10 Days Cairo and Nile Cruise and Alexandria with Abu Simbel

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Overview

  • Duration:10 days 9 nights
  • Tour Type:Classic Egypt Tours
  • Duration:10 Days / 9 Nights
  • Tour Type:Private Tours
  • Availability:Everyday
  • Pickup / Drop off:Cairo Airport
This expertly curated journey offers a complete and immersive exploration of Egypt, designed for travelers who want to experience the country’s history, culture, and landscapes in depth—without rushing. Beginning in Cairo, the tour traces Egypt’s story from its earliest dynasties to the modern era, combining iconic ancient monuments with living cultural traditions and refined comfort.

You will explore the legendary Giza Plateau, Egypt’s first capital at Memphis, and the revolutionary Step Pyramid at Saqqara, gaining a deep understanding of how ancient Egyptian civilization evolved. In Cairo, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization provides essential context, presenting Egypt’s history chronologically and offering rare insight into daily life, craftsmanship, and royal mummification.

The journey continues south to Upper Egypt, where a luxury Nile cruise reveals the grandeur of Aswan, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Luxor—home to Egypt’s most impressive temples and royal tombs. Highlights include the awe-inspiring Abu Simbel Temples, sunrise views from a hot air balloon over Luxor, and an enriching exploration of both Islamic and Coptic Cairo. A full-day excursion to Alexandria adds a Greco-Roman and Mediterranean dimension to the experience.

With carefully selected 5★ accommodations, expert Egyptologist guides, seamless domestic flights, and a well-paced itinerary, this tour delivers a comprehensive, comfortable, and culturally rich Egyptian experience from start to finish.
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Highlights

  • Arrive in Cairo with personalized meet-and-greet service and stay at a luxurious 5★ hotel.
  • Explore the Giza Pyramids, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Sphinx, and the Valley Temple.
  • Discover the origins of pyramid construction at Saqqara and visit Memphis, Egypt’s first capital.
  • Visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, showcasing Egypt’s history from prehistoric times to the modern era, including the Royal Mummies Hall.
  • Explore Islamic Cairo, including the Citadel of Salah El-Din and the bustling Khan El Khalili.
  • Fly to Aswan and begin a 5★ Nile cruise, visiting the High Dam and the island-set Philae Temple.
  • Experience the monumental Abu Simbel Temples, carved into the mountainside by Ramses II.
  • Sail the Nile to Kom Ombo Temple and Temple of Edfu, among the best-preserved temples in Egypt.
  • Enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor, followed by visits to the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple.
  • Take a full-day excursion to Alexandria, visiting the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Roman Amphitheatre, Pompey’s Pillar, and the Qaitbay Citadel.
  • Discover Cairo’s religious diversity with visits to historic Islamic and Coptic landmarks, including Ibn Tulun Mosque, Sultan Hassan Mosque, the Hanging Church, and Ben Ezra Synagogue.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

Upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, you will be met and greeted by our professional representative, who will assist you with arrival formalities. You will then be transferred in a private, air-conditioned car to your 5★ hotel in Cairo.

At the hotel, you will receive assistance with check-in and meet your dedicated tour manager, who will review the full itinerary, confirm timings, and answer any questions to ensure a smooth journey ahead. Enjoy a welcome drink and spend the remainder of the day at leisure, relaxing after your flight or enjoying the hotel facilities.

Overnight in Cairo

Day 2: Cairo – Giza Pyramids, Saqqara & Memphis

After breakfast at your hotel in Cairo, your Egyptologist guide and tour manager will meet you and escort you in a private, air-conditioned vehicle for a full day of sightseeing. Throughout the day, your transportation remains private, comfortable, and exclusively arranged for you.

Giza Pyramids

Visit the legendary Pyramids of Giza—Khufu (the Great Pyramid), Khafre, and Menkaure. These monumental structures, built over 4,500 years ago, served as tombs for the pharaohs. Learn about the advanced construction techniques, the alignment with celestial bodies, and the stories of the kings buried within.

The Sphinx

See the Great Sphinx, a monumental limestone statue with a lion’s body and a human head. Standing guard in front of Khafre’s Pyramid, the Sphinx is a symbol of strength, wisdom, and mystery, reflecting the grandeur of Egypt’s ancient civilization.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

After completing your Giza visit, your driver will transfer you in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to a local restaurant, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Egyptian lunch.

