Egypt Tour: Cairo, Alexandria, and Nile Cruise

Egypt Tour: Cairo, Alexandria, and Nile Cruise

Tour Details

Duration

Duration

12 Days
pickup

Pickup & drop off

Cairo Airport
location

Location

Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan
Duration

Availability

Everyday
tour type

Tour Type

Private
guide

Guide

En, Fr, De, It, Es, Ru, Nl

Overview

Join this immersive Egypt tour  Cairo, Alexandria, and Nile Cruise that covers Best attractions in Cairo, Alexandria, and a luxuary Nile cruise, guided by an expert Egyptologist who will bring the ancient wonders of Egypt to life.

Start your adventure with a Nile cruise from Luxor and discover the magnificent temples and tombs of Luxor, Edfu, and Aswan. Then, marvel at the iconic Pyramids of Giza and other highlights of Cairo, the oldest Wonder of the Ancient World. Next, travel to Alexandria, the Pearl of the Mediterranean, where you can enjoy the coastal charm, visit the Roman catacombs, and see the famous library. End your trip in Cairo with a visit to the Coptic Quarter and the Khan El Khalili Bazaar, where you can shop for souvenirs and experience the local culture.


Tour Highlights

Cairo

The Egyptian Museum

Citadel of Saladin

Alabaster Mosque

Old Cairo

Giza

Giza Pyramids

Sakkara Step Pyramid

The Great Sphinx

Luxor

Karnak Temples

Luxor Temple

Valley of the Kings

Hatshepsut Temple

Aswan

Philae Temple

Abu Simbel Temples

Edfu Temple

Kom Ombo Temple

Alexandria

Qaitbay Citadel

Pompey's Pillar

The Catacombs

Alexandria Library


Tour Inclusion:

Accommodation for 7 nights Nile cruise on a 5-star ship with full board.

Accommodation for 4 nights in Cairo at a 5-star hotel with breakfast.

Lunch every day in Cairo and Alexandria.

All trips in comfortable and air-conditioned vehicles.

Private Egyptologist tour guide.

All entrance fees to the mentioned attractions.

All service charges and taxes.

Tour Exclusion:

The flight costs (We are happy to book the flights for you).

Entry visa.

Sightseeing not included in the program.

Excursion to Abu Simbel (optionally bookable).

Tipping.


Tour Itinerary

Your Egypt tour: Cairo, Alexandria, and a Nile cruise. You will start your adventure by flying to Cairo, where our tour guide will greet you and help you with immigration and visa procedures. Then, you will take another flight to Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes. There, our guide will escort you to your 5-star Nile cruise ship. You will spend your first night on board, enjoying the view of the stars over Luxor and anticipating the amazing days to come.

Note:

A qualified Egyptologist, your tour guide, will be with you on board and lead the sightseeing tours during your Nile cruise in Egypt.

You will start your day with a delicious breakfast on board, before heading out to explore the wonders of Thebes-West with a professional guide. You will visit:

Valley of the Kings

Valley of the Kings

The Valley of the Kings is a portal to paradise and was used by the greatest Kings and Queens of Egypt’s new Kingdom between 1570 and 1070 BC. The Valley of the Kings holds the resting place of some of the most important Pharaohs such as Ramses II, Hatshepsut, Amenhotep I, and Tutankhamun. As well it contains 63 Tombs filled with amazing statues, artifacts, treasures, and remarkable decorations. In 1979 the Valley of the Kings became a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Leaving this unique valley and its magical atmosphere, you’ll proceed to another enchanting location:

Hatshepsut Temple

Hatshepsut Temple

The Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut dates back to the 18th Dynasty, 1470 BCE. She had her impressive terraced temple built by the architect Senenmut. She was always portrayed as a man, as clearly seen in the well-preserved statues in the temple. In Christian times, a monastery was built on the temple, which was in use until the 11th century. In the 19th century, the monastery ruins were dismantled.

Enjoy the view from the temple terraces overlooking Luxor and the Nile Valley. The journey continues with a visit to:

The Colossi of Memnon

The Colossi of Memnon

The Colossi of Memnon are two adjacent ancient Egyptian colossal statues, approximately 18 meters high, from the 14th century BCE. Both statues represent Amenhotep III and were located at the entrance of his temple.

