Day 1 : Cairo Arrival
Welcome to Egypt! Upon arrival at the hotel, settle in and have some free time to explore this sprawling, frenetic city. If you’re jet-lagged, you can spend the afternoon by one of the two swimming pools on the hotel’s property or at its many restaurants and bars.
Included :
- Transfers: Airport pick-up
- Activities: Free time
- Accommodation: Hotel
NEXT DAY Day 2 : Cairo
Beat the heat and visit the famous Pyramids of Giza and the mighty Sphinx this morning. These colossal edifices are instantly familiar, yet remain full of mystery. Getting up close to these pharaonic tombs is an unforgettable experience. Thereafter, grab some lunch at a local restaurant and then, head back to the hotel to freshen up.
Later in the evening, take a walk along El Moez Street located in the heart of Cairo where you can spot various monuments dating back to the 10th century AD. Explore a madrasa (school teaching the 4 rites of Islam), a kuttab (where children memorize the Quran), a sabil (water dispensary and cistern), a hammam (public bath) and the Gate of Cairo.
Included :
- Activities: Giza Pyramids Complex & The Great Sphinx; Great Pyramid of Khufu; El Moez Street
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel
NEXT DAY Day 3 : Cairo
This morning, you’ll have time to rest a few hours before heading out for a typical Egyptian lunch in town. Lunch will be a koshary (mixture of rice, pasta, lentils, tomato sauce and garlic sauce). Be careful of the chili sauce which is as hot as the Egyptian sun!
Next up, explore the treasures of the ancient Egyptians within the Egyptian Museum, one of the world’s greatest museums and home to an unbelievable collection of antiquities. It’s the perfect introduction to your tour and exhibits many of the region’s treasures. Your expert guide will take you through Egypt’s rich, dynastic history. Thereafter, you will have time to explore at your own pace. Don’t forget to check out the Royal Mummy Room; it’s mummerizing!
Afterward, go back to the hotel where you’ll have some free time for the rest of the afternoon.
Included :
- Activities: Egyptian Museum
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Hotel
NEXT DAY Day 4 : Aswan
This morning, take a flight to Egypt’s southernmost city of Aswan whose relaxed charm is undoubtedly due to its large Nubian population. Today, you will travel to Philae Island and visit the beautiful Temple of Isis, the goddess of health, marriage and wisdom. This spectacular testament to ancient Egyptian architecture pulls together important and impressive hieroglyphics, pylons and carvings. It was built to honor the goddess Isis and was moved brick by brick from the partially submerged Philae Island to its current home of Agilika Island in the 1970s.
The Egyptian sun can become overbearing in the early afternoon so you’ll head back to the hotel for a quick nap or free time by the pool before continuing your day.
Once the sun has started to go down, hop on a traditional felucca sailboat where you can sit back and relax with some drinks as the sun sets over the beautiful Nile.
Sail to a Nubian village where you will spend a memorable evening with a Nubian family. You will have the chance to see a different side of Egyptian life, try out some wonderful Nubian dishes and get an insight into the daily life of the locals. You will also be treated to some Nubian dancing and are more than welcome to bust a move!
Included :
- Transfer: Cairo – Aswan by plane (approx. 1.5 hours)
- Activities: Temple of Isis; Felucca at sunset with drinks; Aswan Nubian Dinner
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel
NEXT DAY Day 5 : Abu Simbel
Today, make your way to Abu Simbel. For many, this is the highlight of their time in Egypt. Upon arrival, you’ll have the day to slow down and get some R&R after the fast pace of Cairo.
This evening, head to the Abu Simbel Temple which is one of the most recognized temples in Egypt. This temple is truly worth visiting and you will get to see it twice! Most people come to this ancient complex during the day as many day-trippers come here from Aswan and they are stuck visiting in the afternoon in the blistering heat. However, you’ll be arriving at night when the ruins are illuminated by warm lights to create one of the most magical experiences on the trip.
