Delve Deep: Egypt
Cairo
Cairo
Delve Deep: Egypt
TRIP SNAPSHOT
9 days
1 country
Visiting 1 country: Egypt12 meals
Twin-share / double / single room
-6 nights in hotel-style accommodation (twin or double), 1 night aboard a felucca sailboat, 1 night aboard an overnight coachDelve Deep
Delve Deep is those iconic sights, and then some. Local culture, local food, and MORE.20 travellers (max)
Trip Leader
Driver
Coach, traditional felucca sailboat.
TRIP VIBE = iconic sights and in-depth adventures with a local Trip Leader. The pyramids, the Sphinx, the Nile... they’re all here. But where are you? You’ve seen them in books. You’ve seen them in documentaries. You’ve seen them in movie after movie after movie. But experiencing them in real life = a whole different level of AMAZING. Ancient, archaeological and wall-to-wall ICONIC, this sure as hell isn’t your average holiday. But then – you’re not your average traveller.
Map & itinerary
Day 1 - Cairo
This is your chance to delve deeper, to explore more. To experience a new and exotic destination to the absolute fullest. Ladies and gents – welcome to Egypt. Spot your Topdeck Rep at the airport (hint: they’re holding a placard with your name on it). Then: dump your stuff at the hotel and meet your fellow explorers by the pool. Tonight, we’ll dig into our first included group dinner at a local restaurant. Time to talk tombs, swap pharaoh facts, and discover how many times everyone’s watched The Mummy.
Your Inclusions
Accommodation
Barceló Cairo Pyramids or similar
Activities
- Airport transfers
Meals
- Dinner
Day 2 - Cairo – Overnight coach to Aswan
You’ve read about them in books. Seen them in documentaries. And watched them play backdrop to movie after movie. But today, you’re gonna experience the AMAZING Pyramids of Giza in real life. First though, we’ll get the low-down on the world’s largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities at the Egyptian Museum. Then: prepare to feel insignificant (in the best possible way) as you stand before the Great Pyramids and the legendary Sphinx. We mentioned your Trip Leader is a qualified Egyptologist, right? So, our walking tour is gonna be filled with allll the fascinating facts. Win! After a full day of exploring, we’ll jump on an overnight coach to Aswan. Note to self: bring a neck pillow and plenty of snacks – this one’s a long one.
Your Inclusions
Accommodation
Overnight coach
Activities
- Visit the Egyptian Museum
- Walking tour of the pyramids and Sphinx with Trip Leader
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 3 - Aswan
Disembark our noble steed, freshen up at the hotel and slip on your Birks – we’re gonna take a wander around the jumble of antique storefronts and brightly coloured stalls of Aswan Bazaar. After, we’re heading out on the Nile for a spot of kayaking. Then? The rest is 100% up to you. Need some suggestions? Explore the Temple of Isis in nearby Philae. Then check out the beaut sound and light show at the temple complex. If you’re keen to delve a bit deeper into the unique culture here, opt to visit a Nubian village and tuck into dinner with the locals. This is as authentic as it gets.
Your Inclusions
Accommodation
Obelisk Nile Hotel or similar
Activities
- Visit Aswan Bazaar
- Kayaking on the Nile
Your Options
- Visit the Temple of Isis in Philae: from 45 USD
- Watch the Sound amp; Light Show at Philae Temple: from 55 USD
- Visit a Nubian village (with traditional Nubian dinner): from 20 USD
Day 4 - Aswan, including Abu Simbel
Crank the ancient history knob a little higher – today we’re exploring the great temples of Abu Simbel. Carved within the mountains on the bank of the Nile, these babies are full of WOW factor. Take it alllll in as we wander through the great halls of the Great Temple of Ramses II and gape at the detail within the Temple of Hathor – dedicated to Ramses’ favourite wife: Queen Nefertari. Later, get the gang together for a wander along Aswan’s Corniche in search of a riverside terrace for dinner. Our Trip Leader knows where to get the best fattah. Or watch the sunset from the Ferial Gardens. This is livin’.
