9-Day Egypt Travel: Cairo and Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor
Pyramids, pharaohs, and the Nile — nine days through the heart of ancient Egypt
This 9-day Egypt Nile cruise and Cairo tour takes you from the iconic monuments of Cairo to the temples and tombs lining the Nile, guided at every step by certified Egyptologist guides with over 50 years of combined expertise in the field.
The journey begins in Cairo, where you explore the Giza Pyramids, Saqqara Necropolis, and the open-air museum of Memphis before heading north to Alexandria's layered Greco-Roman heritage. A sleeper train then carries you south to Aswan, the gateway to Nubia and the starting point of your Nile River cruise.
Aboard a quality Nile cruise ship, you sail from Aswan to Luxor, stopping at Kom Ombo and Edfu along the way. Each temple reveals a different chapter of ancient Egyptian civilization, from crocodile cults to falcon gods and the elaborate burial rites of the New Kingdom pharaohs.
The tour concludes back in Cairo with a final day covering the Egyptian Museum, Coptic Cairo, the Saladin Citadel, and the bustling Khan El Khalili bazaar. Every step is designed to be accessible and manageable, making this an easy-rated itinerary suitable for most travelers.
Tour Highlights
Stand before the last remaining wonder of the ancient world at the Pyramids of Giza, including a panoramic view of all three pyramids and a visit to the Great Sphinx.
Cruise the legendary Nile River from Aswan to Luxor aboard a quality cruise ship, with meals, entertainment, and temple visits included along the route.
Explore the Valley of the Kings on Luxor's West Bank, where the tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs were carved deep into the limestone cliffs of the Theban Necropolis.
Visit Karnak Temple, the second most visited site in Egypt, and the Temple of Hatshepsut, one of the most architecturally distinctive mortuary temples in the ancient world.
Discover Alexandria's remarkable layered history through the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, the towering Pompey's Pillar, and the medieval Qaitbay Citadel.
Travel with certified Egyptologist guides throughout the entire journey, providing in-depth historical context at every major site.
Experience an overnight sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan, a classic Egyptian travel tradition that passes through the Nile Valley by night.
Itinerary Overview
You are met at Cairo Airport by your representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to rest and settle in ahead of the full program that begins the following morning.
Day 2 covers Memphis, Saqqara, a papyrus institute stop, and the Pyramids of Giza including the Sphinx. Day 3 takes you to Alexandria for the Catacombs, Pompey's Pillar, and Qaitbay Citadel, before a return to Giza station for the overnight sleeper train to Aswan.
Arriving in Aswan by train, you visit the High Dam and the Philae Temple before boarding your Nile cruise ship. An optional early-morning excursion to Abu Simbel is available. Meals, afternoon tea, dinner, and a disco evening are included on board.
Sail to Kom Ombo to visit the dual temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris, then continue to Edfu to explore the well-preserved Ptolemaic Temple of Horus. The ship crosses the lock and sails toward Luxor with dinner served on board.
Day 7 focuses on the West Bank: Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon. Day 8 covers the East Bank with a visit to Karnak Temple, followed by disembarkation and an overnight stay at a Luxor hotel.
A morning flight returns you to Cairo, where the Egyptian Museum, Coptic churches, Saladin Citadel, and Khan El Khalili bazaar are visited before a final hotel overnight. On Day 9, you are transferred to Cairo Airport for your departure.
What Is Included
Included
- Airport transfers throughout the tour
- Accommodation in Cairo hotels
- Overnight sleeper train from Cairo to Aswan
- Nile cruise ship accommodation with full board
- Luxor hotel overnight
- Certified Egyptologist guide throughout
- Entrance fees to all listed sites
- Lunch at local restaurants on land days
- All meals on board the Nile cruise
- Flight from Luxor to Cairo on Day 9
Not Included
- International airfare to and from Egypt
- Egypt entry visa fees
- Optional Abu Simbel excursion
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Drinks not included in meals
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on This Journey
Spaces on this 9-day Egypt tour are limited. Secure your itinerary today and travel with confidence backed by decades of specialist experience in Egypt travel.
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