Included :
- Transfer: Aswan – Abu Simbel by minibus (approx. 3.5 hours)
- Activities: Abu Simbel light & sound show
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel
NEXT DAY Day 6 : Aswan
Today, have breakfast by the lake before heading back to the Abu Simbel temple for some pictures in the morning light. You’re also welcome to take a leisurely morning by the lake and pool instead if you prefer.
There are few sites as breathtaking as this 13th-century BC Great Temple. Hence we are giving you the option to see it twice. Abu Simbel’s temple is famed for the colossal front reliefs which were carved directly into the mountainside. It’s a sight to behold and so is the interior of the temple where there are huge stone-carved statues plus fascinating hieroglyphics and murals.
After, head back to Aswan where you will hop on a luxury riverboat that you will call home for the next 4 days. There’s no better way to soak in the ancient history of the Nile than by boat. Enjoy all the comforts of a world-class hotel, including a swimming pool, sundeck, restaurant and cabins with panoramic windows of the riverside. Traveling by riverboat allows you to get to each destination while ensuring the journey in between is just as interesting.
Included :
- Transfer: Abu Simbel – Aswan by minibus (approx. 3.5 hours)
- Activities: Abu Simbel Temple (morning); Begin Nile cruise
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Luxury Nile cruise
NEXT DAY Day 7 : Nile River Cruise
Sail to the city of Komombo this morning to visit its temple ruins which sit on the river’s edge and provide interesting insight into Egypt’s Greco-Roman period. The temple was built in approximately 181 BC and is dedicated to the gods Horus and Sobek. In the section dedicated to Sobek, mummified crocodiles have been recently discovered and are now displayed in the crocodile museum attached to the temple so be sure not to miss it!
Return to the boat and then, continue sailing to Edfu where you’ll have the option of visiting the temple there or relaxing on the boat for the rest of the day.
Included :
- Activities: Komombo Temple; Edfu Temple (optional)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Luxury Nile cruise
- Optional Activity: Edfu Temple
NEXT DAY Day 8 : Luxor
Start the day by visiting Karnak which is a mammoth plot of temples, chapels and pylons. It is one of the world’s most celebrated temple complexes and was built some 2000 years ago with some parts of the temple dating as far back as 2055 BC. Your guide will take you around and explain the area’s ancient history as well as point out some of the unique features of the temple. Unlike the rest of the temples of ancient Egypt, Luxor’s temple is unusual because it wasn’t dedicated to any god or deified king in death, but rather to the kingship where many kings were crowned.
Have lunch on board the boat and then, the rest of the afternoon to cool off with a dip in the boat’s pool or a quick nap. For those of you who have the energy, you’ll have the option of hitting up souk street in the center of the city of Luxor to witness locals going about their daily life.
Tonight is your last night aboard the cruise boat so don’t miss out on one last Nile sunset!
Included :
- Activities: Karnak temple; Luxor souks (optional)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Luxury Nile cruise
- Optional Activity: Luxor souks
NEXT DAY Day 9 : Luxor
This morning, say goodbye to the Nile River and visit the wonders of the West Bank: The Valley of the Kings and its three royal tombs. There, you will learn about the funerary rites of the ancient Egyptians and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics. Tutankhamen’s tomb and final resting place are buried under the arid hills and also contain over 60 tombs of pharaohs, many richly decorated with
reliefs and paintings. You’ll also check out Hatshepsut’s Temple, dedicated to the most famous queen of Egypt who ruled for 21 years; the longest period a queen ruled. Finally, the Colossi of Memnon, 17-meter high statues used to flank the entrance of the funerary temple of king Amenhotep.
If you’d like to keep the magic going, you have the option of hopping into a hot air balloon set adrift over the Valley of the Kings for a bird’s eye view of the arid hills concealing over 60 richly decorated tombs of pharaohs.
After a day filled with adventures among the tombs of the pharaohs, head back to your hotel in Luxor where you’ll have the rest of the evening to relax at the hotel.
Included :
- Activities: Valley of the Kings; Tutankhamen’s tomb; Hatshepsut temple;
Colossi of Memnon - Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Optional Activity: Hot air balloon over Valley of the Kings (120 USD per person. You can sign up during the tour with the guide and pay in cash or in credit card.)
