Ancient Wonder. Modern Chaos. Bring Patience and Lower Expectations.
The Pyramids? 10/10.
The Sphinx? Iconic.
The tour logistics? A masterclass in disorganization.
For reference, my tour was organized by E.T.O. Travels and I rode NascoTours buses.
We were picked up in Makadi Bay and driven 45 minutes just to reach Hurghada and board the “main” bus. Departure time shifted from 1:30 AM to 12:30 AM. At this point I learned time would be a loose concept on this tour.
The overnight ride was long with frequent stops to pick up others and stops to wait for the government to release in groups for safety (understood). During all stops the bus was brightly lit which was not sleep-friendly. The bus looked like it had survived several archaeological eras of its own. Seats permanently reclined, barely any legroom, no charging outlets, unpredictable air conditioning, and an onboard toilet that inspired fear rather than confidence.
At the Egyptian Museum, we spent over an hour just trying to enter. In two hours total, we received 22 minutes of actual explanation and 14 minutes to explore. The rest was waiting, regrouping, and being told to “stand here” repeatedly.
Departure times were consistently… aspirational. If told 3:30 PM, plan for 4:30 PM. At some point I stopped checking my watch and accepted that we were operating on Pyramid Standard Time.
Now the pyramids themselves.
We were repeatedly told the only way to properly see them was by taking a camel ride. That is simply not true. You can walk the complex. I did. It was the best part of the day. I saw everything, took all the photos I wanted, and didn’t feel pressured into participating in animal-based tourist add-ons.
For anyone who cares about ethical travel, it’s worth knowing that camel rides are heavily pushed. If that makes you uncomfortable, be prepared to stand your ground.
I am genuinely glad I went. Seeing the Pyramids is something everyone should experience at least once.
But if you value:
• Clear communication
• Accurate timing
• Comfortable transportation
• A guide who actually provides historical context
You will want to book with a different operator.
The monuments are timeless.
The logistics are not.
DrivingtheDream · feb 2026 · vía Tripadvisor
Besøg i Cairo og Pyramiderne.
Rigtig god tur med mange oplevelser.
Der er presset mange oplevelser sammen på dagen, men vi ville ikke være nogen foruden.
Vores Guide Hanan var super god, både til og fortælle, men også til at sørge for at alle havde det godt.
Ole M · feb 2026 · vía Tripadvisor
Hele turen værd. Guiden åbnede Ægyptens historie for os.
Turen var et højdepunkt på vores vinterferie. I Kairo stødte vores guide Hanna til. Hun var meget vidende, meget engageret og hun smittede med sin begejstring og formidlede historierne på Det ægyptiske museum helt fantastisk. Hun forstod hurtigt, hvad vi hver især vidste på forhånd - og hvordan hun kunne tage udgangspunkt i det. Desuden var hun lattermild og sød.
Vi valgte også en sejltur på Nilen, som var et skønt afbræk og en mulighed for at se Kairo fra vandsiden.
Vi spiste et hæderligt sted, hvor vi blev mætte.
Derefter kørte vi til pyramiderne og Sfinxen. Det var naturligvis helt særligt, og man kan komme helt hen til bunden af pyramiderne og røre ved stenene. Hanna opfordrede os til at stå et øjeblik og fornemme historien. Vi red på kameler mod pyramiderne. Det var en fin tur, men det var også med en dårlig smag i munden, fordi dyrevelfærd ikke var i højsædet hos de hårdhændede mænd, der havde kamelerne og hestene.
Turen bød på to steder, hvor der var fremvisning af varer og mulighed for køb: Olie/parfume og papyrus. Det var spild af tid for vores vedkommende.
Busturen er lang og det er hårdt. Vi kørte afsted om natten, var i Kairo hele dagen, og kørte hjem igen om aftenen. Der er stop undervejs med mulighed for toiletbesøg (1 euro pr gang) og mulighed for at købe snaks og kaffe. Vi havde også toilet i bussen. Vi synes det er indsatsen værd. Jeg giver Hanna højeste karakter sammen med museet, pyramiderne og sfinxen.
anneogpetermikkelp · feb 2026 · vía Tripadvisor
Couldn't wait for it to be over
It was more stress than joy, all day felt very disorganized, guides pulling everyone everywhere.
