Things to Do in Egypt

Exciting activities and unforgettable experiences in the cradle of civilization

Top Egypt Experiences

Pyramids Tour

Pyramids & Sphinx Tour

Explore the last Wonder of the Ancient World with expert Egyptologist guide. Visit the Great Pyramid, Sphinx, and Valley Temple. Enter pyramid chambers, ride camels, and discover 4,500 years of pharaonic history.

  • Duration: 4-8 hours
  • Price: $50-120 USD per person
  • Best Time: Early morning (8 AM to avoid heat)
  • Includes: Guide, entrance fees, hotel pickup
Hot Air Balloon Luxor

Hot Air Balloon Over Luxor

Float over the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Nile at sunrise. Experience ancient Thebes from a bird's eye view in one of Egypt's most magical experiences.

  • Duration: 3 hours (45-min flight)
  • Price: $80-150 USD per person
  • Best Time: Daily sunrise (Oct-April)
  • Tip: Book 2-3 days ahead, weather dependent
Red Sea Diving

Red Sea Scuba Diving

Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and dolphins. The Red Sea offers some of the world's best diving with crystal-clear waters and spectacular marine life.

  • Duration: Half-day or full-day
  • Price: $40-100 USD (2 dives)
  • Best Locations: Hurghada, Sharm, Dahab
  • Includes: Equipment, guide, boat, lunch

Activities by Interest

🏜️ Ancient Sites & Archaeology

  • Pyramids Tour: Giza, Saqqara, Memphis, Dahshur ($50-120)
  • Valley of the Kings: Explore pharaonic tombs in Luxor ($60-100)
  • Temple Tours: Karnak, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae ($40-90)
  • Abu Simbel Day Trip: Ramses II colossal temples ($60-150)
  • Grand Egyptian Museum: World's largest archaeology museum ($40-80)
  • Egyptian Museum: Tutankhamun treasures, mummies ($30-60)
  • Sound & Light Shows: Pyramids, Karnak, Philae ($25-60)

🐪 Book Private Tour

⛵ Nile River Activities

  • Nile Cruise (3-5 days): Luxor-Aswan luxury cruise ($400-1,500)
  • Felucca Sailing: Traditional sailboat sunset cruise ($10-30/hour)
  • Dahabiya Cruise: Intimate sailing boat experience ($200-600/night)
  • Cairo Dinner Cruise: Floating restaurant with belly dancing ($30-80)
  • Nile Kayaking: Paddle along historic river ($30-60)
  • Fishing on Nile: Traditional Nile fishing experience ($20-50)

⛵ Book Nile Cruise

🏖️ Red Sea Water Sports

  • Scuba Diving: Coral reefs, wrecks (Thistlegorm), dolphins ($40-120)
  • Snorkeling: Ras Mohammed, Giftun Island, Blue Hole ($25-60)
  • Kitesurfing: Hurghada, Dahab wind sports ($50-150/day)
  • Windsurfing: Perfect Red Sea conditions ($40-100/day)
  • Dolphin Watching: Boat trips to see wild dolphins ($30-70)
  • Glass Bottom Boat: Coral viewing without getting wet ($20-40)
  • PADI Courses: Open Water certification ($300-450)

🏜️ Desert Adventures

  • White Desert Camping: Overnight in surreal chalk formations ($80-200)
  • Siwa Oasis Expedition: 2-3 day desert adventure ($150-400)
  • Black Desert Safari: Volcanic landscapes, hot springs ($60-150)
  • Sandboarding: Sahara dune surfing ($30-60)
  • Quad Biking: Desert ATV adventures ($40-100)
  • Bedouin Experience: Tea, bread-making, stargazing ($50-120)
  • 4x4 Desert Safari: Off-road adventure in Western Desert ($80-200)

🕌 Cultural Experiences

  • Khan el-Khalili Tour: Bazaar exploration with guide ($30-60)
  • Islamic Cairo Walking: Mosques, madrasas, Citadel ($40-80)
  • Egyptian Cooking Class: Learn koshari, molokhia ($40-100)
  • Nubian Village Visit: Aswan colorful houses, culture ($20-50)
  • Whirling Dervish Show: Sufi tanoura performance ($15-40)
  • Belly Dancing Show: Traditional dance with dinner ($40-100)
  • Papyrus Making: Learn ancient craft ($20-50)

🎈 Unique Adventures

  • Hot Air Balloon (Luxor): Valley of Kings sunrise ($80-150)
  • Camel Riding: Pyramids, desert treks ($15-60)
  • Horseback Riding: Pyramids area, desert rides ($30-80)
  • Quad Biking Pyramids: Around Giza plateau ($40-90)
  • ATV Desert Safari: Sahara adventures ($50-120)
  • Stargazing: Desert astronomy tours ($40-100)
  • Cave Exploring: Wadi Sannur Cave (stalactites) ($30-70)

🌟 Signature Egyptian Experiences

🎈 Hot Air Balloon Over Valley of Kings

Experience: Float over 3,500-year-old royal tombs at sunrise
Duration: 3 hours total (45-minute flight)
Pickup: 4:00-5:00 AM from Luxor hotels
Height: Up to 450 meters above West Bank
Views: Valley of Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Nile, Karnak
Price: $80-150 USD per person
Season: October-April (weather dependent)
Note: Book 2-3 days ahead, unforgettable experience!

