True Egypt
Egypt’s historic wonders are well-known, but not always well-travelled. Here’s your chance to experience the breathtaking ancient classics from an exclusive Flash Pack perspective
What's included
- Accommodation in twin rooms
- All activities mentioned on the itinerary
- 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
About your trip
Bypass the generic tours and wander straight into Egypt’s beating, authentic heart with Flash Pack.
On this adventure, prepare to go so much further than the Egypt you conjure in your mind’s eye. Over the course of eight days you’ll explore Cairo’s atmospheric backstreets and visit exotic medieval bazaars, and you’ll travel to an ancient desert monastery that once housed 1,000 monks. You’ll dine with a Nubian family and disappear into the fabric of Egyptian life on a local-led food tour. And, of course, you’ll get to marvel at the legendary Pyramids of Giza: last remaining wonder of the ancient world.
Among the more intrepid moments, there’ll be hours of perfect calm, too. Think sailing down the Nile on your private felucca, passing untouched riverside communities, and stints by the hotel pool to retreat into from the North African sun. All experienced with new friends, united in a mission to be lost in the heady magic of true Egypt.
Please see our FAQs page about travel to Egypt during the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
- Get a glimpse of the famous pyramids as your plane approaches Cairo Airport, where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to whisk you to your first hotel
- Meet your group and dive straight into Egyptian culture on a local-led food tour, heading down secret alleys that most visitors would never find
- Explore the incredible Giza Pyramids with an expert local guide; you can’t help but feel awed by the sheer size and mystic beauty of this Wonder of the Ancient World
- Mind-blown by the 4,500-year-old monuments, retreat from the heat at a pyramid-view restaurant, before heading back to Cairo to relax by your hotel pool
- Uncover a wealth of incredible exhibits at the fascinating Egyptian Museum, home to a staggering collection of ancient treasures found during decades of excavation
- Visit Cairo’s 12th-century citadel – built by Saladin to protect Egypt’s rulers from the Crusaders – marveling at the ornate Alabaster Mosque
- Pick up some delicious local food at Khan El Khalili Bazaar and El Moaz Street before heading to the airport for your flight to Aswan, ancient Egypt’s southern frontier
- Explore the stone- and mud-brick ruins of St Simeon Monastery, which once housed 1,000 monks: an eerily atmospheric sight in the desert
- Spend a free afternoon in Aswan, perhaps visiting the excellent Nubian Museum, which showcases the art and culture of this ancient desert region
- Visit the island temple of Philae before a relaxed afternoon drifting down the Nile on a private felucca (traditional sailboat), while your hosts keep you fed and watered
- Experience authentic local cuisine with a home-cooked dinner prepared by a Nubian family; gain a local’s perspective into the history and culture of the region
- Journey by private minibus to the atmospheric Temple of Edfu, preserved in the desert sand before continuing to Luxor, the site of ancient Thebes
- Visit Karnak, an extraordinary complex of colossal statues, obelisks and the iconic Hypostyle Hall, large enough to contain around 10 cathedrals
- After sunset, take an optional tour of Luxor Temple; walking through the famed Avenue of Sphinxes by night is a particularly eerie experience
- Start your day with an optional hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings (additional cost) for incredible views over the ancient arid hills
- Explore the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, where 60 royal tombs have been excavated, including Tutankhamun’s (additional fee), and visit the Temple of Hatshepsut
- Enjoy a farewell dinner in an elegant riverside restaurant – the perfect place to reflect on your trip and celebrate eight epic days in Egypt
- Say goodbye to your Flash Pack group – now firm friends – and make your own way to the airport; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a taxi
- Arrive home from your Egyptian adventure full of wonder at the ancient world, but equally touched by the people you’ve met and the meaningful local experiences
Where you'll be staying
We often feature these unique hotels on this trip, with final options confirmed a month before departure. We work with these or similar hotels to ensure a stylish and comfortable stay every time.
Conrad Cairo Hotel
A sophisticated five-star stay in the heart of the capital. Enjoy killer views of the Nile from the gorgeous outdoor pool or try your hand at a game of roulette in the 24-hour casino.
Sonesta St George, Luxor
Four-star grandeur set on the banks of the Nile, Sonesta St George feels like a world of its own. Expect a glistening outdoor pool, a top-notch restaurant and superb river views to watch the world drift by.
Mövenpick Aswan
Set on an island in the middle of the Nile, river views don’t get much better than this. The five-star hotel is a secluded oasis, with a Nubian-style orangerie and infinity pool surrounded by vast tropical gardens.
Adventure FAQs
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What airport do I need to fly in and out of?
Fly into Cairo (CAI) and fly out of Luxor (LXR).
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What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
We recommend arriving by 2 pm.
Your welcome meeting with your Flash Pack Leader and group will begin at 4:30 pm, but we suggest getting to Cairo earlier to enjoy some time to relax and explore.
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What time should my flight depart on the last day?
There are no activities planned for the last day, so leave any time you wish. The airport is approximately 20 minutes away from the hotel, and your Pack Leader can help you book your transfers the night before if needed.
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Are airport transfers included?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.
We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi.
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Are tips included?
Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:
- Pack Leader: 10 USD per day
- Local tips (drivers, guides, porters, restaurants): 10 USD per day
Your Pack Leader will collect a kitty for all tips (including for the Pack Leader) at the welcome meeting and will take responsibility for distributing tips throughout the trip. Please have this amount ready in cash in USD at the welcome meeting and don’t convert it to Egyptian pounds.
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How much luggage can I bring?
The luggage allowance for internal flights is 23 kg plus a carry-on bag weighing up to 7 kg.
Please make sure your luggage is within this weight limit, or you’ll have to buy an extra suitcase and pay an extra 30 USD at the airport.
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Do I need a visa?
Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.
You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
- Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.
Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.
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What vaccinations and medication will I need?
While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
1. Consult with a healthcare professional
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.
2. Up-to-date medical advice
- UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
- US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
- Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.
3. Government travel advice
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
4. Medication tips
If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.
We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.
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What will the hotels be like?
The hotels we stay at in Egypt are all four and five star and have been chosen for their excellent locations and comfortable accommodation. While we always take care to give you the best experience, we hope you can appreciate that different countries have different standards.
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Will this itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes are rare but can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting which we will always try to communicate to you.
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How much does the hot air balloon ride cost?
On Day 7, you have the option of a morning hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings. This would take place at around 4 am before breakfast. The cost for this is 150 USD per person and can be arranged with your Pack Leader while you’re in Egypt.
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What about Ramadan? Will it affect my trip?
Your itinerary is not expected to change during Ramadan or Eid Al Fitr (the Festival of Fast-breaking) as tourists sites will remain open. However, many shops and restaurants will be closed and it will be more difficult to buy alcohol – your Pack Leader can advise. Some activities, such as the food tour in Cairo, may not be able to run or will have to run later in the evening.
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Is it safe to travel to Egypt at this time?
There has been no change to travel advice for Egypt. Flash Pack tours are running as scheduled with many Flashpackers joining us over the previous months. For more information, please see our FAQs page about travel to Egypt during the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
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