priced the same throughout the year, though some may have seasonal pricing or minimum number requirements - our sales team will advise the final pricing based on your travel date and number of passengers on your booking.

Tour Notes

The detailed Tour Notes below provide important practical information about how the tour runs, what to expect, and how to prepare for your holiday.

1. Felucca Sailboat

This tour features an overnight felucca cruise.  Feluccas are very basic traditional Nile sailboats and are a fun and relaxing way to travel down the river. You sleep on the deck of the boat (mattresses and some blankets are provided, but we suggest that you bring a sleeping sheet, blanket or light sleeping bag during the winter months of November-February). There are no toilet facilities on board, but you will be joined several times each day and at night by our support boat where a toilet and warm showers will be available.  Mosquito nets are provided for use while you are sleeping but you should bring mosquito repellent for the evenings and early mornings. Your Nubian boat crew will cook all your meals while on board and entertain you in the evenings.

2. Transport
3. Dates & Prices
4. Transfers
5. International Flights
6. Group Size/Tour Leaders/Guides
7. Entrance Fees
8. Tipping
9. Accommodation
10. What to take
11. Booking & Payment
12. Financial Security
13. Responsible Tourism
14. Follow Us Online
15. Travel Insurance
16. Before you travel
17. Reduce Plastic Waste with Water-to-Go Filter bottles
18. Private & Tailor-made Tours
19. Passports and Visas - Egypt
20. Money - Egypt
21. Voltage
22. Time
23. Health and Vaccinations

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