Egypt: Land of the Pharaohs

From pyramid shadows to Nile breezes, this timeless walking adventure unearths the marvels of Egypt with every step and sail. Stand before the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza. Explore the brand-new Grand Egyptian Museum — the largest archaeological museum on Earth. Cruise four nights on the Nile aboard the MS Nile Premium, visiting the Valley of the Kings, the temples of Karnak and Luxor, Kom Ombo, Edfu, and the Nubian villages of Aswan. Two internal flights keep the journey comfortable. An Egyptologist guide accompanies you throughout, bringing five millennia of history to vivid life.

📄Want the full picture? Download our brochure with the complete day-by-day itinerary, pricing, and trip details.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Walk Rating Key

Incline

Gentle — gain < 200 ft

Moderate — gain 200–1,000 ft

Steep — gain 1,000–2,000 ft

Terrain

🏙️ PavedAlmost entirely on pavement

🥾 TrailsWell-groomed trails, few obstacles

⛰️ RuggedRocky, rooted paths, or soft sand

Day 1

Arrive Cairo · Welcome Orientation · Optional Dahshour Pyramids Excursion

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Arrive into Cairo and transfer to our hotel on the east bank of the Nile. Optional half-day excursion to Dahshour — site of the Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid, two structures that pre-date the Great Pyramids of Giza. Includes lunch, Egyptologist guide, private air-conditioned vehicle, and entrance ticket. Optional: $98/person. Welcome Orientation and group dinner at the hotel this evening.

Day 2

Fly Cairo to Luxor · Temple of Luxor · Temple of Karnak · Board MS Nile Premium

1 walk · 4 km

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After breakfast, fly from Cairo to Luxor. Visit the Temple of Luxor, reflecting the continuity of Egyptian history from the 18th Dynasty to the 14th century AD, and the Temple of Karnak — the largest temple complex in Egypt, built over more than 1,500 years by successive generations of pharaohs. Temples of Luxor Walk — 4 km, rated 1B. Transfer to the MS Nile Premium for boarding. Dinner and first night on board.

Temples of Luxor Walk4 km🏙️ Paved

Day 3

Valley of the Kings · Temple of Hatshepsut · Deir el-Medina · Cruise to Edfu

1 walk · 2 km

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Optional early morning hot air balloon ride over the Nile — surreal floating over timeless landscapes with temple views. Optional: $154/person. Cross the Nile to visit the Valley of the Kings. Then the dramatic Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Our Egyptologist leads us across the sands past the tomb of Montuemhat and El-Assasif tombs to Deir el-Medina, the Village of the Workers — excavations of a town built over 3,000 years ago for workers who sculpted the pharaohs' tombs. Mortuary Temple to Deir el-Medina Walk — 2 km, rated 1B. Pass the Colossi of Memnon en route to our ship. Lunch aboard, then cruise upstream along the Nile — feluccas, agricultural scenes, and fellow passengers on the Sundeck.

Mortuary Temple to Deir el-Medina Walk2 km🥾 Trails

Day 4

Temple of Horus at Edfu · Temples of Kom Ombo · Cruising the Nile

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First port of call at Edfu offers the superbly preserved Temple of Horus. Further upstream, the Temples of Kom Ombo — dedicated to two deities: the crocodile-headed Sobek and Haroeris, a double-headed sparrow/hawk. Our Egyptologist guide helps us understand the Egyptian pantheon and the cryptic symbols of hieroglyphics. Continue cruising the Nile.

Day 5

Aswan · Unfinished Obelisk · Elephantine Island · Nubian Village · Nile Promenade

1 walk · 7 km

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A multi-part walk with colorful and diverse stops. Start at the Unfinished Obelisk — a granite quarry with a partially carved obelisk still unfinished after several thousand years. Walk to the Nile and sail to Elephantine Island to see an ancient Nilometer, used to measure annual flooding and predict harvest yields. Continue upstream through pristine stretches of the Nile to a Nubian village — learn about the Nubian people who settled in southern Egypt. School visit if in session, then lunch at a local restaurant. Aswan Nubian Village Walk — 7 km, rated 2B. Optional afternoon stroll along the Nile promenade Corniche and into the colorful souq near our ship.

