To view images fullscreen please turn device
Egypt Encompassed
Group Tour
Overview
This incredible journey through the land of the pharaohs is a voyage of discovery in the truest sense of the word, as we go in search of the temples and treasures of one of the world’s greatest civilisations.
We begin our adventure in the bustling streets of Cairo, a melting pot of history which spans more than 5000 years, where spectacular Islamic architecture and ancient Coptic churches share the thronging backstreets with spice markets and colourful bazaars. From here we explore the ...
This incredible journey through the land of the pharaohs is a voyage of discovery in the truest sense of the word, as we go in search of the temples and treasures of one of the world’s greatest civilisations.
We begin our adventure in the bustling streets of Cairo, a melting pot of history which spans more than 5000 years, where spectacular Islamic architecture and ancient Coptic churches share the thronging backstreets with spice markets and colourful bazaars. From here we explore the magnificent Pyramids of Giza and the long-awaited Great Egyptian Museum, before heading north to the ancient port city of Alexandria, home to mysterious catacombs and priceless jewels.
From the warm waters of the Mediterranean, we will head south to the desert oasis of Fayoum, we'll see fossils and rock formations before a train takes us to Luxor, once the site of the great capital of ancient Egypt. From the tombs of the West Bank to the temples of the East, here we enjoy a treasure trove of antiquity that has withstood the test of time and remains one of the greatest open-air museums in the world. On our last leg of the journey we enjoy the slow pace of Aswan as we take a sail in a felucca and explore the local farmland, before discovering the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rameses II as we stay overnight in Abu Simbel.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
10 nights x Standard
ENTRANCE FEES
FITNESS RATING
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience. This can obviously vary greatly across both countries and tours. On this particular trip we will be in hotels and guesthouses. Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability. The single supplement will cover solo travellers for all nights of the tour except Tunis Village in Fayoum, it may also be necessary to use additional accommodation due to the small nature of the properties.FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
Day 1 Tour starts in Cairo
Day 1 Tour starts in Cairo
Our journey begins in Cairo this evening. Due to the arrival time of the suggested group flight there are no activities or meals included today. Those on the suggested group flights will arrive in the late evening and be met and transferred to our hotel.
Day 2 Cairo: City Tour
Day 2 Cairo: City Tour
We begin our day with a guided tour of the old Islamic district where we’ll visit the main Citadel (Al-Qalaa), a crusader-style fortress dating from the time of Saladin and home to Egypt's rulers for almost 700 years. From here we’ll visit the Coptic area of Cairo to see the Hanging Church, considered the most beautiful church in all of Egypt. Housing some buildings that date back as far as the 6th century BC, this area of the Old City is one of the most beautiful and fascinating in all of Cairo. Not only home to Christian monuments, here we’ll come across all three Abrahamic religions as we also see a number of important Islamic monuments. After enjoying a delicious lunch in a local restaurant, we continue on to spend some time wandering along the vibrant El Moaz Street, considered by some to have the greatest concentration of medieval Islamic architecture anywhere in the world.
Day 3 Cairo - Alexandria: Monasteries & City Life
Day 3 Cairo - Alexandria: Monasteries & City Life
Today we set off north and drive to Egypt’s second largest city and largest port, Alexandria. En route we will visit the centuries-old monasteries of Wadi El Natrun, which played a key role in the history of the Coptic Christian Church, as well as stop at a local farm where we can learn more about farming in this area and enjoy a delicious freshly-cooked lunch. Arriving into Alexandria in the afternoon, we can then enjoy an introductory walk around the downtown area, including the Corniche, where from afar we can admire the Citadel of Qaitbay, Alexandria's 15th century defensive fortress and once one of the most important defensive structures in the Mediterranean. Founded by Alexander the Great in 332BC, this great city was once the capital of Greco-Roman Egypt and rivalled Rome itself, before falling into decline in the 4th century AD. After a revival in the 19th century, the city was developed into a major port linking it to the River Nile, and Alexandria soon became the focus of Egypt’s commercial and maritime expansion, attracting thousands of Europeans to come and settle here.
