Why book the Nile Felucca Explorer tour?
Nile Felucca Explorer is our 7-day small-group adventure from Cairo to Cairo for 2 to 18 travellers. You see the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum, take the overnight sleeper train south to Aswan, visit the island temple of Philae, then spend two nights sailing the Nile on a traditional felucca with a Nubian crew, sleeping on deck under the stars. The tour finishes overland in Luxor with Komombo Temple, Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon before a final sleeper train back to Cairo.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Egypt?
Yes. The itinerary covers the headline sites of Cairo, Aswan and Luxor in a logical sequence, with a local Egyptologist guide on every sightseeing tour. The felucca adds an authentic slice of river life you would not get on a standard cruise, so it suits first-timers who want the classic sites with a more adventurous feel.
What's the difference between this and your other Egypt tours?
Nile Felucca Explorer swaps the usual Nile cruise boat for two nights on a traditional felucca sailboat and uses the overnight sleeper train rather than internal flights, which keeps the price down and the experience closer to the river. Related tours to compare are Egypt Express and Temples, Tombs & Pyramids. If you would rather have a cabin, en-suite bathroom and a pool on the water, one of our Nile cruise tours will suit you better.
What's the best time of year to do this tour?
The tour runs every two weeks throughout the year. Winter departures (November to February) are the most comfortable for sightseeing but nights on the felucca deck are cool, so bring a sleeping sheet, blanket or light sleeping bag. Summer is hot in Upper Egypt but the sites are quieter. Note that hotel gala dinners may be compulsory on the Christmas and New Year departures.
Why does this tour cost what it does?
Prices start from around GBP 1049 per person. That covers 2 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels in Cairo and Luxor, 2 nights in private twin-berth cabins on the overnight sleeper train, 2 nights on a felucca with a support boat, all sightseeing with a local Egyptologist guide, private air-conditioned transport, and 24-hour airport transfers. Departures are guaranteed with just 2 travellers and capped at 18, so you are not waiting for a bus to fill.
What's actually included in the price?
Included: 2 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels in Cairo and Luxor, 2 nights on the overnight sleeper train in private twin-berth cabins, 2 nights on a felucca sailboat with an accompanying support boat with toilet and shower, all sightseeing tours in the itinerary, all transport and transfers in private AC vehicles, a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service, the services of a local Egyptologist guide for all sightseeing, and meals as indicated in the itinerary.
What's NOT included and how much extra should I budget?
Not included: international flights, visa fees, travel insurance (compulsory), meals not indicated in the itinerary, entrance fees (allow approx. US$124), the tipping kitty (allow US$75), drinks, snacks, guide tips and personal expenses, and hotel gala dinners at Christmas and New Year where these are compulsory. Optional excursions such as the GEM re-visit package or Cairo day tours are extra.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Secure your place with a deposit or use the reserve-now-pay-later option, then settle the balance 8 weeks before departure. Full amounts are confirmed in your chosen currency during the online booking process.
How physically demanding is the Nile Felucca Explorer tour?
Easy to moderate. You will walk on sand and uneven stone at Giza, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, often in heat, and day 4 includes a one-hour nature walk at El Harbeyyat. The felucca itself is relaxed, but you sleep on a mattress on deck and use the support boat for toilets and showers, so a reasonable level of agility and a willingness to rough it a little are needed.
What if I'm older than the rest of the group?
Egypt attracts travellers of all ages and the sightseeing pace is measured. The main considerations on this tour are the heat at the sites and the basic nature of the felucca nights, where you sleep on deck rather than in a cabin. If you are comfortable with that, you will be fine. Contact us if you have any concerns before booking.
What if I have mobility issues or a medical condition?
The ancient sites involve uneven ground, steps and descents into tombs, and boarding the felucca and support boat means stepping between boats and onto riverbanks. The sleeper train has narrow corridors and fold-down beds. If you have significant mobility limitations this may not be the right tour, but contact us and we can advise on alternatives or a private option.
