Simplified map of a visit to Egypt. A journey to discover ancient Egyptian monuments means travelling from Cairo to Abu Simbel. Satellite image courtesy of Nasa.
There are no two ways around it, three millennia of history over nearly 900 miles cannot be done in 5 or 7 days. For most people, a visit to Egypt is the only one in their lives. So if this is a bucket-list experience, the only time you will ever discover Egypt and its monuments, then all the reasons why it must be done well.
And if you have long been fascinated by Egypt's civilization, dreamt of being face to face with the Great Sphinx, and wonder at Abu Simbel, you need experts. People you don't treat you like another tourist, who will strive to diminish the potential for bad experiences and increase the greatness of an Egyptian journey.
Why a quality private tour of Egypt should be a minimum of 12 days.
In other words, without a cruise, you need two weeks' holiday. If with a cruise, then add 4 to 5 days. We can discuss the privatisation of a dahabiya sailboat.
Three millennia & nearly 900 miles of journey
Egypt is a desert cut by the Nile. One way to discover its ancient monuments is to venture on the less traveled road on a private tour. Photo © Art Journey egypt.
The best way to venture up and down Egypt, discover its monuments before or after the crowds arrive is to drive along the Nile, in a comfortable Toyota van, where up to 6 visitors and the team can travel safely. There's no bus or boat about to leave without you, but a car-like minivan driven by a safe and knowledgeable chauffeur who knows Egypt like the back of his hand. Needless to say, there always will be bottled water in the van.
Seasons
Luxor's sunset. Photo © Art Journey Egypt.
To help make sense of the seasons and heat in Egypt, below is a summary of the usual temperatures in Luxor. Whatever the season, considering that in Luxor the average yearly rainfall is zero, there is no doubt it will be sunny.
Winter - December average temperatures
| Day temperature | Night temperature | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 22 °C / 72 °F | 6 °C / 43 °F | 6.30 am to 5 pm (10 ½ hours of daylight) |
Advantage
For those who dread the heat, there won't even be the need for air conditioning, but warm clothing. If you aren't in tip-top physical condition, visiting in winter is a better bet. Note that there often is no heating or insulation in Egypt.
Inconvenient
It is the busiest season of the year. Furthermore, it is dark at 5 pm, so sites close earlier in the day than in summer. When the sun is out the temperature is agreeable, but as soon as it disappears spring turns into winter. Mornings are often too cold for breakfast outside. Hotel prices are at their highest.
Summer - July average temperatures
| Day temperature | Night temperature | Sunlight |
|---|---|---|
| 41 °C / 106 °F | 24 °C / 75 °F | 6 am to 7.45 pm (nearly 14 hours of daylight) |
Advantage
The least visited period of the year. Nearly all the photos you see here of empty temples were taken in summer, at lunchtime. There is more than 3 hours of daylight compared to winter. Hotel prices at their lowest.
Inconvenient
It can be scorching hot, meaning one must be covered from head to toe and drink water like a camel. Pyramids and tombs, which of course have no ventilation, can be overwhelming. (Of course, there always will be fresh water in the van. If you stay in a hotel with a pool, the end-of-the-day swim will feel particularly sweet!).
Hotels
One of the best views of Egypt, from one of the nicest hotels of the country, the Cataract hotel in Aswan. Photo © Art Journey Egypt.
As discussed in the expertise section, it takes time to prepare for the trip of a lifetime and to decide on the best season and timing of the visit, so we should discuss and plan months in advance, including exploring the best hotels choices.