Egypt’s tourism scene is in the middle of a major shift. While the big-name sites like the pyramids and temples still draw crowds, more travelers are branching out—diving in the Red Sea, wandering through historic Cairo, or heading into the desert. Travel’s also getting easier, with better flight connections, looser visa rules, and a push toward sustainability in many resorts. Whether it’s your first time or you’re coming back for more, here are the best Egypt tours to add to your trip.
The only survivors among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza (called al-Ahram in Arabic), are one of the best tours in Egypt. Standing at the end of a boulevard (Shari’ al-Ahram) on the desert plateau above the western edge of Giza, across the river from Cairo, they can frequently be glimpsed from the city center, shimmering in the distance through the haze of heat and dust.
The most striking aspect of the Pyramids of Giza is their size. But even with all the facts and figures, it is still hard to believe that these ancient structures remain in such a good state of preservation. The vision and workmanship of people 4,500 years ago in creating structures that would be the world’s tallest until the 14th century are staggering. There's plenty of things to do in Giza.
The site is about 8 miles (13 km) southwest of central Cairo. Most people go with a tour that includes transport, but you can also take an Uber or a taxi—it takes 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. Public buses (#355 and #357) leave from Tahrir Square. The Cairo Metro goes to Giza station, and from there it’s a short cab ride to the entrance.
October to April is the most comfortable time to go, with daytime temps between 60–77°F (15–25°C). Aim to arrive early in the day, around 8 or 9am, to avoid crowds and the heat. Friday mornings are quieter too, since it’s the main prayer day. Summers get brutally hot—over 95°F (35°C)—so it’s best to avoid midday if you’re visiting between May and September. Sunsets here are worth sticking around for.
Sphinx pyramid Giza ©Shutterstock
If you want to take in the Nile at a slower pace, a dahabeeyah cruise is a great way to do it. These old-school wooden sailboats don’t hold many people, so it feels quiet and unrushed compared to big cruise ships.
The boats move with the wind and can dock in smaller places, which means you’ll get to see rural areas and temples that aren’t usually on the standard cruise routes. It is more expensive to travel on a dahabeeyah than on a regular cruise boat, but in this age of mass tourism, it is a privilege to see Egypt in all its tranquility. It’s peaceful—you’ll drift past fields, villages, and flocks of birds—and the days are usually a mix of sailing, walking around historic sites, and relaxing on deck.
Most routes go between Luxor and Aswan. You can fly into either city from Cairo (it’s about an hour) or take an overnight sleeper train, which takes 10–12 hours. Once you’re there, your tour company usually picks you up at the airport or train station. Some boats start from Esna, a town south of Luxor, so double-check your meeting point when booking. These fill up quickly in high season, so it’s smart to book a few months in advance.
Sailing season runs from October to April. December and January can be a little chilly at night but often come with beautiful misty mornings. The wind is usually steady enough for smooth sailing in these months. In summer (June to August), it’s not ideal—the heat can hit 113°F (45°C), and with less wind, boats sometimes can’t sail. If you’re into birdwatching, February and March are great for spotting migratory birds along the riverbanks.
Cruise the Nile River © Shutterstock
Luxor, 420 miles (675 km) south of Cairo, is the most important and the most spectacular site in all of Egypt. Al-Uqsur (the Palaces) is the Arabic name for ancient Thebes, the splendid capital city of the New Kingdom (1570–1070 BC) rulers, whose glory still glowed in the memories of classical writers a thousand years after its decline. This is, without a doubt, one of the best tours in Egypt.
Here the booty of foreign wars, tribute, and taxes poured into the coffers of the pharaohs of the 18th and 19th dynasties, each of whom surpassed his predecessor in the construction of gorgeous temples and tombs, creating a concentration of monuments that rivals that of any imperial city before or since.
The west bank of the Nile was the necropolis of Thebes for more than 3,000 years. The New Kingdom pharaohs chose to be buried in the hidden Valley of the Kings, and they built their mortuary temples on the edge of the cultivation so that they would be remembered for eternity.
Take a public ferry from the East Bank—it leaves every 15 minutes from near the Winter Palace and costs around 5 EGP. Once across, you can hire a taxi for the day or book a tour that handles all the driving. Some people rent bikes, which works if you’re only seeing a few places close together, but distances between sites can be too much without a car.
