Day 1 – Arrival in Cairo
Welcome to Egypt! On arrival at Cairo airport, you’ll be met by our local representative, who will be holding a sign with your name. They’ll help arrange your visa on arrival and guide you through the airport, making your family’s arrival as smooth and stress-free as possible.
From here, you’ll be transferred to your hotel close to the Pyramids of Giza. With a swimming pool, spacious rooms and easy access to some of Egypt’s most famous sights, it’s a comfortable base for the first few days of your adventure.
Depending on your arrival time and energy levels, the rest of the day is yours to relax after your flight. Take a dip in the pool, enjoy a family meal at the hotel or simply settle into your surroundings. Tomorrow, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the pyramids and uncover the fascinating stories of ancient Egypt, so today is all about easing into your adventure.
Day 2 – Discover the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, Memphis and Saqqara
After breakfast, it’s time for one of Egypt’s biggest highlights: the Pyramids of Giza. You’ve probably seen them in books, films and school lessons, but standing beside them in real life is something else entirely. Their sheer size is guaranteed to impress both children and adults.
To help bring the site to life, you’ll be joined by a local guide who knows all the fascinating stories behind these ancient wonders. How were they built? Why were they built? And what secrets are archaeologists still trying to uncover today? Expect plenty of fun facts and opportunities for curious young explorers to ask questions along the way.
Entrance fees are paid locally and are not included in the trip price.
Later, you’ll continue to Saqqara, home to Egypt’s oldest pyramid and one of the country’s most fascinating archaeological sites. With fewer visitors than Giza, there’s plenty of space for children to explore as your guide brings the story of the famous Step Pyramid to life and explains how it became the blueprint for the pyramids that followed.
You’ll then visit the ancient city of Memphis, where giant statues, including the colossal Ramses II, and a huge alabaster sphinx give you a glimpse into Egypt’s former capital. It’s a fun and fascinating way for the whole family to discover even more about the world of the pharaohs before returning to Cairo.
Day 3 – Grand Egyptian Museum tour
Today, you’ll dive deeper into Egypt’s fascinating past with a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum. Located close to the Pyramids of Giza, this spectacular museum is one of the largest archaeological museums in the world and brings thousands of years of history to life for visitors of all ages.
As you explore the bright, spacious galleries, you’ll come face-to-face with giant statues, ancient mummies, beautifully decorated sarcophagi and intricate jewellery. There are plenty of stories to capture children’s imaginations, from powerful pharaohs and hidden tombs to ancient gods and mysterious hieroglyphics. Large windows throughout the museum also offer views towards the pyramids in the distance, linking the treasures inside to the monuments you’ve already seen.
A highlight for many families is the collection of Tutankhamun’s treasures. Seeing the famous golden mask, elaborate sarcophagus and other artefacts discovered in his tomb makes it easy to imagine what life was like in ancient Egypt. It’s a fascinating and interactive way to bring everything you’ve learned about the pharaohs to life.
Day 4 – Head to the desert
After a few days exploring Cairo, discovering ancient treasures and standing beneath the Pyramids of Giza, it’s time for a family adventure beyond the city. This morning, you’ll be picked up by your desert team and set off in a sturdy 4×4 with your driver and guide.
As you leave Cairo behind, you’ll watch the city views gradually shift to greener landscapes as you approach the El Fayoum Oasis. Along the way, your guide will share stories about the region and point out interesting sights, helping bring the landscape to life for curious young travellers.
Your first stop is Qsar El Sagha, an ancient temple sitting quietly on the edge of the desert. Exploring the ruins feels a little like stepping into an archaeological adventure, with plenty of opportunities for children to imagine what life was like here thousands of years ago. Keep your eyes peeled as you wander and learn about legends of hidden treasures, and while finding a centuries-old gold coin is unlikely, it certainly adds to the sense of adventure.
Continue deeper into the desert, where the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. Strange rock formations, rolling sand dunes and wide-open landscapes create a setting that feels almost like another planet, with something new to discover around every corner.
Along the way, you’ll stop at a local village and visit one of the waterfalls of Wadi El Rayan, a surprising splash of green and blue in the middle of the desert. There will also be time for a drink overlooking a peaceful oasis before continuing to one of Egypt’s most fascinating natural wonders: Wadi El Hitan, or the Valley of the Whales. Once covered by an ancient sea, this UNESCO-listed site is now home to remarkable whale fossils and skeletons, offering children a chance to see evidence of creatures that swam here millions of years ago.
Before reaching camp, you’ll make one final stop at a beautiful lake where flamingos are often spotted wading in the shallows.
As the sun begins to set, you’ll arrive at your Bedouin camp. After settling in, enjoy a traditional dinner together followed by sweet Egyptian tea around the campfire. As darkness falls and the stars appear overhead, you can share stories from the day’s adventures before settling into your tent or traditional Bedouin hut for a memorable night in the desert.
