intrepid travel egypt experience

Egypt Experience

12 days | follow the nile in style, for a while..

Pharaohs, feluccas, temples and tombs. Pyramids, bazaars, mummies and catacombs. Egypt has myriad possibilities to marvel and discover, and on a 12-day cultural expedition to its highlights, you’ll understand how time has stood still and why you’ll need a history lesson at every turn. Lose yourself in the colour and chaos of Cairo’s Khan al-Khalili Bazaar, stand at the feet of Abu Simbel’s monumental temples, set sail down the iconic Nile and feel grand in the Valley of the Kings. With all your comforts cared for and questions answered by knowledgeable local leaders, Egypt will serve up all the historic, symbolic and pharaonic goods.

Trip overview

Explore the magnificent temples at Abu Simbel and see the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, carved directly out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile.
Brush shoulders with the locals and meet some of the many store owners as you stroll through the famous bazaars of Aswan, Luxor and Khan al-Khalili in Egypt’s capital, Cairo.
Set sail down the Nile – one of the world’s most iconic rivers. Relax in comfort as scenes of everyday Egyptian life stream by and experience day turn to night from your sundeck.
Join a local family in a small village near Aswan for a memorable night of Nubian hospitality. Learn about this ancient culture while sharing a special dinner with your hosts.
Explore the marvels, mythology and mystery of Ancient Egypt, including the Pyramids at Giza and the tombs of iconic pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings, with expert guides providing a local insight.
Egypt can get hot between June and September, but this is normally a dry heat and easier to cope with than humidity. Where possible we try and visit sites in the early morning before it gets too hot.
The walkways around ruins can be uneven, dusty and rocky, so be sure to bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. At major sites such as the Pyramids, you can expect to be exposed to the elements at length, so be prepared with a hat, sunscreen and plenty of fluids.
Cairo is notorious for road congestion and air pollution. Be prepared for one of the busiest cities in North Africa.
Accommodation aboard the overnight train is in two-berth cabins, which are comfortable and air-conditioned. All bedding is provided, and western-style toilets are located in each carriage. General train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to. An included dinner and breakfast are served on board. You may want to purchase something extra beforehand to supplement your meal, particularly if you have any dietary requirements.
The Nile Cruise includes three nights’ accommodation and full board (drinks are not included). Your ship will be docked each night in Aswan, Edfu or Luxor – please see the Itinerary for more details. When docked, Nile cruise ships are moored lengthways alongside each other, and your ship will most likely have a ship on either side. You walk through the other ships to reach the port.
Ramadan is an annual month-long festival, during which travel can be a rewarding cultural experience, however some regular services may not be available during the day, such as restaurants or cafes, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider this when selecting your travel dates. You’ll find dates and further information in the ‘Climate and seasonal information’ section of the Essential Trip Information.

Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Cairo - Coptic Museum (entrance fee) - EGP230
Cairo - Islamic Art Museum (entrance fee) - EGP270
Cairo - Urban Adventures Downtown Cairo Tour - USD40
Cairo - The Citadel (entrance fee) - EGP450
Cairo - Saqqara and Memphis Afternoon Tour (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD109

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
Cairo - Egyptian Museum
Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops (entrance fee) - EGP900
Cairo - The 3rd Pyramid of Menkawre (entrance fee) - EGP220
Cairo - Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids Tour (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD55

You'll be required to walk around the Pyramids complex. It can be very hot in the summer months, so be prepared for little shade and pack appropriate clothing, sun protection, and carry lots of water.

The inside thoroughfares of the Pyramids of Giza are very small and very warm, so for those suffering from claustrophobia, it is not recommended.

Jump in a private van today and drive to the Mediterranean coastal city of Alexandria. Egypt's second-largest city and main port, locals call this vibrant city the Bride of the Mediterranean Sea. The Greek architect Dinocrates built Alexandria in 331 BC under the orders of Alexander the Great. The city, immortalising Alexander's name, quickly flourished into a prominent cultural, intellectual, political and economic metropolis. On arrival, head underground and delve into the mysteries of the Kom ash-Shuqqafa catacombs. This Roman burial site is the largest of its kind in Egypt. The crypts are 20 metres below street level, and what probably began as a small family tomb grew into a labyrinth of chambers that could accommodate more than 300 bodies. Afterwards, stop by the strikingly modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, inspired by the original great library of Alexandria and built to hold over eight million books. Take some time to stroll along the Corniche and around Fort Qaitbey and enjoy the fresh Mediterranean air.

Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Alexandria - Fort Qaitbey
Alexandria - Alexandria National Museum (entrance fee) - EGP180

Today’s driving time is approximately 3 hours.

This morning, pay a visit to Wadi El Natron, a place used by the ancient Egyptians and Romans for extracting precious resources like salt, silica for making glass and carbonated sodium which was essential for the mummification process. Learn about the history of this fascinating place, view the lakes and soak up the surroundings before returning by private van to Cairo. Take some time to relax or get some snacks before you board an overnight sleeper train to Aswan.

Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)
Alexandria - Wadi El Natron monasteries

Today’s driving time is approximately 3 hours. The train journey from Cairo to Aswan departs around 8pm and takes approximately 13 hours.

Accommodation aboard the overnight train is in two-berth cabins, which are comfortable and air-conditioned. All bedding is provided, and western-style toilets are located in each carriage. We recommend bringing additional toilet paper. General train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to. An included dinner and breakfast are served on board. You may want to purchase something extra beforehand to supplement your meal, particularly if you have any dietary requirements.

In rare circumstances you may be paired in your cabin with a group member of the opposite gender, depending on the group configuration. On other occasions, you might be sharing with another traveller of the same gender who may not be part of our group, again determined by the group configuration.

The Nile, Elephantine Island and white-sailed feluccas. You’ll pull into Aswan – Egypt's southernmost city – at around 9am. Its easy-going charm is due in no small part to its large Nubian population. When you arrive, you’ll explore the beautiful Temple of Isis (the Goddess of health, marriage and wisdom), which was rescued from the rising waters of the Nile and relocated on Philae Island. It's a marvel of decorative pylons featuring some of Egypt's finest carvings – definitely one of the gems of Upper Egypt. This afternoon is yours to explore your way. You might choose to visit the excellent Nubian Museum, which showcases the history, art and culture of the Nubians. This evening you’ll experience modern Nubian culture firsthand with a visit to a nearby village. Join a local Nubian family for a memorable dinner where you’ll get to sample traditional dishes like okra stew or tagen, a tasty tomato-based tagen dish, with sanasel bread to mop up the delicious sauces.

Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner
Aswan - Philae Temple
Aswan - Nubian Museum (entrance fee) - EGP300
Aswan - Tomb of the Nobles (entrance fee) - EGP150
Aswan - High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk Tour (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD35
Aswan - Philae Temple Sound & Light Show Tour (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD55

This morning, make the drive from Aswan to Abu Simbel where you’ll explore some magnificent temples. Built by Ramses II, it was the gateway to Egypt for Southern Africans and its imposing facade clearly delineated the line between what was the Pharaoh's land and what was not. With the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, carved directly out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile, this is one of Egypt's most memorable sights. You'll have two hours to explore Abu Simbel before making the drive back to Aswan, where you’ll board your Nile cruise boat. Late in the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely sailing trip on a traditional felucca before dinner on the ship.

Cruise Boat (1 night)
Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples
Aswan - Felucca Sail

Today’s driving time is approximately 6 hours.

Tonight, your boat will be docked in Aswan.

Nile cruise boats are typically very large with a passenger capacity of around 150. All cabins have private facilities and the boat is fully air-conditioned. All meals are included onboard, but you will need to pay for drinks.

Although we use the best possible five-star rated cruise boats available, the local equivalent of five stars isn't the same standard that you might expect at home. Nile cruise boats are not luxurious, but they are very comfortable and a great way to experience the Nile. Due to varying schedules, we are not able to provide advance notice of which exact boat you’ll be sailing on.

Enjoy a free morning in Aswan, perhaps enjoying coffee and exploration of the bazaar during the morning bustle. After lunch on board your ship, you’ll set sail for your first stop – Kom Ombo. This second century BC complex is unique because it has a mirror-image design, divided down the middle, with either side dedicated to a different set of gods. One half is known as the Temple of Sobek (the crocodile-headed god of fertility) and the other half is dedicated to Haroeris (also known as Horus the falcon god), and the whole temple is full of fascinating reliefs. Afterwards, return to the boat and travel upriver, with free time relaxing on the sundeck and taking in the surrounding sights – desert hills forming a backdrop to lush riverbanks, fishermen casting their nets and farmers working their land. Enjoy dinner on board, before your ship docks in Edfu late in the night.

Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple

Tonight, your boat will be docked in Edfu.

This morning finds you moored near Edfu – a beautifully preserved temple also dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god. After breakfast on board, your ship will sail onwards to Luxor, passing through the Esna Locks. Ships often have to queue to proceed through the locks, a great opportunity to check out the process from deck with a cool drink in hand, listening to the shouts of the many captains as they navigate their way through the various small boats of merchants selling their wares to a captive audience. On arrival in Luxor, join your leader for an orientation walk of the town. You have the option to visit Luxor Temple, which looks incredible, lit up at night. Return to the ship for dinner and your last night on board.

Edfu - Edfu Temple (entrance fee) - EGP450
Luxor - Luxor Temple (entrance fee) - EGP400

Tonight, your boat will be docked in Luxor.

We do not include a visit to Edfu Temple as the only mode of transport there is through locally managed horse and carriages, the operators of which have been found to be in breach of our animal welfare guidelines. We have also received feedback that the experience itself is quite uncomfortable due to the nature of the vendors and local suppliers outside the site. Edfu is an included port stop on the Nile River cruise schedule. The duration of the walk is about 30 mins each way, along a busy road. Please inform your Leader if you will be leaving the boat to visit Edfu.

Your Nile cruise comes to an end in the open-air museum of Luxor. From the spectacular temple complex of Karnak to the Valley of the Kings, Luxor is full of wonderfully preserved reminders of the Pharaohs. After breakfast, depart the ship and drop your bags at your hotel in Luxor. From here, you’ll set off with your leader to explore Karnak Temple which is perhaps the most impressive of all the ancient Pharaoh’s monumental works. One of the world's most celebrated temple complexes, Karnak is a house of the gods built over a period of some 200 years. Your guided tour of this vast temple of impressive pylons, obelisks and chapels will reveal its finest sections, such as the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Great Temple of Amun. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, shop in the excellent bazaar (open until quite late) or perhaps experience the atmosphere of a local teahouse.

