Why book the Nubians and Beaches tour?
Nubians and Beaches is a 12-day Egypt adventure that blends the ancient world with proper beach time. You start with the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, take the overnight sleeper train to Aswan, travel by felucca on the Nile with a support boat providing hot showers and Nubian massages, explore Philae Temple and Edfu, tour Luxor Temple at night and the Valley of the Kings by day, then finish with two free days in Dahab on the Sinai Peninsula at the Blue Hole. Maximum 18 travellers, all in 5-star hotels, with a genuine mix of history, culture, and relaxation.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Egypt?
Yes. This is an excellent first Egypt trip because it covers all the landmark sites (Pyramids, Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Luxor Temple) while adding the Nubian village experience and the Sinai beach ending that most standard tours miss. The 5-star accommodation throughout means you never compromise on comfort, even in the more remote sections.
What's the difference between this and your other Egypt tours?
Nubians and Beaches (12 days, Cairo loop via Sinai) is the most relaxed version, ending with free time in Dahab. Pharaonic Encounters (7 days) is the quick highlights option. Egypt Encompassed (12 days) adds a 5-star Nile cruise boat and a Hurghada Red Sea resort. The Ancient Encounters (17 days) adds 8 days of Jordan before Egypt. If beach time after ancient sites is the priority, Nubians and Beaches is your tour.
What's the best time of year to do this tour?
Egypt is generally best October through April when temperatures are cooler for sightseeing. Summer (June-August) is very hot in Upper Egypt, which makes the Dahab beach ending more appealing but the Luxor and Valley of the Kings touring more gruelling. The felucca section on the Nile is best in cooler months. Departures run throughout the year.
Why does this tour cost what it does?
We get it, you can find cheaper Egypt packages. What this includes: 5-star hotels throughout including the Hyatt Centric Cairo West and the Sonesta St George in Luxor, 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners, the overnight sleeper train to Aswan, a felucca with a dedicated support boat (hot showers, massages), all entrance fees in the itinerary, a Nubian village visit, and a guide for the full 12 days. The 5-star standard is maintained consistently, which makes a significant difference to the cost versus budget Egypt tours.
What's actually included in the price?
Included: 11 nights accommodation (Hyatt Centric Cairo West, DoroKa Nubian House, felucca with support boat, Sonesta St George Luxor, Dahab Paradise Hotel), 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners, overnight sleeper train Cairo-Aswan, felucca and support boat Aswan to Luxor, all listed entrance fees, Nubian village visit, professional English-speaking guide, Egyptologist for relevant sites, tipping kitty.
What's NOT included and how much extra should I budget?
International flights, travel insurance, personal spending, optional extras (hot air balloon over Luxor, Abu Simbel, Wadi Rayan, Mount Sinai, Blue Hole diving), and guide/driver tips are not included. Entrance fees beyond those listed (some optional sites charge separately) are your own cost. Your guide will brief current tipping recommendations at the start of the tour.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Secure your spot with a deposit and pay the balance 8 weeks before your departure date. The reserve-now-pay-later option means you can lock in before flights go up without paying everything upfront.
How physically demanding is this tour?
This is a comfortable, moderate tour. The main physical elements are walking at archaeological sites (Valley of the Kings involves uneven terrain and steps inside tombs), the felucca section on the Nile (getting on and off the boat requires some balance), and the optional Blue Hole snorkelling in Dahab. No strenuous hiking is required. Comfortable walking shoes are sufficient for the sites.
What if I'm older than the rest of the group?
This tour is well-suited to a broad age range. The 5-star hotels make the experience consistently comfortable, and the pace is guided rather than rushed. Inside the tombs in the Valley of the Kings there are steps and low ceilings in some chambers, which is worth knowing in advance, but there are no serious physical barriers for healthy older travellers.
What if I have mobility issues or a medical condition?
The felucca requires stepping on and off a moving boat. Some tombs in the Valley of the Kings involve ducking and uneven steps. Karnak's vast columns are navigated on foot across a large site. If you have specific mobility concerns, flag them at booking and we can advise on which elements are manageable and which might be difficult.
How hot does it get?
In Upper Egypt (Aswan, Luxor) summer temperatures regularly exceed 40°C. Cairo is slightly more moderate. Dahab on the Sinai coast is warm year-round. The best touring conditions are between October and April. If you travel in summer, plan sightseeing for early morning and rest during peak afternoon heat.
Is Egypt safe to visit right now?
Egypt is a well-established international tourist destination and the Nile corridor has hosted travellers for centuries. The Pyramids, Luxor, Aswan, and Dahab are all popular and well-policed for tourists. As with any destination, check your government's current travel advisory before departure and listen to your local guide's advice on the ground.
Is it safe for women travelling solo?
Solo female travellers do join this tour. The group format provides natural security, and the 5-star hotel standard means you're in well-managed environments throughout. Some modest dress is advisable outside beach areas (covered shoulders and knees in markets and at sites). Your guide will give context-specific advice.
What happens if I get sick on tour?
Your guide is your first point of contact. Egypt has private medical facilities in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is compulsory. In Dahab, there are local medical services and the clinic is familiar with dive-related and traveller illnesses.
Will I be hassled by vendors and touts?
At the Pyramids, Karnak, and the Luxor markets there will be vendors. Egypt's tourist sites attract persistent sellers. Your guide will help you navigate this and a brief on local etiquette at the start of the tour makes a big difference. A polite but firm decline is usually all it takes.
What's the accommodation actually like?
All hotels are 5-star. In Cairo you stay at the Hyatt Centric Cairo West. In Aswan the DoroKa Nubian House provides an immersive stay in a traditional Nubian-style property. The felucca section uses a dedicated support boat with hot showers and proper facilities alongside the sailing boat. In Luxor the Sonesta St George Hotel sits on the Nile bank. In Dahab the Dahab Paradise Hotel provides your beach base.