Afterwards, you will be escorted back to your ship.

Following lunch on board, the ship departs towards Edfu through the Esna Lock.

(In the afternoon, there is no scheduled program. Simply enjoy the cruise from Luxor to Edfu. You have ample time to relax on the sun deck. Choose your favorite spot on the ship and let the typical Egyptian Nile landscape unfold before you.)

Tip of the Day: Today, you have the option to take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise over Thebes-West, enjoying a unique view of Luxor’s ancient treasures. (optional)

On board, you will enjoy a delicious breakfast to start your day. Then, you will explore one of the most well-preserved temples in Egypt, the:

Edfu Temple

Edfu Temple

A majestic Temple dedicated to the Horus Edfu Temple is considered by most to be the best-preserved cult Temple in Egypt. According to the Egyptian myths, the Temple was believed to be the place where Horus the falcon-headed God revenged the murder of Osiris his Father by killing Seth.

Next, you will sail to Kom Ombo and visit the

Kom Ombo Temple

Kom Ombo Temple

This is the only double temple in Egypt, honoring the Crocodile God Sobek and the Falcon God Horus. The temple was buried in sand for a long time, with more than half of it covered. It was excavated and restored in 1893. The temple dates back to the Greek period from 304 to 31 BCE, and hundreds of mummified crocodiles were found near the temple.

Finally, you will cruise along the Nile until you reach Aswan.

After your breakfast on board, enjoying the view of the beauty and atmosphere of the city of Aswan with its green islands and red granite rocks, you will embark on an excursion around the city. The first stop is a boat trip to the Nile island of Agilika, where the enchanting:

Philae Temple

Philae Temple

The Philae or Isis Temple originally stood on Philae Island south of Aswan. However, due to the construction of the High Dam, the temple was submerged for several months each year. To preserve it, the temple was relocated to the neighboring island of Agilika from 1977 to 1980. In 553 AD, the temple served as a church, leading to significant damage to many reliefs.

Following this, you will visit the impressive High Dam, which impounds the Nile to create Lake Nasser, having both positive and negative impacts.

The High Dam

The High Dam

Initiated by President Nasser, the construction of the High Dam lasted from 1960 to 1971, resulting in one of the world’s largest reservoirs, stretching 500 km in length and 32 km at its widest point. The dam is over 3800 meters long, 111 meters high, with a base width of 980 meters, and approximately 40 meters wide at the top.

Tip of the Day: This afternoon, you have the opportunity to take an optional excursion to the beautiful botanical garden on Kitchener Island and visit a Nubian village, experiencing the hospitality of the locals.

Today, you have the extraordinary opportunity to embark on an unforgettable private excursion to Abu Simbel or enjoy a free day in Aswan.

The Abu Simbel Temples

The Abu Simbel Temples

Constructed by Ramses II in 1260 BCE, remained buried under the sand until 1817 when the Italian explorer Belzoni unearthed them. The Ramses Temple extends 60 meters directly into the rock and stands at a height of 30 meters. The Temple of Nefertari is 21 meters deep and 12 meters high. After the construction of the dam, both temples were elevated approximately 62 meters higher from 1964 to 1968 to protect them from the reservoir’s flooding.

The excursion to Abu Simbel begins early in the morning. You will travel in a private vehicle with your private tour guide through the desert, witnessing the sunrise during the journey. On the way back from Abu Simbel, you will have the opportunity to admire the Mirage.

As the sun rises, you embark on your ship and begin your journey down the Nile. You have a full day to enjoy the cruise and admire the scenery. The river is full of life and activity: you can see fishermen throwing their nets, farmers herding their water buffalos, women doing laundry, and children greeting you with smiles. Relax on the sun deck and savor your memories of the amazing places you have visited. Experience the beauty and tranquility of the Nile as you sail back from Aswan to Luxor!

After breakfast on board, you will explore the magnificent Karnak Temple with your guide:

Luxor Temple

Luxor Temple

situated in the heart of the city. Built by Amemophis III and Ramses II, it includes a chapel added by Alexander the Great for the ancient Egyptian gods. The Opet Festival, a crucial event in Thebes, was celebrated here. Notably, the Luxor Temple connects to the Karnak Temple via the Sphinx Avenue.