Aswan Nubian Village Walk7 km🥾 Trails

Day 6

Free Morning in Aswan · Optional Abu Simbel Flight · Fly to Cairo

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Free morning in Aswan to relax, explore the Nubian Museum, or browse the souq. Optional excursion to the temples of Abu Simbel — two temples carved into rock by Ramses II more than 32 centuries ago, considered the apex of Egyptian temple architecture. Roundtrip flight, admission, lunch, Egyptologist guide, and all transport included. Optional: $399/person. Return to Aswan, then fly back to Cairo. Check into our hotel for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 7

Pyramids of Giza · The Sphinx · Saqqara · Memphis · Ancient Capital of the Old Kingdom

1 walk · 6 km

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Start at the Great Pyramid of Cheops — struggling to take in the enormity of this engineering feat. Our walk route provides multiple vantage points of the pyramids. Go nose to missing nose with the legendary Sphinx. Pyramids of Giza Walk — 6 km, rated 2B. Lunch, then continue by bus to Saqqara to examine the earliest pyramids. Stroll through Memphis, the ancient capital of the Old Kingdom of Egypt. Return to our Cairo hotel for dinner.

Pyramids of Giza Walk6 km🥾 Trails

Day 8

Saladin Citadel · Al-Azhar Park · Islamic Cairo · Khan el-Khalili Bazaar

3 walks · 8 km

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A multi-part walk filling in pieces of the cultural puzzle of modern Egypt. First, the Saladin Citadel of Cairo and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha. Saladin Citadel Walk — 3 km, rated 1B. Wander through the lovely gardens of Al-Azhar Park overlooking Cairo. Al-Azhar Park Walk — 2 km, rated 1B. Lunch in the park. Afternoon: thread through the Islamic Quarter to reach the Khan el-Khalili bazaar — time to browse the maze of colorful shops. Islamic Cairo & Khalili Bazaar Walk — 3 km, rated 1B. Dinner at our Cairo hotel.

Saladin Citadel Walk3 km🥾 Trails

Al-Azhar Park Walk2 km🥾 Trails

Islamic Cairo & Khan el-Khalili Bazaar Walk3 km🥾 Trails

Day 9

Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) · King Tutankhamun Collection · Farewell Dinner

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Visit the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) near the Giza pyramid complex — the largest archaeological museum in the world, featuring cutting-edge technology and more than 100,000 artifacts. The full collection of King Tutankhamun's treasures displayed together for the first time since their discovery. Climb the grand staircase for panoramic views of the Pyramids of Giza. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon to rest and pack. Special Farewell Dinner sharing memories of our remarkable journey through Egypt.

Day 10

Depart Cairo

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Following one last breakfast at our Cairo hotel, enjoy an included transfer to the airport for your flight from ancient Africa to 21st century North America.

Take this itinerary with you.

Download the full brochure with day-by-day details, pricing, and what's included.

What's Included

Included

5 nights Cairo hotel
4 nights Nile cruise
all breakfasts
4 lunches
7 dinners
2 internal flights
Pyramids of Giza
Grand Egyptian Museum
Valley of the Kings
Karnak & Luxor temples
Kom Ombo
Edfu
Nubian village visit
Egyptologist guide
WAI guide service. Based on double occupancy.

Not Included

International airfare to/from Cairo
optional Dahshour pyramids
optional hot air balloon
optional Abu Simbel ($399)
travel insurance
single supplement
personal expenses
alcoholic beverages
gratuities

Ready to Explore Egypt: Land of the Pharaohs?

Reserve Your Spot

Questions? Call 360.260.9393 · Mon–Fri, 7–10am Pacific

Enhance Your Trip

Make your adventure even richer with these optional additions. Pre-nights and activities can be added at any time — before booking, during registration, or later via your trip advisor.

Single Supplement — Pre-Night

Single room supplement for the November 7 pre-night.

$110

Single Supplement — Main Tour

Single room supplement for the main tour.

$1,975

Pre-Night in Cairo

Arrive on November 7 and rest before your Egyptian adventure begins. Hotel arranged at the group's Cairo hotel with Nile views.

$189/double or $299/single1 night

Dahshour Bent & Red Pyramids

Visit the lesser-known Dahshour pyramid complex on Day 1 — see the Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid, two of the oldest true pyramids in Egypt, without the crowds of Giza.

$98/personHalf day

Hot Air Balloon Over the Nile

Rise before dawn on Day 3 for a breathtaking hot air balloon flight over the West Bank of Luxor — the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's temple, and the Nile spread below you at sunrise.

$154/person2 hours

Abu Simbel Flight & Site Visit

Fly from Aswan to the colossal temples of Abu Simbel on Day 6 — Ramesses II's monumental tribute, relocated block by block to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser.

$399/personFull day

Available to add during registration or by calling 360.260.9393.

