7 Days Cairo and Aswan to Luxor Nile Cruise
Cairo, Giza Plateau and the Grand Egyptian Museum, then sail Aswan to Luxor with visits to Philae, Kom Ombo and Edfu; domestic flights and a private Egyptologist included.
At a glance
- Length
- 7 days · 6 nights
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
7 Days Cairo and Aswan to Luxor Nile Cruise is a 7-day multi-day tour covering Cairo, Giza, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Luxor in Egypt, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- New
- Private
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 Days / 6 Nights
- Travel style
- Private Guided Multi-Day Tour with Cruise Segment
- Accommodation
- Included hotel nights and third-party cruise accommodation arranged by DTE
- Operated by
- Discovery Tours Egypt
- Destinations
- Cairo · Giza Plateau · Grand Egyptian Museum · Aswan · Philae Temple · Aswan High Dam · Kom Ombo Temple · Edfu Temple · Luxor · Karnak Temple · Luxor West Bank · Valley of the Kings · Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
- Includes
- Meet-and-assist at airports · Domestic flights · Private air-conditioned transfers · Egyptologist guide · Entrance fees to listed sites · Meals as specified · Service charges and local taxes
- Best for
- First-time visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with older children · Travellers who prefer private touring
- Guide languages
- English
Best time to go
The most comfortable months are typically October to April, when daytime temperatures in Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor are usually cooler and more suitable for temple visits. May to September is hotter, especially in Luxor and Aswan, so early starts and sun protection are important. During Ramadan and major holidays, opening hours, dining patterns, and site crowd levels can change, so advance planning is advisable.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718)
- Egyptologist guide included for scheduled sightseeing
- Private air-conditioned transfers throughout the itinerary
- Meet-and-assist on arrival at Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor airports
- Domestic flights included to reduce road travel
- Entrance fees to the listed sites included unless specifically excluded
02Overview
A first look
Early morning on the Nile is quiet, the air carrying faint scent of river mud and diesel as feluccas slip past the quay while you step onto the Aswan shoreline. In Cairo you will approach broad avenues and limestone façades before your Egyptologist explains the city’s layers, in situ, not from a coach window.
We arrange every transfer and local meeting so your time ashore focuses on temples and inscriptions, not logistics. We do not run large coach-group itineraries, so parties remain small and guided time is conserved for the sites. One of our Egyptologists will meet you on arrival and introduce the programme for the days ahead.
Background
The facts
This 7-day Egypt itinerary combines Cairo sightseeing with an Aswan to Luxor Nile cruise section and includes domestic flights between Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor. The route links major sites in Upper and Lower Egypt: Giza on the west side of Cairo, Aswan in the south, and Luxor roughly 230 km north of Aswan by road, with the Nile cruise segment used to reduce road travel between riverbank temple stops.
In Cairo, the itinerary includes the Giza Plateau, where the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure stand near the Great Sphinx, and the Grand Egyptian Museum near the pyramids. The museum is designed to present major collections from ancient Egyptian history, including Tutankhamun material, within a modern exhibition complex. Standard site entrance fees are included for the listed sightseeing stops unless a supplement is specifically excluded.
In Aswan, the programme includes the High Dam, completed in 1970 after work began in the 1960s, and Philae Temple on Agilkia Island, a Ptolemaic-Roman temple complex dedicated to Isis that was relocated after the dam’s creation. The Aswan to Luxor cruise section also includes Kom Ombo, a double temple associated with Sobek and Horus the Elder, and Edfu, home to one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples of Horus. In Luxor, the West Bank programme covers the Valley of the Kings, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon, followed by Karnak and Luxor Temples on the East Bank.
Named in this entry
Giza Plateau·Pyramids of Khufu·Pyramids of Khafre·Pyramid of Menkaure·Great Sphinx·Grand Egyptian Museum·Aswan High Dam·Philae Temple·Agilkia Island·Temple of Kom Ombo·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Valley of the Kings·Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut·Colossi of Memnon·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Tutankhamun
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This itinerary suits first-time visitors who want the main highlights of Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor in one trip with guided sightseeing and domestic flights. It also fits adults and older children interested in archaeology, temples, and ancient history, especially travellers who prefer a private, paced schedule rather than large coach groups.
What lingers
- 01Guided visit to the Giza Plateau, see the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, and the Sphinx
- 02Guided tour of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo with an Egyptologist
- 03Meet-and-assist at Cairo International Airport, arrivals hall
- 04Domestic flights linking Cairo, Aswan and Luxor, reducing road time
- 05Sail segment between Aswan and Luxor with visits to Philae, the Aswan High Dam, Kom Ombo and Edfu temples
- 06Explore Luxor West Bank: Valley of the Kings and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a simple Cairo city break, this itinerary combines the capital with Upper Egypt temple visits and a river segment between Aswan and Luxor. Unlike large group coach tours, it uses private transfers and an Egyptologist-led schedule with domestic flights to reduce road time. The cruise and hotel stays are arranged within the itinerary, while the guided sightseeing remains the core of the product.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
7 Days / 6 Nights · Cairo · Giza Plateau · Grand Egyptian Museum · Aswan · Philae Temple · Aswan High Dam
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
Choose your comfort level
Prices are per person in USD, from 2 people sharing a double room, including accommodation. Prefer to arrange your own hotels? See the land-only option below.
