Egypt Tour Packages

From its delicious food and golden sand beaches to its temples and vibrant souks, Egypt’s picture-postcard beauty is bound to surprise you.

1. About Egypt
2. Best Budget Egypt Tour Packages
3. Essential Tips To Know Before Travelling To Egypt
4. Egypt At A Glance
5. Top Reasons To Visit Egypt
6. Best Time To Visit Egypt
7. Top Things To Do In Egypt
8. Shopping In Egypt
9. Foods To Try Out In Egypt
10. Art and Culture In Egypt

Egypt has a rich and long history, thanks to the fertile banks of the Nile River and the achievements of the country’s native inhabitants. Egypt’s ancient history was shrouded from the world until the deciphering of the Egyptian hieroglyphs. A significant piece of Egyptian history is the presence of the Great Pyramid of Giza, which forms one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Egypt was conquered by Alexander the Great, who was a Macedonian ruler, in 332 BC. Egypt’s nominal independence ended with Cleopatra’s demise, causing the country to become one of the provinces of the Roman Empire. The Roman dominance went on from 30 BC to 641 AD, with the absorption of Egypt into the Ottoman Empire taking place in 1517.

The Republic of Egypt was founded in 1953, and in 1956, the British forces withdrew from the Suez Canal.

• Get your cash converted to the Egyptian pound before leaving for your trip. Small establishments in the country don’t usually accept credit cards or have much change.
• Use Google Maps. Most corners, nooks, and streets in Egypt are quite identical, and it’s easy to get lost. This is why we at GT Holidays make sure a guide is with you as you book our Egypt tour packages, so you don’t have to worry about where to go and how to communicate with the locals.
• Learn local Arabic phrases and words to bargain with the shopkeepers. Basic words such as ‘okay’, ‘thank you’, and ‘good morning’ can often go a long way in making your trip easier.
• Cairo’s traffic can often be a challenge. Therefore, plan your commute times and sightseeing adventures accordingly.
• Due to the high traffic in Cairo, crossing the road can be quite a task when you aren’t aware of the traffic patterns. Hence, it’s best always to cross the road in groups.
• Always keep ample sunscreen in your bag and carry sunglasses and hats. Carry bottled water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Avoid tap water in Egypt and purchase bottled water instead. While Cairo’s tap water is not unsafe, the taste is not welcoming.
• Dress modestly, as Egypt is a conservative country.
• Get a sim card for yourself once you land at the airport in Egypt.
• The public toilets in Egypt may not always have toilet paper; therefore, carry some with you wherever you go.
• Tipping is optional in Egypt, but servers expect it as it adds to their daily earnings.

• Famous Tourist Attractions – Pyramids of Giza, Egyptian Museum, Library of Alexandria, Temple of Edfu, Luxor Temple.
• Things To Do – Kayaking, skydiving, diving with sharks.
• Famous Food – Koshary, fatteh, aish baladi, ful medames.
• Places To Visit – Cairo, Luxor, Giza, Aswan.
• Souvenirs To Buy – Handmade papyrus paintings, perfume and essential oils, Egyptian pottery, alabaster products, Egyptian scarves and shawls.

• Currency – Egyptian Pound
• Capital City – Cairo
• National Animal – The steppe eagle
• Official language – Arabic

Social media might have you believe that the pyramids and the sunshine of Egypt are the top reasons to visit the country, but we promise you that Egypt offers you a plethora of reasons to book your tickets right away. Let’s explore some of the most fascinating reasons as to why you should bag one of our Egypt tour packages immediately:

History buffs often wait to devour every inch of Egypt, and rightfully so since the country is brimming with centuries-old historical landmarks. After all, some of the most impressive ancient civilisations bloomed in Egypt. There are signs of the past that take you back in time, be it the Pyramids of Giza or the multiple archaeological spots spread throughout Egypt.

You can visit the tombs in the Valley of the Kings or embark on a hot air balloon ride to get a spellbinding view of the pyramids. Cairo, in particular, is visited the most in the country to soak in Egypt’s history.

The true way to experience the intricacies of Egyptian cuisine is by having the traditional dishes in the country during your vacation with our Egypt tour packages. The food of Egypt has retained its original flavours while also having a mix of culinary influences.

