Discover the essence of Egypt with Egypt Planners, your trusted local tour operator in Egypt offering exclusive Egypt Vacations that bring the country’s rich history and vibrant culture to life. With millennia-old pyramids, hallowed temples and intricately painted tombs worthy of an art gallery, Egypt has a mindboggling amount of history on show. Some of the first threads of human civilisation started here over 5,000 years ago, and Egyptians still call their country umm al dunya - mother of the world. Egypt offers the opportunity to time-travel like few other places. The past seems to keep careful watch over the present.
Planning a trip to Egypt? Egypt is a bucket list destination - and rightly so. Steeped in history, culture, and adventure from the sunny Mediterranean coast to the tops of the pyramids, visiting Egypt is an unforgettable experience. Discover how to plan a trip to Egypt with our comprehensive guide to cover all your bases! Let’s start with step-by-step instructions, from figuring out if an Egypt trip is viable for your budget and vacation time to finally packing your bags.
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Is Egypt a Safe Destination to Visit?
Egypt is generally considered a safe destination for tourists to visit. The country relies heavily on tourism, and the government has taken extensive measures to ensure the safety of tourists. As with any travel destination, it’s always wise to exercise caution and take commonsense safety precautions. It is advised to avoid large crowds, especially during demonstrations or protests, and always to remain alert and aware of your surroundings.
If you are mindful of the culture and maintain common sense, you’ll find that Egypt is a perfectly safe place to visit. The areas of Egypt that are considered unsafe are far away from tourist destinations - you can’t just stumble there by accident! To stay extra safe, avoid traveling alone or in poorly lit areas.
Read also: Egyptian Adventure
For women, traveling as a woman in Egypt can be a rewarding and exciting experience, but it’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and comfort. Dress conservatively: Egypt is a Muslim country, and it’s important to respect local customs and dress conservatively. Avoid walking alone at night: It’s best to avoid walking alone at night, especially in quiet or poorly-lit areas. Use a guide or tour group: Using a guide or tour group can be a good idea, especially if you’re traveling alone. Be cautious with alcohol: Drinking alcohol in public is prohibited in Egypt, and it’s important to be cautious with alcohol consumption. Be aware of your surroundings: It’s always important to be aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling in a new place. Research local customs and culture: Researching local customs and culture can help you better understand the country and avoid inadvertently offending locals.
When is the Best Time to Visit Egypt?
The best time to visit Egypt is between October and April, during the country’s mild winter. The temperatures are pleasant during the day, ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit (about 18-30 degrees Celsius), and more relaxed at night. Visiting Egypt from May to September can be a good option if you prefer to avoid crowds and endure hotter temperatures.
It’s also important to note that Ramadan, the month-long Islamic holiday of fasting and prayer, can affect travel to Egypt. During Ramadan, many businesses and tourist sites have reduced hours or may be closed altogether.
Budgeting for Your Egypt Trip
First, budget. You can have either a luxury holiday in Egypt or a very cheap holiday - there are versatile options for all travelers. So, whether you want to spend less than $20 per day or splash out on a luxury trip, Egypt is a great destination. For a cheap trip, the budget is roughly $500 per person. A budget trip to Egypt can be as little as $500 per person, while a luxury itinerary may cost up to $3,000 per person for a week. With accommodation and travel prices included, you should budget around $200 per day.
Once you’ve confirmed that your budget and vacation time are compatible with an Egypt vacation, your next step is finding out the visa requirements. It may seem early, but depending on your location, getting a visa sorted may take some time. For Canadian visitors: visit the Egyptian embassy or consulate in Canada to apply.
Read also: Learn Arabic in Egypt: Guide
Planning Your Itinerary: Tour or Independent Travel?
Now you need to decide if you’re going to plan every moment of the tour yourself or use an Egypt tour or vacation package. If you want to immerse yourself in the culture and feel confident navigating without a guide, then independent travel could be for you. It also allows you to save money. However, you’ll have a more stressful experience and you risk missing out on the sites and experiences that only a private tour guide knows about.
After spending 2 weeks in Egypt, we too came to the conclusion that independent travel would have been very difficult. For that reason, we recommend a private tour. Private Egypt tours may cost more upfront, but they provide unmatched security and a stress-free experience. From access to exclusive sites that most tourists never see, to quick transportation around Egypt and a guide who can speak to the locals - it’s all included in one price. Whether you choose a tour or independent travel, book and start planning at least four months in advance to get the best deals on flights.
The range of what is offered, as well as cost, is wide. Companies based in the US tend to be more expensive than those based in Europe or Egypt. Many wanted to force us to fit into specific tour dates which didn’t line up with my work schedule. In the end, my mother and I both contacted several tour companies, located in the US and Egypt.
