Egypt Uncovered
Take in the best of ancient Egypt, from the Pyramids of Giza to the exquisite temple of Dendera and Luxor's tomb strewn Valley of the Kings, combined with three days of blissful Red Sea relaxation by the beach in Hurghada.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Cairo
Day 1 Cairo
Sunday. Welcome to Egypt! Upon arrival at Cairo airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or those arriving early can opt to join an optional Backstreets of Cairo tour which departs the hotel at 10am. At 7pm this evening meet your guide and the rest of the group at a Welcome Meeting.
Note: If you would like to extend your stay we offer an Alexandria Day Trip on the Saturday before your tour starts or on the final day and can arrange pre/post tour accommodation upon request.
Day 2 Pyramids of Giza
Day 2 Pyramids of Giza
Today see the incredible pyramids and the iconic Sphinx at The Giza Plateau. Perhaps opt to ride a camel. Later we travel to Saqqara, to explore the myriad of tombs and temples at the site and see Zhoser's step pyramid - constructed by Imhotep, the pharaoh's chief architect in 2700 BC.
Day 3 Grand Egyptian Museum
Day 3 Grand Egyptian Museum
Cairo - Luxor. We take a guided tour of the vast new Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza this morning. In this incredible 490,000 sq.m complex we'll discover a mind-boggling array of relics and antiquities from almost every period of ancient Egyptian history, including the treasures of King Tutankhamun. Then we head over to National Museum of Egyptian Civilization to see the mummies of ancient Egyptian kings and queens on display in the Royal Mummies' Hall. Returning to the hotel there's time to relax by the pool before we board the night train to Luxor this evening.
Please Note: the Grand Egyptian Museum is scheduled to open in late 2024, though an official opening date has yet to be released. If travelling prior to the opening of the new facility we'll visit the Egyptian Museum instead.
Day 4 Luxor & Dendera
Day 4 Luxor & Dendera
We arrive into Luxor this morning and drive to Dendera which is one of Egypt's best preserved temple complexes, located 60km north of Luxor. This vast complex covers 40,000 square meters and its temples, chapels and shrines were gradually built over thousands of years. Dendera's crowning glory is the 2000 year old Temple of Hathor with its exquisitely decorated ceiling. After our guided tour of this incredible site we return to Luxor where the afternoon if free to spend at leisure. Take a stroll around town or enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool and soak up the sunshine.
This evening there is an optional visit to view the beautiful Temple of Luxor at night. Book and pay locally.
Day 5 Valley of the Kings
Day 5 Valley of the Kings
4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at its very best and this morning we tour the West Bank. Our first stop is the famous Valley of the Kings, which is home to many beautifully decorated pharaohs' tombs. After exploring this incredible site we travel on to visit the beautiful limestone, colonnaded Temple of Hatshepsut, who was one of only three Egyptian ruling queens. We'll also see the imposing 18m-high Colossi of Memnon, which are all that remains of the temple of the hedonistic Amenophis III.
Returning to the hotel at around midday there's time to have lunch and relax by the pool before we visit the colossal Temple of Karnak later this afternoon. More than a temple, Karnak is a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, pylons, chapels, halls and obelisks, all dedicated to the Theban gods and to the greater glory of Egypt’s Middle and New Kingdom rulers.
Day 6 Free day in Luxor
Day 6 Free day in Luxor
Today is free for you to spend at leisure in Luxor. Relax and soak up the sunshine by the hotel pool or explore Luxor on foot, following the waterside corniche and maybe stopping for drink and a bite to eat at one of the many Nile side cafes and tea houses. Alternatively, there is an optional tour of the Luxor Museum that can be booked locally. The Luxor Museum is located on the corniche and contains a fascinating array of Egyptian antiquities.
Days 7-9 Hurghada
Days 7-9 Hurghada
Luxor - Hurghada. Departing Luxor we head east to Hurghada on the beautiful Red Sea Riviera for three days by the beach. The next two days are free for you to explore Hurghada or simply relax. There's an optional day trip to Giftun Island for swimming and snorkelling, which can be booked locally.
Hurghada is one of the most popular Red Sea resorts. Hotels and expanded infrastructure provide holidaymakers with excellent aquatic facilities for sail boarding, yachting, deep-sea fishing, SCUBA diving and snorkeling and Hurghada’s central location provides a gateway to prime offshore reefs, which are some of the finest in the world. Hurghada also has plenty of restaurants and late night bars for evening entertainment.
