If you’re thinking of visiting Egypt for the first time, it’s important to consider the different ways you can explore the country. It probably goes without saying that you’ll want to check out the Pyramids and Sphinx in Cairo, go on a Nile cruise, and walk through the Valley of the Kings. But what’s the best way to do this?
Below, we look at the three main ways of travelling around Egypt, including budget-friendly group tours, tailor-made private trips, and independent adventures. You just need to think about how much you want to spend and your personal travel preferences to help decide which method is best for you.
Organised group tours
Main benefits: social and cost-effective for those on a budget
Many people visit Egypt as part of an organised group tour, booked either through an international travel agent or a local provider. These trips are popular for a reason, offering curious travellers the opportunity to discover a new destination without breaking the bank. It’s often the case that the larger the group, the cheaper the price, so if budget is your driving factor, then these trips could be what you’re looking for.
Another benefit of booking a group trip is that you’ll be exploring with like-minded people, so this can be a great social experience, especially if you’re a solo traveller. There’s often communal dining, entertainment and even parties in the evenings, so you’ll have plenty of chances to mingle with your fellow adventurers and may even come away with some new best friends.
The downside to travelling with a large group is that the itinerary will be very rigid, following a well-trodden path along with all the other tour groups. It can feel very crowded at Egypt’s most popular historic sites, and it’s often difficult to take the photos you’ve been dreaming of because there are just so many other people in the way. You also won’t have a say in how long you spend at each location, so could end up being disappointed if you find you’d rather linger a little longer. Basically, you’ll have no say in the schedule, and not much choice when it comes to accommodation either.
Tailor-made tours with specialist operators
Main benefits: personalised, private and luxurious
If you prefer to avoid the big tour groups and have a more personalised trip around the country, professional providers like Egipto Exclusivo offer tailor-made private experiences, all meticulously planned using expert local knowledge. This is a much better way to travel if you’d rather see Egypt at your own pace, stopping at the sites that interest you the most, and enjoying a flexible schedule suited to your needs.
You’ll be able to have a say in the itinerary, so if there’s somewhere you’re desperate to go that doesn’t appear on the standard group tours, then private visits are the way forward. Yes, they can cost a bit more than shared trips, but you’ll enjoy a far higher level of luxury and have a much more exclusive experience, which really helps bring Egypt’s historic attractions to life. Plus, you’ll have your own exclusive chauffeured vehicle, so you won’t be waiting for other guests to show up at departure times for excursions, something which can be frustrating when you’re travelling with a group.
Another benefit of booking a customised tour with a specialist operator is that the trip logistics are arranged by on-the-ground experts. They are well placed to advise on everything from the best driving routes and latest boutique hotel openings to how to avoid the crowds at famous attractions like Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut or the Abu Simbel temples. This isn’t information that you’ll easily obtain if you’re travelling independently. Likewise, if you’re on a group tour, the itinerary will likely just follow set routes and timings without considering the crowds, and the accommodation used will generally be places that offer the best commission.
Independently – go it alone
Main benefits: adventure, flexibility and independence
If you’re up for an adventure, it’s certainly possible to travel independently around Egypt. Like anywhere, you’ll need to do a decent amount of planning before you arrive, so you have an idea of journey times, prices, weather conditions and of course any relevant safety insights. It’s wise to learn a few Arabic phrases and make yourself aware of local customs so you don’t end up putting your foot in it. This will go a long way to easing interactions with locals and making sure you have a great trip.
It’s quite easy to explore Egypt by rail, with trains connecting major destinations like Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and Alexandria. You’ll enjoy some great views of the River Nile and feel a little more immersed in the country as you pass through the rural landscapes. Once on the ground, you can arrange local taxis and excursions, although it can be a bit stressful not having things already planned and booked. You’ll often have to haggle over prices too, which can feel daunting to the uninitiated.
If it’s your first time trying independent travel, Egypt perhaps isn’t the best place to start. The main attractions are often far apart, so you’ll have a great deal of travel to arrange. It’s often cheaper to book a tour through an agency rather than trying to arrange all the different elements of your trip by yourself, so don’t discount this option on price alone.
