Activities

Depending on which pyramids are open to the public, you should be able to enter pyramids near Cairo and Fayoum during your tours. Ask our travel advisors which pyramids it is currently possible to enter.

Near Giza pyramids and in Red Sea cities such as Marsa Alam, Hurghada, and Sharm el Sheikh  

Near Giza and Saqqara pyramid sites, in Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh  

 The thrill of sliding down the dunes in Fayoum, Siwa Oasis, or Aswan  

From the West Bank in Luxor, over the ancient sites and fields. Around sunrise, before the day of touring sites begins, the flight gives you amazing views and a different perspective to seeing the sites on the ground  

We offer both short hikes as part of day tours or longer hikes which may also include overnight camping. From hiking Gebel Musa (Mount Moses or Mount Sinai), Mount Saint Catherine (Egypt’s highest peak: 2,629 m), or surrounding wadis (valleys) and nearby canyons in South Sinai, to Wadi el Gemal National Park in the southern mainland

In local homes are available in most cities and are included on board during our Dahabiya Nile Sailing tours. These lessons and hands-on experiences enhance your understanding of local culinary traditions, in addition to the Egyptian foods and drinks we include in our tours  

Near Aswan. We provide kayaks on request on our Dahabiya Nile Sailing tours  

Near Aswan, the lake in Fayoum, at magnificent Red Sea or Mediterranean beaches, or in fresh water cool or hot natural spring pools or floating in salt pools in Siwa Oasis  

Visit workshops in Fayoum and Luxor, meet the artisans, and try your hand at the wheel  

In Cairo, Luxor or Aswan. The best time of day to enjoy the Nile. Even if you are on a dahabiya or a larger Nile cruise, the felucca experience around sunset is something special for a different view of these Nile cities  

There are a variety of cultural shows you can enjoy, including several in Cairo. The most famous and regularly held are the performances at the Wekalet El Ghouri Complex. Built in the 16th century, this is an architecturally stunning arts centre in Cairo. The performance at Wekalet El Ghoury is the most authentic. In other places including restaurants and on cruises you will find more touristic, less authentic performances.  This is what you can expect to see at El Ghoury: Tanoura dance performance is similar to the more commonly known Whirling Dervishes. This version incorporates a group of performers playing a variety of instruments ranging from the Daf (tambourine) to the Oud and Ney (flute). After a few solo acts by various singers, a vocalist appears on a balcony and sings of spirituality. This leads into the Tannoura, a spectacular dance based on showing the Sufi skills of whirling, with the dancers wearing striking costume designs. If you are not able to attend the unique performance at El Ghoury, our Travel Advisors can confirm if different performances will be available to add during your tour.  

We call the deserts of Egypt “the million star hotel”. Clear sky away from city light interference will bring you the stars. Fayoum, Siwa Oasis,  White Desert or Black Desert, Saint Catherine,  Dahab, Ras Mohammad (near Sharm el Sheikh)

You can join local fishermen in their boats in Bisaw, one of the village community stops on our Dahabiya Nile Sailing tours. Fishing tours at the Nubian Lake (Lake Nasser) near Aswan are also available, see our  Attractions page for details.  

Camel rides are extraordinarily popular today all across the Middle East. Real Egypt has now taken this experience to the next level and visited the camel market in Cairo with our guests. See one of the world’s largest gatherings of camels, known as the ‘Ships of the Desert. This can make an unforgettable day trip, especially for photographers, as the market provides a glimpse of Rural Egyptian life, which is exclusive to this part of the country. The market is considered one of the biggest of its kind in Africa, and people from all over the world, traders and tourists alike come to visit. Hundreds of camels are sold at the market almost every day, with the peak of the action taking place between 7 and 9 am on a Friday. However, for a calmer experience, most of the surrounding afternoons are rather subdued in comparison. There are two big camel markets in Egypt: one in Lower Egypt called Birqash, and one in Upper Egypt called El Daraw. The majority of the animals are brought up the 40 Days Road from Western Sudan, to just North of Abu Simbel in Nubia, Upper Egypt, by camel herders. From there, the camels are taken to Daraw camel market in Upper Egypt. Unsold camels are then taken in trucks for the 24-hour journey to Birqash camel market in Lower Egypt. In addition to those from Sudan, there are camels from various parts of Egypt (including Sinai, The West and The South) and sometimes from as far away as Somalia and Libya. They are traded for cash or other livestock, such as goats, sheep, and horses, as well as being sold for farm work or slaughter. Smaller camels go for as little as 15000 EGP, but bigger beasts can sell for 30000 EGP and up. ( 2017 prices due to the devaluation of The Egyptian Pound) Camel meat is a healthy source of meat and is free from any diseases or epidemics like other kinds of meat. Many stands in the market serve camel meat and liver.  

Luxor is often noted solely for its wondrous monuments, tombs, and temples, and Nile Cruises,  although these are truly amazing sights and attractions, often tourists don’t give enough time to recognize or meet the locals and enjoy their lifestyle. Real Egypt likes our guests to have the authentic Egyptian experience when they pass through Luxor and give them a true taste of culture. How do farmers’ houses differ from modern housing? The traditional farmer’s house has no base  (concrete) and is made from mud bricks. It usually looks over his field, where he works, and his life, along with his family’s, is simple, humble, and beautiful. A farmer's life revolves around the sun the same as ancient times. Farmers rise before sunrise to start their day watering the animals, work the fields, and sell their wares at the local souk. Cultural experience We believe it is important to appreciate the native Egyptian culture in Luxor, as well as across Egypt,  these farmers and their families are happy to share it with you. They welcome anyone, eager to share their lifestyle, they very rarely speak English but smiles and hand signs work very well. So that you have a chance to visit a farmer’s family and talk to them about their life choices, the guide will translate everything; and then by yourself, you will recognize their customs, culture, and lifestyle.  

