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Ancient Egypt: Pyramids & Deserts

Cairo - Cairo

Pyramids, Nile sailing, desert dunes and temples.

  • 9 Days
  • 7 Places
  • 11 Activities

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Ancient Egypt: Pyramids & Deserts
Save U$740 From U$1,850 U$1,110 / person Check Dates →

From U$1,850

U$1,110 / person

Just U$123.00 per day

Save40% Off Save U$740
Next Departure 13 Feb 2027
Duration 9 Days
Check Dates →
Flexible payments

Pay a U$280 deposit and spread the rest interest-free.
Balance due 60 days before departure.

ATOL Protected ABTA — Travel With Confidence

9 Days of Egypt's Biggest Bucket-List Moments

Nine days, one legendary country. We start in Cairo face to face with the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, sail the Nile on a traditional felucca, then pedal past Luxor's Valley of the Kings with the locals who know it best. Sandboard the dunes of Wadi al Hitan, haggle in Khan El Khalili and swap stories with friends you met a week ago. Egypt, we're coming for you.

classic travel style logo

Travel Style

When we say classic, we mean the perfect balance of culture, adventure, beaches and parties. High number of inclusions, low cost. Tru-ly authentic experiences from home-stays & hostels to beach huts, hotels and boats. A classic tour means maximum adventure, minimum hassle.

What You Get

Included As Standard

Transport
Overnight Train All internal transport
Meals
8 x Breakfasts 1 x Dinner
Local Legend
Not your typical guide, more like a mate who happens to know the way.
Accommodation
8 Nights Twin Share Accommodation

Included Activities

5 Experience Types · 1 Intentional Journey

Local Lens

Experiences

Direct connections with local culture, traditions, and communities. Cooking with families, exploring neighbourhoods with locals, and participating in generational cultural practices.

Rise Up

Experiences

Intentional challenges in supportive settings. Summit hikes, independent navigation, and experiences that push your limits.

Bucket List

Experiences

World-famous landmarks, extraordinary landscapes, and universally recognised destinations that inspire travel aspirations.

Tru-ly Unique

Experiences

The moments you won’t get anywhere else! These experiences are exclusive to Tru trips and really are something special!

Unplugged

Experiences

Intentional slowness, presence, and tech-free moments in nature or group settings enable reflection and authentic connection.

Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx
Day 2

Stand in front of the Great Pyramids of Giza, the last surviving wonder of the ancient world, then come face to face with the legendary Sphinx. You've seen it in books. Now it's your turn.

Explore the Grand Egyptian Museum
Day 2

Step inside the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to the world's biggest collection of ancient Egyptian treasures, including the entire Tutankhamun collection. Look up as you enter: a giant statue of Ramesses II towers over the atrium.

Visit the Temple of Philae
Day 3

Hop on a boat to the island Temple of Philae, a shrine to the goddess Isis that was rescued stone by stone from rising Nile waters. Its riverside setting makes it one of Egypt's most beautiful temples.

Explore Elephantine Island
Day 3

Explore Elephantine Island in the middle of the Nile, wandering through colourful Nubian villages and slowing down to island pace. It's a peaceful escape from the buzz of Aswan.

Traditional Felucca Boat Trip on the Nile
Day 4

Set sail on a traditional felucca and drift along the Nile as palm-lined banks and golden desert slide by. Kick back, feel the breeze and enjoy one of the best mornings of the trip.

Explore Edfu Temple
Day 4

Visit the best-preserved temple in Egypt, dedicated to the falcon god Horus. Wander through towering gateways and halls covered in ancient carvings that have survived for thousands of years.

Fantasia Project Bike Ride
Day 5

Hop on a bike and pedal through the local countryside with a community project, taking in village life and scenery you'd never spot from a bus window. Your ride supports the people showing you around.

Pottery Workshop
Day 6

Get your hands dirty at a pottery workshop, learning traditional techniques from local artisans and shaping your very own creation to take home. Wonky pots are part of the fun.

Desert Sandboarding
Day 7

Strap in and fly down the golden Egyptian dunes on a sandboard. Wipeouts are guaranteed, but so are the laughs, and you'll be climbing back up for one more run.

Explore Khan El Khalili Market
Day 8

Dive into Cairo's legendary Khan El Khalili bazaar, a maze of lanes packed with spices, lanterns, jewellery and souvenirs. Brush up on your haggling, then grab a mint tea at a traditional café.

Stroll Al-Muizz Street
Day 8

Stroll down Al-Muizz Street, the heart of historic Islamic Cairo, lined with medieval mosques, madrasas and ornate facades. It's like walking through an open-air museum, with the city buzzing all around you.

