Egypt
April 30 - May 9, 2027
Come for the Pyramids.
Stay for everything else
The problem with most Egypt trips isn't the destination, it's the delivery: forty people, a tour bus, a guide with a microphone, and a Nile cruise ship that feels like a floating convention center. We've spent a long time figuring out how to do Egypt differently. Our version involves a private Dahabeya sailboat, a cooking class on the water, a Nubian village visit with coffee and henna, and Luxor Temple after dark when the light hits the columns and you genuinely forget what century you're in. An intimate group. Boutique properties. Local guides who are genuinely obsessed with their country. And enough unscripted time that the trip can actually surprise you. Because the best Egypt moments aren't on any itinerary—they happen in a spice market, on a felucca, or over a rooftop dinner when someone at the table says I had no idea it would feel like this. That's the Egypt we're after.
At A Glance
Locations: Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, and Hurghada
Duration: 10 days
Price: $6,100
Physical Rating: 2/5
Arrival Airport: Cairo (CAI)
Departure Airport: Cairo (CAI) or Hurghada (HRG)
Group Size: 14 people
Highlights: Pyramid exploration, private Nile sailing, ancient temple discoveries, Red Sea snorkeling.
We will come together as a group of strangers but leave with friends you’ll have for a lifetime.
We’ll journey through Egypt’s most iconic landscapes and hidden rhythms—from the Pyramids of Giza to the temples of Luxor, sailing the Nile on a private Dahabeya, sharing moments in Nubian villages, crossing desert landscapes, and ending in the luminous waters of the Red Sea.
Itinerary
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Welcome to Egypt!
Airport pickup
Welcome dinnerYou've landed in Egypt!
Our driver will pick you up from the airport and take you to our hotel. On the way, out the window, you'll catch your first glimpse of Cairo—a city that feels impossibly old and completely alive at the same time. Minarets, traffic, street vendors, crumbling facades, and pockets of beauty everywhere you look.
After checking into our hotel and taking some time to freshen up, we'll gather for our first dinner together. Over a delicious Egyptian meal, we'll toast to the journey that brought us here.
Dinner included
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The Great Pyramids of Giza
The Sphinx
Grand Egyptian MuseumToday is the day.
The one you've probably imagined since you were a kid, long before you ever thought about traveling to Egypt. We'll spend the morning exploring the Giza Plateau, home to the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. No matter how many photos you've seen, nothing prepares you for the scale of these structures—or the feeling of standing in front of something that has been here for over 4,500 years.
This afternoon, we visit a government-regulated Papyrus Institute to discover how ancient Egyptians created the world's first paper, with beautifully illustrated works depicting traditional life and mythology. We then step inside the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to thousands of antiquities including the dazzling golden treasures of Tutankhamun. We enjoy lunch together at Zuba inside the museum, with flexible departure times so those who want to linger can do exactly that. The evening is yours — dinner on your own, and the hotel day spa is available for anyone looking to unwind.
Optional experiences (payable locally): camel photo op on the Sahara sands; entry into the King's Chamber inside the Great Pyramid (note: it's a physical climb — hot, narrow, and crowded).Breakfast and lunch included.
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Temple of Philae
Nile boat rideThis morning, we'll leave Cairo behind and fly south to Aswan, where Egypt begins to feel a little slower and a little softer. Our first stop is the beautiful Temple of Philae, dedicated to Isis, the goddess of love, healing, and magic. Set on an island in the Nile, it's one of the most picturesque temples in the country.
Later, we'll get out on the water for our first real taste of life along the Nile before settling into our local guesthouse on the river. Spend the afternoon relaxing, exploring the area, heading to the nearby beach, or simply soaking in the slower rhythm of southern Egypt. You’ll enjoy a beautiful dinner overlooking the Nile with your new travel buddies in preparation for tomorrow’s adventure.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
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Nubian village visit
Local spice & essence markets
Begin sailing the Nile in our DahabeyaWe start the morning with a visit to a Nubian village — sharing coffee, admiring henna art, and soaking in the warm hospitality of this distinctive culture. From there, we explore a local morning market, stopping at a fragrant spice shop and essence oil boutique before making our way to the dock to embark our private Dahabeya, a traditional Egyptian sailboat that will be our home on the Nile for the next three days.
