10-Day Cairo, Nile Cruise, Abu Simbel, Hurghada & Alexandria Tour
Visit Giza, Abu Simbel, Luxor and Alexandria, then relax on the Red Sea coast with an arranged Nile cruise and transfers
The short answer
10-Day Cairo, Nile Cruise, Abu Simbel, Hurghada & Alexandria Tour is a 10-day, 9-night trip to Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel and Hurghada: 4 nights in Cairo, 3 on a Nile cruise and 2 in Hurghada. Starts on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Saturdays. It includes domestic flights, an Egyptologist guide, entrance fees and transfers. Prices start at $2,585 per person, two sharing (Essential, October–April).
Choose your comfort level
Prices are per person in USD, from 2 people sharing a double room, including accommodation at the properties listed or similar.
| Comfort level | Where you stay or similar | Per personfrom, Oct–Apr | Choose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essentialfrom $2,5853★ hotels · well-priced Nile cruises | Cairo · 4 nightsKemet Pyramids View Hotel Nile Cruise · 3 nightsMagic I Hurghada · 2 nightsSunny Days Mirette Family Resort | $2,585May–Sep: on request | |
| Comfortfrom $2,8424★ hotels · 5★ Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 3 nightsRoyal Elite · Emilio Hurghada · 2 nightsSeagull Hotel Hurghada | $2,842May–Sep: from $2,946 | |
| Classicfrom $3,0895★ hotels · 5★ Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 3 nightsRoyal Liberty · Stephanie Hurghada · 2 nightsSwiss Inn Resort Hurghada | $3,089May–Sep: from $2,946 | |
| Prestigefrom $3,6815★ deluxe hotels · 5★ deluxe Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 3 nightsNile Serenity Hurghada · 2 nightsHilton Hurghada Plaza | $3,681May–Sep: from $3,577 | |
| Luxuryfrom $5,2935★ luxury hotels · 5★ luxury Nile cruises | Cairo · 4 nightsSt. Regis Cairo Nile Cruise · 3 nightsSonesta Star Goddess · Esmeralda | $5,293May–Sep: from $4,673 |
Nile cruise on full board. You'll stay in these properties, or a similar choice of the same quality. Choose your date in the booking panel for the exact price.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
10 Days / 9 Nights based on the supplied day-by-day schedule · Cairo · Giza Plateau · Alexandria · Aswan · Abu Simbel · Kom Ombo
- 1
After landing at Cairo International Airport (CAI), you will meet our arrival representative in the terminal. Your driver then takes you into Cairo, approximately 22 kilometers from the airport to central districts, depending on the final destination and traffic. The representative assists with luggage and directs you to the vehicle, while our team remains available if your flight is delayed.
This arrival day is kept free of scheduled sightseeing, giving you time to settle in before the main Cairo visits begin.
- 2
Your Cairo sightseeing begins at the Giza Plateau, where you’ll see the Pyramid of Khufu, the largest of the three main pyramids. Your guide explains how Khafre’s pyramid retains part of its original limestone casing, then leads you to the Great Sphinx, carved with a lion’s body and a royal human head.
Continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, where displays place ancient Egyptian artifacts in historical context. Walking includes exposed areas, sand, and uneven stone, so comfortable shoes, sun protection, and water are useful.
- 3
After your morning transfer to Cairo International Airport, fly to Aswan and continue to the city or Nile cruise embarkation point. Your guide introduces Aswan’s granite landscape during visits to the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk, which remains attached to its quarry bed.
In the afternoon, take a boat across Lake Nasser to Agilkia Island, where Philae Temple was relocated after the High Dam’s construction. The visit includes time to examine reliefs dedicated to Isis before your Nile sightseeing continues.
- 4
Your guide continues the Nile sightseeing program with visits to the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek and Horus, and the Temple of Edfu, built for the falcon-headed god Horus. Depending on the day’s operating sequence, the Abu Simbel excursion travels by road from Aswan to the rock-cut temples commissioned by Ramesses II. Expect an early start and time on the road.
Your Egyptologist explains the reliefs, religious symbolism, and ancient river trade routes at each site.
