Egypt Tour: Explore Cairo, Luxor & Nile Cruise Adventure

Egypt in 9 Days, 7 Nights in Destination

From $1,000 per person

Available 2025/26/27

Discover the timeless wonders of Egypt on this unforgettable 7-night journey, combining the vibrant capital of Cairo with the serene beauty of a Nile River cruise. Begin your adventure in Cairo, where you'll explore the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the mysterious Sphinx, and the treasures of the Egyptian Museum. Then fly to Luxor to embark on a 4-night cruise along the Nile, visiting ancient temples, tombs, and monuments that bring history to life. Highlights include the Valley of the Kings, the majestic Karnak and Luxor Temples, the grand Temple of Horus in Edfu, and the beautiful Philae Temple in Aswan. With expert-guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and breathtaking sights, this tour is the perfect way to experience the heart of ancient Egypt.

Trip highlights

• Cairo
• Luxor
• Nile Cruise
• Aswan
• Edfu
• Kom Ombo

Itinerary

Discover the timeless wonders of Egypt on this unforgettable 7-night journey, blending the bustling energy of Cairo with the tranquil elegance of a Nile River cruise. Your adventure begins in Cairo, where you'll witness the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza, the iconic Sphinx, and the fascinating artifacts of the Egyptian Museum. From there, fly to Luxor to embark on a 4-night cruise along the legendary Nile River, where history comes to life at every turn. Visit the Valley of the Kings, explore the monumental Karnak and Luxor Temples, marvel at the Temple of Horus in Edfu, and stand in awe before the Philae Temple in Aswan. With expert-guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and a thoughtfully designed itinerary, this tour offers the perfect introduction to the wonders of ancient Egypt.

Day 1: Departure USA - Night on board

Get ready to uncover the secrets of Ancient Egypt and immerse yourself in the rich culture of its most iconic cities. Arrive at your departure airport for check-in and board your flight to Cairo, where your adventure begins.

**Please note, if your flight departs before 4:00 a.m., you must arrive at the airport the night before. The order of excursions may vary due to internal flight schedules, traffic, or other logistical factors, but all planned visits will be fulfilled.

**You’ll have the option to add early check-in upon arrival and other optional services during the booking process, ensuring a seamless experience. For an even deeper journey into Egypt, you can also choose from a selection of additional optional excursions.

Day 2: Arriave Cairo

Touch down in Cairo and transfer to your hotel, where you’ll check in and settle in. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure. Wander through the vibrant streets of Cairo, where you can shop at the local souk, take in the bustling atmosphere, or indulge in some delicious Egyptian cuisine. With the majestic Great Pyramids in the backdrop, this is the perfect introduction to the wonders of Cairo. Enjoy your overnight stay in the city.

Day 3: Full Day Cairo City Tour

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a tour of Cairo’s most iconic landmarks. Start at the Giza plateau, home to the legendary three Great Pyramids, which were built over 4,500 years ago and are one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. As you explore the pyramids, you’ll learn about their rich history and walk in the footsteps of pharaohs. Next, visit the Great Sphinx, where you’ll continue to uncover the mysteries of Ancient Egypt. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or further immerse yourself in Egyptian culture. If you're keen to discover more, consider an optional visit to the spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum or a night tour of Cairo, where you can explore the city’s vibrant atmosphere and enjoy a traditional Egyptian dinner. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Cairo.

*Optional Visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum: Experience the wonders of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, a remarkable cultural destination that houses over 50,000 artifacts spanning 7,000 years of history. With its stunning views of the Pyramids, the museum features incredible highlights such as the Hanging Obelisk and the awe-inspiring Grand Gallery, offering visitors a truly unforgettable journey through Ancient Egypt’s rich heritage. This optional visit allows you to delve deeper into Egypt’s ancient past in one of the world’s most impressive museums.

**Optional Cairo by Night: Embark on a magical evening stroll through Cairo, exploring some of the city’s most beautiful spots, including Tahrir Square, the charming Zamalek district, the iconic Cairo Tower, and the cultural gem that is the Opera House. After soaking in the sights, head to a local restaurant to enjoy a delicious traditional Egyptian dinner. End the night with a visit to the famous Mirror Café, a beloved spot for both locals and visitors, where you can unwind and savor the vibrant atmosphere of Cairo by night.

Day 4: Cairo - Luxor

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, head to the port and board your Full-Board Nile Cruise Boat, your home for the next four nights. Settle into your cabin, enjoy lunch on board, and take in your first breathtaking views of the Nile. In the afternoon, begin exploring with a visit to the magnificent Temple of Karnak, a sprawling complex of ancient temples, columns, and chapels that once stood at the heart of Thebes. Continue to the impressive Temple of Luxor, dedicated to the Theban Triad of Amun-Ra, Mut, and Khonsu, and built by pharaohs Amenhotep III and Ramses II. Return to the cruise for a relaxing evening on board. For a memorable end to your day, consider the optional Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show*, where the ruins come alive with dramatic narration and stunning effects. Dinner and overnight on board.

*Optional Karnak Temple Sound and Light Show: Step into the past at Karnak, the largest open-air museum in Egypt. As night falls, experience the magic of pharaonic history through a captivating sound and light show. Walk among the ancient ruins as stories of gods and rulers unfold, illuminated by spectacular special effects that breathe life into this legendary site.

