As a member of the Exodus team, I was really excited to experience this Signature trip on my first visit to Egypt, and it exceeded all of my expectations.
From the moment we landed in Cairo and were whisked through the airport by golf cart, the journey felt special. The itinerary strikes a great balance between iconic highlights and lesser-known gems, which helped us explore while avoiding the crowds. Our guide, Andrew, brought ancient Egypt to life with his knowledge, engaging storytelling and fun anecdotes.
Every place we stayed was exceptional, with thoughtful service and staff who were always happy to help. Each day of the trip had carefully chosen moments that took us off the beaten path to see something memorable, and it all felt really special.
Once on board the private Dahabiya, the experience stepped up even more. The crew did a fantastic job of making us comfortable as we drifted along the river, whether we were stepping off the boat to explore sites or relaxing on deck with a drink and watching the world go by. It’s an unforgettable way to discover Egypt.
Egypt Culture Tours
Our Best 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.
Siobhan Hughes Signature Egypt | Spirit of the Nile
Ann Taylor Highlights of EgyptA very memorable experience travelling from the amazing museums in Cairo, and then down to the tombs and temples of first Aswan then Luxor. We followed the stories of various characters, learning how to recognise Pharaohs and gods from their pictures and symbols. It was dusty and polluted in Cairo (and the traffic was indescribable!). Aswan was fresher and more laid back, and Luxor between the two (I was glad of my hat and drank lots of water – the sun in Valley Of The Kings was unforgiving!). The hotels were great, with beautiful pools. I was really pleased that I had chosen rooms with a Nile view where available. The food was good but for a non meat eater sometimes a little unimaginative. The Nubian restaurant in Aswan (included) and Abydos Nile View (not included) were highlights. I was also pleased that I chose to stay an extra two nights in Luxor- the pool really does float on the Nile!
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?
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