Egypt Shore Excursions

Shore excursions are organised day tours available to cruise passengers during port stops in Egypt. They allow you to make the most of your time ashore with professional guides, comfortable transport, and carefully planned itineraries — ensuring you see the highlights of each destination and return to your ship on time.

Shore excursions are available from Alexandria Port, Port Said, Safaga Port, Sokhna Port, Sharm Marina, and Aqaba Port in Jordan. Each port serves as a gateway to different destinations, from the Pyramids of Giza and Luxor's ancient temples to Alexandria's Greco-Roman landmarks and the Red Sea's coral reefs.

More than you might expect. Most Egyptian port stops allow between eight and twelve hours ashore — enough time to visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum from Port Said, explore Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings from Safaga, or discover Alexandria's Greco-Roman landmarks in depth. Every excursion is planned to make the most of your available time ashore while ensuring you are back on board well before departure.

Yes. The Pyramids are accessible from Alexandria Port, Port Said, and Sokhna Port. Each tour includes the Great Pyramid, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum, with private transport and a professional Egyptologist guide throughout. Khan El Khalili Bazaar is also included on most itineraries, cruise schedule permitting.

Two outstanding options are available. You can explore Alexandria itself on a guided city tour covering its most significant Greco-Roman landmarks. Alternatively, a day trip or two-day tour to Cairo takes in the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, and the Citadel of Saladin — one of the most rewarding shore excursions available in Egypt.

The Alexandria shore excursion provides a fascinating insight into the city's rich Greco-Roman heritage, covering its most important historical and archaeological sites. Alexandria offers a strikingly different character to Cairo — a Mediterranean port city with a layered history spanning ancient, Greek, Roman, and modern Egyptian periods — making it a rewarding destination in its own right.

Port Said is the closest Egyptian cruise port to Cairo, making it an ideal departure point for a day trip to the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum. Khan El Khalili Bazaar is included where the cruise schedule permits, giving passengers a taste of Cairo's vibrant traditional market culture alongside the ancient monuments.

Safaga is the closest Red Sea port to Luxor and the ideal departure point for Luxor excursions. A day trip covers Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings, while a two-day overnight tour allows for a more thorough exploration of both the East and West Banks of the Nile, including Luxor Temple, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon, with a felucca ride and overnight stay included.

Yes. Luxor is approximately two to three hours from Safaga by road, making it well suited to both day trips and overnight excursions. The day trip covers the main highlights of Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings, while the two-day tour offers a more leisurely and comprehensive experience across both banks of the Nile.

Aqaba Port offers two exceptional excursions. A day trip to Petra — one of the Seven Wonders of the World — takes you to the ancient Nabataean city carved into rose-red cliffs, dating back over 2,000 years. A trip to the Dead Sea is also available, offering the unique experience of floating in the world's saltiest body of water, renowned for its mineral-rich therapeutic properties.

Yes. The Ras Mohammed National Park snorkelling excursion from Sharm Marina is one of the finest marine experiences available anywhere in Egypt. Known for its spectacular coral formations and extraordinary variety of sea life, Ras Mohammed is widely regarded as one of the best snorkelling and diving destinations in the Red Sea.

Both options are available. Most historical day trips — including Cairo from Alexandria, Port Said, and Sokhna, and Luxor from Safaga — are offered as private tours with a dedicated guide and vehicle. Snorkelling trips typically operate as group departures. Private tours offer greater flexibility and a more personalised experience throughout the day.

Most shore excursions include private or shared air-conditioned transport, a professional licensed guide, entrance fees to listed sites, and lunch where the duration allows. Port transfers are included as standard. Always check individual tour details for a full breakdown of inclusions, as some optional activities and personal expenses may not be covered.

For cruise passengers docking at Alexandria or Port Said, the Cairo and Pyramids day trip is the single most iconic Egypt experience available. For those stopping at Safaga, the Luxor day trip or overnight tour offers an unrivalled introduction to ancient Egyptian history. Both are significantly enhanced by travelling with a professional Egyptologist guide who brings the stories of ancient Egypt to life.