Luxor - Karnak Temple (entrance fee)
Luxor - Luxor Museum (entrance fee) - EGP300
Luxor - Mummification Museum (entrance fee) - EGP200
Luxor - Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport) - USD45

Today you’ll hop in a private minivan and discover ancient Thebes. Your first stop is the Colossi of Memnon – two 17-metre-high statues on Luxor's west bank. Continue on to the Valley of the Kings. Buried under the arid hills here are over 60 tombs of pharaohs, many richly decorated with reliefs and paintings. With your leader, explore this place, where the pharaohs of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BC) were secretly interred for all eternity, and where discoveries are still being made. Your group leader will explain the history and legends of these remarkable people, and the significance of the many paintings and hieroglyphics, still well preserved in the deepest tombs. You will visit three of the royal tombs, including Tutankhamun’s tomb where Tutankhamun is buried, then continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut – a colonnaded building set against high cliffs that create a spectacular natural amphitheatre. The afternoon is yours to explore – perhaps you'd like to shop in the market or visit the world's first Mummification Museum where you can discover the secrets of pharaonic preservation.

Luxor - Colossi of Memnon
Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun
Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
Luxor - Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP180
Luxor - Medinat Habu Temple (entrance fee) - EGP200
Luxor - Deir el Madina -Entry Fee - EGP200
Luxor - Tomb of Queen Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens (entrance fee) - EGP2000
Luxor - Hot Air Balloon over the Valley of the Kings - USD130

It is possible to do a hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings and the Temples of Antiquities on the West Bank. Your Leader can reserve this service for you. We use Dream Balloons in Luxor. Pick up will be from your hotel between 0430 and 0500; balloon capacity is 16-25; cameras are prohibited in the basket but phones are allowed. Activity is subject to weather conditions. Payment by card is possible and will attract a 3% bank service fee.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and catch a short flight back to Cairo. On your return to the capital, visit the Islamic parts of the city and the frenetic backstreets of the bazaar with your leader. A labyrinth of narrow streets and passageways, Khan is one of the biggest and oldest markets in the world. The 'Khan', sprawling around an old area known as Al-Azhar, is a quintessentially Cairo experience – a warren of alleys with stalls serving up a succession of intoxicating scenes. You might explore the gold market, ‘Perfume Street’ and the spice market, where heady aromas fill the air, or make a purchase next door in the cloth market. Or you could visit atmospheric El Fishawy, one of Cairo’s oldest cafes, and discover why it’s been operating for more than 200 years. Tonight, perhaps gather together your fellow travellers for a celebratory kebab, kofta, sheesha, or all three.

Cairo - Khan al-Khalili bazaar visit

Today’s travel time is approximately 2 hours.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are free to depart at any time. Please ensure you confirm your hotel check-out time with your leader. If you would like to extend your stay in Cairo, we would be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners

Private vehicle, Plane, Cruise boat, Felucca, Overnight sleeper train

Hotel (7 nights), Cruise boat (3 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer to have your own room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included, valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel. 3. This trip includes a domestic flight. The luggage allowance is 23kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on. 4. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for transport and entrance tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Filter by rating

walking through traffic

My egypt tour with intrepid travel: highlights.

In November 2017 I embarked on a journey that took me completely out of my comfort zone. I traveled alone to a country that made my friends and family express great concern and near-confusion as to why I would want to do this. Almost everyone I knew (including my neighbours), seemed so incredibly relieved when I came back home in one happy, fulfilled and content piece. I don’t get why though: I had one of the best weeks of my life.

The country? Egypt . Home of the last remaining wonder of the ancient world and a land adorned with beautiful scenery and a never ending scattering of ancient temples and ruins that continue to be discovered until this day.

I stayed in Egypt for two weeks. Nestled into those 14 days, were eight near-perfect days on the Egypt Adventure tour with Intrepid Travel . Intrepid’s itinerary was unique, ambitious and offered a genuinely authentic Egyptian experience. I had never done a group tour before. I usually like exploring on my own. This was new to me. I was nervous and excited and had no idea what those two weeks would look like (spoiler alert: I had an amazing time!).

There were many highlights of Intrepid’s “Egypt Adventure” tour for me personally. These are some of the things I remember fondly and made me so happy I chose a group tour over doing this solo:

You thought I was going to say the pyramids, right? I’m getting to those. I’m putting Abu Simbel at the top because it is not an official stop on this particular tour. It was an extra excursion that we could opt in or out of while we were in Aswan. Abu Simbel is located roughly 40km north of the Sudan border and home to the massive temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari. On some Egypt tour itineraries you can choose to fly there for an even higher price, but there is no need. The early morning drive was such a special part of the whole experience. Watching the sunrise over the Sahara Desert made everything worth it. The site itself is incredible. The temples are massive and they are a sight that really need to be seen in person. I’ll say this for everywhere in Egypt: Pictures don’t do it justice. This place left me in complete awe.

24 Hours on a Felucca

A felucca is a traditional wooden sailboat, still in regular use in Egypt today. One of the most amazing highlights of this trip was getting to spend a whole day and night sailing along the Nile River . We docked at night and I shivered like a baby as the November Egyptian temperatures dropped to 12C (little did I know that a month later I’d be shivering at home to temperatures that were 30-40 degrees colder!). We had delicious food cooked for us for both dinner and breakfast. At night, I nerdily gawked at the sideways angle of the constellation Orion just above the horizon, as I never get to see it on that angle at home. It’s my favourite constellation and I always look for it wherever I go. Everyone bonded, laughed, shared stories and got to know each other better. It was a really great vibe and a really great day and night. I can see how this day is often cited as the favourite for many people who take this tour. You are either going to learn to love or hate your tourmates on “Felucca Day” and thankfully for us it was all love and laughs!

Karnak Temple

I seriously loved Karnak Temple and my only complaint was that I had to leave. We went later in the day and eventually the crowds thinned out. Soon I found myself virtually alone, as the sun was about to set, walking among staggering columns while trying to wrap my head around the fact they have been here for thousands of years. I had a moment here and felt so lucky for those few minutes I was completely alone in this magical place. Wandering through ancient history and the feelings that came with it left me speechless numerous times throughout our journey through Egypt, but especially here. If I go back to Egypt someday, Karnak Temple is a place I absolutely want to visit again.

The Homestays

A very unique part of the Intrepid itinerary included two separate visits to authentic Egyptian homes. Our first was in Aswan, where we took a boat along the Nile at sunset to a Nubian village and ate an amazing home cooked dinner inside a Nubian family’s house. From the beautiful boat ride, to interacting with the family and listening to their stories, then enjoying easily one of the best meals of the trip – This inclusion on the tour was incredible and something we just wouldn’t be doing had we tried to do Egypt on our own. In Luxor a couple days later, we visited another family for lunch and had yet another amazing feast. I really enjoyed these visits and am beyond grateful for the experience.

I didn’t realize this until the end of the tour, but pretty much everything we ate for the duration of the trip was Egyptian or what Egyptians traditionally eat. Egyptian Falafels (they’re made with fava beans, not chickpeas, and they’re amazing), Feteer (like an Egyptian pizza and seriously delicious), Koshari (Egypt’s most popular dish), Hibiscus Tea (I raided a supermarket and brought back boxes of this and will cry when I run out), shawarma (I’ve had shawarma many times, but the chicken shawarma we had at a place near the pyramids is something I’m still dreaming about and I sadly don’t remember the name of the restaurant!). The emphasis on trying authentic Egyptian food was something I really ended up appreciating the longer I was there. I eventually found myself totally not craving Western-style foods in my last days in Egypt. So much so, that I complained to a manager at the airport hotel I stayed at on my last day about the lack of Egyptian food on their menu (they had none). He looked shocked that I was upset about this. Oh how times had changed in those two weeks!

I’ve mentioned it a few times now. I was really looking forward to the boat and felucca rides scheduled along this historic river. I was actually giddy about it when we got to Aswan . The majority of Egypt’s staggering 96+ million population lives relatively close to the Nile River. It has been Egypt’s source of water, thus life, since ancient times. Our hotel in Aswan sat right at the edge along the water and the patio had the most beautiful view. This was the only place in the hotel to get decent Wi-Fi and it also had the best view. Needles to say, I hung out here on my own late at night quite a bit and just relaxed and took it all in whenever I could.

I’m not sure how other tour groups interact with each other and get along. This was my first week-long group tour experience and I feel the bar was set extremely high. We were a group of 11, plus our tour guide, and by the end of the week I was genuinely sad to say goodbye and see everyone go. We hailed from different corners of the globe: Australia, USA, South Africa, UK and me: the lone Canadian. They were a very entertaining, well traveled and adventurous bunch, who kept me laughing throughout the week. One tourmate decided to start a Facebook group as a way to share our photos and keep in touch. So glad she did. Over the course of the next few weeks, after we all returned to our corners of the globe, everyone gradually started to post photos from the trip. Seeing everyones photos weeks after I got back was such a nice treat as I shivered in the Arctic cold snap that gripped Canada for a month after I returned.

While every Intrepid Egypt review I read highly praises all the Egyptian tour guides, I think we all agreed that we lucked out with ours. Ahmed was brilliant, not only in his vast and remarkably extensive knowledge of both ancient and modern Egyptian history, but also with the seamless execution of every last detail of our entire trip. We never had to worry about a thing. On numerous occasions he went above and beyond what any of us expected (like the night he surprised one of us with a birthday cake) and his infectious love for his country couldn’t help but leave us loving it too. One of the guys in my group said it best: “Whenever you Google anything about Egypt, Google asks Ahmed.” That was hilarious and accurate and pretty much sums up how we all felt by the end of the trip.

The Pyramids!

Oh, yes. The pyramids! How could I forget? “Pyramids Day” was our first full day on the tour and it didn’t disappoint. I won’t bother describing what it was like to finally see them in person, as there are no words. I opted in for the chance to walk inside the Great Pyramid of Giza . There is a disclaimer that those with back or knee problems or claustrophobia shouldn’t do this. I will admit: I fall under the slightly claustrophobic category. I almost didn’t go in. However, I figured since my back and knees were okay, then my genuine fear of getting stuck in the narrow tunnel Winnie The Pooh style would just have to be dealt with. I came all this way and I’m not going to go in? Screw that. I was doing this. When we finally made it back outside, I felt a huge adrenaline rush and sense of accomplishment. I did it! The claustrophobic Canadian didn’t pass out (a longer post about my pyramids experience is coming in the near future).

