Day Tours

Tell El-Amarna & Beni Hassan Private Tour from Cairo

1 days$190from / per person
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Tour Facts

Travel beyond Cairo to explore two remarkable archaeological sites in Middle Egypt. Discover the ancient city of Akhenaten at Tell El-Amarna and the beautifully preserved tombs of Beni Hassan with a private Egyptologist guide.

Tour Name
Tell El-Amarna & Beni Hassan Private Tour from Cairo
Duration
1 day
Tour Type
Adventure
Start Location
Hotel
End Location
Hotel
Guide Type
English speaking Guide
Transportation
Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver
Accommodation Category
See the accommodation details for each pricing option
Price from
190 USD per person

Destinations

Package starting prices

Essentials
190 USD per person
Signature
240 USD per person
Luxury
325 USD per person
Compare packages and room rates
Explore Akhenaten's Ancient Capital and the Remarkable Tombs of Beni Hassan Step away from the usual Cairo sightseeing route and discover two of Middle Egypt's most fascinating archaeological treasures on a private Tell el-Amarna and Beni Hassan tour from Cairo. This tour takes you into the heart of Egypt's Middle and New Kingdom history, from the revolutionary religious ideas of Pharaoh Akhenaten at Tell el-Amarna to the beautifully decorated rock-cut tombs of Beni Hassan. Travel south through the Nile Valley to Minya, a region rich in ancient Egyptian history. Visit Tell el-Amarna, the extraordinary city founded by Pharaoh Akhenaten as his royal capital and the center of his revolutionary Aten religion. Continue to Beni Hassan, where beautifully decorated rock-cut tombs reveal fascinating scenes of everyday life during Egypt's Middle Kingdom. This full-day private excursion is ideal for travelers who want to go beyond the Giza Pyramids and explore a less-visited but historically important part of Egypt with a knowledgeable private Egyptologist.
Book Your Tell el-Amarna & Beni Hassan TourStep beyond the famous pyramids and discover one of Egypt's most fascinating historical regions. Explore the extraordinary world of Akhenaten and Nefertiti at Tell el-Amarna, then discover the beautifully decorated tombs of Beni Hassan with your own private Egyptologist. Book your private Tell el-Amarna and Beni Hassan day tour from Cairo and discover a different side of ancient Egypt.

Tour Overview

Country

Egypt

Duration

1 days

Starts

Hotel

Ends

Hotel

Age Range

6+

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Tour Guide

English speaking Guide

Hotel Rating

Meals Included

Optional Lunch

Tour Style

Tour Style

Adventure

Trip Type

Private

Guiding Style

Fully Guided

Tour Pace3/5
Physical Rating4/5

Best For

  • Ancient Egypt enthusiasts
  • Travelers looking for lesser-known archaeological sites
  • Visitors staying longer in Cairo
  • Archaeology lovers
  • History students
  • Families interested in Egyptian history

Explore the Journey

Follow the Tell El-Amarna & Beni Hassan Private Tour from Cairo itinerary stop by stop

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Itinerary stops

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Tour Highlights

• Explore Tell el-Amarna, the ancient capital of Pharaoh Akhenaten • Learn about Akhenaten's revolutionary worship of the Aten • Discover the history of Queen Nefertiti • See archaeological remains of the ancient Amarna city • Explore the fascinating tombs of Beni Hassan • Admire Middle Kingdom paintings and inscriptions • Discover scenes depicting ancient Egyptian daily life • Travel through the beautiful Nile Valley countryside • Enjoy a completely private sightseeing experience • Travel with a professional Egyptologist

