Egypt Tours 12 Days

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Egypt Tours 12 Days: The Ultimate Heritage & Leisure Guide

A 12-day Egypt tour is the finest way to experience the Middle East. It is the perfect length for a complete journey. You do not have to choose between history and relaxation. You can have both. In 2026, 12 days is the top choice for retirees, luxury travelers, and long-haul visitors from the USA, Canada, and Australia. At Egypt Fun Tours, we use these 12 days to show you the “Hidden Egypt.” You will see the famous Pyramids. But you will also see remote temples and private islands that shorter tours never reach.

Why 12 Days is the Gold Standard

12 days allows for a “slow travel” pace. This prevents “temple fatigue.”

  • The Full Nile Experience: You can enjoy a long 4 or 5-night cruise without rushing.
  • The Desert & The Sea: You have time to visit the Western Desert oases or the Red Sea Riviera.
  • Cultural Depth: You can spend a full day in a Nubian Village or a local Cairo market.
  • Five-Star Comfort: 12 days allows for a mix of historic hotels and modern luxury resorts.

The “Grand Horizon” 12-Day Plan

Days 1–3: The Heart of Cairo

  • Giza & Saqqara: See the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx. Then, visit the Step Pyramid to see where history began.
  • The GEM: Spend a full day at the Grand Egyptian Museum. Explore the labs and the Tutankhamun galleries.
  • Historic Cairo: Visit the Citadel and the Alabaster Mosque. Walk through the Khan el-Khalili bazaar at night.

The Days from 4–8: The Nile Immersion

  • Fly to Aswan: Visit the Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk.
  • Abu Simbel: Take a private trip to the southern border to see the sun temples.
  • Nile Cruise: Sail for 4 nights to Luxor. Stop at Kom Ombo and Edfu. Enjoy tea on the deck as the sun sets over the palms.
  • Luxor’s Treasures: Spend two full days in Luxor. Explore the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, and Luxor Temple.

Days 9–11: The Red Sea or Alexandria

  • The Coast: Drive or fly to Hurghada. Spend three days in a luxury beach resort.
  • Activities: Enjoy private snorkeling trips. Or, just relax by the sea.
  • Optional: Some guests use these days to visit Alexandria for its Roman ruins and Mediterranean vibe.

Day 12: Farewell Cairo

  • Return Flight: Fly back to Cairo for your final departure.


Expert Advice for 12-Day Travelers

To be the authority, you must provide the best logistics.

The “Stay Put” Strategy

On a 12-day trip, do not change hotels every night. We recommend “clustering” your stays. Spend 3 nights in Cairo, 4 nights on the cruise, and 3 nights at the Red Sea. This makes the trip feel like a vacation, not a marathon.

Visit Dendera and Abydos

With 12 days, you have time for a day trip from Luxor to Dendera and Abydos. These temples have the best-preserved colors in all of Egypt. Most tourists never see them. They are a “must” for an authoritative 12-day itinerary.

Tipping (Baksheesh) for 12 Days

  • Private Guide: $200–$250 USD total.
  • Private Driver: $100–$120 USD total.
  • Staff/Small Tips: Carry 2,000 EGP in small notes for the entire trip.

FAQs: Egypt Tours 12 Days

Is 12 days too long for kids?

No. It is actually better for kids. The slower pace means they have time to swim in the hotel pools. They don’t get tired of the history as easily.

Can I customize my 12-day tour?

Yes, 12 days is very flexible. We can add a Dahabiya cruise (a small, private sailing boat) instead of a large cruise ship.

What is the best month for a 12-day trip?

November to March is perfect. The weather is cool everywhere. If you visit in May or September, the Red Sea is beautiful, but Luxor will be very hot.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How far in advance should I book my tour? We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak seasons, to ensure availability and secure the best price. Many tours can be booked up to 12 months in advance.

What is the typical group size for your tours? Our Top speciality is Private Tours. As for groups, group size vary by tour, but we generally keep them small to ensure a personal and high-quality experience. The average is typically between 10-16 guests.

Are your tours private or shared group tours? We offer a mix of both. You can find this information clearly indicated on each individual tour page. Group tours are marked as such, and private options are always available.

How do I know if a specific departure date is available? For Private Tours, you do not need to, as they are available everyday. For group tours, you need to contact us.

What is included in the tour price? Inclusions vary per tour but often cover accommodation, transportation, professional guiding, and certain meals/activities & entrance fees. Detailed inclusions are listed on the itinerary section of each tour page.

Do I need to pay a deposit, and what payment methods do you accept? Yes, a deposit (25%) is required to confirm your booking. We accept major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) and bank transfers. Full details are in our Terms and Conditions.

Are there any hidden fees or surcharges? No. The price listed on the tour page is the final price, which is inclusive of all mandatory local taxes and fees. Any optional extras will be clearly noted.

What is your cancellation and refund policy? Our policy is clearly detailed in our Terms & Conditions. The amount refunded depends on how far in advance of the start date you cancel. We recommend travel insurance for maximum protection.

Is the destination safe for tourists? Travel safety is our top priority. We closely monitor government advisories and take all necessary precautions. We only operate in areas deemed safe and utilize experienced local guides for maximum security and peace of mind.

Do I need a visa to travel to the destination? Visa requirements vary based on your nationality and the destination. We advise all travelers to check with their country’s embassy or consulate for the most current entry requirements well before departure.

What sort of hotels/accommodation are used? We generally use high-quality, centrally located 4- or 5-star hotels (or the local equivalent). Specific hotel names or classification examples are listed on the individual tour pages.

What should I pack for my tour? A detailed packing list, specific to the tour’s climate and activities, is provided upon booking. Generally, comfortable walking shoes, layers of clothing, and sun protection are a must.

Can I customize a tour or create my own itinerary? Absolutely. If our packages don’t fit your needs, you can work with our travel experts to customize any tour or build a fully private, custom itinerary. Contact us to start planning.

What support is available if I have a problem during the tour? You will have 24/7 access to our dedicated local support team and your tour guide for any emergencies, changes, or issues that may arise during your trip.

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