NEXT DAY Day 10 : Cairo
Today, catch a flight from Luxor to Cairo and gather in the evening for a farewell dinner at a beautiful restaurant overlooking the pyramids.
Included :
- Transfer: Luxor- Cairo by plane (approx. 1 hour)
- Activities: Free time
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel
NEXT DAY Day 11 : Cairo
Bon Voyage! Depending on your flight time, you will have free time on your own in Cairo before catching your flight back home. We hope to see you again on another Globe Drifters adventure!
Included :
- Activities: Free time
- Meals: Breakfast
*Itinerary is subject to change.
NEXT DAY Egypt 11-day Trip
USD $3,350 – Trip cost (See below for inclusions and exclusions.)
I’m a single traveler. Will I be charged a single supplement?
If you would like a single room throughout the tour, you can purchase the “single supplement”. The single supplement fee for this trip is $675. If you would like your own room, you can purchase the additional supplement at check-out. We have made the single supplement fee as affordable as possible so that those traveling solo are encouraged to travel with us.
If you are comfortable sharing a room with another traveler of the same gender and would like to be paired with someone on the trip to avoid paying a single supplement, we can arrange this for you. If there is no other traveler with whom to pair you, you WILL have to pay for the single supplement. Pairing with another person of the same gender comes on a first-come, first-served basis. At the time of booking, there will be a questionnaire pertaining to this. Please complete it accurately so that we can try our best to accommodate your preferences.
What is included :
- 7 nights accommodation in hotels
- 3 nights on a 5-star Nile riverboat cruise
- Private, air-conditioned ground transportation
- 2 domestic flights
- Activities as indicated on the itinerary
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
- Airport pick-up
What is not included :
- Optional excursions and activities
- Some lunches and dinners
- Gratuities
- Souvenirs
- International flight
- Insurance
- Airport drop-off
Each group consists of 4 – 12 travelers. We prefer small group travel because based on our experience, small groups are more easily able to integrate into local society and generally have more authentic contact with the locals.
A small group number also means that group members will receive more personal treatment from the tour guide who can more thoroughly attend to the needs of each traveler. Small groups are also more mobile and flexible as travel plans can be more easily altered en route.
Most of our travelers are in their late 30s – early 70s with many being solo female travelers. Generally, we get a good mix of diverse people and every trip is unique thanks to the energy created by the group. Past travelers have told us that the group dynamic was one of the highlights of the trip.
The minimum age on our tours is 18.
If you would like to see pictures from our past Egypt trip to better understand the group demographics click the link below:
Egypt Trip Photos
While most daily activities are already included in the trip price, you will have some free time during which the guide can recommend and/or help arrange any activity that might interest you. Most of the activities can be arranged with little to no notice. Optional activities are not included in the trip cost and will be at your own expense.
There will be an optional hot air balloon ride in Luxor for 120 USD per person. You can sign up during the trip with the guide and pay in cash or by credit card.
Egypt’s official currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP).
Find out the live mid-market rate for your currency by using a currency converter online.
We strongly recommend using ATMs while in Egypt as they usually offer the best exchange rates. The easiest way is to pull money out from the ATM at the airport upon arrival and throughout your trip. It is always a good idea to carry some cash on you in case your bank puts a hold on your ATM card.
You can find ATMs at almost all bank branches as well as at most large supermarkets, some petrol stations, in shopping malls, airports and some post offices. There is a bank very close to the hotel so you won’t have any issues finding an ATM.
It’s important to tell your bank and/or credit card company that you’ll be using your card in Egypt. Some banks block transactions in foreign countries or currencies if they haven’t been forewarned about your travel plans.
We recommend having access to anywhere between 400 – 700 USD during the duration of your stay based on past customers’ feedback. We strongly advise budgeting more than you plan to spend in case of an emergency.
While tipping isn’t mandatory in Egypt, it is customary. Rounding up the bill and leaving spare change at restaurants and cafes is generally standard practice. Taxi drivers and porters will also accept tips and 15 EGP (approx. 1 USD) is usually sufficient.