Itinerary

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  1. Middle Egypt in a Day — Tell el-Amarna & Beni Hassan
    Tour Overview* Discover the ancient city of Akhetaten at Tell el-Amarna and the magnificent tombs of Beni Hassan on a private day trip from Cairo to Minya.
    • Your private Egyptologist will bring the history of these remarkable sites to life, explaining the story of Akhenaten, Queen Nefertiti, the worship of the Aten, the Amarna Period and the development of Middle Kingdom art and architecture.
    Tour Details• Duration: Full Day • Departure: Cairo or Giza • Destination: Minya, Middle Egypt • Tour Type: Private • Transportation: Private air-conditioned vehicle • Guide: Private English-speaking Egyptologist • Meals: Lunch available upon request • Pickup: Cairo or Giza hotel • Return: Cairo or Giza hotel • Suitable For: History lovers, archaeology enthusiasts, photographers and repeat visitors to Egypt
    Detailed ItineraryEarly Morning – Pickup from Cairo Your private driver and Egyptologist will meet you at your hotel in Cairo or Giza in the early morning. Because Tell el-Amarna and Beni Hassan are located in Middle Egypt, this is a full-day excursion with an early departure. Travel south through the Nile Valley toward Minya, passing agricultural land, villages and rural landscapes along the way. The journey gives you an opportunity to see a quieter and more traditional side of Egypt away from the busy streets of Cairo.
    Tell el-Amarna Discover the Lost Capital of Akhenaten Your first major stop is Tell el-Amarna, the archaeological remains of the ancient city of Akhetaten. The city was established by Pharaoh Akhenaten during Egypt's 18th Dynasty and served as his royal capital. Akhenaten is one of the most fascinating and controversial pharaohs in Egyptian history because of his dramatic religious reforms. Instead of following the traditional Egyptian religious system centered around many gods, Akhenaten promoted the worship of the Aten, represented by the sun disk. He created a completely new capital dedicated to the Aten and moved the royal court away from Thebes.
    The Amarna Period Your Egyptologist will explain the remarkable history of the Amarna Period and how it changed Egyptian art, religion and royal representation. During this period, artistic styles became noticeably different from earlier Egyptian traditions. Royal representations became more naturalistic, while Akhenaten and his family were frequently shown with their daughters in intimate family scenes. You will learn about: • Pharaoh Akhenaten • Queen Nefertiti • The Aten religion • The creation of Akhetaten • The Amarna artistic style • Ancient Egyptian temples and palaces • The abandonment of the city • The restoration of traditional religion after Akhenaten's death
    The Great Aten Temple Area Explore the remains associated with the ancient city's religious center. The temples of Akhetaten were designed around the worship of the Aten and differed considerably from the traditional enclosed temple architecture found elsewhere in Egypt. Your Egyptologist will explain how the religious architecture reflected Akhenaten's new beliefs. The archaeological remains help visitors understand how different this period was from the traditional pharaonic religious system.
    Royal Tombs and Amarna Landscape Depending on site access and the day's conditions, your guide will explain the surrounding archaeological areas and the tombs associated with the ancient city. The Amarna landscape is particularly interesting because the city was deliberately established in a previously undeveloped area. This makes the archaeological remains an important source for understanding how an ancient Egyptian royal city was planned and developed.
    Beni Hassan Explore the Rock-Cut Tombs of the Middle Kingdom Continue to Beni Hassan, one of the most important archaeological sites in Middle Egypt. Beni Hassan is famous for its series of rock-cut tombs belonging primarily to powerful officials and nobles from the Middle Kingdom. Unlike royal monuments, these tombs provide an extraordinary insight into the lives, occupations and activities of ancient Egyptian officials.
    Ancient Egyptian Daily Life Inside the decorated tombs, visitors can see representations of activities such as: • Agriculture • Hunting • Fishing • Wrestling • Sports • Music • Dancing • Animal husbandry • Craftsmanship • Military activities These scenes are particularly valuable because they provide historians with information about ancient Egyptian society beyond the lives of pharaohs. Your Egyptologist will explain the symbolism of the tomb paintings and the importance of the people buried at Beni Hassan.
    The Tombs of Beni Hassan Several important tombs are associated with provincial governors and officials. The architectural style and beautifully preserved decorations demonstrate the artistic quality achieved during the Middle Kingdom. Your guide will point out important inscriptions and explain how the tombs were connected with ancient Egyptian beliefs concerning death, the afterlife and the continued existence of the deceased.
    Optional Lunch After sightseeing, enjoy an optional lunch at a local restaurant. You can request Egyptian, oriental or vegetarian dishes depending on your preference.
    Optional ServicesThe following services can be arranged at additional cost: • Private lunch • Professional photography assistance • Guide in another language • Special entrance tickets where available • Private vehicle upgrade • Additional sightseeing in Minya • Hotel pickup outside central Cairo or Giza
    Return Journey to Cairo After completing your sightseeing in Minya, begin the journey back to Cairo. Relax in your private air-conditioned vehicle while traveling through the Nile Valley. You will be dropped off at your Cairo or Giza hotel at the end of the tour.
    Suggested Tour ScheduleA typical schedule may look like: 05:30 — Cairo hotel pickup 05:30 — Drive south to Minya 09:45 — Beni Hassan 11:30 — Drive south to Amarnaת Roughly 50 km 12:30 — Lunch 13:15 — Amarna Visitor Centre 13:45 — The North Tombs 14:45 — The Central City the Great Aten Temple platform 15:30 — Departure The site closes at 16:00 15:30 — Return to Cairo - Comfort stop en route. 20:00 – Hotel drop-off depending on traffic
    Overnight:
    Your Hotel-Nile Cruise
    Meals:
    Optional Lunch
    Visit:
    Beni Hassan The North Tombs

    Arrival flight for Day 1

    Book to land in time for the first day of the tour.

