Egypt Budget Tours

23 packages from $575 — private under 7 days, and an honest account of what your hotel will be like

Affordable Egypt Tours Without the Guesswork About Your Hotel

Egypt does not have to be expensive. The Great Pyramid is the same 4,500-year-old building whether you reach it from a five-star suite or a clean three-star room near the airport. Our Egypt budget tours run from $575 for four days to $1,975 for fifteen, and they cut the cost in specific, honest ways rather than by quietly thinning out the itinerary. Anything under seven days runs as a private tour — your own guide, driver and vehicle — at these prices.

Here is the part most operators leave vague. Egyptian hotel stars are awarded on facilities — how many restaurants, whether there is a pool — rather than on service, upkeep and finish. A three-star hotel in Cairo is not a three-star hotel in Madrid or Chicago. So we grade our budget accommodation twice: once by the Egyptian licence, and once by what a traveller from the US or Europe will actually walk into. The table below sets out both. We would rather you arrived with the right expectation than the flattering one.

The second saving is transport. Our budget tours move between Cairo and Upper Egypt by sleeper train rather than by domestic flight. You board in Cairo in the evening, sleep in a private cabin, and wake up in Luxor or Aswan. It saves a night’s hotel and a good deal of money, and it is a genuine experience in its own right — but it is a train, not a flight, and you should know that before you book rather than after.

What we do not cut is the guiding. Every sightseeing day is led by a licensed Egyptologist, the same guides who work our premium tours. Entrance fees to everything in the itinerary are included. The difference between a budget tour and an expensive one is where you sleep and how you travel between cities — not how much you understand of what you are looking at.

Twenty-three itineraries cover Cairo and the Pyramids, Luxor and Aswan, Alexandria, Abu Simbel, El Alamein, the Red Sea, and a Nile cruise or felucca on the longer trips. Egypt Best Vacations is a licensed Egyptian tour operator based in Luxor and a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice winner in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

...

4 Day Egypt Budget Tour: Cairo & Luxor

4 Day Egypt Budget Tour: Cairo and Luxor by Sleeper Train

From$575Start From
4 Days / 3 Nights
Availability : Every Day
5 Day Egypt Budget Tour: Cairo, Alexandria And Luxor

5 Day Egypt Budget Tour: Cairo, Luxor and Alexandria by Sleeper Train

From$680Start From
5 Days / 4 Nights
Availability : Every Day
6 Day Egypt Budget Tour: Cairo, Alexandria And Luxor

6 Day Cairo Alexandria and Luxor Budget Tour: Pyramids, Tombs and Sea

From$780Start From
6 Days / 5 Nights
Availability : Every Day
6 Day Cairo Luxor Aswan Budget Tour

6 Day Cairo Luxor Aswan Budget Tour

From$895Start From
6 Days / 5 Nights
Availability : Every Day
6 Day Egypt Budget Tour: Cairo, Luxor And Felucca Cruise

6 Day Egypt Budget Tour with Felucca Cruise: Cairo, Aswan & Luxor

From$790Start From
6 Days / 5 Nights
Availability : Every Day
7 Day Egypt Budget Tour: Cairo, Alexandria And Luxor

7 Day Cairo Alexandria and Luxor Budget Tour: Pyramids, Luxor by Train and Sea

From$870Start From
7 Days / 6 Nights
Availability : Every Day
7-Day Egypt Budget Tour With Nile Cruise

7-Day Egypt Budget Tour With Nile Cruise

From$935Start From
7 Days / 6 Nights
Availability : Every Day
Egypt Budget Tour With Nile Cruise In 8 Days

8 Day Egypt Budget Tour With Nile Cruise

From$985Start From
8 Days / 7 Nights
Availability : Every Day
8 Day Egypt Budget Tour: Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor And Aswan

8 Day Egypt Budget Tour: Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor And Aswan

From$1,080Start From
8 Days / 7 Nights
Availability : Every Day
9 Day Egypt Budget Tour Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor And Aswan

9 Day Egypt Budget Tour: Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor And Aswan

From$1,230Start From
9 Days / 8 Nights
Availability : Every Day
Egypt Budget Tour With Nile Cruise In 9 Days

9-Day Egypt Budget Tour With Nile Cruise

From$1,120Start From
9 Days / 8 Nights
Availability : Every Day
10 Day Egypt Budget Tour: Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor And Aswan

10 Day Egypt Budget Tour: Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor And Aswan

From$1,285Start From
10 Days / 9 Nights
Availability : Every Day
10 Day Egypt Budget Tour With Nile Cruise