- 5
During the morning, your guide leads you through Luxor Temple on the Nile’s east bank, where the Avenue of Sphinxes once connected it with Karnak. At Karnak Temple, you’ll explore the Great Hypostyle Hall and the Sacred Lake, a key ritual feature of the complex. Your Egyptologist explains how Luxor Temple was expanded by rulers including Amenhotep III and Ramesses II.
The visits provide a clear introduction to Thebes, the ancient city that occupied modern Luxor.
- 6
Begin with a morning visit to the Valley of the Kings, where your guide explains the royal tombs cut into the Theban cliffs. You will enter three included tombs, with time to examine painted scenes and hieroglyphic texts. Continue to the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, a terraced monument dedicated to Egypt’s female pharaoh.
At the Colossi of Memnon, see two quartzite statues that once guarded Amenhotep III’s temple. In the afternoon, our driver takes you by private intercity transfer from Luxor to Hurghada.
- 7
This morning, travel by boat from Hurghada to Giftun Island for a day on the Red Sea. Your guide explains the marine environment before you snorkel in clear water around the island, where reef fish and coral can often be seen. At Orange Bay, you can swim, relax on the beach, or enjoy time in the shallow water. The boat returns to Hurghada in the afternoon.
Bring sun protection, water shoes, and modest cover-ups for the journey to and from the beach.
- 8
After your time on the Red Sea, our driver takes you from Hurghada to Hurghada International Airport for your domestic flight to Cairo. On arrival, a driver meets you at Cairo International Airport, whose airport code is CAI, and transfers you into the city.
Your Egyptologist or local representative can confirm the day’s meeting arrangements and answer questions about the next stage of your Egypt trip. Flight and transfer times depend on the confirmed schedule, so keep your passport and travel documents accessible throughout the journey.
- 9
Depart Cairo in the morning for Alexandria, approximately 220 kilometers north on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. Your guide introduces the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a Roman-era underground cemetery with Egyptian, Greek, and Roman design elements.
Continue to Pompey’s Pillar, a red Aswan granite column erected in 297 CE, then visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern library complex near the site of the ancient Library of Alexandria. The afternoon includes a coastal drive to the Citadel of Qaitbay, built in the 15th century on the former Pharos lighthouse site, before returning to Cairo.
- 10
Your driver meets you at the designated Cairo departure point for a private transfer to Cairo International Airport, commonly called CAI. The drive time depends on traffic and your terminal, so we recommend allowing extra time for Cairo’s busy roads and airport procedures. Your driver assists with luggage and confirms the correct airport entrance before departure.
No sightseeing is scheduled today, leaving the morning or afternoon free according to your flight time.
02Overview
A first look
Before Cairo’s streets fully stir, the limestone at Giza feels cool beneath your shoes and the first light reaches Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure, and the Sphinx. Later, Alexandria brings sea air and Mediterranean light, while the Nile changes the pace: temple columns at Karnak, painted chambers in the Valley of the Kings, and quiet hours on deck as the banks pass by.
Our Egyptologists connect these scenes with context, from Old Cairo and Al Muizz Street to the temples of Abu Simbel and the Red Sea shoreline in Hurghada. Unlike group bus tours, we arrange private air-conditioned transport, timed visits, and the practical details between hotel stays and your Nile cruise. Your guide and local support remain available throughout.
What lingers
- 01See Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure and the Sphinx at the Giza Plateau.
- 02Explore the Grand Egyptian Museum, Old Cairo, Al Muizz Street and Khan El Khalili Bazaar.
- 03Visit Alexandria on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast.
- 04Sail the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at Karnak Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple and Philae Temple.
- 05Explore the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon on Luxor’s West Bank.
- 06Travel to Abu Simbel for the temples of Ramesses II and the Temple of Nefertari, then relax on the Red Sea coast in Hurghada.
Bundled in
- Airport transfer
- Private transfer
- Private Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
- Domestic flights
- Abu Simbel extension
- Red Sea extension
- Hotel pickup
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Meet-and-assist service in the Cairo International Airport arrivals hall.
- Four nights of hotel accommodation in Cairo (two at the start and two at the end).
- Three nights of accommodation in a Nile cruise cabin.
- Two nights of hotel accommodation in Hurghada.
- Meals as stated in the itinerary.
- Private Egyptologist guide throughout the itinerary.
- All transfers by private, air-conditioned vehicle.
