Current as of: February 20, 2026 - 16:11
Egypt Premium Family Adventure Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Premium Adventures, Small Ship Cruises
- Destination: Egypt
- Programmes: Family
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Activity Level:
1 out of 7 - Easy
- 9 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 12+
- Trip Code: FEP
- Carbon Footprint: 74kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Journey through Ancient Egypt in five-star comfort on a family adventure for the ages
Travel through the most celebrated ancient sites in Egypt on a family-friendly adventure led by an expert Egyptologist, with five-star comfort throughout. Beginning in Cairo, we explore world-class museums and stand before the Great Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza. We then fly south to Luxor to visit the vast temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor before boarding a premium Nile cruise. Sailing upstream to Aswan, we explore royal tombs, riverside temples and enjoy unhurried time together on deck, with sweeping Nile views.
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is graded Activity Level 1 (Easy). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Suitability: This trip is suitable for everyone with average health and fitness. No experience of any activity involved is necessary. Most days involve early starts (especially Day 4 when we catch an early flight to Luxor) but this allows us to get the most from our time in Egypt and avoid the worst of the heat.
Climate: Egypt can get hot, especially from June to September when temperatures can reach as high as 38C-40C (100F-104F) in the south of the country.
Ramadan is expected to run from approximately 17 February-19 March 2026. One of the most important periods in the Islamic calendar, it is a special time to visit a Muslim country. Each evening, the streets empty as people head home to break the fast, followed by an air of festivity upon their return. Our leaders and drivers choose to work at this time so we continue to run trips; however, their energy levels may be slightly lower than normal. Many tourist sites, restaurants and shops will have an amended schedule, but your tour leader will know how to adapt the itinerary to still experience all the inclusions on this trip and maximise your experience during this special time.
Water safety: This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Group
You are accompanied throughout by a qualified Egyptologist. Our tour leaders are skilled at explaining complex history in an engaging, accessible way, making this an enriching experience for younger travellers as well as adults.
Adult min age: 12
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Cairo
- End City: Aswan
Land Only Itinerary
Adventure begins in Cairo
Welcome to Cairo, Egypt’s vast capital on the Nile, whose history stretches from medieval dynasties to today’s lively neighbourhoods.
Depending on flight arrival times, we either gather this evening at the hotel for a welcome briefing or meet first thing tomorrow. Either way, it’s a gentle start designed to help everyone settle in.
Accommodation: Cairo Sheraton
Step into Egypt’s story at the Grand Egyptian Museum, El Azhar Mosque and Cairo's lively bazaar
Pay a visit to the incredible Grand Egyptian Museum, which contains relics dating to 4000 BCE, including the fantastic riches of Tutankhamun’s tomb. Here is a unique opportunity to survey the many fabulous treasures of Egypt in one place and set the scene for the rest of the tour.
Later, we visit Al Azhar Mosque, one of Cairo’s most important religious sites and still an active place of worship. We’ll dress respectfully for the visit (long sleeves and trousers; women also need a scarf to cover hair), and our tour leader will talk us through the etiquette so it feels straightforward for the whole family.
Round out the day in Cairo’s bazaar, a fun change of pace after the museums — good for browsing, polite bartering, and picking up souvenirs.
Accommodation: Cairo Sheraton
Meet the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx
Head to the Giza Plateau for a half-day focused on the great pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus, plus the Great Sphinx. For many families, this is the day that lands hardest − the scale is only truly understood where you’re standing right there!
Our Egyptologist brings the site to life with clear, engaging context: how these monuments were built, what they meant, and why they still matter.
The afternoon is free: you might opt for downtime by the hotel pool or join an optional excursion to Saqqara.
Accommodation: Cairo Sheraton
Fly to Luxor and walk among the columns of Karnak
Transfer to Cairo airport before sunrise for our flight to Luxor (flight times can vary). On arrival, we begin with Luxor Temple, then continue to Karnak Temple, a vast complex built and expanded over roughly 1,500 years. The Hypostyle Hall is a highlight – 134 columns, some more than 75ft (23m) high – and it’s the kind of place where teenagers stop scrolling and start looking up.