Day 5: Luxor - Edfu

Enjoy a full-board experience on board as you set off for one of Egypt’s most iconic archaeological sites: the Valley of the Kings. This legendary necropolis was the final resting place of the pharaohs from the 18th to 20th dynasties, where you'll explore three intricately decorated tombs carved deep into the desert rock. Continue to the awe-inspiring Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, dramatically nestled beneath towering cliffs at Deir el-Bahari—a stunning tribute to Egypt’s most powerful female pharaoh. Next, make a stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive seated statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that have stood guard for over 3,000 years. After a morning filled with ancient wonders, return to your ship and relax as you begin sailing towards Edfu. Overnight on board.

Note: The Valley of the Kings visit includes entry to three tombs. Entrance to the tomb of Tutankhamun is not included but can be purchased on-site if desired.

Day 6: Edfu - Kom Ombo - Aswan

Enjoy full-board service on board as your journey through ancient Egypt continues. This morning, disembark in Edfu and hop on a charming buggy ride to visit the remarkably well-preserved Temple of Horus, dedicated to the falcon-headed god of kingship and protection. Walk through grand halls and towering columns, soaking in the mythological stories etched into the stone walls. Return to the ship and sail south to Kom Ombo, where you’ll explore the unique twin Temples of Haroeris and Sobek—dedicated to the gods of healing and crocodiles, respectively. Marvel at the ancient Nilometer, an ingenious device once used to measure the Nile’s water levels and predict the success of the harvest. After the visit, return to the ship and enjoy a relaxing evening as you cruise toward Aswan. Overnight on board.

Day 7: Aswan

Enjoy a full-board day on board as your cruise reaches Aswan, one of the jewels of southern Egypt. Early risers have the option to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime excursion to Abu Simbel*, the awe-inspiring twin temples carved into rock by Ramses II. Back in Aswan, explore the city’s highlights with visits to the ancient granite quarries and the impressive Old and New Aswan Dams—major engineering feats that tamed the Nile's mighty floodwaters. Later, take advantage of another optional excursion to the Island of Philae**, where the beautifully preserved Temple of Isis stands as a tribute to the goddess of love and healing. Cap off the day with a serene felucca ride along the Nile before returning to the ship for dinner and a restful overnight stay.

*Optional Excursion to Abu Simbel: Discover the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel, carved into the western cliffs of the desert by Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BC. Admire the towering 20-meter statues guarding the entrance to the Great Temple, dedicated to the sun god Amon Ra, and explore the smaller yet equally magnificent Temple of Nefertari, honoring the goddess Hathor and Ramses II’s beloved queen.

Please note: This excursion departs around 3 a.m. to ensure a more comfortable experience during the coolest and quietest hours of the day, allowing you to take in the splendor of Abu Simbel without large crowds or high midday temperatures.

**Optional Island of Philae Excursion: Explore the enchanting Island of Philae, located in the reservoir of the Old Aswan Dam, and home to the remarkable Temple of Isis. This sacred site, dedicated to the goddess of love, healing, and magic, offers a deep dive into Ancient Egyptian mythology and spiritual life. Surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Nile, the island’s well-preserved structures and picturesque setting make it one of Egypt’s most captivating archaeological treasures.

Day 8: Aswan - Cairo

Breakfast on board. At the indicated time, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to soak in the lively atmosphere of Egypt’s capital. You might explore the fascinating Egyptian Museum, renowned for its vast collection of antiquities, or dive into the hustle and bustle of the city’s souks for a unique shopping experience. For those looking to discover more, an optional excursion to the historic Saladin Citadel is available*, offering panoramic views of Cairo and insights into the city's Islamic and Coptic heritage. Overnight stay in Cairo.

*Optional Excursion to Saladin Citadel: Visit the iconic Alabaster Mosque and the medieval Saladin Citadel, a 12th-century fortress with sweeping views over Cairo. Explore its rich Islamic history before continuing to the Coptic Quarter, home to some of the city’s oldest Christian churches.

Day 9: Transfer Airport for Departure Flight

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to board your return flight. Depending on your flight schedule, you may arrive back the same day or the following day. Please note that if your return flight departs early in the morning, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on your final day. Safe travels and thank you for joining us on this unforgettable journey through Egypt!

What the price includes

• Departures are available from JFK (Other major US airports may cost extra)
• 7 Nights of accommodation with Breakfast
• Lunch & Dinner (if mentioned in the itinerary)
• All transfers are provided in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles as outlined in the itinerary (Private transfer cost extra)
• All air taxes and fuel surcharge
• English Speaking Guide & Tour Leader
• All Entrance Tickets mentioned above in the itinerary

Included activities

• Pyramids of Giza & Cairo Tour
• Aswan Tour & Felucca Boat Cruise
• Highlights of Kom Ombo Tour
• Temple of Edfu & Luxor Highlights Tour
• Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut & Memnon Colossi Excursion
• Visit to the Karnak Temple Complex

Accommodation

• Ramses Hilton

Not included

Entry Visa (Required)*

Drinks, personal tips, and any services not mentioned in the “What’s Included” section.

A tourist visa is required and will be issued upon arrival in Egypt. The approximate cost is $25 USD per person (subject to change).

Mandatory tipping fee of $55 USD per person is required for the Nile Cruise portion of the trip. This must be paid at the destination and is not included in your tour price.

This is the only required tip on the tour.

Tipping elsewhere during your trip is optional but highly encouraged, as it is a significant part of Egyptian culture. Service providers may request tips—feel free to offer at your personal discretion.