Current as of: February 7, 2026 - 04:45
Current as of: February 7, 2026 - 04:45

2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate
From standing at the foot of the Great Pyramids to sailing the Nile on a comfortable cruise boat, this journey is designed to spark curiosity and imagination for travellers of all ages. Led by a knowledgeable Egyptologist who knows how to engage both adults and younger travellers, we explore legendary temples, tombs and museums, while balancing guided visits with time to relax and enjoy being together. Cruising the Nile from Luxor to Aswan adds a sense of adventure, with ever-changing scenes of riverside life, warm evenings on deck and memorable sunsets along the way.
Highlights
This trip is graded Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). 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 3 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.
Summer departures: The hottest months are June to September when temperatures can hit over 40C (104F). On departures during these months, we amend the itinerary to avoid the hottest parts of the day, but the inclusions remain the same. Care should be taken to keep hydrated.
Ramadan is expected to run from 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.
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
Welcome to Cairo, a city that has been at the heart of Egyptian civilisation for more than 1,000 years and continues to shape the country today.
Arrival flights can arrive late, and the visa process can take some time. Therefore, we recommend flying into Cairo a day earlier and adding an extra night at your start hotel.
There are some excellent sightseeing options available in Cairo if you wish to see more. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Accommodation: Mövenpick Cairo Media City (or similar)
Begin with a welcome briefing with the tour leader (usually at 7am or 7.30am). Please have your breakfast beforehand and be sure to bring your insurance details as the tour leader needs to gather this information.
At the Grand Egyptian Museum – the world’s largest archaeological museum dedicated to a single civilization – we come face-to-face with artefacts that are thousands of years old, including treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb that rarely fail to impress younger travellers. The visit is guided with clear explanations that help make sense of the symbols, stories and daily life of Ancient Egypt.
Later, we step into the lively lanes of Khan el-Khalili bazaar, where bright stalls laden with spices and crafts offer a chance to practise bargaining skills and meet local vendors.
Accommodation: Mövenpick Cairo Media City (or similar)
Today is one of those travel days that lives up to every expectation. Standing on the Giza Plateau, we take in the scale of the Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus — monuments that have fascinated travellers for thousands of years.
Our Egyptologist explains how these vast structures were built and why they mattered, answering questions from curious minds and helping younger travellers picture life in Ancient Egypt. The Great Sphinx, half-lion and half-pharaoh, adds another layer of mystery.
Only the throng of sightseers milling around their huge foundations keep you in the 21st century. If you’d like to venture inside the belly of the pyramids, it is possible to pay for additional tickets locally. After, we drive to a viewpoint to see the grand monuments from another angle.
There is free time later in the day to relax at the hotel or continue exploring Cairo at your own pace.
Accommodation: Mövenpick Cairo Media City (or similar)
We typically transfer to Cairo airport before sunrise for our flight to Luxor (flight times can vary but we need to be at the airport three hours before the flight so expect a wake up around 2am). A breakfast box is provided, but you’ll also need to pack your day’s essentials into your hand luggage, such as your hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
After landing, we head straight to Karnak Temple, a vast complex built over more than 1,500 years. Walking between towering columns, it is easy to imagine religious ceremonies and processions that once took place here, while our early arrival means we miss the big crowds that arrive later in the day. We then tour the smaller Luxor Temple complex, where we see more grand monuments from the ancient world.
