Egypt Travel Wiki
Egypt Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors
Travel Joy Egypt is a licensed local tour operator. Our Egypt travel guide gives the short answers first: when to go, how the visa works and what to watch for on the ground. The table below links to each full guide, and our private Egypt tour packages give you a ready day-by-day route.
Destinations
Jun 1, 2026
Forget the bustling cities for a moment. Siwa Oasis, tucked away in Egypt's western desert, is a true escape. It's a place where ancient history, unique Berber ...
Reading Time11 Min
ExploreDestinations
Jun 1, 2026
Escape the Cairo hustle and discover Fayoum Oasis! This travel guide covers everything from the stunning Wadi El Rayan waterfalls and ancient Lake Qarun to the ...
Reading Time10 Min
ExploreDestinations
Jun 1, 2026
Bahariya Oasis is a vibrant green haven, smack in the middle of Egypt's Western Desert. It's not just a beautiful spot with palm trees and hot springs; it's you...
Reading Time12 Min
ExploreAncient Sites
Jun 1, 2026
Dive into the enduring legacy of Saint Catherine's Monastery, the world's oldest continually inhabited Christian monastery. Discover its ancient walls, sacred B...
Reading Time7 Min
ExploreDestinations
Jun 1, 2026
Discover St. Catherine, Egypt's ancient city, home to the world's oldest continuously functioning monastery. Perched high in the Sinai Peninsula, this UNESCO Wo...
Reading Time7 Min
ExploreAncient Sites
Jun 1, 2026
Often overlooked for the Pyramids, Egypt's Sinai Peninsula hides a breathtaking secret: the Colored Canyon. It's a natural masterpiece carved by ancient seas, b...
Reading Time3 Min
ExploreDestinations
Jun 1, 2026
Dahab's Blue Hole calls out to experienced divers and adventurers. This 120-meter deep submarine sinkhole, famous yet infamous for its dangers, holds a magnetic...
Reading Time5 Min
ExploreDestinations
Jun 1, 2026
Dahab, nestled on Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, is where the golden desert meets the glittering Red Sea. It's a sweet spot for divers, windsurfers, and anyone cravin...
Reading Time10 Min
ExploreAncient Sites
Jun 1, 2026
Mount Sinai, or Jabal Mousa, isn't just a peak in the desert; it's a sacred cornerstone for Christians, Muslims, and Jews. Come explore its rich history, spirit...
Reading Time8 Min
ExploreDestinations
Jun 1, 2026
Dive into the vibrant world of Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt's premier Red Sea resort. Discover its incredible marine life, stunning beaches, and rich blend of relaxat...
Reading Time11 Min
ExploreDestinations
Jun 1, 2026
Dive into Egypt's Sinai Peninsula: sparkling turquoise waters, majestic mountains, and ancient spiritual sites. I'm sharing insider travel tips, the best times ...
Reading Time7 Min
ExploreDestinations
Jun 1, 2026
Dive into Hurghada, Egypt's vibrant Red Sea paradise. From exhilarating coral reefs and water sports to captivating desert safaris and rich cultural sites, this...
Reading Time8 Min
ExploreEgypt Travel Guide: our most recommended tours & activities
Hand-picked private experiences with licensed Egyptologist guides and tickets handled for you.
