Egypt: Boats & Bazaars

5.0Based on
8 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers
18 peopleMaximum group size
18 - 39 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Highlights

Enjoy a traditional family meal.

explore ancient temples and monuments.

barter in bazaars.

journey down the Nile on a felucca.

visit a Nubian village.

explore the famous Khan el-Khalili souk

Itinerary

Unlock the magic of Egypt on "Egypt: Boats & Bazaars," an eight-day small group adventure that packs maximum highlights into a compact, affordable itinerary. From Cairo’s mighty pyramids to sailing the Nile on a traditional felucca, this trip is perfect for those who want a chill, immersive experience. Dine with a Nubian family, wander the Valley of the Kings, and absorb the atmosphere of ancient temples and lively bazaars. Basic accommodation and transport are provided, ensuring value without missing the best sights. The USP is the authentic local interactions and flexible sightseeing options, making this tour the ideal way to discover the Land of the Pharaohs on a budget.

day 1 - Cairo

Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

What better way to kick off your travels than by getting to know your CEO and group over a few drinks? Take a short taxi ride to a favourite local restaurant and bar in a trendy part of Cairo. Kick back, relax, and bask in the excitement of your journey’s beginning.

Accomodation:Pharaohs Hotel Cairo (or similar)
Included Activities:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr, Connect With New Friends
Optional Activities:Islamic and Coptic Cairo Tour

day 2 - Cairo/Aswān

Enjoy a guided tour of the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Then, take an orientation tour through the narrow alleys of the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, with free time for shopping or people watching from a shisha café. Overnight sleeper train to Aswan.
For lunch, why not go local with a couple of falafel sandwiches, or take the chance to find out what kushari tastes like?

In the evening, board an overnight train to Aswan. The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a sink. The shared toilet is at the end of each carriage. A basic airline-style tray meal for dinner and breakfast is included. Attendants can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost or there is a bar car for socializing.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner
Transport:Overnight Train (beds) Duration : 12.0 hr
Included Activities:Great Pyramid of Giza and Sphinx Tour, Khan el-Khalili Bazaar Orientation Walk Duration : 3.0 hr - 4.0 hr
Optional Activities:The Egyptian Museum , Explore a Pyramid

day 3 - Aswān

Free morning to explore Aswan. Opt to wander through the souk at your own pace or visit the famous Philae Temple, it's your choice.

In the afternoon, board a boat and cruise down the Nile. Visit a Nubian village and enjoy a home-cooked dinner with locals.
Our train is due to arrive in Aswan early in the morning, but, trains can often be delayed.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner
Accomodation:Obelisk Hotel Aswan (or similar)
Included Activity:Boat ride to Nubian Village with Traditional Meal Duration : 1.0 hr - 3.0 hr
Optional Activities:Visit the Souk Explore the Souk at your leisure, soaking in the scent and colour of spices and perfumes, and rummaging through beautiful scarves and baskets.

day 4 - Aswān

Spend the Day exploring Aswan.
Spend another day exploring Aswan. Opt to visit one of the most fascinating sights in the area, the Temple of Abu Simbel. Or continue exploring the city to learn more about Aswan's local people. In the evening choose to book the Philae Temple Sound and Light Show.

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Obelisk Hotel Aswan (or similar)
Optional Activities:Philae Temple Sound and Light Show As the sun sets, sail across the Nile to Philae island. Watch the Philae Temple turn into a time machine through a magnificent sound and light display., Temple of Abu Simbel Visit

day 5 - Aswān/Luxor

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Ride on a Felucca to Aswan Bridge, where we will disembark and transfer to Kom Umbo. Later visit Kom Umbo temple before transferring to Luxor. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the local market where you can try some local specialties.
Feluccas are very basic traditional Nile sailboats and make for an extremely relaxing and enjoyable way to travel down the river.

