Why book the Discover Egypt tour?
Discover Egypt is our most adventurous Egypt itinerary, covering 10 days Cairo to Cairo and blending the classics with genuine local experiences. You'll visit the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, eat Koshary for lunch with locals, board a sleeper train to Aswan, spend a night in a Nubian village, sail a felucca overnight on the Nile, explore Philae and the West Bank temples, and finish with soft all-inclusive relaxation at the Red Sea in Hurghada. Maximum 18 passengers, 5-star hotels for the hotel nights, and a route that goes well beyond the tourist conveyor belt.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Egypt?
Yes, and it's excellent for first-timers who want more than just the highlights. Discover Egypt hits Giza, Saqqara, Luxor, and Aswan, but adds the texture of a Nubian village stay, a felucca overnight, a Koshary lunch, and the Red Sea at Hurghada. You'll leave with a much richer sense of Egypt than a whistle-stop pyramids-and-Nile tour provides.
What's the difference between this and your other Egypt tours?
Discover Egypt (10 days) distinguishes itself with a Nubian village overnight and felucca sailboat night, a sleeper train adventure, and the Red Sea extension at Hurghada. Gods of Egypt (10 days) is another 10-day option worth comparing for a different angle on the same duration. The Nubian Adventure (9 days) focuses even more on Nubia and Aswan. Ancient Encounters (16 days) is for those who want to go much deeper. Discover Egypt is the best balance of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
What's the best time of year for the Discover Egypt tour?
October to April is most comfortable, with cooler temperatures ideal for sightseeing. November to February is peak season and the most popular booking window. Summer (June to September) is very hot in Luxor and Aswan but the Red Sea section at Hurghada is lovely year-round. Avoid planning around Ramadan if you prefer full restaurant access throughout the trip.
Why does this tour cost what it does?
We get it, you can find cheaper Egypt tours floating around. But Discover Egypt includes the sleeper train experience, a Nubian-style hotel stay, a felucca overnight, soft all-inclusive at Hurghada, internal flights (Hurghada to Cairo), 5-star hotels for hotel nights, and Egyptologist guides throughout. The variety of experiences packed into 10 days means you're getting extraordinary value for what's on offer.
What's actually included in the price?
Included: all accommodation (5-star hotels in Cairo and Luxor, Nubian-style hotel in Aswan, felucca overnight, soft all-inclusive resort in Hurghada), all transport and transfers, the sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan, internal flight from Hurghada to Cairo, Egyptologist guides, and meals as indicated (9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners including the Koshary lunch). Entrance fees 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), 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, 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 hold your place and the balance is due 8 weeks before departure. You can also hold a reservation without any payment while you confirm your travel plans.
How physically demanding is the Discover Egypt tour?
This is a moderate tour with one more adventurous element: the felucca overnight involves sleeping on a simple boat with limited facilities. Walking at Giza, the Valley of the Kings, and Karnak involves uneven surfaces. The sleeper train requires navigating narrow corridors with your luggage. Nothing requires high fitness, but a spirit of adventure is helpful.
What if I'm older than the rest of the group?
Discover Egypt suits a wide age range. The 5-star hotel nights and Hurghada resort provide genuine comfort. The felucca overnight is the one element that involves rougher conditions: basic mattresses on a traditional sailing boat. Older travellers who don't mind this are perfectly welcome; if it's a concern, contact us to discuss upgrading the felucca night to a hotel.
What if I have mobility issues or a medical condition?
The felucca requires stepping on and off a low wooden boat. The sleeper train cabins have narrow corridors and bunk beds. Sites involve uneven stone and sand. Wheelchair access is extremely limited at pharaonic sites. If you have specific mobility concerns, contact us before booking.
What is the felucca overnight like?
A felucca is a traditional Egyptian wooden sailboat. The overnight stay involves sleeping on simple mattresses on the deck under the stars or in a basic covered area. Toilet facilities are minimal. It's one of the most atmospheric experiences on the Nile and a highlight for many travellers, but it's worth knowing what to expect. If you have a strong preference for hotel comforts, an upgrade to a hotel night in Aswan is available as an option.
Is Egypt safe to visit right now?
Egypt is a major international tourist destination, with millions visiting the Nile sites and Cairo annually. The areas on this tour are well-established tourist routes. Check your government's current travel advice before booking and before departure.
Is Egypt safe for women travelling solo?
Many women travel Egypt solo and on group tours. Modest dress is respectful and practical. Travelling with an Egyptologist guide means you're always with someone who knows the country and can navigate any situation. The small group format also means you're never alone.
What happens if I get sick on tour?
Cairo and Luxor have private hospitals with international-standard care. Your guide will assist with finding medical care and translating. Travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation is compulsory on all our tours.
Will I be hassled by vendors and touts?
Around the Pyramids and major sites there is vendor activity. Your guide will prepare you and can help deflect unwanted approaches. Inside the sites themselves, it's generally well-managed.
