
last update: February 2, 2020 | February 2, 2020
Egypt is a country that tops the bucket list of many travelers. It is a country filled with amazing relics of ancient history, including the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, and offers countless amazing activities for travelers from all walks of life. Float along the Nile on a traditional felucca, explore the tombs of Tutankhamun and other pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings, and snorkel and dive the spectacular coral reefs of the Red Sea. There are so many amazing places in Egypt that will surprise and fascinate you. .
These days, Egypt is a destination that many travelers avoid. Such concerns are understandable, given that there have been terrorist attacks targeting tourists in the past few decades and that people are still wary of government changes following the Arab Spring.
However, starting in 2017, the number of tourists started to increase again. In fact, they are growing so fast that they may hit an all-time high in 2019 or 2020.
The situation in Egypt is improving and the country is now safe for intrepid travelers to visit. That means now is the time to plan your dream trip to this diverse and historic country.
I love traveling alone, but the distances between Egypt's most popular attractions are quite long. For example, it's possible to travel all day between Cairo and Luxor by road or rail, so joining an organized tour can help you make the most of your time.
And you can save money too!
Tours to Egypt are often cheaper than traveling alone. That's because some trips include domestic airfare, which is cheaper than what you can travel on your own.
Touring with a reputable company will ensure that you navigate safely with someone who knows the terrain and will keep you informed of any hazards. A knowledgeable tour guide will make your trip more interesting. This is why tours to Egypt are so popular.
Here is a list of the best tour operators in Egypt, offering everything from day trips around Cairo to multi-day tours around the country.
1. Bold
Intrepid is one of my favorite travel companies in the world.
I have traveled to many places around the world over the years and have yet to be disappointed. Local guides provide valuable insight and are committed to making environmentally friendly choices.
And the company hires some really cool people too.
In Egypt, Intrepid offers tours ranging from 8 to 15 days. You'll be flying between Cairo and the south to see enough in just eight days, so the actually cheaper trip is a 15-day trip using a mix of bus, boat and train travel, starting at around $1,200 USD. Intrepid also offers several specialized products, including nine-day trips for travelers ages 18 to 29, specifically for families, and trips for solo travelers.
If you'd like to explore beyond Egypt, Intrepid also offers a variety of longer tours that include Jordan, Israel and Palestine.
As a reader of this site, you have access to deals and sales, so click through to see what tours are currently on sale!
2. Memphis Tour
Memphis Tours, one of the first tour operators in Egypt, was founded in 1955. We offer a wide variety of tours, from half-day tours from Cairo or Alexandria to snorkeling or camel riding excursions from resorts such as Sharm. el-Sheikh costs between US$35 and US$90 per person.
It also offers a variety of cruises on the Nile River and Lake Nasser. The popular Luxor to Aswan trip along the Nile can be made on a variety of luxurious vessels. Prices are approximately $500 USD per person for a four-day trip.
Memphis Tours also offers fully organized multi-day trips lasting from 3 to 15 days. Many of these tour major attractions such as the Pyramids, Nile cruises, Luxor and the Temple of Karnak, and usually return to Cairo. Costs vary depending on the additional activities involved but are quite reasonable. Small group tours covering major attractions from Cairo to Luxor start at US$1,100. We also offer some specialized tours, such as tours specifically designed for wheelchair users.
3. Check out our Egypt tours
Egypt Tours is another local company that offers both day and multi-day tours. We specialize in knowledgeable guides who bring Egypt's history to life, while also providing incredible insight into modern Egyptian life.
The company also has a social responsibility, using locally owned restaurants and hotels on all its trips and hiring guides from communities across the country.
Look at Egypt Tours operates a variety of day trips from major centers including Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Sharm el-Sheikh, costing between US$50 and US$150 per person, depending on destination and group size.
Multi-day tours also include a variety of options. This lasts about 8-10 days and costs $1,500-$2,000 USD. There are also some specialized tours, such as a two-week archaeological tour that's the perfect choice for history buffs (or Indiana Jones fans!).