We set sail as lunch is served on board, and as the riverbanks drift past, the rhythm of the trip shifts entirely. No big roads. No busy cities. Just the river, traditional villages along the shore, and long stretches of time to sit on deck and watch Egypt drift by.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
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Kom Ombo Temple
Egyptian cooking class
Swimming & village walksToday is a glimpse into the Egypt most visitors never see.
As we make our way along the Nile, we'll step into riverside villages, meet locals, and experience the everyday rhythm of life that has existed along these waters for thousands of years. This isn't the Egypt of museums and monuments—it's the Egypt of farmers, fishermen, family recipes, and communities that remain deeply connected to the river.
We'll also visit Kom Ombo Temple, dramatically positioned along the Nile's edge and dedicated to two powerful gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon god. Back on board, we'll roll up our sleeves for an Egyptian cooking experience and learn a few of the flavors that make this cuisine so beloved.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
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Edfu Temple
Temple of Horus
Esna Lock
Arrival in LuxorToday brings us to one of Egypt's most impressive and best-preserved temples. Dedicated to Horus, the falcon god, Edfu Temple is remarkably intact, allowing us to experience the scale, symbolism, and artistry of Ancient Egypt in a way few sites can.
As we continue our journey toward Luxor, we'll pass through the famous Esna Lock and witness daily life unfolding along the riverbanks. Kids waving from shore, fishermen in small boats, farmers tending their fields—reminders that the Nile is not just part of Egypt's history, but very much part of its present.
We arrive in Luxor by late evening, spending our final night aboard the Dahabiya as the city lights shimmer on the water.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
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Valley of the Kings
Temple of Hatshepsut
Colossi of Memnon
Karnak Temple
Luxor Temple by nightIf there was ever a day to wake up early, this is it.
For the adventurous, the morning begins with an optional hot air balloon ride over Luxor at sunrise. Watching the sun illuminate the Nile, the desert, and the temples below is one of those experiences people talk about for years afterward.
Then we dive into some of Egypt's most legendary sites. We'll explore the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs were buried with everything they thought they'd need for the afterlife, stand before the dramatic Temple of Hatshepsut, and wander through Karnak, a place so vast it's hard to believe it was built by human hands.
We'll end the evening at Luxor Temple after dark, when the crowds thin out and the ancient stones seem to glow beneath the night sky.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included.
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Red Sea coast
Desert ATV safari
Bedouin dinnerAfter days immersed in ancient history, we trade temples for sea views and make our way to Egypt's stunning Red Sea coast.
Upon arrival in Hurghada, you'll have time to settle into our hotel and enjoy your first glimpse of the crystal-clear waters that have made this region famous. Later in the afternoon, we'll head into the desert for an adventure unlike anything we've experienced so far.
Riding ATVs across golden dunes as the sun begins to set, we'll venture into the Eastern Desert before gathering for a traditional Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.
Breakfast and dinner included.
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Giftun Islands
Snorkeling excursion
Swimming in the Red SeaJust when you think Egypt can't surprise you anymore, it does.
Today we're trading ancient wonders for natural ones as we head out to the Giftun Islands, a slice of paradise floating in the middle of the Red Sea. Think impossibly blue water, colorful coral reefs, and the kind of scenery that makes you question whether your camera roll needs another hundred photos. (It does.)
We'll spend the day swimming, snorkeling, soaking up the sunshine, and enjoying one last adventure together before heading home.
Breakfast and lunch included.
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Departure transfers
After one final breakfast together, our Egyptian adventure comes to an end.
Over the past ten days, we've stood before the pyramids, wandered through ancient temples, sailed the Nile, explored vibrant cities and villages, crossed the desert, and swum in the Red Sea.
Transfer options to continue your journey are available, and extensions can be arranged by request — just ask if you'd like more time to explore.
Breakfast included.
Why Travel to Egypt With A LEGT Leader:
It’s no secret that we are absolutely in love with Egypt, but we want you to experience this magical place for yourself without the worry of planning out all the details and logistics.
