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
- Main Attractions
- Amarna Ancient Egyptian Treasures (opens in a new tab)
- 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
Tour Overview
Egypt
1 days
Hotel
Hotel
6+
Yes
Yes
English speaking Guide
Optional Lunch
Tour Style
Adventure
Private
Fully Guided
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
Itinerary stops
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Tour Highlights
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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 EgyptDetailed 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 deathThe 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 GizaReturn 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
Skyscanner: https://www.skyscanner.net/transport/flights//cai//?adults=2&cabinclass=economy&rtn=0&cabinbags=1&sortby=bestKayak: https://www.kayak.com/flights/-CAI/2adults?sort=bestflight_a&fs=cfc%3D1
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
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 HassanEGP200US$4
- Tell el-AmarnaEGP200US$4
- Royal TombEGP120US$3
- Tuna el-GebelEGP200US$4
- Guard tips,EGP500US$10
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.
Cairo & Giza
Best: October to AprilTap any month to see its day / night temperature, rainfall and verdict (°C and °F).
El Minya & Amarna
Best: October to MarchTap any month to see its day / night temperature, rainfall and verdict (°C and °F).
| Place | Daily max temperature (°C) | Monthly rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Cairo & Giza | 24°C (75°F) | 3.4 |
| El Minya & Amarna | 23°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.
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.
| Destination | Km |
|---|---|
| Cairo | 0 km / 0 mi |
| Giza Pyramids | 25 km / 16 mi |
| El Minya | 245 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
- Check that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after arrival.
- Apply on the official portal visa2egypt.gov.eg (about 7 business days) — or buy on arrival if eligible.
- Print your approved e-Visa and carry it with your passport and return ticket.
- Show it at passport control on arrival in Egypt.
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).
| Expense | USD | EGP |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal (koshary, falafel) | $2–$4 | 95–195 EGP |
| Sit-down restaurant meal | $8–$20 | 390–970 EGP |
| Bottled water & soft drinks (per day) | $2–$4 | 95–195 EGP |
| Coffee or fresh juice | $1.5–$4 | 75–195 EGP |
| Uber / taxi within the city | $3–$8 | 145–390 EGP |
| Tips for guides, drivers & staff (per day) | $5–$10 | 245–485 EGP |
| Souvenirs & small extras | $5–$20 | 245–970 EGP |
| Estimated daily total | $26.5–$70 | 1,285–3,395 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
Meals
Why Choose This Tour?
Top Attractions
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What's included & what's not
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Included (3/3)
What's Not Included
Additional Extras
Sound and light show
A Nile River dinner cruise
An optional lunch buffet
Good To Know
What can I see at Tell El-Amarna?+
What is Beni Hassan famous for?+
How far is Amarna from Cairo?+
Is this a private tour?+
Is this tour suitable for archaeology enthusiasts?+
Can I add other El Minya attractions?+
What does this Day Tour to Tell Amarna & Beni Hassan include? +
How long is the drive from Cairo to Tell Amarna and Beni Hassan?+
What is the best time of year for this tour?+
Is this tour suitable for history and archaeology travelers? +
What makes Tell Amarna historically important?+
What makes this different from other full-day tours from Cairo? +
How long is this tour and when does it start? +
Do I need an ISIC Student Card in Egypt?+
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
$240 / adults · $155 / children
Children aged 2–11. Max 2 per adult (4 for 2).
Send Inquiry
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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