The Egypt and Red Sea tour was an excellent way to see and learn about Egypt. The guide (Mariam) was extremely knowledgeable and catered for everyone’s needs. The Red Sea extension was the perfect way to relax after a busy tour.
A one week family holiday with camel riding, boating on the Nile, a visit to a village school, pyramids, tombs and Tutankhamun’s treasure. This tour is set at a pace ideal for families with children aged 5 years and above and offers valuable insight into the life, culture and the mysteries of ancient Egypt, coupled with plenty of free time for relaxing by the pool.
Embark on a captivating 12-day journey through Egypt, where ancient wonders meet coastal relaxation. This tour offers a comprehensive itinerary that combines the iconic historical sites of Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor with the bohemian charm of Dahab on the Red Sea. The adventure begins in Cairo, where you will stand in awe before the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx of Giza and delve into the treasures of the Egyptian Museum. A comfortable overnight sleeper train then takes you south to Aswan, the gateway to ancient Nubian culture. Here, you will visit the beautiful Philae Temple and spend a night in a traditional Nubian village, immersing yourself in the local way of life.
The tour's exploration of Upper Egypt continues with a truly authentic experience: a sailing trip down the majestic River Nile on a traditional felucca. As you are expertly navigated by a Nubian crew, you will witness the serene beauty of the river and enjoy the simple pleasure of sleeping on deck under the stars. The journey then leads to the legendary city of Luxor, often called the world's greatest open-air museum. You will explore the Valley of the Kings, the magnificent Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the colossal Karnak Temple complex, all brought to life by the knowledge of an expert Egyptologist guide.
The final phase of the tour transitions from historical discovery to seaside relaxation. Travelling through the stunning Sinai region, you will arrive at the coastal town of Dahab. This friendly, laid-back resort offers two full days of free time to relax on its golden beaches, snorkel or dive in the famous Red Sea, or explore the protected natural areas. Optional excursions, such as visiting the Coloured Canyon or Mount Sinai, are also available. The trip concludes with a return to Cairo before your departure, leaving you with memories of Egypt's unparalleled history and its beautiful, sun-drenched coast
Marvel at the wonders of Jordan and Egypt on a cultural adventure.
Explore Jordan’s rich history including the ruins of Jerash and Ajloun. Camp overnight in the desert of Wadi Rum and float in the Dead Sea. Be awestruck by the Red Rose City of Petra before heading to bustling markets of Cairo. Cruise along the Nile from Aswan to Luxor in a 5 star Nile Cruiser. Soak up the Egyptian history as you discover the Pyramids of Giza, Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel and more.
Reveal the incredible wonders of Egypt and the lifegiving Nile over 9 days in comfort and style.
Journey from the buzzing heart of Cairo to the breath-taking Pyramids and the Sphinx. Fly to Luxor to save much valuable time. Sail to amazing monuments and temples scattered along the banks of the Nile on a deluxe Nile Cruiser for 4 nights. Savour the local lifestyle on a traditional felucca boat before flying back to Cairo. Sample the authentic cuisine and create memories of a lifetime.
The Classic Egypt with Nile Cruise trip was, as expected, a fantastic holiday. Explore is my holiday tour company of choice and they did not disappoint once again (my 7th trip with them). The group dynamic for this trip was wonderful and we all had a really great time. Our tour guide (Mariam) was truly outstanding in every way and looked after us with great expertise. I have become accustomed to excellent Explore tour guides and Mariam was up there amongst the very best; knowledgeable, personable and thoroughly conscientious in every way, every day, she made the holiday a great experience and looked after our group wonderfully. The itinerary was full-on (as advertised) and we experienced as much as we were capable of seeing during a 10-day holiday. Thoroughly recommended and a 10 out of 10 holiday experience for sure.
We had a fantastic trip to Egypt. I am a single mum with a 10 and 12 year old. We were in a very small group with just one other family and we had a brilliant time. Mohammed, the group leader was amazing. He was so knowledgeable and fun and made everything run smoothly, even the bits that didn’t (don’t expect the train to be on time, however flashy the new station). He was fantastic with the kids and generous with his experience of all aspects of Egyptian life.
The trip is pretty full on but there is downtime built in. We love Egypt and will definitely go back. We’ll also definitely do another holiday with explore. For me, being on my own with the kids, the group meant I got some downtime and everything being so well organised meant I felt like I got a holiday as well! As an added bonus it was no more expensive to have two rooms at the hotels!
Would totally recommend.
Uncover the wonders of ancient Egypt on this 10-day journey from Cairo and back. Kick off in Cairo and visit the phenomenal Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum, then head south to Aswan and the temple of Philae before cruising the Nile in style to Kom Ombo and Luxor. Other highlights include the necropolis of Saqqara, Philae Temple, the sprawling Karnak complex, and the legendary Valley of the Kings. With optional visits to Abu Simbel and Luxor Temple, there’s history around every corner.