Step Pyramid of King Djoser – Saqqara

In the afternoon, drive south to Saqqara to visit the Step Pyramid of King Djoser. Designed by the architect Imhotep, this was the first pyramid ever built and marks the transition from mastaba tombs to monumental stone pyramids.

Memphis Open-Air Museum

Continue to Memphis, Egypt’s first capital. Visit the open-air museum, home to the colossal statue of Ramses II and other important relics that reflect Memphis’ former political and religious importance.

At the end of the day, your representative will drive you back in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel in Cairo, where you can relax after a rich and immersive day of discovery.

Overnight in Cairo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, Islamic Cairo & Bazaar

After breakfast, depart in a private, air-conditioned vehicle for a day dedicated to Cairo’s cultural and historical layers.

National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

Visit the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, a state-of-the-art museum that presents Egypt’s story from prehistoric times to the modern era. Unlike traditional museums, NMEC focuses on daily life, craftsmanship, beliefs, and social development. The highlight is the Royal Mummies Hall, offering an immersive and dignified presentation of Egypt’s ancient rulers.

Lunch

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your exploration.

Citadel of Salah El-Din

Explore the Citadel of Salah El-Din, a medieval fortress built to protect Cairo. From its elevated position, the citadel offers panoramic views of the city and insight into Egypt’s Islamic military history.

Khan El Khalili Bazaar

Stroll through Khan El Khalili, one of the oldest markets in the Middle East. Browse shops selling spices, lanterns, silver jewelry, and handcrafted souvenirs while experiencing Cairo’s vibrant street life.

Return to your hotel in Cairo by private, air-conditioned vehicle.

Overnight in Cairo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Fly to Aswan – High Dam & Philae Temple

After breakfast, you will be transferred in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to Cairo Airport for your domestic flight to Aswan.

Aswan High Dam

Visit the Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering achievement that controls the Nile’s annual flooding and created Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest man-made lakes.

Philae Temple

Take a scenic boat ride to Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. The temple was carefully relocated to Agilkia Island and is renowned for its graceful architecture and peaceful setting.

After sightseeing, board your luxurious 5★ Nile cruise ship. Enjoy lunch, dinner, and relaxation as the river gently flows by.

Overnight on Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Abu Simbel & Kom Ombo

Abu Simbel Temples

Depart early by private, air-conditioned vehicle to visit the Abu Simbel Temples. These monumental rock-cut temples were built by Ramses II and aligned with the sun in a remarkable astronomical feat. Their relocation during the 1960s remains one of the greatest archaeological rescue missions in history.

Return to the cruise and begin sailing along the Nile, enjoying lunch on board.

Kom Ombo Temple

Visit the Kom Ombo Temple, uniquely dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the falcon-headed god. The temple’s symmetrical layout and medical reliefs make it especially distinctive.

Enjoy sunset views and dinner as the cruise continues toward Edfu.

Overnight on Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Edfu Temple & Sailing to Luxor

After your delicious breakfast on board the cruise, our representative will company you in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to visit:

Temple of Edfu

Travel by horse and carriage to the Temple of Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Dedicated to the god Horus, the temple’s towering pylons and detailed reliefs vividly depict ancient religious rituals.

Sailing to Luxor via Esna Lock

Return to the cruise and continue sailing toward Luxor, passing through the Esna Lock — a fascinating example of modern river navigation.

Enjoy dinner and evening entertainment on board your cruise.

Overnight in Nile Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Luxor – Balloon Ride, West & East Bank – Fly to Cairo

At sunrise, enjoy a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over Luxor, offering panoramic views of temples, tombs, and the Nile River bathed in golden light.

Valley of the Kings

Visit the Valley of the Kings, burial ground of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs. The richly decorated tombs reveal ancient beliefs about the afterlife.

Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

Explore the Temple of Hatshepsut, a striking monument carved into limestone cliffs, honoring Egypt’s most influential female ruler.

Karnak Temple

Visit the vast Karnak Temple, built over more than 2,000 years and dedicated primarily to the god Amun.

Luxor Temple

Explore Luxor Temple, once the center of royal ceremonies and festivals.

Transfer by private, air-conditioned vehicle to Luxor Airport for your flight back to Cairo.

Overnight in Cairo

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8: Cairo – Full-Day Excursion to Alexandria

After breakfast at your hotel in Cairo, your tour manager and Egyptologist guide will meet you and escort you in a private, air-conditioned vehicle for a scenic drive north to Alexandria. Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria offers a unique blend of ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Mediterranean heritage.

