Why Your Next Small-Group Holiday Should Be In Egypt

Making connections: that’s the essence of touring in a small group. And where better to try it than Egypt? Experience ancient culture, mystical landscapes and the warm people – and weather – as you explore these eight attractions on your next small-group holiday.

You can now experience Egypt with Culture Trip as part of a small group of culturally curious travellers on our specially curated 10-day Egypt adventure, led by our local insider.

1. Marvel at the catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa in Alexandria

Archaeological site

The Kom el Shoqafa catacombs are the largest Roman burial site in Egypt

Founded by Alexander the Great in 331BCE, the port city of Alexandria is where you’ll find a treasure trove of antiquities, including the ruins of the famous lighthouse and library and the intact Kom el Shoqafa catacombs. The largest Roman burial site in Egypt is constructed on three subterranean levels; take the spiral staircase down to two accessible chambers, which are richly decorated with carvings and statues in Pharaonic and Greek styles, with coffin slots in the walls.

2. Shop at the Khan el Khalili bazaar in Cairo

Bazaar

The Khan el Khalili souk in Cairo has been in business since the 14th century

Soaking up the souk at Khan el Khalili, in the heart of Old Cairo, is a highlight of any trip to the Egyptian capital. This colourful market has been in business since the 14th century and is filled with spices, antiques, perfumes, jewellery and souvenirs. Put your bargaining skills to the test with the persuasive shop owners, and then you and your tour buddies can celebrate your wins with a refreshing mint tea at El Fishawi, a café near Midan el Hussein.

4. Visit the Pyramids of Giza

Archaeological site

The Khafre Pyramid is the second largest of the ancient structures at Giza

Located high up on the Giza Plateau 25km (15.5mi) from Central Cairo, the ancient Khafre, Khufu (Great) and Menkaure pyramids are immense. Climb up the narrow stairway to reach the majestic King’s Chamber in the Great Pyramid and revel at the enigmatic granite sarcophagus. The only remaining structure among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this pyramid will be the highlight of your group visit.

5. Step back in time at the Temple of Isis at Philae

Archaeological site, Historical Landmark

The Philae temple complex was relocated to Agilkia Island to save it from flooding

The temple complex of Philae was moved stone by stone from its original island to its current location on Agilkia Island after the flooding of Lake Nasser, and opened to the public in 1980. Take a 15-minute motorboat ride from Aswan and step back in time at this ancient site of pilgrimage and homage to the cult of Isis, the divine mother of Egypt’s pharaohs.

6. Admire the Temples of Ramesses II and Queen Nefertari at Abu Simbel

Archaeological site

The temples of Abu Simbel were moved to higher ground in the 1960s

Located near the Sudanese border at the Nile’s Second Cataract (shallow, rocky stretches between Aswan and Khartoum), the colossal temples of Ramesses II and Queen Nefertari at Abu Simbel defy description. The pharaoh chose the site because it was a place of pilgrimage to Hathor, the Egyptian goddess of love and joy. Hewn from the mountainside, these magnificent monuments were moved to higher ground during the 1960s, after the creation of the Aswan Dam.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.