Overview
Egypt Family Adventure: Pyramids, Mummies & The Mighty Nile
Middle East
7 days
6 nights
16 people
Moderate
Family Trip
We’ve teamed up with Tinkercast, creators of the #1 podcast for kids and families Wow in the World, to create the ultimate, WOW-filled Egyptian family adventure!
Join us as we unearth the secrets of the pharaohs hidden deep in ancient pyramids, ride camels across the sands of Giza, cruise the Nile River, and enjoy fun-filled activities designed specially for curious kids ages 5-12 and their families. Learn to cook local dishes, get a hands-on lesson in papyrus-making and hieroglyphic-writing, and visit a Cairo fagnoon where kids go to play, paint, and craft. Our WOW-packed week in Egypt promises to be an adventure you’ll never forget!
The fun begins before you leave home, when you receive your custom Adventure Tool Kit with everything you need to make your trip WOW: an interactive journal packed with jokes, field notes and games; a custom t-shirt; postcards to send to future travel mates; and custom audio messages to WOW kids from Wow in the World hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz! Plus, start off each day of your adventure with interactive missions inspired by the places you’ll visit!
To start getting in the spirit for your Egypt adventure now, check out the Wow in the World episode Listen to Your Mummy.
Highlights
- Explore the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, the Valley of the Kings and more
- Take part in a scavenger hunt at the 14th-century Khan El Khalili Bazaar
- Learn to cook local dishes, make papyrus, and write hieroglyphics
- Cruise the Nile on a traditional felucca and ride the "ship of the desert" during a camel ride in Giza
- Daily missions, audio dispatches, and more fun surprises from Wow in the World hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz!
Cross dream-like deserts and uncover the secrets of ancient pyramids.
Day 1
Welcome to Egypt
Arrive at Cairo International Airport, where you'll be met and transferred to the group's hotel. After settling in and freshening up, get to know your new travel buddies over a festive welcome dinner.
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Flamenco Golden Tulip Zamalek Hotel or similar, Cairo
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Welcome Dinner
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Special note
Day 2
Treasures of Giza
We begin our adventure in Egypt with a trip to someplace nearly every traveler dreams of visiting in their lifetime: the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the only intact site of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Accompanied by our Egyptologist guide, we'll soak in this awe-inspiring site and begin to learn about the ancient civilization whose archaeological wonders we'll be exploring over the next week. No trip to Egypt would be complete without a ride on a "ship of the desert," so we'll meet our friendly camels for a ride across the sands of Giza, marveling at the pyramids as we go. Keeping watch over all is the figure of the Sphinx, whose legend we'll learn during our visit. In the afternoon, we're off to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), housing incredible treasures from Tutankhamen's tomb. Our visit to the museum has been specially designed for kids, with supervised hands-on learning experiences. (If they'd like, parents can choose to explore the museum on their own while kids explore the GEM Children's Museum.)
Treasures of Giza
We begin our adventure in Egypt with a trip to someplace nearly every traveler dreams of visiting in their lifetime: the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the only intact site of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Accompanied by our Egyptologist guide, we'll soak in this awe-inspiring site and begin to learn about the ancient civilization whose archaeological wonders we'll be exploring over the next week. No trip to Egypt would be complete without a ride on a "ship of the desert," so we'll meet our friendly camels for a ride across the sands of Giza, marveling at the pyramids as we go. Keeping watch over all is the figure of the Sphinx, whose legend we'll learn during our visit. In the afternoon, we're off to the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), housing incredible treasures from Tutankhamen's tomb. Our visit to the museum has been specially designed for kids, with supervised hands-on learning experiences. (If they'd like, parents can choose to explore the museum on their own while kids explore the GEM Children's Museum.)
