Egypt, with its iconic landmarks like the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, the Nile, and the Red Sea, offers a wealth of grand adventures and historical treasures. Navigating this ancient land can be overwhelming, but with the right tour operator, you can make the most of your time and immerse yourself in the wonders of Egypt.
A tour operator can help you make sense of it all and plan your time most wisely, leaving you free to concentrate on enjoying yourself. A myriad of tour options pack in a good portion of the country, whatever your time, budget, group size and interests, and almost all will include some sort of sailing trip on the Nile. This article highlights some of the best luxury tour companies that can provide unparalleled experiences in Egypt.
Be sure to check what’s included in the itinerary when booking. Some cover everything except gratuities and travel insurance; others sort out domestic travel and accommodation but otherwise leave you to your own devices.
Top Luxury Egypt Tour Companies
1. Uniworld - Splendours of Egypt and the Nile
Uniworld's "Splendours of Egypt and the Nile" tour offers a luxurious experience aboard the SS Sphinx, arguably the most wonderfully decorated ship on the Nile. The ship’s 42 suites are decked out with bespoke decorations and furnishings sourced from local artisans using materials from around the region. Marble bathrooms, coffered ceilings and intricate latticework might be standard for a hotel, but the staterooms on the Sphinx, outfitted in bold blues and luxurious golds, certainly bring a new level of luxury to Nile travel. The 12-day tour starts and ends in Cairo and even travels on the river between Luxor and Aswan in both directions for a fuller experience.
Key Features:
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- Boat capacity: Maximum 84
- Luxurious suites with bespoke decorations
- Extensive itinerary covering Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan
The Complete Viking Nile River Cruise Review
2. Wild Frontiers - Slow Boat to Aswan
Allow life to slow down on this unique ten-day trip along the Nile from Luxor to Aswan and back, with four nights spent on a private dahabiya, a long wooden boat with lateen sails. You’ll visit the big temple complex of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel, but there are a load of attractions included that aren’t on traditional itineraries, including the camel market in Daraw and the ancient stone quarries at El Silsila. There’s also an emphasis on local life away from historic sites, with stops at small villages on the riverbank. The rate doesn’t include flights.
Key Features:
- Group size: Maximum 12
- Unique ten-day trip along the Nile from Luxor to Aswan
- Emphasis on local life away from historic sites, with stops at small villages on the riverbank
A traditional Dahabiya sailing on the Nile.
3. Intrepid - Explore Egypt
With more than two weeks to travel around Egypt, this small-group tour run by Intrepid covers a lot of ground in more parts of the country, but it also takes you on roads less frequently travelled. You’ll start in Cairo before taking the sleeper train to Aswan, where you sail on a felucca to a homestay in a family house in a colourful Nubian village on the Nile’s west bank. Another night is spent sleeping under the stars on a felucca, a traditional sailboat with no motor. After a big dose of history in Luxor, it’s on to Hurghada to snorkel in the Red Sea. This Intrepid tour is a good option for budget travellers or those who want to pick and choose their own activities. A lot of free time is built into the itinerary, and tickets to historic sites are not included.
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Key Features:
- Group size: 1-16
- Extensive two-week tour covering multiple regions in Egypt
- Opportunities for snorkeling in the Red Sea
4. Wendy Wu - Dreams of Egypt
This 11-day trip goes a step beyond the big sights around the capital, taking in not only the famous pyramids in Giza but also Egypt’s oldest pyramid in Saqqara, as well as Coptic Cairo. After a couple of days in seaside Alexandria and a WWI battleground, you fly to Luxor to board a Nile cruise boat, setting sail for Aswan after exploring Luxor’s east and west banks. Enjoy the lush scenery and hop on and off to visit historic sites along the Nile Valley, including the incredible temples at Kom Ombo and Edfu. From Aswan, set off for an included day trip to Abu Simbel, located on Egypt’s southern border with Sudan.