After the last exploration, you’ll be returned to the ship, and the remainder of the day is yours to explore Luxor along the Corniche or explore the old town.

Tip of the day: In the evening, you have the option to experience the fascinating Sound and Light Show at Karnak Temple. (optional)

Karnak Temple

Karnak Temple

It is the largest temple complex ever built, dedicated to the holy family of Thebes: Amun-Re, his wife Mut, and their son Chonsu. The temple took over 2000 years to complete, with one of its highlights being the Great Hypostyle Hall featuring 134 papyrus columns, initially constructed by Sethos and later completed by Ramses II.

Following this, you’ll visit another immortal structure in Luxor:

After breakfast on the ship, you’ll disembark, bidding farewell to Luxor, the City of Palaces. You’ll be transferred to Luxor Airport for a flight to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, your guide will greet you at the airport, and the first highlight of the capital awaits – a visit to:

Giza Pyramids Complex

Giza Pyramids Complex

This truly legendary historical Destination was constructed during the Reign of the 4th dynasty. Today this Monumental Site is still impressed by millions of Egyptian visitors as one of the World’s Wonders. Three significant massive Pyramids of Stone are the most remarkable Monuments on the site and the largest one of them is the Pyramid of Cheops which is Built of 2,300,000 blocks of stone and dedicated to Pharaoh Khufu.

Following this, you’ll explore:

The Great Pyramid

The Great Pyramid

The Great Pyramid is a heavenly stairwell leading to an unreal Paradise that was built for King Khufu from 2609 BC to 2584 BC, the Pyramid offers him a gateway into his rightful place with the Gods of ancient Egypt and stands at 147 m and obtain an impressive number of 2.3 million Limestone blocks to contain several rooms such as the King’s chamber, the Queen’s chamber, the Grand Hall, and various more rooms.

You’ll also explore:

The Great Sphinx

The Great Sphinx

The Great Sphinx is the largest guardian of the royal cemeteries at the Giza Complex which is believed that it is dedicated to Pharaoh Khafre. The Famous Sphinx came to be known worldwide because of its unique shape of a Lion and the Head of a Human which symbolizes strength and wisdom, making it truly an abnormal Structure. “Sphinx” in the Greek Language is translated to be “Ssp Ankh” an Ancient Egyptian word meaning the living image and this explains its own Structure.

After the pyramid and Sphinx visit, enjoy an oriental lunch at a local restaurant. Strengthened, you’ll proceed to:

Saqqara Step Pyramid

Saqqara Step Pyramid

No visit to the Giza Complex is complete without the impressive first ever built Pyramid in Egypt. Saqqara Step Pyramid is the most remarkable achievement of King Djoser which had been structured within the period of the 3rd dynasty. This stepping stone building consists of 6 marvelous layers and stands at 203 feet.

After the day’s final activity, you’ll be transported to your 5-star hotel. Your guide will assist with check-in, allowing you to unwind and reflect on this eventful day in the luxurious surroundings of the hotel.

Today, the morning is dedicated once again to the Pharaohs. After breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up to visit the impressive:

The Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo, opened to visitors in 1902, is the world’s largest museum for ancient Egyptian treasures. It houses a unique collection of artifacts spanning 5000 years of Egyptian history. Particularly impressive are the famous golden treasures of Tutankhamun. If you wish, you can also visit the mummy room, where, among others, Ramses II lies.

After the museum visit, you’ll gain insight into Cairo’s Islamic culture. You will explore the majestic:

Saladin's Citadel

Saladin's Citadel

The Citadel of Saladin is one of the few remaining fortified structures in Cairo. Built between 1176 and 1183 AD by Saladin to better defend the city against Crusader attacks, the citadel, perched on a small hill, offers a magnificent view of the capital, Cairo. This medieval relic from the time of the Crusaders will leave you in awe.

Within Saladin’s Citadel lies one of the city’s most beautiful structures, the:

Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali

Alabaster Mosque of Muhammad Ali

The Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali is one of Egypt’s largest mosques, built between 1830 and 1880. The minarets stand at 82 meters, and the dome reaches a height of 52 meters. The interior walls are clad in alabaster, and the columns are made of solid alabaster. The entire mosque presents the perfect combination of majesty and beauty.