So many things.. . I could write for days about my entire experience on this Intrepid tour specifically and Egypt in general (stay tuned). We saw so much and there were many early morning starts. No day was ever wasted. I was exhausted at times, but looking back on it, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The places we visited were beautiful. Egyptians are friendly and genuinely happy to see you visiting their country. I never felt unsafe in all our travels on this tour. Quite the opposite actually. There are parts of Toronto where I feel less safe than anywhere we went in Egypt. It was an intense and magical experience in a very unique country and my only real regret is that I didn’t stay longer and see more of it. Now is a good time to go to Egypt, as tourism is low and our dollar goes incredibly far. Check it off your bucket list now and if you do – Please bring me back a slice of feteer! I’m hungry.

Disclaimer: Intrepid didn’t pay me to write this. I wanted to write a review for any would-be travelers currently sitting on the fence. It took me forever to decide which company to go with and when to go. Just sharing my experience!

Links: Intrepid Travel: Egypt Adventure The 8 day tour I took. They have longer tours with slightly tweaked itineraries that also come highly rated. Egypt Tourism Authority Official website for Egypt’s tourism board. Loads of info on things to do, places to see, etc. Amira’s Pantry: Alexandrian Feteer Feteer! A recipe. Please make some and send it to me.

Essential Egypt

Fully Guided
Sightseeing

No departure dates available

No dates, no problem! Subscribe to our newsletter to receive:

Travel inspiration for similar adventures
Alerts of the newest adventure deals

By submitting this form, I agree to the TourRadar T&Cs and Privacy policy .

You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter, check your inbox!

It seems you have entered this contest already! Keep an eye on your inbox for the winner.

Places You’ll See

Introduction
Day 1 Cairo
Day 2 Cairo/Pyramids/Sphinx
Day 3 Aswan
Day 4 Aswan
Day 5 Nile Felucca
Day 6 Luxor
Day 7 Luxor / Valley of the Kings
Day 8 Cairo
Day 9 Cairo

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

Accommodation
Additional Services

Operated by Intrepid Travel

Back in 1989, two guys from Melbourne, Australia by the names of Darrell and Manch set off on an adventure to the other side of the world. They travelled to Africa and without air conditioning on their modified truck, they filled it with supplies, some beer, a bunch of aviator sunglasses, and some friends. On that trip, they came up with the idea that perhaps others may be interested in this style of travel too. Just like that, Intrepid was born. Intrepid has come a long way since then, now giving over 100,000 travelers a year the opportunity to experience small group travel across all 7 continents. They use local transport, sleep in local accommodation from Cambodian stilt houses to Moroccan riads, and employ 100% local leaders. With three different travel styles including basix, original and comfort, themes ranging from cycling trips to family holidays, and itineraries crafted with the perfect balance of must-see sights and free time, Intrepid caters to every type of traveller no matter their age, budget or travel style. The company has grown but their mission remains the same: to change the way people see the world through sustainable, experience-rich travel

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating Excellent 4.1
Itinerary Excellent 4.5
Guide Excellent 5.0
Transport Excellent 4.2
Accommodation Good 3.4
Food Excellent 4.4
Tour Operator Intrepid Travel 4.6
Most Recent
Most Popular
Highest First
Lowest First
OJ Orie · 7th October 2019 Couldn’t have asked for a better guide. No real complaints with the tour at all Trip date: September 2019
A Christina S · 18th September 2019 Our tour guide was fantastic and went out of his way to help us, however I consider the cost of my intrepid tour to be false advertising. The 'optional' extras were not optional. We had to do them or we had nothing else to do. The costs were from 1.5 to... Show more Trip date: January 2019 Review collected by Intrepid Travel
A Melanie S · 18th September 2019 There were so many frustrating aspects to this trip, mostly the discrepancy between advertised prices and the real prices. Trip date: January 2019 Review collected by Intrepid Travel
A Alisha F · 18th September 2019 Great experience with a great tour leader- Mohammad Adel. Loved all of the activities and really enjoyed my time in the country. Trip date: January 2019 Review collected by Intrepid Travel
A Brianna M · 18th September 2019 I loved the places we visited and what he had the chance of seeing Trip date: January 2019 Review collected by Intrepid Travel
A Irini K · 18th September 2019 Mohamed Adel our tour guide was exceptional. He went above and beyond to make our holiday memorable. He provided us with an educated, factual and personal perspective on the country as well as on the mind blowing history. I would highly recommend this... Show more Trip date: January 2019 Review collected by Intrepid Travel
A Jordan K · 18th September 2019 The excellent guide Mohamed Adel and the incredible experiences we had during the trip. Trip date: January 2019 Review collected by Intrepid Travel
A Phoebe V · 18th September 2019 I enjoyed the experiences we had and the way the tour was set out Trip date: January 2019 Review collected by Intrepid Travel
A Rosie V · 18th September 2019 Intrepid was good because everything was organised so I felt safer in Egypt Trip date: January 2019 Review collected by Intrepid Travel
A Andrew W · 18th September 2019 super organized, perfect size, great day to day pace, incredible trip leader I was a little anxious about being in Egypt/ the Middle East but felt so safe and comfortable the whole time, and the trip far surpassed my expectations Trip date: January 2019 Review collected by Intrepid Travel

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

Upcoming departures
August 2024
September 2024
October 2024
November 2024
December 2024
Wednesday 24 Apr, 2024 Thursday 2 May, 2024 English Sold Out €680 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 8 May, 2024 Thursday 16 May, 2024 English Sold Out €680 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 22 May, 2024 Thursday 30 May, 2024 English Sold Out €680 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 12 Jun, 2024 Thursday 20 Jun, 2024 English Sold Out €655 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 26 Jun, 2024 Thursday 4 Jul, 2024 English Sold Out €655 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 3 Jul, 2024 Thursday 11 Jul, 2024 English Sold Out €655 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 17 Jul, 2024 Thursday 25 Jul, 2024 English Sold Out €655 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 31 Jul, 2024 Thursday 8 Aug, 2024 English Sold Out €655 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 14 Aug, 2024 Thursday 22 Aug, 2024 English Sold Out €655 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 28 Aug, 2024 Thursday 5 Sep, 2024 English Sold Out €680 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 4 Sep, 2024 Thursday 12 Sep, 2024 English Sold Out €710 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 11 Sep, 2024 Thursday 19 Sep, 2024 English Sold Out €710 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 18 Sep, 2024 Thursday 26 Sep, 2024 English Sold Out €710 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 25 Sep, 2024 Thursday 3 Oct, 2024 English Sold Out €710 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 2 Oct, 2024 Thursday 10 Oct, 2024 English Sold Out €710 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 9 Oct, 2024 Thursday 17 Oct, 2024 English Sold Out €710 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 16 Oct, 2024 Thursday 24 Oct, 2024 English Sold Out €710 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 23 Oct, 2024 Thursday 31 Oct, 2024 English Sold Out €710 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 30 Oct, 2024 Thursday 7 Nov, 2024 English Sold Out €710 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 6 Nov, 2024 Thursday 14 Nov, 2024 English Sold Out €710 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 13 Nov, 2024 Thursday 21 Nov, 2024 English Sold Out €710 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 20 Nov, 2024 Thursday 28 Nov, 2024 English Sold Out €710 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 27 Nov, 2024 Thursday 5 Dec, 2024 English Sold Out €710 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 11 Dec, 2024 Thursday 19 Dec, 2024 English Sold Out €680 See Similar Tours For These Dates
Wednesday 25 Dec, 2024 Thursday 2 Jan, 2025 English Sold Out €680 See Similar Tours For These Dates
24 Other Unavailable Departures

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour concludes on Day 9, at The King Hotel in Cairo. After a final breakfast with the group you are free to depart at any time, or take the day to explore the city and tick off some of the suggested optional activities!

Day 1 of the tour is an arrivals day, so you can arrive in Cairo at any time. This gives you the opportunity to explore your surroundings and get settled into your hotel. In the evening there will be a welcome meeting, where you will get to know your fellow travellers and review the tour details with your guide. Your hotel reception will have the details of this meeting so please check with them upon arrival. Please be aware that the meeting point is subject to change until your final documents are released.

Airport transfers are not included in the tour price, however we would be happy to help with arranging your transfers!

Of course we can! If you wish to arrange additional accommodation then please contact our customer support team once you have a confirmed booking.

The age range for this trip is 18 to 29 year olds, and we are unable to book those outside of the age range on this tour.

Solo travellers do not have to pay a single supplement, as this is a group trip designed for shared accommodation. You will be paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip, which is a great way to get to know your group and enrich your travel experience! An optional single supplement is available on this trip for those who would like their own private room, with the exception of Day 5, when you will be travelling by felluca. Please contact our customer service team to arrange this.

During the tour you will be spending 5 nights in hotel accommodation, 2 nights on a sleeper train an 1 night on a Felucca. Hotel lists for this trip are not confirmed until your final trip documents are released, which will be 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. These will contain your specific accommodation details, however your arrival and departure hotel will be The King Hotel in Cairo. Hopefully, this list will give you a better idea of what kind of accommodation you can expect while on tour.

Flights before and after the tour are not included in the tour price and you need to arrange these separately by yourself once your tour is guaranteed. As we specialise in organising the best tours around the world for you, we are unable to advise on flight prices or book flights on your behalf. If you have not already booked your flights we recommend checking out the following link which is powered by Skyscanner - https://flights.tourradar.com

When it comes to money matters on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities, tipping and laundry. It's always better to bring a little more than you think you'll need.

Got a question about this tour?

Reach out to our travel experts.

Good to Know

Currency £ Egyptian Pound Egypt

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
Typhoid - Recommended for Egypt. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Hepatitis A - Recommended for Egypt. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Hepatitis B - Recommended for Egypt. Ideally 2 months before travel.
Rabies - Recommended for Egypt. Ideally 1 month before travel.
Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an infected area for Egypt. Ideally 10 days before travel.
Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
For any tour departing before 15th June 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 15th June 2024, a minimum payment of €400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
Some departure dates and prices may vary and Intrepid Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
The following cards are accepted for "Intrepid Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
Kruger Park Safaris
New Zealand Tours
Thailand Tours
Caribbean Sailing Vacations
Sikkim Fall-Autumn tours
France Luxury tours
Middle East Young Adults tours

Keep Exploring Egypt

Egypt Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
Best Explorer Tours and Trips 2024/2025
Egypt from Cairo
Egypt Explorer
Small group tour
Operators in Africa
Nile Valley
Essential Egypt Tours in Egypt
Egypt Tours
Africa Tours
Explorer Tours
Temples Tours
Group Tours
Fully Guided Tours
Sightseeing Tours
Historical Tours
Egypt tours

Things to Do
Restaurants
Vacation Rentals
Travel Stories
Rental Cars
Add a Place
Travel Forum
Travelers' Choice
Help Center

Egypt experience - Intrepid Travel

South Pacific
Australia
Victoria
Melbourne
Melbourne - Things to Do
Intrepid Travel

I have now done four trips with Intrepid and can generally recommend them. Most guides are... read more

Hotels were good. Sites and visits to local people were good. Transport was good. Tour leader was... read more

Egypt experience

Having returned from a 12 day trip to Egypt, I would highly recommend Intrepid Travel. We had a fantastic trip with the most wonderful guide, Noha, who accommodated all our interests and made the trip so easy and interesting. Booking and working with the company was very professional (we had to shift hotel accomodations- our flight to Cairo was cancelled with British Air) - Intrepid’s staff was excellent to work with. The hotels, drivers, “minders” and all involved were excellent. Thank you for a great time in Egypt !