Comfort
from $2,640 pp- Cairo
- Barcelo Pyramids · AZAL Pyramids · Pyramids Park · Pyramisa
- Aswan
- Aswan Plaza · Obelisk Nile Towers
You'll stay in these properties, or a similar choice of the same quality.
Classic
from $2,890 pp- Cairo
- Novotel 6 October · Helnan Dream · Steigenberger Pyramids · Concorde El Salam
- Aswan
- Obelisk Nile Towers · Pyramisa Isis · Tolip
You'll stay in these properties, or a similar choice of the same quality.
Prestige
from $3,460 pp- Cairo
- Sofitel El Gezirah · Hyatt Regency · Triumph Luxury · Hilton 6 October
- Aswan
- Sonesta Nouba · Movenpick · The Zen Wellness
You'll stay in these properties, or a similar choice of the same quality.
Luxury
from $6,170 pp- Cairo
- Fairmont Nile · Four Seasons Nile Plaza · St Regis · Marriott Mena House
- Aswan
- Sofitel Old Cataract
You'll stay in these properties, or a similar choice of the same quality.
Land only — no accommodationfrom $2,120 pp
Tour, transfers and guiding only; you arrange your own hotels and the Nile cruise.
Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
Bundled in
- Airport transfer
- Private transfer
- Private Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
- Domestic flight
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Meet and greet service at Cairo, Aswan and Luxor airports.
- Domestic flights between Cairo, Aswan and Luxor.
- Private air-conditioned transfers throughout the itinerary.
- Professional Egyptologist guide during scheduled sightseeing.
- Entrance fees to the sites listed in the itinerary.
- Meals as specified in the day-by-day programme.
- All service charges and local taxes.
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt.
- Egypt entry visa fees.
- Tipping and gratuities for guides, drivers and hotel staff.
- Pyramid internal entry and premium tombs, for example Tutankhamun or Seti I, and other optional site supplements.
- Drinks unless specified, and personal expenses.
Tailor it
Make it yours
The itinerary can usually be adjusted as a private tour with flexible pacing, additional photo stops, or extra time at selected monuments. Optional upgrades may include added nights in Cairo, Luxor, or Aswan, meal plan changes, or alternative sightseeing additions if time allows. Cruise and hotel accommodation are arranged as part of the itinerary and provided by third-party suppliers, while Discovery Tours Egypt handles the planning, transfers, and guiding.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This itinerary involves moderate physical activity, including extended walking on uneven ancient stone, cobbles and sandy approaches at sites such as the Giza Plateau, Valley of the Kings and Kom Ombo. Many temples and tombs have steps, low ceilings and narrow passages; the Valley of the Kings and some tombs require descending steep staircases. Transfers use air-conditioned sedans or minibuses, not stair-free coaches. Wheelchair users can be accommodated for most transfers, but several attractions have limited ramp access and accessible toilets are not guaranteed. If you require a wheelchair-friendly vehicle, an assisted transfer through airport security, or a porter for luggage, please tell us at booking so we can arrange support. We meet guests in the arrivals hall and provide meet-and-assist through airports where practical. Expect some unavoidable barriers at archaeological sites; we will propose adjusted routes or alternative viewpoints when full access is not possible.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and photocopy
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and sunglasses
- Wide-brim hat or cap
- Lightweight daypack and refillable water bottle
- Any required medications and a basic first-aid kit
- Plug adapter (Type C/F) and phone charger
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in natural fibres
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- A thin layer for cooler mornings and evenings
- Comfortable closed shoes for uneven surfaces
- Sun-protective clothing or a scarf
Children & families
Minimum age for this itinerary is 6 years at time of travel due to the archaeological site conditions and boat safety rules. Child rates apply for ages 6 to 11 when sharing a room with two adults; children aged 12 and over are charged the adult rate. Strollers are practical around hotels and flat promenade areas, but not on uneven temple approaches or inside tombs; a lightweight carrier may be more useful for younger children. High chairs and child seats are available on request in hotels and in vehicles if advised at booking.
