6-Day Cairo, Aswan & Luxor Nile Cruise Tour
See Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Luxor with an Egyptologist guide and included transfers.
The short answer
6-Day Cairo, Aswan & Luxor Nile Cruise Tour is a 6-day, 5-night trip to Cairo, Luxor and Aswan: 1 night in Cairo, 3 on a Nile cruise and 1 in Luxor. Starts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays or Sundays. It includes domestic flights, an Egyptologist guide, entrance fees and transfers. Prices start at $1,952 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 $1,9523★ hotels · well-priced Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 3 nightsNephtis · Magic I | $1,952May–Sep: from $1,797 | |
| Comfortfrom $2,1354★ hotels · 5★ Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 3 nightsTower Prestige · Royal Elite | $2,135May–Sep: from $2,011 | |
| Classicfrom $2,2325★ hotels · 5★ Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 3 nightsSun Times · Stephanie | $2,232May–Sep: from $2,011 | |
| Prestigefrom $2,6875★ deluxe hotels · 5★ deluxe Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 3 nightsSonesta Moon Goddess · Nile Serenity | $2,687May–Sep: from $2,395 | |
| Luxuryfrom $3,9915★ luxury hotels · 5★ luxury Nile cruises | Cairo · 2 nightsSt. Regis Cairo Nile Cruise · 3 nightsSonesta St. George I · Cleopatra | $3,991May–Sep: from $3,099 | |
| Signature Collectionfrom $5,218Iconic heritage vessels · landmark hotels | Cairo · 2 nightsFour Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza Nile Cruise · 3 nightsHistoria | $5,218May–Sep: from $4,085 |
Hotels on bed & breakfast · 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
6 Days / 5 Nights · Cairo · Giza Plateau · Grand Egyptian Museum · Aswan · Aswan High Dam · Philae Temple
- 1
Arrival day in Cairo with an evening dinner cruise on the Nile, departing from the Cairo Nile Corniche after hotel check-in. Your Egyptologist meets you at the hotel for a brief orientation before the 19:30 cruise; the river route passes Zamalek and the Gezira district. Dinner service begins aboard a third-party vessel, with live music and views of the city lights.
As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange transfers and timing to avoid a late arrival at the pier, unlike larger group itineraries that schedule multiple pick-ups.
- 2
Morning begins at the Giza Pyramids complex with your Egyptologist, visiting Khufu Pyramid exterior, the Valley Temple of Khafre and the Great Sphinx; your guide explains the 4th Dynasty context. Midday transfer to the Grand Egyptian Museum for curated displays, including Tutankhamun finds.
In the late afternoon you take a domestic flight to Aswan, then transfer to the cruise for embarkation and cabin allocation. We schedule the Cairo visits early to avoid peak afternoon crowds, unlike many larger group departures.
- 3
The Aswan High Dam controls Nile floods and was completed in 1970. Morning visit to the High Dam, followed by the island sanctuary of Philae, where your Egyptologist explains the Isis cult and the relocation project after the dam. After lunch you sail north to Kom Ombo, visiting the twin Sobek-Haroeris temple in the late afternoon.
You continue sailing to Edfu, arriving in the evening for your overnight stay. Unlike many cruise-only itineraries, we schedule Philae in the morning to avoid peak late-afternoon boat traffic.
- 4
In the morning you visit Edfu Temple, one of Egypt's best-preserved Ptolemaic temples dedicated to Horus. After a guided tour of Edfu's hypostyle hall and carved reliefs, the boat sails downriver toward Luxor, arriving in the afternoon. At Luxor Temple your Egyptologist explains the Ramesside colonnade and the Avenue of Sphinxes, and you have time to walk the temple precinct.
Unlike compressed day trips from Aswan, this sailing allows a relaxed visit to Edfu before the afternoon transfer to Luxor.
- 5
Morning begins at Karnak Temple, where your Egyptologist explains the Precinct of Amun-Ra and the Avenue of Sphinxes. After a paced visit you cross to Luxor West Bank for a morning in the Valley of the Kings, including time at selected tombs. In the early afternoon see Hatshepsut's mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon.
Late afternoon transfer to Luxor Airport for a scheduled domestic flight to Cairo. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange airport transfers and timing to reduce wait times.
- 6
Morning check-out, then a private transfer to Cairo International Airport (CAI) for your outbound flight. Your hotel will provide final baggage assistance and the driver meets you in the lobby, passport and boarding-pass ready.
As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange timing based on your flight: for international departures we recommend leaving the hotel three hours before scheduled departure to allow for Cairo traffic and passport control. Unlike coach transfers used on some group tours, this transfer is private and door-to-door.