⛵ Nile Felucca Sailing

Experience: Traditional sailboat on the eternal Nile
Duration: 1 hour to overnight trips
Locations: Cairo, Luxor, Aswan (Aswan most scenic)
Options: Sunset cruise, multi-day felucca journey
Price: $10-30 USD per hour (boat holds 6-10 people)
Best: Aswan - islands, Nubian villages, tranquil waters
Overnight: $30-60 per person including meals, mattress under stars

🤿 Scuba Diving the Red Sea

Sites: Ras Mohammed, SS Thistlegorm wreck, Blue Hole Dahab
Marine Life: Dolphins, turtles, sharks, 1,000+ fish species
Visibility: 20-40 meters year-round
Water Temp: 21-28°C (comfortable all year)
Price: $40-100 USD for 2-tank dive
PADI Courses: Open Water $300-450, Advanced $250-400
Best Locations: Hurghada (beginners), Dahab (Blue Hole), Sharm (Ras Mohammed)

Egypt Activities

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Activities

Egyptian Museum Tour

  • Explore Tutankhamun treasures, mummies, ancient artifacts
  • Kid-friendly guided tours available
  • Interactive exhibits and educational programs
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Price: $30-60 (kids often discounted)

Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

  • World's largest archaeology museum (recently opened)
  • Complete Tutankhamun Collection (5,000+ items)
  • Modern interactive displays, children's museum
  • Pyramid views from museum
  • Duration: 4-5 hours
  • Price: $50-100 (family packages available)
  • → Book Entry Tickets

Camel Rides at Pyramids

  • Traditional camel or horse rides around Giza
  • Kids love riding "ships of the desert"
  • Photo opportunities with Pyramids backdrop
  • Duration: 30 minutes - 2 hours
  • Price: $15-60 (negotiate price first!)
  • Tip: Hire through hotel to avoid scams

Beach & Snorkeling (Red Sea)

  • Family-friendly beaches with calm waters
  • Snorkeling to see colorful fish and coral
  • Hotel pools and water slides
  • Glass-bottom boats for non-swimmers
  • Duration: Full day or half-day
  • Price: Beach access free-$20, snorkeling $25-60

Cairo Tower Visit

  • 187m observation tower on Nile island (Zamalek)
  • 360-degree views of Cairo and Pyramids
  • Rotating restaurant at top
  • Educational about Cairo geography
  • Duration: 1-2 hours
  • Price: EGP 120-200 (kids half price)

Pharaonic Village (Cairo)

  • Living museum with actors in ancient costumes
  • Demonstrates daily life in pharaonic times
  • Boat ride through themed exhibits
  • Great for kids to learn Egyptian history
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Price: EGP 150-300

⚡ Adventure & Outdoor Activities

🏜️ White Desert Camping

Location: Farafra Oasis, Western Desert (5-6 hours from Cairo)
Landscape: Surreal white chalk-rock formations
Experience: Overnight camping under stars, Bedouin dinner, desert walks
Duration: 2 days / 1 night (or 3 days / 2 nights)
Includes: 4x4 transport, camping gear, meals, guide
Price: $120-250 USD per person
Season: October-April (summer too hot, winter nights cold)
Difficulty: Moderate - suitable for most fitness levels

🐪 Siwa Oasis Adventure

Location: Western Desert near Libya border (560km from Cairo)
Duration: 2-4 days expedition
Highlights: Oracle Temple (Alexander the Great visited), Cleopatra's Bath, salt lakes, Great Sand Sea
Activities: Sandboarding, 4x4 desert safari, swimming in springs
Stay: Ecolodges, desert camping
Price: $150-400 USD for 3-day package
Best: March-May & September-November (avoid summer heat)

🚴 Cycling & Active Tours

  • Luxor Cycling Tour: West Bank villages, temples ($30-60)
  • Cairo Bike Tour: Old Cairo, Islamic Cairo ($35-70)
  • Alexandria Coastal Ride: Corniche cycling ($25-50)
  • Aswan Villages: Nubian village cycling ($20-45)
  • Note: Best in cooler months (Nov-March)
Egypt Adventure Activities

🎭 Cultural & Educational Activities

Egyptian Cooking Classes

  • Learn to make koshari, molokhia, mahshi, ful medames
  • Market tour to buy fresh ingredients
  • Cook and eat your creations
  • Local chef or home cook instructor
  • Duration: 3-5 hours
  • Price: $40-100 per person

