


Egypt - Off the Beaten Track
From $8,420
Summary
The monuments of ancient Egypt are unmissable, but the best-known can be teeming with visitors. This tour takes you ‘off the beaten track’ to rarely-visited sites. Still spectacular, these sites are of the utmost archaeological importance. Geographically, culturally and historically comprehensive, this tour will take you all the way from Cairo to Aswan.
Tour highlights:




- Explore Pharaonic, Graeco-Roman, Coptic and Islamic Egypt, ideal for a first visit to Egypt or if you are returning
- A rarely-done road trip, stopping off at fascinating sites such as Tuna el- Gebel, El-Tod and Gebel el-Silsila
- Visit the remains of the ancient capital city of the intriguing ‘heretic’ Pharaoh Akhenaten at Amarna
- Discover the finest art of ancient Egypt created during the reign of Seti I, showcased in his temples and glorious tomb
Today's Price
$8,420
Deposit: $1,000 Single supplement: $1,590
Meet your Experts
Lucia Gahlin
Andante Guide Lecturer
Lucia Gahlin is a specialist in the archaeology of Ancient Egypt and has been leading archaeological tours to Egypt for over 20 years. She is an Honorary Research Associate at University College London’s Institute of Archaeology.
Your itinerary
Day 1 - Cairo
Meet the group at our hotel in Cairo, Egypt’s buzzing capital, which will be our base for the next three nights.

Hotel | Hyatt Regency Cairo West |
---|---|
Meals included | Dinner |
Hyatt Regency Cairo West
.
Day 2 - Saqqara & Abusir
Our day begins with a visit to Saqqara, where we walk through the Step Pyramid Complex of Djoser, but our focus is on the lesser-visited parts of this sprawling necropolis. We discover the recently opened tomb of the nobleman Mehu, the mastaba tomb of Ti, and the New Kingdom temple tombs of Tutankhamun’s treasurer Maya and general Horemheb. We also visit the Serapeum, catacombs for the sacred Apis bulls. After lunch, we have a special permit to visit Abusir, the pyramids of the 5th Dynasty pharaohs, and the tomb of Ptahshepses. Tonight, there’s an optional Sound and Light Show at the Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza.

Hotel | Hyatt Regency Cairo West |
---|---|
Meals included | All meals included |
Hyatt Regency Cairo West
.
Day 3 - Cairo
Today we explore two new museums. In the morning we visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum*, where the world’s most extensive exhibitions in pharaonic artefacts can be seen. Among the many treasures on display are the solid gold mask of Tutankhamun, and the Narmer Palette, thought to depict the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. The museum is also home to King Khufu's Solar Boat. In the afternoon we discover the new National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, the first to offer a multi-disciplinary approach to all the different periods that encompass Egypt and includes some wonderful Islamic and Coptic artefacts.
*if the GEM is not open we will instead visit the Museum of Antiquities in Tharir Square, Cairo.

Hotel | Hyatt Regency Cairo West |
---|---|
Meals included | All meals included |
Hyatt Regency Cairo West
.
Day 4 - Cairo - Minya
We drive south to Beni Hasan. After a picnic lunch, we visit the painted Middle Kingdom tombs of four of the region’s governors at a fascinating period of ancient Egyptian history. Afterwards, we make our way to Minya.

Hotel | MG Nefertiti Hotel, Minya |
---|---|
Meals included | All meals included |
MG Nefertiti Hotel, Minya
Minya is not a destination on many tourist maps. The city, situated midway between upper and lower Egypt, is semi-industrial and lacks wealth and tourist infrastructure. Because of its former association with Islamic militants in the 90s, it was largely avoided by tourists until recent years but it makes an excellent base from which to explore Tel El Amarna and we have stayed there happily since 2007. As you can imagine, the choice of hotels is limited but our base at the Nefertiti Hotel is an acceptable one. This medium sized hotel hosts mainly business visitors and staff have always been friendly and helpful. Rooms are spacious and although furnishing and decor dated. Amenities in guest rooms include air conditioning, satellite TV, and minibar. Bathrooms include a shower and hairdryer. Guests are welcome to use the hotel's small swimming pool. Wi-Fi is available and free, however signal strength varies in the rooms. It has stronger signal in the restaurant and lobby.
Day 5 - Tell el-Amarna
We spend a full day at the site of Tell el-Amarna, visiting the mud-brick remains of Akhenaten and Nefertiti’s ancient capital, their temples, palace and tomb; and also the decorated rock-cut tombs and mud-brick houses of their priests and officials. We take a break during this busy day for a picnic lunch.