Key Features:
- Group size: Maximum 24
- Comprehensive 11-day tour including Giza, Saqqara, and Alexandria
- Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan with visits to historic sites
5. Explore! - Family Egyptian Adventure
This is the sort of family trip that’ll form life-long memories for you and your children. You’ll visit all the famous sights you’ve heard about, including the pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings and get to experience a proper adventure along the way. Highlights include spending the night sleeping on the deck of a felucca (a traditional wooden sailing boat), playing with local kids in a Nubian village and snorkelling over the reefs at the Red Sea in Hurghada. The pace is geared toward family life - not too long spent at historic sights, with time left for your own pursuits or the hotel pool on most days. Flights are not included.
Key Features:
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- Group size: 4-20
- Family-friendly itinerary with a balance of sightseeing and leisure
- Opportunities for cultural immersion and adventure activities
6. Riviera Travel - Wonders of the Nile: Cairo to Aswan
Home for 14 nights is the MS Mövenpick Darakum, which, with 52 cabins, is one of the larger boats to take to the waters of the Nile. Unlike most tours, you’ll journey on board all the way south to Aswan from Cairo, rather than start from Luxor. You’ll also stop at a number of sites not normally covered on other itineraries, including the temples at Dendera and Abydos and the ruined city of Amarna. There’s plenty of leisure time, too - we recommend spending this lying on a day bed on the sun deck and watching life on the Nile drift by.
Key Features:
- Group size: Maximum 104
- 14-night cruise from Cairo to Aswan on the MS Mövenpick Darakum
- Visits to unique sites including Dendera, Abydos, and Amarna
7. Cox & Kings - Egypt: Ancient Wonders of Cairo and the Nile
Four of the nights on this eight-day itinerary are spent on the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer, a supremely comfortable 32-cabin boat complete with a swimming pool, sun deck, library, and games room. You’ll spend days drifting down the Nile in the company of expert Egyptologists, who’ll give lectures on board and accompany you on the frequent trips to ancient sites along the river, including the Valley of the Queens, Philae Temple and Karnak. The trip is bookended with time in Cairo, with visits to both the pyramids and the Egyptian Museum.
Key Features:
- Group size: 4-18
- Expert Egyptologists provide lectures and guide tours
- Visits to the pyramids, Egyptian Museum, and Nile River sites
8. Viking River Cruises - Pharaohs and Pyramids
Viking has been launching brand-new Egyptian-built Nile cruise ships on the river for several years, and another Scandi-sleek beauty is set to join the fleet in August 2024, Viking Hathor. These elegant 82-guest ships have surprisingly spacious staterooms, but don’t let the on-board amenities, including a library, bar and alfresco dining area, distract you from all the attractions onshore. Viking’s itinerary makes a delightful deviation from the usual, tacking on two additional temples - in Esna and Qena - and the Egyptologist guides are top-notch.
Key Features:
- Boat capacity: Maximum 82
- Elegant ships with spacious staterooms
- Unique itinerary including Esna and Qena temples
9. Black Tomato - Ultimate Egypt: Culture on the Nile
This tour covers the traditional highlights of the Nile: Cairo, Aswan and Luxor. But it is so much more than that. The magic lies in the small, unique moments experienced along the way. These might be a sunset camel ride along the west bank of the Nile near Aswan, joining a local family for an Egyptian feast at their home in Luxor, meeting master craftsmen in Cairo’s Khan el-Khalili market or taking an after-hours tour of the Egyptian Museum. Black Tomato suggests six days for the tour but can tailor to your requirements; flights are excluded from their rates.
Key Features:
- Group size: Private tour
- Customizable itinerary with unique cultural experiences
- Sunset camel ride, local family feast, and after-hours museum tour
10. Original Travel - Taste of the Nile
You’re not going to get much closer to a true Agatha Christie experience in Egypt than by boarding the very same ship that took her down the Nile in the 1930s: the SS Sudan. The 19th-century steamship has been restored to its original full glory, with teak decks, belle époque decor and period fittings. The five days on board, travelling from Luxor to Aswan, are just one highlight of the ten-day trip, which also includes guided visits to the Great Sphinx and pyramids of Giza, the holy city of Abydos, and the temples at Edfu, Kom Ombo and the Valley of the Kings. The tour includes meal, guiding, all flights and the services of a local concierge.