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Flamenco Golden Tulip Zamalek Hotel or similar, Cairo
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Flamenco Golden Tulip Zamalek Hotel or similar, Cairo
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Adventures in Cairo
If our first full day in Egypt took us back to ancient times, today is a true treasure hunt in bustling, present-day Cairo. We start at the Ibn Tulun Mosque, whose minaret we can climb for a panoramic view of the city. From there, we're off to El Muizz Street and Khan El Khalili Market, the largest bazaar in the Middle East. At the market, we'll embark on a scavenger hunt to hunt for treasures amidst the winding alleyways of the bazaar. For lunch, we get to try the most popular Egyptian dish, koshari, at a restaurant that's famous for it. The late afternoon and evening are free to relax at the hotel or continue exploring Cairo on your own.
Adventures in Cairo
If our first full day in Egypt took us back to ancient times, today is a true treasure hunt in bustling, present-day Cairo. We start at the Ibn Tulun Mosque, whose minaret we can climb for a panoramic view of the city. From there, we're off to El Muizz Street and Khan El Khalili Market, the largest bazaar in the Middle East. At the market, we'll embark on a scavenger hunt to hunt for treasures amidst the winding alleyways of the bazaar. For lunch, we get to try the most popular Egyptian dish, koshari, at a restaurant that's famous for it. The late afternoon and evening are free to relax at the hotel or continue exploring Cairo on your own.
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Flamenco Golden Tulip Zamalek Hotel or similar, Cairo
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Breakfast, Lunch
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Flamenco Golden Tulip Zamalek Hotel or similar, Cairo
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Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Saqqara's Secrets & All Aboard for Luxor
After breakfast, we'll put our archaeologist hats back on for a very special visit to the southern tomb of Saqqara. Getting special access to sections of this stunning archaeological site that few visitors get to see, we'll study its incredible hieroglyphs and 4,350-year-old tombs. After lunch at a local restaurant, we'll head to a local fagnoon—a place where Cairo kids and parents go to play, paint, craft, and just have fun. In the evening, we'll board our overnight train and settle into our sleeper cars for the nighttime to trip to Luxor, with dinner onboard the train.
Saqqara's Secrets & All Aboard for Luxor
After breakfast, we'll put our archaeologist hats back on for a very special visit to the southern tomb of Saqqara. Getting special access to sections of this stunning archaeological site that few visitors get to see, we'll study its incredible hieroglyphs and 4,350-year-old tombs. After lunch at a local restaurant, we'll head to a local fagnoon—a place where Cairo kids and parents go to play, paint, craft, and just have fun. In the evening, we'll board our overnight train and settle into our sleeper cars for the nighttime to trip to Luxor, with dinner onboard the train.
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Sleeper Train
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Sleeper Train
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Arriving in Luxor
Arriving in Luxor, we'll stop to explore the Temple of Karnak, whose scale is truly monumental. The largest religious complex ever built for a god, the temple is dedicated to Amon Ra, who we'll learn about while walking amidst Karnak's towering columns. After settling in at our hotel and freshening up, it's time for a hands-on papyrus class. Together we'll learn how to make this ancient Egyptian form of paper, then use it for writing our own hieroglyphics. Later in the afternoon, we'll get to know the city of Luxor from the vantage point of a horse and carriage, stopping at sunset to take in Luxor Temple.
Arriving in Luxor
Arriving in Luxor, we'll stop to explore the Temple of Karnak, whose scale is truly monumental. The largest religious complex ever built for a god, the temple is dedicated to Amon Ra, who we'll learn about while walking amidst Karnak's towering columns. After settling in at our hotel and freshening up, it's time for a hands-on papyrus class. Together we'll learn how to make this ancient Egyptian form of paper, then use it for writing our own hieroglyphics. Later in the afternoon, we'll get to know the city of Luxor from the vantage point of a horse and carriage, stopping at sunset to take in Luxor Temple.
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The Steinberger Ashti Hotel or similar, Luxor
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Breakfast, Dinner
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Special note
On our December 20 departure, tonight is Christmas Eve! We'll celebrate with a special dinner complete with Christmas decor and a tree.