    → CAI · pick your date

Your Daily Details

Request your personalized itinerary for all 1 day of Tell El-Amarna & Beni Hassan Private Tour from Cairo, a downloadable PDF brochure and a private My Egypt Journey page to contact your Explore Plus travel expert.

Pricing

Choose the package you want — the price updates and you can pay for it right away.

Essentials

$190 / per person

$125 per child

  • Group departure
Most popular

Signature

$240 / per person

$155 per child

  • Small group (max 8)

Luxury

$325 / per person

$215 per child

  • Private Guide & Driver

How much pay for Entrance Fees

Cost & Entrance Fees

  • Beni Hassan
    EGP
    200
    US$
    4
  • Tell el-Amarna
    EGP
    200
    US$
    4
  • Royal Tomb
    EGP
    120
    US$
    3
  • Tuna el-Gebel
    EGP
    200
    US$
    4
  • Guard tips,
    EGP
    500
    US$
    10
Total entrance fees per person1,220 EGP25 US$

Guest Brief

Important Entrance Fee Information

Prices and update date

Prices shown were last checked on 1 October 2026. Entrance fees are subject to change; please confirm current rates before your visit.

Visitor categories

Fees may differ for Egyptian and foreign visitors. Reduced rates may be available for children, students, or other eligible visitors.

Student discounts

Discounts are not available at every site. Eligibility and accepted student ID vary, so students should bring valid identification and confirm requirements with the ticket office.

Optional tombs and attractions

Some sites require separate tickets for special tombs or areas. These tickets may have limited availability and additional fees.

What the fee covers

Unless stated otherwise, listed prices cover site admission only. They do not include transportation, guide services, meals, or optional activities.

Payment and currency

Payment options vary by site. Bring a payment method accepted locally, and check whether card payment is available.

USD conversions

Dollar amounts are estimates for reference only. The amount charged in EGP may differ because exchange rates change.

Opening hours and access

Opening times, visitor routes, and access to individual areas may change without notice. Check with the site or your tour provider before travelling.

Best Time to Visit

Average weather in the places this tour visits — pick the month that suits you best.

Recommended travel period
October to March

Cairo & Giza

Best: October to April

Tap any month to see its day / night temperature, rainfall and verdict (°C and °F).

El Minya & Amarna

Best: October to March

Tap any month to see its day / night temperature, rainfall and verdict (°C and °F).

PlaceDaily max temperature (°C)Monthly rainfall (mm)
Cairo & Giza24°C (75°F)3.4
El Minya & Amarna23°C (73°F)0

Averages across the recommended months for each place.

Before You Travel to Egypt

A quick checklist for a smoother arrival and more comfortable sightseeing.

Choose the season that suits you

October to April is usually more comfortable for long sightseeing days. Summer can be very hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan, so plan lighter schedules, shade and water breaks.

Check entry rules before you fly

Visa eligibility depends on your passport and can change. Confirm your requirements through Egypt’s official e-Visa portal or the nearest Egyptian embassy before travel.

Carry Egyptian Pounds

Cards are useful at many hotels and larger businesses, but small EGP notes are practical for tips, small purchases and everyday services.

Use sealed bottled water

Drink sealed bottled water and keep extra water with you during sightseeing, particularly on warm days and longer excursions.

Dress for heat and local customs

Light, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes, sun protection and a light layer are useful. Modest clothing is respectful at mosques, churches and traditional communities.

Know when to bargain

Friendly bargaining is common in bazaars and souks. Prices in fixed-price shops, hotels, restaurants and official ticket offices are generally not negotiated.

Check Egypt’s official e-Visa portal

Distances from Cairo

How far the main destinations are from Cairo — road distance with typical drive time. Internal flights are shown where they save hours on the road.

DestinationKm
Cairo0 km / 0 mi
Giza Pyramids25 km / 16 mi
El Minya245 km / 152 mi

Approximate road distances and times in normal traffic. Longer journeys may be reached by a short internal flight.

Select a city

Cairo

Cairo is the starting point for these distances.

Approximate distances and normal travel times from central Cairo.

Visa Requirements for Egypt

Type your nationality to see what you need, then follow the steps below.

No visa needed (7)

Enter with a valid passport (6+ months validity).

Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Hong Kong, Macau

e-Visa or visa on arrival (61)

Apply online in advance (recommended) or obtain a visa on arrival if eligible. Current fees are shown on the official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg.

United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Poland, Czech Republic, Greece, Cyprus, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Armenia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Peru, Colombia, India, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Serbia, Albania

Special rules (1)

Israeli passport holders: free 15-day entry stamp for South Sinai only (Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, St Catherine) via Taba. For Cairo, Luxor, Aswan or the Nile, a visa from an Egyptian embassy/consulate is required before travel.

UK, US and EU passport holders visiting only Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba receive a free entry stamp valid up to 15 days. Travel outside the permitted South Sinai area or a longer stay requires a visa.

Israel

Embassy visa required (17)

Apply at the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate before travel; allow 2–4 weeks.

Travellers holding a valid (and in some cases previously used) visa from the Schengen area, UK, USA, Japan, Australia, New Zealand or Canada may obtain a tourist visa on arrival. Confirm with the official portal or your airline before travel.

Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Philippines, Vietnam

How to apply for an e-Visa

  1. Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after arrival.
  2. Apply on the official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg (about 7 business days) — or buy on arrival if eligible.
  3. Print your approved e-Visa and carry it with your passport and return ticket.
  4. Show it at passport control on arrival in Egypt.
Official Egypt e-Visa portal

Rules can change — always confirm with the official portal or your Egyptian embassy before travel.

Daily Budget

Typical personal spending per person per day, on top of what the tour includes. Converted at today's rate (1 USD ≈ 48.5 EGP).

ExpenseUSDEGP
Street food meal (koshary, falafel)$2–$495–195 EGP
Sit-down restaurant meal$8–$20390–970 EGP
Bottled water & soft drinks (per day)$2–$495–195 EGP
Coffee or fresh juice$1.5–$475–195 EGP
Uber / taxi within the city$3–$8145–390 EGP
Tips for guides, drivers & staff (per day)$5–$10245–485 EGP
Souvenirs & small extras$5–$20245–970 EGP
Estimated daily total$26.5–$701,285–3,395 EGP

Tips for saving money

  • Carry small Egyptian pound notes (5–50 EGP) for tips and toilets.
  • Use Uber or Careem in Cairo and Alexandria — fixed prices, no haggling.
  • Eat where locals eat: koshary and ta'ameya are tasty and cost little.
  • Pay in EGP rather than USD — prices quoted in dollars are usually higher.
  • Haggle politely in markets; start around half the first price.
  • Buy water in supermarkets, not at monuments or hotels.
  • Withdraw from bank ATMs (CIB, NBE, Banque Misr) for the best exchange rate.

Prices are typical estimates and vary by city and season.

Nights You Will Stay

Extended your tour stay If you wish to enjoy more time at your destination, extending your hotel stay or add hotel in Luxor or Aswan is easy. Notify Us Early. Inform us so we can check availability and secure your room for the additional nights with extra payment.

Meals

Optional Egyptian Lunch Between your sightseeing, enjoy an optional lunch at a local restaurant. Choose from traditional Egyptian and oriental cuisine, international dishes or vegetarian options. Your guide can recommend a restaurant according to your preferences. You can sample traditional dishes such as: • Koshari • Grilled meats • Falafel • Egyptian salads • Fresh bread • Traditional desserts Vegetarian meals can also be arranged. Lunch is optional unless specifically included in your selected package

Why Choose This Tour?

Combine Tel el Amarna with Beni Hassan Many visitors to Egypt focus on Cairo, Luxor and Aswan, but Middle Egypt offers a completely different historical experience. Tell el-Amarna → Tell el-Amarna provides an opportunity to explore one of the most unusual chapters in ancient Egyptian history — the reign of Akhenaten and his attempt to transform Egyptian religion. Beni Hassan → Beni Hassan offers a rare opportunity to see detailed scenes of ordinary activities and the lives of powerful officials during the Middle Kingdom. Together → the two sites allow you to compare two very different periods of ancient Egyptian civilization. Tell el-Amarna and Beni Hassan are located a considerable distance from Cairo. The tour requires an early departure and involves several hours of road travel.

Top Attractions

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What's included & what's not

Tap an item to build your own package — remove what you don't need, add the extras you want, then send the summary with your inquiry.

