As seasoned travelers, we’ve done many tours around the world, but the Royal Tour of Egypt stands out as one of the best. Every detail was spot-on, from our personalized welcome at the airport to the final transfer back.
Our guide, Hossam, was a true gem patient, funny, and deeply passionate about his country’s history. He took care of us like family, and we never once felt like "just another group."
The Nile cruise was elegant and peaceful, with attentive staff and outstanding food. Every meal was beautifully presented, and the hospitality was unmatched.
Even logistics like internal flights, transfers, and hotel check-ins were handled smoothly. We didn’t have to worry about a single thing.
This tour gave us more than just beautiful photos — it gave us a true connection to Egypt. Thank you for an incredible journey!
Egypt is one of those places which truly amaze and confound even seasoned travelers with its unbelievable ancient sites and unforgettable culture, despite the glaring poverty which seemingly surrounds and swallows up nearly everything and everyone in the country. Some would have questioned my sanity to bring four young children to Egypt when some areas still remain off limits to travelers due to possible terrorist activity. Given all of these concerns why and how did we visit this amazing country of Egypt you may ask. Why, that's simple, its a cradle of civilization and for learned people a once in a lifetime destination not to be missed, simple as that. How, well... it could have been done differently no doubt, but I am very happy to say that I used a well known and highly capable local tour company. They took what I wanted to see, my budget, and applied the local knowledge required and essential to ensure that the trip would be safe, hassle free, and memorable. They did a fine job on this long 16 day trip across Egypt including visits to Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Luxor, Aswan, Hurgada, and Alexandria. Some of the many highlights included cruising the Nile in a ship and visiting ancient ruins saved from the flooding of Lake Nasser (Abu Simbel). A brief respite from the sightseeing midway through the trip at the lovely and truly perfect family resort of Steinberger Aqua Magic in Hurgada recharged our batteries before diving back into the amazing scenery of Lower Egypt after a packed trip to Upper Egypt. The guides and drivers all did their absolute best to ensure we were always safe and that the children had extra time if needed such as to accommodate an extra trip to the WC or a quick nap in-amongst the sightseeing. At no time did we ever feel unsafe or unwelcome during our trip to Egypt, and on the contrary were made to feel very welcome by everyone we met be it in the street, at the hotel, in a restaurant, in the bazaar, etc etc. The truth is, you could spend a year in Egypt and only scratch the surface of what the country offers travelers, but for our family and budget we feel that our 16 day full tour of Egypt was exceptional in the quality, breadth and value offered by the tour company, and I deeply thank them for this life changing trip to Egypt. I only hope that I have the means and health to visit again in the future to this amazing country, and when I do, I will be sure to use this company once again. I hope this helps anyone contemplating taking on the Egypt trip with young children, best of luck!
What can I say...this tour was amazing. Never thought I'd see the sights I saw on this trip, never thought any of this would be possible in my lifetime. Egypt seemed too far, too exotic, too expensive. As soon as I saw the listing for this tour, it suddenly seemed like it might be possible.
We had reservations about going for sure. We have kids, 10 and 13. There's a war in Israel. It's summer in a very hot part of the world. Do we need Yellow Fever vaccines? Will the food make us sick? Americans kept telling us it would be too dangerous to go.
None of that turned out to be a problem. Egypt was very very safe. There are police and military personnel on the streets and at cultural sites. I saw no crime, no people sleeping on the streets. No people panhandling. Going to ATMs to get cash was very safe and easy. We went everywhere from big tourist sites to small neighborhoods. Food was great and we never got sick. We didn't drink the tap water, but bottled water and soft drinks are everywhere. It was hot, but air conditioning, pools, and headscarves manage this.
I'll say this again, because I have heard a lot about this:
Egypt is safe.
It's kind.
It's welcoming.
People are excited that you're visiting from America.
The food is great, and safe.
The hotels were amazing:
Steigenberger in Giza is clean, beautiful, has a nice restaurant with free breakfast, and has a view of the pyramids, which is pretty wild.
Movenpick in Aswan is spectacular, taking up a large portion of an island in the middle of the Nile, with pools and sustainable farms on-site.
The Jaz cruise up the Nile was really nice, with good food and comfortable quarters.
The Continental hotel in Hurghada was seriously ridiculously lavish, with a private beach on the Red Sea, giant pool, a dozen restaurants, and a shopping corridor.
And the Ramses Hilton in Cairo is clean, elegant, and right in the middle of the action of downtown Cairo.
We saw a million places from ancient Egypt I never thought we'd see. I can't overstate how incredible it is to stand in front of the Sphinx, the pyramids of Giza, Luxor temple, Kom Ombo, and especially the incredible monuments at Abu Simbel...this is an optional extra tour, and a bit expensive, as it's a whole day trip, but my goodness, it's worth the long drive. Incredible.
Overall, this trip had probably the most OMG moments I've had on a trip. And I've been to some pretty spectacular places, including India, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Peru (Machu Picchu), the UK, and more.