10 Day Egypt Budget Tour With Nile Cruise

From$1,210Start From
10 Days / 9 Nights
Availability : Every Day
10 Day Egypt Budget Tour: Cairo, Hurghada And Felucca Cruise

10 Day Egypt Budget Tour: Cairo, Hurghada and Felucca Cruise

From$1,100Start From
10 Days / 9 Nights
Availability : Every Day
Egypt Budget Tour With Nile Cruise In 11 Days

11 Day Egypt Budget Tour With Nile Cruise & Hurghada

From$1,270Start From
11 Days / 10 Nights
Availability : Every Day
12 Day Egypt Budget Tour: Cairo, Luxor, Aswan And Hurghada

12 Day Egypt Budget Tour: Cairo, Luxor, Aswan And Hurghada

From$1,315Start From
12 Days / 11 Nights
Availability : Every Day
Egypt Budget Tour With Nile Cruise In 12 Days

12 Day Egypt Budget Tour With Nile Cruise & Red Sea

From$1,320Start From
12 Days / 11 Nights
Availability : Every Day
Egypt Budget Tour With Nile Cruise In 13 Days

13 Day Egypt Budget Tour With Nile Cruise & Hurghada

From$1,430Start From
13 Days / 12 Nights
Availability : Every Day
Egypt Budget Tour With Nile Cruise In 14 Days

14 Day Egypt Budget Tour With Nile Cruise

From$1,550Start From
14 Days / 13 Nights
Availability : Every Day
Egypt Budget Tour With Nile Cruise In 15 Days

15-Day Egypt Budget Tour With Nile Cruise & Red Sea

From$1,650Start From
15 Days / 14 Nights
Availability : Every Day
Egypt Hidden Gems In 15 Days By Land For Budget Travelers

Egypt Hidden Gems In 15 Days By Land For Budget Travelers

From$1,975Start From
15 Days / 14 Nights
Availability : Every Day

Top Egypt Travel Deals - Up to 10% Discount

At Egypt Best Vacations, we’re making this magic even more irresistible with unforgettable Egypt deals on our most popular Egypt tour packages, Nile cruises, and day tours!

Our Travelers Reviews

What Customers Say About Us

 

Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Eric E profile picture
Eric E
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Egypt Best Vacations is aptly named We spent 10 days in Egypt with our friends. The entire trip was coordinated by Egypt Best Vacations. From the beginning, the communication was superb. We felt like we were coddled throughout the trip starting with Tarik who met us at the airport and facilitated and expedited the immigration process, to Karim who drove us safely everywhere around Cairo. Our guide Abdel was friendly, knowledgeable and passionate about Egyptian history, and made our experience very enjoyable. Seeing the pyramids in Giza, and visiting the new Grand Egyptian Museum was spectacular. We then flew south to Upper Egypt where Ahmed met us and guided us from Abu Simbel to Aswan and ultimately on our Nile River dahabeya cruise to Luxor. Kamal did a great job driving us in Upper Egypt, and we felt extremely safe along the way. Ahmed’s knowledge of Egyptian history is astounding, and he could easily be a professor on the subject. The entire trip was curated and coordinated by Essam who even came to meet us in Luxor, which was such a friendly gesture. We loved our Egyptian experience, and would absolutely recommend Egypt Best Vacations to anyone who is considering a trip to Egypt. There is no question that if we wanted to visit Egypt again, we would use this company and the entire crew again. This was a top notch company with top notch coordination.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Debbie T profile picture
Debbie T
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Wonderful Experience Our tour with Egypt Best Vacations was truly an unforgettable trip. It was extremely well organized from airport pick up and drop off to getting us to every destination on a luxury bus. Our tour guide Essam was kind, knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and friendly. He went above and beyond to help us understand Egyptian history, culture and traditions. The Nile River cruise on the Dahabiya was amazing with an outstanding crew making everyone feel welcomed. I highly recommend Egypt best Vacations.!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Kirby M profile picture
Kirby M
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Trip of a lifetime! I truly cannot say enough wonderful things about this experience! From the moment we arrived in Cairo to our time in Luxor and four unforgettable days cruising the Nile River, every single detail was exceptional. Our incredible tour guide, Essam, and his associate, Ali, went above and beyond to make this journey extraordinary. Their knowledge of Egypt’s rich history, attention to detail, and genuine care for our safety and comfort made all the difference. The accommodations, the staff, the organization, and the seamless coordination of everything were absolutely outstanding. They even arranged unforgettable extras, including private ceremonies and a hot air balloon ride over Luxor, making an already magical experience even more special. I can say without hesitation that this was the best trip of my life. Egypt is a remarkable place, but experiencing it with this team took it to an entirely different level. I would recommend this company over and over and over again. Truly the trip of a lifetime!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Galen H profile picture
Galen H
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Amazing tour! Our tour was so Awesome and our guide couldn’t have been better, he knew the answers for every question I asked and made it fun with his sense of humor. We started in Cairo, flew to Luxor and then sailed on a private cruise to Aswan. Seeing all the history, Pyramids and temples was incredible. Highly recommend Egypt Best Vacations!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Claudine F profile picture
Claudine F
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
O Voyage, incompetent provider for a Nile cruise in Egypt. The O Voyages representative never showed up and completely ignored us; we were part of a group of 35 people who left from Orly, arrived in Cairo for a day, and then transferred by plane to Luxor for the Nile cruise. We spotted him at the Monte Carlo restaurant eating with the two guides since we were two groups of 35 people. No information from him. We saw that he was from O Voyages since he was wearing a black t-shirt with O Voyages on the back. Also, on 7/1/2026, we received an email from Leclerc Voyage indicating that our cruise was moved up by one day and that the flight plan was modified with an arrival in Cairo on September 4th instead of September 11th as scheduled in our program, stipulating that the services and visits remained unchanged. The other people in the group who had booked either through Leclerc Voyage or Carrefour received a new detailed program, whereas for us, we were told, "you are taking the program in reverse!!!!" Also, we left from Orly and returned to Roissy!!!! No information from Leclerc Voyage on this point, even though we had clearly stipulated that we had booked parking at Orly, so there were additional costs for a taxi on September 13th at midnight to take us to Orly to retrieve our car. Again on this point, the other members of our group had been well informed by Leclerc or Carrefour!!!! Regarding clothing in Egypt, same thing, Leclerc told us to wear clothes to the knee and keep arms covered for women, whereas all the tourists wear shorts even in the temples; the other people in our group had received the correct information again on this point!!!!! Non-existent costume party, and for the themed evenings indicated on the program, we had 2 groups of dancers 20 minutes before dinner. Visa indicated on the program at €48 while we paid €53!!!!! I do not recommend O Voyages at all, it is the 1st and last time I travel with your incompetent organization. positive point: our guide, fortunately, who raised the level of the trip but who seemed a bit lost regarding the program he had to follow with the changes made 2 months prior without a new program.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Giuseppe Z profile picture
Giuseppe Z
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Spectacular vacation... excellent service.. Spectacular 10-day tour... maximum availability from the agency in tailoring the trip to our needs. From our arrival in Cairo, where they welcomed us and helped us with visas, to our departure for the return trip, we were followed in an excellent manner... my wife and I had a great time... We asked for guides who spoke Italian; Abram and Amro were 2 exceptional, helpful, and very knowledgeable guides... we felt pampered and never alone... thanks for everything.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
AtlantaTraveller profile picture
AtlantaTraveller
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
An unforgettable and beautifully orchestrated Egypt experience An unforgettable and beautifully orchestrated Egypt experience We just returned from an incredible trip to Egypt with Egypt Best Vacations, and it was truly one of the most memorable journeys our family has taken. Egypt can feel overwhelming at first — the airports, early morning flights, cruise schedules, temple visits, Cairo traffic, tickets, transfers, and the sheer magnitude of history everywhere you go. But Egypt Best Vacations handled the logistics with impressive precision and made the entire experience feel effortless. That allowed us to be fully present and enjoy the trip instead of constantly worrying about the next step. Our journey began in Cairo and then continued to Luxor, where we boarded our Nile cruise to Aswan. Luxor was absolutely extraordinary. Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon were all breathtaking. What made the visits even more meaningful was having a knowledgeable guide who could explain the history, symbolism, and significance behind what we were seeing. In Egypt, the right guide makes a huge difference — otherwise you are just looking at ancient stones without understanding the civilization behind them. The Nile cruise was another highlight. Sailing between Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan gave the trip a beautiful rhythm. Philae Temple was stunning, and Abu Simbel was worth every minute of the early morning journey. Standing in front of those monumental temples is humbling and almost surreal. Back in Cairo, we visited the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Coptic Cairo, the Citadel, and Khan El-Khalili. Each place had its own character, from the grandeur of the pyramids to the spiritual depth of Coptic Cairo and the energy of the bazaar. The itinerary was ambitious, but it never felt chaotic because the team managed the details so well. What we appreciated most was the professionalism, responsiveness, and genuine care from Egypt Best Vacations. They were punctual, organized, flexible when needed, and clearly experienced in creating a smooth experience for travelers. For a first trip to Egypt, that kind of coordination is invaluable. I would highly recommend Egypt Best Vacations to anyone planning to visit Egypt. They helped turn a complex itinerary into a seamless, enriching, and unforgettable adventure.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Hey M profile picture
Hey M
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Cairo day trip to pyramids and Grand Egyptian museum. My personal guide was amazing. So knowledgeable and friendly. The driver was professional and the car was spotless.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Astrid Q profile picture
Astrid Q
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Amazing, informative and easy! We had the BEST experience with this tour company. We are a family of 5 with 3 younger children and needed a way to see Cairo on our own schedule. We were referred this company from a friend and so glad we booked. We were met at the airport before passport control by one of the guides who escorted us through the visa process, passport control, luggage and straight into an awaiting van. Our driver took us to the hotel for our afternoon checkin. The next morning our tour guide MINA met us. He was cheerful, friendly and so intelligent. As we drove out to the pyramids of Giza he point out local places and gave us much information about them. He also made learning about where we were going interesting for our children. He worked with our pace and interests. He taught us so much about the pyramids. We were bought to a great lunch spot with great food whic and as included in our booking. The GEM museum was huge (20 football fields huge!) Mina was as so respectful of our children and made sure we saw the most important parts of the exhibitions to make the trip quick and effective. Our first day was perfect. On our 2nd day Mina took us to Saqqara, Memphis and Dahshur. Again he made this trip so quick, pointing out the important things and making sure our children were enjoying themselves and learning as well. We are so grateful to the team who made this trip so easy and enjoyable!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
matttttt75 profile picture
matttttt75
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Great Experience on the Nile The boat was excellent and very comfortable, with a top-notch crew who always provided professional and attentive service. Very clean and the cabin was spacious enough for 2 people. You could also find beer and/or wine on board. The food was ok, and one evening the crew even provided entertainment with music and dance after we had moored shortly before arriving in Aswan. Amazing bbq that night!! Ahmed our guide was incredibly generous with his time, always happy to answer questions, and constantly went above and beyond to make our experience richer and more meaningful. Beyond being an outstanding guide, Ahmed was also a wonderful person: intelligent, funny, thoughtful, and a true pleasure to spend time with. Thanks to him, we discovered not only the magnificence of Egypt’s ancient past, but also the kindness, humor, and hospitality of its people. He took us also to a Patisserie to taste Egyptian sweets. This made the entire trip feel far deeper and more authentic than a standard tour experience. We left Egypt absolutely enchanted, and much of that was thanks to Egypt Best Vacations, Essam and his team, our guide Ahmed, and the entire Dahabiya crew. Highly recommended.

