Why book the Egyptian Legacy tour?
Egyptian Legacy is our premium 8-day Egypt experience, running Cairo to Cairo on a small group of up to 18 travellers. You'll get the Pyramids and Sphinx at sunrise, the new Grand Egyptian Museum, a half-day in Saqqara and Memphis, then board a 5-star deluxe Nile cruise in Luxor for 4 nights sailing to Aswan. Along the way you'll visit Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae, with a felucca sail included. Internal flights are included. This is Egypt done properly, with 5-star hotels throughout and a 5-star Nile cruise.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Egypt?
Yes, and it's probably the best possible first visit to Egypt you can have. Egyptian Legacy covers every major ancient site you'll have heard of, pairs them with 5-star hotels and a 5-star Nile cruise, and handles all the logistics including internal flights. You don't need any prior knowledge of Egypt; your Egyptologist guides will bring every site to life.
What's the difference between this and your other Egypt tours?
Egyptian Legacy (8 days, 5-star throughout) is the premium version: 5-star hotels, a 5-star Nile cruise boat, and internal flights included. The Nubian Adventure (9 days) goes deeper into Nubia and has a more adventurous style with a felucca overnight. Discover Egypt (10 days) adds the Red Sea at Hurghada and uses a sleeper train. Egypt Express (8 days) is the budget-friendly equivalent using 3-4 star hotels and overnight seater trains. If you want the best Egypt experience without compromise, Egyptian Legacy is your tour.
What's the best time of year for the Egyptian Legacy tour?
October to April is the most comfortable time, with temperatures pleasant rather than fierce. November to February is peak season when the weather is genuinely enjoyable at the sites. March to May heats up quickly. Summer (June to September) is very hot in Upper Egypt, and while the sites are quieter, it takes stamina. Note that a compulsory gala dinner applies to some New Year's Eve departures.
Why does this tour cost what it does?
We get it, you can find cheaper Egypt tours floating around. Egyptian Legacy is built around 5-star hotels in Cairo and Luxor/Aswan, a 5-star deluxe Nile cruise boat, internal flights (Cairo to Luxor, Aswan back to Cairo), Egyptologist guides throughout, and a journey designed so you never feel rushed at the major sites. Cheaper tours often cut corners on accommodation, use slower trains instead of flights, and have larger groups. This is for people who want the definitive Egypt experience.
What's actually included in the price?
Included: all accommodation (5-star hotels plus 4 nights on a 5-star deluxe Nile cruise boat), all transport and transfers, internal flights (Cairo-Luxor and Aswan-Cairo), services of Egyptologist guides, meals as indicated (7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners), and a felucca sail. Entrance fees to sites visited are NOT included and are paid locally.
What's NOT included and how much extra should I budget?
Not included: international flights, entrance fees (a current total, payable locally), a tipping kitty (a modest current amount briefed by your guide at the start of the tour), travel insurance, meals not listed in the itinerary, drinks, and personal expenses. Your guide will brief current tipping amounts at the start of the tour. Budget accordingly for the entrance fees and tipping kitty on top of the tour price.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Pay a deposit to secure your spot and the balance is due 8 weeks before departure. You can also hold a reservation without payment if you prefer to confirm travel plans first.
How physically demanding is the Egyptian Legacy tour?
This is a moderate tour. You'll be walking on sand and uneven ancient stone at the Pyramids, Saqqara, and Luxor's West Bank. The Valley of the Kings involves uphill paths and steep descents into tombs. The felucca is a relaxed sail. Heat is the main physical consideration, particularly in summer. Comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are essential.
What if I'm older than the rest of the group?
Egyptian Legacy is well-suited to older travellers. The pace is measured and the 5-star accommodation means you're returning to comfort each evening. The main physical challenge is the heat and the walking at sites. If you can walk for 2 to 3 hours in warm weather, you'll cope fine. Many of our Egypt tour participants are in their 50s, 60s, and 70s.
What if I have mobility issues or a medical condition?
The sites involve uneven ground and some descents into tombs with low headroom. The Nile cruise boat has steps between decks. Wheelchair access at most pharaonic sites is extremely limited. If you have significant mobility issues, contact us and we can discuss which elements of the tour would be accessible and what adaptations may be possible on a private basis.
Is Egypt safe to visit right now?
Egypt welcomes millions of international tourists each year and the major sites on this tour, Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, are well-established tourist corridors with a significant security presence. As always, check your government's current travel advice before booking and keep an eye on updates closer to departure.
Is Egypt safe for women travelling solo?
Egypt is visited by many solo female travellers. Like much of North Africa, women may receive some unsolicited attention in public spaces. Modest dress (covering shoulders, upper arms, and knees) is both respectful and practical. Travelling with a reputable tour operator with Egyptologist guides means you're never navigating the country alone.
What happens if I get sick on tour?
Cairo and Luxor both have private hospitals with international standards. Your guide will assist with finding medical care and translating. Travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation is compulsory. Bring any prescription medication you need as specific brands may not be available.
Will I be hassled by vendors and touts?
Around the Pyramids and major sites, vendor activity can be persistent. This is a feature of the experience rather than a threat. Your Egyptologist guide will help you manage this and can advise on the most effective ways to politely decline. Inside the sites themselves, it's generally well-controlled.
What's the accommodation actually like?
Egyptian Legacy uses 5-star hotels throughout. In Cairo you'll be in a 5-star city hotel. The centrepiece of the tour is 4 nights aboard a 5-star deluxe Nile cruise boat, with well-appointed cabins, restaurant, sun deck, and pool. Accommodation is en-suite throughout with air conditioning. This is the top tier of Egypt accommodation.
