Planning a trip with a connecting flight? Several hours at a foreign airport can be such a drag. Luckily, there is a chance for you to divert on a short exploration of your transit country – on a layover tour.

Layover tours, also known as transit tours or airport tours, are a special type of tourist tours for passengers of transit flights who have several hours to spend in a third country between their flights. They are organized by airports, airlines, or special certified travel companies, and are generally available for free or for a giveaway price. Hub airports collaborate with tour service providers to offer same-day visits in the form of transit tours, which let passengers see the sights of the transit city for half a day or so.

As a general rule, you don’t need a visa to take airport layover tours, as you’re considered an “in-transit” passenger. However, not all countries and airports allow you to exit the airport on your transit time. It mainly depends on the country you arrive in and on agreements it has with your country of origin. In each particular case, the countries regulate which documents you need for traveling: you might not need a visa at all, but sometimes there is a transit visa or a regular visa requirement; your flight tickets and passport expiry date might also be checked. Finding out that you cannot leave the airport when you have psyched yourself up for an adventure is quite disheartening, so be sure to check in advance the possibilities, requirements, and travel documents.

Don’t forget about time: after all, you don’t want to miss the flight to your final destination, right? Transit tours are not recommended for less than two-hour connections. Keep track of time to be back at the correct terminal for your next flight.

You should also consider where to store your luggage, if applicable – some tours may not have room or allow you to bring your luggage with you.

To help you think through your possible connecting flights, we have assembled a list of top cities for a layout tour.

Seoul

If you have a long transit stay at Incheon International Airport, don’t miss a chance to have a taste of Korean culture. While we would argue whether a layout tour will be enough to explore Seoul, it will give you a snippet of the modern capital of South Korea with its spiritual temples, tranquil palaces, contrasted by modern skyscrapers.

Registration for layout tours can be made online or at transit tour desks at the Incheon International Airport.

Even if you don’t go out on a tour in Seoul, there is a Cultural Museum of Korea right at the airport – check it out if you have the time.

Tokyo

Joining one of the exciting transit activities and tours is a splendid way to experience some of the popular sights and sounds of Japan. The transit tours start at Tokyo Narita Airport and are led by volunteer travel guides in training. These tours are free, but you have to pay all transport and entry fees.

There are a variety of tours available, and the approximate duration is 3 hours. Registration is available at Narita Transit Tourism Counter during the day, or online. 

Cairo

If you have a connection at Cairo International Airport, you have a chance to see the Pyramids and the Sphinx on a half-day tour – quite naturally, they are the highlights on a short trip to Egypt. Other popular sights available include the Egyptian Museum, Old Cairo, and the Egyptian Bazaar.

Passengers with between 6 and 48 hours to wait between flights can leave the airport and explore the area without a visa. A valid onward flight ticket is required.

Dubai

Dubai is a great destination in itself, but also the perfect stopover for going to all kinds of other wonderful places around Asia. A transit in Dubai is the perfect opportunity to discover this rapidly changing international megapolis.

Generally, you will need at least six hours to take a two to three-hour city tour. You can book your layover tour online, or check with your airline.

Istanbul

If you have a connection for your flight in Istanbul with an over 6-hour transit, you can go out on a free tour to explore the colorful cultural city of Istanbul. The tours, organized by Turkish Airlines, include a visit to Blue Mosque, Hippodrome Square, the incredible Grand Covered Bazaar, and more.

Registration can be made at the Hotel Desk in the International Arrival Hall.

Nile

The Nile River is an opportunity to see the part of Egypt rightfully considered unique. Oases thrived along the river, fields, and valleys, passing by the coast, where the Egyptians cultivated their agriculture for thousands of years. While passing by, you’ll  see numerous buffaloes – on the Nile coast these guys graze, rest, lie in the sun and chew grass near the river. 

What a life to live!

You will also meet herons, ibises, and bitterns – they are crowded on the shore edge and look out for their prey in the water. 

Cruising is another kind of pleasure by itself. Imagine lying on a hammock by the pool all day, and when it gets too hot, you jump in the water. The bar is full of cooling drinks for your choice.

A cruise liner is a whole world of scrumptious food, evening entertainment programs, parties, and the opportunities to get to know people from different parts of the world.

What to see on the way? 

Abu Simbel 

On the west bank of the Nile is the tale of Abu Simbel, built by Ramses 2’s order. The Abu Simbel temple complex took only 20 years for Egyptians to build in the XIII century BC.

Outside, there are four statues of the Pharaoh, as well as giant ones decorated with detailed battle scenes. Raise your head, and you will see that they support the ceiling painted with broad-winged vultures.

Aswan 

Aswan is the southern city of Egypt on the picturesque bank of the Nile. There are palm trees and tiny felucca vessels. The local population are Nubians, representatives of a unique language and unusual culture. 

The city has a lot to offer. Here are some of the places to look at while hiding from the scorching sun: 

1. Botanical Garden

2. The dacha and mausoleum of the Aga Khan, the ruins of the Monastery of St. Simeon 

3. Nubian Museum

4. The oldest fragments of the Temple of Khnum

5. The ruins of the temple of Nectanebom II

6. Elephantine Island

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And more awaits in Cairo! Here is some to the list:

Cairo

7. Egyptian Museum with Pyramids

8. Alexandria: Royal residence and fort built from the ruins of the Lighthouse of Alexandria

And now a few tips that will probably save your nerves and health. Regardless of where your path lies in Egypt, always: 

Remember about your own safety and comfort. Wear white, light cotton or linen clothing. 

Wear a hat. Pick a nice one and never take it off (only sleep and shower), and be sure to take a water bottle for each person. 

Egypt loves money quite a lot since  tourism their gold mine. Do not be lazy to exchange $100 in the smallest bills for local money – trust us when we say that it will come in handy. 

Don’t forget to tip – it’s a key to a good service in Egypt. 

The country is quite militarized. Do not refuse inspections, although more often there are checkpoints and convoys for the repose of tourists. 

Get ready for tough acclimatization. But don’t panic – you’ll get used to it soon, the main thing, again, is to drink more water and protect your head from the sun.

No, really. Always protect your head!

Tourists in Egypt are often taken to various souvenir shops. Some of you will find their 30% presented decent-quality stuff, and the rest will overpay for evident cheapies. Yet, everyone will have to cough up. So wait when you leave – what you need can be sold at the airport, but cheaper, if that’s any consolation.

Don’t get mad at the intrusive trading – peacefully avoid it. 

Just one more thing about the sun. Buy a good SPF cream and smear it without regret. It makes sense to even take an umbrella with you. 

Nile cruise is something one can never get enough of.
Bring your friends or family. Bring your lover, as the cruise is a perfect place to propose, get married, and spend your honeymoon.