I absolutely loved every minute of that trip. I went in April and we got to see many different dramatic landscapes and amazing wildlife. Every evening we had clear details on what would happen the next day, departure and driving times, number of stops, and what to wear. Some drives looked long on paper but the landscapes were always interesting to watch and we never knew when wildlife would be visible.
The itinerary is well designed as we discovered landscapes and alternated days with short drives and multiple hikes and days with longer drives but plenty of stops on the way. Some mornings started relatively early but that is necessary to see wildlife and walk in the desert before it gets too hot.
The lodging ranged from absolutely fabulous (Damara Mopane Lodge and Otjiwa Safari Lodge for example) to painting peeling off the wall in Etosha National Park. Regardless, all were clean and quiet and being so close to the waterhole in Etosha was well worth the slightly less luxurious room.
The bus we used is especially well designed to travel on dirt roads and to see immense landscapes and wildlife. The provided extra cushions were welcome on bumpy roads and all seats had seatbelts. Once we got into Etosha, we opened the roof and (shoes off) would stand on seats to have a 360 degrees view. The front and side windows also open. That means everyone could see the wildlife from different angles with obstructing the view of others in the group.
I had high expectations when I booked that trip and I came home with all those expectations exceeded.
Egypt Culture Tours
Egypt Culture Tours
Top 5 Places for Egypt Culture Tours
Cairo: Egypt’s sprawling capital is a dizzying mix of antiquities, bazaars and cultural performances. Our Egypt cultural trips ensure you’re directed to the best sites so you can get to grips with the city and its people. The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities houses ancient artefacts that date back to 4,000 BCE and is also home to the treasures of Tutankhamun’s tomb. Alternatively, visit the Al Azhar Mosque or stroll through the meandering alleyways of the vibrant bazaar.
Pyramids of Giza: Arguably the most astounding site to explore on Egypt culture holidays, the Pyramids of Giza can be found on the edge of the desert. They’re one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World at more than 4,000 years old. Made up of three pyramids, the site still perplexes historians and they’re considered one of Egypt’s greatest mysteries.
Valley of the Kings: Want to uncover the extravagant world of pharaohs and ancient Egyptian royalty? The Valley of the Kings is a famous burial ground, where 63 pharaohs were buried inside exquisite tombs, including that of Tutankhamun. The burial site lies on the west bank of the Nile and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Luxor: A curious city on the eastern banks of the Nile, Luxor, also known as Thebes, has become reputed as one of the finest open-air museums in the world and is a must for your cultural holiday to Egypt. You’ll find the magnificent Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and the Karnak Temple Complex here, with the latter hosting a spectacular evening light and sound show.
Red Sea: Spanning the inlet of the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea was believed to be where Moses parted the waves in the Bible. However, it is now more famously known for its colourful sea life and unusual coral formations. You can go beneath the surface either by snorkelling or in a submarine to explore this kaleidoscopic world. But if you prefer to kick back and soak up the sun, the beach is a great place to enjoy the views on terra firma.
Christine Beeton Discover Namibia – Lodges
Yves Hoekman Essential PeruDon’t let the 3 stars put you off — this is an amazing trip and I wish I could rate it 5 stars. Peru is stunning, and this itinerary covers a lot of the country, which means it’s intense: early starts and long bus days. As the trip progresses, the landscapes get more impressive — Colca Canyon is jaw-dropping (condor-spotting and the llamas were highlights). Hotels were decent and food ranged from good to excellent, with plenty of great meals, wine, and pisco sours. Overall, a great overview of Peru’s culture, nature and history — hard not to fall in love with the country and its people.
We were a great group of 12, but because of that small number we were given a small, uncomfortable bus. Luggage barely fit, the suspension was terrible, and it was wholly inadequate for long journeys (one day of 13 hours!) on bumpy roads at altitude. Our guide Giscard tried to get an upgrade, and I contacted the London Exodus office, but the Peru office wouldn’t budge — so for over half the trip, our enjoyment was hindered by the transport. We did get an upgrade in week two, the night we had to flee Cusco at 10pm due to a strike — but that bus broke down (overheated radiator), leaving us without heating while it snowed outside. The last few days we finally got a great bus, and it made a huge difference for Colca Canyon. This is something for Exodus to reflect on.
