8-Day Cairo, Luxor & Aswan Nile Cruise Tour
Visit Giza, Luxor, Edfu and Kom Ombo with hotel stays, a cruise cabin, transfers and an Egyptologist.
The short answer
8-Day Cairo, Luxor & Aswan Nile Cruise Tour is an 8-day, 7-night trip to Cairo, Luxor and Aswan: 3 nights in Cairo and 4 on a Nile cruise. Starts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays. It includes an Egyptologist guide, entrance fees and transfers. Prices start at $1,537 per person, two sharing (Essential, October–April).
02Overview
A first look
By early morning, Cairo’s streets carry the scent of bread and diesel as our vehicle leaves the city for the limestone edge of the Giza Plateau. The first view is Khufu’s pyramid, with the Sphinx set lower against the desert, before you experience the Grand Egyptian Museum nearby. Later, Luxor shifts the rhythm: carved columns at Karnak Temple, evening light at Luxor Temple, and the uneven paths of the Valley of the Kings.
South of Luxor, the Nile becomes part of the day itself. From your cabin and the open deck, you watch fields, villages, and river traffic pass between visits to Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan. Our licensed Egyptian tour operator arranges the hotels, cruise cabin, vehicles, and Egyptologist so each transition is clear.
What lingers
- 01See Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure at the Giza Plateau, with the Sphinx nearby
- 02Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo with a professional Egyptologist
- 03Explore Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on Luxor East Bank
- 04Visit the Valley of the Kings on Luxor West Bank
- 05Sail the Nile with stops at Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple
- 06Visit Philae Temple, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan
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 $1,5373★ hotels · well-priced Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 4 nightsNephtis · Magic I | $1,537May–Sep: from $1,324 | |
| Comfortfrom $1,7854★ hotels · 5★ Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 4 nightsTower Prestige · Royal La Terrasse | $1,785May–Sep: from $1,629 | |
| Classicfrom $1,9285★ hotels · 5★ Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 4 nightsSun Times · Stephanie | $1,928May–Sep: from $1,629 | |
| Prestigefrom $2,5135★ deluxe hotels · 5★ deluxe Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 4 nightsSonesta Moon Goddess · Nile Excellence | $2,513May–Sep: from $2,004 | |
| Luxuryfrom $4,3685★ luxury hotels · 5★ luxury Nile cruises | Cairo · 3 nightsSt. Regis Cairo Nile Cruise · 4 nightsSonesta St. George I · Esmeralda | $4,368May–Sep: from $3,040 | |
| Signature Collectionfrom $6,066Iconic heritage vessels · landmark hotels | Cairo · 3 nightsFour Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza Nile Cruise · 4 nightsHistoria | $6,066May–Sep: from $4,535 |
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
8 Days / 7 Nights · Cairo · Giza Plateau · Grand Egyptian Museum · Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo
- 1
Arrive at Cairo International Airport (CAI), where our representative meets you after passport control and baggage collection. Your driver provides a direct transfer from the airport to your Cairo accommodation, with assistance for luggage and arrival arrangements. The drive usually takes about 60 minutes, depending on traffic and the destination within Cairo.
No sightseeing is scheduled today, leaving time to rest after your flight or begin exploring the city independently.
- 2
Begin with a morning visit to the Giza Plateau, where your guide explains the construction of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure pyramids. At the Great Sphinx, see the limestone monument traditionally identified with Khafre. Continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum, whose galleries present artifacts from ancient Egypt, including objects associated with Tutankhamun.
Your Egyptologist places each site within Cairo’s changing landscape and explains how royal tombs, temples, and museum collections connect across the Nile Valley. The tour concludes after the museum visit.
- 3
Your driver takes you from your Cairo hotel to Cairo International Airport for an early flight to Luxor, booked separately. On arrival, a transfer takes you to downtown Luxor and your Nile cruise program. In the afternoon, your guide leads visits to Karnak Temple, the largest temple complex in ancient Thebes, including the Sacred Lake.
Continue to Luxor Temple, where the Avenue of Sphinxes once connected the temple with Karnak. Your Egyptologist explains how both temples developed during Egypt’s New Kingdom and later periods.
- 4
During the morning sightseeing from the Nile, your guide explains the Colossi of Memnon, two quartzite statues of Amenhotep III that once guarded his mortuary temple. Continue to the Valley of the Kings, where you enter three included tombs cut into the Theban cliffs. The route then reaches the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, built in terraces beneath the limestone cliffs.
Your Egyptologist places the monuments within the history of Egypt’s New Kingdom, including Hatshepsut’s reign in the 15th century BCE.
