Why book the Egypt Express tour?
Egypt Express is our most accessible Egypt itinerary: 8 days, Cairo to Cairo, small group up to 18, and priced to make Egypt achievable without compromising on the key experiences. You'll cover the Pyramids, Sphinx, a Koshary lunch, an overnight seater train to Aswan, a Nubian guesthouse stay, a felucca sail on the Nile, and the temples of the Valley of the Kings on the return. It's Egypt's greatest hits with a no-nonsense, adventurous approach.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Egypt?
Yes, and it's a great first step. Egypt Express covers the essential sites: Giza, Saqqara/Dashur/Memphis, Luxor, and Aswan, with the added texture of an overnight train journey and a Nubian village experience. If you've never been to Egypt and want an honest, no-frills-but-full-of-highlights trip, this is it.
What's the difference between this and your other Egypt tours?
Egypt Express (8 days) uses 3-4 star hotels and an overnight seater train, making it the most affordable Egypt option. Egyptian Legacy (8 days) covers a similar duration but uses 5-star hotels and a 5-star Nile cruise boat with internal flights. Discover Egypt (10 days) adds 2 days and includes the Red Sea at Hurghada. Egypt Express is for travellers who want Egypt's highlights on a realistic budget and with a spirit of adventure.
What's the best time of year for Egypt Express?
October to April is most comfortable. November to February is peak season. Summer is very hot in Upper Egypt but the sites are quieter. The overnight train runs year-round.
Why does this tour cost what it does?
We get it, you can find cheaper Egypt tours floating around. Egypt Express includes Egyptologist guides throughout, accommodation in 3-4 star hotels plus a Nubian guesthouse, the overnight train journey, a felucca sail, and a Koshary lunch. What it doesn't include is a premium Nile cruise boat or internal flights, which is what keeps it affordable. You're getting a genuine Egypt experience with honest, experienced guiding.
What's actually included in the price?
Included: all accommodation (3-4 star hotels in Cairo and Luxor, Nubian guesthouse in Aswan), all transport and transfers, two overnight seater trains (Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo), Egyptologist guides, meals as indicated (5 breakfasts, 1 Koshary lunch, 1 dinner), and a felucca sail. Entrance fees and tipping kitty are NOT included.
What's NOT included and how much extra should I budget?
Not included: international flights, entrance fees (payable locally at current rates), tipping kitty (a modest current amount briefed by your guide at the start of the tour), travel insurance, meals not listed in the itinerary, and personal expenses. Your guide will brief current tipping amounts at the start of the tour.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Pay a deposit to secure your place, and the balance is due 8 weeks before departure. You can also hold a reservation without payment.
How physically demanding is Egypt Express?
This is a moderate tour with an adventurous edge. The overnight seater train is a long journey requiring patience and flexibility. The felucca involves stepping onto a traditional wooden sailboat. Sites involve walking over uneven stone and sand in heat. Nothing requires special fitness, but a relaxed attitude to less comfortable moments is part of what makes this tour fun.
What if I'm older than the rest of the group?
Egypt Express is well-suited to older adventurous travellers who don't need 5-star comfort at every stop. The overnight train and felucca are the rougher elements. If you'd prefer to upgrade these to sleeper train and a Nubian hotel, those options are available. Many travellers in their 50s and 60s love this tour.
What if I have mobility issues or a medical condition?
The overnight seater train has limited mobility facilities. The felucca requires stepping onto a low boat. Pharaonic sites involve uneven terrain with no wheelchair access. If you have significant mobility concerns, contact us before booking.
What's the overnight seater train like?
The Egypt Express trains are air-conditioned overnight seater services that cover the Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo routes. You travel in a reclining seat rather than a bunk. It's a genuine Egyptian travel experience, particularly popular with younger travellers. A sleeper train upgrade (to a private cabin with bunk beds) is available as an option if you prefer more comfort.
Is Egypt safe to visit right now?
Egypt is one of the most visited destinations in the Middle East and Africa, with a well-developed tourist infrastructure at the major sites. Check your government's current travel advice before booking.
Is Egypt safe for women travelling solo?
Many women travel Egypt on group tours without problems. Modest dress is respectful and reduces unwanted attention. Having an Egyptologist guide throughout means you always have local expertise and support.
What happens if I get sick on tour?
Cairo and Luxor have private hospitals. Your guide will assist with finding care and translating. Travel insurance with medical coverage is compulsory on all our tours.
Will I be hassled by vendors and touts?
Vendor activity around the Pyramids and major sites is normal. Your guide will help you manage it. A confident 'la shukran' (no thank you) in Arabic often works wonders.
What's the accommodation actually like?