After the visits, we board our premium cruise vessel, the MS Nile Premium, in time for lunch. The afternoon is free to relax on board or explore Luxor at your own pace – a welcome breather after the early start.
Accommodation: MS Nile Premium
Enter the Valley of the Kings and begin cruising the Nile
We spend two days travelling by boat along the Nile, combining time on the river with visits to some of Egypt’s most important ancient sites.
Day 5 begins on the west bank at the Valley of the Kings, burial place of more than 60 pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, Seti I and Ramses III and IV. We enter the hillside tombs through low passages that open into painted chambers, where colourful scenes and hieroglyphs were intended to guide the king through the afterlife. Our Egyptologist helps decode the imagery, bringing the stories to life for adults and children alike. One ticket includes entry to three tombs, selected on the day to balance interest and conservation. Entry to Tutankhamun’s tomb is optional and payable locally; while modest in scale, its story makes it a compelling addition.
We continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut, built in sweeping terraces against sheer limestone cliffs, before stopping at the Colossi of Memnon, two monumental seated statues of Amenhotep III that have stood here for over three millennia.
On Day 6, we visit the riverside temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo. Edfu is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, notable for its towering pylon and roofed inner chambers, while Kom Ombo’s twin design reflects its dedication to two different gods.
Between visits, there is time to relax on board our cruise boat, with its sundeck, small pool, bar and shared spaces. Sailing between Luxor and Aswan, we watch everyday life unfold along the riverbanks as fields, villages and palm groves pass quietly by.
Accommodation: MS Nile Premium
Choose an optional excursion to Abu Simbel or enjoy Aswan, then sail by felucca at sunset
Today we have two options, depending on your family’s appetite for an early start.
If you book the optional excursion to Abu Simbel, you’ll fly south across the desert to visit Ramses II’s rock-cut temples. Beyond the colossal seated statues, the story of how the temples were relocated in the 1960s to avoid flooding from Lake Nasser often resonates with younger travellers − it’s ancient history meeting modern engineering, in the most practical way possible.
If you stay in Aswan, you can enjoy a full day in town, including time to browse the bazaar and soak up the feel of this riverside hub with deep Nubian roots.
Later, we all come together for a sunset sail on a felucca, a traditional wooden sailing boat. Cushions, rugs and a shaded canopy keep it comfortable, while the river does what it does best: slows everyone down.
We spend our last night on board.
Accommodation: MS Nile Premium
Visit Philae Temple and the Aswan High Dam, then settle in Aswan
After breakfast, we disembark and visit Philae Temple, relocated by UNESCO to Aglika Island in the 1970s when the original site was threatened by rising waters following the construction of the Aswan High Dam. It’s a rare place where the conservation story is as compelling as the temple itself.
We also visit the Aswan High Dam, and there’s an optional visit to the Unfinished Obelisk (paid locally) for anyone interested in the practical side of ancient construction − tool marks, abandoned stonework and the reality behind the monuments.
This evening, there’s the option to add an excursion to Animalia Nubian Village and enjoy a farewell dinner before returning to the hotel.
Accommodation: Tolip Aswan
Adventure ends in Aswan
Your family has explored the Pyramids of Giza, walked through temples at Luxor and Karnak, and cruised the Nile from Luxor to Aswan, but now it’s time to begin the journey home.
If you would like to extend your time in Egypt, speak to your sales representative about adding extra nights or choosing a post-trip extension.
Extend Your Trip
Alexandria Premium Add-on Tour
Extend your adventure with a pre-trip exploration of Alexandria, a magnificent port city on the Mediterranean coast founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BCE.