After, we arrive at our cruise boat in time for lunch on board before free time in the afternoon to relax or head back into Luxor for more exploration.
Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar)
Upgrade to an upper-deck cabin today – speak to your sales representative for more details
We cross to the west bank of the Nile very early, travelling to the Valley of the Kings on a 30 to 40-minute bus ride. Here, discreet entrances lead underground into richly decorated tombs, their walls covered with colourful scenes intended to guide pharaohs into the afterlife. Exploring inside these chambers is often a highlight for younger travellers.
One ticket allows us to see three tombs, usually into what are regarded as the most impressive tombs. However, if there is time, we recommend a visit to the tombs of Ramses VI and Tutankhamun – these require extra tickets, which can be bought locally.
Visits to tombs are now strictly controlled to halt further deterioration of wall paintings – each tomb is periodically closed for several weeks. On crowded days, make sure to have a quick visit to each of the included tombs if you want to add extra tombs as your tour leader will give a fixed meeting time in order to return to the cruise boat before it sails.
Nearby, the terraced Temple of Hatshepsut tells the story of one of Egypt’s most remarkable rulers, while the Colossi of Memnon provide a final dramatic stop before we return to the boat.
Returning to the boat, we begin sailing along the Nile. As the river carries us south, families can relax on deck, play cards, read or simply watch villages and farmland drift by.
Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar)
Upgrade to an upper-deck cabin today – speak to your sales representative for more details
This morning, we visit Edfu Temple, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus and one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Its carvings are clear and detailed, making it easier for children to spot scenes and symbols explained by the leader.
Later, after time sailing and relaxing on board, we stop at Kom Ombo, a temple unusually dedicated to two gods.
We continue cruising towards Aswan, arriving later in the evening.
Please note: Exact sailing and excursion times cannot be guaranteed for each individual trip.
Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar)
Upgrade to an upper-deck cabin today – speak to your sales representative for more details
We wake in Aswan, a smaller and more relaxed town with strong Nubian roots. Families can browse the local bazaar, where spices and souvenirs offer plenty to look at.
Today there’s the option of flying to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel, 186mi (300km) to the south through the Nubian Desert. Built by Ramses II, the two temples are certainly some of the most spectacular in Egypt. Originally on the banks of the Nile, the temples were raised to a new site above the lake in the late 1960s, as the waters from the new Lake Nasser rose behind the Aswan High Dam. The four great seated statues of Ramses II stare east towards the rising sun. We arrive back in Aswan around 1.30pm, before lunch.
Alternatively, remain in Aswan and visit the Nubian Museum, which offers a clear and engaging look at local culture and traditions.
Accommodation: M/S Nile Style (or similar)
Upgrade to an upper-deck cabin today – speak to your sales representative for more details
After disembarking the cruise boat, we visit Philae Temple, carefully relocated to higher ground to save it from flooding after the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The story of its rescue adds a modern chapter to Egypt’s ancient past.
In the afternoon, we slow the pace with a felucca sail on the Nile. With no engine noise, this gentle journey allows families to appreciate the contrast between river, desert and islands — a calm and fitting finale to our time on the water.
Please note: The timings of the felucca sailing might be changed according to weather conditions
Accommodation: Basma Hotel (or similar)
Upgrade to a Nile-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details
You’ve stood beneath the Pyramids, explored royal tombs and sailed the Nile together, but now it’s time to begin the journey home.
If your family would like to extend the adventure, speak to your sales representative about additional nights or extensions – Egypt always has more stories to tell.