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Cairo International Airport (CAI) - Arrivals HallMap
On the ground
Your route
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We use late-model air-conditioned sedans and 16-seat minibuses for transfers between hotels and sites, reducing frequent vehicle changes for small groups. The sail segment between Aswan and Luxor is with a locally operated Nile cruiser arranged by us; crew and supplies are sourced locally where possible. We contract Egyptologists, drivers and hotel partners directly in Egypt, paying local suppliers promptly and contracting by the day to support seasonal employment. Fresh produce for meals is purchased from local markets in Cairo, Aswan and Luxor when available. We avoid single-use plastics on guided days by supplying water-bottle refill guidance and recycling where facilities exist. Unlike operators who run large coach groups, we limit group size and use smaller vehicles to reduce per-guest fuel use and to lessen congestion at sensitive sites.
Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
·In summary
This tour includes hotel accommodation in Cairo, an Aswan to Luxor Nile cruise segment, domestic flights, private transfers, entrance fees to the listed sites, and an Egyptologist guide. Scheduled sightseeing covers the Giza Pyramids, Grand Egyptian Museum, Philae, Aswan High Dam, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Karnak, and Luxor Temple.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the duration of the 7 Days Cairo and Aswan to Luxor Nile Cruise tour?
This itinerary is 7 days and 6 nights, combining guided sightseeing in Cairo with a Nile River cruise from Aswan to Luxor. It includes overnight stays in both Cairo and on the cruise vessel.02How are transfers and domestic flights handled during the tour?
We arrange all private, air-conditioned transfers between airports, hotels, and cruise docks, as well as domestic flights between Cairo, Aswan, and Luxor. Our team meets you upon arrival at each airport.03What is included in the tour price for this itinerary?
The tour includes meet and greet services, domestic flights, private transfers, an Egyptologist guide for sightseeing, entrance fees to listed sites, specified meals, and all service charges and local taxes.04What expenses are not covered by the tour price?
Excluded expenses are international flights, Egypt entry visa fees, gratuities for guides and drivers, internal entry to pyramids or premium tombs like Tutankhamun's, drinks, and personal expenses.05What is the accessibility like for this tour, particularly at ancient sites?
Many ancient sites, such as the Giza Plateau and temple precincts, involve walking on uneven ground, sand, or ancient stone. Some areas may have stairs or limited ramp access. Please advise us of any mobility concerns.06Is this tour suitable for families with children?
This tour is suitable for families, though some days involve early starts and extensive walking. We can discuss specific pacing adjustments or activities to ensure a comfortable experience for younger travellers.07What should I wear and bring for sightseeing in Egypt?
We recommend light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sun cream. Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is advisable for religious sites like temples and mosques.08What is the photography policy at the sites visited on this tour?
Photography is generally permitted at most outdoor sites, but flash photography is often prohibited inside tombs and temples. Some sites may charge a small fee for video cameras. Your Egyptologist will advise on specific rules.09What is the best time of year to take this 7-day Cairo and Nile Cruise tour?
The cooler months from October to April are ideal for this tour, offering more comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. Summers, from May to September, can be very hot, especially in Upper Egypt.10What is the difference between the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo?
The Grand Egyptian Museum, near the Giza Pyramids, is a new, larger facility housing many artefacts, including the full Tutankhamun collection. The older Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square still holds significant collections but is being phased out.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- Full refund less a £50 admin fee
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund
- Within 14 days
- No refund – date changes considered case by case
Last updated 2 July 2026Product ID: TOU-LUX-915061
You Might Also Like
Cairo7 Days
7 Days Cairo and Hurghada Tour
This seven-day private tour blends Cairo sightseeing with leisure time on the Red Sea at Hurghada. In Cairo you visit the Giza Pyramids Complex, Saqqara and the new Grand Egyptian Museum, then walk Al Muizz Street and browse Khan El Khalili with a professional Egyptologist. After a few days in the capital you transfer to Hurghada for relaxation, a quad safari and a snorkelling excursion. We arrange all transfers, local guides and service on the ground, and we do not run large coach-group departures: every booking is private and timed to reduce queueing at popular sites.
From $1,330
Cairo6 Days
6-day Cairo and Nile cruise tour, Cairo to Luxor via Aswan
This six-day itinerary combines two nights in Cairo with a three-night Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor, including domestic flights Cairo–Aswan and Luxor–Cairo. You visit the Giza Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Aswan’s major monuments, Kom Ombo and Edfu en route, and Luxor East and West Bank sites. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange private transfers and an Egyptologist for all sightseeing. We do not run group bus tours, and we time key visits to avoid the busiest hours where possible.
From $2,465
Cairo6 Days
6 Days Cairo and Alexandria vacation
This 6-day Cairo and Alexandria holiday combines Cairo’s pharaonic and medieval sites with a full-day visit to Alexandria. You travel with an expert Egyptologist and private air-conditioned transfers. Highlights include the Giza Pyramids Complex and Great Sphinx, the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), Saqqara’s Step Pyramid and a day in Alexandria to see Qaitbay Citadel and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. We run departures daily and use private vehicles rather than coach-style group transfers, which gives flexibility on pickup times and pacing. Entrance fees listed in the itinerary are included; international flights, the Egypt entry visa and tipping are not included in the price.
From $1,510