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The Steinberger Ashti Hotel or similar, Luxor
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Breakfast, Dinner
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Special note
Day 6
The Nile & Valley of the Kings
Our final full day in Egypt is a big one! We'll start with a cooking class, learning how to make Egyptian specialties from a local cook. We'll also visit the Mummification Museum, learning how this traditional practice worked and its significance to ancient Egyptians. Boarding a classic Egyptian felucca, we'll cruise the Nile and cross to the west bank of Luxor, where we get to explore the Valley of the Kings—home to the grand, elaborate tombs of King Ramses 6 and Tutankhamen. In addition to the most iconic monuments, we'll go off the beaten track a bit to visit the Valley of the Monkeys, tucked away in the West Valley. The tomb here is unusual for its scenes of hunting hippopotamus and fishing the marshes (scenes not found in the tombs of royals), and for a wall featuring 12 baboons representing the 12 hours of the night. After a short tuk-tuk ride back in the open air, we'll head back to the hotel for a festive farewell dinner, swapping stories of the incredible experiences we've all shared during our time in Egypt.
The Nile & Valley of the Kings
Our final full day in Egypt is a big one! We'll start with a cooking class, learning how to make Egyptian specialties from a local cook. We'll also visit the Mummification Museum, learning how this traditional practice worked and its significance to ancient Egyptians. Boarding a classic Egyptian felucca, we'll cruise the Nile and cross to the west bank of Luxor, where we get to explore the Valley of the Kings—home to the grand, elaborate tombs of King Ramses 6 and Tutankhamen. In addition to the most iconic monuments, we'll go off the beaten track a bit to visit the Valley of the Monkeys, tucked away in the West Valley. The tomb here is unusual for its scenes of hunting hippopotamus and fishing the marshes (scenes not found in the tombs of royals), and for a wall featuring 12 baboons representing the 12 hours of the night. After a short tuk-tuk ride back in the open air, we'll head back to the hotel for a festive farewell dinner, swapping stories of the incredible experiences we've all shared during our time in Egypt.
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The Steinberger Ashti Hotel or similar, Luxor
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Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
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The Steinberger Ashti Hotel or similar, Luxor
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Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Day 7
Farewell & Departure from Luxor
After our unforgettable journey, it’s time to say goodbye to the archaeological wonders and the friends we’ve met along the way. Head to the airport or on to your next destination. Until our next adventure, keep on WOWing!
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Breakfast
What is included?
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Accommodation throughout the trip as specified in the itinerary
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All meals as described in the itinerary
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Transportation throughout the trip including airport transfers
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An experienced, family-friendly Egyptologist guide to accompany you for the duration of the trip
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Admission to all proposed activities, locations, and events
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24/7 emergency assistance during your trip, provided by Global Rescue (terms apply)
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Special access to unique places and extraordinary experiences
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All gratuities except for a customary tip for the Egyptologist guide
What is not included?
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Flights to and from destination
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Pre- and post-trip accommodations
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Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
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Meals & drinks outside of those described in the itinerary
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Passport and visa fees
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Customary gratuity for the Egyptologist guide
Additional info
Pricing & Trip Deposit
The trip price is $4,430 per adult and $3,325 per child (ages 5–12) in shared accommodations (adjoining or shared rooms). If anyone in the party needs a room of their own, a single-room supplement of $715 applies. Please see "Rooming Options for Families" below for additional details.
A deposit of $250 per person is required to reserve your spot on the trip. The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
Pricing & Trip Deposit
The trip price is $4,430 per adult and $3,325 per child (ages 5–12) in shared accommodations (adjoining or shared rooms). If anyone in the party needs a room of their own, a single-room supplement of $715 applies. Please see "Rooming Options for Families" below for additional details.