Hotel | MG Nefertiti Hotel, Minya |
---|---|
Meals included | All meals included |
MG Nefertiti Hotel, Minya
Minya is not a destination on many tourist maps. The city, situated midway between upper and lower Egypt, is semi-industrial and lacks wealth and tourist infrastructure. Because of its former association with Islamic militants in the 90s, it was largely avoided by tourists until recent years but it makes an excellent base from which to explore Tel El Amarna and we have stayed there happily since 2007. As you can imagine, the choice of hotels is limited but our base at the Nefertiti Hotel is an acceptable one. This medium sized hotel hosts mainly business visitors and staff have always been friendly and helpful. Rooms are spacious and although furnishing and decor dated. Amenities in guest rooms include air conditioning, satellite TV, and minibar. Bathrooms include a shower and hairdryer. Guests are welcome to use the hotel's small swimming pool. Wi-Fi is available and free, however signal strength varies in the rooms. It has stronger signal in the restaurant and lobby.
Day 6 - Minya - Abydos
Our day starts at the rich and varied archaeological site of Tuna el-Gebel, home to one of Akhenaten and Nefertiti’s ‘boundary stelae’ carved into the limestone cliff. We also visit vast catacombs for ibis and baboons, associated with the god Thoth, and impressive tombs, including that of a High Priest of Thoth c300 BC – Petosiris, whose reliefs combine Greek and Egyptian artistic styles. After a picnic lunch, we drive south to Abydos.

Hotel | House of Life Hotel, Abydos |
---|---|
Meals included | All meals included |
House of Life Hotel, Abydos
For years there was nowhere of an acceptable standard to stay near Abydos and those who wanted to travel to this prestigious site had to take a long trip from Luxor. However, a one of a kind healing centre was created in 2015 to accommodate visitors seeking the positive energy believed to emanate from this once sacred ancient Egyptian site. The resort caters for cultural travellers too and this simple, three-star hotel situated within walking distance of the Mortuary Temple of Seti I, provides air-conditioned rooms with en suite bathrooms, flatscreen tvs, electric kettles and mini fridge. There is free Wifi available in public rooms and an outdoor pool.
Day 7 - Abydos - Luxor
Abydos is one of Egypt’s most important archaeological sites. This morning we visit its most impressive monument, the temple built by the great Pharaoh Seti I, and completed by his son Ramesses II, its raised relief regarded as the finest in Egypt. We eat a picnic lunch en route to Dendera. This afternoon, we visit the Temple of Hathor. Its astronomical ceilings combine Greek, Roman and Egyptian ideas, and they have recently been cleaned to reveal vibrant colours. Afterwards, we travel onwards to Luxor.

Hotel | Sofitel Pavillon Winter Luxor |
---|---|
Meals included | All meals included |
Sofitel Pavillon Winter Luxor
Often called ‘the world’s greatest open air museum’, Luxor has recently taken further steps to justify its label when in November last year the completed 3000 year old walkway between Karnak and the Temple was opened. Lined by 700 ram headed Sphinxes, the walkway is nearly 2 miles long and 250 metres wide. This spectacular avenue along with Luxor’s many temples sites have drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors over the millennia. From titled ancient conquerors to modern day Heads of State, famous artists, archaeologists and wandering poets, this ancient capital has hosted them all. The Pavillon Winter Palace hotel is the sister to the larger, famous Winter Palace establishment and shares the same grounds and swimming pool. The location is superb – right in the heart of Luxor and within walking distance (10 mins) of Luxor Temple and the Avenue of the Sphinxes. Set in the lush gardens of the Winter Palace, this hotel is a quieter and modern building set back from the busy corniche road and shielded by trees, creating an oasis effect. Facilities include 3 restaurants, 2 bars and a large outdoor swimming pool. Guest rooms are equipped with LCD TV, minibar, safety deposit box, air conditioning, a hairdryer and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have a shower over bath.
Day 8 - Luxor
This morning we begin with the Valley of the Kings, home to the decorated rock-cut tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs, exploring three of the lesser-visited of these tombs and enjoying a special visit to the Tomb of Seti I, which is regarded as the most impressive tomb in the valley. Following a local lunch, we complement our visit to the tomb of Seti I with a visit to his memorial temple (the ‘Qurna Temple’) nearby. Before heading back, we visit two of the Tombs of the Nobles – the vibrantly painted burial chamber of Sennefer and the intricately decorated funerary chapel of Rekhmire.

Hotel | Sofitel Pavillon Winter Luxor |
---|---|
Meals included | All meals included |
Sofitel Pavillon Winter Luxor
Often called ‘the world’s greatest open air museum’, Luxor has recently taken further steps to justify its label when in November last year the completed 3000 year old walkway between Karnak and the Temple was opened. Lined by 700 ram headed Sphinxes, the walkway is nearly 2 miles long and 250 metres wide. This spectacular avenue along with Luxor’s many temples sites have drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors over the millennia. From titled ancient conquerors to modern day Heads of State, famous artists, archaeologists and wandering poets, this ancient capital has hosted them all. The Pavillon Winter Palace hotel is the sister to the larger, famous Winter Palace establishment and shares the same grounds and swimming pool. The location is superb – right in the heart of Luxor and within walking distance (10 mins) of Luxor Temple and the Avenue of the Sphinxes. Set in the lush gardens of the Winter Palace, this hotel is a quieter and modern building set back from the busy corniche road and shielded by trees, creating an oasis effect. Facilities include 3 restaurants, 2 bars and a large outdoor swimming pool. Guest rooms are equipped with LCD TV, minibar, safety deposit box, air conditioning, a hairdryer and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have a shower over bath.
Day 9 - Luxor
A visit to Luxor would not be complete without exploring Karnak. Here, we discover the lesser-visited parts of this vast site including the Open Air Museum and Temple of Mut. After a local lunch, we visit El Tod, where we find the remains of the rarely visited Temple of Montu – the falcon-headed god of warfare. Opt to take an optional stroll to Luxor Temple this evening.