Day 1: Arrive in Cairo today with a chance to settle in and enjoy the hotel facilities before travelling to Alexandria tomorrow. Accommodation: Marriott Cairo (or similar)
Day 2: Transfer (three hours) from Cairo to Alexandria. En route, visit the Monastery of Saint Bishoy, an ancient Coptic Orthodox monastery in the Wadi El Natrun. After arrival, explore the Alexandria Library (Bibliotheca Alexandrina), a modern homage to the Great Library of Alexandria, which was one of the largest in the ancient world. The contemporary construction is a magnificent feat of design, housing numerous galleries, cultural venues and more. Accommodation: Steigenberger Cecil (or similar)
Day 3: Delve further into the cultural importance of the city at the Alexandria National Museum and Catacombs. The museum showcases the history of Alexandria and Egypt with more than 1,800 artefacts, while the catacombs are the largest-known Roman burial site in the country. Accommodation: Steigenberger Cecil (or similar)
Day 4: Catch a return transfer to Cairo today ready to join Day 1 of the main trip. On the way, visit El-Alamein, the site of two defining battles in the Second World War. We also have time to visit El-Alamein Military Museum to increase your understanding of these decisive conflicts.
Accommodation
Premium hotels and Nile cruise
Enjoy the best of Egyptian hospitality and relax in a handpicked trio of accommodations. The properties for this Premium trip were chosen for their excellent location, comfort, style and unique characteristics.
Cairo: Cairo Sheraton (nights 1-3)
Start the adventure in style with a stay at this five-star riverfront hotel in Cairo, located on the banks of the Nile.
Nile cruise: Nile Premium (nights 4-7)
A highlight of the trip for many, our Nile cruise is taken on the MS Nile Premium. The spacious and modern cabins have panoramic windows and thoughtful touches throughout. Find fun and relaxation on the sun deck or at the swimming pool, or enjoy inviting spaces such as the dining or lounge areas.
Aswan: Tolip Aswan (night 8)
All rooms feature a balcony and Nile view in this downtown hotel, a great spot with a swimming pool overlooking the Nile.
Worth knowing
- The accommodation shown has been booked and agreed in advance; however, we may need to make changes to a property of similar or higher standard after you have booked. We endeavour to inform you of any changes, which could (in rare circumstances) be at late notice.
Single supplement from £ 1295
Food & Drink
Allow 2,460-3,445 Egyptian dollars (approximately US$100-US$140) for meals not included. Food in Egypt involves such things as kebabs, chicken, stews, pitta bread, falafel, beans, aubergine (eggplant) and other vegetables, pickles and salads. Dishes tend to be simple and wholesome and vegetarians can be catered for if they accept the options may be somewhat limited. On board the cruise ship there is one complimentary bottle of water in your cabin and after this drinks are not included.
Transport
Road transport is by private air-conditioned mini/midi-bus and the roads are generally good. Travelling is typically restricted to a few hours a day and the mode of transport is varied. As detailed above, during our trip we use cruise ship and felucca.
Weather & Seasonality
Rain is very rare in all parts of Egypt and most days are sunny and clear. Summer temperatures often reach the upper 30s (around 100F) but this is particularly true for the period between June and September. Winter can be surprisingly cold, especially on the Nile or at night. The average daytime maximum in Cairo in January is 20C (68F), nights are minimum 8C (46F). In summer, these temperatures are 35C (95F) and 22C (72F) respectively. Daytime temperatures are a little higher on average in Aswan.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Cairo Sheraton, Charles de Gaulle, Ad Doqi A, Dokki, Giza Governorate 3750412, Egypt
Phone: +20 2 33369800
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing on the morning of Day 2.
Airport: Cairo Airport (CAI)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Cairo Airport. We provide free arrival transfers to the start hotel for any flight landing on arrival day and you’ll be met before customs and immigration. Speak to your sales representative before departure to book. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
We provide free departure transfers for everyone to Aswan Airport (ASW) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Cairo
Location end: Aswan
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Trousers (pants) or long dresses for women (Egypt is a Muslim country and there are times you may be asked to cover up when entering a mosque)
- Warm sweater (November to March) or a light sweater (April to October)
- Warm jacket or fleece (November to March only)
- Long sleeved shirts (for evening and/or sun protection)
- Sunhat
- Backpack
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and lip salve
- Lightweight walking shoes
- Light wet-weather top
Medication
Some medicines that are prescribed or available over the counter in your home country may be controlled substances in Egypt. Please check with your nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate about the customs requirements for any medicines you plan on carrying. You should also check your local government’s advice about carrying prescribed medication in Egypt.