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Begin your visit at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a striking modern landmark built as a tribute to the legendary ancient Library of Alexandria, once the greatest center of knowledge in the ancient world. The contemporary structure houses millions of books, museums, exhibitions, and cultural spaces, symbolizing Alexandria’s enduring role as a beacon of learning and intellectual exchange.

Roman Amphitheatre

Continue to the Roman Amphitheatre, one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in Egypt. This ancient performance venue reveals the Roman influence on Alexandria’s urban life and provides insight into entertainment and public gatherings during the Roman period.

Pompey’s Pillar

Visit Pompey's Pillar, a towering granite column standing over 25 meters high. Despite its name, the column has no connection to Pompey; instead, it was erected in honor of Emperor Diocletian and remains one of the most impressive Roman-era monuments in the city.

Citadel of Qaitbay

Proceed to the Citadel of Qaitbay, a 15th-century fortress built on the exact site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the citadel offers panoramic views and a powerful sense of Alexandria’s strategic maritime history.

Lunch in Alexandria

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor fresh Mediterranean flavors in a relaxed coastal setting.

In the late afternoon, begin your return journey to Cairo in your private, air-conditioned vehicle, arriving in the evening.

Overnight in Cairo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9: Cairo – Islamic & Coptic Heritage

After breakfast, depart your hotel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle for a comprehensive exploration of Cairo’s religious heritage, highlighting centuries of Islamic and Christian history coexisting within the same city.

Mosque of Ibn Tulun

Visit the Mosque of Ibn Tulun, one of the oldest and largest mosques in Egypt. Built in the 9th century, it is renowned for its unique spiral minaret, vast open courtyard, and simple yet powerful architectural design inspired by early Islamic traditions.

Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan

Continue to the Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan, a masterpiece of Mamluk architecture. Its monumental scale, soaring walls, and harmonious proportions reflect the political power and artistic achievement of medieval Cairo.

Al-Rifa’i Mosque

Visit the neighboring Al-Rifa'i Mosque, notable as the burial place of Egypt’s royal family and several foreign dignitaries. Its design complements Sultan Hassan Mosque while reflecting a later architectural era.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant before continuing your tour.

Hanging Church

Explore the Hanging Church, one of Egypt’s oldest Christian churches, built above the ancient Roman fortress of Babylon. The church is famous for its beautiful wooden ceiling and historic icons.

Church of St. Sergius (Abu Serga)

Visit the Church of St. Sergius, traditionally believed to have sheltered the Holy Family during their stay in Egypt. This site holds deep spiritual significance for Coptic Christians.

Ben Ezra Synagogue

Conclude your visit to Coptic Cairo at the Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of the most important Jewish religious sites in Egypt, reflecting Cairo’s long history of religious coexistence.

Return to your hotel in Cairo in a private, air-conditioned vehicle, ending a culturally rich and insightful day.

Overnight in Cairo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Final Departure

After breakfast, enjoy your final moments in Cairo. At the appropriate time, your representative will assist with hotel check-out and escort you in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to Cairo International Airport for your departure flight.

As your journey concludes, depart with unforgettable memories of Egypt’s ancient civilizations, religious heritage, and Mediterranean charm.

Meals: Breakfast

Includes/Excludes

  • Meet and Assist in the Airport.
  • All transport by private air-conditioned vehicle.
  • 6 nights in 4-star hotels and on a 3-night Nile River cruise.
  • Daily breakfast, lunches, and dinners (as per itinerary).
  • All transfers by private A/C vehicle; domestic flights (Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo).
  • Private Egyptologist guides throughout the tour.
  • 4-night full board Nile Cruise (including meals and excursions).
  • Visits to Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Saqqara, and Alexandria, including local bazaars and historic sites.
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off at Cairo International Airport.
  • Entertainment on board the Nile Cruise (e.g., Egyptian folkloric shows, Galabya party).
  • 24/7 support from the tour manager and staff during the tour.
  • International airfare to and from Egypt.
  • Visa cost for Egypt (if required).
  • All entrance fees to listed attractions are not included
  • Items like souvenirs, extra snacks, or beverages not listed in the itinerary.
  • Tipping for guides, drivers, and cruise staff (recommended but not included).
  • Health, cancellation, and baggage insurance (highly recommended but not included).
  • Optional excursions or activities not listed in the itinerary.
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary (e.g., some dinners or lunches outside of scheduled meals).
  • Additional charges for photography at certain sites.