A deposit of $250 per person is required to reserve your spot on the trip. The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
Rooming Options for Families
Your rooming configuration will depend on the number of family members you're traveling with. Parties of 2 (i.e., one adult and one child) typically share a room, unless individual rooms are requested (at a supplement of $715 per person, subject to availability). Parties of 3 (e.g., two parents and one child) typically have two rooms—one shared by two people in the party and one single room (subject to a supplement of $715)—that are connected or adjoining whenever possible. Larger parties will typically share multiple rooms—two rooms for a party of 4, three rooms for a party of 5 or 6, etc. The single supplement of $715 applies for anyone needing their own, unshared room.
If you have questions or a particular rooming preference, please don't hesitate to contact us. Please note that unshared, single rooms and adjoining or connecting rooms are subject to hotel availability.
Rooming Options for Families
Your rooming configuration will depend on the number of family members you're traveling with. Parties of 2 (i.e., one adult and one child) typically share a room, unless individual rooms are requested (at a supplement of $715 per person, subject to availability). Parties of 3 (e.g., two parents and one child) typically have two rooms—one shared by two people in the party and one single room (subject to a supplement of $715)—that are connected or adjoining whenever possible. Larger parties will typically share multiple rooms—two rooms for a party of 4, three rooms for a party of 5 or 6, etc. The single supplement of $715 applies for anyone needing their own, unshared room.
If you have questions or a particular rooming preference, please don't hesitate to contact us. Please note that unshared, single rooms and adjoining or connecting rooms are subject to hotel availability.
Visa Requirements
A visa is required for Egypt. You may secure one in advance via the eVisa application process. Please check the specific requirements for your country of origin for travel to Egypt and any countries passed through in transit. A passport is required for international travel. Egypt requires that your passport be valid for at least six months after your entry into Egypt.
Visa Requirements
A visa is required for Egypt. You may secure one in advance via the eVisa application process. Please check the specific requirements for your country of origin for travel to Egypt and any countries passed through in transit. A passport is required for international travel. Egypt requires that your passport be valid for at least six months after your entry into Egypt.
Activity Level - Moderate
While this trip is rated at moderate difficulty, it's quite an active trip and Egypt can be quite hot even in winter. Travelers should feel comfortable walking up to three hours each day, with lots of time spent moving around and on your feet. You should be comfortable walking on both flat and uneven ground, as well as stairs, sand, and rocky terrain. The archaeological sites, while not difficult to access, require walking in hot weather, navigating sandy and rocky terrain, with stairs and narrow and/or low-ceilinged tunnel entrances.
Activity Level - Moderate
While this trip is rated at moderate difficulty, it's quite an active trip and Egypt can be quite hot even in winter. Travelers should feel comfortable walking up to three hours each day, with lots of time spent moving around and on your feet. You should be comfortable walking on both flat and uneven ground, as well as stairs, sand, and rocky terrain. The archaeological sites, while not difficult to access, require walking in hot weather, navigating sandy and rocky terrain, with stairs and narrow and/or low-ceilinged tunnel entrances.
Arrival & Departure - Important
Please note that the trip begins in Cairo and ends in Luxor. You should plan to arrive at Cairo International Airport no later than 2 p.m. on Day 1, and depart Luxor International Airport any time on Day 7. (There are no activities scheduled on Day 7 other than breakfast and checkout from the hotel.)
If you plan to arrive early on Day 1 or depart late on Day 7 and would like early check-in or late check-out at the hotel, please contact us for assistance.
Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Arrival & Departure - Important
Please note that the trip begins in Cairo and ends in Luxor. You should plan to arrive at Cairo International Airport no later than 2 p.m. on Day 1, and depart Luxor International Airport any time on Day 7. (There are no activities scheduled on Day 7 other than breakfast and checkout from the hotel.)
If you plan to arrive early on Day 1 or depart late on Day 7 and would like early check-in or late check-out at the hotel, please contact us for assistance.
Airport transfers are only provided if arriving & departing on the trip dates, or if pre/post arrangements have been made through Atlas Obscura.
Have more questions?
Check out the Essential Trip Information for this trip or our general FAQs.
Any questions about this trip? Don't hesitate to reach out
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