• 
  

  Included

  6 nights accommodation: 3 nights in Cairo on bed and breakfast and 3 nights on the cruise ship in full board​ in mentioned accommodation or similar

  
  

  Lunch; dinner and afternoon tea during the cruise

  
  

  Lunches in Cairo in local restaurants

  
  

  Airport transfers in modern Air-conditioned vehicle with service of Tour coordinator escorting clients from each point to the next destination​

  
  

  All tours as described in the program with shared English-speaking Egyptologist guide

  
  

  All the admissions for the sightseeing stated in the program​

  
  

  All applicable local taxes

  
  

  Exclusions

  International and domestic Flights​

  
  

  Entry visa to Egypt​

  
  

  Any beverages and meals not mentioned within the program

  
  

  All gratuities & tips during the trip​ (see note below)

  
  

  Camera ticket at sites as required​​

Traveling to Egypt

General Overview

A land of legends and one of the greatest cradles of civilization, Egypt has fascinated travelers for thousands of years. Long before modern tourism existed, Greeks and Romans were already journeying along the Nile to marvel at temples, tombs and monuments left behind by a civilization that spanned more than two millennia. Even today, Egypt continues to inspire awe through the sheer scale of its history, the power of its landscapes and the timeless presence of the Nile.

From the monumental pyramids to the bustling souks, Egypt is a country of contrasts. Ancient wonders coexist with vibrant daily life, where tea is shared on café terraces, shisha smoke drifts through narrow streets, and mosques rise beside crowded neighborhoods. Figures such as Tutankhamun, Cleopatra and Alexander the Great continue to fuel the imagination, while colossal statues, papyrus-like columns and richly decorated tombs bring the past vividly to life. Egypt is not a country to simply observe—it is a country to experience, to understand through its people, and to feel through its rhythm.

Cairo

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is the most populous city in Africa. At first glance, it can feel overwhelming—noisy, chaotic, polluted and intense. Yet beneath this apparent disorder lies a magnetic energy that draws travelers in. Cairo has a soul, an indefinable charm that slowly reveals itself to those willing to explore.

The city is home to some of Egypt’s greatest treasures: the Egyptian Museum, the pyramids of Giza, the vast necropolis of Saqqara and the winding streets of Islamic Cairo. Often the first stop on a journey through Egypt, Cairo serves as an initiation into the country’s culture—both ancient and modern—before travelers continue south along the Nile.

The Sphinx

Standing guard east of the Pyramid of Khafre for over 4,500 years, the Great Sphinx of Giza remains one of Egypt’s most enigmatic monuments. Carved directly from limestone, this colossal figure—73 meters long and 20 meters high—faces the rising sun and watches over the Giza necropolis. Its missing nose, often the subject of myths, was damaged long after antiquity, likely during the Mamluk period. Timeless and mysterious, the Sphinx continues to inspire fascination and debate.

The Pyramids of Giza

The pyramids of Giza are among the most powerful symbols of human achievement. Built more than 4,500 years ago, the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure remain an architectural and archaeological mystery. Admired by travelers since antiquity, they represent the oldest major tourist site on Earth and stand as a testament to the ingenuity of ancient Egypt.

Aswan

Aswan marks the southern gateway to Egypt and forms a natural bridge between Nubia and Africa. The city is known for its relaxed atmosphere, warm hospitality and striking Nile scenery. Visitors can explore the colorful souk, visit the exceptional Nubia Museum, or take a boat to Elephantine Island, home to Nubian villages and archaeological remains.

Nearby lies the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis, beautifully relocated to protect it from rising waters. Aswan is also a starting point for felucca rides on the Nile, offering unforgettable moments of calm and beauty.

Edfu

Located on the west bank of the Nile in Upper Egypt, Edfu is famous for its remarkably preserved Temple of Horus. Built during the Ptolemaic period, this monumental sanctuary dedicated to the falcon god impresses with its massive pylons, towering walls and detailed reliefs depicting ancient rituals. It is one of the finest surviving examples of a classical Egyptian temple.

Luxor

Once the ancient city of Thebes, Luxor is often described as the world’s greatest open-air museum. Situated along the Nile, it was the glorious capital of Pharaonic Egypt for centuries. Today, Luxor rivals Cairo as Egypt’s most visited destination.