The best time to go is from November to February, when it’s around 72–77°F (22–25°C) during the day. Get there by 8am to avoid the heat and the biggest crowds. Ramadan can be a quieter time for tourists, especially in the first and last weeks.
Sometimes, during winter full moons, a few tombs open at night—worth checking into if your timing lines up. March through May can get windy, and sandstorms aren’t uncommon, so check the forecast if you’re visiting then.
Luxor Temple © Shutterstock
The East Bank is where you’ll find some of Luxor’s biggest ancient temples still standing right inside the city. Start at Karnak Temple—it's huge, and the scale really hits you when you walk through the hypostyle hall with its rows of towering columns.
This place was the main religious center in ancient Thebes, and you can see why. From there, follow the sphinx-lined road down to Luxor Temple. It’s smaller, but just as interesting, especially with the way different rulers added on over the centuries. It sits right by the river, and walking through it in the evening, when everything’s lit up, is especially surreal.
It’s all easy to reach. Karnak is about 3km (1.8 miles) north of the center—you can take a taxi, hop on a caleche, or even cycle there. Luxor Temple is right downtown near the corniche and close to most hotels.
If you’re staying across the river on the West Bank, there are regular ferries that take just a few minutes to cross. Some hotels have shuttles, and you’ll also see minibuses running along the main road between the temples. See more in our guide to accommodation in Egypt.
Late afternoon is a great time to walk around Karnak—between 3 and 5pm, the light really brings out the textures in the stone. Luxor Temple is best in the evening when it’s lit from below and the crowds have thinned out.
Winter is the most comfortable season, especially December through February. Try to go on a weekday if you want a bit more space to yourself. And if you’re around in late October or early April, there’s a sunrise alignment at Karnak that lines up with the inner sanctuary—it draws a crowd, but it’s a cool thing to witness.
Queen Hatshepsut Obelisk in the Amun Temple enclosure in Karnak, Egypt © Shutterstock
Many tourists include a day excursion to Abu Simbel, but increasingly, as the sites along the Nile get more and more inundated by tourists, the attraction of a few days of peace and quiet on the very unspoiled and unvisited Lake Nasser has grown immensely.
A few cruise boats tour the monuments around the lake—and in many cases, this is the only way of accessing the temples that were salvaged from the water and located on higher ground.
With its smaller temples dedicated to Ramesses II and his queen, Nefertari, Abu Simbel is one of Egypt’s most impressive sights. Dakkah, Maharraqah, and Wadi As-sabu can only be visited by boat as part of a cruise.
Leaving from the Saad al Ali maritime station beside the Aswan High Dam, the cruise boats pass the temples of Kalabshah and Kertassi and the Bayt al-Wali, on the western shore, before heading into the open water. For more advice for your Egypt trip see our Egypt travel tips.
Most people go from Aswan, either by road or as part of a cruise on Lake Nasser. If you’re going by road, there’s a daily convoy that leaves around 4am and gets back around lunchtime. The drive takes about three hours each way, and most guided trips include a quick tour when you arrive. Flights between Cairo and Aswan are frequent, so it’s doable as a side trip even if you’re based in Cairo.
If you want to catch the solar alignment, plan well in advance—it gets busy around those dates, and accommodation can be tight. For regular visits, the best window is mid-October to April, when the temperatures are milder (59–77°F / 15–25°C). Try to be there when the gates open at 6am. It’s quieter, cooler, and the light is nicer for seeing the carvings without too much glare.
Temple of Abu Simbel in Aswan © Shutterstock
Exploring Islamic Cairo is like tracing layers of history through narrow alleys and grand courtyards. For this Egypt tour, start at Al-Azhar Mosque—still an active university and religious center and one of the oldest of its kind. The architecture is striking, especially the five distinct minarets and wide-open courtyard. This is easily one of the best things to do in Cairo.
Just a short walk away, Khan El Khalili is a historic market where you’ll see metalworkers, spice sellers, and craftspeople who’ve been there for generations. Al-Hussein Mosque sits nearby and is a meaningful site for many who come to pray or reflect. Between stops, it’s easy to duck into a local café for mint tea.
