Private Tour .v. Private Time or Private Visit – Know the Difference Before You Book

You might think the difference between a “Private Tour” and a “Private Visit” (or “Private Time”) is obvious — but it’s not. I’ve read about some travellers who were disappointed after realising the difference too late.  These weren’t my clients, but I want to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.

What Is a Private Tour?

A Private Tour means the tour is just for you (and anyone you’re travelling with).  You’ll have your own vehicle, driver, and guide — no strangers joining in.

However, you’ll still be visiting the usual tourist sites during regular public hours (roughly 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and you’ll be sharing those sites with everyone else.  You will not have the site or monument to yourself.

What Is Private Time or a Private Visit?

If a tour or promotion offers Private Time or a Private Visit, that’s something entirely different.  It means exclusive access to a site or part of a site, with no other tourists around — often at times when the site is normally closed to the public.

Coming up from the Pit of the Great Pyramid, a special moment as they reach the top and the camera captures the joy of the climb.

There are two main types of Private Visit experiences:

1. After-Hours Access to Public Sites

For example:
You can book 2 hours of private time inside the Great Pyramid of Giza (also known as the Pyramid of Cheops or Khufu) outside regular visiting hours — anytime between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. — so your group is completely alone inside.

  • The Great Pyramid is usually open to the public from 7 or 8 a.m. (varies by season) to 5 p.m.

  • A Private Visit gives you access to:

    • The Queen’s Chamber

    • The Subterranean Chamber (also called the “Pit”)

    • The King’s Chamber — for the full two hours, without interruption

  • During normal visits, you’re typically allowed only 10–15 minutes inside the King’s Chamber

2. Access to Areas Normally Closed to the Public

Private Visits are currently allowed to almost every closed monument or restricted area in Egypt — even those that were never open before.  These include rarely seen inner sanctuaries, sealed tombs, and rooms behind locked doors at sites that may appear open on the surface.

Examples include:

  • The Osirion at Abydos
    – This was never open to visitors before private permissions were granted.  These visits are during the day as the Osirion remains off-limits to the public.

  • Inner sanctuaries at the Temple of Hatshepsut
    – Normally off-limits, but accessible with the correct permits.

  • Closed tombs like that of Thutmose III in the Valley of the Kings
    – Tombs in the Valley are opened on rotation to protect them from damage. If a tomb is closed to the public, it can sometimes still be accessed via Private Visit arrangements.

How Much Does Private Time Cost?

Starting around almost $3000 for one or two people and more per person added but it has variables.  These experiences are in very high demand, and some bookings are already being taken well into 2027.

At the moment (2025) if you are happy to join a small group, and you give me your proposed Cairo dates, I will link you up with others wanting to be inside the Gt. Pyramid without being rushed through it in a crowd, when possible.  Send me your Cairo dates and we can work your other sightseeing around a Private Visit small group visit.

Drop you Cairo dates to me at maraegypt@gmail.com.

If you would like clarity on some more aspects of travel in Egypt and understanding what you need to know before booking tours etc., read my complete travel guide