Current as of: April 24, 2024 - 11:43
Pyramids & Pharaohs in Egypt Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Programmes: Culture
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
- 9 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: AEZ
- Carbon Footprint: 345.4kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Discover ancient wonders and diverse cultures on an active adventure from Cairo to Luxor
Visit the history-soaked Land of the Pharaohs and discover the wonders of Egypt through thrilling experiences. We quad bike by the Pyramids of Giza, kayak down the Nile and sandboard down dunes. There’s also time to explore the islands around Aswan by felucca, sleep in a Nubian guesthouse, and take a sleeper train cross-country. It’s an adventure-packed trip for those who want to combine can’t-miss attractions, cultural experiences and lesser-known spots.
At a Glance
- Four nights in premium hotels, three nights in a Nubian guesthouse and one night on a sleeper train
- Travel by private air-conditioned mini/midi-bus and sleeper train
Highlights
- Sample authentic Egyptian flavours on a food tour of Cairo
- Quad bike near the Pyramids of Giza
- Explore the Nile on a kayaking adventure
- Stay in Nubian accommodation and enjoy a home-cooked meal
- Sandboard the desert dunes
- Explore the temples of Abu Simbel
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
Below are some things you should know about this trip:
- Early starts allow us to maximise the adventure and avoid the hottest parts of the day
- Care should be taken to keep hydrated. From June to September, temperatures can top 40C (104F) in the south
- A sense of adventure is needed for quad biking, kayaking and sandboarding, although no previous experience is necessary
Sun Festival departures
The festival is a bi-annual event at Abu Simbel that has been taking place for more than 3,200 years. During the celebrations, the sun perfectly aligns with the usually dark interior and lights up the seated statues of Ramses II; the sun god, Ra; and the king of the gods, Amun. Only the statue of Ptah, the god of darkness, remains in the shadows. There are traditional Nubian dances performed, street food everywhere (save stomach space for some fresh koshari) and live music outside the temple.
Ramadan is expected to run from approximately 28 February-29 March 2025. 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.
Group
There is a local leader and drivers throughout the trip and local guides where needed.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 6
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Cairo
- End City: Luxor
Land Only Itinerary
Arrive in Egypt
Welcome to Cairo, the capital of Egypt. Here, raucous modern life meets ancient history. Upon arrival, check into the Hyatt Regency Cairo West, just outside the city, which has views over to the pyramids.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Cairo West (or similar)
Visit the Pyramids of Giza, Egyptian Museum and Al-Azhar Mosque
After breakfast, we head to the Pyramids of Giza, spending an hour on a quad bike with the pyramids as our backdrop. Then there’s a tour to reveal the secrets of these intriguing structures.
Later, in downtown Cairo, we visit the Egyptian Museum to see the riches of Tutankhamun’s tomb and other Egyptian treasures. The day continues at the architecturally beautiful Al-Azhar Mosque, one of the oldest examples in the city.
Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Cairo West (or similar)
Kayak down the Nile then explore the souks; board sleeper train
We board kayaks this morning and paddle on the Nile for around two hours. Then it’s back to downtown Cairo for a food tour and the chance to sample traditional Egyptian dishes. We also have an afternoon tour of Old Cairo to wander the narrow lanes of the Khan El-Khalili bazaar.
Tonight, we board a sleeper train to Aswan, the southern frontier of ancient Egypt.
Accommodation: Sleeper train
Wake up in Aswan; explore the Nile by felucca
There’s a full day on the Nile today. We board a felucca (a traditional wooden sailing boat) and get to know this famous waterway a little better. There’s time to relax and enjoy the scenery as we pass rocky islets and glimpse the golden dunes beyond the west bank. Later, we check into Anakato Hotel, a traditional Nubian-style accommodation.
Accommodation: Anakato Hotel (or similar)
Marvel at the Temples of Abu Simbel
We rise before the sun this morning to travel through the desert to Abu Simbel. It’s renowned for its colossal temples – spectacular examples of ancient Egyptian art and engineering overlooking Lake Nasser. After, there’s downtime back at Anakato Hotel before the adventure continues in the late afternoon when we take a desert walk with a Nubian guide. We feast on a home-cooked Nubian meal and learn about the culture and history of this region.