TIP: Do your homework on tour companies if you plan to use one. They are not all created equal. Find out what’s included and what’s not. Get it in writing.
Once we decided on the tour company, we had to decide on the itinerary. Where should we go and what should we see? Should we do a cruise down the Nile? How many days to spend in Cairo or Luxor? Should we go to Alexandria or the Red Sea?
Read also: Clothing in Ancient Egypt
Top Destinations in Egypt
Egypt has numerous amazing destinations, each with its own charm and attractions. The best way to see them all is with an inclusive private tour.
- Cairo: Egypt’s bustling capital city is a vibrant and chaotic metropolis full of life and energy. It gets super busy over Christmas and New Year, but you’ll get to enjoy the festivities as well as the pleasant winter temperatures. The Pyramids of Giza are the stars of the show, and the nearby Grand Egyptian Museum will be a blockbuster when it finally opens. For now, marvel at the 20 royal mummies at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization and find the gold death mask of Tutankhamun, housed in the Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square until the GEM is ready.
- Luxor: If you are traveling to Egypt to see what they left behind, Luxor should be at the top of your list. Must-see sites in Luxor include the Luxor Temple and religious complex of Karnak, and the tombs of pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings. Take the train (around 10 hours, daytime or sleeper) to Luxor, built atop the ancient capital of Thebes. Big-hitters at this UNESCO site include the Luxor Temple and religious complex of Karnak, and the tombs of pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings outside town. Other nearby sites include the Ramesseum, whose giant statues inspired the poem ‘Ozymandias’, and the temple of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut.
- Aswan: This laid-back city in southern Egypt is known for its stunning natural beauty and relaxed atmosphere. This market town on the East bank of the Nile is another hotspot for tourists looking to explore both Nubian and Egyptian culture and cuisine. All cruises dock at Aswan, after two nights on board en route from Luxor. The Nile is at its most fascinating here. Take a felucca (small sailboat) to Gharb Soheil, a brightly painted village home to a few thousand Nubians, an Indigenous group that has lived in the region since pharaonic times. For sunset, have a drink on the terrace of the Old Cataract Hotel, made famous by Agatha Christie, who wrote part of Death on the Nile here.
- Alexandria: Located on the Mediterranean coast, Alexandria is a historic city once home to one of the ancient world’s most famous libraries. If you want to visit Egypt during the hotter summer months, Alexandria is a great destination. The cool sea breeze brings down the temperature a little, as long as you don’t mind the humidity.
- Red Sea Coastline: The Red Sea coastline in the East of Egypt is an exciting destination if you are looking for a resort vacation. As well as having access to central Egypt destinations if you want to take a few days to travel around, the coast itself has plenty to offer.
- The Nile: Aboard a riverboat, the Nile can be a relaxing and even romantic vacation.
- Abu Simbel: This ancient temple complex, located near the Sudanese border, is one of the most impressive sites in Egypt. Abu Simbel sits on the shore of Lake Nasser, created by the construction of the Aswan High Dam in 1970. The temples were rescued from rising waters by moving them stone by stone to higher ground. Twice a year, the sun still illuminates the figure of Ramses II and two of the three gods in the temple’s inner sanctum.
If you want to see multiple locations, then the most convenient way to do this is through a private tour.
Sample Itineraries
Here are a few sample itineraries to help you plan your trip:
Cairo Short Break: 4-Day Cairo Tour
Our tour packages in Cairo for 4 days will provide you with an opportunity to see the most beautiful tourist attractions in Cairo, you will get to explore the charming attraction of Coptic and Islamic monuments and visit the great pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the city of Memphis, the Egyptian Museum, Saladin Citadel, Khan Al-Khalili and many more.
5 Day Cairo and Luxor Tour Package
Welcome to your 5-day tour of Egypt, the land of the Pharaohs, from Cairo to Luxor. Start your trip in Cairo, where you can see some of the most famous places in the world. Step into the famous Pyramids of Giza, stand between the legs of the powerful Great Sphinx, see the amazing Egyptian Museum, and then visit the Valley of the Kings that includes the tomb of King Tutankhamun and more than 60 other royal tombs. Explore the ancient city of temples at Karnak, where you can see Luxor Temple, Hatshepsut Temple, and much more.
7 Day Cairo with Nile Cruise Tour Package
Experience the magic of Egypt with our 7 day Nile cruise from Cairo, meticulously crafted by Egypt Planners. This Cairo and Nile cruise tour is designed to immerse you in the rich ancient Egyptian history and culture. Start your adventure in Cairo, where you’ll visit famous landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum, home to countless ancient artifacts.