02Overview
A first look
Before Cairo’s traffic gathers, the limestone at the Giza Plateau is cool beneath your feet and the Great Sphinx faces the first clear light. Our Egyptologist guides you between Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, then helps you read the quieter details at the Grand Egyptian Museum, from carved royal portraits to the Tutankhamun galleries when open.
Further south, the Nile changes the rhythm of the trip. A motorboat carries you across to Philae Temple, while riverbanks, villages, and desert pass slowly between Aswan and Luxor. You will hear the call to prayer near Luxor Temple and walk over uneven ancient stone at Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange the vehicles, flights, sightseeing, and cruise coordination so each day connects cleanly.
What lingers
- 01Enter the Giza Plateau to see Khufu, Khafre and the Great Sphinx at a quieter time of day
- 02Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, viewing its Tutankhamun galleries where open to the public
- 03Aswan visit including the Aswan High Dam and Philae Temple by motorboat
- 04Three-night Nile cruise calling at Kom Ombo and Edfu while traveling north to Luxor
- 05Evening visit to Luxor Temple, plus full-day exploration of Karnak Temple
- 06West Bank tour including the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple and the Colossi of Memnon
Bundled in
- Airport transfer
- Private transfer
- Private Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
- Domestic flights
- Breakfast
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Meet and assist on arrival at Cairo Airport
- Private Egyptologist guide for all sightseeing days
- All transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle
- 2 nights in a Cairo hotel, room and breakfast
- 3 nights aboard a Nile cruise, cabin and specified meals
- Domestic flight from Cairo to Aswan
- Domestic flight from Luxor to Cairo
- Nile dinner cruise in Cairo
- Entrance fees to all attractions listed in the itinerary
- Meals as specified per day aboard the cruise
- Bottled water during touring days
- All applicable taxes and service charges
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Visa fees on arrival or prior to travel
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and optional activities
- Tips for guides and drivers, unless pre-booked
- Meals not listed in the daily itinerary
- Optional accommodation upgrades
Tailor it
Make it yours
The itinerary can be adjusted as a private tour with more flexible timing at key sites or as a fixed-date arrangement depending on availability. Common modifications include adding premium hotel categories, extending the Cairo stay, upgrading meals, or adding optional experiences not already listed in the itinerary. If requested, the cruise segment and hotel nights can be matched to different accommodation standards, subject to supplier availability.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This itinerary is suited to first-time visitors, couples, and adult families who want a structured overview of Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor in one trip. It also suits travelers with moderate walking tolerance who are comfortable with early starts, airport transfers, and site visits that may involve uneven ground and stairs.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a Cairo-only tour, this package combines the capital with the Upper Egypt Nile Valley so travelers see both the Giza Plateau and the major temple and tomb sites between Aswan and Luxor. Unlike a self-planned trip, it includes private transfers, domestic flights, hotel nights, and a guided sightseeing schedule. Compared with a day-trip format, the overland and cruise segments reduce same-day backtracking and make it possible to visit Kom Ombo and Edfu en route to Luxor. The itinerary is also more structured than independent travel because site tickets, transfers, and timing are coordinated in advance.
Compare
Similar tours to compare
On the ground
Your route
Snapshot
Good to know
- Travel style
- Private Guided Multi-Day Tour with arranged Nile cruise segment
- Accommodation
- Cairo Hotel + Nile Cruise Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
- Destinations
- Cairo · Giza Plateau · Grand Egyptian Museum · Aswan · Aswan High Dam · Philae Temple · Kom Ombo · Edfu · Luxor · Karnak Temple · Valley of the Kings · Temple of Hatshepsut · Colossi of Memnon
- Includes
- Meet and assist at Cairo Airport · Private Egyptologist guide · Private air-conditioned transfers · 2 nights Cairo hotel with breakfast · 3 nights Nile cruise with meals as stated · Domestic flights Cairo-Aswan and Luxor-Cairo · Entrance fees to listed attractions · Bottled water during touring days
- Best for
- First-time visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Adult families · Travelers wanting a Cairo and Upper Egypt overview
- 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 plus a photocopy
- Travel insurance details and emergency contact numbers
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sun protection, hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and lip balm
- Small daypack and a refillable water bottle
- Any personal medication in original packaging
- Flight e-tickets and contact details for your arrival flight
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Long trousers or skirts and covered shoulders for temples and mosques
- A light jumper or shawl for early mornings and air-conditioned interiors
- Sturdy closed shoes for uneven stone and steps
- Wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses
Children & families