Accommodation: Anakato Hotel (or similar)
Sun Festival departures
It’s a very early start today, leaving Aswan at approximately 1am to join the convoy for the 3hr 30min drive to Abu Simbel, with the aim of arriving before dawn. Abu Simbel Temple remains in darkness year-round, except for two occasions (22 February and 22 October) when it’s hit by natural sunlight. The light that streams into the complex reflects on the seated statues of Ramses II; the sun god, Ra; and the king of the gods, Amun, illuminating the entire place and highlighting its brilliant architecture. Only the statue of Ptah, the god of darkness, remains in shadow. The Sun Festival takes place when the light hits the statues.
Board the dunes
This morning, we sandboard across the dunes. It’s an extreme sport that’s sure to get your heart pumping. The rest of the day is yours to swim and kayak in the Nile, explore Aswan bazaar or take an optional tour of Philae Temple, the High Dam or a nearby Nubian village.
Accommodation: Anakato Hotel (or similar)
Explore Luxor
It’s to Luxor today, taking an approximately six-hour transfer. We tour the ancient Karnak Temple and marvel at the grandeur of the surviving monuments. After sunset, we visit Luxor Temple, built between 1390 BCE and 1352 BCE. Tonight, we stay at the Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor on the east bank of the Nile.
Accommodation: Steigenberger Nile Palace (or similar)
Visit the Valley of the Kings
We have an early transfer this morning, which takes us to the Valley of the Kings, the site of 63 royal tombs. It was part of the ancient city of Thebes and the burial site of almost all the pharaohs of the 18th, 19th and 20th dynasties. Then it’s onto the Colossi of Memnon, two giant, faceless stone statues guarding the entrance to the temple of Amenophis III. Entry to Tutankhamun’s tomb costs approximately US$12, payable locally. In terms of size and decoration, it is not as impressive as many of the other tombs, but is, of course, historically very interesting.
There’s lunch at El Marsam restaurant and then a visit to ACE Luxor animal hospital, a charity dedicated to treating animals in the most impoverished communities of Luxor.
Tonight, there’s a farewell dinner at El Sofra restaurant, dining on traditional Egyptian dishes.
Accommodation: Steigenberger Nile Palace (or similar)
Depart Egypt
The adventure ends this morning after breakfast and we begin our return journeys home. However, if you’d like a little more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Accommodation
Hotels, sleeper train and Nubian guesthouse
Enjoy a range of accommodation styles on this Egyptian adventure, where we have downtime in four- and five-star (local rating) hotels, while also spending a night on a sleeper train and staying in a Nubian guesthouse. Below are the hotels we typically use.
Cairo: Hyatt Regency Cairo West (nights 1 and 2)
Our time in Egypt begins in style with a stay at this contemporary five-star resort with views of the Pyramids of Giza. There are plenty of facilities to enjoy, including a year-round pool with a sunken bar, a 24-hour gym, and a spa. There are plenty of dining options too, including a European food hall, a Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant, and an industrial-style lounge bar serving cocktails.
Cairo to Aswan: Sleeper train (night 3)
We travel from Cairo to Aswan on the overnight sleeper train. We stay in first-class cabins, which are compact and have bunk beds. Bedding is provided. The train tends to shake due to the condition of the track and is quite noisy. Earplugs are a good idea. A basic dinner and breakfast are provided, you may wish to take snacks with you. There is a shared toilet in each carriage.
Aswan: Anakato Hotel (nights 4-6)
Spend three nights immersing yourself in Nubian culture, language, songs and food at Anakato Hotel, where we stay in traditionally styled accommodation. The meals are homemade (typically Nubian tajines) with ingredients freshly picked from their farm.
Luxor: Steigenberger Nile Palace (nights 7 and 8)
Our adventure ends at this rather grand hotel beside the Nile. There’s a pool overlooking the river plus a spa and fitness area. The selection of dining options is vast and includes: Nubia, a Nubian-themed eatery; the Nile Bar and Lounge, which serves light bites and is well worth visiting during sunset; and The View, where you can enjoy ‘creative culinary art’ with vistas over the Nile and Theban mountains.
Worth knowing
- The sleeper trains in Egypt are fairly dated so although classified as first class you should be prepared for a lower standard than Western countries.
Single supplement from 684 €
Food & Drink
- All breakfasts, two lunches and three dinners are included
- Vegetarians and gluten-free diets can be catered for, although options may be limited
Transport
Road transport is by private air-conditioned mini/midi-bus and the roads in Egypt are generally good. Travelling is generally restricted to a few hours a day and the mode of transport is varied. We also use kayaks and a train.
