The Ultimate Adventure Through Egypt

This trip is designed to ensure your time in Egypt supports local people and small businesses, not just the major tourist sites. Throughout the itinerary, you’ll stay in locally run accommodation and travel with local guides, drivers and activity providers, helping tourism income remain within the communities you visit. Several of the standout experiences are directly community-based, including a cooking class in Cairo, a Bedouin-style lunch in Fayoum, and a Nubian dinner hosted by a local family in Aswan. These experiences offer a more personal connection with local culture while supporting family-run businesses and traditional ways of life. In Luxor, the cycling experience on the West Bank is delivered in partnership with the Fantasia project. Fantasia is a local initiative designed to create sustainable livelihoods for communities living around Luxor by offering meaningful, low-impact tourism experiences. The project supports local employment through trained guides, bike mechanics, and community-run services, while also helping to protect the character of rural villages that sit just beyond Luxor’s major archaeological sites.

Egypt’s most famous sites - particularly the Pyramids of Giza, Saqqara, the Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple - can be busy, especially during peak season. However, the itinerary has been structured to help you experience these highlights in the best possible way, often visiting early in the day or at quieter times where possible. Outside of the major monuments, much of the trip feels more peaceful. Fayoum’s desert landscapes, kayaking on the Nile in Aswan, and sailing by felucca are all experiences that offer a strong sense of space and escape from the big crowds. Overall, you should expect a mix: a few iconic, lively sightseeing moments balanced by plenty of quieter experiences where Egypt feels calmer, authentic and removed from mass tourism.

Swimming in the Nile is not included as part of the tour. While some sections of the Nile (particularly fast-flowing, fresh water areas) are considered lower risk, the river can carry waterborne parasites such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis), particularly in slower-moving or stagnant water. During the felucca experience, your guide will provide a safety briefing explaining the potential risks associated with entering the water. Any decision to swim is entirely at your own discretion. We recommend avoiding contact with the river water if you have any open cuts or wounds. If you are unsure, it is always safest not to enter the water.

Yes - there is the option to take a sunrise hot air balloon flight over Luxor’s West Bank, one of the most iconic experiences in Egypt. This is an optional add-on, but we recommend getting in contact with your host prior to the trip if you'd like to request it. Balloon flights run very early in the morning, often requiring a 3:00–4:00am pick-up, depending on the season and the day’s sunrise time. You’ll be transferred to the launch area on the West Bank, where you’ll have a short safety briefing and watch the balloons being prepared before take-off. The flight itself typically lasts 45–60 minutes, though total time from hotel pick-up to return is usually around 3-4 hours. As with all balloon flights, the experience is highly weather dependent. Strong winds, poor visibility or safety concerns may result in delays or cancellations, sometimes at short notice. This activity is not included in the trip cost and is bookable payable locally.

Tap water is not drinkable anywhere in Egypt. Water will be provided by your host throughout your time in Fayoum and on the felucca. This will be bottled water in large bottles, which you can use to refill your own water bottles. Some hotels may also have filtered water available for free. We do encourage you to bring a refillable bottle to reduce plastic waste.

Yes. Your overnight stay takes place in a designated docking area that our crew knows well and uses regularly. A dedicated support boat accompanies the felucca throughout the experience, providing additional security and lighting during the night. You will also be supervised at all times by the felucca crew and your tour guide. The excursion will operate with official police permission that specifies our approved docking and overnight locations, and the area falls within the Tourism Police protection zone. As with any outdoor experience, we recommend following your guide’s instructions at all times to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay.

Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world. During this time, followers of Islam do not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. In 2027, Ramadan is expected to take place approximately from 8 Febrary to 8-10 March (dates may vary slightly depending on moon sightings). There may be some limitations to services and minor disruptions to schedules during Ramadan. However, this trip will operate effectively throughout this period, and food is available to non-Muslims during the day. Opening and closing times of certain sites may differ during Ramadan, and your itinerary may be adjusted accordingly without changing the overall tour dynamic or daily inclusions. Please note that it is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during this time. Please wear loose-fitting clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and try to avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours out of respect for those who are fasting.

