Egypt
We were lucky enough to live the Egyptian dream, exploring the main temples and tombs of ancient Egypt on a Nile cruise in October 2023. On this week-long trip in the south of the country, we discovered the Valley of the Kings, visited the temples of Karnak, Luxor, Philae, Kom Ombo and Edfu, flew in a hot air balloon at sunrise and took a day trip to Abu Simbel.
Check out our tips and itinerary in our day-by-day account of our Nile cruise. Note that this guide doesn’t cover Cairo and the Giza pyramids, the Siwa oasis, or the beach resorts around Hurghada, which we haven’t been to yet.
When to go to southern Egypt
The best time to visit Luxor, Aswan and the Valley of the Kings is from November to February: the days are mild and you can visit the temples without suffering. From May to September, Upper Egypt is crushed by the heat, and we wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. We were there in early October, and we were really hot, around 40 degrees in Luxor and Aswan.
Here are the periods we recommend for visiting the south of the country, which has an arid climate.
- Winter (November to February): this is the best time to visit the temples and tombs of the Valley of the Kings, with pleasant daytime temperatures. Nights can be cool if you’re traveling on the Nile, so pack something warmer.
- Shoulder season (March, April and October): prices are better during these months, but it’s a gamble when it comes to temperatures.
Whatever the season, make sure to visit the most famous temples early in the morning right when they open, or late in the day, to avoid the heat and the crowds.
Our tips for traveling to Egypt
We traveled to Egypt on a trip organized by Romain’s company works council. Here are some general recommendations based on what we experienced on the ground.
- Wear light, comfortable, covered-up clothing
Egypt is a conservative country: show respect by favoring long clothing that covers the knees and shoulders (long skirts and dresses for women). For visits to places of worship and temples, we’d suggest adding a scarf or a light long-sleeved shirt to cover up during the visit. Given the intense heat, pack light fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Be careful with water and certain foods
It goes without saying: never drink tap water in Egypt, since it’s not safe to drink, not even for brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach. Avoid drinks with ice cubes, especially if you’re not sure where the ice came from, raw fruit and vegetables rinsed in unfiltered tap water, and undercooked food.
- Protect yourself from the sun
Pack a cap or hat, sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from UV rays, since the sun is intense in Egypt.
- Budget extra for tips
Baksheesh (tipping) is a real institution in Egypt and can significantly add to your trip’s budget, especially if you’re on an organized tour like we were. On top of the trip’s cost, always budget a daily amount per person for the guide, the driver or the staff on your hotel or cruise boat: to be paid in cash (euros or Egyptian pounds in small bills). On our week-long cruise in October 2023, this cost us €60 per person for the week. Our tour operator Kuoni’s guidelines were: €3 for the crew, €3 for the guide and €2 for the driver, per day and per person.
Frequently asked questions about Egypt
Do you need a visa to travel to Egypt?
Yes. If you’re a French or European national, a tourist visa is required to enter Egypt. It costs $30, payable in dollars or euros, and can be obtained online before departure or on arrival at an international airport. Rate checked in 2026: double-check it before you leave, and find all the details on the France Diplomatie website.
What's the ideal length for a trip to Egypt?
A 7-day stay is enough to discover southern Egypt and the main temples between Luxor and Aswan, especially on a Nile cruise. Plan for around ten days if you want to add a visit to Cairo and the Giza pyramids.
Is it dangerous to travel to Egypt?
Tourist areas like the south of the country, around Luxor and Aswan, and the beach resorts of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, are monitored and fairly safe. Listen to the advice of locals and your hosts. Before you leave, check the France Diplomatie website to find out which areas call for caution and which are formally advised against.
Can you bring a drone to Egypt?
No. Drones are strictly banned in Egypt.
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