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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
day 8 - Cairo
Tour ends upon arrival.

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What's Included
Note: Allow USD110-145 for meals not included.
What's Excluded
Customer Reviews
Read what other travelers have to say about Egypt: Boats & Bazaars
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.
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.
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
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.
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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