The best budget tours in Egypt in 2025.
Ancient Egypt needs no introduction.
Tombs, temples, and of course, the Pyramids of Giza!
There are so many highlights in Egypt, it is hard to know where to start.
That is where I come into it.
Having enjoyed many of the highlights which follow the Nile down to Aswan on my recent Egypt trip, I have included the best budget Egypt tours that I personally enjoyed.
All of the ancient sites are notorious for scammers and unscrupulous locals, which I noticed.
However, hiring a tour guide, and enjoying a tour in Egypt protected me from most of them.
The dodgy locals tend to stay clear of tour groups.
I have included four famous group tours which you have to book!
Posing at panoramic point.
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.
You will see below, some photos and stories about the four tours.
I have also included some links for you to check the reviews out and book if you are planning on visiting Egypt soon!
Giza Pyramids - Sphinx & Saqqara & Memphis - best value for money.
Guided Trip To the West Bank In Luxor - best for fast style travellers.
Custom day tour the East Bank in Luxor - best for solo travellers.
Nubian Village by Motorboat In Aswan - best for culture vultures.
A very quiet Luxor Temple.
Giza Pyramids - Sphinx & Saqqara & Memphis.
Explore the wonders of ancient Egypt in one epic day!
This all-in-one tour takes you to the most iconic and historically significant sites:
Stand before the Giza Pyramids, and be mesmerised by their scale and the engineering brilliance of an ancient civilisation thousands of years ahead of its time. I finally got to enjoy the awe of touching the ancient pyramid stones.
Witness the mysterious Great Sphinx, an eternal guardian carved from a single piece of limestone.
Visit Saqqara, the birthplace of pyramid design, and explore the Step Pyramid—the original pyramid!
Delve into the treasures of Memphis, Egypt’s first capital, where colossal statues and artefacts tell stories of an ancient world.
With the expertise of a professional guide, luxury transport, and a carefully planned itinerary, you’ll experience the best of Egypt’s history and culture, and sublime architecture, all in one incredible day.
Spots fill up fast—don’t miss your chance to capture these once-in-a-lifetime memories! Book your tour now.
(Best value for money).
Duration - Approx 6-8 hours.
Cost - £48 per person.
✓ English speaking tour guide.
✓ Return transport from your accommodation.
✓ All of the logistics taken care of.
✓ Very affordable tour.
X Entrance tickets are not included.
X Camel rides and entrance inside pyramids not included.
X Lunch not included (but opportunities to eat).
✓ Bucket List adventure!
Stand before the last remaining wonder of the ancient world!
Imagine finally being stood at the base of the last remaining ancient wonder!
It’s on your bucket list, right?
As the biggest draw to Egypt, the Giza Pyramids are the highlight of any trip.
The Pyramids are more than just massive stone structures; they are a gateway to ancient Egypt.
With an expert Egyptologist by your side, you’ll:
Discover the secrets behind their construction, which are still hotly debated, thousands of years later!
Hear stories of the pharaohs who commissioned these architectural wonders.
Walk in the footsteps of royalty and feel the timeless energy of this sacred place.
You will remember this exclusive tour for years to come.
What are you waiting for?
This 5 star review on Viator emphasises the value for money with this tour.
‘‘Our tour guide was Hossam, and he did a great job explaining the history of each site visited. Communication before and during the tour was excellent. This is the perfect tour for those with limited time in Cairo who want to see as much as possible in a single day’’.
An awesome photo spot.
You will have time to enter inside the pyramids.
Entering inside the Pyramids of Giza is one of the main reasons that people visit Egypt, and don’t worry, you will be able to do so on this tour.
Although there is an additional fee to enter inside each pyramid, you have adequate free time to explore the plateau and tick this one off your bucket list!
Insider Tip: The queue for the Great Pyramid can get long, and the entrance fee is higher, but the experience is undeniably unforgettable.
For a quicker, equally fascinating alternative, the third pyramid often has shorter queues and offers a more intimate experience.
When I visited, I chose the third pyramid. It was a scorching 40 degrees, but stepping inside the cooler interior felt like uncovering a secret from ancient Egypt.
Whether you dream of exploring the Great Pyramid or want to discover a lesser-known gem, this tour ensures you have the time and access to make your visit truly memorable.
I will let you find out what lies beneath the last remaining ancient wonders for yourself!
Entering the third pyramid.
Riding a camel to Panoramic Point is awesome.
