Why book the Pharaonic Encounters tour?
Pharaonic Encounters is our best-value 7-day introduction to Egypt's greatest hits. It packs in the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx, the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), Luxor's Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Luxor Temple, a felucca sail on the Nile, plus a genuinely fun overnight sleeper train. You travel with a small group capped at 18, a local Egyptologist guide handles every site, and we sort all the logistics.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Egypt?
Yes, it's purpose-built as a fast, focused introduction. You'll cover every must-see site in Cairo and Luxor, get authentic experiences like the Koshary lunch and felucca ride, and have a local Egyptologist handling everything in between. Seven days is plenty to feel like you've properly seen Egypt without rushing yourself ragged.
What's the difference between this and your other Egypt tours?
Pharaonic Encounters is the entry-point: 7 days, 4-star hotels, sleeper train. Egypt Express (8 days) covers similar ground with a slightly different rhythm. Nubian Adventure (9 days) adds an Aswan/Nubian village stay. Sands & Seas (11 days) tacks on Red Sea time. Discover Egypt (10 days) is the upgraded all-rounder with 5-star hotels and Red Sea built in. Talk to us if you're not sure which one fits. See the Dates & Prices page for current rates.
What's the best time of year to do this tour?
October to April is the most comfortable window for exploring temples. Daytime temperatures sit between roughly 20°C and 30°C. Summer departures (June to September) are warmer but tend to be lower season for price, with early starts built in to dodge the worst of the heat. We run group departures on Tuesdays year-round so you can pick what fits.
Why does this tour cost what it does?
We get it, you can find cheaper Egypt tours floating around. But this isn't a coach trip with strangers and a clipboard guide. Your price covers 4 nights in 4-star hotels, 2 nights in a private twin-berth sleeper train cabin, all transport in private A/C vehicles, a local Egyptologist guide on every sightseeing day, the Koshary lunch, the felucca sail in Luxor, and 24-hour airport transfers. Add up the equivalent independent costs and the maths works out fast in our favour.
What's actually included in the price?
4 nights in 4-star hotels (Cairo and Luxor), 2 nights in private twin-berth sleeper train cabins, all transport and transfers in private A/C vehicles, 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfers, every sightseeing tour with a local Egyptologist guide, the Koshary lunch in Cairo, the felucca sail in Luxor, and meals as listed (6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners).
What's NOT included, and how much extra should I budget?
We're upfront about extras so there are no surprises. You'll need to budget for entrance fees and the tipping kitty. Current amounts are shared at booking and again at the start of the tour. International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, drinks, meals not on the itinerary, and any optional upgrades are separate. Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve gala dinners are sometimes compulsory at hotels at an additional charge. We flag this clearly if it applies to your dates.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. You can hold a reservation online, pay a deposit to lock in your spot, or pay in full, whichever suits. Full balance is due 8 weeks before departure. Reserve now and pay later is also an option if you want to secure dates while you sort flights.
How physically demanding is this tour?
Moderate. Expect to be on your feet for several hours a day exploring temples, tombs and the GEM, often in warm weather. There's an optional crawl into one of the pyramids if you're game (skip it if you're claustrophobic). Transport between sites is by private A/C minibus and the sleeper train, so the in-between bits are restful. If you can comfortably walk for a few hours in warm conditions, you'll do great.
What if I'm older than the rest of the group?
Not a problem. A big share of our Egypt travellers are in their 50s, 60s and 70s. Your Egyptologist sets a sensible pace, builds in breaks, and the itinerary includes a deliberate free day in Luxor and free time in Cairo so you can rest when you need to. What matters is your attitude, not your age.
What if I have mobility issues or a medical condition?
Many conditions can be accommodated with planning. The Valley of the Kings, the pyramid interiors, and some temple sites involve uneven ground, steps and tight spaces that are hard to avoid. The sleeper train also requires climbing into a berth. Please get in touch before booking and we'll talk honestly through your specific situation. We'd rather help you choose the right trip than oversell you on the wrong one. A private departure with a flight upgrade instead of the sleeper train is often the right call.
How hot does it actually get?
Summer (June to August) can hit 40°C+ in Luxor, which is why mornings start early and afternoons stay flexible. October to April daytime temperatures are far more pleasant at 20-30°C. Evenings cool down year-round. Bring a sun hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and refill a water bottle constantly.
Is Egypt safe to visit right now?
Yes. The tourist regions you'll visit (Cairo, Luxor, the Nile Valley) are well-policed and have welcomed travellers steadily for years. Tourism is one of Egypt's largest industries and the country protects it carefully. Our local team monitors conditions continuously and we'd never run a tour we wouldn't send our own families on.
Is it safe for women travelling solo?