Day 10 Return to Cairo
Day 10 Return to Cairo
Hurghada - Cairo. This morning we depart Hurghada and drive back to Cairo. The rest of the day is free for you to relax by the pool, independently explore or perhaps opt to visit the famous Khan el Khalili bazaar to buy some souvenirs.
Day 11 Cairo
Day 11 Cairo
Wednesday. Hotel check out and included onward transfer to airport.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
Overlooking the Nile and offering distant views of the Great Pyramids of Giza, this Holiday Inn provides the perfect location for your stay in Cairo. Each guestroom features a balcony (not Nile View as standard) and is well-equipped with modern amenities including free WiFi. Evenings can be spent enjoying international or Egyptian cuisine and unwinding with a cocktail at one of the hotel’s bars. Thanks to the friendly hotel staff, you’ll soon feel at home. And with panoramic views of the city from the rooftop lounge and pool, there’s no better place to base yourself for exploring Egypt’s ancient wonders.
When travelling on an overnight train in Egypt, sleeper carriages offer the highest level of comfort. Cabins are equipped with two beds (one above the other), a basin, electric points and air conditioning. Freshly laundered bedding is provided and in the early evening an attendant will come round and make up your bed for you. The carriages have toilets at each end and there is a club car which serves snacks and beverages. In the morning a very basic breakfast is provided.
The Sonesta Hotel & Casino is a sophisticated and luxurious hotel offering spacious, en-suit rooms with opulent furnishings. Enjoy a cocktail at the poolside bar or indulge in a relaxing massage or Turkish steam bath at the full-service spa. With 5 restaurants located within the hotel you'll be spoilt for choice over dining options.
Radisson Blu is in the Heliopolis area of Cairo, just 3 kms from Cairo International Airport. Providing spacious, well appointed guest rooms with amenities such as a daily newspaper and turndown service, the hotel is the perfect oasis for guests visiting the city. Its two restaurants, lobby lounge, and gourmet bakery offer a range of culinary choices. To top it all off, the hotel boasts a rooftop spa and pool with panoramic Cairo views.
The Steigenburger Nile Palace is a grand hotel and stylishly furnished, with many rooms overlooking the Nile River. The hotel has a health club with massage rooms, sauna, steam room and fitness room, and a tennis court on the roof, not to mention a riverside pool. Its four restaurants offer a choice between Nubian, Lebanese, Italian, and Thai cuisine.
An elegant and luxurious classical hotel, the Sonesta's sophistication will ensure you a comfortable stay. The hotel has a sweeping terrace with fantastic views of the Nile, a grand entrance of polished marble and handsomely appointed furnishings with exquisite detail and a beautiful health spa. All its rooms offer views of the city or the river, complemented by a wide range of restaurants and cafes. Just minutes away you will find the temples at Luxor and Karnak, home to two of ancient Egypt's most famed sanctuaries.
Set in tropical gardens, the Swiss Inn Resort makes for a comfortable and relaxing stay. The property is equipped with large swimming pools and a private beach. All rooms have a balcony or terrace with views of the garden, pools or sea. Guests can work out in the onsite fitness centre, get active at the watersports centre, enjoy a game of tennis or simply relax with a drink in one of the many bars or lounges.
The Marriott Beach Resort is a luxurious beachfront hotel, with every room enjoying a view of the Red Sea and Hurghada city centre just a few minutes drive away. There is a choice of 8 restaurants and bars for hungry travellers, and a health club, tennis & squash courts, and fitness centre to stay in shape. During the day, soak in the heated outdoor pool or book a watersport activity. The hotel even has its own private island if you fancy a massage among the palm trees.
Tour Reviews
Egypt Uncovered - 11 daysTake in the best of ancient Egypt, from the Pyramids of Giza to the exquisite temple of Dendera and Luxor's tomb strewn Valley of the Kings, combined with three days of blissful Red Sea relaxation by the beach in Hurghada.Signature114970The tour was great we had a wonderful time seeing everything that Egypt had to offer. The only downside was the sleeper train from Cairo to Luxor which was not conducive to sleep at all. All the accommodation was nice, especially at Luxor and Hurgharda. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable.
