10 Days Cairo, Luxor, Aswan & Abu Simbel (Archaeology Tour)
Cairo → Luxor → Aswan → Abu Simbel
From / person$2,200
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12 Days Cairo, Alexandria, Nile Cruise & El Bahariya Oasis
12 Days Cairo, Alexandria, Nile Cruise & El Bahariya Oasis – See Egypt’s best landmarks. Book now for special offers and a once-in-a-lifetime tour!
12 Days / 11 NightsCairo → Alexandria → Nile → BahariyaDeparts every dayPrivate tourBest price guaranteed
From / person$2,5002 price options · 4★ to luxury
12 Days Cairo, Alexandria, Nile Cruise & El Bahariya Oasis1 / 20
A-wonderful-picture-of-one-of-the-eyes-in-Siwa
CairoDays 1–2
LuxorDays 3–4
Kom OmboDay 5
AswanDay 6
CairoDay 7
AlexandriaDay 8
CairoDay 9
BahariyaDay 10
CairoDays 11–12
Overview
Experience the best of Egypt on this 12-day luxury Egypt itinerary combining Cairo’s ancient wonders, a Nile cruise through Luxor and Aswan, the Mediterranean charm of Alexandria, and the stark beauty of the El Bahariya Oasis. Perfect for cultural explorers and history lovers seeking a deep dive into Egypt’s rich heritage, this Cairo and Nile cruise package offers expert-guided tours, authentic local experiences, and comfortable accommodations that bring Egypt’s past and present vividly to life.
Embark on a 12-day adventure that takes you through Egypt’s most famous ancient sites, followed by an exciting desert safari. From the Great Pyramids and King Tut’s treasures to the serene Nile cruise, this trip offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural wonders. Explore the beauty of Alexandria and experience the surreal landscapes of the White and Black Deserts.
Tour Duration12 Days 11 Nights
Tour TypePrivate Tour
AvailabilityEvery Day
Pick upCairo Airport
Trip highlights
- Explore the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Grand Egyptian Museum.
- Visit the majestic Karnak and Luxor Temples, and explore the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings
- Discover the dual temples of Kom Ombo and the Temple of Horus in Edfu
- Tour Alexandria’s famous library, Qaitbay Citadel, and Montazah Palace
- Experience the historic Citadel, the Mohamed Ali Mosque, and the charming streets of Old Cairo
- Enjoy overnight camping under the stars in the El Bahariya Oasis
- Go on an exciting safari through the surreal landscapes of the White and Black Deserts
Day-by-day itinerary
12 days · 6 cities
Welcome to Egypt! Upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our representative holding a sign bearing your name for easy recognition.From the terminal, you’ll be escorted to a private air-conditioned vehicle for a smooth and comfortable ride to your hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, your certified Egyptologist guide will meet you to begin your exploration of Giza’s legendary monuments.Your first stop is the Giza Plateau, home to the timeless Pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Stand before the Great Pyramid, one of the last surviving wonders of the ancient world, and admire the enigmatic Sphinx with its lion body and royal visage. You’ll also visit the Valley Temple, linked to ancient funerary practices and mummification ceremonies.Enjoy lunch at a well-rated local restaurant.Continue your tour at the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), one of the world’s largest archaeological museums, showcasing thousands of ancient treasures in a state-of-the-art setting. Discover monumental statues, royal relics, and everyday artifacts from Egypt’s extensive timeline, including items from the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms.After your visit, return to your hotel for the evening.Optional: Attend the captivating Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids—an evening experience that brings ancient stories to life under the stars.
After breakfast, transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor—once ancient Thebes and the capital of the New Kingdom.Upon landing, meet your local guide and explore the East Bank. Begin with the Karnak Temple, an immense religious complex devoted to Amun-Ra, featuring soaring columns, ceremonial lakes, and hieroglyphs.Next, visit the riverside Luxor Temple, famous for its grand pylons and the Avenue of Sphinxes that once connected it to Karnak.Later, board your Nile cruise ship and relax in your cabin as you prepare to sail through Egypt’s timeless heart.