On one hand, are the fruits, vegetables, and legumes, and on the other hand is the seafood from the coastal regions. Oh, and don’t forget to relish the cheeses, breads, and meat dishes while you’re in Egypt.

While Egypt’s architecture is impressive, the country’s temples deserve a separate place on this list. Touring these sacred buildings could give you an insight into how daily life in ancient times was interspersed with mythology and spirituality.

With both the Red Sea and Mediterranean sunshine, Egypt is a haven for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Known for its sparkling clear waters and coral reefs, Egypt offers a mesmerising world of marine life.

If you have always wanted to try out diving and snorkelling, then Egypt is the perfect place to explore the sea and then cool off under the shade.

Did you know that the Khan Al-Khalili Market in Cairo is one of the largest and oldest markets in the Middle East? You will discover a number of markets, bazaars, and souks in Egypt’s streets and lanes that will pull you in with their old-world charm. These are the places where you can shop for sweets, spices, jewellery, leather goods, and a variety of delicate souvenirs.

Wondering when is the best time to visit Egypt before you secure one of our Egypt tour packages? Egypt’s weather, with its almost perennially present heat, isn’t much different from the weather of India, especially in certain regions.

The winter season is usually the best time to visit Egypt because that’s when the temperature falls relatively. There are also some people who might want to tour the country when the crowds are smaller, in which case you can pick the shoulder season.

Make sure to read the information we have provided for you below so you know exactly which time of the year to pick to travel to the country through our Egypt tour packages.

Although the temperature in Egypt usually remains high, the summer season experiences the maximum brunt of it. There are certain times when the winters display higher than usual temperatures, which makes the summers in Egypt even hotter.

The minimum temperature during the summer season is 17 degrees Celsius and the maximum temperature can go up to 36 degrees Celsius. It is due to this reason why many tourists tend to avoid Egypt while summers are still on.

The rainfall at this time is either very little or not present at all, thereby making the atmosphere pretty dry and harsh. Make sure to carry hats, sunglasses, and light clothes if you travel to Egypt during the summer months, and don’t forget to lather plenty of sunscreen before you step out.

As winter sets in Egypt, the temperature oscillates between 18 degrees Celsius and 26 degrees Celsius. Cairo and the Nile Delta region get engulfed by a cool ambience at this time, which is why you should carry a light jacket if you travel to these areas during the winter season.

The southern region of Egypt continues to remain warm at this time, but the temperature does drop a bit when the evening comes around. The cooler weather and lower temperatures contribute to the booming tourism during the winters in Egypt.

Since this is the tourist season, we recommend booking your Egypt tour packages with us in advance so as to get the best offers, dates, and accommodations. January experiences high rainfall, hence, carrying umbrellas and raincoats is wise if you’re travelling to the country during this month. Also, wear hats, comfortable clothes, and sunglasses when travelling to the hotter regions.

The reason you can consider travelling to Egypt during the shoulder months is that the country is relatively less crowded during March, April, and September. This is your time to experience sunbathing at the Red Sea while also being able to relish water-based activities such as swimming and snorkelling.

While the maximum temperature during the shoulder season is 24 degrees Celsius, the minimum temperature is 11 degrees Celsius. The daytime is usually pleasant in the shoulder months, with the temperature dropping at night.

As you cover all the exciting corners of Egypt with our Egypt tour packages, you will discover that the country has a variety of activities to indulge in both solo and with your family members. Here are some of the places you must visit and a couple of the outdoor adventures to try out:

The Pyramids of Giza can be found in northern Egypt on the Nile River’s west bank. The pyramids are designated as Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure in relation to the kings they were built for. Khufu is the oldest pyramid and was erected for the 4th dynasty’s second king. Known as the Great Pyramid, it is the biggest of all the three pyramids. The pyramids became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979.

The middle pyramid was built in honour of the fourth of the eight kings of the 4th dynasty, Khafre. The last and southernmost pyramid is dedicated to the fifth king of the 4th dynasty, Menkaure.

The Egyptian Museum, located in Cairo, is the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East. It is home to the world’s biggest collection of Egyptian antiquities and has more than 120,000 items on display.

The antiquities found in this museum are connected to vital pieces of the history of Egypt. The structure was developed in 1835, and while it was initially housed close to the Ezbekieh Garden, it was eventually shifted to the Cairo Citadel.