Take the Cairo Metro to Al-Azhar station—it’s about a 10-minute walk from there. Ride-hailing apps are an option too, but traffic is unpredictable. Some hotels arrange shuttles if you prefer not to deal with transport. If it’s your first time, going with a local guide can help—especially to get your bearings and hear the background stories behind what you’re seeing. This is a fun place to stay in Cairo.
Evenings during Ramadan (dates change each year) can be especially lively once the fast breaks, with lanterns strung overhead and families filling the streets. Fridays are busy, especially around prayer time. If you're looking for a quiet start, try a weekday morning around 8 to 10am. The cooler months from November to February are the most comfortable for walking.
Mosque of Al Rifai and Madrasa of Sultan Hassan © Shutterstock
If we are talking about the best tours in Egypt, Alexandria can't be missed. This is the second-largest city in Egypt. Set on the shores of the Mediterranean, it has long been a popular holiday spot for Cairenes, a refuge from landlocked Cairo’s searing summer heat.
A visit to Alexandria, even if only for a couple of days, is the perfect counterbalance to the intensity of Cairo. With its string of beaches and Mediterranean outlook (some of the best beaches in Egypt), Alexandria is much more laid-back and a good place to relax. Here, the Nile is no longer the lifeblood of the community; instead, the Mediterranean Sea and its maritime influences hold sway.
Central Alexandria is easily explored on foot. Alternatively, you might want to try the trams, which began operating in 1863. There are now 20 lines serving 140 stops. Useful routes are blue trams Nos. 1 and 2 east to Montaza and yellow trams Nos. 15 and 25 along the Corniche west to Ras El-Tin and Anfushi.
The train from Ramses Station in Cairo gets you to Alexandria in just over two hours, and departures are frequent. Hiring a driver works too if you want more flexibility. Once you're there, you can get around by tram or just walk along the Corniche, which connects a lot of the central attractions.
Spring (March to May) is a great time—the weather’s comfortable, and the air feels fresh. In summer, weekends can be crowded with folks coming from Cairo, so weekdays are better. September’s still warm enough for the beach but a little less hectic. And if you’re into dramatic weather, winter storms make for moody walks along the waterfront and can be some of the best things to do in Alexandria.
The catacombs kom el shoqafa, top tourism sights in Alexandria © Shutterstock
If you’ve already seen Giza or want something quieter, Dahshur and Saqqara are worth the detour. These two sites show how Egypt’s pyramid-building evolved. At Dahshur, you’ll see Sneferu’s experiments—the Bent Pyramid, with its strange angled sides, and the smoother Red Pyramid, considered a prototype for the ones at Giza.
Over at Saqqara, the Step Pyramid of Djoser predates them all. Built in the 27th century BCE, it’s the earliest large-scale stone building in the world. You’ll get more breathing room here than at Giza, which makes it easier to take your time and get a feel for the scale and detail of the structures.
They’re about 30km south of Cairo. Hiring a private taxi is the easiest way to get there—just make sure you agree on a price that includes waiting time. Some tours combine both sites, sometimes with a stop in Memphis. If you’re up for a bit of an adventure, you can take a microbus to Saqqara village and then find a local ride from there.
The best time is between October and April, when the weather’s cooler—somewhere between 65–77°F (18–25°C). Late afternoon is especially nice when the light starts to shift and the stone glows a bit. Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday through Thursday, are usually the quietest times to visit. If you're planning your trip, see our 10 day Egypt itinerary for more inspiration.
Explore the pyramids of Saqqara © Shutterstock
Egypt’s Red Sea coasts are a diver’s paradise, as their climate and geographical position make them ideal for the formation of coral, which grows on reefs called shaab or erg.
Mounds of coral build up like islands, the tips of which are barely skimmed by the waves. Each coral accretion consists of numerous polyps growing together in a colony. When one colony dies, a new one grows on top, attached to the calcium skeletons of its defunct ancestors.
If you are diving the outer reefs on a tour, you also have a chance of seeing whitetip sharks, slim predators, feeding on small fish and crustaceans. In the deep south, sightings of hammerhead, grey reef, and ocean white-tip sharks are not uncommon, but don’t expect to see all of them on one trip. Nudibranchs, shellfish, shrimps and crabs,
For land-based diving, choose Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, or El Gouna. They serve the northern part of the Red Sea, which is also a paradise for wreck diving. El Gouna and Hurghada offer day trips to Shaab Abu Nuhas, where four wrecks are lined up against the reef, including the steamer Carnatic, which hit this infamous reef in 1869, and the more recent Giannis D, sunk in 1983.