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2 Days Trip to Cairo from Port Said with Hotel Night
Travel Joy Egypt runs this private 2 days trip to Cairo from Port Said, one of our Port Said shore excursions to Cairo and Giza , for cruise passengers whose ship stays overnight. Day 1 takes in the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, day 2 covers Islamic Cairo, and one price includes a hotel night, an Egyptologist and all entrance fees. What the 2 Days Trip to Cairo from Port Said Includes Prices start from {{fromPrice:two-days-trip-to-cairo-from-port-said}} per person, and the price table below lists this season's rates by group size. Couples and solo travellers pay more per person than larger groups. The price covers: Guide: a licensed Egyptologist with you on both days Transport: a private air-conditioned vehicle for the round trip from your ship Hotel: 1 night in a 4-star Cairo hotel; a 5-star hotel costs more Meals: breakfast on day 2 with the hotel night and 2 lunches, one on each touring day, plus bottled water in the vehicle Entrance fees: every site and museum on the route, including the Tutankhamun galleries at the Grand Egyptian Museum Taxes: all service charges and government taxes What Happens on Each of the 2 Days The table shows the order of both days, with meals and where each one ends. Day Stops Meals Ends at Day 1 Pyramids, Sphinx, Grand Egyptian Museum Lunch Cairo hotel Day 2 Citadel, NMEC, Al-Muizz Street, Khan el-Khalili Breakfast, lunch Your ship Day 1 keeps to the Giza Plateau and the Grand Egyptian Museum, so neither visit is rushed; the Pyramids of Giza visitor guide explains the plateau before you arrive. Day 2 covers Islamic Cairo, from the Citadel of Salah al-Din to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) with its Royal Mummies Hall, then Al-Muizz Street and Khan el-Khalili. Shopping time sits at the end, before the car drives you back to your ship in Port Said. Is 2 Days Better Than 1 Day from Port Said? Choose 2 days when your ship stays in port overnight, and a 1 day tour when you have a single port day. The 1 day Pyramids and Grand Egyptian Museum tour from Port Said starts from {{fromPrice:pyramids-tour-from-port-said}} per person and has no hotel night. The tours compare like this: Tour Days Hotel night Best for This trip 2 days Yes Ships in port overnight 1 day Pyramids tour 1 day No Ships with 1 port day Day 2 is the difference: Islamic Cairo is on this 2 days trip, not on the 1 day Pyramids tour, and it needs a ship that does not sail the same evening. More private Cairo day tours and overnight trips are listed for other schedules. Check the Trip Against Your Ship's Times To book the 2 days trip to Cairo from Port Said, message us on WhatsApp +20 106 023 3393 with your ship's name, the date, and its docking and all-aboard times. Travel Joy Egypt checks the trip against your ship's schedule and confirms whether the 2 days fit.See more
Pyramids & Cairo Day Trip from Sokhna
This full-day private tour from Sokhna Port brings cruise passengers directly to the Giza Plateau for close-up views of the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx before continuing into central Cairo for its major museum collections. After arriving at Giza, the group takes in the sheer scale of the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the enigmatic Great Sphinx, then visits the Valley Temple, associated with the pharaohs' mummification rituals before their final burial. The day continues into Cairo for the Grand Egyptian Museum, home to King Tutankhamun's priceless treasures, with a scenic lunch stop at a carefully selected restaurant worked into the itinerary. A private, expert Egyptologist guide narrates throughout the day rather than a shared group tour, with stress-free round-trip transfers direct from the Sokhna Port cruise terminal in a modern, comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. Lunch, bottled water, entrance fees to every site, and all service charges and taxes are included; only gratuities for the guide and driver are left as optional but appreciated. It suits Sokhna Port passengers who want both the Giza monuments and a substantial museum visit in a single, well-paced day rather than splitting the two across separate excursions.See more
Giza Pyramids & Saqqara Day Trip from Alexandria
This full-day tour from Alexandria Port traces the evolution of pyramid design in a single trip, moving from the finished grandeur of Giza to the pioneering Step Pyramid at Saqqara that came before it. The day opens at the Giza Necropolis, where the group takes in the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, feeling the sheer scale of these iconic structures up close, before continuing to the Valley Temple, tied to the ancient mummification process, and an exterior view of the Grand Egyptian Museum. From there, the tour drives to Saqqara for Djoser's Step Pyramid, the world's first monumental stone building and the direct architectural ancestor of the smooth-sided pyramids seen earlier in the day. A private, fully qualified Egyptologist guide travels with the group the entire day, sharing insights into the how and why behind these ancient achievements, with round-trip transfers from Alexandria Port in an air-conditioned vehicle. Lunch at a quality local restaurant, bottled water, entrance fees to both Giza and Saqqara, and all applicable service charges and taxes are included; only gratuities for the guide and driver are optional, though customary. By pairing Giza with Saqqara, this tour gives Alexandria cruise passengers a clearer sense of how Egyptian pyramid-building developed over time, an angle that a Giza-only excursion does not cover, all within a single shore day.See more
Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur Tour from Alexandria Port
On this private Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur tour from Alexandria Port, your representative meets you at the ship's gangway. You see Saqqara first, then Memphis, stop for lunch, visit Dahshur and return to the ship. It is one of our private Alexandria Port shore excursions . What the Price Covers Prices start from {{fromPrice:tour-to-saqqara-memphis-and-dahshure-from-alexandria-port}} per person, and couples and solo travellers pay more per person than larger groups. The price includes: Guide: a licensed private Egyptologist guide for the whole day Transfers: a private air-conditioned car from your ship and back to it Entrance fees: to all 3 sites Lunch: at a local restaurant between Memphis and Dahshur Charges: all service charges and taxes How Far Is Cairo From Alexandria Port? Cairo and Giza are about 220 km from the port by the desert road, roughly 3 hours each way. Dahshur lies about 40 km southwest of Cairo, so this is a long day on the road. Send us your ship and date, and we confirm the timings for your call. What You See at Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur Saqqara and Dahshur follow pyramid building from its start. At Saqqara, Imhotep designed the Step Pyramid of Djoser: 6 tiers, 62 metres, the first large-scale stone building. Memphis was ancient Egypt's capital for more than 3 millennia. Dahshur holds the 2 pyramids of King Sneferu, father of Khufu: the Bent Pyramid first, then the later Red Pyramid, a precursor to the Giza pyramids. Saqqara and Dahshur or Giza: Which Tour From Alexandria Port? Choose this tour if you want Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur. Choose the Giza Pyramids and Saqqara day trip from Alexandria Port if you want the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx. The table compares the 2 days. Tour Main sights Also visits This tour Step, Bent and Red Pyramids Memphis Giza and Saqqara day Great Pyramid and Sphinx Valley Temple, Saqqara In short, this tour follows pyramid design from the Step Pyramid to the Red Pyramid, while the Giza day is the one for the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx. Ask About Your Ship and Date Travel Joy Egypt has run private tours for 13 years. Send us your ship, date and all-aboard time on WhatsApp +20 106 023 3393 , and we will confirm whether this Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur day from Alexandria Port fits.See more
Abydos & Dendera Temples from Safaga
This full-day private tour from Safaga Port heads inland to two of Upper Egypt's less-visited but exceptionally preserved temples, Abydos and Dendera, both associated with major deities of the ancient Egyptian pantheon. At Abydos, the group explores a temple long regarded as a pilgrimage site tied to the god Osiris, known for its detailed reliefs and its famous king list carved into the walls. The tour then continues to Dendera, where the Temple of Hathor stands out for its well-preserved astronomical ceiling and its dedication to the goddess of love, music, and joy, giving guests a very different visual and thematic experience from the temples closer to the Red Sea coast. A private Egyptologist guide travels with the group for the whole day, with pickup and drop-off handled directly at Safaga Port in an air-conditioned vehicle. An authentic Egyptian lunch, bottled water, entrance fees to both temple complexes, and all service charges and taxes are included; only gratuities are left to guests' discretion. Because Abydos and Dendera see far fewer visitors than Luxor or Aswan, this tour suits travelers who have already seen the headline sites and want a quieter, more in-depth look at two temples still rich in original detail.See more
Top attractions in Egypt
- 1Philae Temple
- 2Coptic Cairo
- 3Hurghada Marina
- 4Pyramid of Menkaure
- 5Bibliotheca Alexandrina
- 6Naama Bay
- 7Valley of the Kings
- 8Mountain of the Dead
- 9Mahmya Island
- 10Dolphin House
- 11Panoramic Viewpoint
- 12Salah El Din Citadel
- 13Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
- 14Colossi of Memnon
- 15Pyramid of Khafre
- 16Pompey’s Pillar
- 17Karnak Temple
- 18Mount Sinai
Egypt tours by destination
Browse Egypt tours by category
Last updated: 10 November 2026
Key Takeaways
Start with these things to know before travelling to Egypt:
- Dates first: travel between October and April, and read the best time, visa and safety guides before you book flights.
- Who we are: a licensed local tour operator with 13 years of experience and licensed Egyptologist guides.
- Booking: it starts with a no-pressure conversation about your dates, interests and budget.
Which Egypt Travel Guide Should You Open First?
Open the guide that matches the question holding up your booking.
| Guide | What it answers | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Best time to visit Egypt | Dates, weather and crowds | First-time planners |
| Egypt visa requirements guide | Entry paperwork before flights | Anyone booking flights |
| Is Egypt safe for tourists? | Risks, scams and areas to avoid | Families and solo women |
| Egypt packing list and dress code | Clothes for heat and temples | First-time packers |
| How many days in Egypt | Trip length and route | Planners comparing packages |
Start with the best time and visa guides, because they decide your dates and your flights. Our guides also cover Destinations, Ancient Sites, History and Experiences.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Egypt?
