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 · лют. 2026 р. · через Tripadvisor
Visit Cairo and the Pyramids.
Really good trip with many experiences.
There have been many experiences together during the day, but we would not be anyone else.
Our guide Hanan was super good, both to and tell, but also to make sure everyone had a good time.
Ole M · лют. 2026 р. · через Tripadvisor · Перекладено
Worth the whole trip. The guide opened up Egypt's history for us.
The tour was a highlight of our winter vacation. In Cairo, our guide Hanna met. She was very knowledgeable, very dedicated and she contagious with her enthusiasm and conveyed the stories at the Egyptian Museum absolutely fantastic. She quickly understood what each of us knew in advance - and how she could take the starting point. Besides, she was ridiculous and sweet.
We also chose a boat trip on the Nile, which was a wonderful break and an opportunity to see Cairo from the water side.
We ate in an honorable place where we got saturated.
Then we drove to the Pyramids and the Sphinx. It was, of course, very special, and you can get to the bottom of the pyramids and touch the stones. Hanna invited us to stand for a moment and feel the story. We ride camels against the pyramids. It was a nice trip, but it was also with a bad taste in the mouth, because animal welfare was not at the forefront of the hardhanded men who had the camels and horses.
The tour offered two places where there was the presentation of goods and the possibility of buying: Oil/parfum and papyrus. It was a waste of time for us.
The bus ride is long and it's hard. We drove off at night, were in Cairo all day, and drove back home in the evening. There are stops along the way with the possibility of toilet visits (1 euro per time) and the possibility to buy snacks and coffee. We also had a toilet in the bus. We think it's worth the effort. I give Hanna the highest grade along with the museum, the pyramids and the sphinx.
anneogpetermikkelp · лют. 2026 р. · через Tripadvisor · Перекладено
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 · лют. 2026 р. · через Tripadvisor
Medium
The journey is very long , be aware , extra activity, if you do not you stay on the bus waiting for others! So count 20 euros more per person so you won't be isolated! Otherwise the great guide! The museum... disappointed that it is the old museum, the whole Tutankhamen subject disappeared! It's in the new museum...
Cecile_R · лют. 2026 р. · через Viator · Перекладено
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 · лют. 2026 р. · через 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 · лют. 2026 р. · через 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 · лют. 2026 р. · через 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 · лют. 2026 р. · через 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 · лют. 2026 р. · через Tripadvisor
