Egypt

Discover Egypt’s pyramids, crypts and treasures of the Nile.

Step back in time and explore the cultural treasures, rich history and spectacular desert landscapes of Egypt. A fascinating mix of old and new, Egypt offers ancient historic sites, exotic culture, colourful souks, tantalising cuisine, a sunny climate and gorgeous beaches.

Be awed by the immense Great Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx, and explore Cairo’s churches, mosques and bustling bazaars. Sail down the River Nile passing ancient temples and picturesque villages. Wander beneath the giant columns of Luxor and Karnak temples, marvel at long-hidden pharaohs’ tombs and spend hours learning about Egypt’s glorious past inspecting the treasures on display in its museums.

Like the explorers of centuries past, the best way to discover Egypt is aboard a riverboat cruising slowly down the Nile. Choose from our handpicked selection of vessels, from small ships to intimate dahabiyas (traditional sailing boats). Each day guests enjoy guided excursions to some of the country’s major highlights before returning to the comforts on board.

Best Egypt Safaris & Tours

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Slowly Down The Nile

12 days / 11 nights

Explore the Nile in luxury on an unhurried cruise aboard the exclusive Oberoi Zahra. This is the ultimate Egyptian tour, allowing you to discover 5,000 years of Egyptian culture at a leisurely pace

Accommodation in Egypt

Explorers and intrepid travellers alike have been touring Egypt for centuries – the centrepiece of which was a classical cruise down the Nile aboard a steam ship or exclusive sailboat. Major cities such as Luxor and Aswan are home to beautiful Victorian-style palaces built in the 19th century that bring a level of opulence and grandeur reminiscent of the golden-age of expedition travel.

There are also a number of traditional 19th century riverboats (known as dahabiyas) that take just 14-20 guests and offer a personal and intimate experience. Most Nile cruises are aboard larger vessels with air-conditioned rooms, restaurants, sun decks and rooftop pools. Whilst on board guests enjoy daily guided excursions to visit the sites along the Nile, mainly between Luxor and Aswan. 

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Talk to our Egypt Expert

Our resident Egyptologist, Hany grew up in Giza and spent his childhood years marvelling at the pyramids. This inspired him to study Egyptology at the University of Cairo before going on to lead tours across the length and breadth of Egypt. His favourite place to visit is the Valley of the Kings, and he loves the colours, decorations and stories that are inscribed within the tombs.

Visit Bio

Hany Elkatouri

Egyptologist and Product Team Member

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Egypt FAQ’s

The best way to discover Egypt’s tombs and temples is by cruise boat. The Nile River is the life-blood of the country and its banks are an oasis within a sea of desert landscape. The river has been the centre of life within Egypt for millennia and as a result most of the country’s fascinating cities, temples and ancient ruins are within just a few kilometres of its banks. You will also see picturesque villages, local farmers on donkeys and buffalo coming down to the water to drink. The most popular section to cruise is between Luxor and Aswan. Cruises between these two cities can range from between 2 to 5 nights.  

Most Nile cruise itineraries operate between Luxor and Aswan and range from between 2 to 5 nights. For avid cruise enthusiasts there are a handful of longer cruises between Cairo and Aswan of up to 14 nights in length.  

Egypt is best explored during the cooler months from October to April, however you can still travel during the summer season (May to September) but temperatures are at their highest – often well over 35 degrees Celsius. The Christmas/New Year period is particularly busy and this is also the most expensive time of year to travel (booked well in advance). The best time of year to visit is from mid-to-late January through to March when the days are usually sunny, warm and crowd numbers are a little down on their peak. 

Egypt is a destination in itself; offering travellers a mouth-watering combination of ancient history, diverse cultures, awe-inspiring architectural wonders and relaxing river cruising. This exotic destination is also perfect for sun-seekers with warm, dry days for most of the year. The scenery is unique, with the mighty Nile River creating swathes of lush greenery amid vast expanses of stark desert. 

Cairo has a milder climate than the southern part of Egypt; however temperatures between May-Oct may reach 30°-36°C. The rest of the year is warm to mild, and it can get quite cold on winter nights. Although fairly hot all year round, Luxor and Aswan experience their most extreme temperatures from June-August (30°-45°C). Nights are cool in winter and hot in summer (24°-26°C). 

Egypt is best combined with neighbouring Jordan and Israel. Both countries compliment a visit to Egypt with further historic Middle-Eastern sights such as Petra, Bethlehem and Jerash. A little further afield, the United Arab Emirates and Oman are other popular destinations to visit. Alternatively Egypt can be combined with a safari in Tanzania – perfect during the months of December to March.

There are regular flights between Egypt’s capital Cairo and the Middle East as well as many major European cities. The country’s chief carrier – Egypt Air – also fly to North American cities including New York and Toronto. Egypt Air also offer internal connecting flights to major hubs including Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel.

US – There are plenty of options to choose from when travelling between North America and Egypt. Egypt Air offer direct flights to Cairo from both Washington DC and New York. Alternatively European airlines to consider with just one stopover include British Airways, Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines.

Europe – Egypt is easily reached with direct flights between Cairo and almost every European airlines major carrier. Alternatively Egypt Air fly to over 20 cities across Europe.

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