- Entrance fees to all attractions mentioned in the itinerary.
- Domestic flights from Cairo to Aswan and from Hurghada to Cairo.
- One bottled water during sightseeing tours.
- Assistance during your stay.
- All taxes and service charges.
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt.
- Egypt entry visa.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for Egyptologists, drivers, and cruise staff.
- Personal expenses and optional purchases.
- Optional domestic flight upgrade to Abu Simbel.
- Pyramid interiors, including Khufu or Khafre, unless specifically requested or stated in the itinerary.
- Premium tombs, including Tutankhamun or Seti I, unless specifically requested or stated in the itinerary.
- Gratuities unless specifically requested or stated in the itinerary.
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Book Abu Simbel as early as possible, because road departures usually leave before sunrise.
- 02
At Giza, the clearest pyramid photos are often from the morning, before the desert haze builds.
- 03
On Luxor West Bank, wear shoes with grip, because tomb paths can be dusty and uneven.
- 04
For Khan El Khalili, ask for the first price and negotiate calmly, then compare two stalls before buying.
- 05
At Philae, the light is usually better before midmorning, when boat traffic is lighter.
Tailor it
Make it yours
The itinerary can be arranged as a private tour with selected comfort, classic, prestige or luxury hotel and cruise-cabin categories, subject to availability. Travelers can request a flight upgrade to Abu Simbel, additional Cairo or Luxor sightseeing, different hotel standards, extra Red Sea activities or a longer stay; pyramid interiors and premium tombs require specific arrangements and additional fees.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This itinerary suits first-time visitors, couples, families with older children and history-focused travelers who want to combine ancient monuments with a Red Sea beach day. It requires moderate mobility for uneven temple grounds, vehicle transfers, airport procedures, boat boarding and walking in exposed conditions.
Maybe not, if
- Not ideal for travelers requiring step-free access throughout, due to stairs at temples and on cruise gangways. Also not suited for infants or children under 6 when long coach transfers and early starts are involved.
Honest assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Seven nights aboard a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan
- Includes an overland excursion to Abu Simbel from Aswan
- Private Egyptologist guide throughout the itinerary
- Two hotel nights in Cairo bookend the cruise segment
- All site entrance fees included as stated in the itinerary
Things to Consider
- Early starts for some excursions, often before 07:00
- Long road transfer to Abu Simbel, about 3 hours each way
- Walking on uneven ancient stone and temple steps
- Limited shade at open-air sites during midday
Where it fits
Best for travelers who want Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel in one loop with hotel nights in Cairo and cabin nights on a Nile cruise. It also fits well before or after a short Red Sea stay or a separate Alexandria extension.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a Cairo-only itinerary, this package connects Egypt’s major ancient sites with Alexandria, a Nile cruise experience, Abu Simbel and Hurghada. Unlike a group bus tour, private air-conditioned transportation and a private Egyptologist guide allow the sightseeing schedule and transfers to be managed for the booked travelers, although cruise operations and onboard services are provided by the assigned third-party vessel supplier.