You literally just have to show up.
Pack your bags (We will tell you exactly what to bring) and book that flight (yep, got tips for that too). Everything else? That's our problem now. Your only job is to show up ready for adventure.
We've done the homework so you don't have to.
That means preparing you every step of the way and providing information on everything from purchasing flights, visas, currency, weather and safety, to the more exciting things like what to wear and fun things to do in your free time. We've figured out all the annoying details ahead of time. Because we scout every trip first, you get to skip the tourist traps and rookie mistakes we've already made for you.
No more waiting on flaky friends.
We've all been there - that group chat that starts with "Let's plan a trip!" and ends in radio silence. Not here. The dates are set, the itinerary is locked in, and your adventure squad is ready to go.
Small group = Big experiences.
Forget those massive tour buses. We keep it intimate (10-15 people max) because you can't exactly have a heart-to-heart conversation with 40 strangers or get invited into someone's home for tea when you roll up with a small army.
Make an actual difference (not just Instagram stories about it).
This isn't about drive-by tourism or performative do-gooding. We're talking real connections with local communities, authentic cultural exchanges, and meaningful ways to give back that actually help rather than hurt.
Finally get photos you won’t hate in 5 years.
Let's be honest - we all want at least a few shots that make our friends jealous. We've got you covered with photos that capture the real you having the time of your life (not just awkward poses in front of landmarks). Check out some photos of past adventurers.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
✓ Airport pick-up at Cairo International Airport
✓ 23 meals (9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners) - All meals and soft drinks while aboard the Dahabeya
✓ Welcome dinner
✓ Gratuities for included meals
✓ All accommodations with double occupancy
✓ Private transportation to all listed activities
✓ All fuel costs, toll costs
✓ All port authorities, marina fees, electricity, fuel and water costs (sailing)
✓ Private Dahabeya charter on the Nile
✓ All activities, experiences, and sightseeing listed in the itinerary
✓ Guided walking and sightseeing tours of all the places visited with local guide
✓ Group trip host for support before and throughout the trip
✓ Private English-speaking driver, guide, and trip leader
✓ Professional English-speaking Egyptologist guide
✓ All entrance fees to included sites and attractions
✓ Pre-trip orientation call and trip guide with packing list and travel tips
✓ Shared album with photos and videos of the entire trip
✓ Professional Liability Insurance
✓ All taxes (including VAT)
NOT INCLUDED
X International flight to and from Egypt. Details will be provided after you register.
X Egypt entry visa ($30 USD)
X Domestic flights from Cairo to Aswan (budget $225 USD)
X Travel insurance (at least post-departure coverage required)
X Optional transfer from Hurghada back to Cairo
X Meals and beverages not specified above (drinks not included with meals)
X Alcoholic beverages
X Gratuities for tour guides and drivers.
X Optional extra activities (entry inside the Great Pyramid, Tomb of Tutankhamun or Seti, Hot Air Balloon ride, Camel rides at Giza)
X Any extras not listed above
FAQs
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Travelers who want Egypt to actually mean something. We'll see the icons — the Pyramids, Karnak, the Valley of the Kings — because you absolutely should. But we'll also share coffee with a Nubian family, cook lunch on the Nile, and eat dinner at the kind of local spot you'd never find on your own. If you want a checklist tour, there are plenty of those. If you want to come home feeling like you actually went somewhere, you're in the right place.
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Absolutely — a good chunk of our travelers show up on their own and leave with friends they'll be texting for years. If you book at double occupancy, we'll do our best to pair you with a same-gender roommate. Prefer your own space? A limited number of single rooms are available for a supplement.
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While most of our trips tend to be people in the 30-50 age range, all ages 18+ are welcome. We usually also have people who are 50+ on our trips.
Age is just a number, and it’s more important that the trip sounds like a good fit for you than your actual age.
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Yes to both. Your passport needs to be valid beyond November 15, 2027 — check that now if you haven't. You can pick up your visa on arrival at Cairo International Airport for USD $30 cash. We'll send you everything you need to know well before departure so there are no surprises at the gate.