Hieroglyphics Workshop

  • Learn to read and write ancient Egyptian script
  • Create your name in hieroglyphics
  • Understand pharaonic symbols and meanings
  • Make papyrus artwork to take home
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Price: $30-70

Perfume Making Workshop

  • Traditional Egyptian perfume oils (lotus, amber, jasmine)
  • Learn about ancient Egyptian perfumery
  • Create custom scent to take home
  • Visit historic perfume shops
  • Duration: 1-2 hours
  • Price: $25-60

Arabic Calligraphy Class

  • Learn beautiful Arabic script
  • Write your name in Arabic calligraphy
  • Understand Islamic art and design
  • Create artwork on paper or canvas
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Price: $35-80

Traditional Music & Dance

  • Sufi Tanoura Show: Whirling dervishes ($15-40)
  • Belly Dancing Lesson: Learn Egyptian raqs sharqi ($30-70)
  • Arabic Music Night: Oud, tabla, traditional instruments ($20-50)
  • Folklore Show: Traditional dances with dinner ($40-100)

Photography Tours

  • Pyramids Photography: Sunrise/sunset golden hour ($60-120)
  • Khan el-Khalili Photo Walk: Bazaar & Islamic Cairo ($40-80)
  • Nile Landscapes: Feluccas, temples, river life ($50-100)
  • Street Photography: Cairo life with local photographer ($45-90)

📅 Best Activities by Season

Winter (Nov-Feb) ⭐ BEST SEASON

  • Perfect for: All activities! Temple touring, Pyramids, desert camping
  • Hot Air Ballooning: Best weather, clear skies
  • Nile Cruises: Comfortable temperatures for sailing
  • Desert Camping: Pleasant days, cool nights (bring warm layer)
  • City Exploration: Ideal walking weather
  • Temperature: 15-25°C (59-77°F) perfect!

Spring (Mar-May)

  • Good for: Most activities, but getting hot
  • Red Sea Diving: Excellent visibility, warm water
  • Temple Tours: Early morning recommended
  • Caution: Khamsin sandstorms possible March-April
  • Temperature: 20-35°C (68-95°F)

Summer (Jun-Sep) 🔥

  • Best for: Red Sea diving and beach activities ONLY
  • Diving/Snorkeling: Perfect! Water warm, visibility great
  • Beach Resorts: All-inclusive relaxation
  • Avoid: Temple touring (too hot 40-45°C!)
  • Indoor: Museums with air conditioning
  • Prices: 50-70% off (but for good reason - heat!)

Autumn (Oct)

  • Excellent for: All activities, weather improving daily
  • Nile Cruise: Season begins, perfect temperatures
  • Hot Air Balloons: Resume after summer break
  • Temple Tours: Comfortable again
  • Temperature: 20-32°C (68-90°F)

💡 Activity Planning Tips

  • Book in Advance: Hot air balloons (2-3 days), Nile cruises (2-4 weeks), Abu Simbel (1 week)
  • Start Early: Temple tours 8 AM before heat peaks
  • Hydrate: Bring 2-3 liters water per person for outdoor activities
  • Sun Protection: SPF 50+, hat, sunglasses essential
  • Modest Dress: Cover shoulders/knees for cultural respect
  • Negotiate Prices: For camels, horses, feluccas - agree before starting
  • Group Discounts: Many activities cheaper in groups
  • Hotel Booking: Often convenient but compare prices with tour operators

⚠️ Safety Considerations

  • Heat Exhaustion: Real risk in summer - limit outdoor time
  • Scams: Book through reputable operators, not street touts
  • Bargaining: Expect to negotiate for camels, feluccas, desert trips
  • Diving Safety: Use PADI-certified dive centers only
  • Desert Trips: Go with experienced guides, bring warm clothes for night

💰 Activity Price Guide

Budget Activities ($10-40)

  • Felucca sailing: $10-30 per hour
  • Khan el-Khalili shopping: Free (purchases extra)
  • Camel photo at Pyramids: $15-30
  • Museum visits: $10-30 entrance
  • Walking tours: $20-40
  • Street food tasting: $15-30

Mid-Range Activities ($40-100)

  • Guided Pyramids tour: $50-90
  • Red Sea diving (2 dives): $40-80
  • Cooking class: $40-100
  • Desert camping: $60-100
  • Temple tours: $40-80
  • Quad biking: $40-90

Premium Activities ($100-200+)

  • Hot air balloon Luxor: $80-150
  • Private Egyptologist tour: $100-200/day
  • Abu Simbel flight: $120-200
  • Luxury Nile cruise: $150-400/night
  • Private desert safari: $150-300
  • Multi-day packages: $100-200/day

Money-Saving Tips

  • Book tours online in advance (better prices)
  • Group tours cheaper than private
  • Negotiate directly for camels, feluccas
  • Combine activities in one day
  • Summer discounts 50-70% (but very hot)
  • Student ID gets 50% off many museums/sites

🎫 Book Egypt Activities

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