See our guide to the best things to do in Sharm El-Sheikh for more inspiration.
Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh each have their own international airports, with direct flights from Cairo (about an hour) and several European cities. Marsa Alam also has an airport, or you can take a roughly 4-hour bus from Hurghada. Once you’re there, most hotels and dive centers coordinate pick-up and drop-off, so getting around is pretty straightforward.
You can dive year-round, but the best conditions are usually from September to November. The water’s still warm (around 79–82°F / 26–28°C), and visibility is great. May to July is a good time if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of whale sharks, while manta rays and dugongs tend to show up more between December and February, especially around Marsa Alam.
Red Sea in Ras Sedr Egypt © Shutterstock
West of the string of oases that make up the Bahariya settlements is a large expanse of exposed limestone known as the White Desert. It's less popular but still one of the best tours in Egypt. Erosion by wind and rain over many thousands of years has sculpted these massive blocks into strange shapes that loom out of the desert landscape like monstrous white ghosts.
For visitors with 4x4 vehicles, the area makes a popular weekend excursion from Cairo, spending a couple of nights camping in the desert. If you don’t have your own vehicle, the best way to see this remarkable area is to join an organized tour from Cairo. It is also sometimes included in itineraries traveling overland from Siwa to Cairo via Bahariya, again spending the night camping under the stars. For more ideas see our favorite day trips from Cairo.
Trips usually start from Bahariya Oasis, about 220 miles (350km) southwest of Cairo. You can get there by private car, group tour, or public bus from Cairo’s Turgoman Station (4–5 hours). From Bahariya, you’ll need a 4x4 to get into the desert—tours provide both the vehicle and everything else you’ll need for camping, including permits and gear.
October through April is the most comfortable time, with daytime temperatures around 68–77°F (20–25°C). If you want to photograph the landscape under moonlight, aim for a trip during a full moon between December and February. Avoid the khamsin wind season (March–May), which can bring sandstorms. Stargazing is best during a new moon when the sky is at its darkest.
White Desert at Farafra in the Sahara ©Shutterstock
Aswan, for many at the end of a Nile trip, is a laid-back, warm place that is good for lingering for a few days. While the town has grown immensely in recent years, this is not just a tourist center but the lively capital of the governorate and an important university town.
You can visit the Unfinished Obelisk and the High Dam, then hop on a boat to Philae Temple, which sits on its own island. A big draw here is the chance to spend time in Nubian villages, where you’ll see colorful houses, try different food, and hear traditional music. The markets here focus more on spices and local goods than tourist souvenirs, and the city feels a bit more relaxed than the bigger destinations up north.
There’s an overnight sleeper train from Cairo (13–14 hours) or a quicker flight (around 90 minutes). Another popular option is to arrive by Nile cruise from Luxor, which takes 3–4 days and includes several stops along the way. In town, you can get around by felucca (a traditional wooden sailboat), taxi, or even horse-drawn carriage.
Winter is the most comfortable time to go, especially December through February, when temperatures hover around 75–79°F (24–26°C). If you're there in late February or October, try to catch the Sun Festival at Abu Simbel—on these two days, sunlight hits the inner sanctuary of the temple. Early mornings are nice for walks along the river or market visits, and the Sound and Light show at Philae Temple is a good option for the cooler evenings.
The Temple of Kom Ombo in Aswan © Shutterstock
About a two-hour drive southwest of Cairo, Wadi El Hitan is nothing like the usual temple ruins you’ll see around Egypt. Instead, it’s a wide-open desert where you can walk past fossilized whale skeletons that are around 40 million years old.
These aren’t behind glass—they’re still out in the sandstone where they were found. It’s one of the few places where you really get a sense of how whales evolved from land animals.
The area’s quiet and strange in the best way—dry ridges, soft sand, and wind-shaped rock all around. There are easy walking trails, so you don’t need to be particularly fit to get around. Great if you’re interested in natural history or just want a break from the usual ancient Egypt circuit.
