Excellent
Alexandria, Ancient Egypt & Red Sea
Discover the best of Egypt on this awe-inspiring 16-day guided tour, taking in the highlights of Alexandria, the legendary Pyramids of Giza, Aswan, Luxor and the Commonwealth War Graves of El Alamein. Relax on a felucca as you cruise the Nile, uncover the ancient wonders of Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple and Philae Temple. Bask in the sun for few days by the stunning Red Sea in Hurghada.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Accommodation Standard
Tour with felucca
Tour Overview
Duration
16 daysStarts
CairoEnds
CairoRange
SignatureTour Guide
Yes, escorted by a tour guideGroup Size
Min 2 / Max 24Minimum age
18 yrsDeparts
TuesdaysHotel Rating
4 - 5 starCountries
EgyptArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesMeals included
Breakfast: 14, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 3Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
275 reviews
Accommodation Standard
Tour with felucca
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Tour with felucca
Itinerary
Day 1 - Cairo
Day 1 - Cairo
Tuesday. Welcome to Egypt! On arrival at the airport you’ll be transferred to our hotel to spend the rest of today exploring Cairo at leisure.
Day 2 - Alexandria sightseeing
Day 2 - Alexandria sightseeing
Cairo – Alexandria. Today we drive to the Mediterranean coast and discover the beautiful port city of Alexandria. We explore the ancient Roman Catacombs, rediscovered in 1900, they're the largest of catacombs in Egypt. As we make our way to Citadel of Qaitbay, we visit Pompey’s Pillar and see the incredible Library of Alexandria (exterior). The Qaitbay fortress was built on the site of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the seven Wonder of the Ancient World. A powerful earthquake struck the lighthouse in 1323AD, and the stones recovered from the ruin were used to build this famous citadel. After our sightseeing there's time to freshen up at the hotel before we head out for dinner this evening.
Day 3 - El Alamein
Day 3 - El Alamein
Alexandria – Cairo. Our morning starts with a visit the El Alamein. Known for its sobering Commonwealth War Graves, El Alamein witnessed two bloody battles during the Second World War. Approximately 13,000 allied soldiers were killed and 70,000 were wounded as they defeated the Axis powers. The victory ensured the threats to Egypt and the strategically important Suez Canal was eliminated. As we continue with our tour, we will stop to pay our respect to the fallen soldiers and learn more about the battles once fought on this ground. After our visit to the El Alamein Military museum, we return to Cairo.
Day 4 - Free Time in Cairo
Day 4 - Free Time in Cairo
Today is spent at leisure, you can explore Egypt’s capital as you please. Perhaps explore the lesser-known sights of the city by taking our optional Backstreet of Cairo tour. On this tour wander down El Moez street in Islamic Cairo, visit Garbage City and the famous cave church of St Simon.
Day 5 - Pyramids of Giza & Saqqara
Day 5 - Pyramids of Giza & Saqqara
We start our day with a visit to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, Egypt’s most famous attraction. The Pyramids of Giza are the only surviving Ancient Wonder of the World. Marvel at the colossal structure of Cheops, the largest of the pyramids, which was the tallest man-made building on Earth for 3,800 years. We continue to the necropolis of Saqqara to set our sights on the famous stepped Pyramid of Zhoser, the world's earliest stone monument, which dates back to 2700BC.
Day 6 - Grand Egyptian Museum
Day 6 - Grand Egyptian Museum
Cairo – Aswan. On today’s excursion, we visit the Grand Egyptian Museum. This extraordinary 490,000 sq.m complex is just 2km from the pyramids and houses over 100,000 artefacts from ancient Egypt’s diverse history. Many of the exhibits have never been on public display before, and artefacts have been brought together from across Egypt and the rest of the world. The museum will eventually showcase a giant exhibition dedicated to the treasures of King Tutankhamun.
After our guided tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum, we head over to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which continues to house a vast collection of statues, jewellery, and sarcophagi. Among its treasures are several remarkably well-preserved mummies, including those of Yuya and Thuyu, high-ranking nobles and the great-grandparents of King Tutankhamun. These mummies are so well-preserved that they still have thick locks of hair, visible fingernails, and smooth, blackened skin. We head back to our hotel with time to relax and unwind before we board our night train to Aswan.
Day 7 - Aswan & Philae Temple
Day 7 - Aswan & Philae Temple
We arrive into Aswan this morning and our sightseeing begins with a visit to the breath-takingly beautiful Philae Temple. A boat will transfer us to Agilika Island to explore the site. In 1960 UNESCO started a project to preserve the temple from the ever-increasing waters of the Nile, the intact ancient building was carefully relocated from its original location to Agilika. Our final stop today is a fragrant one, as we stop at a perfume oil emporium. This evening is free to spend exploring Aswan – why not head over to experience the hustle and bustle of the vibrant market.