Let’s not forget to visit the most famous Instagram spot in Egypt!
Panoramic Point is an ideal spot in the Giza Plateau, as it has the iconic backdrop of all three pyramids, along with the three smaller queen pyramids, and vast desert.
You probably want to ride a camel in Egypt, and if you do, this could be the best place to do so.
On my tour, my lovely guide helped me negotiate with a local, and although I overpaid, it was definitely reduced compared to what it could have been.
In total I spent around 20 minutes on the camel, but I had time for longer!
The famous Pyramids of Giza photo.
Seeing the oldest pyramid in the world at Saqqara.
The Giza Pyramids are the main attraction of the day, however, this tour surprised me..
Saqqara was a pleasant surprise.
It was less busy, but just as fascinating.
As the Necropolis to the ancient city of Memphis thousands of years ago, it is the final resting place of some very important historical figures, more of which are being found even in the modern day.
The Step Pyramid of Djoser is the highlight of this site.
As the oldest pyramid in the world, the step pyramid has its own claim to fame.
The step design was the original pyramid structure, before the architectural breakthrough at Giza.
You will learn all about it, including how it was seen as a gateway to the afterlife in ancient times.
Selfie with the Step Pyramid of Djoser.
My guide was very knowledgeable and was filled with facts about the pyramids at both Giza and Saqqara, but if you want to learn even more detailed information then, heading to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo is a great way to do so!
Exploring Saqqara with my guide.
Another daft pose.
Effortless travel and expert guidance make this tour unforgettable!
Getting around Egypt is not easy, especially on a visit to Cairo.
The roads are crazy!
One of the biggest advantages of booking this tour is that you will be transported between the different archaeological sites in luxury.
Escaping the desert heat of Egypt for an hour in between visiting the Giza Plateau and Saqqara is a life saver!
It gave us the chance to cool down, whilst listening to our guide explain the importance of Saqqara and Memphis in Ancient times.
She knew many facts about ancient Egypt!
These knowledgeable guides is one of the main points which visitors leave a review about:
‘‘I liked best Ziena’s thorough knowledge of every site we went to. She provided wonderful context to what we were looking at. I couldn’t have asked for a better guide’’.
Why struggle with the heat and hassle of travel when you can experience Egypt in comfort, with an expert guide ensuring every moment is memorable?
One of the locals acting ‘tour guide’.
Let’s be honest? you will be going to visit the pyramids...
So why not pre-book and dedicate a full day to exploring in a stress free way!
Guided Trip To the West Bank In Luxor.
Are you ready to take an all-encompassing tour that takes you to some of the most iconic and awe-inspiring sites the West Bank has to offer?
Join us on a journey where a professional Egyptologist guide will bring to life the stories of ancient pharaohs, their monumental achievements, and the mysteries of the afterlife.
From vibrant tomb hieroglyphics to picturesque temples, this tour has it all.
Relax and enjoy the journey with luxury transport that lets you focus entirely on uncovering the secrets of one of the world’s greatest civilizations.
You’ve heard of the legendary King Tutankhamun…
Now it’s your chance to stand in the very valley where he rests alongside Egypt’s most celebrated rulers.
West Bank tours are among the most sought-after experiences in Egypt, captivating travellers year-round.
So don’t miss your chance to uncover the mysteries of the West Bank.
Book now and make memories that will last forever!
(best for fast style travellers).
Duration - Approx 4 hours.
Cost - around £50 per person.
✓ Transportation in an air conditioned vehicle.
✓ Private tour by knowledgeable guide.
X Lunch, but there is the opportunity to purchase food.
✓ An accessible tour for most travellers.
X Additional tombs at the Valley of the Kings.
Some iconic temples and tombs.
The itinerary of this West Bank is streamlined to offer guests a taste of both worlds of ancient Egypt.
This tour is designed with the aim of giving curious international travellers an insight into temple life, and the grand burial processions which the royalty received in ancient times.
Although it is only a half day tour, it felt as though there was so much to take in!
Here’s what a review said on Viator.
Theodore_L
‘‘Excellent itinerary and knowledge level of the guide was unparalleled. Highly recommend this efficient tour to anyone visiting Luxor!’’
There are so many hidden nuggets which our guide dropped as we explored the temples.
He also stopped at the Colossi of Memnon at the start of our day, and Medinet Habu Temple on our way back to the East Bank (this one is time dependent).
We also stopped at Medinet Habu Temple.
A picturesque temple to start the day.