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. Our aim is to always deliver amazing experiences, so we're delighted to read that your trip was such a success and that you highly recommend our trips . We hope you have some amazing memories from your time in Egypt and we hope we will be welcoming you on another our our adventures soon.

Booking a tour with Intrepid during COVID was a horrible mistake. The company was inflexible with my booking during the height of Omicron (I would have happily rescheduled my tour). I felt forced to go on my $3K+ tour only to get COVID on my trip. I am an avid traveler, I've been to 35+ countries and I'm constantly looking for ways to improve my travel experiences. Unfortunately, I don't think Intrepid cares about the health and safety of its travelers and I would never use them again.

Hello, Thank you for sharing this, it sounds like an incredibly disappointing experience you had with us. We acknowledge travelling during these times is not without it's challenges and the safety of our travellers and crew is of the utmost priority following local and internation government advise. We aim to provide our travellers as much information about safety and the runnings of our trips on our https://www.intrepidtravel.com/en/covid19. We would love the chance to learn more about what happened and find a resolution for you. We are unfortunately cannot find your booking, if you can reach out to our Customer Care team on [email protected], we’re here and we’d love the opportunity to attempt to resolve this for you.

No understanding, can't make any changes and they won't allow extra people or anything. Really disappointed

Hello Nature's Den - I'm very sorry to learn of your frustration. Could you please get in touch with me at [email protected] and I'll look into any issues you've encountered.

I just loved this Intrepid tour. Max my guide was super helpful and ever smiling, knew exactly where to get the best dining experience for every meal, and was a wealth of knowledge and information. The tour through the Daintree rainforest was the highlight of my tour although I enjoyed every single moment and ativity. I was there in December at the height of summer, remember if you are travelling to North Queensland at this time it will without doubt be extremely hot with very high humidity, - make sure you drink plenty of water! Other absolute highlights were the afternoon spent with the Kulu Yalanji people particularly Link and Binna - and the trip to Cape Tribulation, such a beautiful area. Intrepid run excellent tours, I would not hesitate to travel again with them.

Thank you so much for your lovely review. We were delighted to read what a wonderful time you had alongside Max and the group. We are so proud of our commitment to employ local tour leaders. With their intimate knowledge of their region, culture and of course the best places to visit (in particular for dining!), they really do enhance our travellers’ experiences. The highlights of your trip sound fantastic. We’re glad you got the opportunity to explore this beautiful part of Australia and can’t wait to welcome you on another of our adventures soon 😊

Intrepid Travel is best Tour and travel company in Australia they offer cheap and best rates. They arranged my all tour plan in Dec-2020 very well. Thank you Intrepid Travel.

Thank you for your review, and for traveling with us in December. We're very glad you had a good trip, and hope to be able to welcome you on another adventure soon!

I booked a tour to Java / Bali with INTREPID for December 2021. I paid my deposit and received confirmation of my trip and so went ahead and booked flights to Java and back from Bali. On 19th August 2021 I received an email from INTREPID saying that my trip had been cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic. My booked flights are non-refundable and so I am out of pocket to the tune of £746.74p. My travel insurance does not cover cancellations due to infectious diseases including Covi-19. INTREPID are refusing to accept responsibility for my financial loss ! Thanks very much INTREPID... I will never book with you again and will not recommend you to anyone !

Hi Dave. Thank you for your feedback. Unfortunately we have had to make the difficult choice to consolidate and cancel a lot of our tours due to the unprecedented effects of the pandemic. In fairness to all our customers we are providing refunds as per the terms and conditions at the time of booking. You are either eligible for a 110% credit or are able to request a refund of monies paid for the Intrepid portion of your trip, which has been processed for you. However, as per those terms and conditions, Intrepid is unable to provide compensation for 3rd party bookings, including flights. We are truly sorry that your travel insurer is unable to assist in this situation, but hope that you can understand that we are unable to provide refunds for another suppliers product. Thank you and stay safe!

Explore Egypt

Best price guaranteed
No booking fees
COVID-19 protected
Local culture
Cultural, religious and historic sites
Customizable
Booking Type Instant booking
duration 15 days
tour type Small group Request as private
age requirement 15-99 yrs
max group size 16
guiding method Fully guided
Tour Code BM-3679

Starts Cairo, Egypt
Ends Cairo, Egypt
Cairo is a place like no other – a rambling metropolis of sand-beaten colours and ancient wonders. You'll have plenty of time to explore the acclaimed sites and lose yourself in this fascinating city.
Bask in the unique atmosphere of Aswan and experience not only the warmth and charm of Nubian hospitality but also some delicious traditional cuisine at a local homestay.
Set sail on one of the world’s most iconic rivers with an included felucca trip down the Nile. Relax and soak up the landscapes as scenes of everyday Egyptian life pass you by.
Explore the balmy Red Sea on a snorkelling adventure in Hurghada – sharing a tasty lunch aboard the yacht and looking out for clownfish, turtles and manta rays among the kaleidoscopic coral.
Uncover one of the greatest cities in antiquity, Alexandria, reborn as Egypt’s alternative capital, and pay your respects at El Alamein – an important World War II battle site.
By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Animal Care in Egypt. Donations help them care for sick or injured working animals, like horses and donkeys, and help empower local communities with the knowledge and training to better care for their animals.
Day 1: Cairo
Day 2: Cairo
Day 3: Aswan
Day 4: Aswan
Day 5: Nubian Homestay
Day 6: Nile Felucca
Day 7: Luxor
Day 8: Luxor
Day 9: Hurghada
Day 10: Hurghada
Day 11: Cairo
Day 12: Alexandria
Day 13: Alexandria
Day 14: Cairo
Day 15: Cairo
Felucca (1 night), Homestay (1 night), Hotel (11 nights), Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
14 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners
Felucca , Overnight sleeper train , Private mini bus
An expert tour leader
Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx
Nile - Felucca overnight sailing trip
Luxor - Karnak Temple
Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)
Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple
Hurghada – Red Sea Snorkelling Adventure
Cairo - Khan al-Khalili bazaar visit
El Alamein - War Museum
Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Alexandria - Morsi Abu El Abbas Mosque
Any international flights to/from Cairo are not included in this price. We always recommend that you arrive 1 day prior to your tour starting date.
Travel insurance is not included in this Explore Egypt tour. Travel insurance is mandatory to buy. World Nomads' travel insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers.
Personal Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
Protected Travel within your own bubble.
Professional Access our Travel Specialists' insider knowledge.
Privacy Enjoy a tour focused solely on you or your travel group.
Earn US$ 49+ in travel credits.
Best price guaranteed.
No credit card or booking fees.
100% financial protection.
Carbon neutral tours.
25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
Read more reasons to book with Bookmundi less Read less

No additional cancellation fees apply for this Explore Egypt tour. You can cancel the tour up to 58 days prior departure and avoid paying the full amount, but your deposit paid is non-refundable. No refund applies for cancellations within 57 days of departure.

For any tour departures within 12 June 2024, full payment is required. For tours that depart later than 12 June 2024, a deposit is required to confirm this tour, and the remaining balance will be charged 57 days before trip departure.

Explore Egypt tour requires that you have adequate and valid travel insurance covering medical and personal accidents, including repatriation costs and emergency evacuation. World Nomads offers travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families.

For this Explore Egypt tour getting the required visa(s) is the responsibility for each individual traveller, as visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. We recommend to check with your local embassies representing the countries that you are traveling to, as part of this itinerary.

Before booking this trip we recommend that you read the ‘Safety’ section of the Essential Trip Information regarding special safety considerations for Egypt trips.
The Nile felucca cruise is an amazing experience, but you'll be sharing a sleeping area with your fellow group members for the night and using a shared bathroom facility on board.
The walkways around ruins can be uneven, dusty and rocky, so be sure to bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. At major sites such as the pyramids, you can expect to be exposed to the elements at length, so be prepared with a hat, sunscreen and plenty of fluids.
The temperatures in Egypt can be extreme, from very hot to very cold (it even snows in some places). Be sure to bring a varied wardrobe so you can layer up.
Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is no longer mandatory on departures after 1st January 2023. Nonetheless, all travellers are strongly advised to be vaccinated as a safety measure to protect themselves and others on the tour. This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination are required.
Also, proof of vaccination may still be required at specific entry points or by the airlines. Therefore, please make sure to check all the travel requirements carefully before travelling.

This trip incorporates the following COVID-19 measures:

This tour has received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travels stamp, which provides travellers with assurance that COVID-19 health and hygiene global standardised protocols have been adopted.
Hygiene and safety guidelines will be followed to ensure your well being is looked after during travels.

Physical preparation
Food and dietary requirements
Money matters
Climate and seasonal
Your fellow travellers
Itinerary disclaimer
Important information
A couple of rules
Joining point instructions
Finish point instructions
Egypt Experience
Egypt Adventure
Morocco Uncovered
Best of Morocco
Vic Falls Short Break
North Morocco Adventure
Land of Belize
Egypt tour packages
Egypt group tours
Africa tour packages
Jordan tour packages
morocco tour packages
Israel tour packages
Kenya tour packages
Spring 2024/2025
Summer 2024/2025
Winter 2024/2025
August 2024
September 2024
October 2024
November 2024
December 2024
January 2025
February 2025
Europe Tours
Everest Base Camp Trek
Italy Tours
Spain Tours
Argentina Tours
Canada Tours
Sri Lanka Tours
Chile Tours
Antarctica Tours

If you book the Explore Egypt tour within the next 5 days , you can get by applying the following code:

Sign-in to unlock instant trip discounts. Create wish lists and save up to USD 1,500.