Tipping your bus driver and guide: At the end of the trip, if you are satisfied with the service that you received from your guide and bus driver, you are more than welcome to tip them, especially if you feel they did an exceptional job and helped you have a great trip. Below are recommended amounts based on past travelers’ feedback:
- Guide: $50 – $120 USD
- Driver: $20 – $40 USD
All visitors for tourist purposes need a visa to travel to Egypt. Travelers from Australia, Canada, and the United States can obtain an e-visa online prior to arrival or obtain a visa on arrival upon arriving in Egypt.
We recommend getting the visa on arrival which is faster and easier than the online application.
If you are not a citizen of one of the above-mentioned countries, please check with the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate for information on visas and travel to Egypt.
Getting an Egyptian Visa on arrival:
To obtain a visa on arrival, you must bring the below documents with you when traveling to Egypt:
- 25 USD in exact change in cash
- 2 passport-size photos (40 mm width, 60 mm height, in color w/ white background)
- Passport with 6 months of validity beyond the date of departure from Egypt
Applying for an Egyptian E-Visa:
To apply for the visa online, please click the following link: visa2egypt.gov.eg
If you choose this option, you must present a paper copy of your e-visa upon entering Egypt as well as your passport with at least six months of validity beyond the date of departure from Egypt.
When using your phone overseas, be sure to check with your provider to get informed about data and call roaming prices. When you land, you will usually get a message from your provider that will give you the price of data, calls and texts in that country. See the example below:
Welcome to Egypt! Your plan gives you unlimited data at up to 2G speeds and texts at no extra cost. Calls at 20 cents/min. Want our fastest data and unlimited calls? Get an International Pass for just $5/day.
You may consider contacting your service provider to learn about what kind of international plans they offer for calls, texts, and data.
While mobile phone coverage is generally very good in cities and metropolitan areas, expect limited to no coverage in remote or mountainous areas.
All hotels you will be staying at offer free WiFi. When on the cruise, you can purchase a daily Wifi card for an additional charge.
Note that the Wifi in Egypt is much slower than what you may be used to back home and often does not work. Also be aware, that in some hotels, you may only have access to Wifi in the hotel lobby area. In the more rural towns, it can be slow and spotty so be prepared to ‘disconnect’ when traveling in the rural areas of Egypt.
We recommend considering contacting your service provider to learn about what kind of international plans they offer for calls, texts and data if you need a better connection.
In Egypt, there are two associated plug types: types C and E. They operate on 230 volts and 50 Hz.
Below are examples of the two different plug types (C and E):


Temperatures in Egypt during all seasons will vary depending on the region, but are generally warm to hot during the day and cooler at night.

Below are a few things that we suggest bringing to make your trip more comfortable:
- Light clothing covering knees and shoulders (Egypt is a Muslim country so please respect local customs)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses/hat
- Sunscreen (biodegradable, if possible)
- Jacket (for evenings/night-time)
- Swimsuit
- Flip flops/sandals
- Small backpack or across-the-shoulder bag (for the day)
- Any prescription medication and/or over-the-counter medicine
- Adapters
- Extra bag for souvenirs (if needed)
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Reusable water bottle
- Umbrella (for shade)
- Washcloth (for shower)
- Lip balm (it gets dry in the desert!)
All hotels will have a hair dryer and a toiletries kit, but if you want extra shampoo, conditioner or soap, you can bring your own.
Most areas of Egypt that you will visit on this trip experience less crime compared to the bigger cities such as Cairo. Nonetheless, it is important to be aware of your surroundings with an over-the-shoulder day pack that closes securely. Also, it’s advisable to avoid wearing too much flashy and valuable jewelry.
Unfortunately, harassment from street vendors is very common in Egypt. When going shopping, limit interactions with any vendor you don’t intend to buy from. Vendors will be very persistent so a firm no is key and then, keep walking. Additionally, avoid touching anything you don’t intend to buy. This will also help avoid pushy vendors.
The U.S. State Department offers general travel information about Egypt. See below for more information:
U.S. State Department Travel to Egypt
Restaurants in Egypt will offer a wide variety of foods. When making your reservation, please notify us of your specific requests such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc. Alternative options will always be possible throughout the tour although options might be limited.