4. On a mobile tour
On the Go Tours has been running tours to various countries for decades, but it all started in Egypt, where the two founders met. The company focuses on sustainable travel, supports local communities, and even employs local guides who have studied Egyptology at university level.
Egypt runs several worthwhile group tours, such as an eight-day trip from Cairo to Luxor for $400. This includes the Pyramids of Giza, the amazing Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the Temples of Luxor, and a two-night felucca. Nile river cruises, visits to the Valley of the Kings, etc. Accommodation is more budget-oriented than many other tour operators, making them a great choice for backpackers.
If your time and budget are more flexible, check out On the Go's festival tours that coincide with celebrations such as the Abu Simbel Sun Festival or King Ramses Sun Festival. These tours typically last about 10 days and cost between US$1,600 and US$2,800 per person, depending on whether internal flights are included.
5. Jacadah Tour Egypt
Jakada Tours is a small company that focuses on budget travel and offers individual as well as group tours.
Trips that include many of Egypt's highlights and last 7 to 10 days cost between $600 and $1,000 USD. If you're on your second trip to Egypt or have a little more time to spare, Jakada offers a variety of more unusual tours, including spending time at the Cairo Camel Market!
The company also ensures that their guides are knowledgeable about modern Egyptian culture as well as ancient history, as well as providing all the best local tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your stay.
6. Exodus Journey
Exodus offers tours worldwide and has a reputable social conscience. They aim to give back to their communities. In Egypt, we support Animal Care in Egypt (ACE), and tours often include the option to visit the charity's facilities.
Exodus offers nine-day Nile cruises departing from Luxor. It's a good compromise between luxury and price (about $1,400 USD per person, inclusive) and can accommodate up to 20 passengers. The company also runs longer tours that visit major attractions such as the Valley of the Kings and Alexandria. This two-week tour starts at $2,000 USD.
7. Beyond the Nile Tour
Beyond the Nile Tours is another Egypt-based tour operator that utilizes highly trained local guides with a lot of historical and cultural knowledge. We offer three tours ranging from 8 days to 2 weeks. Some activities, like a hot air balloon ride over the pyramids ($100), are optional, giving you flexibility in your budget for all of them.
All of these tours start with a full day in Cairo, exploring the Giza Pyramids and Spnyx, which we all want to see, and a visit to the Egyptian Museum to put history in context. Then fly down to Luxor, where you can cruise to the Valley of the Kings and other destinations. Longer trips may involve a slower journey north or a few days of relaxation at a Red Sea resort. Tour prices range from $1,200 to $1,400 USD per person, with additional costs for additional activities.
As much as I love traveling alone, planning a trip to Egypt is much easier with a travel agent. You may know that you want to see the pyramids, the Nile, and other historical sites, but getting around is not easy to organize in advance, so it's a good idea to have local knowledge on your Egyptian guide to ensure the safety of both of you. Make the most of your trip.
So whether you want to spend a week on a short trip visiting the highlights of Egypt, have more time to explore Egypt more slowly, or want to spend more time relaxing on the Red Sea, a travel agency can help you. outside.
Travel Booking: Logistics Tips and Tricks
flight reservation
Use Skyscanner or Momondo to find cheap flights. My two favorite search engines search websites and airlines all over the world, so you always know that no stone is left unturned. But start with Skyscanner first, as it has the widest reach!
Accommodation Reservation
You can book hostels through Hostelworld, which offers the largest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, try Booking.com. We consistently offer the lowest rates on guesthouses and budget hotels.
Don't forget travel insurance
Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. Comprehensive protection in case something goes wrong. I can't go on a trip without it, as I've had to use it several times in the past. Here are some of my favorite companies that offer the best service and value:
Are you looking for the best company to help you save money?
Check out my resources page for the best companies to use when traveling. I list everything I use to save money on the go. You can also save money when traveling.