Egypt

Why Choose an Escorted Holiday to Egypt?

Egypt is one of the oldest civilisations on earth, and it is a place where the scale of what was built - the Pyramids of Giza, the Temple of Karnak, the rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel - is so far beyond modern expectations that even seasoned travellers are regularly stunned. Standing at the base of the Great Pyramid, or sailing past the temple façades at Philae on the Nile, or watching the Abu Simbel sound and light show across the water at dusk, are experiences that belong in a category of their own.

An escorted tour is particularly well-suited to Egypt. The country's heritage is dense and complex - the chronology of the pharaonic dynasties alone spans 3,000 years - and having a guide who can draw the narrative together, from the Old Kingdom pyramids to the New Kingdom temples to the Ptolemaic and Roman layers, transforms what you see. Our tours include the Nile cruise section that connects Luxor and Aswan, which is the most atmospheric way to travel between them. For British-Indian passengers, Egypt has enormous appeal: halal food is universal, the country's cultural and spiritual heritage resonates strongly, and the sheer ambition of what the ancient Egyptians built is something that crosses all cultural boundaries.

Indian-Friendly Features on Our Egypt Tours

• Indian dinners included on most multi-day tours, alongside excellent Egyptian cuisine
• Halal food universal throughout Egypt, making dietary planning straightforward
• Vegetarian options plentiful, with Egyptian mezze, falafel, ful medames and koshari all naturally vegetarian
• No pork in any included meals
• India departure add-on available on some itineraries - contact our India team on 1800 123 181 181
• Midlands, Leicester and London pick-up points for all UK departures

Best Time to Visit Egypt

October to April is the main tourist season and the right time to visit for most travellers. Temperatures in Upper Egypt (Luxor, Aswan) are pleasant - around 25-30°C - and the Nile cruise conditions are excellent.

November to February is peak season. Cairo and Luxor are at their most comfortable, the tombs and temples are busy but manageable, and the Nile is calm and clear.

March and April bring warmer temperatures and occasional khamsin sandstorm season, but the sites are largely uncrowded and prices are lower than peak winter season.

May to September is very hot across the country, reaching 45°C or above in Upper Egypt. The Red Sea resorts (Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh) remain viable with beach and diving activities.

Popular Destinations Within Egypt

The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx - the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre and the Pyramid of Menkaure, with the Great Sphinx watching over the necropolis. The experience at dawn, before the crowds, is extraordinary.

The Egyptian Museum, Cairo - the largest collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts in the world. The Tutankhamun galleries, with the gold death mask and the treasures from the Valley of the Kings, are alone worth the journey.

Luxor and the Valley of the Kings - the ancient city of Thebes. The Valley of the Kings holds over 60 royal tombs, including Tutankhamun's. On the east bank, the Karnak Temple Complex is one of the largest religious buildings ever constructed.

The Nile Cruise (Luxor to Aswan) - the three or four-night cruise between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at Edfu and Kom Ombo, is the most atmospheric way to travel between Upper Egypt's temple cities.

Aswan and Abu Simbel - Aswan has the Philae Temple on its island, the Nubian villages and the High Dam. Abu Simbel, two hours south by road or a short flight, is the rock-cut temple of Ramesses II - relocated to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser in one of the great engineering feats of the 20th century.

Alexandria - the Mediterranean city founded by Alexander the Great, with the Bibliotheca Alexandrina (the modern reincarnation of the ancient library), the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa and a coastal city character quite different from the interior.

Practical Information

• Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP)
• Language: Arabic; English spoken in tourist areas and hotels
• Time zone: Eastern European Time (GMT+2 in winter, GMT+3 in summer)
• Electricity: Type C and F plugs (220V). A European adapter is needed for UK devices.
• Tipping: Included in your Star Tours holiday price; our tour managers handle all baksheesh arrangements
• India bookings: Call our India line free on 1800 123 181 181 (10am-7pm)
• ABTA & ATOL: All our Egypt holidays are fully protected