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

Intrepid Travel Review – the Largest “Small Group” Adventure Travel Company

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

769 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

31 Published Articles 3100 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

Director of Operations & Compliance

1 Published Article 1170 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 10 U.S. States Visited: 20

Intrepid Travel Review – the Largest “Small Group” Adventure Travel Company

Who Are Intrepid Travel Tours Good For?

Intrepid travel styles, destinations, intrepid australia, intrepid cambodia, intrepid costa rica, intrepid cuba, intrepid egypt, intrepid greece, intrepid iceland, intrepid india, intrepid jordan, intrepid morocco, intrepid peru, intrepid sri lanka, intrepid vietnam, intrepid travel reviews, intrepid travel vs. g adventures, intrepid travel insurance, intrepid promo code, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Traveling the world is an exciting adventure, but for many, it can be a stressful experience. Worries of safety, navigation, and tackling language barriers can be enough to put off many travelers, especially if you’re considering going solo.

Intrepid has been operating small group tours for over 30 years and is one of the major leaders in the industry. You can choose from over 1,000 tours to 100 destinations, selecting the comfort level that suits your budget and travel style. You’ll be guided throughout your journey — right from the point of booking — with advice on visas , currency, and other essential trip information .

Intrepid has been a fully carbon-neutral company since 2010 by investing in projects that actively reduce CO2 emissions. So you can feel safe in the knowledge that you’re traveling as green as possible while embarking on your adventure. Intrepid small group tours usually accommodate up to 16 people but tend to have an average of around 10.

Solo Travelers

Most of us have been in a situation where we’ve been desperate to go traveling, but none of our friends or family are in the position to go with us. You’re then left with the dilemma of going it alone or missing out on the experience altogether. Thankfully, that’s where a small group tour can help.

Even though you’re traveling solo, you’re never really alone on an Intrepid tour. There are rarely single supplement rates as you’ll buddy up with another traveler of the same gender. Of course, you still have the option to upgrade to your own room if you would like to.

Friends or Groups

Joining a tour with a group of friends is great if you like the idea of spending time with them while also being open to mixing with other people. No one likes being the organizer, so joining a small group tour eliminates the pressure from 1 person having to book everything and manage payments. You’re all equal participants on an Intrepid tour.

If you’re traveling with children under 17 , you’re welcome to join a family tour. Let someone else do the organizing and navigating so that you can enjoy the experience of traveling with your family . An Intrepid family tour can be a fun and educational experience for your child and can help them gain confidence by interacting with new people.

Hot Tip: You might have a long flight or some lengthy road trips to contend with. Prepare yourself with some entertainment by checking out the best podcasts and audiobooks for travel .

If you’re on a budget or believe that a hotel is simply somewhere to rest your head for the night, a Basix Tour could be for you. This tour style focuses on simple accommodation (such as camping or homestays) and lots of free time, so you’re not spending money on excursions that you have no interest in.

Original Tours combine tourist-class accommodation (2- to 3-star hotels) with local and private transport. There’s a blend of planned excursions and independent exploration , suiting those travelers looking for a balance between guided local knowledge and free time.

Comfort Tours feature more comfortable and unique accommodation with more frills than the Basix and Original Tours. Private transport is used throughout, and these tours run at a slower pace with exploration and activities usually led by a guide.

Intrepid Travel Tour Themes and Destinations

18 to 29s tours.

As the name suggests, these tours are specifically for those that fall into the 18- to 29-years-old age bracket and tend to cover the highlights of a destination with lots of free time. With around 10 people per tour, there are plenty of opportunities for making friends , while also allowing you to explore independently if you prefer.

Hot Tip: Contiki is a similar tour company that caters to young travelers in a similar age bracket — 18 to 35 years old. Some tours can accommodate much larger groups, upwards of 50 people. Read more about the tour types and destinations in our Contiki review !

Adventure Cruising

Adventure Cruises accommodate less than 50 passengers so the ships can explore places that large cruise liners can’t reach. Groups are large enough to socialize with various travelers but are small enough to feel that your arrival on land doesn’t swarm a destination impacting that local experience.

Hot Tip: Our ultimate cruise vacation packing checklist helps ensure that you have everything you need to be dressed for any occasion.

Cycling Tours

Cycling Tours are an excellent way to enjoy the journey and the destination , peddling along with incredible views and authentic encounters. Each tour has a physical rating , so you can determine whether the trip is right for you, and includes a tour leader and support vehicle.

Hot Tip: If you’re an adventure seeker, you’ll want to pack all of the essentials for your next active vacation.

Family Tours

Family Tours consist of family-friendly activities and accommodation mixed with flexible free time. Your tour leader will be specifically trained in family travel with groups accommodating 3 to 5 like-minded families.

Food Tours will give you a true flavor of some of the world’s most famous culinary destinations . Discover fresh food markets and local restaurants, or try your hand at a cooking class.

Lonely Planet Experiences

Intrepid has partnered with Lonely Planet to provide exciting tours for adventurous and independent travelers. Seek out the mountain gorillas of Uganda or ride the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. You’ll have a knowledgeable local leader and can read all about the destination before your trip with 12 months of free access to the Lonely Planet app .

Hot Tip: Tours often include a fair bit of walking to see the sights, so you’ll need a good pair of hiking boots or shoes .

Polar Tours

They may be polar opposites, but the Arctic Circle and the Antarctic have 1 thing in common — they’re both incredible destinations. Look out for polar bears and the Northern Lights in the Arctic and kayak among breaching whales in the Antarctic. Exploration ships have modern amenities , and expert leaders hold interesting seminars and guide travelers on exciting excursions.

Hot Tip: One of our writers sailed to Antarctica on a trip booked through Intrepid .

Retreats are short breaks that could be just a short drive or flight from your home, where you live and explore as the locals do . All retreats feature 1 accommodation, so you’ll only have to unpack once with all your free time spent immersing yourself in the local community rather than traveling.

Other Tour Themes

Active Adventures
Expeditions
Short Breaks
Tailor Made
Urban Adventures
Walking and Trekking
Women’s Expeditions

Hot Tip: Avoid the temptation of pickpockets and keep your hands free to explore with these crossbody bags and purses .

Intrepid Travel offers over 1,000 tours to over 100 countries within these continents and regions:

Antarctica/Arctic
Australia and Oceania
Central America
Middle East
North America
South America

Intrepid Travel Top Tours

From lush rainforests and glistening beaches to baron deserts and cosmopolitan cities, Australia is a country of contrasts. Every region is uniquely different, and due to the sheer size of the country, it’s unlikely that you’ll get to see everything in a single trip. Most tours stick within a particular region . You could be snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, heading out to Kangaroo Island, or exploring the vineyards of the Margaret River.

Includes transportation, accommodation, most meals, and some excursions

Hot Tip: As flights are not included in the tour price, you may want to check out the best ways to fly to Australia with points and miles

The Cambodian people are the country’s shining stars. Incredibly friendly with smiles all around, this inspiring nation has risen from the 1970s bloodshed of the Khmer Rouge and welcomes visitors with open arms. It’s an unforgettable moment seeing the sunrise over Angkor Wat or spotting a rare freshwater dolphin swimming along the Mekong Delta.

Includes transportation, accommodation, some meals, and most activities

With an ecotourism scene , farm-to-table restaurants, and unspoiled natural surroundings, it’s not surprising that Costa Rica’s motto is “Pura Vida” – the pure life. Spot toucans in the mysterious cloud forests, try your hand at a surf lesson, or glide through treetop canopies on a zipline adventure. There is so much to see and do in Costa Rica , and with a tour, you can let someone else do the driving.

Includes transportation, accommodation, and some activities

Hot Tip: Intrepid tours use locally run guesthouses, homestays, and restaurants to support local communities rather than large chains.

When you think of Cuba, you think of colorful colonial buildings, vintage cars, and turquoise waters. But there is so much more to see apart from the vibrant capital Havana and its beautiful beaches. Head out to Vinales to tour a traditional tobacco plantation or enjoy some salsa dancing in historical Trinidad.

Includes transportation, accommodation, and excursions

Egypt is a land of ancient wonders with a history as long as the Nile itself. Marvel at the magnificent pyramids and bargain for souvenirs in the bustling bazaars of Cairo. Sail down the River Nile on a traditional felucca and discover the ancient city of Luxor and the Valley of the Kings.

Includes transportation, accommodation, excursions, and some meals

Discover the ancient ruins of Athens before crossing the Aegean to island-hop your way between the beautiful Greek islands. Weave your way around the cute whitewashed houses of Santorini or explore the clifftop ruins of Delphi. Greece is also renowned for its nightlife , whether you’re looking for a quiet bar to watch the sunset or a club to dance into the early hours.

From bubbling hot springs to mountain glaciers, and lush green landscapes to frozen waterfalls, Iceland’s diverse landscape is one of the main attractions that draw visitors to the land of fire and ice. That and the prospect of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Take a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon or simply chat with locals in Reykjavik or any of the friendly coastal towns.

India captivates many visitors with its thriving culture, historical sights, wild beaches, and wildlife. The busy cities and sometimes intense atmosphere prevent many from venturing to India independently, and taking a tour can alleviate the pressure . If you love exploring temples, then you’re in for a treat as India has millions.

Soak up the history of the Silk Road, explore the mysterious deserts of Wadi Rum, and visit the magnificent ruins of Petra. Jordan is a haven for history buffs and adventurers alike . For a more relaxed pace, travelers can watch an Arabian sunrise from their Bedouin camp or float in the mineral-rich Red Sea, enjoying every minute of the famous Jordanian hospitality.

Includes transportation, accommodation, and some meals and excursions

Wander around chaotic and colorful Marrakesh before changing up the scenery with a trip into the Atlas Mountains where you can hike and visit a Berber village. Amble across the Sahara Desert by camel to reach your Bedouin camp or enjoy yoga or surfing in the coastal towns of Essaouira and Taghazout.

Hike within the Andes to reach Machu Picchu — the most well-preserved archeological site for ancient Incan civilizations. Although these mountain ruins are the most visited attraction in Peru , there is so much more to this incredible country. Tours will take you to the unique islands of Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon, and deep into the Amazon Jungle in search of black alligators.

Includes transportation, accommodation, meals, and porters (guided hike)

Hot Tip: Mosquitoes and other biting bugs can be found all over the world. If you prefer to steer clear of DEET-based repellents, take a look at the best natural insect repellents to help protect you.