All started from pickup, we were told 1.15am, to be 5-10 minutes prior, bus was late almost 15 minutes. Got on a bus and looked very outdated and dirty. Then we were told to change the bus, which was a little newer, but far from comfortable for a long trip. Then we were aimlessly driving around Hurghada, sometimes going into narrow paths to the hotel to pick nobody.
Bus stopped twice for a toilet brake. Theoretically, there is a toilet on the bus as declared in the advert, but it stinks even passing it, not seen anyone using it.
Experience at the museum was short, museum itself looks more like a dusty warehouse, it took longer for guides to separate the group by language, fetching earphones, etc. Then felt pushed to do the river trip. Didn't plan to, but felt obliged. Guide refused to take card payment of $30, and made us withdraw moneys from ATM at the museum, advised us a wrong amount to withdraw, we were charged fee and exchange rate was really poor, we end up loosing £39 with it. Then we were taken to all sorts of shops which they must have agreement with, however, it wasn't planned. Meal was a disaster, super crowded place, people queueing leaning over us while we try to eat, level of noise absolutely unbearable, everything rushed, dirty. Take your own drink, as a can of pop is $3.
At pyramids we spent 2 slots of 35 minutes, so slightly over 1 hour, but stayed at the spices and nuts shop for over 1 hour for no reason, when we could actually be making our way home.
Guides were rude at times, they don't care about your experience, they try to snatch as much cash off you as they can. Like even at pyramids, they were insisting to buy souvenirs from a particular seller.
Wouldn't bother going with them. Unfortunately, due to lack of any basic road safety, we couldn't rent a car and go by ourselves as we usually do in Spain.
133tanushab · feb 2026 · vía Tripadvisor
Medio
¡El trayecto es muy largo, atentos, actividad extra, si no la haces te quedas en el autobús esperando a los demás! Si no quieres estar aislado, paga 20 euros más por persona. Por lo demás, la guía es estupenda. El museo... ¡decepcionado de que sea el antiguo museo, todo el tema del toutankamon ha desaparecido! Está en el nuevo museo...
Cecile_R · feb 2026 · vía Viator · Traducida
Amazing tour!
The tour to the pyramids was amazing! There are many stops along the way and it can be a bit tiring, but that’s understandable for the price. I definitely think it’s worth it.
Hanan was an excellent tour guide. She explained everything very clearly at the museum and at the pyramids, kept the group well organized, and made sure everyone was taken care of. She did a fantastic job. Definitely a 10/10 guide!
Gessica C · feb 2026 · vía Tripadvisor
Pyramid visit
It was an amazing experience. The bus journey is ok Very crowded restaurant and the food is not great
Our tour guide is one of the best, with good knowledge
s0jyj · feb 2026 · vía Tripadvisor
Fun packed Cairo day, brilliant tour guide :-)
Mohammed has been brilliant! knowledgeable, funny and efficient. This tour was packed but very well thought out. A little bit of everything made the perfect day in Cairo. Excellent value for money. Thank you!
Guide11263681264 · feb 2026 · vía Tripadvisor
Best sightseeing in Cairo
We had the best sightseeing-trip from Hurghada to Cairo! The trip is most definitely value for money!
We have travelled a lot, but our guide on this trip - Hanan - was the best we have ever experienced. She was extremely attentive to our needs and always made sure that everyone had understood everything. She gave very helpful tips on which extras was worth it, where to buy souvenirs, how to deal with street-sellers etc.
ThomasSmedDK · feb 2026 · vía Tripadvisor
Fabulous incite into Egyptian history
Excellent overall. Hanan perfect guide very passionate and informative. Trip a bit disorganised during hotel pick ups which added a couple of hours onto the day. Could have done without the papyrus factory as everyone was tired. Would definitely recommend and excellent value for money
jenny c · feb 2026 · vía Tripadvisor
