From CAD $1,995
Guarantee
Small Group
Average
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
Experience the ancient stories and pharaonic cultures that make up the quintessential image of Egypt. On this 15-day adventure, you'll journey to bustling Cairo, cruise along the Nile in a traditional felucca and explore Luxor, Alexandria and coastal Hurghada. Gaze at the grandeur of the pyramids (you can tick this Wonder of the World off your bucket list), step back in time in ancient tombs and relax on deck while you watch rural Egyptian life pass you by along the Nile. Acclaimed sights, tucked-away treasures and Nubian hospitality – with a local leader by your side and a small group of like-minded travellers, you’ll discover the true face of Egypt.
Highlights
- Set sail on one of the world’s most iconic rivers with an included felucca trip down the Nile. Relax and soak up the landscapes as scenes of everyday Egyptian life pass you by.
- Bask in the old-world atmosphere of Aswan and experience not only the warmth and charm of Nubian hospitality but also some delicious traditional cuisine at a local homestay.
- Customise your adventure with free time and a range of optional activities – your expert local leader will be ready with recommendations. Maybe opt to explore the balmy Red Sea on a snorkelling adventure in Hurghada where you can spot clownfish, turtles and manta rays among the kaleidoscopic coral.
- Uncover one of the greatest cities in antiquity, Alexandria, where you’ll visit the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa – the largest Roman burial site in Egypt.
- Lose yourself in Cairo’s many iconic sites – visit Giza’s great pyramids (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), the Sphinx and maybe head inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3015
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Felucca, Overnight sleeper train, Private mini bus
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Budget
Supplier Code: XERA
Starts: Cairo, Egypt
Finishes: Cairo, Egypt
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (14), Lunch (2), Dinner (5)Accommodation: Felucca (1 night), Homestay (1 night), Hotel (11 nights), Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1995 (CAD $133 /day)
Itinerary
Salaam aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. Your adventure begins in Cairo – Egypt's chaotic capital, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Cairo is one of the great ancient cities and its history is symbolised by two imposing landmarks – the Pyramids of Giza (one of the famed Seven Wonders of the World) and the Mosque of Mohammed Ali. If you have time, why not wander the treasure-filled halls of the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization or head out to explore the markets. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, the Christian Coptic sector is well worth a visit. Tonight, maybe hit the local nightlife and celebrate the start of an epic adventure.
Optional Activities:
- Cairo - The Citadel (entrance fee) (550 EGP)
- Cairo - Coptic Museum (entrance fee) (280 EGP)
- Cairo - Islamic Art Museum (entrance fee) (340 EGP)
- Cairo - The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization & The Royal Mummy Room (entrance fee) (550 EGP)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, set out to see some of Egypt’s most renowned sights. Visit Giza’s pyramids – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – and the Sphinx. Explore these structures that have stood tall for 4500 years. You may even be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu (at an additional charge). After, maybe make your way to the Grand Egyptian Museum – home to one of the world's great collections of antiquities. Here, you can see artefacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb, including jewellery and the famous golden death mask. Later, meet your leader and travel to Giza train station, where you’ll board a sleeper train to Aswan.
Included Activities:
- Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
Optional Activities:
- Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops (entrance fee) (1500 EGP)
- Cairo - The 3rd Pyramid of Menkawre (entrance fee) (280 EGP)
- Cairo - The Egyptian Museum (minimum 2 people) (63 USD)
- Cairo - Saqqara and Memphis Urban Adventure (65 USD)
- Giza - Grand Egyptian Museum (minimum 2 people) (95 USD)
- Cairo - Grand Egyptian Museum (1590 EGP)
Accommodation:
- Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
The Nile, Elephantine Island and white-sailed feluccas – this is Aswan, Egypt's southernmost city. Today is a free day, so take the opportunity to see the sites, like the unfinished obelisk or the High Dam. The Nubian Bazaar is a must, and the Nubian Museum is at the top of many visitors’ lists. Maybe visit the Temple of Isis (goddess of health, marriage and wisdom), which was rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated to Philae Island. It's a marvel of decorative pylons featuring some of Egypt's finest carvings. Maybe stop at the waterfront promenade for a mint tea and watch the waterfront come alive at dusk, with families out strolling, socialising and relaxing along the corniche.