Day 4 Alexandria: Museums & Library
Day 4 Alexandria: Museums & Library
Today we will explore some of the city’s treasures, starting with a visit to the Library of Alexandria. Once the largest and most important library in the ancient world, here we will find a selection of in-house museums and art galleries worth a visit, as well as simply admiring the modern architecture of this unique building. From here we move on to the Graeco Roman Museum, which is the only museum fully dedicated to the antiquities and civilization of Egypt during the Greek and Roman eras. The last stop will be the Royal Jewellery Museum located in an early 20th century palace, owned by the Muhammad Ali Dynasty. The museum contains countless priceless jewels, jewellery and 19th century art.
Day 5 Alexandria - Fayoum: Oasis Village
Day 5 Alexandria - Fayoum: Oasis Village
This morning we explore the vast burial site of the Catacombs of Kom Shuqqafa (2nd Century AD), a series of tombs dug deep into the rock. Nearby we’ll then visit the Roman Amphitheatre at Kom al Dikka which houses a small theatre, assembly hall, residential area and bathing complex. We will then set off on our journey south to the oasis of Fayoum, stopping for lunch along the way. On arrival at the oasis we will check in to our guesthouse in Tunis, a village on the south shore of Qarun Lake known for its pottery workshops and small art galleries.
Day 6 Fayoum: Desert Exploration
Day 6 Fayoum: Desert Exploration
We will explore the desert around the oasis this morning, setting off in 4WDs for Wadi El Rayan National Park, an area of lakes, mountains and rock formations, here we will explore the desert scenery before taking a walk at Wadi Hittan, the Valley of the Whales. The wadi is home to the skeletons of 18 pre-historic whales, considered to be the earliest whale fossils ever found and evidence of a time when the whole region was under the sea. A short walk of 1.5km will take us to 7 of these skeletons. After lunch we will explore Tunis pottery village, stopping at the workshops of the different artisans to see their creations as well as visiting one or two of the art galleries.
Day 7 Fayoum - Cairo: Pyramids and GEM
Day 7 Fayoum - Cairo: Pyramids and GEM
Starting our busy day with an early breakfast, we will first drive to Cairo where we visit the much-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum. Known locally as GEM, this museum has long been in the making, with plans first announced in 2002, after which a number of setbacks and delays followed. The museum claims to be the largest archaeological museum complex in the world, with over 100,000 different artefacts on display, and stands as a fantastic introduction to our trip. After spending the morning at the museum, we then move on to the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza, one of the most spectacular sites in the world. As the royal burial ground for Memphis (ancient capital of Egypt), here we can view the three pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus from a panoramic viewpoint, as well as the sphinx. If there is time we might also get the chance to go inside one of the Pyramids, before crossing back over the Nile to Cairo where we will spend the rest of the evening.
Day 8 Cairo - Luxor: Train Along The Nile
Day 8 Cairo - Luxor: Train Along The Nile
We will transfer to the railway station this morning to board our train to Luxor, the train departs Cairo at 10:00. We will be able to see some of the countryside and villages along the way as we head south, our route largely following the Nile. Lunch is provided onboard the train but we will also take a selection of snacks with us. The train arrives in Luxor at 19:00 and we will transfer to our hotel.
Day 9 Luxor: Valley Of The Kings
Day 9 Luxor: Valley Of The Kings
Today we have an early start as we prepare to take in the exceptional sites of the West Bank. After crossing the River Nile by boat we first visit the tombs in the Valley of the Kings. We will then visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, before moving on to the Tomb of the Nobles. After lunch at a local restaurant we will continue our explorations to the Valley of the Workers, also known as Dier Al Madina, before finishing in the Valley of the Queens. Late afternoon we return to our hotel where we can enjoy an evening at leisure.
