8-Day Egypt Tour: Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and Abu Simbel
From the Pyramids of Giza to the temples of Upper Egypt, experience the full sweep of ancient civilization along the Nile.
This 8-day Egypt tour from Cairo is designed for travelers who want a thorough, well-organized journey through the country's most iconic archaeological sites without the stress of planning logistics from scratch. Round-trip flights between Cairo and Aswan, three nights aboard a five-star Nile cruise, and four nights of hotel accommodation are all included. Entry fees to all noted sites are covered, keeping hidden costs to a minimum.
The itinerary moves through four major destinations, each representing a distinct chapter of Egyptian history. Cairo anchors the first and final days, offering access to the Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, the Valley Temple, and the Egyptian Museum. A domestic flight then connects you to Aswan, where the tour of Upper Egypt begins in earnest.
From Aswan, a five-star Nile cruise carries you north through Kom Ombo and Edfu before arriving in Luxor, passing through the Esna lock along the way. The cruise days are not simply transit; scheduled stops at riverside temples are built into each sailing day. An optional excursion to Abu Simbel, with its twin rock-cut temples dedicated to Ramesses II and Queen Nefertari, is available for travelers wishing to extend their experience further south.
The final day in Luxor covers the West Bank, including the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon, before a flight returns the group to Cairo. A dedicated day in Cairo then explores Coptic and Islamic heritage sites, rounding out a journey that spans thousands of years of continuous civilization.
Tour Highlights
Stand before the last remaining wonder of the ancient world at the Giza Pyramids and walk the grounds of the Great Sphinx and Valley Temple.
Sail the Nile aboard a five-star deluxe cruise ship for three nights, traveling from Aswan through Kom Ombo and Edfu to Luxor.
Walk through Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex ever built, and explore its 134-column hypostyle hall and ancient sacred lake.
Visit the twin temples of Abu Simbel, rock-cut masterpieces relocated to save them from the rising waters of Lake Nasser (optional excursion).
Explore the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank of Luxor, entering three royal tombs with vivid painted walls that have survived for millennia.
Discover the layered heritage of Cairo through visits to Coptic churches, a historic synagogue, and landmark mosques of the Islamic city.
Attend the Sound and Light Show at the Giza Pyramids for a dramatic evening presentation of ancient Egyptian history.
Itinerary Overview
Arrive at Cairo International Airport on a Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday to align with the Nile cruise schedule. A tour representative will meet you, assist with arrival formalities, and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to settle in.
Begin with the Giza Plateau, visiting the three great pyramids, the Valley Temple, and the Sphinx. The afternoon is devoted to the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, home to the world's largest collection of Pharaonic antiquities, including the treasures of Tutankhamun.
After breakfast, transfer to Cairo Airport for the domestic flight to Aswan. On arrival, an Egyptologist guide leads visits to the High Dam overlooking Lake Nasser and the island Temple of Philae, reached by motorboat. The evening includes a traditional felucca sail on the Nile before boarding the five-star cruise ship.
An optional early morning excursion by private vehicle to the Abu Simbel temples of Ramesses II and Queen Nefertari is available at an additional cost. Back on board, the cruise sails north to Kom Ombo, where the double-entry temple dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris is visited at sunset. The evening features a traditional Galabeya party on board.
Morning visit to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, considered the best-preserved cult temple in Egypt. The cruise continues north through the Esna lock to Luxor, where the afternoon brings visits to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. An onboard belly dancer performance closes the evening.
Disembark in Luxor for a West Bank morning covering the Valley of the Kings, the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon. After lunch, transfer to Luxor Airport for the return flight to Cairo and overnight hotel.
What Is Included
Included
- Round-trip domestic flights Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo
- Three nights aboard a five-star deluxe Nile cruise with full board
- Four nights hotel accommodation in Cairo with breakfast
- All airport and hotel transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking Egyptologist guide throughout
- Entry fees to all sites listed in the itinerary
- Felucca sail on the Nile in Aswan
- Sound and Light Show at the Giza Pyramids
- Onboard entertainment including Galabeya party and belly dancer show
Not Included
- International flights to and from Cairo
- Egypt entry visa fees
- Optional Abu Simbel excursion (additional cost)
- Camera fees inside tombs and temples
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on This Egypt Journey
Spots on this itinerary are limited by cruise capacity and guided group size. Secure your booking in advance to avoid disappointment, particularly during peak travel seasons in spring and autumn.
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