The first main highlight of the West Bank is the most picturesque temple in Luxor.
The Temple of Hatshepsut was constructed into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.
This iconic temple, built over three grand terraces, was dedicated to Queen Hatshepsut and adorned with carvings depicting her greatest achievements and life story.
Unfortunately, thousands of years later, we don’t get to see the splendour due to various earthquakes, and the tale of her stepson ‘Thutmose III,’ who allegedly destroyed the temple after her passing.
The awesome guides on this tour go into detail about the story which really does add some depth to the iconic location as you explore.
Walking up the same ramp that Queen Hatshepsut once ascended is nothing short of surreal, offering a rare glimpse into the world of ancient Egypt.
It’s an unforgettable moment, especially for those with a passion for Egyptology!
The picturesque Temple of Hatshepsut.
The Valley of the Kings.
The moment you’ve been waiting for has arrived, it’s time to explore the legendary Valley of the Kings!
Get ready to tick another unforgettable site off your bucket list.
A short, scenic drive from Hatshepsut’s Temple takes you to one of the most famous necropolises in the world, where the pharaohs of ancient Egypt were laid to rest in monumental tombs.
As you make your way there, you’ll be filled with anticipation, wondering which tombs you’ll visit. The excitement of uncovering ancient history is truly unmatched!
Arrived at Valley of the Kings.
An abundance of tombs to visit.
A regular entry ticket is included in the tour cost, which allows visitors to explore three tombs of their choice from a selection of the open ones.
During our day trip, these were the included tombs:
Tomb of Ramses IV (KV2).
Tomb of Merneptah (KV8).
Tomb of Ramses III (KV11).
Extra tombs are also available to visit at an extra cost, with the Tomb of Seti I (KV17) being the most expensive one to visit, as it is the most elaborately decorated one.
The guides explian each tomb and offer their personal recommendations while you are in the ticket office at the emtrance to the Valley of the Kings.
Entering one of the tombs.
Meeting the most famous pharaoh of them all!
Imagine standing face-to-face with history, gazing at a 3,300-year-old mummy.
That’s exactly the opportunity you’ll have when visiting King Tut’s original tomb (KV62).
The famous tomb was discovered by Howard Carter back in 1922, and not only did the British archaeologist find an extraordinary amount of treasure there, he also found Tutankhamun wearing his original death mask.
For a small additional cost, you can enter this famed tomb and go and observe King Tut, and although his death mask is now located in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, visiting his tombs still offers a very surreal experience.
What I truly appreciated about this tour was the freedom it offered. We could choose which extra tombs to explore, tailoring the experience to our curiosity and interests.
Visiting King Tut’s tomb was an unforgettable highlight, I had already seen some mummies in the Museum in Luxor, however, this was a surreal connection to ancient Egypt that still feels alive today.
The 3300 year old mummy of King Tut.
Being able to combine visiting tombs and temples from ancient Egypt in one day is the true highlight of Luxor.
A very unique and fun experience which you should not miss out on!
Custom day tour the East Bank in Luxor.
While the West Bank is renowned for its tombs and burial sites, the East Bank of Luxor is all about the temples.
Two of the most famous temples from Ancient Egypt!
Picture yourself walking through the majestic Grand Hypostyle Hall at Karnak Temple, or strolling along the Avenue of Sphinxes, once believed to be a gateway to the afterlife.
It’s an experience that sparks the imagination and brings history to life!
This customised day tour offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace, while exploring with like minded travellers, ensuring an unforgettable experience steeped in history:
Karnak Temple Complex: Walk amongst towering columns of the Great Hypostyle Hall and explore one of the largest and most impressive temple complexes ever constructed.
Luxor Temple: Enjoy a sunny morning at this elegant riverside temple, which is an example of Egypt’s architectural masterclass.
Avenue of Sphinxes: Stroll along this ancient processional pathway, recently restored to its former glory, connecting the two great temples of Karnak and Luxor.
Guided by an expert, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the mythology, history, and artistry behind these monumental sites, making this a hands-on history lesson you’ll never forget.
Step into history and make unforgettable memories.
(Best solo travellers).
Duration - Approx 5 hours.
Cost - around £48.
✓ All logistics covered.
✓ Social tour.
✓ Entrance fees.
✓ Free cancellation.
✓ Knowledgeable guides.
X No lunch included, but places to purchase food.
Some detailed history about the East Bank Temples.