The temples of Karnak and Luxor are monumental in scale and breathtaking in detail. Across the river on the West Bank, visitors can explore the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens and countless tombs and temples. Felucca rides at sunset complete an experience that feels both timeless and deeply moving.

Kom Ombo

Located between Luxor and Aswan, Kom Ombo is unique for its double temple dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Perfectly symmetrical, the temple reflects duality in its architecture and reliefs. Overlooking the Nile, it is one of the most striking and well-preserved temples in Egypt.

Abu Simbel

Near Lake Nasser, close to the Sudanese border, Abu Simbel is one of Egypt’s most extraordinary sites. The twin temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari were carved directly into a mountainside. During the construction of the Aswan High Dam, the temples were dismantled and rebuilt 64 meters higher to save them from submersion—an engineering feat as impressive as the monuments themselves.

Valley of the Kings

Hidden in the hills near Luxor, the Valley of the Kings served as the burial ground for Egypt’s New Kingdom pharaohs. Tombs here include that of Tutankhamun and rulers from the 18th, 19th and 20th dynasties. Decorated with vibrant wall paintings, the tombs reveal ancient beliefs about the afterlife and royal power.

Deir el-Bahari

Set dramatically against a cliff face, the funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari is a masterpiece of ancient architecture. Built into the rock with three ascending terraces, it honors one of Egypt’s most powerful female rulers and blends harmoniously with its natural surroundings.

The Nile

Flowing north through the heart of Egypt, the Nile is one of the longest rivers in the world and the lifeblood of the country. Along its fertile banks, Egyptian civilization was born. Today, cruise ships and traditional feluccas glide between Luxor and Aswan, offering travelers a unique perspective on Egypt’s landscapes and monuments.

Colossi of Memnon

Standing before the ruins of the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III on Luxor’s West Bank, the Colossi of Memnon are two towering statues that have watched over the Nile plain for millennia. Though much of the temple has been lost, ongoing excavations continue to reveal new discoveries.

Did You Know…

Obelisks were carved from a single block of stone and transported to the Nile using sleds pulled by thousands of workers. Contrary to popular legend, the Sphinx’s nose was not destroyed by Napoleon’s troops. In ancient Egypt, cats were sacred animals, and harming one—even accidentally—was punishable by death.

Practical Information

Egypt is seven hours ahead of Montreal. The local currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP), and cash remains widely used. ATMs are common in cities, and Visa and MasterCard are accepted for withdrawals, though not always for ticket purchases at tourist sites. Small change is essential for daily transactions and tipping.

Electricity runs on 220 volts, similar to Europe. Arabic is the official language, with Egyptian Arabic spoken daily.

Cuisine

Egyptian cuisine reflects a blend of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and North African influences. Meals are often shared mezze-style, with multiple dishes placed on the table. Staples include foul (stewed fava beans), koshary, taameyya (Egyptian falafel), stuffed vine leaves, grilled meats and rich soups such as molokhia.

Fresh juices, herbal teas, Turkish-style coffee and sweet mint tea are widely enjoyed. Local beer and wine are available, though alcohol availability may vary during religious periods.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Traditional craftsmanship remains vibrant in Egypt. Souks offer jewelry, spices, papyrus, alabaster, copperware, textiles, carpets and blown glass. Bargaining is part of the culture and should be approached with patience and good humor.

Religion and Culture

Around 90% of Egyptians are Muslim, primarily Sunni, while most Christians belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church. Religion plays a visible role in daily life, and visitors are encouraged to dress respectfully, especially in religious sites.

Safety and Health

Egypt is generally safe for travelers who exercise standard precautions. It is advisable to drink bottled water, avoid ice cubes and consult a travel health clinic before departure. The Canadian Embassy is located in Cairo.

Final Thought

Egypt is not simply a destination—it is a journey through time. From the grandeur of its monuments to the warmth of its people, every moment leaves a lasting impression. Long after returning home, the magic of Egypt continues to resonate.

Rihla sa‘ida — Enjoy your trip.

Name: Best of Egypt

Brand: tripcentral tours

Quality: First Class

Tour Type: Escorted

Start City: Cairo

End City: Luxor

Vacation Overview:

Highlights :

Full day excursion Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo & Bazaar

Full day excursion Pyramids/Sphinx

3 Nights Cruise including Philae Temple, High-Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, Kom-Ombo, Luxor Temple and Valley of the Kings.