What's the accommodation actually like?
5-star hotels in Cairo and Luxor, a Nubian-style guesthouse in Aswan for an authentic local experience, one night on a felucca sailboat, and a soft all-inclusive resort in Hurghada at the Red Sea. The variety is intentional: it reflects the different characters of each destination rather than giving you the same hotel experience throughout.
What's the Nubian village guesthouse like?
The Nubian-style hotel in Aswan is a genuinely different experience from a standard hotel. Nubian architecture uses bright colours, rounded forms, and hand-painted interiors. The guesthouse-style accommodation is comfortable with en-suite facilities and air conditioning. It's a chance to experience Nubian culture from the inside rather than just as a day trip.
What's the sleeper train like?
The overnight sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan takes approximately 12-14 hours and covers the Upper Egypt route. Cabins have fold-down bunk beds with bedding, and meals are served onboard. It's a classic Egyptian travel experience. A sleeper upgrade option (from the standard seater) is available if you prefer. Note that sleeper train standards are functional rather than luxurious.
Will I have Wi-Fi?
5-star hotels have reliable Wi-Fi. The Nubian guesthouse and Hurghada resort should have Wi-Fi in rooms and public areas. The felucca has no Wi-Fi. A local Egyptian SIM with data is a practical and inexpensive option for continuous connectivity.
What kind of food will we eat?
Egyptian food is central to the experience. Highlights include a Koshary lunch on day 2 (a delicious mix of lentils, rice, pasta, and spiced tomato sauce, Egypt's beloved street food), fresh mezze, grilled meats, and Nubian specialities in Aswan. The Hurghada resort is soft all-inclusive with a buffet covering Egyptian and international options.
Can you cater for vegetarian
vegan
Is it safe to drink the water in Egypt?
No. Stick to bottled water throughout. All hotels provide bottled water. We recommend a Water-to-Go filter bottle to avoid reliance on single-use plastic. The felucca night is worth preparing for with extra bottled water.
Is the Discover Egypt tour good for solo travellers?
Yes. The tour format naturally brings a mixed group together, and the variety of experiences, from the sleeper train to the Nubian village to the felucca, creates plenty of conversation and connection. Many solo travellers find Egypt group tours among the most socially rewarding.
Do I have to share a room?
The price is based on two people sharing. Solo travellers can pay a single supplement for private rooms. Note that single accommodation on the felucca night may be limited: contact us when booking to discuss options.
What's the group size and who else will be on the trip?
Minimum 2, maximum 18 passengers. Discover Egypt tends to attract adventurous travellers who want more than the standard pyramid-and-cruise package: a good mix of ages, interests, and nationalities.
Can I book this as a private tour?
Yes. Discover Egypt can run as a private departure with itinerary adjustments available. Contact us with your preferred dates and party size.
Is the Discover Egypt tour suitable for kids?
The felucca overnight and sleeper train are features that families with older children (teenagers) often love. The source doesn't specify a minimum age. Contact us if you're travelling with children to discuss suitability.
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 Egyptian e-Visa portal before your trip.
What should I pack?
Lightweight, breathable clothing. Modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) for temples and the Nubian village. Swimwear for Hurghada. Comfortable walking shoes for archaeological sites. A light layer for the sleeper train's air conditioning. Sun hat and high-factor sunscreen. 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). The internal flight from Hurghada to Cairo is included in the tour price.
What about tipping?
A tipping kitty is not included in the tour price. Your guide will brief you on the tipping structure and current amounts at the start of the tour. This covers guides, drivers, felucca captain, and porters.
Can I do the hot air balloon over Luxor?
Yes. A hot air balloon flight at dawn over the Luxor monuments is available as an optional extra. It's one of Egypt's most spectacular experiences.
Can I add Abu Simbel?
Yes. A day trip to Abu Simbel from Aswan is available as an option. The temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari are extraordinary and well worth the day.
Can I upgrade the felucca night to a hotel?
Yes. A hotel upgrade in Aswan to replace the felucca overnight is available as an option. This suits travellers who want the full itinerary without the overnight on the boat.
Can I fly from Hurghada back to Cairo instead of the included route?
An upgrade option from Hurghada to Cairo by flight is available. This can be useful if you're pressed for time or simply prefer to fly rather than transfer.
How far ahead should I book?
Book 3 to 6 months ahead for peak season (October to February). A minimum of 6 to 8 weeks is advisable for other dates.
How does booking work?
Book online via the Dates and Prices section. Pay a deposit or hold a reservation. Balance due 8 weeks before departure.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, compulsory. Must cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation. World Nomads is a good option. We require your insurance details before you join the tour.
What's your cancellation policy?
A sliding scale based on how close to departure you cancel. Full details are 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 related tours: Gods of Egypt (10 days), Nubian Adventure (9 days), or Ancient Encounters (16 days).