Ultimate Egypt Discovery
Egypt Highlights
Experience the very best of Egypt in one unforgettable journey. Explore the timeless wonders of Cairo, including the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, historic mosques, and bustling bazaars. Travel south to Luxor to uncover the treasures of ancient Thebes, from Karnak and Luxor Temples to the Valley of the Kings. End your adventure on the Red Sea in Hurghada, where relaxation, sunshine, and crystal-clear waters await. This deluxe tour blends history, culture, and leisure for a truly all-in-one Egyptian holiday
Day 1 – Arrival in Cairo
Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, guests are met and assisted through immigration and customs before being transferred to their hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure, providing an opportunity to rest or enjoy the views of the Nile. Dinner and overnight in Cairo.
Overnight at Novotel Cairo 6TH October or similar (D)
Day 2 – Islamic Cairo and Khan El Khalili
After breakfast, the day begins with a visit to Al Azhar Mosque, home to the world’s largest Islamic University and a renowned centre of scholarship. The tour continues to the Mosque of Imam El Hussein, an important religious site capable of hosting up to 30,000 worshippers, followed by a visit to the Mosque of Saida Zeinab. Guests then enjoy free time in the historic Khan El Khalili bazaar and along Al-Muizz Street. Return to the hotel in the afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Overnight at Novotel Cairo 6TH October or similar (BLD)
Day 3 – Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx
Following breakfast, guests meet their guide for a visit to the Giza Plateau. Here, they will have the opportunity to stand before the Great Pyramid of Cheops, as well as the pyramids of Chephren and Mycerinus, followed by a visit to the Great Sphinx. A panoramic viewpoint allows for memorable photographs. Lunch is included before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight. An optional excursion to Memphis and Saqqara is available.
Overnight at Novotel Cairo 6TH October or similar (BLD)
Day 4 – The New Egyptian Museum and Old Islamic Sites
After breakfast, the day begins with a visit to the New Egyptian Museum, home to an exceptional collection of antiquities representing Egypt’s ancient civilisation. The itinerary then continues to the Mosque of Imam El Shafi, one of the most important sacred sites for followers of his Islamic school. From there, guests proceed to the historical district known as the Honoured Street of the Prophet’s Family to visit the Mosque of Saida Nafisa. The journey continues to the magnificent Mosque of Sultan Hassan, renowned for its architectural achievements, before concluding at the Citadel of Saladin, where guests visit the Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali and enjoy expansive views of Cairo. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Overnight at Novotel Cairo 6TH October or similar (BLD)
Day 5 – Arrival in Luxor and East Bank Monuments
After breakfast, guests check out and transfer to Cairo Airport for the domestic flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, assistance is provided, followed by transfer to the hotel for check-in. The afternoon’s touring begins with Karnak Temple, a vast complex that served as the religious capital of ancient Egypt for nearly two millennia. Guests may explore its colossal columns, obelisks, pylons, and ram-headed sphinxes. The visit continues to Luxor Temple, historically associated with the coronation of pharaohs and featuring the Mosque of Abu Haggag, which stands above the temple. Dinner and overnight in Luxor.
Overnight at Jolie Ville or similar (BLD)
Day 6 – Luxor West Bank
After breakfast, guests cross to Luxor’s West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings, the burial site of pharaohs from the 18th to 20th dynasties, including Ramses II, Seti I, Tutankhamun, and Thutmose III. The day continues with a visit to the beautifully situated Temple of Hatshepsut, carved directly into the cliffs and representing one of the finest examples of ancient Egyptian architecture. A short stop is then made at the Colossi of Memnon for photographs. Guests return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Overnight at Jolie Ville or similar (BLD)
Day 7 – Transfer to Hurghada
After breakfast, guests may enjoy optional activities such as a hot air balloon experience, the Karnak Sound and Light Show, or camel riding on the East Bank. Following the optional activities, the journey continues by road to Hurghada. Upon arrival, guests check in to their hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Hurghada.
Overnight at Swiss Inn Resort or similar (BLD)
Day 8 – Departure from Hurghada
After breakfast, guests check out and transfer to Hurghada Airport for their international departure. Those wishing to extend their holiday may continue their stay in Hurghada or at nearby Red Sea resorts.
Overnight at Swiss Inn Resort or similar (B)
Get in touch with Our Local Tour to book the Egypt in Depth Tour
Departure Dates
This is a private tour and can be arranged for any departure date. This itinerary can be tailor-made to your exact requirements.