Is Egypt safe to visit right now?
Egypt welcomes millions of visitors each year and Cairo, Aswan and Luxor are well-established tourist corridors with a significant security presence. As always, check your government's current travel advice before booking and again closer to departure.
Is it safe for women travelling solo?
Many solo women join our Egypt tours. Some unsolicited attention in public places is possible, and modest dress covering shoulders, upper arms and knees is both respectful and practical. You are with an Egyptologist guide for all sightseeing and with the group and crew on the felucca, so you are never navigating the country alone.
What happens if I get sick on tour?
Cairo, Aswan and Luxor all have hospitals and your guide will help you find care and translate. On the felucca you are never far from the riverbank and the crew can get you ashore. Travel insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation is compulsory, and bring any prescription medication you need.
Will I be hassled by vendors?
Around the Pyramids and major temples vendor activity can be persistent. Your Egyptologist guide accompanies you on every visit and will help you manage it politely. Inside the sites themselves it is generally well controlled, and on the river you will have complete peace.
What's the accommodation actually like?
You spend 2 nights in good quality 3 and 4-star hotels in Cairo and Luxor, 2 nights in private twin-berth cabins on the overnight sleeper train, and 2 nights on a traditional felucca sailboat. The felucca is deliberately basic: you sleep on deck on mattresses with blankets and mosquito nets provided, and a support boat with toilets, warm showers and a kitchen accompanies you.
What is the felucca like?
Feluccas are traditional wooden Nile sailboats crewed by local Nubians. There are no toilets on board, but a separate facilities boat joins you several times a day and at night with toilets, warm showers and a hygienic kitchen. Your crew cook all meals, entertain you in the evenings and moor along the riverbank at night while you sleep on deck under the stars. Between November and February bring a sleeping sheet, blanket or light sleeping bag.
What is the sleeper train like?
The overnight sleeper train runs Cairo to Aswan (approx. 12 hours) and Luxor to Cairo (approx. 9 hours). You have a private, lockable twin-berth cabin with large seats that fold down into beds with sheets, pillow and blanket, a washbasin and a storage cupboard. An airline tray-style dinner and breakfast are served in your cabin. If you prefer, both journeys can be upgraded to internal flights.
Will I have Wi-Fi?
The hotels in Cairo and Luxor provide Wi-Fi, though speeds vary. There is no Wi-Fi on the felucca or the sleeper train, and mobile signal on the river can be patchy. A local SIM card with data is a practical backup, but many travellers enjoy the two days offline.
What kind of food will we eat?
On the felucca your Nubian crew prepare fresh meals on board, typically simple Egyptian dishes with bread, rice, vegetables and grilled meat or fish. On the sleeper train an airline-style dinner and breakfast are served in your cabin. In Cairo and Luxor you have free evenings to try local favourites such as Koshary, ful medames and grilled kebabs.
Can you cater for vegetarian or vegan diets?
Please tell us about any dietary requirements when you book. We are always willing to look at them and, where possible, we will do our best to accommodate you, although we cannot guarantee that every restaurant, hotel or boat on the route will be able to meet every need. Your guide will also help you find suitable options along the way.
Is it safe to drink the water?
Do not drink tap water in Egypt. Stick to bottled water throughout, including on the felucca. We recommend bringing a Water-to-Go filter bottle as a backup and to cut down on single-use plastic on the river.
Is this trip good for solo travellers?
Yes. The small group of 2 to 18 and two nights living together on a felucca create a very sociable atmosphere, and solo travellers make up a good share of most departures. Shared meals cooked by the crew and evenings on deck are natural icebreakers.
Do I have to share a room?
The price is based on two people sharing a twin room in the hotels and a twin-berth cabin on the sleeper train. If you book solo and are willing to share we will try to pair you with a same-sex traveller; if no match is available a single supplement applies. On the felucca everyone sleeps together on the open deck.
What's the group size and who else will be on the trip?
Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 travellers and capped at 18. The felucca element attracts a broad mix of nationalities, ages and backgrounds who share a taste for something more adventurous than a standard Nile cruise, including couples, friends and solo travellers.
Can I book this as a private tour?
Yes. Nile Felucca Explorer is also available for booking privately for travel at any time of year. Contact us for a private tour quotation.
Is this tour suitable for kids?
No minimum age is specified. Older children and teenagers who enjoy camping-style adventure tend to love the felucca nights, but the basic facilities and long sightseeing days in heat make it less suitable for young children. Contact us to discuss, or consider a private departure with an adjusted pace.
Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Most nationalities, including UK, EU, USA, Australian and New Zealand passport holders, can obtain a visa on arrival at Cairo airport, and our staff will assist you with this when they meet you. An e-visa can also be applied for online in advance. Check current requirements for your nationality before travel and ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity.
What should I pack?
Lightweight, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for the sites, a hat, high-factor sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. For the felucca bring mosquito repellent for the evenings and early mornings, a torch, and between November and February a sleeping sheet, blanket or light sleeping bag as deck nights are cool. A soft bag is easier than a hard suitcase on the boat and train. Egypt uses Type C and F plugs at 220V.
Are any vaccinations required?
No vaccinations are required for entry to Egypt from most countries. Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus are commonly recommended. There is no malaria risk on this itinerary, but bring repellent for the felucca. Consult your GP or a travel clinic for personalised advice.
Do I need to book international flights through you?
No, international flights are not included, though we can arrange them on request. The tour starts and ends in Cairo, and a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service is included. On day 7 the sleeper train arrives back in Cairo in the morning, so book a departing flight later that day or add an extra night.
What about tipping?
Egypt has a strong tipping culture. Allow US$75 for the tipping kitty, which covers hotel staff, drivers, train attendants and the felucca crew. Your Egyptologist guide is tipped separately at your discretion. Your guide will brief you on how the kitty works at the start of the tour.
Can I upgrade the sleeper train to flights?
Yes. Either or both overnight train journeys (Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo) can be upgraded to internal flights for a supplement. Ask us at the time of booking.
Can I spend more time in the Grand Egyptian Museum?
Yes. Day 2 includes a guided visit to the GEM highlights including the Tutankhamun exhibit, but the collection is far too large to see in one visit. Our optional GEM re-visit package lets you return and explore at your leisure during scheduled free time.
What optional excursions are there in Cairo?
On day 1, if you arrive early, you can book an evening Nile dinner cruise or the sound and light show at the Pyramids locally. After the tour we can add a Cairo city tour of Coptic Cairo, the Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque, a half-day to Saqqara, Dahshur and Memphis, or a full day to the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan.
Can I add extra nights in Cairo?
Yes. On day 7 you can either join the transfer straight to Cairo Airport or stay on, and we can book extra nights in Cairo plus additional day tours for you. Extra nights before the tour are also available if you want to arrive early and settle in.
How far ahead should I book?
Departures run every two weeks year-round, so there is plenty of choice, but winter dates and the Christmas and New Year departures fill first. Book 3 to 6 months ahead for peak season and at least 8 weeks before departure for other dates.
How does booking work?
Book online via the Dates & Prices tab. Pay a deposit to secure your place or hold a reservation, with the balance due 8 weeks before departure. You will receive a confirmation email with details of the next steps.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance is compulsory on all Encounters Travel tours and must cover medical expenses, emergency evacuation and repatriation. We can arrange it on request, and World Nomads is one option we recommend. We need your policy details before you join the tour.
What's your cancellation policy?
Cancellation charges apply on a sliding scale depending on how far in advance you cancel. Full details are in our booking conditions. All bookings are financially protected through Trust My Travel, a UK-registered financial protection scheme.
What if my dates are sold out?
With departures every two weeks there is usually a nearby alternative. Otherwise join the waitlist, book a private departure on your preferred dates, or look at related tours such as Egypt Express or Temples, Tombs & Pyramids. Contact the team to discuss your options.
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