Due to its modest size, you can see a lot of Sri Lanka in a small space of time . Not that a trip to this enchanting country should be rushed. Savor your journey around the ever-changing landscapes, from the vast plains of the north, the rocky mountains and rain forests of the center, and beautiful beaches framing most of the rugged coastline. See the largest gathering of Asian elephants or go in search of the elusive leopard. The food is delicious, the culture is captivating, and the people are friendly.

Includes transportation, accommodation, and some excursions and meals

All who visit Vietnam are blown away by its natural beauty . Watch farmers harvest rice from the colorful fields or sail around the towering limestone rocks of Halong Bay. The powdery white beaches of Phu Quoc Island are glorious, and wondrous waterfalls and caves make for fantastic photo opportunities. If variety is what you’re after, that is exactly what you’ll get visiting Vietnam. One minute you’re negotiating swarms of motorcycles crossing the road in Hanoi and the next your rafting peacefully down the rivers of Ninh Binh.

Hot Tip: Find out the best ways to fly to Vietnam with points and miles . Currently, there are no direct routes from the U.S. to Vietnam, but with Vietnam Airlines recently receiving the required Air Carrier Permit, this could be on the horizon.

Intrepid Travel is well-reviewed across many of the major review sites. Many customers have recently taken to these sites to negatively review Intrepid’s cancellation and refund policy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trustpilot : 2.8 out of 5
TourRadar : 4.6 out of 5
Facebook : 4.9 out of 5

These are some reviews from Intrepid’s most popular tours, and more can be found on the individual destination pages :

Great Ocean Road Adventure ex Adelaide “Great little trip from Adelaide to Melbourne if you’re short on time and want to see the Great Ocean Road. The guide was excellent and the itinerary packed a lot in!” — Kaitlyn

Cambodian Traveller “A good introduction to the country stopping at the main points of interest. Would highly recommend Intrepid as its a well organized operation which takes the difficulties out of traveling in a less developed country where you don’t speak the language. The tour guide was a great help, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and kind. A great trip.” — Imogen

Classic Costa Rica “This has been my third trip with Intrepid. As usual I enjoyed it immensely. This trip deserves additional high praise. Their guides as usual are top class, very knowledgeable and approachable. They show not only in words but actions, how looking after the environment is a major part of Intrepids policy.” — John

Hola Cuba – for US citizens “The Hola Cuba Trip For US Citizens is an excellent introduction to Cuba, it’s people and their culture. The trip provides glimpses into the urban cultures of Habana, Trinidad and Cienfuegos while also allowing travelers to see the quieter lives of those in Viñales and Las Terrazas. Our guide Andy was very knowledgeable of the history a culture of his homeland and did an amazing job of sharing the beauty of Cuba through experience and storytelling. I absolutely recommend this trip for travelers thirsty to learn about Cuba and its people.” — Jason

Egypt Experience “Our group traveling in Egypt was a group of 10- a perfect number. Our leader was mature, very knowledgeable, organized, and treated us all with respect. He did not hover over us and gave us information to make decisions. To visit the antiquities of Egypt was amazing and we had plenty of time to absorb these awesome sites. Our visit to a Nubian village and share a family meal was special. This trip is highly recommended.” — Margaret & Tom

Sail Greece: Santorini to Mykonos “Our sailing adventure true Greek islands was an unforgettable experience! If You love sailing and want to see a real beauty of Greece this trip is for you. Swimming and snorkeling in turquoise water, cave exploration, hiking, beautiful sunsets, sunrises and delicious food are all guaranteed. Great mixture of adventure, relaxation and fun. We also had the best skipper ever, Rita. She was so friendly and knowledgeable. Took the best care of us.! Unbelievable woman with a great personality. She shows us so many beautiful places that we couldn’t even imagine. The boat was way over 10 years old, not 5 as in booklet. All through we had a great trip with great people :)” — Marcin

Northern Lights Escape “I had huge expectations of Iceland. My 6 day Intrepid small group tour (9 of us), met them all. Stefano, our guide, was fantastic – funny, knowledgeable and took great care of us. The itinerary allowed us to see and experience all the amazing highlights of Iceland, and more, even though we didn’t luck out with the aurora. Our tour was early March, so everything was white. I’d do it all again in a flash, and will return and do it in summer, too! I highly recommend Intrepid. Just do it!” — Margi

India’s Golden Triangle – For Solo Travellers “This trip was fantastic! I wasn’t sure what to expect as I hadn’t done anything like this before but I’m so glad I booked it. All the hotels were of a good standard as were the tours and transport. Shakti was a fantastic tour leader as was the group I travelled with. I will cherish the memories of this trip forever. I can’t wait to book another trip!” — Chantal

Trek Jordan “Great trip. Ticked all the boxes I was looking for. Loved floating in the Dead Sea and the accommodation there was outstanding. Petra was awesome, especially the trek to the Monastery. That was a great day. Loved trekking Wadi Rum too. What a landscape – no wonder they used it for “The Martian” and other movies. And our guide Muhammad was brilliant – couldn’t have asked for better!” — Robert

Best of Morocco “Intrepid provided an authentic and special experience. I knew my money was going to the people who needed it most. Due to Intrepid’s dedication to providing socially and environmentally conscious tours, the tour drew a unique, like-minded group of people who shared similar values and an appreciation of diverse cultures and the environment. This, along with the exceptional tour guide, are why I will continue to travel with Intrepid in the future. Thank you for a trip of a lifetime!” — Penelope

Quarry Trail to Machu Picchu Extension “This may not be the Inca Trail, but it is still beautiful and cultural. To stand in the Andes and listen to the silence, there are no words. It is still pristine as you wander up through farming communities and then on to the highlands. The waterfall is rather spectacular also and of course Machu Picchu itself. If you are lucky enough to have Kleberth Ovalle as your guide, you will leave much enriched.” — Deb

Cycle Sri Lanka “A wonderful experience to cycle through the country, meeting the local communities and sampling the local food. Some days the terrain was challenging and I was pleased I had an e-bike! Our guide Dodan was enthusiastic, well informed and always went above and beyond the call of duty. A great holiday and one I would thoroughly recommend.” — Heather

Vietnam Express Northbound “This trip gave an excellent overview of Vietnam. The presence of a guide made navigating a country with such a different language and culture to ours much easier. The transport was safe and well organised. Hotels were well situated and clean. We had plenty opportunities to explore on our own but there was always plenty of advice offered about places to avoid.” — Carol

Intrepid Travel and G Adventures are very similar in their product offerings, both offering a wide range of destinations and tour types. Intrepid has over 1,000 tours to over 100 counties , so it does exceed G Adventures’ 700 tours if the range is a factor for you.

Price-wise, both operators are pretty much on par with each other , but if you are comparing a similar itinerary, do check what inclusions are featured as some Intrepid packages include more bang for your buck than G Adventures.

Travel insurance is mandatory when traveling on an Intrepid tour, and your tour leader will need to see documentation before you set off. Although Intrepid doesn’t offer travel insurance, it recommends booking through World Nomads .

Intrepid recommends that your travel insurance covers you for:

Medical expenses and emergency repatriation
Personal liability
Cancellation
Curtailment
Loss of luggage and personal effects

Hot Tip: Don’t get overwhelmed with the variety of travel insurance options available! We’ve created an ultimate guide to buying the best travel insurance to help simplify the process. You may also have travel coverages and benefits offered by your credit card .

While it’s unlikely that you’ll find Intrepid Travel promo codes on third party websites, Intrepid does frequently feature offers for specific destinations or tours that need a push. You’ll also find that booking well in advance can provide savings of 10% to 15% . No promo codes are required to obtain these deals; just visit the Travel Deals page on the Intrepid website.

The heart of Intrepid Travel is in its tour leaders — friendly locals, born and bred in the countries you’re discovering. Who better to show you around? Intrepid’s are some of the best in the industry and are consistently praised in customer reviews for the knowledge and personality they bring to the table.

If you’re thinking about your first tour, or have traveled with another tour operator before, don’t hesitate to give Intrepid a go. You’ll have the most extensive choice of tours and destinations of any operator and the comfort of knowing that you’re traveling with a company committed to having a positive impact on the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is intrepid travel a good company.

Intrepid Travel is well-reviewed across many of the major review sites. Most recently, many customers have taken to these sites to negatively review Intrepid’s cancellation and refund policy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. But overall, the actual tours are highly reviewed.

Where is Intrepid Travel based?

Intrepid was founded in Australia and has offices in Melbourne, Toronto, London, and New York.

Which is better, Intrepid or G Adventures?

Intrepid Travel and G Adventures are very similar in their product offerings, both offering a wide range of destinations and tour types. Intrepid has over 1,000 tours to over 100 counties, so it does exceed G Adventures’ 700 tours, if range is a factor.

Price-wise, both operators are pretty much on par with each other, but if you are comparing a similar itinerary, do check what inclusions are featured as some Intrepid packages include more bang for your buck than G Adventures.

Are flights included in Intrepid Tours?

Flights are not included in the tour prices you see on the Intrepid website, however, you can book your flights through Intrepid. If you book your flights independently, you need to make sure you arrive in time for your welcome meeting on the first day of your tour.

What age group travels with Intrepid?

All age groups are catered for with Intrepid. 18-29s Tours and Family Tours are the only types that come with age restrictions; anyone else is free to join the other tours. Children over the age of 15 are permitted on most tours, provided they are accompanied by an adult over 18.

Was this page helpful?

About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE ™

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

American Express Green Card — Full Review [2023]

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

Middle East

Egypt Experience

12 Days Starting and ending in Cairo

Visiting: Cairo, Alexandria, Alexandria - Cairo - Overnight Train, Aswan, Abu Simbel - Nile River Cruise, Nile River Cruise, Luxor

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

Physical rating:.

15-99 years

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

Trip styles:.

Small Group

Cultural , Gardens & Nature Tours , Ruins-Archaeology

Activities:

Art Galleries & Museums , Boat/Cruise Excursion

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour overview.

Set sail down the Nile – one of the world’s most iconic rivers. Relax in comfort as scenes of everyday Egyptian life stream by and experience day turn to night from your sundeck.

Join a local family in a small village near Aswan for a memorable night of Nubian hospitality. Learn about this ancient culture while sharing a special dinner with your hosts.

Wander the treasure-filled halls of the Egyptian Museum and stroll through past the colours and aromas of the Khan al-Khalili Bazaar in Egypt’s capital, Cairo.

Explore the marvels, mythology and mystery of Ancient Egypt, including the Pyramids at Giza and the tombs of iconic pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings, with expert guides providing a local insight.