The Library of Alexandria was once renowned to be one of the world’s biggest and most important libraries. Dedicated to the nine goddesses of the arts, the library was a part of the Mouseion, which was a research institution.

The library acquired a large number of papyrus scrolls in the past, and while an exact estimate of the number is not available, it’s said to be between 40,000 and 400,000. During the third and second centuries, several scholars, including Callimachus and Zenodotus of Ephesus, spent time at this library.

Located in Upper Egypt on the west bank of the Nile River is the Temple of Edfu. The structure came into being between 237 and 57 BC during the existence of the Ptolemaic Kingdom. When you inspect the walls of the temple, you will come across inscriptions that talk about the religion, myth, and language that existed during the Hellenistic period.

The Temple of Edfu is a fabulous example of what ancient Egyptian temples looked like. Owing to its archaeological importance and the way it has been preserved, the temple attracts tourists to its doors every year.

Found on the Nile’s east bank is the Luxor Temple, which is a massive Ancient Egyptian temple complex. The city of Luxor, where the temple currently stands, was once known as Thebes. It’s one of the two main temples to be found on the east bank. Interestingly, Luxor Temple is not dedicated to a god or deity, and was instead built in honour of the kingship being rejuvenated.

• Kayaking from Aswan to Luxor
• Skydiving at the Pyramids
• Diving with great white sharks in the Red Sea
• Bouldering and rock climbing in Dahab
• Dirt biking
• Trekking and hiking in Sinai

While the beauty of Egypt is bound to consume you as you explore the country with our Egypt tour packages, remember to take back a bit of the Egyptian essence with you to your homeland. You can do this by shopping your heart out at the modern malls, traditional markets, and bazaars of Egypt.

Whether you’re looking for a minimalistic souvenir for yourself and your loved ones or statement pieces you can display in your living room, Egypt has got you covered with its wide array of options. From modern items to traditional handicrafts, natural items to handmade artefacts, here is us listing the souvenirs to check out in Egypt and the places to shop from:

Papyrus was employed in ancient Egypt for the purpose of writing, and it is still produced and utilised by talented artisans who create unique paintings using this material. Resembling thick paper, papyrus is still crafted in the same way it was during ancient times.

The handmade papyrus paintings available in Egypt often depict tales from Egyptian mythology, with the elements including gods, goddesses, pharaohs, and so on. Available in numerous designs and sizes, these paintings can be easily found across the markets in Egypt, all of which you can visit with our Egypt tour packages.

If you like smelling good and prefer your home to always have a lovely fragrance, then you must grab the perfumes and essential oils found in Egyptian stores. In fact, several of the essences that are used in the best French perfumeries are produced in Egypt.

The country is also renowned for its incense sticks which are used for various ceremonies including religious gatherings, much like how they’re a part of Indian culture as well. Essential oils form the part of many personal grooming sessions among Egyptians.

Egyptian pottery isn’t just a souvenir to display in your home. Instead, it’s deeply tied to the country’s cultural heritage, thereby enhancing its value. Right from ceramic mugs and figures to vases and decorative bowls, there is a wide array of pottery items to take back to your country from Egypt.

When you look closely, you will see these items to be adorned with detailed patterns and colours that are connected to the different regions of the country.

You know how almost every Indian kitchen has an endless collection of spices and herbs? Well, Egyptian kitchens are no different, which is evident from the flavourful dishes found in the country’s cuisine, as you will experience during your trip through our Egypt tour packages.

The aroma of these herbs and spices will often suffice to draw you to them. Some of the ones you could pick up for yourself are turmeric, saffron, coriander, cumin, cardamom, mint, and parsley. You could get these in pre-packaged packets or buy them as per the quantity you require by weight.

In ancient Egypt, alabaster was used to create vases, sculptures, carvings, and much more. This tradition has been retained in the country, where alabaster is still used to produce bowls, lamps, vases, and numerous other decorative pieces.

Several Egyptian bazaars and markets sell alabaster stone products, but some of the most high-quality and authentic pieces can be found in Luxor. Traditional Egyptian alabaster items add a touch of historical charm and elegance to your home.

We are certain that your mother, best friend, or partner will highly appreciate wrapping themselves in a gorgeous Egyptian scarf or shawl. These souvenirs, which are easily spot at most Egyptian markets, are reminiscent of the country’s fashion. You can find these shawls and scarves in materials such as silk, wool, and cotton.

