Children usually love Egypt. Mummies, pyramids, hieroglyphs and real tombs are the stuff of school projects, and Egypt delivers them on a huge scale. The trick is pacing, and this itinerary keeps most sightseeing to the morning, with afternoons at the pool and plenty of time on the water.
Your guide is an Egyptologist we choose for their skill with young travellers. Expect stories about Tutankhamun's curse, hieroglyph spotting and a chance to write your name in a cartouche. Hotels have pools and family rooms or connecting rooms, and long transfers are broken up with stops.
The trip ends with two nights on the Red Sea, where kids can snorkel reefs straight from the boat. It is the reward for all those temples.
Journey highlights
- Camel ride beside the Giza pyramids
- Grand Egyptian Museum, including Tutankhamun's gold mask and the Children's Museum
- Felucca sail on the Nile in Aswan
- Boat trip to a Nubian village, with henna, tea and baby crocodiles
- Flying to Abu Simbel to avoid a long early-morning drive
- Kom Ombo's Crocodile Museum and its mummified crocodiles
- Exploring real royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings
- Snorkelling coral reefs in the Red Sea
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day1
Arrive in Cairo
You are met at the airport and driven to a Giza hotel with a big pool. Our team has the visa paperwork ready to make arrival with tired kids as quick as possible. Rest and adjust to the time difference.
- Day2
Pyramids, the Sphinx and a camel ride
Explore the Giza pyramids at opening time while it is cool, then ride camels across the sand to the panoramic viewpoint (about 20–30 minutes in the saddle). Say hello to the Sphinx before heading back for lunch and an afternoon in the pool.
- Day3
Grand Egyptian Museum
Spend the morning at the Grand Egyptian Museum, where kids can see Tutankhamun's gold mask, chariots and even his sandals. The museum's Children's Museum offers hands-on activities. Afternoon free, or an optional sound and light show at the pyramids.
- Day4
Fly to Aswan and a felucca sail
Take a morning flight to Aswan and check in to an island resort reached by its own ferry, which children love. At sunset, sail on a felucca around Elephantine Island, where the captain may let kids help with the sail.
- Day5
Nubian village and Philae Temple
Take a motorboat upriver to a colourful Nubian village. Kids can hold a baby crocodile (kept by some families as pets), try henna and practise Nubian words over hibiscus tea. In the afternoon, visit Philae Temple by boat.
- Day6
Abu Simbel by air
Take the 45-minute flight to Abu Simbel, avoiding the six-hour return drive. Kids stand next to the giant feet of Ramses II and learn how the whole temple was cut up and moved. Return to Aswan by lunchtime for a pool afternoon.
- Day7
Drive to Luxor via Kom Ombo and Edfu
Drive north towards Luxor with two stops: Kom Ombo, where the Crocodile Museum shows mummified crocodiles, and Edfu, where you can walk through the huge temple of the falcon god Horus. Arrive in Luxor in the late afternoon.
- Day8
Valley of the Kings and Karnak
Explore real royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings, look out for painted gods and monsters, then visit Hatshepsut's temple. After lunch and a rest, walk among Karnak's giant columns, where kids can see how many people it takes to circle one.
- Day9
Drive to the Red Sea
Make the roughly four-hour scenic drive across the Eastern Desert to the Red Sea coast near Hurghada. Spend the afternoon on the beach or at the resort pool.
- Day10
Snorkelling and a glass-bottom boat
Take a family boat trip to a sheltered reef, with snorkelling gear in children's sizes and a guide in the water with you. Younger kids can watch the fish from a glass-bottom boat.
- Day11
Fly to Cairo and depart
Fly from Hurghada to Cairo (about 1 hour) and connect to your international flight, or extend your beach stay.
Where you’ll stay
| Location | Accommodation |
|---|---|
| Cairo (Giza), 3 nights | Marriott Mena House or similar |
| Aswan, 3 nights | Mövenpick Resort Aswan or similar |
| Luxor, 2 nights | Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa or similar |
| Red Sea, 2 nights | Steigenberger Aldau Beach Hotel, Hurghada or similar |
What’s included
- 10 nights in family-friendly hotels with daily breakfast (family or connecting rooms)
- Domestic flights Cairo–Aswan, Aswan–Abu Simbel–Aswan and Hurghada–Cairo
- Private family-friendly Egyptologist guide on all touring days
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with child seats on request
- Entry fees to all sites in the itinerary
- Camel ride at Giza, felucca sail, Nubian village boat trip and family snorkelling trip
- Airport meet-and-assist service and 24/7 local support
Not included
- International flights from Australia (we can quote and book these)
- Egypt visa fees
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Lunches and dinners unless stated
- Optional extras such as the pyramids sound and light show and Tutankhamun's tomb
- Tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff
Destinations on this journey
Cairo & Giza · Aswan · Abu Simbel · Luxor · Red Sea Coast
Egypt Family Adventure: 11 Days of Pyramids, Feluccas and Reefs: FAQs
Is Egypt suitable for kids?
Yes. Egyptians are very welcoming to children, and the sites are easy to bring to life for young imaginations. The keys are a sensible pace, sun protection and plenty of water. Read our Egypt with kids guide for practical tips.
What age is best for an Egypt family trip?
Children from about 6 upwards get the most out of it, and 8–14 is the sweet spot for interest in mummies and pharaohs. Families with younger children can travel too, and we simply shorten the touring days.
Is the camel ride safe for children?
We use reputable camel handlers, and children usually ride with a parent or with the handler leading the camel. Rides are short, about 20–30 minutes. Horse-drawn carriages are an alternative.
Can we travel in the Australian school holidays?
Yes, and the late September–October and December–January holidays are both good times. Book early for December, the busiest season. Our best time to visit guide covers temperatures month by month.
Is Egypt safe for families?
Millions of families visit Egypt each year. Check the current advice on Smartraveller and read our Is Egypt safe? guide. Travelling privately with a guide and driver adds an extra layer of support.
