Egypt is one of the world's most extraordinary destinations — cradle of one of history's greatest civilizations (5,000 years of pharaohs, 2700 BC to 30 BC, 30 dynasties), 110 million inhabitants, Sunni Muslim country (90% with 10% Coptic Christians — one of the world's oldest Christian Churches). Giza Pyramids (UNESCO 1979, last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still standing, Khufu 138 m built ca. -2560 BC, one of the most precise structures ever built). Luxor ('Thebes hekatompylos', former New Kingdom capital) — Valley of the Kings (62 royal tombs including intact Tutankhamun discovered 1922, Ramses VI), Karnak (largest ancient religious complex, 100 ha), Luxor Temple. Abu Simbel (UNESCO 1979, Ramses II temples relocated 1968 for Aswan Dam, colossal 4-statue facade 20 m). Nile cruise (Luxor-Aswan 4 nights, the iconic experience). Cairo ('the Victorious', Africa's largest metropolis 22 million inhabitants, National Museum with Tutankhamun treasures, medieval Khan el-Khalili souk, Mohamed Ali Mosque). Red Sea (Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, diving on coral reefs among world's best). White and black desert, Siwa oasis. 10-14 days for complete pharaonic civilization.
Duration : 10 days
Route : Cairo (3 nights, Giza pyramids + Saqqara + museum) → Luxor flight (2 nights, Valley of Kings + Karnak) → 4-night Nile cruise Luxor-Aswan (Edfu, Kom Ombo) → Abu Simbel (1-day excursion) → return Cairo flight (1 night)
Duration : 14 days
Route : Cairo (3) → Luxor (2) → 4-night Nile cruise → Abu Simbel → Red Sea El Gouna or Sharm flight (4) → return flight
Duration : 10 days
Route : Cairo Mena House (3 nights facing pyramids) → Luxor Sofitel Winter Palace flight (2) → privatized traditional dahabieh 4 nights Luxor-Aswan → Old Cataract (1) → return flight
October-April is the best period (temperate climate 18-28 °C). Avoid June-August (infernal heat 40-45 °C, especially in Upper Egypt Luxor-Aswan, but low season — advantageous prices for the brave). December-January: tourist high season, essential booking.
Safe in tourist zones. Vigilance in northern Sinai (not recommended). E-visa or visa on arrival for French citizens ($25, 30 days). Cards accepted in upscale hotels and restaurants, cash (Egyptian pounds or USD) elsewhere. Avoid tap water. Covering attire in mosques and religious sites (shoulders, knees, headscarf for women in some mosques). Frequent and appreciated tipping ('baksheesh') — bring small denominations. Ramadan modifies some restaurant schedules.
October-April (temperate climate). Avoid June-August (40-45 °C). December-January: high season.
10 days for Cairo + Luxor + Aswan + Abu Simbel + cruise. 14 days to add Red Sea.
€2,200-€3,000 per person for 10 days in comfort, excluding flights. Premium: €3,800-€5,500. Flights: €400-€700.
E-visa or visa on arrival ($25, 30 days).
Yes, from age 8. Total safety in tourist zones. Welcoming Egyptians. Nile cruise very suitable.
EgyptAir domestic flights (Cairo-Luxor 1 h, Aswan-Abu Simbel 30 min). Private car with driver. Nile cruise for Luxor-Aswan.
Classic ship (50-150 cabins): comfort and activities. Dahabieh (max 8 cabins, privatized sailboat): exclusivity, off-beaten-path stops, authentic pharaonic experience.
Essential. 10-15% in restaurants. Small denominations for site guards, drivers, guides ($5-$15/day depending on service).
Yes: Egypt + Jordan (Petra, direct flight), Egypt + Israel, Egypt + Morocco, Egypt + Sudan (less-known sites).
Safe in tourist zones (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, cruise, Red Sea). Avoid northern Sinai (insurrection). Reinforced security at sites.