8 Days Cairo with 3 Nights Nile Cruise by Flight
With an 8-day Luxor and Aswan cruise from Cairo, you can see the most important historical sites in Cairo, visit Aswan, and sail in style to Luxor. You can walk inside the famous pyramids of Giza, visit Saqqara to see the oldest pyramid ever found, and then travel to Aswan to see the Temple of Philae, which was saved from the rising waters of Lake Nasser when the Aswan High Dam was built.
8 Days Cairo and 4 Nights Cruise with Abu Simbel
Discover how beautiful Egypt really is on this 8-day Cairo tour with a cruise from Luxor and Aswan to Abu Simbel Temple. In the beginning, you see the pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum and the rest of Cairo's wonderful landmarks. Then fly to Luxor and check-in for the scenic Nile cruise to Aswan. Along the way, you'll see the ancient wonders of Luxor, Aswan, and everywhere in between.
10 Day Cairo, Alexandria and Cruise with Abu Simbel
On this 10-day Cairo tour that includes a cruise from Luxor and Aswan to the Abu Simbel Temple, you'll see how beautiful Egypt really is. At the start, you can see the Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, and other great Cairo landmarks. Then, fly to Luxor and check in for an amazing Nile cruise to Aswan. You'll see the ancient wonders of Luxor, Aswan, and all the places in between.
Nile River Cruises
The biggest sticking point was a “Nile Cruise” which everyone will tell you that you must do. There are many kinds and classes of ships which sail between Luxor and Aswan (they don’t depart from Cairo which is a common misconception) and most cruises take from 3 to 7 days. There seemed to be a lot of choices, but departure days of the week were limited and it was difficult to select a company we liked and fit our budget.
Even if you don’t typically enjoy cruising, we believe that a four- or five-day Nile River cruise is worth your time and money. Understanding ancient Egypt requires knowledge of the Nile River, which provided food and resources, served as the primary means of travel, and was essential for transporting building materials and quarried stone used for monumental structures.
Most of the places you'll visit along the river are more accessible by water than land.
Costs can vary because the value of the Egyptian pound is always changing. The main difference between spending four days versus five on a cruise is the starting location. Four-day cruises start in Aswan, while those departing out of Luxor are five-day cruises. Both itineraries cover the same sites, but you aren’t as rushed on a five-day cruise. The extra day departing from Luxor means that you’re less constrained for time; a four-day cruise may have to skip Luxor Temple if there are delays in transit, which can happen when the locks get crowded.
Here are sample itineraries for both a 5-day cruise starting from Luxor or a 4-day cruise starting from Aswan:
- 5-day sample itinerary from Luxor to Aswan
- Day 1: Arrive onboard in Luxor and visit Karnak and Luxor Temples (ship remains docked overnight)
- Day 2: Valley of Kings, Hatchepsut Temple & Colossi of Memnon (ship sails to Edfu)
- Day 3: Temple of Horus in Edfu, travel to Kom Ombo to visit Kom Ombo Temple (sail to Aswan)
- Day 4: Land tours at (1) High Dam, (2) Unfinished Obelisk, (3) Philae Temple
- Day 5: Disembark
Egypt Tour Was NOT What We Expected (I wish they told us...)
Whatever tour you book, your tour guide will manage and guide your tour. They can make or break your tour, so choose carefully.
Here’s a table summarizing the key aspects of planning a Nile River cruise:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4-7 days |
| Departure Points | Luxor or Aswan (not Cairo) |
| Best Time to Go | October to April |
| Key Sites | Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, Abu Simbel |
Booking Flights and Accommodation
Choose a reputable airline and book your tickets well in advance. Skyscanner is a great tool for this. With your international flights sorted, you can book your hotel, transportation, and some event tickets in advance. If you are booking one of our private tour vacations, this will all be sorted by Egypt Tours Plus. The trick here is to be very clear about what you want from your vacation. Most itineraries can be adjusted, so we can make sure that your vacation meets your expectations.
We booked our flights ourselves using a combination of cash and points. Prior to deciding on Egypt as the destination, we’d bought tickets from Los Angeles to London on Virgin Atlantic in Premium Economy during a sale. We knew we could go “somewhere” from London when we bought them, just not exactly where. TIP: Look for ways to use points and miles to save money. We didn’t have enough points on any single airline to get tickets to Egypt, but my mother did have enough Chase points.
If you are booking independent travel, start by finding accommodation. You will find that there are both luxury and budget options when it comes to accommodation. When traveling between cities without a private tour, you will need to book buses, coaches, trains, sleeper trains, or domestic flights.