Yes, and we host plenty of solo female travellers on every departure. Egypt is conservative, so modest dress (shoulders and knees covered at sites and in towns) makes daily life smoother. You're with a guide and small group throughout, in vetted 4-star hotels, and our local team is always reachable.
What happens if I get sick on tour?
Your Egyptologist is your first point of contact and can arrange a doctor or pharmacy visit fast. Cairo and Luxor both have good private hospitals used to treating tourists. We strongly recommend travel insurance with proper medical cover so anything unexpected is taken care of properly. It's compulsory to join the tour.
Will I be hassled by vendors and touts?
You'll encounter some, especially around the Pyramids and the Luxor souk. It's part of the texture of travelling in Egypt. Your guide knows the dynamic, keeps things flowing, and will give you straightforward tips on how to politely say no thanks. Most travellers find it adds to the atmosphere rather than detracting.
What's the accommodation actually like?
You'll stay in 4-star hotels in Cairo and Luxor, typically the Cairo Pyramids Hotel (Steigenberger) directly opposite the GEM and the Eatabe Luxor Hotel on the Corniche by the Nile. Plus 2 nights on the overnight sleeper train in a private twin-berth cabin between Cairo and Luxor. Hotels have pools, A/C, en-suite bathrooms, and Wi-Fi. The variety is part of what makes the trip feel like more than a hotel-to-hotel parade.
What's the sleeper train like? Is it comfortable?
You're in a private twin-berth cabin with a washbasin, storage, fold-down beds, sheets, pillow and blanket. An airline-style tray dinner and breakfast are included. The journey from Cairo to Luxor is around 9 hours. Board in the evening, wake up in Luxor. Most travellers find it a memorable, slightly old-school part of the experience. If you'd rather fly, a Cairo-to-Luxor flight upgrade is available.
Can I upgrade to 5-star hotels?
Yes. Book this as a private departure and we can swap the 4-star hotels for 5-star properties in Cairo and Luxor. Pre-tour and post-tour 5-star Cairo nights can also be bolted on without going fully private. If 5-star is a hard requirement for the whole trip, Discover Egypt is built around that standard from day one.
Will I have Wi-Fi?
Yes in both hotels. The sleeper train has no reliable Wi-Fi, which most travellers end up appreciating as enforced downtime. Egyptian SIM cards are cheap and easy to grab at Cairo airport if you want reliable mobile data throughout.
What kind of food will we eat?
A mix of hotel buffets (extensive, with international and Egyptian options), the included Koshary lunch in Cairo (rice, lentils, macaroni, chickpeas, tomato sauce, a real Egyptian comfort dish), and dinner on the sleeper train. Other meals are at your own pace so you can try the local restaurants your guide recommends. Egyptian food is hearty, flavourful, and more varied than most first-timers expect.
Can you cater for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets?
Yes. Egyptian cuisine is naturally rich in vegetarian and vegan options (koshary, ful medames, ta'meya, stuffed vegetables, plenty of legumes), so vegetarian travellers tend to eat exceptionally well. Gluten-free is more limited but workable with notice. Let us know any dietary needs at booking and we'll brief the local team.
Is it safe to drink the water?
Stick to bottled water (cheap and available everywhere) and you'll be fine. Hotels use treated water for ice and drinks. Your guide will give clear pointers on what to drink, where, and which street foods are worth trying. A refillable bottle with a filter (we partner with Water-to-Go) cuts plastic waste considerably.
Is this trip good for solo travellers?
Absolutely. A good chunk of every departure books solo. You'll be with a friendly small group capped at 18, your guide handles all the logistics, and you'll meet like-minded travellers from day one. The shared sleeper-train evening tends to be a great icebreaker.
Do I have to share a room?
Solo travellers are paired with another guest of the same gender by default, both in hotels and the sleeper train cabin. If you'd prefer your own room and cabin throughout, a single supplement is available, just let us know at booking and we'll quote it for you.
What's the group size and who else will be on the trip?
Groups run with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 18, with most landing somewhere in the middle. Our travellers are typically in their 30s to 70s, a mix of solos, couples and friend pairs, mostly from the UK, US, Canada, Australia and Europe. All small-group departures are guaranteed to run with just 2 travellers booked.
Can I book this as a private tour?
Yes. The Pharaonic Encounters itinerary can run as a private departure on dates of your choosing, with customisable accommodation (including 5-star upgrades). Great for families, friend groups, or anyone wanting their own pace. Contact us for a tailored quote.
Is this tour suitable for kids?
Older children and teens often love it. The pyramids, tombs and sleeper train have a real wow factor at any age. For young children, a private family departure works better so the pace can flex around them and you can skip the sleeper train for a flight. Get in touch and we'll help work out what suits your family.