Explore the magnificent temples at Abu Simbel and see the four gargantuan statues of Ramses guarding the Great Temple, carved directly out of the mountain on the west bank of the Nile.

Brush shoulders with the locals and meet some of the many store owners as you stroll through the famous bazaars of Aswan, Luxor and Khan al-Khalili in Egypt’s capital, Cairo.

Not what you're looking for?

People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:

Day 1: Cairo

Location: cairo, accommodation: hotel.

Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Egypt. You'll be met on arrival at Cairo International Airport and transferred to your hotel, before your Egyptian adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. Cairo is one of the great cities of antiquity and its history can be symbolised by two imposing landmarks – the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. If you have some time spare, perhaps get out and explore the busy city streets or visit the Cairo Citadel which dates back to 1176 and is home to multiple museums and mosques. Included Activities: - Complimentary Arrival Transfer Optional Activities: - Cairo - Coptic Museum (entrance fee) - Cairo - Islamic Art Museum (entrance fee) - Cairo - Urban Adventures Downtown Cairo Tour - Cairo - The Citadel (entrance fee) - Cairo - Saqqara and Memphis Afternoon Tour (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport)

Day 2: Cairo

Meals included: breaksfast.

This morning after breakfast you’ll see two of the world’s most iconic sights – the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Explore these structures which have stood tall for over 4500 years, and for an additional charge, you may be able to go inside the Great Pyramid of Khufu, although occasionally it’s closed to visitors. Afterwards, your adventure continues to the Egyptian Museum, home to one of the world's great collections of ancient artefacts. The masses of gleaming artefacts recovered from the tomb of Tutankhamun are an impressive sight – from jewellery to the famous golden death mask and his gilded sarcophagi, this pharaoh was certainly prepared for the afterlife. Included Activities: - Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx - Cairo - Egyptian Museum Optional Activities: - Cairo - The Great Pyramid of Cheops (entrance fee) - Cairo - The 3rd Pyramid of Menkawre (entrance fee) - Cairo - Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids Tour (minimum 2 persons) (entrance, guide & transport)

Day 3: Alexandria

Location: alexandria.

Day 4: Alexandria - Cairo - Overnight Train

Location: alexandria - cairo - overnight train, accommodation: overnight sleeper train, meals included: breaksfast, dinner.

Day 5: Aswan

Location: aswan.

Day 6: Abu Simbel - Nile River Cruise

Location: abu simbel - nile river cruise, accommodation: cruise boat, meals included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 7: Nile River Cruise

Location: nile river cruise.

Day 8: Nile River Cruise

Day 9: Luxor

Location: luxor.

Day 10: Luxor

Day 11: Cairo

Day 12: Cairo

What's Included

Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

Cairo - Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

Cairo - The Egyptian Museum headset

Alexandria - Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

Cairo - Egyptian Museum

Alexandria - Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Alexandria - Al Montazah Palace & Gardens

Aswan - Nubian Village Visit and Dinner

Aswan - Philae Temple

Aswan - Felucca Sail

Abu Simbel - Abu Simbel temples

Luxor - Karnak Temple -Entry Fee

Izbat Al Bayyarah - Kom Ombo Temple

Luxor - Colossi of Memnon

Luxor - Tomb of Tut Ankh Amun

Luxor - Valley of the Kings (entrance to 3 tombs)

Luxor - Hatshepsut Temple

Cairo - Khan al-Khalili bazaar visit

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Cruise boat (3 nights), Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)

Private vehicle, Plane, Cruise boat, Felucca, Overnight sleeper train

11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners

Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Alexandria - Fort Qaitbey

Alexandria - Wadi El Natron monasteries

Luxor - Karnak Temple (entrance fee)

Luxor - Tomb of Tutankhamun

What's Not Included

Tipping and Gratuities

International Travel

SECURITY WHILE TRAVELLING
Occasionally you may experience a Tourist Police Escort in your vehicle and whilst not common convoys between select towns or regions are possible. This practice has been implemented by local authorities to monitor the safety and security of visitors to Egypt.
OVERNIGHT TRAIN
On this itinerary, you will be travelling by overnight sleeper train. The sleeper cabins are about 2x1.5 meters and are 2 berths. There are 2 beds on top of each other. Pillows, sheets and blankets are provided. There is also a compartment next to the upper bed for luggage storage and a small sink. Toilets are located at the end of the carriage. Each carriage has 10 cabins which are all lockable from the inside. If you have booked a single supplement you will be assigned to your own berth.
During your journey dinner and breakfast are provided however the meals are very basic and you may wish to bring along your own fresh fruit, snacks and water to supplement these.
NILE RIVERBOAT
You will be staying on a riverboat for the Nile River section of this itinerary. The company we work with has a large fleet of boats and the actual boat can’t be confirmed until 30 days before departure. However you can expect the following facilities; restaurant, bar & sundeck. Most boats will also have a small swimming pool and in that instance, swimming towels will be available for use.
All cabins have ensuites, air conditioning, and windows to enjoy the views of the Nile. Accommodation during the cruise is on a full board basis, often in the form of a buffet. Drinks can be purchased from the bar or restaurant. Bottled drinking water and tea and coffee are available but are not included so please ensure you check prices on board.
Internet is mostly charged at an additional fee. We recommend purchasing a local sim card for your data requirements, please refer to the Communications section of this Essential Trip Information document.
You will have the opportunity to disembark the boat each day as we explore some of the ancient sites included on the itinerary. The boat will also be anchored at port each evening. Only on the odd occasion would it sail at night depending on the water traffic at Esna Lock.
Most often when in port there can be many boats and you may be berthed side by side with another ship. Riverboats have anywhere from 50-70 cabins and you will be sharing the facilities with other travellers not on your tour.
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
ACCOMMODATION STYLE
Some of the accommodation along the way is basic or simple, three and four-star accommodation in the Middle East (with the exception of Israel) is often not equal to same-star facilities in some western destinations. Rooms are clean and comfortable, however, you may note some small maintenance issues that have been overlooked, please assist us by bringing these to the attention of your group leader or local representative so that we can follow up with our hosts. Many restaurants and hotels do not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws. Breakfast is included in 95% or our hotels, pleaser refer to our daily itinerary for meal inclusions.
TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi-share basis.
CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip, we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. Standard check-in time is 1400 hours.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (subject to availability), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
Showers at some hotels only have hot water at peak times (usually morning and evening). Outside of these times, you may need to speak to reception to obtain hot water.
HEATING AND AIR-CONDITIONING
As a desert region, this part of the world has extremes of weather. Winter months (approx December to March) can be very cold. All of our hotel accommodation contains suitable bedding, and simple light bedding is provided during camping activities such as an overnight felucca, desert camps or at the Red Sea Beach camp stay. Most of our travellers find the bedding provided here adequate, but for your own comfort and if you are particularly sensitive to the cold, consider bringing your own sleeping bag, thermals, scarf, gloves and a warm jacket. Some of our guesthouses/hotels don't supply heating. In many cases, this would be a major financial and environmental strain on our hotels and the local towns. Summer (approx June to August) can be very hot everywhere we travel, which means that it can be quite uncomfortable for those not used to the heat. Not all our hotels have air-conditioning, and in those that do, it's not always functioning.
ROOM ISSUES
If you have any issues with your room, please speak to the hotel and your group leader or local representative right away so that the problem can be addressed without delay.

Important Information

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer to have your own room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights on your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included, valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
3. This trip includes a domestic flight. The luggage allowance is 23kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.
4. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for transport and entrance tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.

Check out our Q&As

Is this trip right for you.

Egypt can get hot between June and September, but this is normally a dry heat and easier to cope with than humidity. Where possible we try and visit sites in the early morning before it gets too hot. The walkways around ruins can be uneven, dusty and rocky, so be sure to bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. At major sites such as the Pyramids, you can expect to be exposed to the elements at length, so be prepared with a hat, sunscreen and plenty of fluids. Cairo is notorious for road congestion and air pollution. Be prepared for one of the busiest cities in North Africa. Accommodation aboard the overnight train is in two-berth cabins, which are comfortable and air-conditioned. All bedding is provided, and western-style toilets are located in each carriage. General train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to. An included dinner and breakfast are served on board. You may want to purchase something extra beforehand to supplement your meal, particularly if you have any dietary requirements. The Nile Cruise includes three nights’ accommodation and full board (drinks are not included). Your ship will be docked each night in Aswan, Edfu or Luxor – please see the Itinerary for more details. When docked, Nile cruise ships are moored lengthways alongside each other, and your ship will most likely have a ship on either side. You walk through the other ships to reach the port. Ramadan is an annual month-long festival, during which travel can be a rewarding cultural experience, however some regular services may not be available during the day, such as restaurants or cafes, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider this when selecting your travel dates. You’ll find dates and further information in the ‘Climate and seasonal information’ section of the Essential Trip Information.

Are all entrance fees included in the price?

Yes, except optional activities

Are flights included in this tour?

Are airport transfers included in this tour.

Yes, Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer

Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

Are the local guides on the tour english speaking, are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour, what policies are in place for covid-19.

Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

How long has the tour company been trading?

Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

What ethical travel credentials does the tour company have.

Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this Operator

North american adventure.

This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Cambodia Discovery

The overall experience was fantastic. V good tour leader. All places visited had something special to do or see. I would book a tour with this company again. Only one negative tour hub is not I repeat not available to contact direct by phone.

Explore Southern Africa

Best trip ever was, 2 things I didn't like the black mamba stop was wasting day and village ,so 2 night I think was just wasting, I could do 2 days in Kruger, and one more night in delta

Amazing Guatemala and beyond tour with Intrepid

Did Guatemala and beyond trip in November 22. It was amazing, we were so well looked after by our guide Aura. She was very knowledgeable and during our bus trips she gave us the history of the 4 countries. The border crossings can be tricky but handled very well by our guide. We saw all the most interesting and beautiful places. The hotels were lovely comfortable colonial style. I will travel with intrepid again

Central American Journey

Very enjoyable, good paced Tour. Tour Leader, Choko was helpful, knowledgeable and extremely informative.

Wonderful Croatian tour

Our tour guide,Tamara, was the highlight of our Explore Croatia tour. She was knowledgeable, organized, and so kind and fun. Croatia is a beautiful country. I loved the people, the scenery, the food, the history. I hope to go back one day. Intrepid was perfect for me. There was group time and there was plenty of free time. It wasn’t a luxury tour but all of our accommodations were clean and safe. The dinner in Hvar was SO special!