The East Bank is home to the Karnak Temple and the Luxor Temple, two monumental complexes that have stood the test of time.
On this tour, we learned about how these temples were once the centre of religious life in ‘Thebes’, the capital of Egypt during the Middle Kingdom…
So walking through them today allows you to imagine the experience and grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilisations like never before.
To truly appreciate the significance of these temples, guided tours are a must!
This review on Viator is basically identical to my thoughts on our guide ‘Mo’ during our tour.
Thomas_F, 2024
‘‘Excellent overview of Luxor’’
‘‘The guide, Maria, was very informative as we visited Karnak and Luxor Temple If you can. Try to have Maria as your guide because she really has much more detailed knowledge of the religions during the various periods of Egyptian history.’’
Out tour guide ‘Mo’ was fun and very knowledgeable.
Walking through the majestic Hypostyle Hall at Karnak Temple.
As soon as I walked through the first pylon at Karnak, it revealed itself…
And boy was it special!
The Grand Hypostyle Hall is one of the highlights of Karnak Temple, with 134 towering columns, each reaching over 70 feet into the sky, creating a humbling moment for us mere humans.
Every inch of the hall is filled with exquisite carvings, telling stories of pharaohs and divine rituals. It was the heart of royal processions, where the air once echoed with sacred chants.
It was my favourite spot in Egypt in terms of hieroglyphics!
The Grand Hypostyle Hall.
Luxor Temple to ourselves.
One of the most unforgettable moments of my trip to Luxor was stepping inside the Luxor Temple with my small group, because we were the only group inside!
There’s something truly magical about walking through the temple’s vast halls, with its towering columns and intricate carvings, knowing that the only people around you are your fellow travellers.
Being in such a serene and private setting made the experience feel personal and exclusive…
Allowing us to fully connect with the culture and history of this incredible place.
There was no rush, no crowds, just us, the temple, and the whispers of the past.
For anyone seeking a more intimate experience in Luxor, this tour offers the perfect opportunity to explore one of the world’s greatest temples as though you were the only ones there.
There are many grand statues at Luxor Temple.
A sociable tour.
During my solo trip to Egypt, I intentionally booked guided tours like this to meet like minded travellers and share incredible experiences together.
And this tour definitely delivered on that promise!
Not only did I explore the East Bank Temples with an expert guide, but I also had the chance to bond with fellow travellers, share insights, and create memories together.
Whether you're travelling solo or in a group, this tour makes it easy to connect with others who share similar passions.
The small group setting encourages meaningful conversations, so I found myself exchanging stories, and travel tips as I journeyed through one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
For those seeking a social setting, this is the perfect way to make the most of your time in Luxor.
The mesmerising Grand Hypostyle Hall.
The obelisk and statue of Ramses at the entrance of Luxor Temple.
The logistics are all taken care of.
From the moment that the air conditioned minivan picked me up from outside of my hotel, the whole morning was taken care of!
This is a key benefit of exploring the East Bank temples in an official group setting.
The temples are a big draw of Luxor, however, this also brings the scammers out in and around the two complexes, but our tour guide, ‘Mo’ did a really good job of keeping them away from us.
This kept us all focused on the history of Karnak and Luxor Temple, instead of negotiating with local strangers, and getting agitated.
Mo also sorted our tickets at both temples and provided us with a couple of bottles of water while we explored.
It gets hot in Luxor in the summer months!
Our guide sorting our tickets out for us.
I met loads of awesome people on this tour.
Some of us went to a popular restaurant in Luxor after, which made the day even more memorable!
Nubian Village by Motorboat In Aswan.
Discover the Vibrant Heart of Aswan - The Nubian Villages Await!
You have enjoyed ancient Egypt but this time we explore one of the oldest civilisations in the world.
The Nubians!
Bright colours, crocodile filled waters, and smiling faces await as you embark on a guided journey to the iconic Nubian Village of Gharb Soheil.
This unforgettable tour takes you deep into the heart of Nubian culture:
Cruise the Nile and enjoy a tranquil boat ride to a traditional Nubian village, where the beauty of the river meets the warmth of Nubian hospitality.
Explore vibrant village life: Wander through the narrow, bustling streets which are covered in bright colours and beautiful street art.
Chat and dance with locals: Get to know the Nubian people, known for their friendly nature, and hear their tales of history, community, and heritage. A show will commence at the end of your time in a Nubian Home.
With an expert guide, smooth transport, and unique journey on the river Nile, you’ll experience Aswan's Nubian villages like never before.