A horse carriage ride around luxor  as part of a city tour is a fantastic way to get to know Luxor. It is one of the best ways to experience the real city (Luxor or Aswan). The earliest European tours in Luxor and Aswan were by horse carriages, now it is a custom for tourists to take it for pleasure. We have several tours and use a well cared for horse.  1st tour: 15 minutes, in Luxor. It is from Karnak temple till Luxor temple, passing through the city and the recently discovered road (the sphinx avenue). 2nd tour: 1 hour, in Luxor or Aswan. It is around the city, the Nile cornice, and the local market. Location: Luxor or Aswan.   Tour duration: depends on your choice. Suggested dress: Normal  Physical Fitness: Low Optional addition to any Luxor or Aswan attractions.   Opening hours: all day, all week long. Entry fees: No fees. Camera Rules: Photo camera: allowed. Video camera without stand: allowed.

Riding a donkey is common transportation. It is one of the best ways to experience the village’s atmosphere and appreciate the suburban culture. It is great for families, if you have children this will be great fun. In one hour, the donkey takes you down roads of Luxor’s West Bank where cars can’t go, due to the small space, between the green fields, the farmers, and the simple houses, to find out about a farmer’s life. We recommend that you do this tour either early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat of the midday sun.

Cycling is not only a common way for travellers on a budget to get around but also a different and fun way to enjoy Luxor, West or East Bank, and its villages, atmosphere, and culture. Go at your own pace. It takes around 15-20 minutes to cycle between the sites on The West Bank,  as most of the paths are flat and have asphalted roads, however, the real challenge lies in the long ascending road of the Valley of the Kings. We recommend that you enjoy this tour either early morning or in the late afternoon due to the heat at other times in the day.  

One of the most pleasant things to do on a warm day is to go out on a Felucca, Egypt’s ancient broad-sailboat. Discover the River Nile as you soak in the beautiful city lights of Cairo, Luxor or Aswan aboard a felucca. Feluccas have been used for millennia to move up and down The Nile, but they are also ideal for a relaxing evening cruise to escape the bustle of the City in Cairo, while in Aswan it’s the best way to explore the best places on the River Nile. It is especially popular among guests who can enjoy a quieter and calmer mood than the motorboats have to offer. Egyptians and foreigners alike enjoy a relaxing Felucca ride, as they are perfect for catching the breeze on a hot summer night, for brisker sails the rest of the year and enjoying the sceneries on The Nile sides, the huge rocks of Luxor, or Aswan, and the calm Nile water. The view is spectacular, especially at the hour before the sunset. Also, there is another option to take two hours ride and have a meal while sailing the Nile River. Aswan is the best place for having a Felucca ride for sites, relaxation or Lunch aboard is in any city Because its small size, the Felucca can stop at any place along the Nile River bank, where cars cannot reach and Nile Cruises cannot anchor. It’s your gateway to stop and explore the villages and small communities along the Nile Valley. If you are used to camping, you can stay overnight on the Felucca and enjoy 2 or 3 days sailing the Nile River with a relaxing, beautiful atmosphere, learning more about culture, and paying far less than what you would on a regular Nile Cruise.Because its small size, the Felucca can stop at any place along the Nile River bank, where cars cannot reach and Nile Cruises cannot anchor. It’s your gateway to stop and explore the villages and small communities along the Nile Valley. If you are used to camping, you can stay overnight on the Felucca and enjoy 2 or 3 days sailing the Nile River with a relaxing, beautiful atmosphere, learning more about culture, and paying far less than what you would on a regular Nile Cruise.A leisurely boat trip with views of the Nobles tombs, Agha Khan Mausoleum, and Plantation Island.  As you sail, you will also see the Old Cataract hotel; its illustrious guests have included Agatha Christie, who set some of her novel “Death on the Nile” at the hotel, and it featured in the excellent Egyptian television series “Grand Hotel”, which you may have seen on Netflix.  

Take a scenic ride in a felucca around the First Cataract  Aswan to see up to many species of local birds and pretty flora and fauna in a most delightful environment. Sail across the Nile from the East Bank to the West Bank of the Nile towards Lord Kitchener’s Island. From here, your Guide will start pointing out the locations of where you will see the birdlife ranging from Egrets both adults and chicks to Parakeets amongst the trees. Sailing upriver towards the Mausoleum of the Aga Khan, you can enjoy the sights of many more bird species wading in the waters of the Cataract Islands such as Kingfishers, Malachite Kingfishers, Striated Herons, Little Bitten Herons, Night Herons, along with Little Green Bee Eaters, and Nile Valley Sunbirds. It’s two hours tour by boat, around the islands of first Cataract area. Egypt is the second main route for migrant birds, which comes from Asia and Europe to Africa. We have many kinds of herons as grey heron, squacco heron, and purple. Pied king Fisher, Glossy Ibis. The tour is also for nature lovers, as the cataract area is very unique, where we can see the sand dunes of Sahara and rocks of the cataract, beside the green islands and the Nile.