3-4 star hotels in Cairo and Luxor, a Nubian-style guesthouse in Aswan, and one night on a felucca sailboat. The hotels are comfortable, air-conditioned, and en-suite. The Nubian guesthouse is basic but charming. The felucca is the adventure highlight: sleeping on the Nile on a traditional sailboat under the stars.
What's the Nubian guesthouse like?
The Nubian guesthouse in Aswan is a small, locally run property decorated in traditional Nubian style with bright colours and hand-painted interiors. Rooms are basic but clean with en-suite facilities. It's one of the most culturally immersive nights on the tour.
Will I have Wi-Fi?
The Cairo hotels have reliable Wi-Fi. The Nubian guesthouse and felucca will have limited or no connectivity. A local Egyptian SIM with data is inexpensive and widely available at Cairo Airport.
Can I upgrade the overnight train or felucca?
Yes. A sleeper train upgrade (private bunk cabin) is available instead of the seater train. A felucca-to-hotel upgrade in Aswan is also available for travellers who prefer a hotel bed.
What kind of food will we eat?
Egyptian street food is a highlight. A Koshary lunch is included on day 2 (Egypt's iconic dish of lentils, rice, pasta, chickpeas, and spiced tomato sauce). Expect ful medames, flatbreads, mezze, and grilled meats throughout. Local restaurants used by the group are generally excellent value.
Can you cater for vegetarian
vegan
Is it safe to drink the water in Egypt?
No, stick to bottled water. Hotels provide it. We recommend a Water-to-Go filter bottle to reduce single-use plastic on the trip.
Is the Egypt Express tour good for solo travellers?
Yes. The adventurous format and small group size make it particularly popular with solo travellers who want to share the experience with like-minded people.
Do I have to share a room?
The tour price is based on two sharing. Solo travellers can pay a single supplement for private rooms. Note that the felucca overnight has limited single accommodation options; discuss this when booking.
What's the group size and who else will be on the trip?
Minimum 2, maximum 18 travellers. Egypt Express attracts a younger and more adventurous demographic than our premium Egypt tours, but all ages are welcome.
Can I book Egypt Express as a private tour?
Yes. Contact us for a private tour quotation on your preferred dates.
Is the Egypt Express suitable for kids?
The overnight seater train and felucca are experiences children often love. The source doesn't specify a minimum age. Contact us if you're travelling with children.
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Cairo Airport or purchase an e-Visa online before travel. Check current fees and requirements on the official Egyptian e-Visa portal.
What should I pack?
Lightweight, breathable clothing. Modest cover-ups for temples. Comfortable walking shoes. A warm layer for overnight train air conditioning. Sun hat and sunscreen. Toiletries as the Nubian guesthouse may have limited amenities. Egypt uses Type C and F plugs at 220V.
Are any vaccinations required for Egypt?
No vaccinations are required for entry. Hepatitis A and Typhoid are commonly recommended. Consult your GP or travel clinic before departure.
Do I need to book international flights through you?
No. International flights are not included. The tour starts and ends at Cairo International Airport (CAI).
What about tipping?
A tipping kitty is not included in the tour price. Your guide will brief you on the structure and current amounts at the start of the tour.
Can I do the hot air balloon over Luxor?
Yes. A hot air balloon flight at sunrise over Luxor is available as an optional add-on. Book in advance as slots are limited.
Can I add Abu Simbel?
Yes. A day trip to Abu Simbel from Aswan is available as an optional extra.
Can I upgrade the seater train to a sleeper?
"Yes. A sleeper train upgrade to a private bunk cabin is available for both the Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo overnight trains. Book this in advance.
Can I add Alexandria or a Saqqara/Memphis day trip?
Yes. Additional optional tours including an Alexandria day trip, a Saqqara/Dashur/Memphis archaeological day, a Karnak sound and light show, and a Cairo city tour are available to add on.
Can I combine Egypt Express with a Jordan trip?
Yes. Our Jordan and Egypt Express tour (13 days) combines both countries in one itinerary. If you're interested in extending the journey into Jordan and Petra, contact us for details.
How far ahead should I book?
Book at least 2 to 4 months ahead for peak season. A minimum of 6 to 8 weeks for other dates.
How does booking work?
Book online via the Dates and Prices section. Deposit secures your place. Balance due 8 weeks before departure.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, compulsory. Must cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation. We require your insurance details before you join the tour.
What's your cancellation policy?
A sliding scale applies based on how far in advance you cancel. Full terms in our booking conditions. We partner with Trust My Travel for financial protection.
What if my preferred dates are sold out?
Contact us about the waitlist, a private departure, or similar tours: Jordan and Egypt Express (13 days), Nubian Adventure (9 days), or Jordan Express (6 days).