Yes. Trips to Egypt have been running as normal since the Israel conflict escalated in October 2023, and again in June 2025 – check out our latest customer reviews! Much Better Adventures operates trips in line with British FCDO travel advice and also consults with security advisers, both of whom have confirmed that trips are safe to run. We continue to receive real-time updates from the FCDO, and our local host in Egypt will inform us immediately should anything change locally. If you have any questions, we've prepared some additional information about travel to Egypt during the Middle East Conflict.

For current advice about travelling in Egypt, have a read of the FCDO pages here.

Certain regions of Egypt operate under enhanced tourism security measures as part of the Egyptian government’s official Tourism Protection Plan. In some areas - such as Fayoum - a uniformed tourism police officer may accompany the group while travelling within the region. The officer may travel on the bus and remain with the group during activities in that area. This is a standard procedure and part of the local tourism security framework. In these situations, your guide works closely with the officer and will introduce them to the group. They effectively become part of the support team during that section of the trip. In other parts of the itinerary, there is no police escort. However, you may notice security checkpoints along certain routes where vehicles are routinely stopped and documentation is checked. These are normal procedures in Egypt and form part of the country’s broader tourism safety measures. These arrangements are designed to support visitor safety and ensure smooth travel throughout the country.

At Much Better Adventures, we work hard to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies so your trip is safe, inclusive and enjoyable. That said, options can vary by country, location and accommodation, and in some places options may be limited or unavailable. The information below has been provided by your host so you’re fully informed about what will be possible on your trip depending on your individual requirements. This information should be read carefully prior to your trip to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the situation ‘on the ground’.

Once you have booked on your trip, please fill out your passenger information form asap with any dietary requirements. Once you complete your passenger information, your dietary needs and any allergies are automatically shared with your host and, in turn, your guide. Please submit this as early as possible so they can plan accordingly and deliver the best experience. Please also remind your guide about your dietary requirements upon arrival, as mentioning these in person allows your guide to comprehend individual preferences and limitations as soon as you arrive.

BACKGROUND

Egyptian cuisine is deeply rooted in ancient agricultural traditions shaped by the Nile, with a strong emphasis on legumes, vegetables and simple, filling dishes designed to sustain everyday life. Staples such as beans, lentils, rice and flatbreads form the backbone of many meals, often flavoured with herbs and spices rather than heavy sauces. This makes Egypt reasonably suitable for vegetarian and dairy-free travellers, though meals can be repetitive and bread is almost always present. Awareness of gluten-free diets and severe allergies is more limited, particularly outside hotels and tourist centres, so travellers with specific or complex dietary requirements should be prepared to explain their needs clearly and manage their expectations.

SPECIAL DIETS

Vegetarian -Vegetarian diets can be catered for on this trip, provided your host is made aware in advance. On this trip, protein sources will mainly include lentils, beans, and whole wheat bread. If you require a higher protein intake, please consider bringing your favourite protein bars or protein supplements from home.

Vegan -Vegan diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Vegetarian diets can be catered for on this trip, provided your host is informed in advance. On this trip, protein sources will mainly include lentils, beans, and whole wheat bread. If you require a higher protein intake, please consider bringing your favourite protein bars or protein supplements from home.

Kosher -Fully certified Kosher kitchens and supervision are rare and cannot be guaranteed. Vegetarian or vegan options are the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above.

Halal -Halal diets can be catered for on this trip. Halal food is widely available in Egypt, and in practice, almost all food served throughout the country is Halal. As a predominantly Muslim country, restaurants, hotels, and food suppliers follow Halal standards as a norm, making it easy for you to dine with confidence.

INTOLERANCES

Gluten Free (for Coeliac, please see Allergies section below)

-Gluten-free diets can be catered for on this trip, though options are more limited. While your host will do their best to meet these requirements, please be aware that gluten-free produce and ingredients are not widely available in this destination, and meals may feel repetitive. For example, baked potatoes are often substituted for bread or pasta. We recommend bringing your favourite gluten-free snacks or food supplements from home to ensure you have enough fuel for your adventure.

Lactose Free -Lactose-Free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. The main dairy product served is cheese, which is offered daily at breakfast. This can be easily avoided, as there are always alternative breakfast options available.

ALLERGIES

Our host has confirmed that provision for certain mild and severe or life threatening food allergies on this trip may be unreliable. Please get in touch with our CX team prior to booking to discuss whether your requirements can be accommodated safely on this trip.