Included (3/3)

What's Not Included

Additional Extras

Sound and light show

in Egypt are night events held at famous historical sites like the Giza Pyramids, Karnak Temple, and Philae Island

A Nile River dinner cruise

in Egypt is a 2 to 3 hour evening excursion featuring an open buffet, live music, cultural performances belly dancing and Tanoura shows

An optional lunch buffet

Usually features local or traditional dishes, side items, and fruits, though specialized diets (like strict vegan or allergen-free)

Good To Know

What can I see at Tell El-Amarna?+
Tell El-Amarna contains archaeological remains associated with Akhenaten's ancient capital and offers insight into one of Egypt's most fascinating historical periods.
What is Beni Hassan famous for?+
Beni Hassan is famous for its Middle Kingdom rock-cut tombs decorated with detailed scenes of daily life, warfare and ancient Egyptian culture.
How far is Amarna from Cairo?+
The journey to Middle Egypt is long, so the tour requires an early departure and careful planning to allow sufficient time for sightseeing.
Is this a private tour?+
Yes. Private transportation and guiding provide greater flexibility throughout the journey.
Is this tour suitable for archaeology enthusiasts?+
Absolutely. Amarna and Beni Hassan provide a deeper archaeological experience beyond Egypt's better-known tourist sites.
Can I add other El Minya attractions?+
Yes. Additional El Minya attractions can often be incorporated to create a more comprehensive Middle Egypt itinerary.
What does this Day Tour to Tell Amarna & Beni Hassan include?
+
Private air-conditioned transport, a guide, and lunch at a local restaurant near Minya. Entrance fees to Tell Amarna and Beni Hassan are not confirmed.
How long is the drive from Cairo to Tell Amarna and Beni Hassan?+
Approximately 4 to 4.5 hours each way, with scenic views of Egypt’s agricultural heartland, river villages, and desert landscapes along the Nile Valley.
What is the best time of year for this tour?+
The cooler months from October through April are most comfortable for outdoor visits to Middle Kingdom and Amarna-period archaeology,
Is this tour suitable for history and archaeology travelers?
+
Yes, ideal for those interested in Middle Kingdom and Amarna-period archaeology, with a unique combination not offered on other Cairo tours.
What makes Tell Amarna historically important?+
Tell Amarna was Pharaoh Akhenaten’s capital dedicated to the sun god Aten, marking Egypt’s only true religious revolution with a distinctive artistic style and royal life changes
What makes this different from other full-day tours from Cairo?
+
It uniquely pairs Akhenaten's abandoned capital at Tell Amarna with the Middle Kingdom tombs of Beni Hassan in one day.

How long is this tour and when does it start?
+
The tour lasts 12 hours round trip, with early morning pickup and evening drop-off at Cairo hotels.

Do I need an ISIC Student Card in Egypt?+
Yes, it is the best financial investment you can make for your trip. An official International Student Identity Card (ISIC) grants you a 50% discount on almost every single monument, temple, and museum entrance fee in Egypt. If you are under 30 and eligible, this card will literally save you hundreds of dollars over your trip.

Book Now — Pay Now

Signature package

$240 / per person · $155 / Children Under 12

$240 per adult

Offset your trip's carbon footprint and directly support Red Sea coral conservation & local Nubian artisan communities in Aswan.

Secure payment via PayPal

Travelers
adults (12+)
2
children (2–11)
0

$240 / adults · $155 / children

Children aged 2–11. Max 2 per adult (4 for 2).

2 × $240 (adults (12+))$480
Total$480

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About this tour

Additional information

Confirmation

You receive written confirmation by email once your booking is accepted, usually within 24 hours.

Documents

A valid passport with at least 6 months' validity is required. We advise on visas for Egypt and Jordan before travel.

Pick-up

Hotel pick-up and drop-off in the tour city is included; we confirm your exact pick-up time the evening before.

Group size

Private departures run for your party only. Small-group departures are capped so everyone hears the guide.

Accessibility

Some archaeological sites involve uneven ground, steps and heat. Tell us about mobility needs and we adapt the pace.

Children

Family friendly. Child rates and car seats are available on request; infants usually travel free.

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, water, modest clothing for religious sites and cash for tips.

Insurance

Travel insurance covering medical care and cancellation is strongly recommended and is not included in the tour price.

Cancellation & refund policy

30 days or more before departure

100% refund

15 – 29 days before departure

50% refund

14 days or less before departure

No refund

  • • Cancellations must be sent in writing to explore@exploreplus.net; the date we receive your email is the cancellation date.
  • • Approved refunds are returned to the original payment method within 14 working days.
  • • Third-party costs already paid on your behalf (domestic flights, Nile cruise cabins, special-event tickets, visas) are non-refundable once issued.
  • • Date changes requested 15 days or more before departure are free of charge, subject to availability; inside 14 days they are treated as a cancellation.
  • • If we have to cancel your tour for reasons within our control, you receive a full refund or a free date change — your choice.

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