Our Travel Inspiration Tips & Guides

We share where to Eat, Shop, and what to Visit around Egypt.
Is Egypt Safe to Visit in 2027

Is Egypt Safe to Visit in 2027? An Honest Answer from a Luxor-Based Egyptologist

Last updated: October 2026 · By Essam Ali, Egyptologist, Luxor Short answer: yes. Is Egypt safe to visit?...
Read Article
GEM VS Egyptian Museum (Tahrir): Which Should You Visit?

GEM VS Egyptian Museum (Tahrir): Which Should You Visit?

The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square are two different museums, about...
Read Article
Grand Egyptian Museum Tickets & Prices 2026: The Complete Guide

Grand Egyptian Museum Tickets & Prices 2026: The Complete Guide

Grand Egyptian Museum tickets cost EGP 1,590 (around $33 USD) for foreign adults in 2026, with discounted...
Read Article

Related FAQs About Egypt Budget Tours

Most Asked Questions about Egypt Budget Vacation Packages

How much does an Egypt budget tour cost?

From $575 per person for four days covering Cairo and Luxor, up to $1,975 for fifteen days. A week costs roughly $870 to $935 depending on whether you want a Nile cruise. Prices are per person sharing and include accommodation, guided sightseeing, entrance fees, transfers and intercity transport.

What are the hotels actually like?

Budget tours use Bronze or Silver accommodation. Bronze is licensed 3-star in Egypt, which is realistically about a 2.5-star by US or European standards: a clean en-suite room with air conditioning, simple breakfast, dated fittings, often no pool. Silver is licensed 4-star in Egypt, realistically about a 3-star in the West: more space, better upkeep, usually a pool and a restaurant. Egyptian stars are awarded on facilities rather than service and finish, which is why we publish both figures instead of only the flattering one.