Most people go from Cairo or Fayoum as a day trip, usually with a driver or part of a small tour group. Public transport won’t take you all the way, and you’ll need a 4WD for the last stretch—about 30km of unpaved road. You can make a day of it by adding stops at Lake Qarun or some of the pottery villages nearby.
Go between October and April when it’s not too hot to walk around. Early morning—around 8 to 10am—is a good time for better light and cooler air. Avoid the summer if you can, since it regularly hits 104°F (40°C). Fridays tend to draw more visitors, so try a weekday if you want it quieter. Mornings can be chilly in winter, so bring something warm just in case.
Egyptian Museum in Cairo © Shutterstock
The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square is packed—literally and historically. It holds over 120,000 artifacts tracing thousands of years of history, including the famous collection from Tutankhamun’s tomb. You’ll see the gold mask, chariots, and everything else that was buried with him.
The mummies gallery is also a big draw, with remarkably well-preserved remains of ancient rulers (easily one of the best things to do in Egypt). Some galleries feel more like a warehouse than a display, but that slightly chaotic energy is part of the experience—it’s a place where you can still be surprised, and it’s hard not to get drawn in.
The museum’s right in central Cairo, so it’s easy to reach by metro—Sadat station drops you right at Tahrir Square. You can also take a short taxi ride or just walk if you're staying downtown. Some travelers book a guided tour to help navigate the collection, which can be overwhelming without context.
Go on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning if you want to avoid the biggest crowds. Tour buses tend to show up late morning, so aim to be there when it opens at 9am. There’s no air conditioning, so in summer it’s best to go early before the heat builds up. Sundays can be crowded with school groups. Give yourself at least a few hours and try to see Tutankhamun’s exhibit first while you’re still fresh.
Ptolemaic Temple Horus Edfu, Egypt © Shutterstock
These two temples sit along the Nile and are often visited together. Edfu is dedicated to Horus and is one of the most well-preserved ancient temples in Egypt. Its huge entrance and detailed carvings tell stories of Horus defeating Seth—a theme you’ll see repeated throughout.
Not far away, Kom Ombo is known for its symmetrical layout. It’s actually two temples in one, honoring both the crocodile god Sobek and a different form of Horus. You’ll also find wall carvings that show ancient surgical tools and a small museum nearby with mummified crocodiles on display.
If you’re on a cruise, both temples are usually on the route. If you’re traveling on your own, you can get to Edfu by train from either Luxor or Aswan, then take a short taxi ride to the temple. Kom Ombo is closer to Aswan—about 80 miles (40 km)—so hiring a driver or joining a local tour is your best bet.
Try to visit Edfu early in the day, before most cruise groups arrive. The lighting’s better then too, especially inside the temple. Kom Ombo is best in the late afternoon or around sunset—the light on the river and temple creates a nice atmosphere. Things are generally quieter during Ramadan or in the shoulder seasons like May or September. Occasionally, there are evening visits around full moons—worth checking if your trip lines up.
Travel Guide Egypt - Philae Temple in Aswan © Shutterstock
This experience mixes high-altitude hiking with one of the most important Christian pilgrimage sites in the world. You’ll start with a nighttime hike up Mount Sinai (Jebel Musa), reaching the summit just in time for sunrise.
It’s believed to be the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments, and while that can’t be confirmed, the view from the top—especially as the sky changes color—is worth the early wake-up.
After the hike, you can visit St. Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of the mountain. Built in the 6th century, it’s still active today and home to Byzantine mosaics, ancient manuscripts, and what’s believed to be the biblical burning bush.
The two most common jumping-off points are Sharm El-Sheikh and Dahab. Both cities have tour operators who’ll drive you to St. Catherine’s village in the late afternoon—usually arriving in time for a few hours’ rest before the hike starts around 2 AM.
If you’re traveling independently, you can catch a minibus to St. Catherine’s and then arrange for a Bedouin guide once there. Staying overnight nearby is a good idea so you’re not rushing.
Try to go between March and May or September and November, when it’s neither freezing cold nor blazing hot. A full moon adds natural light for the hike, and spring months (especially April) often have clear skies at sunrise. Weekends tend to draw bigger crowds, so if you’re looking for a quieter hike, midweek is better. Also double-check monastery hours—it closes on certain religious holidays.
written by
Rough Guides Editors
updated 09.06.2025
Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Egypt