Day 10 Luxor: Temples At Sunrise And Sunset
Day 10 Luxor: Temples At Sunrise And Sunset
Waking early to enjoy sunrise at Karnak offers the chance to explore this vast and hugely impressive temple before the crowds arrive. Returning to our hotel for breakfast we’ll then set off to a local farm where we can enjoy some cooking alongside our local hosts, before sitting down to savour our well-earned culinary delights. This afternoon we will visit Luxor Temple, enjoying the changing light as the sunsets.
Day 11 Luxor - Edfu - Kom Ombo - Aswan: Temples & Desert
Day 11 Luxor - Edfu - Kom Ombo - Aswan: Temples & Desert
We set off by road for Aswan today, first visiting Edfu, This remarkably well-preserved temple is the largest in the Nile Valley after Karnak. Supposedly built on the site of the final battle between the Gods Horus and Seth, the temple was built in the 3rd century BC and lay buried under sand for centuries before being unearthed by the French archaeologist Auguste Mariette in the 1860s. From here we continue north, enjoying spectacular scenery as it changes from lush greenery to desert, until we arrive at the riverside temple of Kom Ombo, the only temple in the Nile Valley that is dedicated to two gods - Haroeris and Sobek. We arrive in Aswan late afternoon where we check in and then head out for dinner.
Day 12 Aswan: High Dam
Day 12 Aswan: High Dam
After breakfast we’ll explore Aswan. We begin with a visit to the High Dam, an engineering miracle built in the 1960s to regulate the flow of the Nile, which today provides irrigation and electricity for the whole of Egypt. From here we move on to the beautiful island temple of Isis on Philae, as well as the colossal unfinished obelisk in Aswan’s nearby stone quarries. It was unfortunately abandoned when a flaw was found, but had the obelisk been completed it would have reached a height of nearly 36 metres and weighed in at a hefty 1,320 tons. For dinner we will head to a local restaurant in the Aswan bazaar.
Day 13 Aswan - Abu Simbel: Temple Tours
Day 13 Aswan - Abu Simbel: Temple Tours
After breakfast we will take to the road and drive south to Abu Simbel, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon we’ll head out for a tour of the impressive Temple of Rameses II and the accompanying (but more modest) temple built for his favourite wife, Queen Nefertari. Originally sculpted into the rock face, amazingly these vast temples were cut into pieces, relocated to higher ground and then reconstructed during the reign of President Nasser - so to prevent them being lost to Lake Nasser when the land flooded after the construction of the Aswan high dam further north. In the evening we will enjoy the sound and light show at the temple (subject to demand) before spending the night in a traditional guesthouse.
Day 14 Abu Simbel - Aswan: Feluccas On The Nile
Day 14 Abu Simbel - Aswan: Feluccas On The Nile
After breakfast we’ll drive back to Aswan arriving back in time for lunch. In the afternoon we will take to the water and sail on the Nile in traditional feluccas, the Nile around Aswan is often busy with boats, ferries heading to the islands and locals fishing, we will join them for a peaceful afternoon (please note this activity can be weather dependent). In the evening we will have a final group dinner.
Day 15 Tour ends in Aswan
Day 15 Tour ends in Aswan
The tour ends after breakfast at the hotel.
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo, Cairo
Offering an unbeatable location for those wanting to be at the heart of Cairo’s hustle and bustle, the 4* Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir sits just a stone’s throw away from the famous Tahrir Square and the Egyptian Museum. Comprised of 295 spacious and well-furnished rooms and suites, guests can enjoy a range of hotel facilities including a fitness centre and spa as well as a generous range of bars and restaurants, offering both local and international cuisine.
Steigenberger Cecil Alexandria, Alexandria
The Steigenberger Cecil in Alexandria has a romantic air. Established in 1929, some notable guests included Agatha Christie, the Prince of Sweden, and Mohamed Ali (Cassius Clay). It has recently been refurnished and offers good four star comfort. The panoramic views of the Eastern Harbor and central location makes this a first class option in Alexandria.
Olive Tree Lodge, Fayoum
Set at one end of the artistic Tunis Village, the Olive Tree Lodge is a boutique hotel offering 8 guest rooms offering a mix of twins and doubles. The lodge is built in a traditional brick style and has outdoor areas for guests to relax, either shaded from the heat of the day or enjoying a fire on a chilly evening. Each of the rooms is en suite and decorated with ambient lighting and traditional textiles. Guests can enjoy meals at the lodge and there is also a swimming pool.
