2-Day Trip to El Minya from Cairo

El Minya Off-the-Beaten-Path Tour from Cairo

2 Days Exploring Tuna El Gabal, Beni Hassan & Tel El Amarna

Step beyond the usual tourist trail and uncover the hidden heart of Upper Egypt on this immersive 2-day El Minya tour from Cairo. Travel south to a region rich in untouched archaeology, dramatic desert landscapes, and some of Egypt’s most fascinating ancient tombs—without the crowds.

This journey is ideal for history lovers, repeat visitors to Egypt, and travelers seeking an authentic and deeper connection to Ancient Egyptian civilization.

Tour Highlights

• Discover El Minya, the “Bride of Upper Egypt”

• Visit Tuna El Gabal and the famous Tomb of Petosiris

• Explore the rock-cut tombs of Beni Hassan

• Walk through Tel El Amarna, the city of Pharaoh Akhenaten

• Private tour with expert Egyptologist guide

• Comfortable overnight stay in El Minya

What’s Included

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Cairo or Giza

• Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour

• 1 night accommodation at a 4★ hotel (Aton Hotel or Siva Nefertiti Hotel) with breakfast

• Private English-speaking Egyptologist guide

• Entrance fees to all mentioned sites in El Minya

• Two lunches at local restaurants in El Minya

• Bottled mineral water during the tour

• All service charges and taxes

Not Included

• Personal expenses

• Tipping

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Cairo – El Minya – Tuna El Gabal

Your off-the-beaten-path adventure begins with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cairo or Giza. Travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle south to El Minya, approximately 4 hours from Cairo, passing through scenic agricultural landscapes of Upper Egypt.

Upon arrival, start exploring the region where Pharaoh Akhenaten is believed to have received his divine inspiration to establish his revolutionary capital. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in El Minya before continuing to Tuna El Gabal, one of the most intriguing archaeological sites in Middle Egypt.

At Tuna El Gabal, visit:

• The Tomb of Petosiris, a masterpiece blending Pharaonic and Greco-Roman styles

• The Ibis Catacombs, sacred burial tunnels dedicated to the god Thoth

• The Tomb of Isadora, dating back to the 2nd century AD, famous for its tragic love story and beautifully preserved inscriptions

After your visits, check in to your hotel in El Minya and enjoy a relaxing overnight stay.

Day 2: Beni Hassan – Tel El Amarna – Return to Cairo

After breakfast, head to Beni Hassan, home to some of Egypt’s finest Middle Kingdom rock-cut tombs. These tombs provide rare insight into daily life, military training, sports, and governance over 4,000 years ago.

Visit the tombs of:

• Bakhet III, Governor of the Oryx Nome

• Khnumhotep, a powerful governor during the 12th Dynasty under Amenemhat III

• Khety, dating back to the 11th Dynasty

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Tel El Amarna, the short-lived capital city of Pharaoh Akhenaten. Explore the Northern Tombs, including:

• The Tomb of Ahmose

• The Tomb of Huya, steward of Queen Tiye

Walk among the remains of temples, palaces, and tombs that reflect one of the most revolutionary periods in Ancient Egyptian history.

In the late afternoon, begin your drive back to Cairo, arriving at your hotel in the evening.

Why Choose This El Minya Tour?

• Rarely visited archaeological sites with no crowds

• Ideal for cultural travelers and history enthusiasts

• Private, personalized experience with expert guide

• Deep insight into Egypt’s Middle Kingdom & Amarna Period

• One of the best off-the-beaten-path tours from Cairo

Book Your El Minya Adventure Today

Discover a side of Egypt few travelers ever see. Limited availability—reserve now and experience Ancient Egypt beyond the classics.