Itinerary

1

Welcome To Cairo

Touchdown in Egypt, the land of pyramids, deserts and hieroglyphics. Drop your bags, then meet your Local Legend and the group you'll share the next nine days with. Tonight it's our first group dinner: icebreakers, great food and the start of some brilliant friendships. The adventure kicks off tomb-orrow. Sorry, we had to.

  • Cairo
2

Pyramids, Sphinx And Grand Museum

After breakfast, we head straight for the Great Pyramid of Giza, 138.5 metres tall and the last standing Ancient Wonder of the World. Next, the Sphinx. In the afternoon, we swap the oldest sights in Cairo for one of its newest, the Grand Egyptian Museum. Tonight we board the overnight train south to Aswan.

  • Overnight Train
  • Visit the Great Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx
  • Explore the Grand Egyptian Museum
  • 1 x Breakfast
Bucket List
Local Lens
3

Philae Temple And Elephantine Sunset

Wake up 800 km later, rolling through the Egyptian desert into Aswan. First stop is the Temple of Philae, then we check in. The afternoon is yours to chill or explore the local area. As the sun drops we head to Elephantine Island, a little isle on the Nile that feels like something special, and finish with dinner together.

  • Aswan
  • Visit the Temple of Philae
  • Explore Elephantine Island
  • 1 x Breakfast, 1 x Dinner
Local Lens
4

Felucca On The Nile

This morning we're on the water, sailing north on a traditional felucca with brunch on board. Good food, river views, zero stress. Back on land we explore Edfu Temple, then drive on to Luxor. Check in, drop your bags and dive straight into Luxor Market for the evening.

  • Luxor
  • Traditional Felucca Boat Trip on the Nile
  • Explore Edfu Temple
  • 1 x Breakfast
Bucket List
5

Luxor By Bike With Locals

Early start to beat the heat. We join a community enterprise project and cycle Luxor with local guides, ticking off the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon. After lunch and some downtime, we visit Karnak Temple, the largest religious building ever constructed. This evening we hop on the overnight train back towards Cairo.

  • Luxor
  • Overnight Train
  • Fantasia Project Bike Ride
  • 1 x Breakfast
Local Lens
6

Faiyum And A Pottery Workshop

Our train pulls into Cairo early and we head straight to Faiyum, a spot many travellers miss. Check in, then the afternoon is yours: wander the village streets, chat with locals and take it all in. Late afternoon, get your hands dirty at a pottery workshop and make your own masterpiece. We wrap up with a well-earned dinner.

  • Faiyum
  • Pottery Workshop
  • 1 x Breakfast
7

Sandboarding At Wadi Al Hitan

Adventure day. We travel out to Wadi al Hitan, with all its golden dunes and dramatic rock formations. Grab your photos, then grab a board and carve down the sand like a surfer. Once you've had your fill of adrenaline (and sand in places sand shouldn't be), we head back, and the rest of the day is yours to relax and recharge.

  • Wadi al Hitan
  • Desert Sandboarding
  • 1 x Breakfast
Rise Up
8

Cairo Markets And Farewell Dinner

Back to where it all began. This afternoon we dive into Khan El Khalili market and historic Al-Muizz Street for bustling lanes and souvenir haggling. Then we check in and the rest of the afternoon is free. Tonight we head out for our farewell dinner to celebrate the friends we've made and the places we've explored together.

  • Cairo
  • Explore Khan El Khalili Market
  • Stroll Al-Muizz Street
  • 1 x Breakfast
9

Chilled Checkout

And just like that, it's time to say goodbye. Share stories, swap numbers and soak up the last few moments with your crew. When you're ready, check out and our team will help with your onward travel, whether that's the airport, the train station or your next adventure. Safe travels, and see you again soon.

  • Cairo
  • 1 x Breakfast
  • Help with onwards travel

Map

Where You'll Stay

FAQs

Where does the trip start & finish?

The trip starts and ends in Cairo.

Which airport do I need to fly into and out of?

Cairo International airport or Sphinx international airport.

What kind of accommodation is included on this trip?

The accommodation on this trip is twin share rooms.

Is my arrival transfer included? Or how do I get to the start location?

No, it is not included. You can arrange this through the sales team via info@trutravels.com.

What is the currency in Egypt?

The Egyptian pound.

Can I book a pre-night/airport transfer?

You can book pre-nights, airport transfers and other extras at the time of booking or up to 7 days before the tour starts.

These can be booked:
-Through your online account area
-Through our sales team, you can contact them at info@trutravels.com

Is my money protected?

Yep! You will never lose your money. You’re protected. TruTravels is both ABTA and ATOL registered meaning your money is safe.

Do you have age limits for your tours?