Day 8 - Optional Abu Simbel & Felucca Sailing
Day 8 - Optional Abu Simbel & Felucca Sailing
Aswan - Nile felucca cruise. This morning there's an optional excursion to the spectacular temple of Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II and famously guarded by 4 colossal statues of the pharaoh himself. Later, we continue our journey onboard a traditional felucca for a relaxing 2-night cruise down the Nile. Alternatively consider upgrading to a 5-star luxury Nile cruise, please see the tab above for prices. For more information about Nile Cruising please click here.
Day 9 - Felucca Sailing & Kom Ombo
Day 9 - Felucca Sailing & Kom Ombo
Nile felucca cruise – Kom Ombo. Relax onboard the felucca as we make our way to next destination. This afternoon we disembark near Kom Ombo and visit its perfectly symmetrical temple, which is dedicated to two gods; the falcon god Horus and the Crocodile god Sobek. We then return to our felucca for our final night on board, sleeping on deck under a blanket of stars.
Day 10 - Luxor
Day 10 - Luxor
Kom Ombo – Luxor. This morning we disembark the felucca and make our way to Luxor, home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak. The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure, relaxing by the hotel pool. This evening there's an optional excursion to Luxor Temple, where hundreds of lights bring this spectacular temple to life.
Day 11 - Valley of the Kings
Day 11 - Valley of the Kings
Luxor- Cairo. This morning our journey takes us to the West Bank and the incredible Valley of the Kings, where we visit the tombs of famous pharaohs and take in the beauty of the well-preserved vibrant colours. The best known tombs are those of Ramses II, Seti I, Amenhotep II and of course, the tomb of King Tutankhamun. If open, an additional entrance fee applies to visit King Tuts' tomb. We also set our sights on the Colossi of Memnon and explore the beautiful temple of Egypt’s second female pharaoh, Queen Hatshepsut before returning to our hotel at midday.
Later this afternoon we discover the majestic Karnak Temple, dominated by the great Temple of Amun-ra, one of the largest religious buildings in the world. The construction of this temple took over 1,500 years and showcases contributions from around 30 different pharaohs. All dedicated to the Theban gods and to the greater glory of Egypt’s Middle and New Kingdom rulers. The evening is free to spent at leisure.
Day 12 - Luxor - Hurghada
Day 12 - Luxor - Hurghada
Luxor - Hurghada. Today we depart Luxor and drive east to Hurghada, part of the beautiful Red Sea Riviera, for 3 days by the beach!
Days 13-14 - Hurghada
Days 13-14 - Hurghada
We are in Hurghada for the next two days, simply relax and take in the beautiful scenery. There will also be the opportunity to join an optional excursion to Giftun Island for swimming and snorkelling.
Hurghada is one of the most popular Red Sea resorts, extending across 36kms with beautiful beaches and azure water, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing stay There's excellent aquatic facilities for sail boarding, yachting, deep-sea fishing, SCUBA diving and snorkelling, with some of the world's finest offshore reefs. Hurghada also has plenty of restaurants and late-night bars for evening entertainment. Just outside Hurghada is an ancient Roman quarry called Mons Porphyritis and Port Safarga – a famously windy place which is ideal for windsurfing.
Day 15 - Hurghada - Cairo
Day 15 - Hurghada - Cairo
Hurghada – Cairo. This morning we make our way back to Cairo. The rest of today is free to relax and explore Cairo at leisure, or there's an optional visit to Khan El Khalili bazaar, where you can shop for any last-minute souvenirs.
Day 16 - Cairo
Day 16 - Cairo
Our ancient exploration of Egypt tour comes to an end after breakfast and a hotel check-out, you’ll be transferred to Cairo airport.
Accommodation Standard
Tour with felucca
Tour Reviews
Accommodation Standard
Tour with felucca
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post Tour Accommodation - Cairo
Double
Twin
Single
Pre Tour Accommodation - Cairo (from price)
Double
Twin
Single
Additional Excursions
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
Possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt, with its gargantuan rock-cut facade is the magnificent Abu Simbel. Guarding the entrance to the temple are 4 colossal seated statues of the pharaoh himself, staring out across Lake Nasser.
€175
per passengerDiscover 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.
€125
per passengerTour Extensions
Extend your trip with our multi-day tour extensions, including accommodation, sightseeing and free time.
This 4-day Alexandria & El Alamein add-on can be booked in conjunction with any of our Egypt group tours, city breaks or private tours.
Double
Twin
Single
Accommodation Standard
Tour with felucca
Hotels
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Accommodation Standard
Tour with felucca
Prices & Dates
All dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.
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