Water included: Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Optional Equipment
- Camera
- Swimwear
- Torch/flashlight (useful in the temples)
Practical Information
Passport
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Visa
Egypt
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally need a visa to enter Egypt. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/africa/egypt
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/egypt
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt/entry-requirements
• USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Egypt.html
If you are obtaining your visa online, please ensure you have a scan of your passport ready. The file size should be small and ideally saved as a JPEG or PDF otherwise you might not be able to load it on the visa application.
You will need to provide your host’s information on the application – please use the following details:
South Sinai Travel
79 Merghany Street
Cairo
Egypt
Telephone: +20 22418 7310
www.southsinai.com
salwa.ibrahim@southsinai.com
Please note, Egyptian officials have requested tourists carry a copy of their passport with them while in the country. Please also note, some prescribed medicines are controlled substances in Egypt.
Our local representative can help with securing the visa upon arrival, as they meet us in the arrival hall and can do it immediately before border checks.
Please note that some prescribed medicines available in the UK are considered controlled substances in Egypt and can’t be brought into the country without prior permission from Egypt’s Ministry of Health; if you arrive in Egypt without this permission and the required documentation, the medication will not be allowed into the country and you may be prosecuted under Egyptian law; if you’re travelling with prescription medication you should carry a medical certificate from your GP confirming that the medication has been prescribed for a medical condition.
Vaccinations and Health
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, polio, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid.
You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Some travellers may also need proof of a polio vaccination. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
There is evidence that Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS) is spread by contact with camels. This trip includes the option of a camel ride, which is undertaken at your own risk; we suggest that you visit the Travel Health Pro website which includes information about the virus.
We recommend exercising caution with tap water. To reduce the risk of stomach upsets, it is best to use bottled water to brush your teeth and avoid salad that may have been washed with tap water.
Local Time
Egypt's time zone: Africa/Cairo (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
Egypt's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 220V, 50Hz
Money
Egypt's currency: The official currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP), though US dollars are also widely accepted
ATM Availability
There are ATMs in many parts of Egypt and you can use Visa, Mastercard and Switch using your normal PIN. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and tourist bazaars. It is also possible to purchase larger items such as carpets with Visa, American Express and some other major cards.
There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into the country, and we do not recommend you pick up Egyptian currency prior to departure.
Money can be changed on arrival at the airport or at local banks/exchange offices. Any hard currency, including British pounds, euros and US dollars can be exchanged. Additionally US dollars can be used to pay in Egypt; however, you usually receive change in Egyptian pounds. Your tour leader can assist with exchanging money throughout the tour. When you leave Egypt it is possible, though not always easy, to re-exchange Egyptian pounds into foreign currency. It is easiest to try to budget wisely to avoid having too many Egyptian pounds at the end of your tour.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Optional excursions
Our excursion packages include entrance fees, a professional Egyptologist guide, licensed drivers and vehicles, and local tourist police permission fees.
Prices are per person and in US dollars as this is the most stable currency used in Egypt, but excursions can be paid in any hard currency (including British pounds and euros). Payment cannot be made in Egyptian pounds. When booking and paying for these tours locally a three percent charge will be added for all card payments. The flight to Abu Simbel is to be requested with us at the time of booking your tour. We will then check availability. Unless indicated otherwise, the below prices are based on a minimum of six people taking part and are subject to change.
Cairo (only possible pre-tour or if arriving early on Day 1):
- Sound and light show, Giza: US$48 (minimum six travellers) Does not run every day.
- Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque: US$40
- Coptic Cairo including Coptic Museum: US$42
- Tour of Sakkara and Memphis: US$66
- Entrance fee to go inside Great Pyramids: US$30
- Grand Egyptian Museum: US$65
Aswan:
- Abu Simbel flight excursion: The flight must be requested with us at the time of booking your tour. If you do not request the flight at this time, we cannot guarantee seats will be available. Flight timings vary but the flight duration is approximately 45 minutes. The length of time in the temples depends on the Egyptair flight schedule. It should, however, be longer than an hour. Please speak to your sales representative to book.
- Abu Simbel road excursion: from US$150 at minimum six people (book locally). Depart Aswan at approximately 4.30am for the 3hr 30min transfer to Abu Simbel. The temple visit itself takes around two hours. Depart at approximately 10am and arrive back in Aswan at around 1.30pm.
Please note: Abu Simbel visits are not advised during the Abu Simbel Sun Festival (22 February and 22 October), due to safety precautions. If you would still like to visit Abu Simbel during your trip, we will try our best to accommodate. Due to local regulations, guides are not permitted to enter Abu Simbel temple with you but will provide information outside, allow you free time to explore, and arrange a meeting place for afterwards.
- St Simone Monastery (accessible by foot or on a camel): US$36
- Animalia Nubian village: US$25
- Sound and light show at Philae: $52 (minimum six travellers)
- Unfinished Obelisk: US$15 (minimum six travellers)
Luxor:
- A.C.E Luxor Animal Hospital (time permitting): Free
- Sound and light show, Karnak Temple: US$52
- Entrance for additional tombs on the West Bank, Valley of the Kings: Approximately US$18
- Dendarah and Abydos: US$70-US$90
Tipping
On this Premium Adventure, tipping for any local support staff is included, and will normally be taken care of via your tour leader (or in some cases through our local agent). So no need for any tipping kitty contributions, or to make your own tips during the trip.
Our ‘included tips’ will normally cover drivers, local specialist guides, certain hotel staff, and serving staff for included meals. Amounts will be in line with the local standard. Of course, if you wish to make a further tip for some extra special service you may do so.
Tips for the tour leader are not included. Whether to tip at all and the amount is entirely at your own discretion, but as a starting point, we suggest around US$8-US$13 per person per day.
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
You’ll also find Thriving Nature, Thriving People moments across our trips. These experiences are often a highlight of your adventure, while also benefiting the natural world or local communities.
On this trip, we:
- Can choose to visit A.C.E (Animal Care in Egypt), an animal charity dedicated to providing free veterinary care and education to their owners
Important Information
Binoculars and drones
We do not recommend taking binoculars or monoculars into Egypt as on occasion these have been confiscated either on arrival or within the country. Drones are also forbidden.
This trip goes near an area deemed unsafe to visit by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whose advice we follow when operating our trips. While our itinerary doesn’t go to these areas, you should familiarise yourself with your local government’s advice if you are planning any pre- or post-trip travel. Any independent travel to areas currently against your local government advice is entirely at your own risk and unlikely to be covered by your travel insurance.
Important Information
Your Safe Participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
Travel Safety
For additional information please have a look at the travel safety advice page on our website.
How to Book
Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:
- Check availability: our website shows real-time availability of our guided group tours, or contact our team by phone, email or live chat.
- Hold a space: You can provisionally hold a space on any guided group tour to give you time to finalise your travel plans.
- Confirm your booking: Payment of a deposit will complete your booking and secure your place on the trip.
After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.
Adding transfers to your booking
If you have arranged your own flights and would like to add transfers to your booking, please provide your arrival and departure details to our Customer Operations team around four to six weeks before departure.
- Where free transfers are included, they are available for any flight but can only be added to your booking once we have received your flight schedule.
- Where group arrival and departure transfers are available, these operate at fixed times. You will need to arrive in time to meet the scheduled transfer. If the timings don’t align with your travel plans, our team can arrange private transfers once they receive your flight schedule.
Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
