Egypt opens a legendary country: how much a tour to Nubia costs

By the winter season of 2026, authentic villages in the south of the country are fully ready to receive guests seeking an authentic ethnographic experience.

The main gem of the program was the island of Hissa on the Nile, located between the old and new Aswan dams. Here time seems to have stopped: the azure river surface, golden rocks, date groves and the visiting card of the region – traditional Nubian houses with domes, painted in bright, almost neon colors.

Tourists are offered not just to look, but to immerse themselves in everyday life: rent an eco-house, listen to live music, participate in national dances and taste local cuisine.

How to get from Hurghada

The distance is about 500 km. Experts warn that day trips to Nubia from Hurghada for pennies are almost always a scam. The real options are two:

1. Individual tour "turnkey" ($280-$400). A personal Russian-speaking guide and driver will pick you up at four in the morning. The route passes through Luxor with a short stop, and in Aswan you will be transferred to a colorful wooden motorboat, which will take you directly to Hissa Island or to the village of West Suhel. Maximum comfort, speed and no crowds.

2. Two-day combined tour ($130-$180 per person). The best budget choice. On the first day, you visit the Karnak Temple in Luxor and spend the night in a hotel. The program of the second day includes the Aswan Dam, the majestic Philae Temple and a boat trip to the Nubian village. The price includes accommodation, three meals a day, all tickets and guide services, writes “Turprom”.

Lifehacks from experienced

• Take a light windbreaker or palantine with you: a strong wind blows on Nile boats during walks between the islands.

• Do not buy spices, carcade and souvenirs on the first pier. Walk literally 200 meters deep into the village, and prices will fall by exactly half.