Your Inclusions
Accommodation
Obelisk Nile Hotel or similar
Activities
- Visit the Temples of Abu Simbel
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 5 - Aswan – Felucca Sailing
Imagine: the sun on your back, the wind in your sails and THE BEST people you could ever hope to meet sharing stories, food and music in one rug-strewn love-in. Today, we’re ditching the wheels and embarking on a journey down the Nile – aboard a traditional wooden felucca boat, of course. Pull up a cushion, turn off the tech and lose yourself in the moment as we watch rural Egyptian life play out along the banks of this mighty river. After plenty of home-cooked food and games of UNO with the gang – we’ll spend the night under a star-filled sky. This is the real Egypt. *Felucca facts: You’re spending the night on a traditional wooden boat. Meaning? No cabins. The boat’s broad canvas sails offer shade and protection from the elements by day. And by night, we’ll sleep outdoors on comfy mattresses – so don’t forget a sleeping bag. And for other… things? DW there’s toilets and somewhere for you to freshen up on board.
Your Inclusions
Accommodation
Traditional felucca sailboat
Activities
- Felucca sailing (sleeping bag recommended)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 6 - Felucca Sailing – Luxor
Wake to the sun rising slowly over the Nile and enjoy the fresh air lapping at our felucca’s sails. After breakfast, there’s an optional pit stop at Kom Ombo for a look at the Temple and Crocodile Museum. Or why not check out Edfu Temple that’s dedicated to the mighty Horus instead? Then, it’s onwards to INCREDIBLE Luxor. They say this place is the world’s greatest open-air museum – and you’ve got all afternoon free to uncover what ‘they’ mean. Explore the ancient temple of Karnak on an optional visit –stick around for the sound and light show later if you want. Or do your own thing and head to Egypt’s largest Pharaonic temple or the fascinating Luxor Museum. Tonight, dinner is on you – so get the crew together and hunt down a local restaurant for some fiteer (aka Egyptian pizza). Mmmm.
Your Inclusions
Accommodation
Aracan Eatabe Luxor Hotel or similar
Meals
- Breakfast
Your Options
- Visit Kom Ombo Temple: prices available locally
- Visit Edfu Temple: prices available locally
- Visit Karnak Temple: from 35 USD
- Experience the Karnak Temple Sound amp; Light Show: from 45 USD
Day 7 - Luxor – Hurghada
Another day, another bucket-list item well-and-truly ticked off the list. Insert: Valley of the Kings. We’ll spend the morning getting schooled on the funerary rites of the ancient Egyptians and the many hieroglyphics painted throughout three significant royal tombs – including Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memmon. Give a silent salute to Queen Hatshepsut (who ruled ancient Egypt for 20 years), before we jump back on the coach and hit the road to Hurghada. Want to explore? We got you. An optional walking tour with a local guide will give you alllll the inside knowledge on this coastal paradise. Or spend the afternoon horizontal by the pool or beachside. And later? Dinner’s on us. Get. In.
Your Inclusions
Accommodation
Mercure Hurghada Hotel or similar
Activities
- Visit the Valley of the Kings
- Visit the Temple of Hatshepsut
- Visit the Colossi of Memnon
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Your Options
- Locally guided tour of Hurghada: from 30 USD
Day 8 - Hurghada – Cairo
Disclaimer: we’re out of here this afternoon. So don’t waste a sun-soaked second. Spend the morning discovering the Old Town of El Dahar, chock-full of local restaurants, shops, and a traditional souk (read: market) selling leather, spices and shisha pipes. Heard about the incredible Red Sea diving here? Yeah, us too. Jump aboard an optional snorkelling boat trip and explore the abundance of marine life and coral reefs for yourself. Waterlogged and sunkissed, finally we’ll make a beeline back to Cairo for our last group dinner at a local eatery. What. A. Week.
Your Inclusions
Accommodation
Barceló Cairo Pyramids or similar
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Your Options
- Hurghada snorkelling boat trip: from 90 USD
Day 9 - Cairo
You came. You saw. You embraced it all. And now, just like that, it's all over. Get down to breakfast and swap those digits with your trip mates - you'll be catching up later for sure. Where to next? We've got Delve Deep trips in Morocco and Turkey, timed perfectly so you can hop straight over. Just saying...
Your Inclusions
Meals
- Breakfast
WORTH NOTING
Read the reviews
Verified customer feedback powered byFeefo
Artiola Ka October 2024
This trip truly exceeded my expectations in every way. The itinerary was perfectly planned, covering all the highlights I had on my list—and even a few unexpected ones.