Day 5 – Fly to Luxor
The next morning, you will wake up to the first rays of sunshine. Take a stroll just outside the camp to see the desert at its most beautiful in the early light. After a traditional breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the camp and your Bedouin hosts before setting off on the two and a half hour drive back to Cairo by jeep.
On arrival, you will be dropped off at the airport to catch your domestic flight to Luxor. On arrival, our driver will be waiting to take your family to your hotel on a private island in the Nile. Surrounded by gardens and palm trees, the resort feels like a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city. There’s plenty of space for children to run around, swimming pools for cooling off after a day of sightseeing, and beautiful views across the river towards Luxor’s temples and mountains beyond. The rest of the day is yours to relax and settle in.
Day 6 – Felucca sunset sail
This morning is free for you to relax by the pool, explore the hotel grounds or simply enjoy watching life unfold along the Nile. Later in the afternoon, it’s time to experience Luxor from a different perspective. Your driver will take you to the riverbank, where a traditional felucca awaits. These wooden sailing boats, with their distinctive white sails, have travelled the Nile for centuries. With no engine, you’ll glide quietly across the water, powered only by the wind.
As you sail, you’ll pass palm-fringed shores, small farming villages and fishermen heading home for the day. Children may spot water buffalo cooling off in the shallows or local children playing along the riverbank. As the sun begins to set, the sky turns shades of gold, orange and pink, creating a magical backdrop for your cruise. Settle back on the cushions, enjoy the views and watch the landscape drift by as the light fades. After sunset, you’ll return to shore and be transferred back to your hotel for the evening.
Day 7 – Visit Karnak and Luxor Temple
Today, you’ll discover two of Luxor’s most impressive ancient sites on the east bank of the Nile, perfect for both curious kids and grown-ups. After breakfast, you’ll start at Karnak Temple, the largest temple complex in Egypt. Walking through its vast open courtyards and between giant columns, it’s easy to imagine life in Ancient Egypt. The enormous Hypostyle Hall is often a favourite, with its forest of towering pillars that make everyone feel tiny in the best possible way.
Next, you’ll head to Luxor Temple, right in the heart of the city. Here, huge statues stand guard at the entrance while carved walls tell stories from thousands of years ago. Your guide will bring it all to life with fascinating tales of pharaohs, festivals and ancient rituals, making it engaging for all ages. This afternoon is free to relax as a family. Head back to the hotel pool for a swim, enjoy some downtime in the gardens or head into town if you’re feeling curious.
Day 8 – Explore the iconic Valley of the Kings
Today you’ll cross the Nile to Luxor’s west bank, where the landscape quickly changes to golden desert and dramatic rocky hills. This is home to the famous Valley of the Kings, a place that feels like stepping straight into an ancient storybook. Here, the tombs of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs are hidden deep within the rock. Nearly 70 have been discovered here, each decorated with colourful wall paintings and carvings that tell stories of the afterlife. It’s a fascinating place for the whole family, full of mystery and history brought vividly to life by your guide.
You’ll also hear the story of Tutankhamun, whose tomb was found almost completely intact. You may have already seen his treasures in Cairo, but here in Luxor, his burial chamber still remains in the valley itself. In the afternoon, you’ll return across the Nile to your hotel. Spend some time by the pool, relax in the gardens or simply enjoy the views over the river as the day winds down.
Day 9 – Onto the Red Sea
Today you’ll leave the lush Nile Valley behind and journey through the vast Eastern Desert towards the Red Sea. Along the way, you’ll pass striking rock formations, endless open plains and shimmering desert landscapes that change colour in the sunlight. It’s a fascinating contrast that keeps the journey interesting for all.
After a few hours, the desert suddenly gives way to the deep blue waters of the Red Sea, as you arrive on the coast. Here you’ll stay in a family-friendly, all-inclusive beach resort set on a stretch of soft sandy beach. With large swimming pools, plenty of space to relax and facilities designed for families, it’s an easy place to unwind after days of exploring.
Days 10 – 13 – R & R time on the Red Sea
The coming days are all about slowing down and enjoying time together as a family. With your all-inclusive stay, everything is taken care of, so you can choose how you spend your days. Relax by the pool, find a shady spot under the palm trees or head down to the beach for a swim or a paddle in the calm waters.
If your family is feeling adventurous, there are plenty of activities available locally. The Red Sea is famous for its vibrant coral reefs, making it a fantastic place to snorkel and discover tropical fish beneath the surface. Boat trips can also be arranged, and with a bit of luck you may even spot dolphins out at sea. For older children and teens, watersports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing are also available thanks to the area’s calm waters and reliable sea breeze.
Day 14 – Departure from Egypt
Today it’s time to say goodbye to Egypt. After breakfast, you’ll have a final moment to enjoy the sea, take one last swim or walk along the beach, before your transfer takes you to Hurghada airport.
If you’re not quite ready for the adventure to end, we can always extend your stay by the coast. Or, if you’d like to see more of Egypt, we can help you add a visit to Aswan. For something a little more adventurous, you can also include a traditional felucca sailing trip on the Nile with an overnight stay on board.
Accommodation