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: Steigenberger Pyramids (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: Metropole Paradise (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: Metropole Paradise (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.

We stay in four-star hotels (local rating) and spend four nights navigating the Nile on a cruise boat. Below are the places we typically stay during our time in Egypt.
Upgrade to a higher category of room on days 4-8 – speak to your sales representative for more details.
Cairo: Mövenpick Cairo Media City (nights 1-3)

Kick-off our adventure at this refined family-friendly retreat in the capital. When you’re not out exploring, there’s plenty to keep the kids and adults entertained, including multiple outdoor pools, an aquapark and a daily chocolate hour with complimentary cocoa treats.
Nile: M/S Nile Style cruise boat (nights 4-7)

Climb aboard this stylish cruise boat for an unforgettable journey on the longest river in the world. It has 77 air-conditioned cabins, each with a view over the waters while sailing, allowing you to relax in peace and watch the world drift past. Much of your free time may well be spent on the spacious sundeck, which has a dipping pool and plenty of cushy loungers (shaded and unshaded). Elsewhere, there’s a sophisticated lounge bar and elegant restaurant.
Aswan: Basma Hotel (night 8)

On the highest hill in Aswan, directly opposite the Nubian Museum, the Basma occupies a privileged spot. Rooms come in a mixture of styles, many with views over the city or the Nile, and you can spend your free time cooling off in the expansive pool. The property is also home to The Lotus restaurant, which serves an eclectic mix of international and local cuisines, plus the Vienna Cafe, where you can enjoy light bites, hot drinks and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Worth knowing
Food in Egypt involves kebabs, chicken, stews, pita bread, falafel, beans, vegetables, pickles and salads. Dishes tend to be simple and wholesome, and vegetarians can be catered for, though the options may be somewhat limited.
For meals not included, we suggest you allow approximately US$15 for lunch and US$20 for dinner (this differs according to the type of restaurant you are looking for).
Road transport is by private air-conditioned mini/midi-bus (could be coaster or bus according to group size) and Egypt’s roads are generally good. Travelling is normally restricted to a few hours a day and the mode of transport is varied. As detailed above, during our trip we use a cruise ship and felucca.
Rain is very rare in all parts of Egypt and most days are sunny and clear. Summer temperatures can exceed 40C (104F) 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), night time minimum is 8C (46F). In the summer, these temperatures are 35C (95F) and 22C (72F) respectively. Daytime temperatures are slightly higher on average in Aswan.
Start hotel: Mövenpick Cairo Media City, El Wahat Rd, First 6th of October, 6th of October City (3), Giza Governorate 3280240
Phone: +20 2 38555001
Recommended arrival time: Hotel check-in is from 2pm
Airport: Cairo International Airport (CAI)
The start hotel is approximately a one-hour drive from the airport. We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel – speak to your sales representative for the transfer time. You may join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. The transfer only departs once all passengers joining the transfer have arrived, and you may, therefore, have to wait. If you are joining, you will be met before immigration and customs.
There’s one group transfer to Aswan International Airport (ASW). Please speak to your sales representative for times if you wish to join or 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: Aswan
Internal flights in the destination country (Cairo/Luxor) are subject to a weight limit of 50lb (23kg). As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check the airline website for the latest information prior to your departure.
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.
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.
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements; however, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A vaccines are recommended. Although not usually advised, other vaccinations to consider include rabies and hepatitis B.
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.
Egypt's time zone: Africa/Cairo (UTC +02:00)
Egypt's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins, European standard) and F (two round pins) – 220V, 50Hz
Egypt's currency: The official currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP), though US dollars are also widely accepted
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 some major cards. American Express is not accepted in many places while Visa/Mastercard are widely used.
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.
Any hard currency, including British pounds, euros and US dollars, can be exchanged on arrival at the airport or at local banks/exchange offices. 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.
Additionally, US dollars can be used to pay in Egypt; change is usually given in Egyptian pounds, so we recommend bringing low denomination US dollars if that is your preference.
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): the following rates for (minimum six travellers) available for pre and post tour in Cairo.
Aswan: the following rates for (minimum six travellers)
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.
Luxor: the following rates for (minimum six travellers)
Paying for optional excursions by credit card is recommended.
Baksheesh is part of Egyptian life, and small tips are expected by most of the people working in the tourism industry (drivers, hotel staff, railway porters, restaurant staff etc).
Tipping kitty: To simplify this process, the tour leader will recommend a tipping kitty. They will explain this at the start of the trip and will collect the suggested sum from those who wish to participate. Your tour leader will then take care of all the tipping on behalf of the group. While your participation is highly recommended, it is not compulsory. Tipping could be in US dollars, British pounds or Egyptian pounds. Your tour leader can provide details of the distribution of the money as required.
Tour leader: If you feel your tour leader has performed well over the course of your trip, you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal, but as a guide, about US$8-US$13 per person per day would be reasonable. The tipping kitty explained above is entirely separate from any contribution to the tour leader.
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:
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.
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.
Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:
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.
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.