All tour prices are listed in USD per person, per trip. Payments can be made securely online through our trusted payment gateway, with no additional fees or hidden surcharges. This ensures a clear and transparent pricing structure for every traveler.

Payment:

To secure your booking, we recommend reserving as early as possible so we can guarantee availability on your preferred dates. A 25% deposit is required to confirm your reservation, and this amount is deducted from your total balance. The remaining payment can be settled before or upon arrival, depending on the tour requirements.

Children Policy:

We welcome families with children and offer special rates based on age:

  • 0 to 5.99 years – Free of charge when sharing accommodation with parents
  • 6 to 11.99 years – Charged 50% of the adult rate
  • 12 years and above – Charged at the full adult rate

This policy ensures fair pricing for families while maintaining comfort and convenience throughout the trip.

Cancellation Policy

If your plans change, our cancellation policy applies as follows:

  • Less than 30 days before arrival: 100% of the tour price is charged
  • 31 to 60 days before arrival: 50% of the tour price is charged
  • 61 to 90 days before arrival: 15% of the tour price is charged

We recommend notifying us as early as possible in case of cancellation to minimize any applicable fees.

Frequently asked questions

Is Egypt safe to travel to?

Egypt is considered a safe destination for tourists, especially in major travel hubs like Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, and Sharm El Sheikh. These cities receive millions of visitors every year and have dedicated tourism police, well-secured attractions, and strict safety protocols. Tourist sites, hotels, and airports maintain high security standards, and local authorities continuously monitor major travel areas. As with any international trip, visitors should stay aware of their surroundings, follow their guide’s instructions, and use reputable travel companies. When you travel with a licensed operator, your itinerary, transportation, and local assistance are handled by professionals who prioritize safety at every step.

How can I book a tour?

Booking a tour is easy and flexible. You can reserve through our website booking form, send us an email, or simply contact us through WhatsApp for instant communication. Once you choose your preferred itinerary, our team will check availability, confirm all details, and guide you through the booking and payment process. We provide full trip information, what to bring, start times, and everything you need to prepare. You will also receive a confirmation voucher and emergency contact numbers for peace of mind. Our customer support team is available daily to answer questions and help you select the best options for your travel dates.

Can I edit or add anything to this tour?

Yes, all our tours are fully customizable. We understand that every traveler has unique interests, so we’re happy to adjust the itinerary based on your preferences. You can add extra sites, extend the tour, upgrade meal options, include special activities like a felucca ride or desert adventure, or even build a completely personalized route. If you have special requests—such as dietary needs, additional photo stops, or private guiding—we can arrange it. Just tell us what you want to change, and our team will tailor the experience to fit your schedule, pace, and travel style.

Which currency is most widely accepted on this tour?

The main currency used in Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), but most tourist services also accept U.S. Dollars (USD) due to their stability and popularity among travelers. Euros and British Pounds are commonly accepted in hotels, souvenir shops, and some restaurants. For small purchases such as drinks, snacks, or tips, we recommend carrying a bit of Egyptian Pounds. ATMs are available in most major cities, and currency exchange offices are easy to find. If you plan to pay for optional experiences, many vendors prefer USD or EGP, so having a combination of both is helpful.

Can I schedule a tour at any time of day?

In most cases, yes—you can choose the tour start time that best matches your itinerary. Full-day tours generally begin early to make the most of the cooler morning hours and avoid traffic, but late-morning and afternoon departures are possible depending on the destination. Some activities have fixed schedules; for example, sunrise hot air balloon rides in Luxor, evening Sound & Light Shows at the Pyramids, or specific temple opening hours. Our team will advise you on the best timing to ensure ideal lighting, fewer crowds, and the best overall experience, especially for photography or comfort during the hotter months.

Can I pay by credit card?

Yes, we accept credit card payments for most tours. Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly used, and payments are processed through secure online gateways to protect your information. Some services may also accept American Express depending on the provider. If you prefer, you can pay a deposit online and settle the remaining balance in cash upon arrival—either in USD, EUR, or EGP. We aim to make payment as smooth as possible, offering several methods so you can choose what works best for you.

Is tipping included in the tour price?

Tipping is usually not included in the tour price unless clearly stated. In Egypt, tipping (known locally as “baksheesh”) is a traditional part of the hospitality culture, and it’s a way to show appreciation for good service. Guides, drivers, hotel staff, and boat crew often rely on tips as part of their income. We can provide recommended tipping guidelines based on your tour type and group size, but the amount is always up to you. You are free to tip depending on your satisfaction with the service provided.

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