For the first time since 2017, Bunnik Tours has led Australian agents through the temples, tombs and traditions of Egypt with a famil itinerary created to demonstrate the core elements of Bunnik’s small group touring style.
Delivered in partnership with Emirates, the eight-day trip brought together nine agents from across Australia to walk in the footsteps of pharaohs—and gain a deeper understanding of how Bunnik Tours delivers its small group touring product in the Middle East.
Egypt has long been a core destination for the family-run tour operator, with the three founding Bunniks collectively clocking over 50 visits. This was their first trade famil to the region in eight years.
From Cairo to Luxor—with a few “eyes closed” moments
The famil followed a condensed version of Bunnik’s Highlights of Egypt itinerary, starting in Cairo with a stop at the Great Pyramids of Giza and a panoramic lunch at the 9 Pyramids Lounge—an experience included on all Egypt tours.
Agents were also among the latest to visit the new Grand Egyptian Museum, now the world’s largest archaeological museum and home to more than 100,000 ancient treasures.
A domestic flight took the group to Abu Simbel for one of the most talked-about moments of the trip.
“Our local guide, Bassem, walked us down to the temples with our eyes closed, making sure we didn’t look until we were right in front of them,” said Sally-Anne Matthews, Bunnik Tours Business Development Manager, who hosted the trip.
“There was this collective silence when we arrived. We were all so moved and grateful to share something so powerful together. It’s the kind of travel moment that stays with you for life.”
Sailing the Nile, wearing galabayas and ballooning at dawn
From Abu Simbel, the group travelled to Aswan to board the Mövenpick MS Lily for a three-night cruise along the Nile—complete with stops at Kom Ombo and Edfu, and a festive galabaya night onboard.
In Luxor, agents visited the Valley of the Kings, including the Tomb of Tutankhamun, before rising early for a hot air balloon ride over the West Bank—another Bunnik signature experience.
“Egypt is an incredible destination,” said Matthews. “There were so many ‘pinch me’ moments, from standing before the Great Pyramids of Giza to sailing down the Nile. The early morning hot air balloon ride over the West Bank was a definite highlight for all of us – it was truly unforgettable.”
Agents flew with Emirates via Dubai, giving them the chance to experience the airline’s service and connectivity to Egypt.
“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” Matthews said. “This famil has not only strengthened our relationships with key trade partners – it’s reignited their passion for Egypt and shown them the Bunnik difference.”
Meanwhile in Europe: 2026 tours drop early with luxe options
Back home, Bunnik Tours has also released its first wave of Europe itineraries for 2026—headlined by the return of its In-Style small group tours to Morocco and Türkiye.
These deluxe itineraries, capped at 16 guests, feature higher-end inclusions like high tea at the Pera Palace or a night in a luxury desert camp. It follows strong demand for more indulgent travel, while retaining Bunnik’s trademark small group size and locally immersive style.
More tours, more shoulder season, more early bookings
This early release—Bunnik’s earliest ever—includes 12 itineraries and 87 departures across Europe and the Caucasus. It comes as lead times for 2025 bookings stretch to 8–10 months, a trend expected to grow.
“Two thirds of our Europe departures in this first release fall within the off-peak periods between March and May, and September to October, when it’s less crowded and the weather’s milder,” said Joint-CEO Dennis Bunnik.
“We’re seeing a growing number of guests upgrading to business class or choosing our In-Style tours for a more elevated and rewarding travel experience.”
Caucasus comeback: Georgia and beyond
Bunnik continues to lead the charge in lesser-known destinations, with Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan maintaining popularity. Two additional departures have been added for 2026.
“These regions are ideal for travellers seeking unique cultural experiences, spectacular scenery and – in Georgia’s case – an emerging reputation as one of Europe’s most colourful and diverse foodie destinations,” Bunnik said.
“Small group touring is where the magic really happens — it’s personal, it’s flexible, and it gives people space to connect with a destination at their own pace.”
What’s on sale now: key itineraries at a glance
In-Style Tours (includes airfares)
• Morocco In-Style – 16 days from $13,495 p/p twin share
• Türkiye In-Style – 14 days from $14,995 p/p twin share
Classic Tours (includes airfares)
• Georgia, Armenia & Azerbaijan – 22 days from $12,795 p/p twin share
• Helsinki to Prague – 22 days from $15,495 p/p twin share
• Jewels of Dalmatia – 22 days from $14,995 p/p twin share
• Moroccan Discovery – 22 days from $14,995 p/p twin share
• Spain In Depth – 22 days from $16,895 p/p twin share
• Türkiye In Depth – 19 days from $11,895 p/p twin share
Short Tours (land-only)
• Alpine Discovery – 20 days from $17,995 p/p twin share
• Austria, Slovenia & Croatia (Christmas Markets) – 10 days from $5,995 p/p twin share
• Best of Andalucia – 9 days from $5,295 p/p twin share
• Croatia & Slovenia – 10 days from $6,595 p/p twin share
More departures will be released in the coming months as demand builds.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Bunnik’s first Egypt famil since 2017 strengthens trade ties and spotlights small group touring. Meanwhile, early demand drives a fast-tracked Europe 2026 launch with luxe upgrades, shoulder season focus and expanded options in emerging destinations.