Please review the CDC Health Information for Travelers Website before traveling to Egypt to see any recommended vaccinations.
If you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions or are concerned about what vaccinations may be right for you, we strongly advise that you visit a medical professional or your personal physician before your trip.
Yes, we offer private tours to Egypt for groups of 4 people or more. The itinerary can be entirely tailored to your needs while you will enjoy a personalized experience with our guides and your friends and family.
If planning a family reunion or a trip with friends we can take care of all the details and work with you to create an amazing experience!
Please contact us at info@globe-drifters.com for more information.
Visa
All visitors for tourist purposes need a visa to travel to Egypt. Travelers from Australia, Canada, and the United States can obtain an e-visa online prior to arrival or obtain a visa on arrival upon arriving in Egypt.
We recommend getting the visa on arrival which is faster and easier than the online application.
If you are not a citizen of one of the above-mentioned countries, please check with the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate for information on visas and travel to Egypt.
Getting an Egyptian visa on arrival:
To obtain your visa on arrival, you must bring the below documents with you:
- 25 USD in exact change in cash
- 2 passport-size photos (40 mm width, 60 mm height, in color w/ white background)
- Passport with 6 months of validity beyond the date of departure from Egypt
Applying for an Egyptian e-visa:
To apply for the visa online, please click on the following link: visa2egypt.gov.eg
If you choose this option, you must present a paper copy of your e-visa upon entering Egypt as well as your passport with at least six months of validity beyond the date of departure from Egypt.
Flights
Your arrival and departure city are Cairo (CAI). Please do not book any flights until you receive a confirmation from us.
The best time to visit Egypt is between October and April, when temperatures are cooler, but still pleasantly warm across the country.

In Egypt, you will be spending 3 nights on a Nile riverboat cruise and 7 nights in hotels. Please understand that in Egypt the word ‘5-star’ does not have the same meaning as it does in the West. We have chosen a premium cruise and afew hotels that are truly worthy of 5-stars.
Cairo
There are two swimming pools and a variety of bars and a restaurant on the premises.
Aswan
Set on Elephantine Island, this upscale resort overlooks the River Nile. There’s a stylish restaurant overlooking the water, plus a poolside eatery and a chic top-floor bar.
Abu Simbel
Overlooking Lake Nasser, this hotel is inspired by Nubian architecture and you can see this in the room decor and colorful textiles.
Amenities include a lagoon-style pool, 3 restaurants, and 2 bars. There’s also a shisha lounge, a cafe, and a shopping market, as well as gardens and an amphitheater on the property.
Nile Cruise
Our cruise boat is one of the most luxurious boats on the Nile and has proved to be a firm favorite with guests. After a busy morning’s sightseeing, unwind with a refreshing dip in the pool or sip a cold drink on the deck. This cruise has a well-appointed restaurant that serves a delicious range of international and regional cuisine. The lounge bar with its attractive terrace area is the perfect place for a pre-dinner drink.
There is a full range of amenities including belly dance shows, a jacuzzi, a spa and a swimming pool.
The cruise includes all meals but drinks must be purchased separately. Some meals will be a la carte while others are buffet. All breakfasts are buffet-style.
Wifi is available on the boat at no additional charge.
Luxor
Welcome to five-star splendor on the banks of the Nile in a city of ancient pharaonic treasures. The hotel is luxurious, sophisticated and above all, elegant.
Come and enjoy a sweeping terrace with majestic views of the Nile, a grand entrance of polished marble and handsomely appointed furnishings with exquisite detail, a sumptuous health spa, an array of fine dining choices and every amenity to please the most discerning traveler. With the mystical Nile just a whisper away and the temples of Luxor and Karnak preserved in time, experience a city of fascinating antiquity and indulge in the rich splendor our Luxor hotel.
We recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance for your trip. We work with Travelex, which offers travel protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical, and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay, and more. Otherwise, you are welcome to shop around online for a provider and policy that best suits your needs.
For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, click on the image below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792. Globe Drifters’ reference location number is 09-0984.

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 E7N