Cross the Nile to discover Luxor’s West Bank, beginning with the Valley of the Kings—home to elaborately decorated tombs of pharaohs, including the famed burial of King Tutankhamun.Continue to the majestic Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, beautifully integrated into the surrounding cliffs.Conclude the morning with a visit to the Colossi of Memnon, two towering statues that once guarded the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III.Return to your cruise for lunch, followed by a relaxing afternoon sailing the Nile.Optional: Begin the day with an early morning hot air balloon ride over Luxor for panoramic views of its temples and tombs.
Start your day with a visit to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, an impeccably preserved sanctuary from the Ptolemaic era, dedicated to the falcon god.Sail onward to Kom Ombo, where you’ll explore the dual temple dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus. The symmetrical layout and unique carvings here are truly captivating. Don’t miss the Crocodile Museum, featuring mummified reptiles and religious artifacts.Later, enjoy a festive Galabeya Party onboard with music, local dress, and dancing.
After breakfast, I set out to explore Aswan’s top sites, starting with the High Dam, an engineering wonder that controls Nile flooding and generates electricity.Next, take a boat ride to the enchanting Temple of Philae, once threatened by rising waters and now relocated to Agilkia Island. This beautiful complex honors Isis, goddess of motherhood and magic.Return to your cruise ship for lunch and an afternoon at leisure.
Enjoy your final breakfast onboard, then transfer to Aswan Airport for your return flight to Cairo. After landing, you’ll be driven to your hotel where you can unwind or explore the capital independently.Optional: Take a day trip to Abu Simbel, one of Egypt’s most iconic archaeological sites, known for its colossal temples built by Ramses II.
After an early breakfast, journey north to Alexandria, the historic city by the Mediterranean Sea known for its Hellenistic heritage.Begin at the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, an underground necropolis blending Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman styles. Then, see Pompey’s Pillar, a massive Roman triumphal column, and the remains of the Serapeum Temple.Stop for lunch at a trusted local restaurant.Continue to the Citadel of Qaitbay, a medieval fortress built atop the ruins of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria. Then visit the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a sprawling library and cultural complex inspired by the ancient world-renowned library.Return to Cairo after the tour.Note: The Alexandria Library is closed on Fridays and public holidays.
Start your day with a visit to the Salah El-Din Citadel, an imposing fortress offering sweeping views of Cairo. Within its walls stands the striking Alabaster Mosque of Mohamed Ali, showcasing Ottoman architecture at its finest.Then, journey into Old Cairo to explore its rich religious heritage. Visit the Church of Abu Serga, believed to shelter the Holy Family during their time in Egypt, and the Hanging Church, perched above a Roman gate tower.Round out the day with a stop at the Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of the oldest in Egypt, reflecting the city's diverse spiritual tapestry.
Today, venture deep into Egypt’s Western Desert to El Bahariya Oasis, a fertile green basin surrounded by golden dunes.Explore a traditional desert village, see the mud-brick homes, and relax by natural hot springs. Visit archaeological sites such as the Valley of the Golden Mummies and the Greek-Roman necropolis, shedding light on life in ancient desert communities.Enjoy an authentic dinner and overnight stay in a desert camp beneath a starlit sky.
After an early start, set off for the remarkable landscapes of the White Desert, filled with wind-carved limestone formations resembling mushrooms and animals.Next, drive through the Black Desert, characterized by volcanic cones and basalt-strewn sands.Witness a dramatic desert sunset before returning to Cairo in the evening.
Savor a final breakfast at your hotel before being transferred to Cairo International Airport for your onward flight.Thank you for exploring Egypt with us—we hope to see you again!
Choose your package
Choose your comfort level — every package is 100% private with transport, a licensed Egyptologist and the hotels below. Per person sharing a double room, October – April (Christmas & New Year peak pricing on request).