Before You Book

Start by browsing our tour calendar and finding the adventure that fits your interests, dates, and walking level. There are two ways to secure your spot. You can pre-register for $200 per person to express interest before full details are released — pre-registered travelers receive a Priority Booking Invitation with one week to register before remaining space opens to the general public. Full registration requires a non-refundable $500 deposit ($200 pre-registration + $300 additional, or $500 if registering directly). Final payment is due 90 days before departure and can be made online or mailed by check for a 1% discount. Final payment is non-refundable and non-transferable. You'll receive reminders before each deadline. About 2-3 weeks before departure, you'll receive a final email packet with hotel names, contact information, a list of fellow travelers, and a detailed daily schedule. All registrations are subject to our General Terms & Conditions. Questions? Call us at 360.260.9393 or email hello@walkingadventures.fun.

Yes. US citizens need a tourist visa for Egypt. The easiest option is an e-visa, which you can apply for online before departure (processing takes about 7 days). You can also purchase a visa on arrival at Cairo Airport for approximately $25. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates. We'll send detailed visa instructions after registration.

Airfare is generally not included in the tour price. The starting point for each tour is the arrival airport or first hotel. We recommend booking your own flights so you can use your preferred airline, frequent flyer miles, or travel credit. When air travel is necessary within an itinerary (such as inter-island flights in the Azores), it is usually included in the tour price. We recommend contacting Laura Pfahler, the travel agent we work with, to help book your flight arrangements. Detailed arrival and departure airport information is provided on each tour page and in your registration materials.

November is one of the best months to visit Egypt — warm but not extreme. Expect daytime highs around 75-85°F (24-29°C) in Luxor and Aswan, and slightly cooler in Cairo (70-78°F / 21-26°C). Evenings cool down significantly, especially on the Nile. The sun is intense year-round — bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Rain is extremely rare. Lightweight, breathable clothing with modest coverage (shoulders and knees covered for temple visits) is ideal.

Once paid, your registration deposit is non-refundable. Final payment is due before departure — your tour page has the specific dates — and is non-refundable after the due date. We'll send you a reminder a week or two before each deadline so nothing sneaks up on you. If a tour doesn't reach the minimum number of participants needed to run, WAI may cancel the departure — and if that happens, you'll receive a full refund of everything you've paid. It's rare, but we want you to know where you stand. See our General Tour Conditions for complete cancellation and refund details.

You'll spend four nights aboard the MS Nile Premium cruising between Luxor and Aswan. The ship is comfortable and air-conditioned with private balcony cabins, a pool deck, and a dining room. Sailing the Nile is a unique experience — you'll watch ancient temples, felucca sailboats, and riverside villages drift past from your private balcony. The cruise handles all logistics between archaeological sites, so there's no packing and unpacking during the river portion of the tour.

WAI believes strongly in the importance of travel insurance for financial and medical protection from unforeseen circumstances before departure or during your adventure. We recommend a policy covering trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and emergency medical expenses. Be aware that some policies contain time-sensitive provisions — benefits like coverage of pre-existing conditions may only be available if the policy is purchased within a certain number of days of booking. Airfare is generally not covered by tour travel insurance. Using SquareMouth.com is a good way to compare pricing. Other options include Allianz, Travel Guard, and Travel Insured International. WAI bears no responsibility for travel insurance benefits advertised by credit card companies — verify coverage types and limits before relying on them.

The Egypt walks are among the easiest in our catalog — mostly flat terrain (rated 1B to 2B) on sand, stone paths, and paved walkways around archaeological sites. The longest walk is 7 km at Aswan's Nubian Village and 6 km at the Pyramids of Giza. The main challenge is heat and sun exposure rather than terrain. Comfortable walking shoes (not hiking boots) work fine for most days. Bring plenty of water — your guides will remind you, but hydration in the Egyptian climate is essential.

Every WAI walk uses a two-part rating: a number (1–3) for incline and a letter (A–C) for terrain. Here’s what they look like:

1 — Gentle (gain < 200 ft)

2 — Moderate (gain 200–1,000 ft)

3 — Steep (gain 1,000–2,000 ft)

🏙️ PavedA — Paved (almost entirely on pavement)

🥾 TrailsB — Trails (well-groomed trails, few obstacles)

⛰️ RuggedC — Rugged (rocky, rooted paths, or soft sand)

Quick Reference

	🏙️ Paved	🥾 Trails	⛰️ Rugged
Gentle	🏙️ Paved	🥾 Trails	⛰️ Rugged
Moderate	🏙️ Paved	🥾 Trails	⛰️ Rugged
Steep	🏙️ Paved	🥾 Trails	⛰️ Rugged

Each tour page also has a Tour Pace rating (1–5) and a Walk Challenge rating (1–5) that summarize the overall difficulty. Use these to compare tours at a glance — then check the day-by-day itinerary for the full picture.