Why do you show two star ratings for the same hotel?

Because the Egyptian license and the traveler’s expectation are two different things. A hotel can hold an Egyptian 4-star license on the strength of having a restaurant and a pool while its rooms and service would rate three stars in Europe. Most operators quote the Egyptian figure and let you find out on arrival. We would rather set the expectation correctly before you book.

What is the difference between Bronze and Silver?

Roughly one Western star, and it is most noticeable in room condition, whether there is a pool, and how well the air conditioning works. Bronze suits travellers who use the hotel only to sleep and shower. Silver suits anyone who wants somewhere pleasant to come back to, and we recommend it for summer travel and for first-time visitors.

Can I upgrade the hotels?

Yes. Any budget itinerary can be quoted on Gold, which is roughly a 3.5-star by Western standards, and upward through Platinum, Diamond and Elite — Elite being a genuine international 5-star. Bronze and Silver are the two tiers we use on budget tours; the four above them are the same tiers you will see on our standard and luxury itineraries. Tell us the itinerary and your dates and we will price the difference.

Are domestic flights included?

No. Budget tours travel between Cairo and Upper Egypt by overnight sleeper train, which saves both the airfare and a hotel night. That is a large part of why these tours cost what they do. Flights can be substituted on any itinerary for an additional cost.

What is the sleeper train like?

You travel in a private two-berth cabin with a washbasin, with shared toilets at the end of the carriage. Dinner and a light breakfast are served in the cabin. It is comfortable rather than luxurious, it is a genuine part of the experience, and Egyptian trains do sometimes run late, so we plan the following morning with that in mind.

Are these private or group tours?

It depends on the length. Every itinerary under seven days runs as a private tour at the price shown — your own licensed Egyptologist, your own driver and vehicle. That covers six of the trips on this page, starting at $575. Trips of seven days and over run as a small group capped at 16, because sharing the vehicle and guide is part of what keeps the longer itineraries affordable. Any group itinerary can be run privately for a supplement — ask us.

A private tour on a budget price — what is the catch?

None, but be clear about what you are buying. On a short budget tour you get the private vehicle, the private guide and the flexible timings; what you do not get is a five-star hotel or a domestic flight. The savings come from Bronze or Silver accommodation and, on the longer routes, the sleeper train. We would rather give you a private guide in a three-star hotel than a shared coach and a nicer lobby.

Which meals are included?

Breakfast every day. Lunches and dinners only where the itinerary names them. Egypt is cheap for food, so leaving meals out keeps the headline price down and lets you eat where you like — budget roughly $10 to $20 a day.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes, to every site named in your itinerary. Special-access tickets bought separately at the gate — going inside a pyramid chamber at Giza, or the tombs of Seti I, Ramses V and VI and Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings — are not included, and your guide can arrange them on the day.

Do I need a visa, and how much is it?

Most nationalities buy a 30-day tourist visa on arrival for $30 per person in cash, or apply for an e-visa online in advance. It is not included in any tour price. Check the current requirements for your nationality with the Egyptian embassy in your country.

Which budget tour should I choose?

Start with how long you have. Under a week and you are choosing between Cairo with Luxor or Cairo with Alexandria. A week or more opens up Aswan and Abu Simbel, and it is worth adding the Nile cruise, which replaces two hotel nights and so costs less extra than you would expect. Ten days or more lets you finish on the Red Sea. The four groupings on this page are arranged that way.

Is a budget tour a good idea for a first visit to Egypt?

Yes. The itineraries cover the same monuments as our more expensive tours with the same licensed Egyptologist guides. What changes is the hotel standard and the sleeper train instead of a flight. If it is your first visit and you are unsure, take Silver rather than Bronze — it is a modest difference in price and the single upgrade that most affects how the trip feels.

Are budget tours suitable for solo travellers?

They work well either way. On the shorter private tours you get a guide to yourself, which suits solo travellers who want to ask questions rather than queue for them. On the longer group tours you get people to travel with. A single room carries a supplement on any itinerary since you are not sharing — ask us for the figure on your dates. If you are happy to share, tell us and we will try to match you with another solo traveller on the same departure.

Is Egypt safe for budget travellers?

The main tourist areas are well established and heavily visited, and travelling on a budget does not change where you go or how you are looked after. You will have a licensed guide with you on sightseeing days and a driver we know personally.

When should I book?

Three to six months ahead for October to April, when demand is highest. Summer departures can often be booked closer in and cost noticeably less, if you can take the heat.