Price
From £1350 per person based on two people travelling and sharing a room
Optional Activities
Memphis & Saqqara - £110 per person
Hot Air Balloon - £90 per person
Sound and Light show Karnak - £45 per person
Included in the Egypt in Depth Tour
Not included in the Egypt in Depth Tour
Government Travel Safety Advice
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice. Please refer to the COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry.
Passport Validity Requirements
To enter Egypt, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and have at least one blank page
Visas
British passport holders travelling to Egypt normally need a visa.
If you are staying for less than 15 days at resorts in Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba, you do not need a visa. You will get a free entry permission stamp on arrival. If you plan to travel outside the resorts or stay more than 15 days, you must get a visa. You can get a visa at Sharm el Sheikh airport or online.
You can apply for a visa:
- online – getting an e-visa in advance can help to prevent delays, tourist e-visas are valid for up to 3 months
- in person or by post – apply through the Egyptian Consulate General in the UK
- on arrival in Egypt – approved airports have kiosks before you reach the immigration counters where you can buy a visa for 25 US dollars (cash only – Egyptian officials prefer dollars, but you may be able to pay in British pounds or euros). Visas on arrival are valid for up to 30 days
Health
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for Egypt
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
Medication
If you travel with prescription medication, carry a letter from your GP stating the:
- condition you’re being treated for
- amount of medication you will be carrying
- medication is for your personal use only
Emergency services in Egypt
Ambulance: 123
Fire: 180
Police: 122
Tourist police: 126
Clothing
Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, mosques and souqs (markets).
Currency
The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound. The Egyptian pound is abbreviated to EGP, E£, or in Arabic ( ج.م (.
Things to pack
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Long sleeves/pants for sun & modesty in cultural sites
- Hat or cap
- Comfortable walking/hiking shoes
- Light scarf or shawl (sand protection & temple etiquette)
- Swimwear (if the excursion involves water activities)
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Sunglasses (UV protection)
- Reusable water bottle
- Type C/F travel adapter to plug UK appliances into Egyptian sockets
Using ATMs in Egypt
Notify your bank: Before you travel, inform your bank of your travel dates to Egypt so it doesn't flag your card for suspicious activity and block it.
In the major cities such as Cairo and Alexandria, ATMs are in plentiful supply. You should be able to find them in the usual places, such as at banks and in shopping centres. You’ll also find ATMs at major airports.
Gender Expression
You may be denied entry if your gender expression or physical appearance does not match the sex marker in your passport or your passport photograph. See https://www.gov.uk/guidance/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-foreign-travel-advice
Vaccine Requirements
To enter Egypt, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk. See country listed as a transmission risk.
Religion
It is illegal to encourage people to convert to Christianity or any other religion.
Ramadan
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country and you should check this before you travel. During this time, it is culturally insensitive to eat, drink or smoke in public during daylight hours. It is advisable not to play loud music, dance or swear in public.
Personal ID
Police check ID regularly and will ask to see your passport. They may detain you if you cannot show your ID and your visa (or a digital/paper copy).
Behaviour in public
Couples showing physical affection in public is frowned upon. Holding hands is generally fine. Behaviour accepted in tourist resort areas may not be accepted elsewhere.
Alcohol laws
Drinking alcohol anywhere other than licensed restaurants, bars, or private homes or certain tourist resorts is illegal and can lead to arrest.
Illegal drugs penalties
Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs is a serious offence and can, even for small amounts, lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Photography and filming restrictions
You must get a permit to enter Egypt with professional photography or film equipment. This includes photography umbrellas, artificial outdoor lighting gear and any equipment that occupies or blocks public roads.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex sexual activity is not explicitly criminalised in Egypt. However, the Egyptian authorities have prosecuted LGBT+ people under ‘debauchery’ laws, including people flying rainbow flags at public events.
Customs Rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Egypt. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. See https://www.cairo-airport.com/en-us/Services/Passenger-Guide/Customs-Regulations
You should declare high value electronic devices and recording equipment when you arrive.
Taking money into or out of Egypt
You can bring up to 5,000 Egyptian pounds into or out of Egypt.
You must declare foreign currency worth more than 10,000 US dollars on arrival – there is no limit to the amount of foreign currency you can bring.