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Most nationalities (UK, US, Canada, Australia, most of the EU) can buy a 30-day tourist visa on arrival at Cairo airport, or apply online for an e-visa before you fly. Visa fees aren't included in the tour price. Check current rates and your specific nationality's requirements with Egyptian immigration before booking.
What should I pack?
Modest, lightweight clothing (shoulders and knees covered for temples and towns), comfortable walking shoes, sun hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, a light layer for cool evenings and the sleeper train, and a power adapter (Egypt uses European-style two-pin Type C plugs, 220V). A small daypack is useful for daily sightseeing. A full packing list is sent after booking.
Are any vaccinations required?
No vaccinations are legally required for entry from most countries. Some travellers choose Hepatitis A and Typhoid as standard precautions. Always check with your GP or a travel clinic 6 to 8 weeks before departure for the most current recommendations.
Do I need to book international flights through you?
Your tour starts and ends at your Cairo hotel, so you're free to book whichever flights suit you. You can fly into Cairo International (CAI) or Sphinx International (SPX). Tour transfers run 24-hour on arrival and departure days. We're happy to arrange your flights too, just ask.
What about tipping?
Tipping (baksheesh) is woven into Egyptian culture and a real part of how the local tourism economy works. We collect a tipping kitty at the start of the tour that covers drivers, hotel staff, train and boat crews, and incidentals. Your guide will brief the current amount. Tips for your Egyptologist guide are separate and at your discretion at the end.
Can I do the hot air balloon over Luxor?
Yes. The optional sunrise balloon flight over the West Bank and Valley of the Kings can be added on Day 4. It's an early wake-up (timed to the sunrise) and around an hour in the air, but consistently rated one of the trip's all-time highlights by those who book it.
Can I fly instead of taking the sleeper train?
Yes. A Cairo-to-Luxor flight upgrade is available for Day 2, and a Luxor-to-Cairo flight upgrade is available for the return on Day 5, if you'd rather skip the overnight train.
What other optional tours can I add in Luxor and Cairo?
Plenty. In Luxor: extra West Bank tour (Ramesseum, Medinat Habu, Valley of the Queens), Luxor Museum, hot air balloon. In Cairo: city tour with Coptic Cairo, Saqqara/Dashur/Memphis pyramid trail, Alexandria day trip, Wadi Rayan (Valley of the Whales), Cairo Sunset Felucca, Giza camel ride, Cairo Tower at night, Karnak sound and light show, and a GEM re-visit package. Your guide can also help book extras locally.
Can I extend my time in Cairo?
Yes. Pre or post-tour Cairo nights can be added in 4-star or 5-star hotels, with your airport transfers still included. Extra days work well for Alexandria, Saqqara/Dashur/Memphis, Wadi Rayan, or just slower exploring of Khan el-Khalili and Coptic Cairo. A more affordable 3-star post-tour Cairo extension is also available.
Can I add a Siwa Oasis or Abu Simbel trip?
Siwa Oasis runs as a 4-day optional extension from Cairo, with ancient sites, salt lakes and desert springs. Abu Simbel isn't on the standard Pharaonic Encounters itinerary because the tour doesn't reach Aswan; if Abu Simbel is a must, our Nubian Adventure or Sands & Seas itineraries include it as an option.
How far ahead should I book?
Peak season departures (October to April) regularly fill up 4 to 6 months ahead. Christmas and New Year sell out earliest and may carry compulsory gala dinner costs at the hotels. Summer departures are easier to book closer in. Tuesday departures run year-round, so you've got room to plan around your schedule, but earlier is always safer.
How does booking work?
Reserve your spot online via the Dates & Prices tab, with a deposit or full payment. You can also just hold a reservation if you prefer. Full balance is due 8 weeks before departure. Payment by card, bank transfer or cheque. You'll get instant booking confirmation and a pre-departure pack with everything you need.
What's your cancellation policy?
Cancel well ahead of departure for a refund of payments made. Closer-in cancellations attract fees on a sliding scale. Full terms are in our booking conditions, sent at reservation, and the team is happy to talk you through specifics before you commit. Encounters Travel is UK-registered with financial protection via Trust My Travel.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, it's compulsory. You won't be allowed to join the tour without it. Make sure your policy covers medical treatment, emergency evacuation, repatriation, and trip cancellation. We can recommend providers (we partner with World Nomads) on request. Send us your policy number before departure.
What if my dates are already sold out?
Get in touch. We sometimes have cancellations open up, and we can add you to a waitlist. We can also run the itinerary as a private departure on different dates, or suggest a similar tour (Egypt Express, Nubian Adventure, Sands & Seas, or Discover Egypt) with availability that matches what you're after.
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