Egypt Encompassed
15 Days Starting in Cairo, Egypt and ending in Luxor, Egypt
Visiting: Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Luxor
Tour operator:
Tour code:
EEN
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Interests:
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 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 then jump on an overnight train south into the heart of the Nile Valley. Here along the meandering ribbon of the Nile, farmers tend to the fertile soil in the shadow of monuments that can trace their ancestry back to the pages of the Bible. We enjoy the slow pace of Aswan as we spend the day 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. Our last leg of the journey then 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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Cairo
Location: Cairo
Accommodation: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo or similar
Accommodation Name: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo or similar
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
Location: Cairo
Accommodation: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo or similar
Accommodation Name: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Location: Cairo
Accommodation: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo or similar
Accommodation Name: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Starting our busy day with an early breakfast, we will first drive to 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.
Please note: If the Grand Museum is not yet open, we will visit the Egyptian Museum on DAY 2 (alongside some of the sites already noted for this day) and this morning we’ll visit Saqqara and Memphis before heading to the Pyramids of Giza
Day 4: Cairo - Alexandria
Location: Alexandria
Accommodation: Steigenberger Cecil Alexandria or similar
Accommodation Name: Steigenberger Cecil Alexandria or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 5: Alexandria
Location: Alexandria
Accommodation: Steigenberger Cecil Alexandria or similar
Accommodation Name: Steigenberger Cecil Alexandria or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 National Museum, which houses items found in Alexandria and artefacts from ancient Egyptian, Classical and Christian cultures. 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 6: Alexandria - Cairo - Aswan
Location: Alexandria
Accommodation: Overnight Train
Accommodation Name: Overnight Train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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. After lunch, we jump on a train back south to Cairo, arriving in time to connect with our overnight train to Aswan. We will have dinner
on board the train and settle in for our overnight journey south.
Day 7: Aswan
Location: Aswan
Accommodation: Wadi Kiki Guesthouse or similar
Accommodation Name: Wadi Kiki Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After enjoying breakfast on the train, we arrive into Aswan where we will be met and transferred to our Nubian guesthouse. After a delicious lunch we then have the afternoon to relax or explore at leisure. The guesthouse is a lovely place to unwind, or you might want to visit the nearby Botanical Gardens or interesting Nubian Museum. Later this afternoon we then pay a visit to Aswan’s souq, a treasure trove of all kinds of different goods, from spices and peanuts to henna powder and flowers, as well as carpets, talismans, and much more. After enjoying dinner around the market we return to the guesthouse for the evening.
Day 8: Aswan
Location: Aswan
Accommodation: Wadi Kiki Guesthouse or similar
Accommodation Name: Wadi Kiki Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we can really soak up the magic of the Nile as we board a felucca and set sail north. This is a wonderful way to see the area and to observe life on the river. Stopping to explore further, we walk through a village north of Aswan where we can then enjoy a home-cooked lunch hosted by a local family, before spending the afternoon slowly floating back upriver to Aswan.
Day 9: Aswan - Abu Simbel
Location: Abu Simbel
Accommodation: Eskaleh Nubian Ecolodge or similar
Accommodation Name: Eskaleh Nubian Ecolodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 10: Abu Simbel - Aswan
Location: Aswan
Accommodation: Wadi Kiki Guesthouse or similar
Accommodation Name: Wadi Kiki Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast we’ll drive back to Aswan. We should arrive in time for lunch, after which we will visit some of the local sites. 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. Dinner will be at the guesthouse this evening.
Day 11: Aswan - Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor
Location: Luxor
Accommodation: Steigenberger Achti Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Steigenberger Achti Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We set off by road for Luxor today, first visiting the riverside temple of Kom Ombo, the only temple in the Nile Valley that is dedicated to two gods - Haroeris and Sobek. From here we continue north to Edfu, enjoying spectacular scenery as it changes from desert to lush greenery. 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. We arrive in Luxor late afternoon where we check in and then head out for dinner.
Day 12: Luxor
Location: Luxor
Accommodation: Steigenberger Achti Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Steigenberger Achti Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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 13: Luxor
Location: Luxor
Accommodation: Steigenberger Achti Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Steigenberger Achti Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Heading north by road this morning, we follow the Nile Valley towards the Greco-Roman temple of Dendera, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Built during the Ptolemaic period, the complex is dominated by the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to the Egyptian goddess of love and motherhood and built by the later rulers of Egypt to legitimise their claim over the pharaonic crown. The temple’s famous zodiac map, which dates back to the 1st century BC and now resides in the Louvre, was a victim of Napoleonic treasure hunters in the early years of the 19th century. Returning to Luxor we then have lunch at a local restaurant before enjoying some downtime. Late afternoon, we’ll end the day at the magnificent Luxor Temple, an awesome testament to the power and wealth of the ancient pharaohs, before exploring the local market and having dinner.
Day 14: Luxor
Location: Luxor
Accommodation: Steigenberger Achti Hotel or similar
Accommodation Name: Steigenberger Achti Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 is then free to relax at the hotel or explore at leisure, before meeting this evening for our final dinner.
Day 15: Tour Ends In Luxor
Location: Luxor
Meals Included: Breakfast
The tour ends after breakfast at the hotel.
What's Included
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MEALS
14 x Breakfasts13 x Lunches12 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
Minibuses, trains, felucca and tuk tuks.
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
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ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Low
What's Not Included
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Visas & Travel Insurance
Visas are tour
ationality dependent and travel insurance is mandatory but not included. -
Tips
Tips are optional and not included, but guidance will be provided in the pre-departure information documents.
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International Flights
International flights are not included, but an obligation-free quote for flights originating in the UK can be provided.
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Airport Transfers
Complimentary transfers are included only if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.
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Beverages & Personal Costs
Beverages and any costs of a personal nature, such as laundry and souvenirs, are not included.
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ExcludedItem
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
ationality 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
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.
Visas
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.
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.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or 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.
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.
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 apart from the overnight train, when you will need to share a cabin with one other person of the same sex.
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.
Travelling Solo
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 apart from the overnight train, when you will need to share a cabin with one other person of the same sex.
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.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Egypt using a variety of transport modes including minibuses, trains, felucca, and tuk tuks, ensuring a comprehensive and immersive journey across the country's diverse landscapes.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of comfort and local charm with stays at the Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir Cairo, Steigenberger Cecil Alexandria, Wadi Kiki Guesthouse, Eskaleh Nubian Ecolodge, and Steigenberger Achti Hotel, offering a mix of modern amenities and traditional hospitality.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a variety of transportation methods including minibuses, trains, a felucca, and tuk tuks.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 12 people.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour price?
Yes, all entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary are included in the tour price.
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What kind of meals are provided during the tour?
The tour includes 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 12 dinners.
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Is there a fitness requirement for this tour?
The tour has a low fitness rating, so it should be suitable for most people in reasonable health.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
Accommodation includes hotels, a Nubian guesthouse, and an overnight train, as outlined in the itinerary.
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Will there be a tour leader or guide during the trip?
Yes, the tour includes the full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate.
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What is the policy on single supplements for solo travelers?
Single supplements are not compulsory. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement, you will be paired with someone of the same sex. If you opt to pay for a single supplement, it covers all nights except the overnight train.
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Are there any specific exclusions I should be aware of?
Exclusions include visas, travel insurance, tips, international flights, airport transfers (unless on suggested group flights), and personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, and souvenirs.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Nov 10, 2025 - Nov 24, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.