Standard season · October – April
Choose 3★ Hotel No payment now — we confirm availability first
Hotels · Cairo
- Pyramid Front Hotel
- Giza Pyramids View Inn
- Pyramids Village Inn
Nile cruise
- Radamis I Nile Cruise
- A Sara Nile Cruise
- King Tut I Nile Cruise
El Bahariya Oasis
- Desert Camp
Standard season · October – April
Choose 4★ Hotel + Standard Cruise No payment now — we confirm availability first
Hotels · Cairo
- Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir
- Novotel Cairo El Borg
- Barceló Cairo Pyramids
Nile cruise
- Blue Shadow Nile Cruise
- Concerto Nile Cruise
- Nile Premium Nile Cruise
El Bahariya Oasis
- Desert Camp
Standard season · October – April
Choose 5★ Hotel + Deluxe Cruise No payment now — we confirm availability first
Hotels · Cairo
- Pyramids Park Resort Cairo
- Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo
- Hilton Cairo Heliopolis
Nile cruise
- Historia Nile Cruise
- Sonesta St. George Cruise
- Mövenpick MS Royal Lily Cruise
El Bahariya Oasis
- Desert Camp
FreeUnder 2
25%2 – 5 years
50%6 – 11 years
What's included
Included
- Meet and Assist Service by our representatives
- Accommodation in Hotels as per Itinerary
- 4 Nights Full-board Nile Cruise Accommodation
- Domestic Flight From Cairo to Luxor
- Experienced English Speaking tour guide throughout
- Private Air Conditioned Transport
- Entrance Fees to all Mentioned sites on Itinerary
- All Service Charges and Taxes
Not included
- Egypt Entry Visa
- Any items not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tipping
Booking & cancellation policy
Deposit & payment
- 30% deposit on booking, balance 15 days before arrival
- 50% deposit for Christmas, New Year and Easter dates
- Children: under 2 free · 2–5 years 25% · 6–11 years 50%
Cancellation
- 30+ days before: full refund minus fees
- 15–29 days: 25% fee · 7–14 days: 50% fee
- Less than 7 days / no-show: 100%
Frequently asked questions
The best time to travel to Egypt is during the winter months, from November to February, when temperatures are mild and comfortable for exploring outdoor attractions like the pyramids and temples. Avoid traveling during the peak of summer (June to August) when temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F) in many parts of the country.
To enter Egypt, tourists typically need:
Passport: Valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Visa: Depending on your nationality, you may need to obtain a visa in advance or upon arrival. Some nationalities are eligible for e-visas.
Travel Insurance: Recommended to cover medical emergencies and other unforeseen circumstances.
Vaccinations: While no specific vaccinations are required for entry, it's advisable to check with your healthcare provider for any recommended vaccinations.
Traveling to Egypt is generally considered safe for tourists. The country has taken significant measures to ensure the safety of visitors, especially around tourist sites and major cities. However, it's always advisable to check the latest travel advisories from your government and stay updated on local news and developments.
Decide Your Travel Dates and Budget
Determine when you want to travel and how much you are willing to spend. This helps narrow down your options for flights, accommodations, and tours.
Choose Your Itinerary and Destinations
Egypt offers many popular spots such as Cairo, the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor, Aswan, the Nile Cruise, Alexandria, and the Red Sea resorts. Decide which places you want to visit and for how long.
Find a Reliable Tour Operator or Travel Agency
You can book through a local Egyptian tour operator, an international travel agency, or online platforms that specialize in Egypt tours. Check reviews and ratings to ensure they are trustworthy.
Select a Tour Package or Customize Your Trip
Many companies offer pre-designed packages that include flights, hotels, transportation, and guided tours. If you prefer, you can also customize your trip based on your interests and budget.
Make a Reservation
Once you choose your package or itinerary, contact the tour operator to check availability. You will need to provide your personal details and pay a deposit or the full amount depending on the policy.
Prepare Your Travel Documents
Ensure your passport is valid and apply for an Egyptian visa if required. Confirm all bookings and print out your travel itinerary, hotel vouchers, and tour confirmations.
Pack and Get Ready
Prepare according to the weather and activities planned. Don’t forget essentials like comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and travel adapters.
Enjoy Your Trip!
On arrival, follow your itinerary, stay in contact with your guide or agency, and enjoy exploring Egypt’s rich history and culture.
Tipping, or "baksheesh," is a common practice in Egypt and is not usually included in the tour price. It's customary to tip service providers such as guides, drivers, and hotel staff. A good rule of thumb is to tip based on the level of service provided, typically around 10-15% of the bill or service cost.
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