Your adventure kicks off in Amman, Jordan! We'll sort your airport transfer, and you'll have a free evening to settle in. Next up, you'll explore the amazing Roman ruins at Jerash and discover Amman's highlights like the Citadel and Roman Theatre. You'll also get a taste of local life with a street food experience and pop into the unique Wild Jordan Centre in the evening. After Amman, you'll travel south along the scenic King's Highway. Along the way, you'll stop at Madaba (home of a famous mosaic map), take in the incredible views from Mount Nebo, and check out the old Shobak Castle before reaching Petra. Once in Petra, you'll have the evening free – maybe try the magical Petra by Night experience or join a fun Jordanian cooking class?
Get ready for a fantastic day exploring the incredible ancient city of Petra! You'll start with a guided walk through the stunning Siq canyon to the famous Treasury, and then you'll have free time to explore more sites like the Monastery at your own pace. Later, it's off to the spectacular desert scenery of Wadi Rum! You'll spend the night in a comfy Bedouin camp under the stars, enjoying a traditional dinner. Fancy a camel ride or some stargazing? Those are options too! The next morning kicks off with a thrilling jeep safari through Wadi Rum's amazing landscapes. Then, you'll head north to the Dead Sea for an overnight stay. You'll have plenty of time to experience that amazing floating sensation and maybe even try the therapeutic mud. If you're feeling adventurous and visiting at the right time of year, there's an optional trek through the nearby Wadi Mujib canyon too.
Leaving the Dead Sea behind, you'll fly from Amman to Cairo to start the Egyptian leg of your journey (we'll handle the transfers, but the flight cost is not included). Get ready to be amazed, because once in Egypt, your expert Egyptologist guide takes you to some truly iconic sights – the incredible Great Pyramids and the mysterious Sphinx watching over the Giza plateau! It's a real 'pinch me' moment. You'll even get to refuel with a delicious and authentic Koshary lunch, a bustling plate of Egyptian comfort food, before hopping on the overnight train heading south. The train journey itself is an experience, travelling through the night (you can upgrade to the sleeper train for extra comfort). Waking up refreshed, you'll arrive in Aswan, a relaxed city on the Nile. Here, you'll take a boat trip out to the stunningly relocated Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis, on its island home. You'll also get a wonderful feel for local life with an overnight stay in a colourful Nubian village nearby, known for its warm hospitality. There's an unforgettable optional trip to see the colossal temples of Abu Simbel, built by Ramses II and saved from the rising waters of Lake Nasser – seeing them at sunrise is magical. Afterwards, it’s time to slow the pace right down as you board a traditional Nile felucca. Spend the afternoon peacefully sailing down the Nile, watching rural life unfold on the banks. Your Nubian crew will sail the boat, cook your meals, and maybe even entertain you with some local songs! You'll sleep on the deck under the stars (mattresses and blankets provided – it's basic but brilliant, though a hotel upgrade is possible if you prefer comfort!). After a final breakfast on the felucca, you'll say goodbye to the crew and travel north towards Luxor, often called the world's greatest open-air museum. On the way, you'll stop at the remarkably well-preserved Edfu Temple. Once in Luxor, you might want to see the grand Luxor Temple, beautifully lit up in the evening. The next day brings more wonders with a fascinating tour of Luxor's West Bank. You'll delve into the tombs of Pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings, marvel at the unique terraced Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and see the giant Colossi of Memnon. For a truly breathtaking perspective, an optional hot air balloon ride at sunrise over the West Bank is highly recommended! There might also be a chance to explore the vast Karnak Temple complex later on. Then it's time for the overnight train journey back to Cairo. Once there, you'll have a full day to explore this bustling capital. You could relax, wander independently, or perhaps join an optional tour – maybe delve into Coptic Cairo and the Citadel, discover the evolution of pyramids at Saqqara and Memphis, or take a guided walk through the vibrant chaos of the Khan-el-Khalili bazaar, soaking up the sounds, smells, and sights. On your final day, there's still time for some last-minute souvenir hunting or perhaps a visit to the incredible Egyptian Museum, home to countless ancient treasures including Tutankhamun's famous collection, before we take you to the airport for your flight home, full of amazing memories.
Accommodation is in comfortable mid-range hotels, Bedouin tents with proper beds in Wadi Rum, a friendly local Nubian guesthouse in Aswan, plus one night on board the felucca sailboat on the Nile.
Private tour option
If our scheduled departure dates don't work for you, or you would prefer not to travel with a group, then we can also run this tour privately for you. Please contact us for more information and prices.
From the ‘Land of the Pharaohs’ to the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, this immersive 19-day tour through Egypt and Jordan is awash with highlights. Lose yourself in sun-kissed Cairo, be dazzled by the grandeur of ancient Egypt, cruise down the iconic Nile River, and explore the fascinating cities of Alexandria, Aswan and Luxor. Fly to Jordan and discover the sweeping desert and echoing formations of Wadi Rum, the hand-hewn facades of Petra and the ancient Roman ruins at Jerash. This is a Middle Eastern odyssey to remember.
Step into the ancient world of Egypt and discover the Great Pyramids. Experience the captivating chaos of Cairo, spend 3 nights gently floating down the river Nile in a traditional river cruise boat and have the chance to embark on a Red Sea cruise. A trip to Egypt with Contiki will ensure you have a trip to remember.