The MS Nile Premium is a 5-star ultra-luxury Nile cruise ship launched in November 2008. It features 56 standard cabins (included in the tour price) and offers a comfortable, elegant travel experience on the water between Luxor and Aswan.

You'll receive a detailed packing list and final email packet about 2-3 weeks before departure, including hotel names, contact information, a list of fellow travelers, and a more detailed daily schedule. Key items for every WAI tour: well broken-in walking shoes (not new ones), layers for variable weather, a lightweight waterproof rain jacket, a small daypack for daily walks, sunscreen, and a hat. For international tours, check your tour page for destination-specific recommendations. Comfortable, modest clothing works for most group dinners — WAI tours are relaxed, not formal.

Most days begin with a group breakfast, followed by a morning walk or cultural visit. Midday includes a lunch stop — sometimes included, sometimes on your own at a local restaurant. Afternoons blend walking with sightseeing, and evenings are usually free with periodic group dinners. You'll never feel rushed, and there's always time to rest, explore on your own, or sit in a café and watch the world go by. Your guides will share a detailed daily schedule before the trip so you'll know exactly what to expect.

You don't need to be an athlete. WAI tours range from gentle strolls through city streets to more adventurous walks on hills and trails — and most walking days offer a shorter or easier alternative so you can choose your level. If you enjoy walking regularly and can handle a couple of miles at a comfortable pace, you'll find tours that fit. More experienced walkers will find plenty to challenge them too. The best preparation is to walk regularly in the weeks before your trip, gradually building up distance. Every tour page shows walk-by-walk ratings so you can see exactly what's involved — and if you're unsure, give us a call. We love helping people find the right fit.

WAI groups are small by design — every group is kept intentionally small so you're never just a face in the crowd. Two WAI guides accompany every trip (plus local national guides on international tours), which means more personal attention, better access to local experiences, and the kind of camaraderie that turns fellow travelers into lasting friends. Check your tour page for specific group size details.

Absolutely — and you won't be alone for long. Many of our travelers come solo and quickly find themselves part of the group. We offer a roommate matching service at no extra charge, or you can book a single room for a supplement (amount varies by tour). Solo travelers consistently tell us that the community feel of a WAI trip is one of the best parts.

Meal inclusions vary by tour — check your specific tour page for details. Most tours include daily breakfast, several group dinners, and select lunches. On free-meal days, your guides will recommend local restaurants that match the group's tastes and budget. Group dinners are a highlight — they're often at locally owned restaurants where the food tells a story about the place you're visiting.

With help from local experts and walking guides, Classic Curated itineraries are crafted with extensive on-site planning by WAI tour planners. Our objective is to capture the essence of a destination by weaving together its culture, history, natural beauty, and culinary traditions into a walking-centric adventure. Think of it as a fully planned trip where each day is thoughtfully designed — not a self-guided hike, not a resort stay, but an immersive journey with a small group led by experienced WAI guides.

After you register, we'll send you an Adventure Advice email with everything you need to plan your trip — recommended flights, arrival airports, timing tips, and important steps to take before departure. One big thing: please don't buy your flights until you've seen this email. It'll save you headaches and help you find the best options. Closer to departure, you'll get a final packet with hotel details, a list of your fellow travelers, and a day-by-day schedule.

If a tour departure doesn't reach the minimum enrollment needed to run, WAI reserves the right to cancel it. If that happens, registered participants receive a 100% refund of all payments made to WAI. Most tours reach minimum enrollment well in advance, and cancellations are rare — but we want you to know we stand behind our commitment if it ever happens. In cases where supplier non-refundable deposits limit what WAI can recover, we'll do our best to apply unrecovered amounts as credit toward a future tour.

Our approach to wellness on tour encourages travelers to: focus on health before the tour so you start healthy; pace yourself while on tour, as travel is inherently stimulating and can mask energy drain; stay hydrated and rested, especially on long-haul travel days and at altitude; and speak up if you're not feeling well — our guides are trained to help and would rather know early. We travel in small groups where everyone looks out for each other, and our guides carry first aid supplies and know local medical resources at every stop. Read our full Wellness on Tour Policy for details.

Egypt: Land of the Pharaohs

Tour Pace

Walk Challenge