Most of the people that join us on tour are 18-thirtysomethings! We do have an upper age limit of 45 on our tours. If you are over 45 and have travelled with us before please contact our sales team at info@trutravels.com.

 

Our Essentials trips are exclusively built for travellers aged 18-29! Don't worry if this isn't you - our incredible Classic, Flashpacker, Limited Edition, Multi-country and Ski tours are open to everyone under 45! There's a perfect style of tour for everyone - happy browsing!

Can you cater for my dietary requirements on this trip?

Yes! Let us know when you are booking your trip about any requirements you might have we can plan ahead and make sure this doesn’t affect your trip!

Do many TruTravellers travel alone?

Yes, the majority of our travellers will be travelling on their own! Roughly 65% of our TruTravellers come solo! We have designed our trips specifically with solo travellers in mind, so you can be assured you’ll meet lots of others travelling alone like yourself along the way. This of course doesn’t mean our trips are only for solo travellers, but it does mean that you don’t need to worry you’ll be surrounded by a group that already knows each other.

Will I be able to contact/meet people before the tour starts?

Yes, of course! You will receive a welcome email from your tour leader a week before your tour starts. This will include a QR code to join the group chat on WhatsApp and other important information before joining. In the meantime, you can join our Facebook group TruTravellers to connect with others.

Are TruTravels tours drinking and party-oriented?

No! Whether you love a sunset beer or prefer an early night in order to make the most out of every day, or even a bit of both, it's up to you how you spend your time on tour! Our guides are always on hand to suggest a range of evening activities on tour. From night markets to rooftop bars, fire shows and local cultural experiences, there's a huge variety of options! There's no pressure, ever - it's your adventure after all!

Do I have to arrive at a specific time?

You’re welcome to arrive at any time on Day 1 of the tour. Hotel/hostel check-in is usually from around 2 pm, so most people tend to plan their arrival for around this time. However, if you’d like to arrive a little earlier, we can also help arrange pre-nights at the starting accommodation.

There are no planned activities during the day on Day 1, giving everyone plenty of time to arrive, check in and settle in before the tour officially begins. In the evening, the group will usually head out for a welcome dinner at around 7 pm. This is a great opportunity to meet your group leader and fellow travellers. Your guide will also give you a quick overview of the trip and help break the ice, so everyone can get to know each other before the adventure begins!

Do I need a visa to visit Egypt?

Visa requirements often change and it is always worth checking your local government website for the most up to date information.

When’s the best time to visit Egypt?

According to the locals, Autumn (September-November) and Winter (December-February) are the best times to visit Egypt. These seasons offer cooler temperatures and comfortable conditions for exploring the pyramids, ancient temples, and iconic sites along the Nile that make Egypt such a popular destination.

What’s the weather like in Egypt?

Like any country, Egypt has a range of climates throughout the year, from the scorching hot to the pleasantly warm.

Spring (March-May): Egypt's spring brings warm days and cool evenings. Pack light layers and sunscreen as the sun is intense, but it's a great time to explore Cairo's bustling streets and the monuments without the summer crowds.

Summer (June-August): Ask any Egyptian and they'll agree that this time of year it's HOT HOT! Temperatures can be extreme, especially in the desert and inland areas. But it's still a great time to visit, as long as you come prepared and are adaptable to the heat.

Autumn/Fall (September-November): If you want to experience the Nile at its most magical or explore the temples of Luxor and Aswan comfortably, this is the time of year to visit for sure. This time of year is perfect for cruising the Nile and exploring ancient sites, and the evening temperatures make evenings in Cairo's restaurants and cafés dreamy.

Winter (December-February): Want a cosier Egypt experience? Booking an Egypt trip during their winter will save you money and you'll enjoy perfect weather for exploring (the desert sun is still strong!).

Are there ATMS in Egypt?

Yes! Visa and Mastercard are usually accepted (especially at bank ATMs), but cash is still king, especially at markets and local stalls. Your Tru Leader will be able to help you with finding the best atms with the lowest charges.

What language do they speak in Egypt?

The official language of Egypt is Arabic. English is also spoken in the more touristy areas but it is also a great idea to learn some common phrases before you go, this will impress the locals!

Is the tap water in Egypt safe to drink?

Tap water is not always safe to drink in Egypt, so we'd recommend sticking to bottled or filtered water.

Is Egypt safe to visit?

Yes! Egypt is a safe and welcoming country to visit - whether you're wandering through the streets of Cairo, exploring the Giza Pyramids or sailing the Nile. We're always keeping an eye on the destinations we operate in, and we will let you know if anything changes.

Can I change the date of my tour?

Yes! If you are more than 60 days out from your tour you can change the date of your tour once. You can also switch to another tour which is the same value or more.

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