What's the felucca experience like?
The felucca is a traditional Egyptian sailing boat and sleeping on one is genuinely romantic. The support boat that travels alongside it is what makes this version comfortable: it has hot showers, cooking facilities, and even Nubian massage services. You sail the Nile by day under canvas and stop to cook and sleep in the evenings. It's the most atmospheric way to travel this stretch of river.
What's the sleeper train like?
The overnight sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan takes about 12 hours and runs through the night. Cabins are twin-berth with air conditioning, and dinner and breakfast are usually included on board. It's a classic Egypt experience, comfortable enough for a good night's sleep, and saves a day of travel time compared to driving.
Will I have Wi-Fi?
The Hyatt Centric, Sonesta St George, and Dahab Paradise Hotel all have Wi-Fi. The felucca and DoroKa Nubian House have limited or no connectivity. The Dahab stay is at the end of the tour, so if you need to catch up on communication, that's a good opportunity.
Can I upgrade?
Upgrade options are available, including a felucca upgrade and flight upgrades on certain legs. Speak to us at booking if you'd like to explore what's available.
What kind of food will we eat?
Egyptian cuisine is a highlight of the trip. Your included Koshary lunch in Cairo introduces you to the national dish: layered rice, lentils, pasta, and crispy onions with spiced tomato sauce. Nubian cooking around Aswan is distinctive and flavourful. The Nubian massages and hospitality at DoroKa give a real cultural food experience. In Dahab, fresh Red Sea fish and Lebanese-influenced cafe food are excellent.
Can you cater for vegetarian
vegan
Is it safe to drink the water?
Drink bottled water throughout Egypt and Sinai. Even at 5-star hotels, stick to bottled for drinking. A refillable bottle with a filter such as Water-to-Go is a practical choice for the felucca section in particular.
Is this trip good for solo travellers?
Yes. The maximum group size of 18 means solo travellers are in a manageable community from day one. The felucca section especially creates a close-knit social atmosphere. Many people on this tour are solo, and the Dahab beach days at the end make for a very natural social conclusion.
Do I have to share a room?
A single supplement is available for all hotel nights. On the felucca, sleeping arrangements are communal on deck or in shared spaces; a felucca upgrade to a more private cabin is available if you prefer more privacy on that section.
What's the group size and who else will be on the trip?
Minimum 2, maximum 18 travellers. This tour attracts a broad mix: solo travellers, couples, and friends, typically from the UK, Australia, Europe, and North America. A shared love of history and curiosity about Egypt is the common thread.
Can I book this as a private tour?
Yes. Private departures are available for couples, families, or groups wanting exclusive use of the vehicle and guide. Contact us to discuss dates.
Is this tour suitable for kids?
The 5-star standard and the variety of experiences (Pyramids, felucca, beach) make this appealing for families with older children. Younger children find long archaeological walks more difficult. Check with us about minimum age requirements and specific family arrangements.
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Egypt offers a visa on arrival at most international airports, or you can apply for an e-visa in advance online. The e-visa is quick and straightforward. Check current fees on Egypt's official e-visa portal, as amounts vary and do change.
What should I pack?
Lightweight, breathable clothing for the heat, modest layers (covered shoulders and knees) for sites and markets, sunscreen, a sun hat, and comfortable walking shoes for the archaeological sites. A light jacket for air-conditioned transport and cool evenings. Swimwear and beach gear for Dahab.
Are any vaccinations required?
Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Typhoid are recommended for Egypt. No malaria prophylactics are needed for the Nile Valley and Sinai. Check with your GP or travel health clinic at least 6-8 weeks before departure.
Do I need to book international flights through you?
No. Fly into Cairo International Airport (CAI). We can advise on arrival logistics but flight booking is yours. For the Sinai section, you fly or drive back to Cairo at the end; departure airport options will be explained at booking.
What about tipping?
A tipping kitty is included in the price to cover group service tips. Your personal guide and driver tips are separate. Current recommended amounts will be explained by your guide at the start of the tour.
Can I do the hot air balloon over Luxor?
Yes. A sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Valley of the Kings and Luxor temples is available as a paid optional extra. It's a spectacular way to see the landscape and one of Egypt's most iconic experiences. Book early as space is limited.
Can I add Abu Simbel?
Yes. Abu Simbel, Ramses II's colossal rock-cut temple relocated from Lake Nasser, is available as an optional excursion from Aswan. It involves a very early start (around 4am) for the overland drive. Worth every moment.
Can I add a Wadi Rayan trip?
Yes. Wadi Rayan (Valley of Whales), a UNESCO-listed desert valley with ancient whale fossils, is available as a day trip from Cairo.
Can I explore Mount Sinai?
Yes. A Mount Sinai hike is available as an optional excursion from Dahab. The pre-dawn climb and summit sunrise are powerful experiences and the Sinai Peninsula landscape is extraordinary.
How far ahead should I book?
Egypt tours are popular year-round. Book 2-3 months ahead for most departures, or earlier if you're targeting a specific date during school holidays.
How does booking work?
Reserve online with a deposit for instant confirmation. The balance is due 8 weeks before departure. Reserve-now-pay-later lets you secure the booking without paying in full immediately.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation and repatriation is compulsory. World Nomads is a reliable option for tours like this.
What's your cancellation policy?
A sliding-scale cancellation policy applies with charges increasing closer to departure. Full terms are in the booking conditions. As a UK-registered operator with Trust My Travel financial protection, your money is safe.
What if my dates are sold out?
Join the waitlist for your preferred departure, or explore Pharaonic Encounters (7 days), Egypt Encompassed (12 days), or Ancient Encounters (17 days) for availability. We can also arrange a private departure on alternative dates.