Optional Activities:
- Aswan - Sound & Light Show at Philae Temple (minimum 2 people) (58 USD)
- Aswan - Nubian Museum (entrance fee) (400 EGP)
- Aswan - Tomb of the Nobles (entrance fee) (200 EGP)
- Aswan - Philae Temple (entrance fee) (550 EGP)
- Aswan - Monastery of St. Simeon (entrance fee) (100 EGP)
- Aswan - Philae Temple Tour (minimum 2 people) (46 USD)
- Aswan - High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk Tour (minimum 2 people) (entrance, guide & transport) (40 USD)
- Aswan - Philae Temple Sound and Light Show (entrance fee, minimum 2 people) (58 USD)
- Aswan - Philae Temple, High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk Tour (minimum 2 people) (69 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning is your best chance to head out of Aswan and visit Abu Simbel, if that’s on your list. With the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, this is one of Egypt's most memorable sights. Otherwise, the day is free for you to make your own discoveries. A popular afternoon option is a boat ride around the islands in a traditional felucca, stopping off at the botanical gardens on Kitchener's Island. Your local leader will be on hand to help you get the most out of your day. You may prefer to just relax and take in the beauty of the Nile or do some shopping in the vibrant bazaar.
Optional Activities:
- Aswan - Abu Simbel Tour (minimum 4 people) (110 USD)
- Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner (minimum 4 people) (20 USD)
- Aswan - Abu Simbel by Air - subject to availability - from (Per Person) (596 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, jump on a traditional Egyptian sailboat (or felucca) to cruise along the Nile. After lunch on board the felucca, arrive at a Nubian homestay on the Nile’s west bank. Here, you’ll learn about the local way of life with a walk through the surrounding countryside and agriculture fields to reach the homestay. The house is built in traditional Nubian style, with a sandy courtyard in the middle where the family gathers for meals. Get into the swing of Egyptian life by lending a hand in the kitchen to help cook dinner or maybe kick around a football in the courtyard with the kids. There are few better ways to understand a country and its people than with a local homestay, and you’ll have the chance tonight to soak it all up.
Accommodation:
- Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
Board another felucca and spend today out on the river, seeing rural Egyptian daily life play out on the banks before spending a night under the stars. Your sailing crew will provide all your onboard meals. The felucca is a traditional wooden boat with broad canvas sails, offering some shade and protection from the elements, but there is no cabin or enclosed section – watching the sun setting over the Nile in the evening from an open deck is an experience you won't forget.
Included Activities:
- Nile - Felucca Overnight Sailing Trip
Optional Activities:
- Aswan - Kom Ombo Temple (entrance fee) (450 EGP)
Accommodation:
- Nile Felucca (Number of Nights: 1)
After farewelling the felucca crew, take a private van to Luxor. Today, you’ll explore Karnak Temple, maybe the most impressive of all the ancient pharaohs' monumental works. One of the world's most celebrated temple complexes, Karnak is a house of the gods built over a period of some 200 years. Your guided tour of this vast temple of pylons, obelisks and chapels will reveal its finest sections, such as the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Temple of Amun. Then, head over to Intrepid Foundation partner Animal Care in Egypt (ACE) – a local NGO dedicated to providing free veterinary care for wounded working animals. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax, shop in the bazaar (which is open until quite late) or soak up the atmosphere of a local teahouse.
Included Activities:
- Luxor - Karnak Temple
- Luxor - Animal Care in Egypt (The Intrepid Foundation Partner) visit
Optional Activities:
- Edfu - Edfu Temple (entrance fee) (550 EGP)
- Luxor - Luxor Temple (entrance fee) (500 EGP)
- Luxor - Luxor Museum (entrance fee) (400 EGP)
- Luxor - Karnak Temple Sound & Light Show Tour (minimum 2 people) (entrance, guide & transport ) (48 USD)
- Luxor - Mummification Museum (entrance fee) (220 EGP)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise early this morning and head into the Valley of the Kings. Buried under these arid hills are more than 60 tombs of pharaohs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. With your leader, explore where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BC) were secretly interred for all eternity, and where discoveries are still being made. Your leader will explain the history and legends of the people buried here, their funerary rites and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics, still well-preserved in the deepest tombs. Visit three of the most interesting royal tombs, then you’ll have the option to visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut – a colonnaded building set against high cliffs that create a natural amphitheatre.
Included Activities:
- Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
Optional Activities:
- Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple (440 EGP)
- Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun (entrance fee) (700 EGP)
- Luxor - Dinner with a local family (minimum 2 people) (26 USD)
- Luxor - Hot Air Balloon over the Valley of the Kings (Per Person) (120 USD)
- Luxor - Medinat Habu Temple (entrance fee) (220 EGP)
- Luxor - Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) (2500 EGP)
- Luxor - Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) (220 EGP)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, say farewell to the Nile and drive east to the beachside town of Hurghada. The luscious green of the Nile valley will soon be behind you as you head out into the Eastern Desert. As you pass rocky hills, the glittering waters of the Red Sea come into view and the rugged bulk of the Sinai Peninsula looms on the opposite shore. A vibrant beach resort town, Hurghada is by no means a typical adventure destination. After checking into your hotel, take a leader-led orientation walk to get your bearings and to scope out the local vibes.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you might like to explore the scenic Hurghada Marina, where you can stroll along the waterfront, browse the shops and maybe stop at a cafe overlooking the water, or you could relax on one of the local beaches. There’s also the option to go on a Red Sea snorkelling adventure. If you opt into this activity, you’ll be transferred to the Hurghada Marina to climb aboard your motor yacht for a trip around the Red Sea Marine Park, where you’ll snorkel one of the most magnificent reefs in the Red Sea. Your captain will select three separate locations to maximise your experience and snorkelling gear is provided. Lunch will consist of a delicious feast of kofta, salads, fish and rice and soft drinks, tea and coffee will be provided throughout the day. You’ll head back to Hurghada in the mid to late afternoon and be transferred back to the hotel. Otherwise, speak to your trip leader about other options for how to make the most of today in this colourful beach town.