A stunning wooden box with mother of pearl embedded in it—who wouldn’t like such a gift or souvenir, right? Well, this particular souvenir is extremely popular among tourists in Egypt. You can find them in various dimensions and shapes, ranging from miniscule ones to something big enough for your coffee table.

While the authentic ones are made using mother of pearl, there are also cheaper versions that make use of plastic or conch seashells instead.

• Khan Al-Khalili Market: For novelty T-shirts, items with names printed in hieroglyphics, and bottles of colored sand with camel drawings.
• Souk Al Fustat Market: For ceramic items, paintings, woodwork, trays, bowls, and bright metal cups.
• Aswan Souk: For henna powder, perfumes, coloured sand, spices, and T-shirts.
• Cairo Festival City Mall: For accessories, jewellery, and beauty products.
• Sami Amim: For homeware, junk jewellery, and accessories.

• Egyptian vendors are no strangers to bargaining and they expect tourists to bargain with them. However, remember to be respectful while you bargain, and don’t insult them with an offer that’s too low.
• Make sure to convey to the vendor that you are truly interested in the items you’re looking at. They always appreciate it when the craftsmanship of the items they are selling is acknowledged.
• Learn some Arabic words and phrases so it becomes easier to communicate and bargain with the local vendors.
• If there is something you wish to buy, research it beforehand so you know what it should feel and look like. This will help you judge the authenticity of a product.
• Check if a souvenir has official labels or stamps to ensure it’s authentic.
• If you buy bigger souvenirs such as antiques or rugs, it’s better to have them shipped than carrying them with you.
• Look up the custom regulations of your country before your trip to Egypt. There could be certain regulations about importing particular items that you may need to become aware of.
• While being polite with the salespeople is important, remember not to be a pushover. When you know that a particular item shouldn’t cost more than a certain amount, don’t give in to the requests of the vendor.

When you walk around Egypt using our Egypt tour packages, it’s natural to get besotted by the ancient temples and architecture. However, amidst these stunning visuals, there is yet another sense that will tingle, and it’s the sense of taste. This is because Egyptian cuisine is a whole different world in itself; a world that you can explore through our Egypt tour packages that are as diverse as the food of the country itself.

Egyptian cuisine is a delightful mix of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours. This is all the more reason why you will love having your tastebuds be tickled with Egyptian food if you hail from India. Why, you ask? Because the burst of flavours in your mouth is the common factor.

The food found in the country is affordable, nutritious, and eclectic. Additionally, Egypt offers numerous options to vegans and vegetarians as well while also having a plethora of meats for non-vegetarians to dive into. Several of the traditional dishes of the country contain fish, beef, and lamb, and you will also find sprinkles of grains, rice, and vegetables.

Is your mouth watering already? Wait till we explore all the dishes you must try as you visit Egypt with our Egypt tour packages.

Koshary, also known as kushari or koshari, is often considered Egypt’s national dish and a beloved street food. The dish has gained such popularity that most restaurants in Cairo and other cities of Egypt serve it exclusively. It’s a combination of spaghetti, rice, black lentils, and round macaroni.

The entire concoction is topped with chilli, garlic vinegar, and a thick tomato sauce. Koshary is found garnished with whole chickpeas and crispy fried onions. While koshary has now become a common part of the dining tables in numerous Arab homes, it has been a staple dish in Cairo for ages.

You have probably heard of falafel and even consumed it at least once. Now, let Egypt show you its own version of falafel, which is called ta’ameya. The difference is that instead of using chickpeas, Egyptians make use of crushed fava beans.

The bean paste used in the recipe is combined with a variety of spices such as fresh dill, cumin, and coriander. Chopped onions are added to the mix and all of this is rolled into a ball before being fried. The extra layer of crunch is added by coating these balls with sesame seeds.

Much like koshary, this is a healthy, affordable, and vegetarian dish. These can be eaten as a snack and also for breakfast. The elements that often accompany ta’ameya are tahini, pita bread, and salad.

A young domestic pigeon or squab may not be a common go-to meat in meals everywhere, but it sure is a delicacy in Egypt. In fact, pigeons are raised in shelters across the country specifically for this dish as their dark meat brings in a distinct flavour.

Hamam mahshi is a dish you will often find in Egyptian weddings. The preparation of the dish begins with stuffing the bird with freekeh, which is made from green durum wheat. The things added to the mixture include spices, giblets, and chopped onions.