Compare
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On the ground
Your route
Snapshot
Good to know
- Travel style
- Private Guided Multi-Day Tour with Nile Cruise Package
- Accommodation
- Selectable comfort, classic, prestige or luxury hotels plus an arranged Nile cruise cabin
- Destinations
- Cairo · Giza Plateau · Alexandria · Aswan · Abu Simbel · Kom Ombo · Edfu · Luxor · Hurghada · Giftun Island
- Includes
- Cairo hotel accommodation · Three-night Nile cruise cabin as listed in the accommodation plan · Hurghada hotel accommodation · Private Egyptologist guide · Private air-conditioned transfers · Cairo–Aswan and Hurghada–Cairo domestic flights · Entrance fees to listed attractions · Meals as stated · Airport meet-and-assist service · Taxes and service charges
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History and archaeology enthusiasts · Couples · Families with older children · Travelers wanting a Nile cruise and Red Sea stay · Private-tour travelers
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Cairo International Airport (CAI) , Arrivals HallMap
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and required visa documents
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 or higher
- Reusable water bottle
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Small day bag
- Any required prescription medication
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for hot days and cooler evenings
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and religious sites
- Light scarf for additional sun protection
- Swimwear for time on the Red Sea coast
Children & families
Children may join this tour, but there is no confirmed minimum age in the supplied itinerary. Child pricing depends on age, room or cabin arrangements, and the applicable supplier rules, so we confirm the amount before booking. Strollers are difficult to use on sand, uneven ancient stone, and steps, particularly at the Giza Plateau and Luxor’s West Bank. A compact stroller is more practical than a full-size model. High-chair availability depends on the dining provider and should be requested in advance.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This tour involves uneven ground, ancient stone surfaces, sand, steps, ramps, and extended walking at the Giza Plateau, Alexandria, Luxor’s West Bank, Karnak Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, and Abu Simbel. Some monuments have narrow entrances and no lifts. Private air-conditioned transportation reduces walking between sites, but boarding vehicles and accessing the Nile cruise cabin may require steps. Wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility should contact us before booking so we can check vehicle access, guide support, and practical arrangements at each stop.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We arrange transfers and sightseeing in private air-conditioned vehicles, using local drivers and Egyptian Egyptologists familiar with the sites and regional road conditions. Visits to Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, and Hurghada direct spending to local transport, guiding, food, and visitor-service providers. We coordinate with locally based suppliers rather than presenting an interchangeable package. Bottled water is provided during sightseeing, and guests can reduce plastic use by carrying a refillable bottle where safe refill facilities are available. Specific vehicle models and supplier names depend on availability.
Licensed Egyptologist guides
State-licensed, and people we have worked with for years
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' site rules: marked paths, no touching reliefs
Local teams, real help
Our own offices in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
If you cancel, your refund depends on how early you tell us and on the type of trip. Read our current cancellation and refund policy
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the duration of this Egypt tour?
This Egypt tour is 10 days in length, combining hotel stays in Cairo and a Nile cruise. It includes two nights in Cairo, seven nights aboard a Nile cruise vessel, and time in Hurghada.02What kind of accommodation is included on this tour?
The tour includes two nights of hotel accommodation in Cairo and seven nights in a Nile cruise cabin. We arrange comfortable, well-located hotels and a deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser for your journey.03Are meals included in the tour price?
Meals are included as stated in your itinerary, typically covering breakfast at hotels and full board on the Nile cruise. Specific meal inclusions for each day are detailed in the final itinerary provided upon booking.04What transportation is used for transfers and sightseeing?
All transfers and sightseeing tours are conducted in private, air-conditioned vehicles with a dedicated driver. Domestic flights between Cairo, Luxor, and Hurghada are also included, ensuring efficient travel between regions.05Are entrance fees to historical sites included?
Yes, entrance fees to all attractions mentioned in the itinerary, such as the Giza Pyramids, Grand Egyptian Museum, Karnak Temple, and Valley of the Kings, are included. Exclusions like pyramid interiors or premium tombs are noted separately.06What is the policy on gratuities for guides and drivers?
Tips for your Egyptologists, drivers, and cruise staff are not included in the tour price. We recommend budgeting for gratuities as a customary practice in Egypt, acknowledging excellent service throughout your trip.07Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility concerns?
This tour involves walking on uneven ancient stone, climbing stairs at temples, and navigating cruise ship gangways. While private transport offers comfort, some sites have limited accessibility for wheelchairs or those with significant mobility challenges.08What should I wear for visiting temples and mosques?
When visiting religious sites like temples and mosques, modest dress is recommended. This typically means covering shoulders and knees. Comfortable walking shoes are also essential for exploring archaeological sites.09Can children participate in this 10-day tour?
Children are welcome on this tour, but parents should consider the early starts, extensive sightseeing, and travel days involved. Our Egyptologists are skilled at engaging younger travelers, but the itinerary is quite full.10What is the best time of year to take this tour?
The best time to take this tour is generally from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan.
Last updated Product ID: TOU-CAI-536159
At a glance
- Length
- 10 days · 9 nights
- Starts
- Mon, Tue, Wed or Sat
- Route
- Cairo → Aswan → Kom Ombo → Edfu → Abu Simbel → Luxor → Hurghada → Alexandria → Cairo
- Nights
- 4 Cairo · 3 Nile cruise · 2 Hurghada
- Includes
- Domestic flights, Egyptologist guide, entrance fees, transfers