Meal:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accomodation:Susanna Hotel Luxor (or similar)
Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 205 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.75 hr - 1.0 hr Distance : 37 km
Included Activities:Kom Ombo Temple Visit Duration : 1.0 hr - 2.0 hr, Felucca Ride to Aswan Bridge Duration : 4.0 hr

day 6 - Luxor

Enjoy a full free Day to explore Luxor. Opt to set off on a guided visit to the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon on the West Bank of Luxor excursion. Or choose to discover the city at your own pace, by wandering through the local bazaars or visiting a museum—the choice is yours!

Meal:Breakfast
Accomodation:Susanna Hotel Luxor (or similar)
Optional Activities:West Bank of Luxor Guided Tour , King Tutankhamen Tomb

day 7 - Luxor/Cairo

After breakfast the group will sail by ferry to the West Bank to meet our student-guide. Together we will bike through the village and visit the Funtasia Project Center where the group will learn about the Planeterra project at this location over tea with our guide. Afterwards, cycle back to the waterfront and board the ferry to travel back across the Nile. Spend a free afternoon in Luxor at your leisure, or choose to join the East Bank optional excursion. In the evening board an overnight train back to Cairo.
In the evening, board an overnight train back to Cairo. The overnight train is a modern air-conditioned sleeper, with twin-berth beds. There is no shower in the cabin, but each cabin does have a sink. The shared toilet is at the end of each carriage. A basic airline-style tray meal for dinner and breakfast is included. Attendants can serve drinks in your compartment at extra cost or there is a bar car for socializing.

Meal:Breakfast and Dinner
Transport:Overnight Train (beds) Duration : 9.5 hr
Included Activity:Funtasia Project Visit Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.5 hr
Optional Activities:Bazaar Visit in Luxor , Mummification Museum Visit , Tour of the East Bank - Karnak and Luxor Temples

day 8 - Cairo

Tour ends upon arrival.

Meal:Breakfast
Included Activity:Departure Day
Optional Activities:Explore Memphis and Sakkara
Egypt: Boats & Bazaars

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What's Included

Accommodation
Simple hotels (5 nts, twin-share), overnight sleeper-train (2 nts).
Meals
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
Note: Allow USD110-145 for meals not included.
Transport
Private air-conditioned van, train, felucca, walkingAll transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Guide
Certified Egyptologist as CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
Included activities
Your G for Good Moment: Funtasia Project Visit, LuxorYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour First Night Out Moment: Connect With New FriendsYour Local Living Moment: Boat ride to Nubian Village with Traditional Meal, AswānYour Discover Moment: AswānGuided tour of the Pyramids of Giza and the SphinxOrientation walk through Cairo's Khan el-Khalili bazaarFree time in AswanFelucca Sailing ExcursionKom Ombo Temple visitCycle and Funtasia Project visitFree time in Luxor

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Read what other travelers have to say about Egypt: Boats & Bazaars

5.0

based on 8 reviews
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J
Jamie TVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Excellent

I've put off getting to Egypt despite it being top of my list for years, because I was worried about safety. My concerns were unnecessary though as it was absolutely fine and this turned out to be the best trip I've ever taken. So much to see in the most mind-blowing locations, all packed into 8 days. I also loved the variety of travel methods - trains, boats and vans all broke up the journey so it didn't feel monotonous. Our CEO Saad was so passionate about the history and mythology of Egypt that I really learned so much more from him than I would from reading books or watching documentaries.

S
Steven HVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Excellent

This itinerary is perfect for travellers who want to see as much of Egypt as possible in just a week. I'm still shocked at how much ground we covered and how much we managed to see in just a few days. It's hard to name a single highlight, because every day of this tour featured a highlight.

R
Rosanna FVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Excellent

My first trip with G, which will be the first of many. It was genuinely life changing, and has opened my eyes to "solo group travel". Saad depened the experience with knowledge and care, and the trip was unforgettable. 100000/10

C
Christopher HVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Excellent

The experience is great and extremely professionally run. That said, it really is the people who make it, Dalia and the group were incredible.

S
SarahVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5

Excellent

I was so nervous to come to Egypt, but with this tour I had the best time! Said was truly wonderful and I could go on and on about the nice things about him! Egypt can be a stressful country, but with this tour it felt peaceful! I truly cannot recommend it enough. Said made the group feel like family and I made lifelong friends.

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