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Most meals are included, so your out-of-pocket costs are pretty manageable. That said, here's what to plan for:
Visa: USD $30, paid cash on arrival to airport
Domestic flight (Cairo → Aswan): approximately USD $200, arranged by us
Alcohol: not included in the trip price, so budget for drinks as you go
Shopping: entirely up to you — but fair warning, Egypt's markets, spice shops, jewelry workshops, and alabaster vendors are extremely convincing
Beyond that, it's really down to your personal style. Light shoppers and non-drinkers will need very little. Those who fall in love with a cartouche necklace and a few cold Sakara beers on the Dahabiya may need a bit more.
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You'll fly into Cairo International Airport (CAI) on April 30, 2027. For your return on May 9th, you have options: fly back to Cairo and depart from there, have us arrange a scenic car transfer to Cairo (about 5.5 hours by road), or fly directly from Hurghada (HRG).
One thing to budget for separately: the domestic flight from Cairo to Aswan, which is not included in the trip price since flight prices fluctuate. We'll arrange and book this for the group — just plan for approximately USD $225. Easy, handled, no stress.
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Yes, please. Egypt rewards the extra time. Whether you want a few more days in Cairo exploring Islamic architecture and hidden bazaars, a jaunt over to Jordan, or simply more time on the Red Sea, we can help you build out an extension that makes sense for your schedule. Just let us know when you register and we'll sort out the details together.
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A Dahabiya is a traditional Egyptian sailing vessel — think elegant wooden boat, private deck, Nile breeze, no 400-person cruise ship energy whatsoever. Our group has the whole boat to ourselves, which means we sail at our own pace, stop at villages the big ships can't reach, and actually get to experience the Nile instead of just floating past it. Think private chef, sunbathing, and control over our own day without tight deadlines. It's one of the highlights of the trip. Full stop.
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Tipping is deeply embedded in Egyptian culture and is an important part of how many service workers earn their living. Small tips — known locally as baksheesh — are customary in a wide range of situations, from restaurant servers and hotel staff to bathroom attendants and the person who helps carry your bags.
For guides and drivers, we recommend budgeting around USD $10–15 per day for your lead guide and USD $5–10 per day for drivers. For smaller interactions, having a supply of small USD bills or Egyptian pounds on hand goes a long way.
We'll share more detailed tipping guidance in your pre-trip materials so you always know what's appropriate and never feel caught off guard.
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This is a moderate trip. You'll be on your feet for stretches of the day — walking archaeological sites, navigating uneven terrain, climbing the occasional staircase, and generally moving through some of the most remarkable places on earth. You don't need to be an athlete, but you do need to be comfortable with a few solid hours of exploring without needing to sit down every twenty minutes.
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Egypt is way too magical to spend the entire trip being herded from one attraction to the next like a confused camel, so we've intentionally built in plenty of breathing room throughout the itinerary.
You'll have free time in Cairo, a relaxed afternoon in Aswan, long lazy stretches aboard our private Dahabeya sailing down the Nile, and time to soak up the sunshine in Hurghada. Some of the best moments in Egypt aren't checking famous sites off a list—they're sipping tea on the Nile, watching village life drift by from the deck, getting wonderfully lost in a market, or simply staring at a 4,000-year-old temple wondering how humans managed to build something so ridiculous.
And here's the best part: nothing is mandatory. If your social battery is flashing red, you'd rather spend an afternoon by the pool, or a particular activity just isn't your thing, feel free to skip it. No guilt trips. No FOMO-shaming. No one keeping attendance.
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You bet! We realize this is a large investment, so we try to make my trips as affordable as possible by offering payment plans.
There is an up front deposit of $1,500 at the time of booking. The remaining portion will be split into smaller payments.
You are responsible for making payments on time, or you will forfeit your spot without refund.
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We sure hope that’s not the case, but we also realize that life can be unpredictable, and things happen.
All trip payments are non-refundable.
Filling trip spots is incredibly time-consuming. We are a small boutique travel company, and we unfortunately do not have the ability to refund people if their plans change. Your deposits go directly to our local partners, and they are non-refundable to us as well.
Travel insurance is required (see previous FAQ for more details) and if you choose a trip cancelation benefit, it will potentially cover most of your trip costs should you need to cancel for a covered reason.