Please trust me and take the trip. Ignore the warnings. It's so worth it.
This tour was Iconic as It is, I would like to tell you the whole experience.
The transportation was so comfortable and cozy. Everything was so organized and flexible, this package was enough to cover all the wonderful spots and more.
All the tours was more than I imagined.
I am so grateful that I choose your company to have an Iconic trip.
Our tour of Egypt was amazing from start to finish. We really appreciated all help you provided in planning and customizing the tour to our desires. We found your staff very helpful throughout, expediting our passage through customs to get a the visa, and making sure travel from hotel and between sites was easy. Each guide provided was an expert and helped us gain a greater appreciation for both the history of ancient Egypt and the people of modern Egypt. We saw so many incredible things and learned so much about your country. I do hope to visit again sometime in the future.
Explore the mythical land of Egypt, the ancient home of the pharaohs and their pyramids. Gain a greater understanding of the vast ancient history from your professional Egyptologist as you scour the monuments from time immemorial.
On this guided tour check off the top destinations of Cairo, the capital of modern Egypt. Visit the Pyramids of Giza and Sakkara, the Egyptian Museum, and the sights of old, Islamic Cairo and its Khan Al Khalili bazaar.
Then fly to Luxor and be awed by the wonders of ancient Egypt. Explore the vast complexes of the Valley of the Kings and the Karnak & Luxor temples and experience the richness and complexity of the ancient world. Book Now.
I have spent the last 3 days visiting Abydos & Dendara (1 day) and Luxor (2 days) with my guide Ahmed Haggag Ali.
First of all, I would highly recommend Abydos to anyone (even if it is way out of any route, +3h by car from Luxor). Abydos is truly a special place, thanks to its colorful paintings and design. And Ahmed provided me with all the history and explanations related to this temple. He knows eveything!! He has been able to answer all of my questions so far (and believe me, I have had a lot!) We later had a delicious 'fuul' in a local restaurant (see pic).
Luxor is, of course, a must see if you plan to visit Egypt. I spent one day in the east bank and another in the west bank. The Karnak and Luxor temples on the East bank are fascinating, and the Valley of the Kings in the West bank has beautiful tombs. Of the 3 tombs I visited, Ramses III was my favourite, extremely colorful. If you have the budget, I also recommend the hot air balloon trip, which is just breathtaking.
I will spend 3 more days with my guide Ahmed Haggag Ali to visit Edfu & Kom Ombo, Aswan and Abu Simbel, and I am very much looking forward to it!
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
Planning to visit Luxor? Then we have the perfect tour for you. Join us on this three-day, guided tour of Luxor and get the chance to discover the rich antiquity and stunning history of a city often referred to as the largest open-air museum in the world with an experienced Egyptologist as your tour guide.
The first two days of the itinerary involves seeing the most popular sights in Luxor, including the temple complex of Karnak, Valley of the Kings and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. Also included is a visit to the Luxor Museum, home to a rich collection of artwork dedicated to pharaohs.
However, this tour brings you face to face with not so well-known but equally impressive sights in the city, like the temples of Hathor and Abydos. While Hathor has inscriptions referring to the famous Egyptian Queen Cleopatra and her son Ceasrion, Abydos is considered to be older than pyramids by some scholars.
Please note that accommodation is not included in he tour price. We can help you book rooms at an additional cost or you can book them yourself. For more details about the tour, please go through the itinerary below.
This trip is perfect if you want to really smash out Europe, safely experience Egypt and if you haven’t travelled much. We got to see so many amazing places and now I have a great idea of where I would go back to. Yes it is very fast paced and you wont do everything you want to but you do 95% of the main attractions of each place and you have people to share the experiences with. You will 100% make friends on these trips if you solo traveler :)
Discover the wonders of Egypt and Jordan on this 16 day adventure. Pyramids, Valley of the Kings, Nile felucca cruising and Red Sea relaxation. Topped off with Jordan, home to the stunning Rose City of Petra (voted one of the New 7 Wonders of the World), the red desert of Wadi Rum and the buoyant Dead Sea.
From Ottoman Istanbul, the battlefields of Gallipoli, Roman ruins, the Aegean Coast and the stunning mineral pools of Pamukkale, to the Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings and Nile Cruising in Egypt. Take in the best of Egypt and Turkey in 16 days.
Experience the wonders of Egypt and Jordan on this 16-day journey from Cairo to the Dead Sea. Stand before the Pyramids of Giza, cruise the Nile in style, and explore ancient Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. Then fly to Jordan to uncover the rose-red city of Petra, camp under the stars in Wadi Rum, and float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea. With temple visits, desert safaris, and plenty of time to unwind, this tour blends history, adventure and relaxation across two incredible countries. It’s a fascinating deep dive into the region’s culture and ancient civilisations.
Basim MubarakTravel Expert in Egypt, Israel & Jordan
Canan KaraarslanTravel Expert in Egypt, Greece, Jordan, Morocco & Turkey