What's the 5-star Nile cruise boat like?
The Nile cruise boat is a modern deluxe vessel with private en-suite cabins, most with Nile-view windows, a sun deck, swimming pool, restaurant, and bar. Meals onboard are served as buffets and include a good spread of Egyptian and international dishes. The boat moves between Luxor and Aswan over 4 nights, docking at Edfu and Kom Ombo to visit temples. It's a genuinely special way to see Upper Egypt.
Will I have Wi-Fi?
5-star hotels in Cairo have reliable Wi-Fi. The Nile cruise boat has Wi-Fi in public areas, though connectivity can vary on the river, particularly between towns. A local SIM card with data is a practical backup if you need consistent internet access.
Can I upgrade or add pre or post-tour nights?
As a 5-star tour, the accommodation standard is already premium. For pre or post-tour nights in Cairo, contact us and we can arrange additional nights at a 5-star Cairo hotel with airport transfers.
What kind of food will we eat?
Egyptian cuisine is delicious and varied. Expect ful medames (spiced broad beans), fresh flatbreads, grilled meats, mezze spreads, and classic street food like Koshary (lentils, rice, and pasta in spiced tomato sauce). On the Nile cruise, meals are served buffet-style with a good mix of Egyptian and international dishes. On a Cairo day you'll have the chance to try Koshary for lunch.
Can you cater for vegetarian
vegan
Is it safe to drink the water in Egypt?
Stick to bottled water throughout. Tap water is not safe to drink. Hotels will provide bottled water. We recommend a Water-to-Go filter bottle as a backup and to reduce single-use plastic use. The bottle's 3-in-1 filtration makes any non-saltwater source safe to drink.
Is the Egyptian Legacy tour good for solo travellers?
Yes. The small group format (maximum 18) makes it easy to meet fellow travellers. Solo travellers are a significant proportion of most Egypt tour departures. The Nile cruise in particular creates a natural community around shared meals and excursions.
Do I have to share a room?
The tour price is based on two people sharing a twin or double room. Solo travellers can pay a single supplement for private rooms and a private cabin on the Nile cruise. Contact us if you'd prefer to share to reduce costs and we'll try to pair you with another solo traveller.
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 travellers. Egypt tour groups typically attract a broad mix: first-time visitors to the country, history enthusiasts, couples, and solo travellers. The Egyptologist guiding style makes the sites engaging for everyone regardless of background.
Can I book the Egyptian Legacy as a private tour?
Yes. Egyptian Legacy can be run as a private departure on any date throughout the year. Contact us for a private tour quotation.
Is this tour suitable for kids?
The source doesn't specify a minimum age for Egyptian Legacy. The 5-star private tour format is generally better suited to adults and older teenagers. For families travelling with children, contact us to discuss options or consider a private departure where the itinerary can be adjusted.
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Most nationalities including UK, US, EU, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at Cairo International Airport or purchase an e-Visa online before travel. Check current fees on the Egyptian e-Visa portal before you go, as costs can change. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
What should I pack?
Lightweight, breathable clothing is essential. Cover shoulders, upper arms, and knees for temple visits and mosques. A light scarf is useful. Sun hat and high-factor sunscreen are non-negotiable. Comfortable walking shoes for uneven terrain. A small daypack for site visits. Egypt uses Type C and F plugs at 220V.
Are any vaccinations required for Egypt?
No vaccinations are required for entry into Egypt from most countries. However, Hepatitis A and Typhoid are commonly recommended. Consult your GP or a travel clinic for personalised advice before travel.
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). You can arrange your own flights or ask us for suggestions. Internal flights (Cairo-Luxor and Aswan-Cairo) are included in the tour price.
What about tipping?
A tipping kitty is not included in this tour's price. Your guide will brief you on the expected tipping structure and amounts at the start of the tour. The kitty covers gratuities for your guide, driver, and Nile cruise boat crew. Your guide will advise current amounts at the start of the tour.
Can I do the hot air balloon over Luxor?
Yes. A hot air balloon flight over the Luxor monuments at sunrise is one of the most spectacular experiences in Egypt. It's available as an optional extra. Book in advance to secure your spot.
Can I add Abu Simbel?
Yes. A day trip to the colossal temples of Abu Simbel is available as an optional extra from Aswan. This is one of Egypt's most dramatic ancient sites and well worth the add-on if you have the time.
Can I do a Khan el-Khalili tour?
Yes. A guided walk through Cairo's famous Khan el-Khalili bazaar, one of the oldest markets in the Islamic world, is available as an optional extra. It's a great way to spend a Cairo afternoon.
How far ahead should I book the Egyptian Legacy?
Egypt is popular year-round. Winter departures (October to February) book up several months in advance. We'd recommend booking at least 3 to 6 months ahead for peak season and at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure for other dates.
How does booking work?
Book online via the Dates and Prices tab. Pay a deposit to secure your place or hold a reservation. Balance due 8 weeks before departure. You'll receive a confirmation email with details of next steps.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, compulsory on all our tours. Your policy must cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation. World Nomads is one option we recommend. We must have your insurance details before you join the tour.
What's your cancellation policy?
A sliding scale applies based on how close to departure you cancel. Full terms are in our booking conditions. As a UK-registered company, we partner with Trust My Travel for financial protection of your funds.
What if my preferred dates are sold out?
Contact us about the waitlist, a private departure on alternative dates, or related tours such as the Nubian Adventure (9 days), Discover Egypt (10 days), or Egypt Express (8 days).