From: $235

Tourist-Group-Going-To-The-Tombs-At-Beni-Hassan

At-the-rock-graves-of-Beni-Hassan-tourists-are-protected-by-tourist-police

Nile felucca moored at Tel el-Amarna with desert cliffs towering in the background.

One-of-the-mausolea-at-the-cult-center-of-Tuna-el Gebel-el-Minya

Fragmented sandstone relief showing a sculpted hand, part of the Small Aten Temple ruins in Amarna, Egypt.

Long, steep wooden staircase leading into the dark entrance of the Royal Tomb of Akhenaten at Amarna, Egypt.

Inside-North-Tomb-Paintings-And-Relief-At-Amarna

Inside-South-Tomb-Burial-Chamber-With-Relief-At-Amarna

Steep, narrow stone staircase with wooden handrails descending into an unfinished, rough-cut chamber in an Amarna tomb.

Entrance to the rock-cut Tomb of Khnumhotep III at Beni Hasan, Egypt.

Panoramic view of multiple Middle Kingdom rock-cut tombs carved into the cliff face at Beni Hasan, Egypt.

Beni-Hassan-Interior-One-Of-The-Tombs-Of-The-Necropolis

Amarna-North-Tomb-Paintings-And-Relief-Of-Aten

Tour Details

Duration	2 Days
Tour Location	El Minya
Tour Type	Daily Tour
Pickup	Your Hotel

Timeless El Minya Tour From Cairo into Middle Egypt

An El Minya tour from Cairo is a two-day overnight journey into Middle Egypt, designed for travelers seeking lesser-known archaeological sites. The tour includes visits to Akhetaton, Tuna El-Gebel, the Beni Hassan Tombs, and Tel El-Amarna. It offers a balanced mix of travel, exploration, and relaxation, making it ideal for culture-focused travelers looking beyond standard Cairo itineraries.

On day one of your Cairo to El Minya trip, you depart Cairo in the morning with your personal Egyptologist, traveling by private air-conditioned vehicle toward Middle Egypt. Upon arrival, you begin exploring the ancient Great Plain of Akhetaton, where Pharaoh Akhenaten received his divine inspiration to establish a revolutionary capital. After lunch, the journey continues to Tuna El-Gebel, home to remarkable rock-cut tombs reflecting both Pharaonic and Greco-Roman traditions. The day concludes with a comfortable overnight stay in El Minya, allowing time to rest and reflect.

On day two, after breakfast at the hotel, the tour continues with a visit to the Beni Hassan Tombs, famous for their vivid wall scenes portraying daily life in ancient Egypt. Following lunch at a local restaurant, you return to Tel El Amarna to further explore the remains of Akhenaten’s city before beginning the scenic drive back to Cairo. It fits naturally within a wider collection of Best Cairo overnight tours, while travelers who prefer to stay closer to the capital may also consider a classic 2-day Cairo tour as an alternative.

Why Book This Tour

Travel with an experienced private Egyptologist who provides clear historical context at every site.
Carefully planned itinerary covering El Minya’s most significant archaeological landmarks.
Relaxed overnight pace that allows deeper exploration without rushing.
Private, modern air-conditioned transportation throughout the journey.
Flexible itinerary options to suit individual travel preferences.
Consistent, high-quality service managed by a trusted local tour operator.
Comfortable overnight stay in a well-reviewed 5-star hotel in El Minya.
24/7 local support available throughout your El Minya overnight tour.

Included

Meet and assist service by a Tripidays representative.
One night's accommodation in a 5-star hotel in El Minya, including breakfast.
Private Egyptologist guide for all listed attractions.
All transfers in modern, private air-conditioned vehicles.
Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary.
Two lunch meals during the tour.
Complimentary bottled water during sightseeing.
Ongoing assistance throughout your stay.
All applicable taxes and service charges.

Excluded

Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra meals, etc.).
Tips for guides and drivers.

Highlights of El Minya Tour

El Minya Attractions

Ancient Great Plain of Akhetaton
Tuna El-Gebel
Beni Hassan Tombs
Tel El Amarna

Itinerary 2 Days El Minya Tour From Cairo

Pickup from Cairo Hotel
Your El Minya tour begins with an early pickup from your Cairo hotel. Travel south in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, leaving the city behind as palm-lined fields and villages signal the transition into Middle Egypt.
Journey to El Minya
The drive offers a changing landscape that reflects Egypt beyond the monuments. Your guide shares insights into the Nile Valley’s role as Egypt’s agricultural and spiritual backbone.
Visit the Great Plain of Akhetaton
Arrive at the vast archaeological remains of Akhetaton, once the revolutionary capital of Pharaoh Akhenaten. Here, open plains, boundary stelae, and distant cliffs tell the story of a bold religious experiment that reshaped ancient Egypt.

Lunch with a View
Pause for lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the Nile or the surrounding countryside, allowing time to relax and reflect before continuing the journey.
Tuna El-Gebel
Explore Tuna El-Gebel, the necropolis of Hermopolis. Highlights include the Tomb of Petosiris, underground galleries filled with mummified ibis and baboons.

Overnight at El Minya Hotel
Check into your El Minya hotel and enjoy a peaceful evening. The overnight stay adds depth to the experience, making this Middle Egypt tour feel unhurried and immersive.
Breakfast at the Hotel
After breakfast, prepare for a day focused on daily life, art, and administration in ancient Egypt.
Beni Hassan Tombs
Visit the renowned Beni Hassan Tombs, carved high into limestone cliffs. Their colorful wall scenes depict wrestling matches and ceremonies, offering rare insight into Middle Kingdom society.

Lunch Break
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the final archaeological highlight of your El Minya tour.
Tel El Amarna
Return to Tel El Amarna to explore additional remains of Akhenaten’s city, including palace areas and residential zones.
Return to Cairo
After an enriching day of discoveries, begin the drive back to Cairo in the late afternoon, arriving at your hotel in the evening. For travelers planning further exploration, this journey pairs well with other cultural Day tours in Egypt or, for a contrasting landscape, an adventure like the Bahariya & White Desert Safari Tour.

Note: You can let us know if you'd like to customize your tour itinerary to meet your needs. We value your input and aim to accommodate your requirements.

FAQs About El Minya Tour

An El Minya tour typically includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cairo, private transportation, a professional Egyptologist guide, entrance fees to listed sites, lunch during the tour days, and one night of accommodation in El Minya.

The drive from Cairo to El Minya generally takes around 4 to 5 hours each way, depending on traffic and road conditions. The overnight format makes the journey more comfortable and unhurried.

Yes. This Middle Egypt tour is ideal for travelers seeking deeper historical insight beyond the main tourist centers. It complements classic Cairo visits and offers a calmer, more local perspective.

The best time for an El Minya tour is from October to April, when temperatures are milder. Summer visits are possible but usually start early in the day to avoid midday heat.

El Minya is generally safe for tourists, especially when visiting with a licensed guide and organized transport. Guided tours ensure smooth access to sites and informed cultural interaction.