The squab is then grilled either over a spit-roast or a wood fire till its exterior turns crispy and golden brown.

Fatteh is a dish that is quite popular across the Middle East, with different regions having their own version. It forms a common part of celebrations and events, such as weddings, Ramadan, Eid, and so on.

In Egypt, fatteh has four different layers. The first layer consists of crunchy pita bread. Rice forms the second layer, followed by the meat layer. The final layer is a spiced and garlicky tomato sauce, which seems to hold the dish together. Beef, lamb, or chicken is used to cook fatteh.

If there is one dish or element from Egyptian cuisine that is almost omnipresent, it’s aish baladi. It’s a fluffy bread that resembles pita bread and is made from whole grains like barley and emmer wheat. Baked several times a day, biting into aish baladi is like biting into a piece of fluffy goodness. Bread lovers should particularly rejoice because this baked beauty is found all over Egypt.

Shawarma is one of those dishes that needs no introduction whatsoever. Having originated during the Ottoman Empire, various versions of the dish exist. You can try the Egyptian variation at one of the stalls or eateries with our Egypt tour packages.

Egyptian shawarma is made either with beef or chicken. The meat is first marinated and spiced before being grilled for hours. The chicken or beef is then sliced and mixed with parsley, tomatoes, onions, and thin grilled peppers. It’s usually served with tahini or garlic sauce.

If legend is to be believed, ful medames is a dish as old as the pharaohs. Not only is it commonly served during breakfast, but it’s also a famous Egyptian street food that is eaten by locals and tourists at any time of the day.

A fava bean base forms the foundation of this dish. Before being cooked, the beans are first soaked overnight. They are then presented in a bowl with chopped parsley being sprinkled on top. Pickled vegetables and aish baladi are usually served along with ful medames. It can be found both in restaurants and at street food stalls.

We couldn’t have possibly made this list without including kebabs and koftas in it. While the tradition of grilled meat on skewers has existed since prehistoric times, these two items have proudly preserved themselves as a part of modern-day Egypt’s cuisine.

Koftas usually contain minced beef or lamb which is mixed with numerous spices before being rolled and grilled. The meat used in Egyptian kebabs is often veal or lamb, which is displayed on a skewer and grilled over a coal fire. Kebabs and koftas can be eaten with rice, vegetables, bread, and dips.

Hospitality is extremely important in Egyptian culture. As you explore Egypt using our Egypt tour packages, don’t be surprised if some locals invite you to their homes and insist for you to join them for a meal. Family is of utmost importance to Egyptians, and it’s common to see tightknit families, with children often living with their parents till they get married.

The existence of different religions is evident in the various religious festivals that are present across the country, such as Eid, Ramadan, and Christmas. Islam is the predominant religion in Egypt, followed by Christianity. Mosques are present at almost every corner. Therefore, you can probably hear the prayer call regardless of wherever you’re sightseeing in the country.

Egyptians are big on celebrations, and if you book our Egypt tour packages at the right time, you may even be able to experience one of those celebrations in person. It’s common for extended family members and close relatives to gather for special occasions and holidays. Since food is an integral part of Egypt’s culture, elaborate meals are prepared during different kinds of celebrations. The women take immense pride in their concoctions and there are often friendly competitions seen among women regarding who can make the best dishes.

As far as the Arab world is concerned, Egypt happens to be a major name in terms of literature, with many of the writers of modern Arabic literature hailing from Egypt. Dance and music have been an integral part of the country’s culture for eons. Given Egypt’s heterogenous stance in ethnicity, the music styles found in the country are a classic display of diversity. The instruments often found in the music scene of Egypt are quite reminiscent of the ones seen in North Africa and the Middle East.

The most popular sport in Egypt is football. Some of the other popular sports to exist in the country are basketball, tennis, squash, and handball. In fact, the Egyptian national basketball team proudly holds the record for displaying the best performance at the Basketball World Cup. Another sport that you may not know much about but is popular in Egypt is roller hockey. The country’s national roller hockey team has participated in numerous world competitions till date.

The popularity of the hijab in Egypt surged in the 1970s when women chose to adorn it. However, this popularity then saw a decline during the early 20th century. This was due to more and more women taking on positions of power and the fact that it was discouraged by the British authorities.