Don’t miss the chance to discover the authentic soul of Egypt.
(Best value culture vultures).
Duration - Approx 3 hours.
Cost - around £34 per person.
✓ All logistics covered.
✓ Nile Motorboat ride.
✓ Local tea or coffee in a Nubian Home included.
X Lunch not included.
✓ You will be expected to dance :)
✓ Some free time to explore the local markets.
Learning some cultural insights in the village.
Our guide, Ahmed, was absolutely fantastic. From the moment he picked us up, he immersed us in the rich history and culture of the Nubian people.
He didn't just explain facts, he brought the village’s story to life with passion and personal anecdotes that made everything feel more authentic.
He seemed to know everyone in the village also!
Nubian tea with a view.
What struck me most was hearing about how the Nubian people have maintained their strong cultural identity despite the challenges of modern life.
We learned about the traditional Nubian homes with their bright, painted walls, each telling its own story, and how the community still holds strong ties to their land and history.
Ahmed also shared an interesting link between the Nubians and crocodiles…
It was fascinating to learn how these magnificent creatures are woven into the fabric of Nubian mythology and daily life, dating back thousands of years.
he Nubians traditionally saw them as symbols of strength and resilience
So you can expect to see crocodile decor, art, and maybe a real life crocodile?
Time to find out. Book Now!
You will learn about the crocodile culture in the village.
Some free time to explore the Nubian village.
The highlight of my time exploring the Nubian Village was shopping in the local bazaars.
It felt like more of an adventure haggling with the Nubian characters.
It appeared that some of the merchandise was locally crafted, as I noticed local Nubian ladies doing pottery right next to the markets.
You will find beautiful beaded jewellery, woven baskets, and brightly coloured scarves, all of which are symbols of Nubian culture.
The intricately designed wooden carvings and brassware were also popular picks, depicting animals, figures, and symbols that reflect Nubian life.
If you're looking for a true piece of Nubian craftsmanship, this is the place to explore and find something special to take home!
Daily life in the village.
You will be expected to dance with the locals!
When you visit Gharb Soheil, you’ll quickly learn that dancing is a key part of the Nubian culture, and you’ll be right in the heart of it all.
My favourite part of the day tour was after the Nubian tea, when the locals brought out their drums and performed for us all.
Then, something magical happened, everyone, from the guests to the locals, joined in!
We were dancing, singing, and laughing together, completely immersed in the vibrant energy of the Nubian tradition.
It was an unforgettable moment where the music truly united us all.
So, pack your dancing shoes, because you won’t just be a spectator, you’ll be part of the celebration!
Dancing time has begun.
Some very colourful decor.
You get to ride on the River Nile.
The river Nile runs right through the heart of the city of Aswan, and this tour is a great reason to ride on the longest river in the world.
As you journey to Gharb Soheil, a picturesque Nubian village just 45 minutes from Aswan by motorboat, you’ll have the chance to unwind and enjoy the breathtaking views along the way.
The Nile’s calm waters provided the perfect setting to take in stunning sights such as the Botanical Garden, Elephantine Island, and the ancient Tombs of the Nobles.
As the sun began to set and the boat drifted back in the fading light, there was a peaceful sense of reflection in the air.
The quiet darkness was a moment to let the beauty of the Nile and the warmth of the Nubian people's hospitality settle in, reminding you of the resilient, positive spirit they carry, even in the harshest conditions.
Whether you're enjoying the iconic landmarks or reflecting in the stillness of the evening, this tour offers a unique and unforgettable way to experience the magic of the Nile.
Sailing on the Nile at night time is a unique experience.
Planning your trip well in advance minimises the hassle of negotiating with locals, and also secures a fixed price.
The motor boats fill up quickly!
An awesome Egypt itinerary to consider.
Cairo - Luxor - Aswan (8 days).
By now you should be itching to get to Egypt to enjoy its ancient highlights.
You should have also booked at least one of the above tours through my link!
Here is an Egypt itinerary for 8 days, which is based on my personal experience travelling around Egypt.
It ain’t for the faint hearted though!
A rickety sleeper train, a paradise island temple, and some crazy interactions in Egyptian markets!
This is what travel is all about though!
I have included practical information such as which ways to travel between the cities, accommodation costs, activities, and travel tips!
Disclosure: I sometimes use affiliate marketing. This will not cost you anything, but helps with my travel costs. I only recommend companies I use myself.