I was lucky to meet an amazing group of fellow travelers, each bringing their own excitement and energy to the experience. We shared countless laughs, stories, and meals that created memories I’ll cherish forever.
Our tour guide...
Kate Ho October 2024
Kristin H October 2024
Egypt has always been in the top of my bucketlist for places to see and Topdeck didn’t disappoint. I got to see all the really big places like Abu Simbel, ride a camel by the Pyramids and explore so many ancient tombs and temples. Also our guide Mohammed, he is an incredible asset to Topdeck. We were so lucky to clearly have one of the best showing us around, he was so helpful to everyone, funny...
Hamere September 2024
Best trip ever!! Our tour guide Mohammed was one of the best tour guides!! He is very knowledgeable, very friendly, accommodating and overall the best!! I really enjoyed this trip & highly recommend it to anyone :)
Rose September 2024
Amazing must-do trip for the sites and history. Our leader was great and we learnt a lot. The trip length was good amount and saw everything I would want to see
Amelia Ro July 2024
Couldn’t recommend it enough!
Our trip leader made the trip for us. He was so knowledgeable and passionate about Egypt’s history and did everything in his power to ensure we felt safe and comfortable. If you’re thinking about going…do it!
Anonymous June 2024
Do you like being squashed in a Toyota Hiace van overnight? Do you enjoy being intimately acquainted with a stranger as you’re squashed into tiny seats for an overnight trip? Do you enjoy leaving your armoured guard behind because they can’t physically fit in the vehicle? If so this trip is for you!
The sites and the guide were fantastic! But there’s a problem when one of the participants chooses...
Anonymous June 2024
Mostly good. Guide Yassur was fantastic. Accommodation great, places fantastic. Transport left a lot to be desired
Chantell Za April 2024
The Top Deck Delve Deep Egypt Tour was a trip of a lifetime. The price for what was included was remarkable, and the sensationally knowledgeable tour guide we received for the trip really took the trip to the next level. The hotels were all clean and safe, the hotel staff were lovely, and the hotel food was divine. The local cuisine was incredible and i miss it dearly!
The locations and...
Anonymous March 2024
Anonymous March 2024
Our tour guide Hany was the most knowledgeable and fun person to travel with.
However the literary is a bit misleading, none of us knew what we signed up for. There is a lot of driving which can be uncomfortable if you can't drive too much, especially over night was difficult. Also the bost ride was a bit of a waste as we spent majority of the ride on the bank because the wind was too strong...
Anonymous February 2024
Getting what you paid for, really is going deep into Ancient Egypt and the culture too
John To February 2024
Needed a second day in Luxor and Hurghada. It felt very rushed and there wasn’t enough time to see everything
Christopher Ba December 2023
What you paid for was exactly what you got. Pyramids, Sphinx, museums and endless temples. in conjunction with a superb trip leader, the journey was a fantastic experience.
Fr�d�rique Vachon December 2023
Khalil Ge December 2023
Some of the add on activities were overpriced but otherwise really great trip
Anonymous December 2023
Really liked the inclusion of tips, made budgeting and the travel experience so much easier!
Anonymous November 2023
the tour I booked and paid for, is not the tour that was provided.
Laura Ro October 2023
This trip was amazing, and I was so glad that we got to see so many sites. Which is one of the reasons why I went with the Top Deck trip in the first place.
I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see Egypt. The only drawback is that it's pretty full on, not much down time. I also felt that we needed an extra day in Luxor as we were rushed through the Valley of the Kings and...
Ayanda Fi April 2023
Great experience. Learnt alot
Alexandra Ki April 2023
Sam was fantastic and gave us a run down of the history and importance at each site. He also briefed us about specific scams in each area so we could be aware. Sam was always super friendly and helpful and gave us great tips. Such as recommending which tombs to check out in the valley of the kings.
Overall this trip is fantastic value for money and was a fabulous time. Highly recommend this trip!
Anonymous March 2023
Great place to visit and a safe way to visit it. Amazing incredible sights to be seen. To have a guide who makes you feel like you know the whole area better and put you at ease only adds to the experience. I went to somewhere I thought I never would and saw history at the coalface.
Anonymous March 2023
So fun. Our guide was awesome and made an effort to give us the best experience.
Anonymous November 2022
Anonymous November 2022
The trip of a lifetime !!!