Optional Activities:
- Hurghada – Red Sea Snorkelling Adventure (96 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Make the journey back to Cairo by private vehicle. When you arrive, you’ll have the option to visit the frenetic Khan al-Khalili bazaar with your leader. The ‘Khan’ is one of the biggest and oldest markets in the world, sprawling around an old area known as Al-Azhar. You might explore the gold market, ‘Perfume Street’ and the spice market, where heady aromas hang in the air like a thick blanket of Damascene cloth (which can be purchased next door in the cloth market!).
Optional Activities:
- Cairo - Khan al-Khalili bazaar visit - Free
- Cairo - Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids Tour (minimum 2 people) (68 USD)
- Cairo - Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids (entrance fee) (20 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Jump in a private van today and follow the Desert Road to the Mediterranean coastal city of Alexandria. Egypt's second largest city and main port, locals call this vibrant city the ‘Bride of the Mediterranean Sea’. When you arrive, go on an orientation walk with your leader. The Greek architect Dinocrates built Alexandria in 331 BC under the orders of Alexander the Great. The city, immortalising Alexander's name, quickly flourished into a prominent cultural, intellectual, political and economic metropolis. Take some time to stroll along the corniche and breathe in the fresh Mediterranean air. Alexandria is well known for its seafood, so don't forget to feast on some fresh fish while you're in town – ask your leader for all the best restaurant recommendations!
Optional Activities:
- Alexandria - Qaitbay fortress (entrance fee) (200 EGP)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day to explore the many sights of Alexandria at your own pace. You may choose to visit the El Alamein War Museum, which marks a turning point in the North African campaign of WWII, where the Allies held out against, and eventually pushed back and defeated, Rommel’s Afrika Korps. Alternatively, stop by the strikingly modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, inspired by the original Great Library of Alexandria and built to house more than 8 million books. You might also visit El Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque, the largest in the city, or head to the Citadel of Qaitbay – a fortress overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, built on the site where the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood.
Optional Activities:
- El Alamein - War Museum (80 EGP)
- Alamein - Commonwealth Cemetery - Free
- Alexandria - Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque - Free
- Alexandria - Roman Amphitheatre (entrance fee) (200 EGP)
- Alexandria - Alexandria National Museum (entrance fee) (220 EGP)
- Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina (100 EGP)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, head underground and delve into the mysteries of the Kom el Shoqafa Catacombs. This Roman burial site is the largest of its kind in Egypt and was discovered, quite accidentally, by a donkey! The crypts are 20 m below street level – what probably began as a small family tomb grew into a labyrinth of chambers that could accommodate more than 300 bodies. You’ll have free time for the rest of the day before you leave Alexandria and return to Cairo. Tonight, why not gather your travel crew for a celebratory kebab, kofta or sheesha.