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All trips offered by Laura Ericson Group Trips are non-refundable, and we are unable to accept refund requests for any reason because trip funds are prepaid to our partners in the countries we are visiting and supporting. We have unfortunately had many travelers need to cancel their trips due to unforeseen circumstances, and the ones who booked travel insurance with trip protection coverage were grateful they did.
Travel insurance is required for participation in a trip offered by Laura Ericson Group Trips. While there are different types of coverage, we require guests to obtain, at minimum, post-departure coverage from your departure date from home to the day you return home, and with at least:
$150,000 in emergency medical expense benefit
$250,000 in emergency medical evacuation benefit
For maximum protection, it is strongly recommended that you purchase a comprehensive plan with trip cancellation coverage.
If you want to learn more about travel insurance and are looking for a recommendation, you can learn more about our travel insurance partner, Wanderwell, here.
Do you have additional questions
about traveling with us?
Fun Facts
The Nile flows north, quietly defying expectations as it moves through the heart of the country.
The Red Sea holds some of the world’s most vibrant coral reefs, just a short journey from ancient desert landscapes.
Egypt uses the Egyptian pound, a currency that moves daily through markets where modern life and ancient rhythm feel inseparably connected.
Arabic is the official language, but don’t be surprised if you hear English, French, and a lot of enthusiastic hand gestures too.
“I almost didn't go to Egypt. It just wasn't a place on my list, and I was a little skeptical. But from the first day, I was completely hooked. Aswan is breathtakingly beautiful. Luxor is mind-blowing. And the pyramids, as impressive as they are, ended up being one of the smaller highlights of the whole trip. Laura has a real talent for finding the side of a destination that most travelers never see, and she puts together experiences that just feel different. I came home already wanting to go back. If you're on the fence about traveling to Egypt, this is the way to go.”
-Erik
Ready to reserve your spot?
INVESTMENT:
$$6,100
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:
+$1,500
DEPOSIT DUE AT BOOKING:
+$1,500
We offer a free payment plan, so you can spread the payment with a $1,500 deposit due at time of booking. Additional payment due dates are August 15 ($1,500), October 15 ($1,500), December 15 (remaining balance). All payments are non-refundable. Get $200 off for paying in full before August 15 using code PAYINFULL at checkout.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need a different payment arrangement.
After leading over 400 people through 1o countries, we've learned that while group trips are absolutely life-changing for most people, they're not everyone's cup of tea (or shot of tequila). Before you dive in, let's make sure we're a match:
Vibe Check
You'll thrive with us if:
You can roll with the punches when things go sideways (because they will - it's travel, not a scripted TV show)
You're cool with scheduled adventures (we've got amazing stuff planned, but if you're the "wake up at 2pm on vacation" type, you’ll be missing out)
You understand the whole "strength in numbers" thing means sometimes doing what works for the group vs. your sudden craving for street food at midnight
You're ready to embrace the summer camp vibes - shared meals, group transportation, and maybe even a roommate who becomes your new best friend
You can vibe with different personalities (spoiler: you won't click with everyone, and that's totally fine)
You get excited about culture shock instead of freaking out when things aren't exactly like home (that's kind of the whole point)
Think of it like joining the coolest adventure club you never knew you needed. If you're nodding along to these points, chances are you're gonna fit right in. If you're breaking out in hives just reading this... maybe stick to solo travel for now.
Remember: Travel isn't about being perfect - it's about being open to whatever awesome weirdness comes our way. Because trust me, it will.
Still have questions?
Want to scope out flight prices?
You will be flying in to Cairo International Airport (CAI) and flying out of Cairo International Airport (CAI) or Hurghada International Airport (HRG)
Laura Ericson Group Trips is not responsible for any costs related to flights. You can use this tool to gauge flight prices, but please wait until you get an email from us approximately 3-6 months prior to your trip to book your flights to ensure you have all of the information needed for booking. We recommend always booking with the airline directly and not from an online travel agency (OTA) like Kayak, etc.
“Travel is about the
gorgeous feeling of
teetering in the
unknown.”
— Anthony Bourdain