Overview
Tour Description
This 8-day Egypt tour is for travelers who want the pyramids and the Nile without long road journeys. You fly from Cairo to Luxor and back from Aswan, so the travel days are short and the time goes on sightseeing. In between are four nights on a 5-star Nile cruise, sailing south past temples, palm groves and fishing villages.
A tour manager meets you at the airport, helps you with your entry visa and checks you into your hotel, and stays in touch with you through the trip.
Highlights
- The Great Pyramids, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum, with time for Khan el-Khalili
- Karnak and Luxor Temple on the East Bank
- The Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon
- A horse-drawn carriage ride to the temple at Edfu, and Kom Ombo at sunset
- Philae Temple in Aswan, by boat
- Optional extras: a sunrise balloon flight in Luxor and a day trip to Abu Simbel
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Cairo
Your tour manager meets you at Cairo International Airport, helps you get your entry visa and escorts you to your hotel in a private air-conditioned car. At the hotel he helps with check-in and confirms your pick-up times for the week. A welcome drink is included.
Overnight: Cairo hotel.
Day 2: Giza Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum and Khan el-Khalili
After breakfast your guide takes you to the Giza Plateau. You can walk, or ride a camel, from the Great Pyramid to the Sphinx and the Valley Temple. After lunch at a traditional Egyptian restaurant you visit the Grand Egyptian Museum and its complete Tutankhamun collection. If time allows, you finish at Khan el-Khalili, Cairo’s oldest bazaar.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch. Overnight: Cairo hotel.
Day 3: Fly to Luxor, Karnak and Luxor Temple
Your tour manager takes you to the airport for an early flight to Luxor, where you are met and driven to your 5-star Nile cruise. After lunch on board you visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank, then return to the ship for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Nile cruise, Luxor.
Day 4: Luxor West Bank
Early risers can add a sunrise hot air balloon flight (optional, extra cost). After breakfast you cross to the West Bank to see the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, built in the 15th century BC, and the Colossi of Memnon. The ship sails for Edfu over lunch, with afternoon tea on deck.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Nile cruise, Edfu.
Day 5: Edfu and Kom Ombo
In Edfu a horse-drawn carriage takes you through the town to the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Back on board, the ship sails to Kom Ombo, where you walk up from the river to the double temple of Sobek and Horus, with its two entrances, two halls and two sanctuaries. You sail on to Aswan over dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Nile cruise.
Day 6: Aswan and Philae Temple
A day in Aswan, the most relaxed city on the Nile. You take a boat to Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis and rebuilt on Agilkia Island when the dam was built. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the ship or walk along the Corniche.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Overnight: Nile cruise, Aswan.
Day 7: Optional Abu Simbel, then fly to Cairo
You can start the day with an optional group trip by coach to Abu Simbel (about $80 per person). After breakfast you leave the ship and fly back to Cairo, where you are met and taken to your hotel for your last night.
Meals: Breakfast. Overnight: Cairo hotel.
Day 8: Fly home
Breakfast and some free time in Cairo, then a private transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast.
Included and Excluded
- Meet and assist on arrival and departure
- Domestic flights Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Cairo
- 3 nights in Cairo with breakfast
- 4 nights on a 5-star Nile cruise, full board
- All transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- Entrance fees to all sites in the itinerary
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- Bottled water during tours
- All service charges and taxes
- Hot air balloon flight in Luxor (optional)
- Abu Simbel trip (optional)
- International flights and Egypt entry visa
- Optional tours
- Drinks on the cruise and at hotels
- Tips for guides, drivers and crew
- Personal expenses
Prices:
What will it cost you?
Prices per person change with the season and how many of you travel. Set yours and see the real number — no email needed.
Note:
All the accommodation in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan hotels and Nile cruises are 5* ultra deluxe accommodations
Tour Attractions
FAQs
How much does the 8-day pyramids and Nile tour by air cost?
From $6,500 per person sharing a double room from May to September, and $8,500 per person from October to April. Single travelers pay $8,500 in summer and $10,500 in winter. Domestic flights are included.
Can I add Abu Simbel and the balloon ride?
Yes. Both are optional. Abu Simbel can be added on day 7 by group coach for about $80 per person, or privately for a higher fee. The Luxor balloon flight can be added on day 4.
Do you help with the Egypt visa on arrival?
Yes. Your tour manager meets you before passport control and helps you get your visa. US and UK passport holders can also apply online for an e-visa before travel.
What is the difference between this tour and your other 8-day Nile cruise tours?
This one keeps the price lower by making Abu Simbel and the balloon ride optional. If you want both included, see our 8-day luxury tour with the Grand Egyptian Museum and Nile cruise.
How many days do I need in Egypt?
8 to 10 days for Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and a Nile cruise.