Many travel agents are happy to book hotels for Egypt for you, and sometimes they can save you money over the online paid rates. We wanted to use points to offset the cost so we booked the hotels ourselves with a combination of cash and points. We used Marriott points for the Cairo hotels; The Marriott Mena House in Giza (2 nights), The Nile Ritz Carlton Cairo in downtown Cairo (2 nights), and the Le Meridien Cairo Airport (1 night). We paid for the stay at the Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor for 3 nights. If you don’t have points to use, sites like booking.com can sometimes offer better rates than the hotel web sites. They also sometimes offer special discounted rates to members so it’s always worth it to check.
Regarding where to stay in Cairo, I want to point out that it is a giant metropolis with almost 10 million people and notoriously bad traffic. This is why we broke up our nights there into three different locations. The pyramids that everyone wants to see are on the edge of the city in an area called Giza. I wanted to wake up and see the pyramids from my hotel room which is why we stayed there. The new modern Egyptian Museum will be out there as well (as of this posting it is still not open). We stayed in Central Cairo next to Tahrir Square because we wanted to see the (old) Egyptian Museum and use it as a hub for seeing the rest of the city.
Luxor is a much smaller town than Cairo and your choice is to stay on the East bank of the Nile River where most of the hotels, restaurants and the two main temples are located, or on the West Bank to be closer to the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. There is no easy bridge access to cross the river near the city center on the East Bank so it takes time to drive over there. We chose the East bank because there was more going on there. Our guide took us across the river on a ferry to pick up our waiting driver on the day we visited the Valley of the Kings.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a must when you plan a trip to Egypt. Your policy should cover every individual in your travel group for the full duration of your stay. If your annual policy does not cover these aspects, take out a new short-term policy. It assures you that you can relax on vacation, as any emergencies will be covered.
Packing Essentials
The last step in our ‘how to plan a trip to Egypt’ guide is packing your bags! It is best not to bring valuables on your trip. The general rule we recommend is not to bring anything you’d be sad to lose! Of course, you will want to bring your phone and perhaps a camera. So, don’t forget to pack the chargers and travel adaptors. When you enter Egypt, any prohibited items will be removed. This includes drones or any device that could be used for spying, hateful or indecent materials (e.g.
When planning a trip to Egypt, it’s important to pack the right items to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Lightweight clothing: Egypt can be hot, so pack light clothing from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
Tipping in Egypt
Tipping, or baksheesh, is a common practice in Egypt and is considered a way to show appreciation for good service.
- Tour guides: Tipping your tour guide at the end of your tour is customary.
- Hotel staff: Tipping hotel staff, such as bellhops and housekeeping, is familiar.
- Drivers: If you hire a driver, it’s customary to tip them at the end of your trip.
- Restaurants: It’s common to leave a tip of around 10-15% of the total bill at restaurants.
In summary, tipping or baksheesh is a common practice in Egypt, and it’s important to have small bills and changes on hand. The amount to tip will depend on the service provided.
Essential Tips for Your Egypt Trip
Here are five essential tips to keep in mind for your trip:
- Respect Local Customs: Egypt is a conservative, religious country. If you want to respect the culture and fully immerse yourself in Egypt, you should be polite and conscious of the customs. Women will also need to cover their hair when entering a religious site. Avoid consuming alcohol in public.
- Savor the Cuisine: One of the highlights of your trip to Egypt will be the food. In the luxury hotels and resorts, you’ll find amazing restaurants with five-star menus. Out in Cairo and other cities, you’ll find delicious street foods and cafés to try. If you get thirsty, make sure you purchase bottled water.
- Currency and Payments: The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound, however many places will also accept US dollars. Take your credit card or debit card with you, as most places now accept card payments. In fact, the main attractions and historical sites no longer accept cash after the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Tipping: Tipping is a big part of Egypt, and it signifies politeness. You’ll need to tip for everything from taxi rides to restaurant meals to toilet attendants. You can buy souvenirs across Egypt, so save some money for jewelry, ceramics, paintings, clothing, and keyrings too!
- Stay Connected: To use your phone for texts, calls and data, you need to make sure that your plan has international coverage. So, it may be a better idea to purchase a SIM card just for your Egypt vacation. Vodafone is a good option for wide-ranging coverage, though it may be a little expensive. Orange is also known for providing tourist SIM cards for Egypt. If you want to get the best deal, then wait until you land in Cairo.
- Language: In Cairo, Arabic is the main language. However, many people speak English in Egypt, including hotel staff and attraction employees. The best way to make sure miscommunications are avoided is to use a private tour.
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