Planning from the United States
If you are flying in from the United States, this page answers what American travelers ask us first: when to come, how the flights usually work, how many days to allow, and what a private trip costs. When you are ready, Carol and Atef will shape the days around your dates.
When to go
The best months for American travelers
October to April
The best weather for sightseeing, and the busiest months. Christmas and New Year are the peak, so plan those dates early.
May and September
Warmer, with fewer visitors. Good if you start early each day and keep afternoons for the pool or the river.
June to August
Very hot in Luxor and Aswan. We do not recommend it for a first visit. The exception is the total solar eclipse over Luxor on 2 August 2027.
Getting here
Flights from the US, in general terms
Nonstop
There are nonstop flights between the US and Cairo, mainly from the East Coast. They are the simplest option if one suits your home airport.
One stop
Many guests connect once through a hub such as Istanbul with Turkish Airlines or Doha with Qatar Airways, or through a major European city. That often means better times or fares from the rest of the US.
Book your international flights once your dates are firm, and we plan the arrival day around them. On our itineraries we meet you at Cairo airport, help with the tourist visa if you need one, and drive you to your hotel. Allow an easy first day for jet lag.
How many days
How long to stay
Essential Egypt
Cairo, Aswan and Luxor with a Nile cruise. Our usual first-visit answer.
Red Sea & Ancient Egypt
The same classic sites, then a few days to rest on the Red Sea.
The full journey
Adds Abu Simbel, Amarna and Alexandria, with time to slow down.
What it costs
What a private trip costs
We do not compete on price, and we price clearly. Our pre-designed private itineraries start at these levels:
| Length | Itinerary | From |
|---|---|---|
| 9 days | Essential Egypt | From $4,673 |
| 11 days | Red Sea & Ancient Egypt | From $5,085 |
| 16 days | Jordan and Egypt | From $10,029 |
| 18 days | 18-Day Private Luxury Egypt Tour | From $9,927 |
| 18 days | The Golden Age of Travel | From $12,572 |
These are the “from” prices on our tour pages. They include 5-star accommodation, all meals with soft drinks, internal flights in Egypt, private air-conditioned transport, a licensed guide and tour host, and entry fees. International flights, gratuities and alcoholic drinks are not included. Custom journeys are priced for your plan. Compare all our tours.
Safety
Is Egypt safe for Americans?
The US State Department rates Egypt Level 2, “Exercise increased caution”, the same level it gives France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. The areas it says not to visit are far from Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and the Nile.
Read our plain answer on safety, or see why we only run private tours.
Packing
What to bring
- Breathable linen and cotton for the day, and smart-casual clothes for dinner
- Shoulders and knees covered for mosques and churches
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes for uneven ground and tomb steps
- A light layer for cool desert mornings and air-conditioned cars
We provide bottled water throughout your tour.
Plan with Carol and Atef
Tell us the month. We will outline the days.
Tell us roughly when you want to travel, how many of you there are, and which US city you fly from. Carol or Atef will reply by email with an outline of the days.