Minimum advised age is 2 years for this itinerary, because it includes domestic flights and boat transfers. Child rates commonly apply for ages 2 to 11 when sharing a room with two adults; exact child pricing and infant supplements are shown on booking and in your confirmation. Strollers are impractical at many sites due to steps and rough terrain; a lightweight folding stroller may be usable in hotel areas. High chairs and child seats are not guaranteed, please request them in advance and we will try to arrange them through our hotel and cruise partners.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This tour requires a moderate level of mobility and includes walking on uneven surfaces, steps and cobbles at archaeological sites. The Giza Plateau, Luxor West Bank and Valley of the Kings have uneven limestone, carved stone steps and short steep ramps; some tombs have low, narrow passages and are not suitable for those who cannot stoop or climb unaided. Philae Temple requires a short motorboat transfer and a gangway, which can be awkward for guests with limited balance. Our vehicles can carry folding wheelchairs, and drivers will load and unload mobility aids, but many sites do not have full ramp access or level paths. If you use a wheelchair, scooter or need close personal assistance, tell us before booking so we can advise which parts of the itinerary are realistic, request airport assistance for domestic flights, and where additional help can be arranged. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we will meet you on arrival to discuss practical adjustments on the ground.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Transport on this itinerary uses private air-conditioned sedans, minibuses and two short domestic flights, plus a three-night Nile cruise operated by a third-party cruise company. We contract locally owned hotels, Egyptologist guides and boat crews, which keeps income in the local economy and supports seasonal staff. Bottled water is supplied during touring days as stated in the inclusions; if you prefer a refillable bottle, bring one and we will point out acceptable refill options where available. We ask guests to avoid single-use plastics beyond what is necessary for health and safety. Our Egyptologists and partner hotels follow site rules designed to reduce wear on monuments, for example controlled circulation at fragile tombs and avoiding flash photography when required. If you have specific sustainability preferences, tell us when you book so we can try to accommodate them with our local suppliers.
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 the Cairo and Nile Cruise tour?
This tour package is six days in length, combining two nights in Cairo with a three-night Nile cruise. It includes domestic flights between Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor, ensuring efficient travel between regions. The itinerary is designed for a comprehensive experience of Egypt's key historical sites.02What are the pick-up and transfer arrangements for this tour?
We arrange meet and assist services upon your arrival at Cairo Airport, followed by private, air-conditioned vehicle transfers throughout your tour. This includes all airport transfers, hotel transfers, and transport to sightseeing locations, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience. Our drivers coordinate with your Egyptologist guide.03What is included in the price of this 6-day tour?
The tour includes a private Egyptologist guide for all sightseeing, private transfers, two nights in a Cairo hotel with breakfast, and three nights aboard a Nile cruise with specified meals. Domestic flights between Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor, a Cairo Nile dinner cruise, and entrance fees to all listed attractions are also covered. Bottled water during touring days and all applicable taxes are included.04What is not included in the Cairo and Nile Cruise tour package?
International flights to and from Egypt, visa fees, and travel insurance are not included. Personal expenses, optional activities, and gratuities for guides and drivers are also excluded, unless pre-booked. Meals not listed in the daily itinerary and optional accommodation upgrades are additional costs.05What are the accessibility considerations for this tour?
This tour involves walking on uneven ancient terrain at sites like the Giza Pyramids and Valley of the Kings, and navigating stairs on the Nile cruise ship. While we strive to accommodate all guests, some sites may present challenges for those with limited mobility. Please discuss specific needs with us when booking.06Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, this tour is suitable for families, offering a blend of historical sites and a relaxing Nile cruise. Children often enjoy the stories from our Egyptologists and the experience of sailing the Nile. We can adjust pacing and activities to suit younger travelers, making it an engaging educational vacation.07What should I wear and bring for this tour?
We recommend light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen due to Egypt's climate. Modest dress is advisable for religious sites. Bring a reusable water bottle and any personal medications. Layered clothing is useful for cooler evenings or air-conditioned interiors.08What is the photography policy at the sites visited?
Photography is generally permitted at most outdoor sites, though some tombs and museum exhibits may prohibit flash photography or require a separate ticket for cameras. Your Egyptologist guide will advise you on specific rules at each location. Drones are strictly prohibited without special permits.09What is the best time of year to take this Cairo and Nile Cruise tour?
The best time to take this tour is from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Temperatures during the summer months, from May to September, can be very high, especially in Upper Egypt. We time key visits to avoid the busiest hours where possible.10What is the experience like at the Grand Egyptian Museum on this tour?
Your visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum, near the Giza Plateau, includes a guided tour with your Egyptologist. You will explore its extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun. We aim to provide ample time to appreciate this significant cultural institution.
Last updated Product ID: TOU-CAI-976743
At a glance
- Length
- 6 days · 5 nights
- Starts
- Tue, Wed, Thu or Sun
- Route
- Cairo → Aswan → Kom Ombo → Edfu → Luxor → Cairo
- Nights
- 1 Cairo · 3 Nile cruise · 1 Luxor
- Includes
- Domestic flights, Egyptologist guide, entrance fees, transfers