Included Activities:
- Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no further activities planned, your trip finishes today after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Mohammed - Traveled, March 2024
Great trip that did most things I wanted. Recommend going with tour as it’s a difficult country to do alone. Does slow down towards the end and this may frustrate those who only want to do historic sites but slower days are useful. Use the first/last day to explore Cairo.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/29/2024
Tamara - Traveled, February 2024
Beautiful trip that combines all the highlights of Egypt in a perfect mixture (pyramids, temples, Nile, Red Sea, Mediterranean). Our fantastic tourleader Sam and the very nice group of people made this trip even more unforgettable. Although this trip is basic, i thought the accomodation is very comfortable. Only the train and the boat are a bit more adventurous, but that makes part of the experience, which i wouldn't have wanted to miss.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/08/2024
Carl - Traveled, February 2024
The fifteen day Egypt tour with Intrepid was a phenomenal introduction to the country! I am planning a six week return for next year, and I feel well prepped for that.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/08/2024
Adam - Traveled, February 2024
Sam was a great guide and the trip had good pacing. The tourist sites were great, and the less touristy items, like the felucca ride, exceeded expectations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/08/2024
Lindsey - Traveled, January 2024
We were extremely lucky to be in a great group of people and an exceptional tour guide Hany. Hany was funny, kind, knowledgeable, receptive to adapting to requests… basically a complete legend! He has set the bar high for future tour guides. The whole tour was well balanced with tours and recharge time. Highlights were the pyramids, felucca and the Nubian homestay. This was the first guided tour myself and my friend had been on, previously having travelled independently. We felt as two women, travelling around Egypt in a group would be safer. At no point did we ever fell unsafe. The accommodation is basic but clean with hot showers. I wouldn’t have swapped better accommodation for another group, the camaraderie within the group was amazing. I would recommend adding a couple of extra nights in Cairo, either before or after the tour, to see more sites around Cairo like the Saqqara Pyramids, the citadel and the grand Egyptian museum.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/06/2024
Becky - Traveled, January 2024
Wow, what an amazing experience to see Egypt up close and personal with the best tour guide, the wonderful Hany. It was great to meet, make friends and travel with people from multiple countries. We saw and learnt so much on our trip. Hany made it so easy for us and we felt very safe. On the whole the hotels were fine as you didn’t spend much time in them due to all the activities we were doing. The Pyramids were amazing as you would expect, but I also loved the private boat and snorkelling in Hurghada. The colours and art in the tombs and temples were stunning. Definitely a trip I would recommend to those that want to see the variety Egypt has to offer.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/04/2024
Imogen - Traveled, January 2024
What a trip! Covers all the amazing sites of Egypt you would expect and then throws in a few experiences I had not expected. The Nubian homestay, the felucca and snorkelling were the icing on the cake of seeing the pyramids, valley of the kings and Abu Simbel. Ask for Hany as a guide if you can. He was a fabulous guide, nothing was too much trouble and he is so knowledgeable. Thanks Hany!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/03/2024
Gillian - Traveled, January 2024
Brilliant trip and our tour guide was amazing
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/26/2024
Syd - Traveled, January 2024
I had been to Egypt hitching in 1965. This tour taught me so much, from the Egyptian ways, the geography and especially the farming. I enjoyed the healthy diet too.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/26/2024
Adam - Traveled, January 2024
Explore Egypt - A great trip, fantastic leader, amazing country and culture. We havemade new friends. Read the pre booking information so you know what to expect - everything you need to know is written there.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/26/2024
Janne - Traveled, December 2023
A great, all-encompassing trip around the country with awesome people and full of highlights: pyramids, felucca, hot air balloon, valley of the kings, snorkeling,... However in the future I will not book Basix accommodation anymore.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/13/2024
Chris - Traveled, December 2024
Amazing 2 weeks in Egypt led by an even more amazing tour guide, Saeed. Saeed was an endless wealth of knowledge of Egypt from ancient history to modern culture. Made new friends of different ages, backgrounds and cultures in my travel group. Well organized and incredible value. If you have never done a pre planned group travel, are on the fence, or just want to take a break from the hassle of planning and managing a trip yourself, book now. I can’t wait to book my next trip with Intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/14/2024
Stephan - Traveled, December 2024
I've been on two trips with Intrepid and I look forward to more in the future. They always ensures the safety of the group, and always makes sure you have a local guide with incredible knowledge, and take you to some of the most amazing places.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/07/2024
Veronica - Traveled, December 2023
My husband and I just completed the trip of a lifetime with Explore Egypt! We made so many amazing memories and gained so much knowledge thanks to our fantastic guide, Daly! The trip is fast paced but it covers all the highlights. Highly recommend this trip to all and will be taking many more Intrepid trips in the future!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/07/2024
Francis - Traveled, December 2023
Amazing ecological and historical tour in Egypt lead by an experience Guide Mohamed Abdelhady. Impressive knowledge of the culture and history
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
Gabriel - Traveled, December 2023
Amazing. You don’t need to worry about anything, because your tour guide already planned everything. I really recommend Intrepid
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
Kelly - Traveled, December 2023
Excellent trip - itinerary, accommodations, transportation and included meals were exactly what I expected for this level of trip. Mohamed Hossny was the best leader/guide I’ve ever had. If you are coming from the US on this trip bring Us currency to tip your guide with instead of Egyptian pounds.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/21/2023
Gavin - Traveled, December 2023
I have done 11 group trips and the Mohamed Hossny is by far the best one. Even after a day of travels, he would invite us for tea and we would sit around and talk for hours. Went way above his job description to sorting accomodations, getting SIM cards and local cash. He offered pillows and clothes to help fellow travellers. Kept us safe and informed 24/7, a tour guide makes or break the trip, not the country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/24/2023
Benjamin - Traveled, November 2023
With the right guide this trip itinerary is amazing! You will learn so much, and the inclusion of Hurghada makes this Egypt option the one you should choose.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/14/2023
Shania - Traveled, November 2023
Ehap was an amazing tour guide. I enjoyed my time in Egypt and learnt so much!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2023
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