Key Features:
- Group size: Private tour
- Travel on the historic SS Sudan steamship
- Guided visits to major historical sites
11. Audley Travel - Cairo and the Red Sea Family Adventure
If you’ve never thought to combine a city and beach break in Egypt, think again. Audley Travel has an eight-day itinerary that allows you to experience all the cultural and foodie highlights of Cairo, including the pyramids and a downtown food tour, with four nights at a Red Sea resort. With this slower-paced itinerary, you can do as little or as much as you’d like - taking a day trip into the desert on a quad-bike safari, learning to dive, or simply heading to the spa. There’s plenty of free time in both destinations (though note you’ll pay extra for activities outside those scheduled). Internal and international flights are included in the rates.
Key Features:
- Group size: Private tour
- Combination of cultural and beach experiences
- Flexible itinerary with free time for personal activities
12. Blue O Two - Ultimate Red Sea
For the ultimate Red Sea itinerary, experienced scuba divers should get on board Blue O Two’s two liveaboards: Blue Melody and the flagship vessel, Blue Horizon. Each boat accommodates just 26 divers, and the varied 11-day itineraries show off the best of this spectacular body of water. The boat travels from Hurghada around the coast to remote off-shore locations near Sharm el-Sheikh, with several dives planned for each day. There’s a chance to see dolphins, sharks and shipwrecks and explore marine parks. Note that this is for experienced divers only; you’ll need to have 30 logged dives under your belt to book. You’ll also need to sort out your own flights.
Key Features:
- Group size: Maximum 26
- Focus on scuba diving in the Red Sea
- Varied 11-day itineraries with multiple dives each day
The beautiful coast of Hurghada.
13. Steppes Travel - Luxury Egypt with Oberoi Zahra
If you’d like to travel along the Nile on a boat with all the facilities of an international hotel, book this 13-day, customisable itinerary with Steppes Travel. You’ll spend five days on the Oberoi Zahra - a 27-cabin river cruiser complete with pool, spa, fitness centre and cigar lounge. There’s time to enjoy life on the boat in between visits to temples and other on-shore attractions, accompanied by expert Egyptologists. The land-based accommodation is also pretty special and might include the historic Winter Palace in Luxor and the Old Cataract in Aswan. Rates exclude flights.
Key Features:
- Group size: Private tour
- Five-day cruise on the Oberoi Zahra with luxury amenities
- Expert Egyptologists accompanying tours
14. Abercrombie & Kent - Classic Nile
Explore Egypt with a touch of luxe on this small-group tour with high-end operator Abercrombie & Kent. After exploring the ancient pharaonic sites along the banks of the Nile, retreat to some of Egypt’s top hotels, including Mena House right next to the Pyramids of Giza. Four nights of this ten-day trip are spent between Luxor and Aswan aboard the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer, a beautifully designed boat with 32 cabins, all with river views. An expert guide will help bring ancient Egypt to life on the many shore excursions to temples and ruins. The price excludes international flights but include internal flights, which shortens your journey to Abu Simbel considerably compared to going by road.
Key Features:
- Group size: Maximum 18
- Small-group tour with high-end accommodations
- Four nights on the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer
15. Nour el Nil - Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Here’s something really special - the chance to sail on the Nile from Luxor to Aswan on an exquisitely designed dahabiyas, a long wooden boat with candy-cane-striped lateen sails. Nour el Nil has seven to choose from, and each is topped with a large, beautifully decorated deck perfect for watching life go by on the riverbanks.
Key Features:
- Group size: Maximum 24
- Sailing on exquisitely designed dahabiyas
- Beautifully decorated decks for relaxation
16. Royal Egypt, Archaeological Paths
No tour gets true Egyptophiles better access than this. Make sense of Egypt’s ancient sites with one of today’s foremost experts, Zahi Hawass, a world-renowned archaeologist and the country’s former Minister of Antiquities. Hawass is still very active in archaeology, and the tour includes presentations about and even exclusive access to his latest finds. The itinerary also includes a behind-the-scenes visit to Karnak with Egypt’s current Head of Antiquities, and you’ll overnight in five-star accommodation, such as the historic Mena House in Giza.