Pyramids Resort by Jaz, Cairo
Just a few minutes' drive from the Great Pyramids and set in landscaped gardens, the Pyramids Resort is a relaxed, mid-range hotel offering a great location. The spacious rooms are decorated in neutral shades and each has a view onto the gardens. Guests can enjoy the large pool and also the spa after a busy day sightseeing and the café, restaurant and two bars give plenty of choice at meal times.
Steigenberger Resort Achti, Luxor
The Achti Resort benefits from its location on the east bank of the Nile with a number of rooms with balconies overlooking the river, the perfect location from which to watch the sunset. Rooms are all large and well-appointed, others have views to the city and the gardens and some also enjoy a jacuzzi bath. There are plenty of choices available for dining with an international buffet, Italian and Middle Eastern restaurants as well as two pool bars and a cocktail bar. The swimming pool and gardens offer a perfect space to relax and take in the views of the Nile.
Anakato Hotel, Aswan
Situated on the west bank of the Nile, and guarded by a tree shrouded in legend, the traditional Anakato hotel is a gateway into the land of the Nubians. It consists of three brightly painted Nubian houses, with 5 simple, traditionally and tastefully decorated rooms and a terrace overlooking the Nile. The hotel offers the chance to buy local handicrafts with all proceeds going directly back to the residence of the village. Meals are provided for the guest and these consist of traditionally cooked food prepared from local produce.
Eskaleh Nubian Ecolodge, Abu Simbel
Set in a wonderful location overlooking Lake Nasser and not far from Abu Simbel temples, the Eskaleh Nubian Ecolodge offers a unique stay that gives a great insight into local traditions. Guests can enjoy learning about Nubian history and culture as well as sampling some of the delicious Nubian dishes on offer. Built using Nile mud bricks, the main building holds just 16 rooms, giving an intimate atmosphere with excellent service. Rooms are simple but comfortable, spacious and characterful, perfectly suited to travellers looking for a more traditional experience away from the luxury hotels.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
Additional Details
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Reducing Single Use Plastic
We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. You can help to reduce your personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle with you on your trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations. Every time you refill your bottle without the use of single-use plastic, you will be helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. Filtered Water Bottles | Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com)
Getting There
If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.
If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| MS 778 | London Heathrow (LHR) 14:00 | Cairo International Airport (CAI) 20:45 |
| MS 081 | Aswan Daraw Airport (ASW) 05:00 | Cairo International Airport (CAI) 06:25 |
| MS 777 | Cairo International Airport (CAI) 09:25 | London Heathrow (LHR) 12:35 |
Visas & Vaccinations
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for Egypt.
If you are taking a direct flight to Luxor or Cairo, you can apply for a visa on arrival at the airport.
Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to Egypt. For any clients transiting for more than 12 hours through an airport/country with a risk of yellow fever transmission you will require a yellow fever certificate.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Alternatively, you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries*. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your requirements.
*Please note bespoke, tailor-made itineraries need to be a minimum of 7 days and we can only offer them in countries where we have a tailor-made expert
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Key Information
CLIMATE
Egypt has an almost perfect winter climate: dry, sunny, and not unpleasantly hot. The area gets very little rainfall and experiences a dry heat, with daytime averages of between 25ºC to 30ºC, dropping sharply as the sun disappears and night-time approaches.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious, but not all Wild Frontiers tours are the same, and it is important that you choose a tour which is suitable for you. To help you decide and ensure you choose a suitable tour, please refer to our helpful guide here. As a minimum, you should make sure that you read the day-by-day itinerary and the Key Aspects to Consider sections carefully. Should you still have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour, then please contact us.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, however please note it does include an overnight train.
Please also be advised that on this trip vegetarians can be catered for but the selection and variety may be limited.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip. On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour except Tunis Village in Fayoum.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 4366 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.