Cairo to Aswan sleeper train: The train is a good way to cover a long distance in a time efficient manner and avoids the need for a domestic flight. Make sure to check the Accommodation section of the Trip Notes for more information.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hyatt Regency Cairo West, Cairo – Alexandria Desert Rd, Al Giza Desert, Giza Governorate 3296131
Phone: +20 2 35369500
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Cairo Airport (CAI)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately an hour’s drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, usually scheduled for flight MS778 arriving at 8.40pm. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you do not take the group transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining Instructions. Private transfers are also available to book (these may be shared with other members of your group who have the same or similar flight times).
We know the unexpected can happen. If you miss your tour departure, check with the hotel to see if your tour leader has left you a message with details of how to catch up with your group. If not, call our emergency number (you will find it on the final joining instructions) and our team will help. Don’t forget, you are responsible for any extra travelling expenses incurred if you miss your tour departure.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Luxor International Airport, usually scheduled for flight MS061 departing at 5.50am (April to October) or flight MS069 departing at 5.50am (November to March). Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
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: Luxor
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Trousers (pants) or long dresses for women
- Backpack for the day
- Water bottle
- Lightweight walking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear
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
- Torch (flashlight), which can be 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.
Vaccinations and Health
Egypt
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.
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. 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
In the itinerary, we state which meals are included on which days. For meals not included, we suggest you budget US$100-US$120. A beer in a hotel or restaurant can cost approximately US$7 and a glass of wine approximately US$10.
Optional excursions
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 Exodus 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. Please note that prices include entrance fees, guide, private transport and police permissions.
Cairo (only possible pre-tour)
- Sound and light show, Giza: US$48 (minimum of six travellers) – Does not run everyday.
- Citadel and Mohamed Ali Mosque: US$40
- Coptic Cairo including Coptic Museum: US$38
- Full-day tour of Sakkara and Memphis: US$66
- Entrance fee to go inside Great Pyramids: US$30
Aswan
- Tour of Philae, High Dam and Obelisk: US$54 (valid for four to six clients)
- St Simone Monastery: US$36 (minimum four clients)
- Sound and light show at Philae: US$52 (valid for four to six clients)
- Aswan markets: US$25-US$35
- Swimming (beach entrance fee): US$3
- Camel ride: US$8
- Kayaking (no guide): US$3
- Kayaking (guided): US$6-US$12
- Abu Simbel flight excursion: from GBP £396, USD$435. This must be requested with Exodus at time of booking your tour. If you do not request the flight at this time we cannot guarantee seats will be available if trying to book locally. Flight timings vary but the flight duration is approximately 45 minutes. The length of time in the temples depends on the Egyptair flight schedule and is not controlled by Exodus. It should however be longer than an hour.
- Supplement for visiting Abu Simbel on Sun Festival: US$28
Luxor
- Sound and light show, Karnak Temple: US$52
- Queen Hatshepsut’s temple: US$18
- Entrance for additional tombs on the West Bank, Valley of the Kings: Approximately US$18
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. However, if you wish to tip your drivers and hotel staff etc (but excluding restaurants), we recommend a group kitty of US$55-US$65 per person. To show appreciation for your tour leader, we recommend a tip of around $36 per person.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible. In Aswan, we stay at a hotel owned by a Nubian family.
- There is the option to have a Nubian dinner in an Aswan village where you can have an authentic meal, interact socially and directly see who your money benefits.
- Read more about our other initiatives here.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
- The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves and archaeological sites generates income, which is used to upkeep and develop these important sites. On this trip, we enter numerous ancient sites.
- Our trips adhere to ABTA’s industry-leading animal welfare guidelines to ensure the best possible practices regarding working animals and wildlife viewing. Our animal welfare policy can be found here.
- We support ACE (Animal Care in Egypt) by giving our guests the opportunity to visit their centre. They are a charity dedicated to stopping the suffering of animals in the most deprived communities in Luxor by providing free veterinary care and education to their owners.
- We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.
Important Information
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.
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.
In line with our ‘book and travel with confidence’ promise which allows you to cancel free of charge up to 42 days prior to departure, or transfer to another trip free of charge up to 21 days prior to your trip starting in country, please be aware that this excludes ‘irrecoverable costs’. Details can be found here: https://www.exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions
For this trip the irrecoverable costs related to in-country operations are outlined below, if booking flight inclusive your sales agent will confirm the terms related to your international flights at the time of booking.
Flights: £109 / US$135 / €118 / 177 Australian dollars / 189 Canadian dollars
If you need to cancel your trip because you or a member of your party is diagnosed with COVID-19 or has received a request from the government to self-isolate, you will receive a full refund less these irrecoverable costs.
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 the Exodus office 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.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.