This will allow us to carefully consider the sensitivity and severity of your allergy, the available provision on the trip and the accessibility of medical care should a reaction occur. Your safety is always our top priority. Please note that when travelling overseas, local ingredients, food preparation methods and labelling standards may vary, particularly in remote areas. It is also worth noting that any allergies may result in more limited options and repetitive provision in some areas. Whilst your guide will help communicate dietary requirements where possible, customers remain responsible for managing their own allergies during the trip.

Yes, alcohol is legal in Egypt. It is primarily available in 5-star hotels, licensed tourist restaurants, and bars, where local beers and wines are popular and generally affordable options. Licensed liquor stores - such as Drinkies - also sell spirits (gin, vodka, whisky) and ready-to-drink flavoured beverages (often referred to locally as “ID drinks”). However, alcohol is not available everywhere. Most 3-star and boutique hotels do not hold a licence to serve alcoholic beverages. The hotels used on this tour are dry hotels, meaning alcohol is not sold or served on the premises. However, guests are free to bring their own drinks, and there are no restrictions on consuming your own alcohol within the property. The sleeper train does not serve alcoholic beverages. Guests are welcome to purchase drinks in advance and bring them onboard. On the felucca and accompanying support boat, local beer and wine are available to purchase. A price list will be provided to guests upon embarkation. Please note that drinking alcohol in public spaces (outside of licensed bars and restaurants) is discouraged. During the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, alcohol sales are restricted to licensed tourist establishments. In some cases, purchasing alcohol may require presentation of a foreign passport. As always, we encourage guests to drink responsibly and be respectful of local customs and cultural norms.

In Egypt, it is a legal requirement for all hotels and tourism operators to take a copy of guests' passports (or local ID for domestic travellers), which they must submit to the tourist police.

In addition, your host must submit a copy of your passport to the National Park authorities for permission to travel in the area visited on this trip. The application for this permission must be completed at least a day in advance, so your host asks for these in advance of travel to ensure trip preparations are complete in time for your arrival. Passport scan copies held by Much Better Adventures are deleted after your trip has finished.

Marta Marinelli, raised in Italy’s serene Prosecco Hills, dreamt of global adventures, inspired by her father's travel stories. Her passion evolved into a career, backed by a decade of studies including degrees in international tourism and destination management. She’s worked in the adventure travel sector since 2012, living in Italy, the UK, and now sunny Portugal.

Over twenty years, Marta has explored over 55 countries, visiting remote areas like Ghana, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Haiti and Nepal’s Upper Mustang region. As a Senior Adventure Expansion Manager at Much Better Adventures, she focuses on creating life-changing experiences, ranging from multi-activity adventures, challenging treks, to ultimate adventures in iconic places. She loves the challenge of finding the best local adventure hosts around the world, collaborating on adventures that offer genuine immersion, pushing beyond the beaten path and working on exclusive itineraries that challenge your comfort zone.

What makes her tick? Enabling people to live adventure-rich lives while positively impacting and empowering local communities around the world, generating sustainable opportunities for both the host, guides, community, and the environment.

Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country and, while major cities such as Cairo, Luxor and Aswan are very accustomed to tourism, dressing modestly is recommended as a sign of cultural respect. In general, both men and women should aim to cover from the shoulders to below the knees when out in public. For women, long skirts, maxi dresses, loose linen trousers and blouses are ideal. Clothing should be loose-fitting and not see-through, and it’s best to avoid very tight, low-cut or sheer garments. For men, long trousers or jeans are most appropriate, although knee-length shorts are generally acceptable in cities when paired with a t-shirt or polo shirt. Very short shorts and sleeveless tops are not recommended outside beach or resort areas. When visiting mosques and other religious sites, both men and women must dress more conservatively. Women are required to cover their hair, arms and legs, while men should wear long trousers. Shoes must be removed before entering. Your guide will advise you when specific dress adjustments are required. Swimwear is acceptable at hotel pools and private beaches. However, modest dress is still expected when leaving the hotels grounds. Finally, lightweight, breathable clothing that covers the skin is highly recommended not only for cultural reasons but also for protection against the strong sun.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).

If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.

For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

• 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
• 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
• 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.