Hotel | Sofitel Pavillon Winter Luxor |
---|---|
Meals included | All meals included |
Sofitel Pavillon Winter Luxor
Often called ‘the world’s greatest open air museum’, Luxor has recently taken further steps to justify its label when in November last year the completed 3000 year old walkway between Karnak and the Temple was opened. Lined by 700 ram headed Sphinxes, the walkway is nearly 2 miles long and 250 metres wide. This spectacular avenue along with Luxor’s many temples sites have drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors over the millennia. From titled ancient conquerors to modern day Heads of State, famous artists, archaeologists and wandering poets, this ancient capital has hosted them all. The Pavillon Winter Palace hotel is the sister to the larger, famous Winter Palace establishment and shares the same grounds and swimming pool. The location is superb – right in the heart of Luxor and within walking distance (10 mins) of Luxor Temple and the Avenue of the Sphinxes. Set in the lush gardens of the Winter Palace, this hotel is a quieter and modern building set back from the busy corniche road and shielded by trees, creating an oasis effect. Facilities include 3 restaurants, 2 bars and a large outdoor swimming pool. Guest rooms are equipped with LCD TV, minibar, safety deposit box, air conditioning, a hairdryer and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have a shower over bath.
Day 10 - Luxor - Aswan
Today we drive south to Aswan, stopping at two sites en route. In the morning, we visit the nobles’ tombs at El Kab, including that of Ahmose, son of Abana, whose tomb inscription is the key primary source for the Theban expulsion of the Hyksos from Egypt in c1550 BC. We eat our picnic lunch en route to Gebel el-Silsila, a site rich in tombs and shrines, and evidence for ancient quarrying. The highlight here is a rock-cut temple known as the ‘Speos of Horemheb’.

Hotel | Mövenpick Resort Aswan |
---|---|
Meals included | All meals included |
Mövenpick Resort Aswan
Mövenpick Resort Aswan is situated in a unique location on elephantine island overlooking the river Nile. The hotel has 404 rooms, as well as suites and villas.
the hotel has a bar and restaurant with a 360 degree panoramic view of the Nile from the highest point. The restaurant serve local and international cuisine. There is a swimming pool and free WiFi .
The hotel is easily reached only 20 minutes from Aswan Airport and 5 minutes from Aswan rail way station.
Day 11 - Aswan
We explore the lives of the ancient inhabitants of this frontier town, their houses, temples and tombs. In the morning, we visit the richly inscribed rock-cut tombs at Qubbet el-Hawa. The important local inhabitants buried here include Harkhuf, who was so proud of a letter sent to him by the boy-king Pepi II that he had it inscribed on the façade of his tomb. After a local lunch, we visit the settlement and temple site of Elephantine. This evening, there is an optional Sound and Light Show at the Temple of Philae.

Hotel | Mövenpick Resort Aswan |
---|---|
Meals included | All meals included |
Mövenpick Resort Aswan
Mövenpick Resort Aswan is situated in a unique location on elephantine island overlooking the river Nile. The hotel has 404 rooms, as well as suites and villas.
the hotel has a bar and restaurant with a 360 degree panoramic view of the Nile from the highest point. The restaurant serve local and international cuisine. There is a swimming pool and free WiFi .
The hotel is easily reached only 20 minutes from Aswan Airport and 5 minutes from Aswan rail way station.
Day 12 - Aswan - Cairo
We travel from Aswan to Cairo and then make our independent onward journeys.

Meals included | Breakfast |
---|

Tour dates & prices
Included in your cost:
- Expert Guide Lecturer
- Professional Tour Manager
- Local travel aboard a private air-conditioned coach
- Meals as per the itinerary, tea or coffee with dinner
- Accommodation
- Entries to all sites as per the itinerary
- All taxes & gratuities
- Field notes
Tour Departure | Tour ID | Departure date | Return Date | Guided by | Price | Deposit | Single supplement | Availability |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
29 October 2023 | AEBT231029 | 29 October 2023 (Sunday) | 9 November 2023 (Thursday) | Lucia Gahlin | $8,420 (ex. flights) |
$1,000 | $1,590 | Call for availability |
25 February 2024 | AEBT240225 | 25 February 2024 (Sunday) | 7 March 2024 (Thursday) | Lucia Gahlin | $8,460 (ex. flights) |
$1,000 | $1,660 | Book your trip |
Tour Enquiries

Newsletter
Data is kept securely according to our Privacy Policy.