Ultimate Egypt Discovery
Ultimate Egypt Discovery
This carefully curated thirteen-day journey presents an in-depth exploration of Egypt’s most significant historical, cultural, and natural highlights.
Beginning with the serene shores of Hurghada and progressing through the monumental sites of Luxor and Aswan, the itinerary includes a classical Nile cruise, an extended Lake Nasser cruise, and time in Cairo to experience the grandeur of the Giza Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum.
The programme is designed for travellers seeking a fully comprehensive experience of Egypt’s heritage while enjoying comfortable accommodation, professional guidance, and well-paced travel.
Day 1 – Arrival in Hurghada
Arrive at Hurghada International Airport, where our representative will meet and assist you through formalities. Transfer to your hotel, check in, and enjoy the remainder of the day relaxing by the pool or on the beach.
Overnight at Swiss Inn Resort or similar (D)
Day 2 – Transfer to Luxor & Nile Cruise Embarkation
After breakfast, travel by road to Luxor. Upon arrival, board your Nile Cruise and enjoy lunch on board. Spend the evening relaxing on deck as the ship prepares for its journey down the Nile.
Overnight at Jamila or Similar (BLD)
Day 3 – Luxor East Bank: Karnak & Luxor Temples
After breakfast, guests meet their Egyptologist guide to visit Karnak Temple, one of the world’s most extensive religious complexes, developed over more than two millennia. The visit continues to Luxor Temple, historically known as the “Southern Sanctuary.” Guests then return to the cruise to relax with afternoon tea while the vessel begins its journey toward Edfu. Dinner and overnight on board.
Overnight at Jamila or Similar (BLD)
Day 4 – Edfu and Kom Ombo
In the morning, a visit is made to the Temple of Edfu, the best-preserved major temple in Egypt and dedicated to the god Horus. The cruise then continues toward Kom Ombo, where guests visit the remarkable double temple uniquely shared between the gods Sobek and Horus. Following the visit, the cruise sails onward toward Aswan. Dinner and overnight on board.
Overnight at Jamila or Similar (BLD)
Day 5 – Aswan: Philae Temple and the High Dam
After breakfast, guests visit Philae Temple, the sanctuary of the goddess Isis, which was carefully relocated to Agilkia Island during the UNESCO rescue operations. The itinerary continues with a visit to the High Dam, one of Egypt’s most influential modern engineering achievements. Guests return to the cruise for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon in Aswan. Dinner and overnight on board.
Overnight at Jamila or Similar (BLD)
Day 6 – Transfer to Lake Nasser Cruise
Following breakfast, guests disembark the Nile cruise and transfer across the High Dam to embark on the Lake Nasser cruise vessel M/S Steigenberger Omar El Khayyam. The afternoon is reserved for settling in and relaxing on board. Dinner and overnight on the cruise.
Overnight at Omar El Khayyam or Similar (BLD)
Day 7 – Kalabsha and Qertassi
After breakfast, the day begins with a visit to Kalabsha Temple, dedicated to the Nubian sun god Mandulis and relocated during the construction of the High Dam. The visit continues to the Kiosk of Qertassi, notable for its elegant Hathor-headed columns. Guests then return to the cruise for dinner and overnight.
Overnight at Omar El Khayyam or Similar (BLD)
Day 8 – Wadi El Seboua, Dakka, Mehrakka, Amada and Derr
Today’s explorations include the relocated monuments of Wadi El Seboua, the Temple of Dakka, and the Temple of Mehrakka, offering a blend of partially preserved Pharaonic and Greco-Roman architectural features. The day continues with visits to the Temple of Amada, the oldest monument on Lake Nasser, and the Temple of Derr, dedicated to Ptah, Amun, and the deified Ramses II. Guests return to the ship for a relaxing afternoon. Dinner and overnight on board.
Overnight at Omar El Khayyam or Similar (BLD)
Day 9 – Kasr Ibrim (Panoramic View) and Abu Simbel
While breakfast is served, the cruise approaches Kasr Ibrim, the only major archaeological site in Lower Nubia that remains in its original location. As the island is off-limits, the site is viewed from the cruise deck. The ship continues south toward Abu Simbel, where guests visit the monumental temples built by Ramses II and later relocated to protect them from rising waters. Guests return to the ship for dinner and overnight.
Overnight at Omar El Khayyam or Similar (BLD)
Day 10 – Flight to Cairo
After breakfast, guests disembark and transfer to Aswan Airport for the domestic flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, they are met and transferred to their hotel for check-in. Dinner and overnight in Cairo.
Overnight at Novotel Cairo 6TH October or similar (D)
Day 11 – Cairo: Giza Pyramids, Sphinx and Egyptian Museum
After breakfast, guests meet their guide to begin a full day of exploration. The tour includes the Giza Plateau, where the Great Pyramid of Cheops, the pyramids of Chephren and Mycerinus, and the Great Sphinx may be viewed in detail. A panoramic stop offers an excellent opportunity for photographs. Lunch is served at a local restaurant before continuing to the Egyptian Museum, home to an exceptional collection of artefacts spanning the Old, Middle and New Kingdoms. Guests then return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Overnight at Novotel Cairo 6TH October or similar (BLD)
Day 12 – Leisure Day in Cairo
The day is free for independent leisure. Optional excursions are available, including visits to Memphis and Saqqara or a tour of Old Coptic and Islamic Cairo. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Overnight at Novotel Cairo 6TH October or similar (BL)
Day 13 – Farewell Egypt!
After breakfast, guests check out and transfer to Cairo Airport for their domestic flight to Hurghada to connect with their international departure. Guests wishing to extend their stay may continue to one of our Red Sea resorts for additional leisure days.
Overnight at Novotel Cairo 6TH October 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 £2550 per person based on two people travelling and sharing a room
Included in the Egypt in Depth Tour
- 12 Nights’ Accommodation as per itinerary
- Meals as per itinerary
- Certified Professional Tour Guide/Egyptologist
- Entrance Fees to sightseeing mentioned
- All Transfers in a Modern A/C vehicle
- All required official permissions
- All Taxes & surcharges
Not included in the Egypt in Depth Tour
- International flights to Egypt - contact us for information and flight options
- Any Aiport Taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Egypt visa requirements
- Single room supplement for solo travellers at hotels
- Drinks and any meals not shown on itinerary (B, L, D)
- Items of a personal nature
- Any Optional activity or Extra service
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.