One Week In Costa Rica

The trip was amazing, everything was well planned out & there wasn't any issues. The tour guide was very friendly and made the experience fun. During the trip I didn't have to worry about safety as we were never put in harms way. I would definitely recommend & do again.

North Morocco Adventure

Touring the beautiful North of Morocco I learned far more than I’d anticipated in this 9 day tour. Interesting sights to see, with knowledgeable local guides, this tour provides a great balance of exposure to a different culture with ample time for relaxation. Chefchaouen is an absolute highlight, & not a place many Morocco trips of this kind go to. Loved it!

Essential Morocca

Essential Morocco was an absolute dream. Every single day had such informative walking tours and tours of local facilities. Whether it was dinner with a local family or visiting a pottery factory, I learned so much about Moroccan culture. The accommodations were safe and I felt secure the entire 11 days. This trip wouldn’t have been the same without one person. That person is Youssef. If you are coming to Morocco with Intrepid and you don’t request Youssef, you’re doing it wrong. Words cannot describe how incredible of a guide he is. There were 3 of us on our trip of 18-29 year olds and he made us all feel so welcome and safe all the time. Whether that is cracking jokes on long drives or giving us the itinerary for the next day, Youssef ensured we felt respected and seen.

Cambodia Adventure

Absolutely superb leader - knowledgeable. fun, safety conscious. Group of 15 travellers from 5 countries who bonded into a solid team. In addition to a fantastic itinerary, our leader’s love of karaoke made the trip unforgettable. It even inspired a song written as a tribute to him.

Dates & Availability

tourhub Discount Available - Sign In

Wednesday - Sunday

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$115 (USD)

Friday - Tuesday

Sunday - Thursday

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$113 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$100 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$98 (USD)

Operator discount: -$685 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$75 (USD)

Operator discount: -$370 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$92 (USD)

Operator discount: -$363 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$90 (USD)

Operator discount: -$544 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$85 (USD)

Operator discount: -$514 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$80 (USD)

Operator discount: -$692 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$76 (USD)

Operator discount: -$1028 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$66 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$84 (USD)

Operator discount: -$171 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$89 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$95 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$99 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$104 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$101 (USD)

Operator discount: -$178 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$93 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$94 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$91 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$88 (USD)

Book with Confidence

Free date changes.

Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

Transfer as credit to Future Tours

Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

Low Deposit

Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

Cancellation Policy

We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

COVID Protection

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19. However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully. This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details.

Terms and Conditions

Click here to read our full terms and conditions

Why book with tourhub?

Safe & secure.

Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.

100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.

The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.

Guaranteed Best Value

Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.

No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.

(Operator terms may apply)

Expert Knowledge

Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.

Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.

Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.

Trusted Service

Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.

Don't just take our word for it...

"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."

Similar Tours

Travel guru features, our reviews.

Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates and travel inspiration.

IMAGES

7 Essential Experiences to Have in Egypt
Egypt Experience
Egypt Experience
Egypt Experience
7 Essential Experiences to Have in Egypt
Explore Egypt

COMMENTS

Egypt Experience
Affordable travel packages and the experience of a lifetime. Book an Intrepid tour today. My Wishlist My Booking 1 800 970 7299 Destinations ... Egypt Experience 12 Days | Follow the Nile in style, for a while. 5 out of 5 based on 570 reviews submitted. Explorer From. USD $2,740. Add to my wishlist ...
Egypt Experience by Intrepid Travel with 87 Tour Reviews (Code: XEKI
Egypt Experience, a 12 days tour from Cairo to Alexandria, Cairo and 4 destinations. Best Selection - Best Price - Trusted Payments. Deals of the Week European Long Weekends Up to 50% OFF. ... 2024, a minimum payment of $400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit ...
Egypt Experience by Intrepid Travel
12 days. Pharaohs, feluccas, temples and tombs. Pyramids, bazaars, mummies and catacombs. Egypt has myriad possibilities to marvel and discover, and on a 12-day cultural expedition to its highlights, you'll understand how time has stood still and why you'll need a history lesson at every turn.
Intrepid Travel Egypt Tours
Egypt tours operated by Intrepid Travel with 347 reviews (8 tours in total). Book and save with TourRadar.com - Best Price Guarantee. Deals of the Week European Long Weekends Up to 50% OFF. Deals end: 18 Apr, 2024 ... Egypt Experience. 4.7 (87 reviews) ...
Egypt Adventure by Intrepid Travel
100+ reviews. 94%. By Intrepid Travel. premier. Health Safety +. USTOA. Small Group Tour. Travel to Egypt and follow the path of the river Nile as you revel in a taste of Egypt's history, beauty and colour on this short but action-packed trip along the longest river in the world. Cruise one of the world's most iconic rivers on a traditional ...
Explore Egypt by Intrepid Travel
94%. Download brochure. By Intrepid Travel. premier. Health Safety +. USTOA. Small Group Tour. Experience the ancient stories and pharaonic cultures that are the quintessential image of Egypt. For 15 days, you'll journey to bustling Cairo, cruise along the Nile in a traditional felucca and explore Luxor, Alexandria and coastal Hurghada.
Egypt Experience by Intrepid Travel
Starting and ending in Cairo, the "Egypt Experience" trip is a guided cultural, religious and historic sites trip that takes 12 days. You will travel through Alexandria, Aswan and Cairo in Egypt. "Egypt Experience" is a small group trip which includes accommodation, transport, meals and others. Pharaohs, feluccas, temples and tombs.
My Egypt Tour with Intrepid Travel: Highlights
I stayed in Egypt for two weeks. Nestled into those 14 days, were eight near-perfect days on the Egypt Adventure tour with Intrepid Travel. Intrepid's itinerary was unique, ambitious and offered a genuinely authentic Egyptian experience. I had never done a group tour before. I usually like exploring on my own. This was new to me.
Egypt Adventure by Intrepid Travel with 227 Tour Reviews ...
Egypt Adventure, a 8 days tour from Cairo to Aswan, Luxor and 1 destination. Best Selection - Best Price - Trusted Payments ... Intrepid was born. Intrepid has come a long way since then, now giving over 100,000 travelers a year the opportunity to experience small group travel across all 7 continents. ... a minimum payment of $400 is required ...
Egypt Experience Tour: Traveling Safely in Egypt with Intrepid Travel
The tour: Egypt Experience with Intrepid Travel. The price: The tour price averages around $2300 per person, depending on departure date. The best time of year to go: Egypt gets ridiculously HOT during the summer months, so I highly recommend visiting as close to winter as you can. I went in late November/early December, and temperatures ...
Essential Egypt by Intrepid Travel with 15 Tour Reviews
Essential Egypt, a 9 days tour from Cairo to Giza, Cairo and 4 destinations. Best Selection - Best Price - Trusted Payments ... Intrepid was born. Intrepid has come a long way since then, now giving over 100,000 travelers a year the opportunity to experience small group travel across all 7 continents. ... a minimum payment of $400 is required ...
Egypt Experience
Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Intrepid's 12 Day Egypt Experience. Pharaohs, feluccas, temples and tombs. Pyramids, bazaars, mummies and catacombs. Egypt has myriad possibilities to marvel and discover, and on a 12-day cultural expedition to its highlights, you'll understand how time has stood still and why you'll need a ...
Egypt experience
Intrepid Travel: Egypt experience - See 170 traveler reviews, 158 candid photos, and great deals for Melbourne, Australia, at Tripadvisor. Skip to main content. Discover. Trips. ... Having returned from a 12 day trip to Egypt, I would highly recommend Intrepid Travel. We had a fantastic trip with the most wonderful guide, Noha, who accommodated ...
Premium Egypt in Depth by Intrepid Travel
Start and end in Cairo, the "Premium Egypt In Depth" trip is a guided luxury tour that takes 15 days. You will travel through Abu Simbel, Alexandria, Aswan and 3 other destinations in Egypt. "Premium Egypt In Depth" is a small group trip which includes accommodation, transport, meals and others. Discover the contrasts of modern and ancient ...
Explore Egypt by Intrepid Travel
"Explore Egypt" is a guided small group tour that includes accommodation, transport, meals and others. Experience the ancient stories and pharaonic cultures that are the quintessential image of Egypt. For 15 days, you'll journey to bustling Cairo, cruise along the Nile in a traditional felucca and explore Luxor, Alexandria and coastal Hurghada.
Intrepid Travel Review
Intrepid Travel has been providing small group tours worldwide for over 30 years. Check out its unique style of tours, epic destinations, reviews, and more. News. ... Egypt Experience "Our group traveling in Egypt was a group of 10- a perfect number. Our leader was mature, very knowledgeable, organized, and treated us all with respect. ...
Tour
Egypt Experience. Egypt Experience. heart_plus +10 +9 +8 +7 +6 +5 +4 +3 +2 +1. location_on 853 Views 12 Days From. $3055 ... Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years . Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations? Yes.

Egypt Experience

Trip overview

Dates and availability

walking through traffic

24 Hours on a Felucca

Karnak Temple

The Homestays

The Pyramids!

Share this:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Essential Egypt

No departure dates available

Places You’ll See

Want to read it later?

What's Included

Operated by Intrepid Travel

Sustainability Initiatives

Customer Reviews

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question about this tour?

Good to Know

Keep Exploring Egypt

Egypt experience - Intrepid Travel

Egypt experience

Explore Egypt

Intrepid Travel Review – the Largest “Small Group” Adventure Travel Company

Who Are Intrepid Travel Tours Good For?

Solo Travelers

Friends or Groups

Intrepid Travel Tour Themes and Destinations

Adventure Cruising

Cycling Tours

Family Tours

Lonely Planet Experiences

Polar Tours

Other Tour Themes

Intrepid Travel Top Tours

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Intrepid Travel based?

Which is better, Intrepid or G Adventures?

Are flights included in Intrepid Tours?

What age group travels with Intrepid?

About Amar Hussain

Egypt Experience

Tour operator:

Guide Type:

Group size:

Special diets catered:

Tour operated in:

Activities:

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Not what you're looking for?

Day 1: Cairo

Day 2: Cairo

Day 3: Alexandria

Day 4: Alexandria - Cairo - Overnight Train

Day 5: Aswan

Day 6: Abu Simbel - Nile River Cruise

Day 7: Nile River Cruise

Day 8: Nile River Cruise

Day 9: Luxor

Day 10: Luxor

Day 11: Cairo

Day 12: Cairo

What's Included

Accommodation

What's Not Included

Important Information

Check out our Q&As

Are all entrance fees included in the price?

Are flights included in this tour?

Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

How long has the tour company been trading?

Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

Reviews of this Operator

Cambodia Discovery

Explore Southern Africa