After your guide’s detailed explanations, you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in downtown Cairo, followed by a return to your hotel.

Today, you will embark on an excursion to the second-largest city in Egypt – Alexandria, the Jewel of the Mediterranean.

You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning in a comfortable private vehicle for a approximately 3-hour drive to Alexandria. Upon arrival in the city of Alexander the Great, you will immediately sense its distinctive Mediterranean atmosphere.

Your first destination, guided by your travel expert, is the renowned:

Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

Built in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, the catacombs form the largest known Roman burial site in Egypt and are one of the last major constructions dedicated to the religion of ancient Egypt. They were discovered by chance in the early 20th century.

Following the exploration of the catacombs, your city tour continues to the impressive:

Pompey's Pillar

Pompey's Pillar

The Pompey’s Pillar is a Roman triumphal column that was established around 300 AD to honor the Roman Emperor Augustus Diocletian. The Monument was made from red granite and it measured around 100 feet tall.

Then you will visit:

Qaitbay Citadel

Qaitbay Citadel

Constructed by Sultan Ashraf Qaitbay from 1477 to 1479 on the ruins of the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos), the citadel served as a defensive fortress on the Mediterranean coast.

The final highlight of the day in Alexandria is the visit to:

The Library of Alexandria

The Library of Alexandria

Opened in 2002 near the site of the ancient Library of Alexandria, it boasts 2000 reading seats and shelf space for 8 million books.

After this intriguing program and a glimpse into the millennia-old history of Alexandria, enjoy lunch at a charming local restaurant before returning to Cairo and your hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will pick you up for a day trip to the historic Old City of Cairo. First, you will visit:

The Coptic Quarter

The Coptic Quarter

The Coptic Quarter in Cairo was built on an ancient Roman fortress. Here, you can visit the St. Sergius Church (the oldest church in Cairo), the Hanging Church, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue.

As you make your way through Old Cairo, you’ll come across many beautiful mosques, including the impressive:

Ibn Tulun Mosque

Ibn Tulun Mosque

It is the largest mosque in Cairo and is considered the oldest mosque in its original form. The mosque was built from 876 to 879 under Ahmad Ibn Tulun.

You’ll have lunch at a local restaurant in the city, and then take a stroll through El Muizz Street, one of the oldest streets in the city located in the medieval part of Cairo. It has the highest concentration of medieval architectural treasures in the Islamic world and showcases many beautiful old mosques.

The conclusion of the walk includes a visit to Egypt’s largest souk, the popular:

Khan El Khalili Bazaar

Khan El Khalili Bazaar

This souk (market) dates back to the 14th century and is considered the largest market in Africa, offering everything you would imagine in an oriental market. The bazaar also houses many coffee houses with magnificent arches and vaulted ceilings, the highest example of Mamluk and Ottoman architecture. Enjoy your tea or coffee in the unique atmosphere and let your day wind down.

After the last activity, you will be taken back to your hotel.

Today, unfortunately, it’s time to bid farewell to Egypt! You’ll have a transfer from your hotel to Cairo Airport and fly back home.


Tour pricing

Summer (June 1st to September 15th)Winter (September 16th till May 31st)
Single Room / Cabinfrom US$ 1905 from US$ 2495
Double Room / Cabinfrom US$ 1225from US$ 1550
5* Standard
Hotel in Cairo: Cairo Pyramids Hotel, Ramses Hilton Cairo
Nile Cruise: MS Emilio, MS Royal Esadora, MS Crown Prince
Summer (June 1st to September 15th)Winter (September 16th till May 31st)
Single Room / Cabinfrom US$ 2400from US$ 3610
Double Room / Cabinfrom US$ 1490from US$ 2175
5* Deluxe
Hotel in Cairo: Steigenberger El Tahrir, Sofitel Nile El Gezirah
Nile Cruise: MS Steigenberger Legacy, MS Esmeralda, MS Amwaj
  • The prices are per person and are valid year-round except for Easter, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
  • The mentioned hotels are our suggestions; if you consider another hotel, please let us know, and we will book it for you.


Send Enquiry

    Success! Your message has been sent to us.
    Error! There was an error sending your message.
    Success! Your message has been sent to us.
    Error! There was an error sending your message.

    Tour Map