Key Features:
- Group size: Maximum 27
- Exclusive access to archaeological sites with experts
- Presentations and behind-the-scenes visits
Additional Tour Companies
Several other tour companies specialize in providing custom and luxury travel experiences in Egypt. Here are a few notable mentions:
- Ker & Downey: Offers handcrafted luxury travel experiences with English-speaking Egyptologists, uncovering the secret side of Egypt.
- Osiris Tours: Specializes in bespoke, guided tours of Egypt, Morocco, Dubai, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Turkey.
- Look At Egypt Tours: Creates bespoke journeys tailored to individual desires, offering unparalleled service and authentic experiences.
- Memphis Tours: Provides a wide array of benefits, including fascinating Nile cruises and customizable tour itineraries.
Planning Your Egypt Tour
When planning your Egypt tour, consider the following factors:
- Duration: A typical itinerary ranges from 7 to 10 days to explore major highlights.
- Best time to visit: The mild season from November to April offers comfortable temperatures for sightseeing.
- Customization: Many tour operators offer the flexibility to customize your tour based on your preferences.
- Safety: Nile River cruises and tourist areas prioritize passenger safety with security measures in place.
Essential Tips for Travelers
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Egypt, keep these tips in mind:
- Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
- Currency: The official currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), but US dollars are also accepted in some establishments.
- Tipping: Tipping, known as "baksheesh," is a common practice to show appreciation for good service.
- Dress code: Modest dress is recommended, especially when visiting religious sites.
- Language: While Arabic is the official language, many Egyptians in cities have a basic command of English.
- Health: Consult with a healthcare professional regarding recommended vaccinations and health precautions.
- Water: It is not recommended to drink tap water; opt for bottled water instead.
Top Attractions to Visit
When planning your Egypt tour itinerary, consider including these top attractions:
- Great Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx
- Valley of the Kings
- Karnak Temple
- Luxor Temple
- Abu Simbel Temples
- Philae Temple
Nile River Cruises
A Nile cruise is a must-do experience to truly immerse yourself in the splendor of the river. Some of the best Nile cruises include:
- Movenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise
- Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise
- Movenpick Royal Lotus Nile Cruise
- Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise
- Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise
- Sonesta St. George Nile Cruise
The majestic Karnak Temple in Luxor.
Types of Egypt Tours
There are various types of Egypt tours to cater to different interests:
- Classic Egypt Tours: Discover Egypt’s history and iconic attractions, including Cairo and a Nile River cruise.
- Off the Beaten Track Tours: Explore unique monuments and lesser-known stories of ancient Egypt.
- Luxury Tours: Experience Egypt in comfort with exclusive service and accommodations.
- Christmas in Egypt Tours: Spend the holidays in the warmer weather of Egypt, following the steps of Pharaohs.
- Small Group Tours: Enjoy a more intimate travel experience and deeper connection to Egypt.
| Tour Company | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Uniworld | Luxurious suites, extensive Cairo-Luxor-Aswan itinerary |
| Wild Frontiers | Small group, Luxor to Aswan trip, emphasis on local life |
| Intrepid | Small group, extensive coverage, Red Sea snorkeling |
| Wendy Wu | Comprehensive, includes Giza, Saqqara, Alexandria |
| Explore! | Family-friendly, balance of sightseeing and leisure |
| Riviera Travel | Cairo to Aswan cruise, visits to unique sites |
| Cox & Kings | Expert Egyptologists, pyramids, museum, Nile sites |
| Viking River Cruises | Elegant ships, spacious staterooms, unique itinerary |
| Black Tomato | Customizable, cultural experiences, camel ride, local feast |
| Original Travel | Historic SS Sudan, major historical sites |
| Audley Travel | City and beach, flexible itinerary |
| Blue O Two | Scuba diving focused, varied itineraries |
| Steppes Travel | Oberoi Zahra cruise, luxurious amenities |
| Abercrombie & Kent | Small group, high-end accommodations |
| Nour el Nil | Exquisitely designed dahabiyas, beautiful decks |
| Archaeological Paths | Expert access, presentations, behind-the-scenes visits |
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