Unlike some other reviewers, I didn’t enjoy the homestay (nor did the 2 travelers staying in the same home). There was little communication with the family — we only met the mother and son — and they were keen to sell us their wares from the moment we arrived, even asking to swap my much-needed fleece for a woollen hat. The next morning we were all asked to “dress up” in “traditional” clothing, which felt at odds with the spirit of these trips — more like forced cultural appropriation. Others may have felt differently.
Overall, I’m so pleased I did this trip and would recommend it strongly!
Peter and Liz Rooke Highlights of AlbaniaAn excellent introduction to a fast-changing country. A varied itinerary took us through the beautiful Albanian scenery and included visits to mosques, churches and houses of interest as well as archaeological sites.
Planning Your Culture Trip to Egypt?
The climate in Egypt is hot and dry as the vast majority of the country sits on desert. The hot, dry summer season runs from May to September. Outside of this, the winter season is milder. Most tourists visit Egypt between October and April as the daytime temperatures are more comfortable for sightseeing, ranging between 19°C and 28°C. However, temperatures can drop to as low as 0°C at night, so be sure to check the weather and pack layers accordingly for your Egypt culture trip.
Clothing for a culture holiday in Egypt might include a combination of shorts, skirts, dresses and long, breezy trousers made from breathable materials like linen or cotton. As the dress code is relatively conservative, it’s recommended that you choose outfits that reflect that.
Sunglasses and sun hats are also highly recommended to help protect against sunburn or sunstroke. If you plan to visit any mosques, it’s recommended that women bring a shawl or scarf to cover their hair.
Depending on the sightseeing involved, you may want to bring shoes or trainers that are comfortable for being up on your feet all day.
Depending on the time of year, the evenings can feel chilly despite the heat during the daytime. Be sure to pack additional layers, such as a jumper, fleece or cardigan, as well as trousers to keep your legs warm.
Egypt is a predominantly Islamic country, which means Ramadan is an important event. Due to fasting, which happens between sunrise and sunset, some restaurants and markets could reduce their opening hours.
While those who aren’t Muslim aren’t expected to fast, it is courteous to restrict drinking and snacking out in public. Despite this, it’s a remarkable cultural experience to witness during your holiday to Egypt, giving you plenty of opportunities to learn about Ramadan celebrations.
This depends entirely on what you are seeking from your culture trip to Egypt.
Some of the country’s most famous landmarks can be found just over 10 miles from Cairo. The Pyramids of Giza are one of Egypt’s most visited tourist attractions. Here, you can also see the Great Sphinx. The city of Cairo is home to the Egyptian Museum and the ever-lively Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
Luxor is another great destination for your culture holiday in Egypt. Visit the vast Karnak and nearby Luxor temple complexes for insight into their religious significance during ancient Egyptian civilisation. The Valley of the Kings is another must-visit. It’s home to Tutankhamun’s famous tomb and while much of its contents sit in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, you can still see the spectacular wall engravings and the mummy wrapped in linen cloth.
Meanwhile, the ancient cities of Aswan and Alexandria offer a wealth of breathtaking sites and plenty of stories to hand, from the spectacular Aswan High Dam to the Qaitbay Fortress and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
To box off multiple destinations in one awe-inspiring trip culture trip to Egypt, a Nile cruise could be the best choice.
Egypt is home to countless UNESCO World Heritage sites. Examples include:
- Nubian Monuments
- The Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur
- Ancient Thebes (Luxor) and the Valley of the Kings
- Historic Cairo
You can find all the latest Government advice and travel guidance online.
Why choose an Egypt culture tour from Exodus?
The best guides in the business. Awarded GOLD by Wanderlust
Nat Geo Traveller Best Operator & British Travel Awards Best Operator for 2022
100 square meters of land Rewilded for every guest that travels
The Exodus Travels Foundation supports hard-to-reach local communities
Become an Exodus insider
Get insider tips, travel inspiration, and exclusive offers you won’t find anywhere else – sign up now!