October to April is the best window for Egypt, with comfortable sightseeing weather and clear skies at the temples. Peak season runs from December to February, when desert nights turn chilly. June to August is the cheapest and quietest season, but Luxor and Aswan reach 40 to 45°C.
Do You Need a Visa for Egypt?
Check the rules for your nationality on the official e-Visa portal before you book flights. The standard single-entry visa costs $30 USD for a 30-day stay. Your passport needs 6 months of validity from the day you arrive, and third-party agents add a markup to the official fee.
Is Egypt Safe for Tourists?
Yes, Egypt is safe for tourists who plan well; the real risks are traffic, heat and touts. Overcharging, fake free gifts and unsolicited help that ends in a tip demand are the usual scams, and private tours with an Egyptologist guide remove most of them. Avoid North Sinai, and avoid the remote parts of the Western Desert near the Libyan border.
How Many Days Do You Need in Egypt?
Our itinerary guides offer routes of 7, 10 or 14 days, and Cairo and Giza alone need fewer days than a route that continues through Luxor and Aswan. If your dates fit none of them, we build a tailor-made Egypt trip around your time.
How Do You Get Between Cairo, Luxor and Aswan?
Domestic flights are the efficient way to cover Cairo, Luxor and Aswan when time is short. Between Luxor and Aswan you can also take one of our Nile cruises from Luxor to Aswan.
Plan Your Trip With a Local Team
If our Egypt travel guide leaves a question open, Travel Joy Egypt can build a private route around your plans. Send your travel month and group size on WhatsApp +20 106 023 3393.
Egypt Travel Wiki
Egypt Travel Guide — Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, expert answers to the questions every Egypt traveller asks before they go.
1How far in advance should I book a trip to Egypt?
Book 3 to 6 months ahead for travel between October and April, so the guides, hotels and Nile cruise cabins you want are still available. Christmas, New Year and Easter need 6 months or more. Message us your dates as soon as they are fixed.
2How much does an Egypt visa cost?
A multiple-entry visa costs $65 USD on the official e-Visa FAQ, against $30 USD for the standard single entry. Pick multiple entry only if you plan to leave Egypt and return during your trip. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount on visa2egypt.gov.eg before you pay.
3Do I need a visa for Sharm El Sheikh and the Sinai resorts?
No, not for a stay of up to 15 days that never leaves the South Sinai resort zone. This exemption covers only that zone, not Cairo or Luxor, so apply for the full visa if your trip continues to the Nile or the capital.
4Can you visit Egypt during Ramadan?
Yes, Ramadan does not stop sightseeing. You can still see the Pyramids, museums and other major attractions, and Nile cruises keep running, although some opening hours shift. Confirm the times for each site before you set out, and let your guide plan the day around them.
5What should women wear in Egypt as a tourist?
Women should wear loose, lightweight clothes that cover the shoulders and knees, which keeps you respectful and comfortable in the heat. Linen and cotton breathe best, because natural fabrics let air through. Carry a scarf, which you need in mosques.
6How much should I tip in Egypt?
Tips are not included in the price. We send a tipping guide before you arrive, so you know what to expect for your guide, driver and any cruise crew. If you would like it earlier, message us on WhatsApp when you book.
7Is a private tour or a group tour better in Egypt?
A private tour is better if you want each day to follow your own pace. Your guide, driver and vehicle serve only your group, and Travel Joy Egypt specialises in this tour type. A group tour shares the guide and vehicle with other travellers.
8Do I need travel insurance for Egypt?
Most visitors are not legally required to carry travel insurance for Egypt, but we strongly recommend it. Buy a policy when you book and check that it covers medical care abroad. Ask the insurer to confirm the cover in writing before you pay.
9Can you drink tap water in Egypt?
No, tap water in Egypt is not recommended for visitors. Stick to sealed bottled water for drinking, and check that the seal is intact when you buy it. Ask your guide or hotel where to buy it if you are unsure.
10What are the emergency numbers in Egypt?
Dial 122 for the police, 123 for an ambulance and 180 for the fire brigade. Save the 3 numbers in your phone before you fly and write them on a card too, and keep your travel insurance details beside them.