GS October 2022
What a trip! Packed full of amazing things to see and do. Pyramids, temples, tombs, sailing, kayaking, snorkelling and great food along the way. A great trip leader and fellow travellers - there are some long drives which can't really be avoided, but I couldn't have asked for a better bunch of people to experience it with. This was a once in a lifetime adventure.
Anonymous October 2022
So much information overload. Glad I experienced Egypt like this with a topdeck tour.
Jay Le September 2022
Amanda Ra September 2022
Nicole C February 2019
Fantastic, great value for money. One of the best trips I have ever done.
Anonymous February 2019
Best trip i have ever been on!
Kasey E March 2018
I felt like I was constantly handing over money, Little things like entry fees should be actually included so you don’t feel like your constantly handing over money and the optional extra we way over priced
Bellisa F February 2018
There was multiple hidden costs of the trip which made it more expensive then budgeted for. The tour leaders knowledge wasn’t fantastic and he wasn’t really helpful. I don’t understand why we paid for a tour leader plus Egyptologist everywhere we went, that’s extra costs that in other tours I’ve been on the tour leader had all the knowledge and takes us around places. The other group we met up...
Holly B January 2018
Loved this trip! I was slightly apprehensive as it was my first group tour but it was a good size and everyone got on well. The itinerary was packed but didn't feel too rushed and allowed us to see everything much easier than I'd done solo. It was so hot in August but we had early starts and were able to avoid the midday heat. Our guide, Ramzy, was absolutely amazing and a brilliant ambassador for...
Anonymous January 2018
Eunice M April 2017
Great value for money, such a bargin.
Waldyr F April 2017
Money trap ... didnt reflect what offered .end up cost more 50 to 100% more ..
Anonymous April 2017
Same as above, excellent and professional organisation.
Anonymous April 2017
This tour was exactly what it claimed to be however the hotel standards were very poor
Neomai M April 2017
The trip was value for money. I would recommend not buying all the souvenirs - the photos will be enough
Anonymous April 2017
Good value for money!!!!!!!!!
Anonymous April 2017
To visit Egypt was a long time dream.
But I was afraid to dive into the Middle East; Topdeck banner made me felt secure enough to risk it.
And it was so worth it
Pay in instalments that suit YOU up to 60 days before departure.
Make changes to your trip up to 60 days before departure, with ZERO amendment fees.
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FAQs
Many restaurants and shops may be closed or operate on reduced hours during Ramadan. This could impact some optional and included activities during your trip. Ramadan, which occurs on varying dates depending on the year, is an incredibly important and sacred month for Muslims. When equipped with some basic knowledge, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in this tradition and experience all its highlights.
A felucca is a traditional wooden sailing boat that has been used as transport on the Nile for centuries. This means there are no motors, no cabins, and no hairdryers! The broad canvas sails provide shade during the day. By night, you’ll sleep outdoors on comfy mattresses – so don’t forget a sleeping bag. There are toilets and a place to freshen up on board. All meals are prepared by the felucca crew. During the winter months, it can get cold, especially at night, so it's a good idea to bring a jacket or warm windcheater.
The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP).
Absolutely! It’s a requirement that all Topdeckers have comprehensive travel insurance to cover the likes of cancellation, personal injury and medical expenses. You’ll be barred from travelling with us without it. It’s also super important you read the fine print of the policy you’re taking out, so you know exactly what activities you are covered for (looking at you, adrenalin junkies!) and what your excess limits are in cases of emergency – before, during and after your trip. As a rule, you should book your travel insurance at the time of booking your trip.
Obtaining the correct visas for your trip is your own responsibility. Not having correct visas could mean missing out on part (or all) of your trip. Ask your travel agent or check with the appropriate embassies before you depart, remembering that visa requirements can change at short notice.
Please note: For most countries where visas are required, it's NOT possible to obtain a visa while on the trip. Some visas take 3-4 weeks to obtain – so get on it early!
Tipping is expected for quite a few things in the Middle East and North Africa but you only need to give a small amount and your Trip Leader will advise you what is appropriate. In true Topdeck style, your Topdeck Crew will not ask for a tip at the end of your trip – as per our ‘No Tipping Policy’.
Whist visiting some destinations, sights and attractions, it is customary to cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect. It’s a good idea to pack T-shirts, long pants or long skirts for when this is required. Your Trip Leader will advise you well in advance when you will be required to cover up.
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