Egypt Uncovered - 11 daysTake in the best of ancient Egypt, from the Pyramids of Giza to the exquisite temple of Dendera and Luxor's tomb strewn Valley of the Kings, combined with three days of blissful Red Sea relaxation by the beach in Hurghada.Signature114970The guide, Amir, was excellent. His knowledge was great, he was friendly and tidy in his presentation. He kept to the schedule that he had outlined at the beginning of each day. The transport was all in excellent condition, great driving considering the hilarious driving style in Egypt. The hotels were all excellent, except for the last night spent back up at Cairo after the time at the Red Sea. The last hotel for the single night was spent in a room that was heavily and uncomfortably smelly with tobacco. Other than that we were extremely happy with everything. I would like to go to Egypt again in the future, I felt safe, I enjoyed the people and the food. Thank you so much for a well organised tour that went to so many places that I didn't even realise existed. I am so glad that I booked and went. It is going to stay in my memory, the time spent with my 18 year old son before he goes off in to the world. Time I can never get again, so I feel blessed to have had this time on such a successful tour of Egypt. Many thanks to all of you at On the go tours.
Egypt Uncovered - 11 daysTake in the best of ancient Egypt, from the Pyramids of Giza to the exquisite temple of Dendera and Luxor's tomb strewn Valley of the Kings, combined with three days of blissful Red Sea relaxation by the beach in Hurghada.Signature114970Egypt was incredibly brilliant, lived up to the hype but in a way that was surprising. What I mean is that using the pyramids and king tut as the main selling points for Egypt is a massive undersell, so many more sites far more glorious such as Karnak temple and valley of the kings for example. Medo was an extraordinary guide who was incredibly passionate about Egypt and its history, displaying abundant knowledge on this ancient civilization as well as being very resourceful with our time and how to use it. I have strongly recommended Egypt to everyone I know back home in Adelaide, Australia.
Egypt Uncovered - 11 daysTake in the best of ancient Egypt, from the Pyramids of Giza to the exquisite temple of Dendera and Luxor's tomb strewn Valley of the Kings, combined with three days of blissful Red Sea relaxation by the beach in Hurghada.Signature114970Go Go Go Amazing - Go Go Go is the Mantra! Medo is an excellent tour guide and really went above and beyond for our group! Top notch guy and so passionate about his country and the history of Egypt. This tour could easily be a university class in Ancient Egyptian History. Loved our group and it was a fabulous tour! Arrival/Departure in Cairo - Outstanding service upon arrival at Cairo Airport. We were ushered through customs/immigration at a very quick pace and had a private driver take us to the Holiday Inn. Most thankful for this service as we had culture shock upon landing. Also our departure shuttle and assistance at the airport was also very helpful Drivers: Super grateful to have special drivers throughout the trip in the chaotic traffic chaos especially in Cairo! We had a fabulous trip! Thanks so much Medo!
Egypt Uncovered - 11 daysTake in the best of ancient Egypt, from the Pyramids of Giza to the exquisite temple of Dendera and Luxor's tomb strewn Valley of the Kings, combined with three days of blissful Red Sea relaxation by the beach in Hurghada.Signature114970Our Tour Guide Medo was absolutely amazing he looked after us the whole trip, his knowledge of the country is outstanding. Every one involved with the tour were amazing they were all friendly and helpful right from the moment we landed we were looked after and on our departure..Thank you Medo and On The Go Tours for an amazing trip .
Extras and add-ons
Alexandria Day Trip
Carry on your Egyptian affair before or after your tour, with a day trip (including lunch) to amazing Alexandria on the Mediterranean Coast. Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria boasts wonderful beaches and an impressive seafront corniche, along which are dotted cafes and restaurants, as well as catacombs, a fortress, souks and relics from a bygone age.
Backstreets of Cairo
Discover some of Cairo’s most fascinating neighbourhoods and get off the beaten track on this Backstreets of Cairo tour. Stroll through the bustling Downtown and explore the beautiful mosques and monuments of Islamic Cairo’s spectacular El Moez Street, before bartering for goods at Khan el Khalili Bazaar. Then learn about the life of the Zabbaleen waste pickers before visiting the famous Cave Church of St Simon.
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