- 5
Continue along the Nile with guided visits to two major temples of Upper Egypt. At Edfu, your Egyptologist explains the Ptolemaic Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temple complexes. Later, visit Kom Ombo, a riverside temple dedicated to the falcon-headed Horus and the crocodile god Sobek.
The day combines shore excursions with time to observe villages, fields, and desert landscapes along the river. Your guide explains how Nile travel connected ancient communities between Luxor and Aswan.
- 6
Your Aswan sightseeing begins with Philae Temple on Agilkia Island, where your guide explains the sanctuary’s dedication to Isis and its relocation after the construction of the High Dam. Continue to the High Dam, completed in 1970 across the Nile, for views of Lake Nasser. At the Unfinished Obelisk, see the ancient granite quarry and the visible crack that left the monument incomplete.
The visits provide contrasting perspectives on ancient engineering and modern water management in southern Egypt.
- 7
After the final sightseeing day of your Nile cruise, our team arranges your transfer from Aswan to Aswan International Airport. Book your own Aswan to Cairo flight at a time that suits your departure plans. On arrival at Cairo International Airport, your driver meets you for the transfer into Cairo to your hotel for a night of relaxation.
- 8
A driver takes you from the designated Cairo hotel to Cairo International Airport, whose airport code is CAI. Your coordinator confirms the pickup time and assists with luggage before you leave Egypt.
Bundled in
- Private transfer
- Breakfast
- All entry tickets
- Airport transfer
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
Not bundled in
- Domestic flights
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Three nights in a 5-star Cairo hotel with bed and breakfast
- Four nights in a 5-star Nile cruise cabin with full board
- Private air-conditioned transfers and airport assistance
- Professional Egyptologist guide throughout the itinerary
- Entrance fees to the named sites in the itinerary
- All stated service charges and local taxes
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Domestic flights between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan
- Egypt entry visa
- Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and cruise staff
- Interior tickets for Khufu and Khafre pyramids
- Premium tomb entries in Luxor, including Tutankhamun or Seti I, unless requested
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the itinerary as a private or shared experience where available, subject to cruise scheduling and availability. Travelers may request additional pyramid interiors, premium tombs such as Tutankhamun or Seti I, extra Cairo sightseeing, upgraded accommodation, or additional nights before or after the cruise. Domestic flights, international airfare, visa arrangements, and gratuities can be discussed separately.
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 Cairo’s pyramids combined with the principal archaeological sites of the Nile Valley. Travelers should be comfortable with early starts, walking on uneven ground, stairs, heat exposure, and changing between hotel accommodation, airport transfers, and a cruise cabin.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a cruise-only itinerary, this package includes three nights in Cairo for the Giza Plateau, Sphinx, and Grand Egyptian Museum before the Nile portion begins. Compared with shorter Nile programs, it includes Luxor’s East and West Banks, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan, while domestic flights and the optional Abu Simbel excursion remain separate.
Compare
Similar tours to compare
On the ground
Your route
Snapshot
Good to know
- Travel style
- Guided Cairo and Nile Cruise Package
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Cairo Hotel and 5-Star Nile Cruise Cabin
- Destinations
- Cairo · Giza Plateau · Grand Egyptian Museum · Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- 3 nights in a Cairo hotel with bed and breakfast · 4 nights in a 5-star Nile cruise cabin with full board · Private air-conditioned airport and city transfers · Professional Egyptologist guide · Entrance fees to named itinerary sites · Airport assistance · Stated service charges and local taxes
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with older children · Travelers combining Cairo with a Nile cruise · Visitors seeking guided sightseeing and arranged transfers
- 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
- Printed or digital booking confirmation
- Comfortable walking shoes with firm soles
- Refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen SPF50+ and lip balm
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Small day bag for personal items
- Any required prescription medication
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for hot weather
- Breathable layers for early mornings and air-conditioned vehicles
- Comfortable shoes suitable for sand, stone, and uneven ground
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- A light scarf or shawl for sun protection
- Swimwear and a modest cover-up if using cruise facilities
Children & families
Children are welcome, but there is no universal minimum age for this itinerary. Child pricing depends on the child's age, room or cabin occupancy, and the confirmed service arrangements, so we calculate it individually rather than applying one automatic percentage. Strollers are difficult to use on sand, steps, cobblestones, and uneven temple surfaces, although a compact foldable stroller may be carried in the vehicle when space allows. High chairs are subject to availability from the selected dining providers. Please provide each child's age at the time of booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This tour includes substantial walking on uneven ancient surfaces, sand, cobblestones, steps, and sloped paths. The Giza Plateau, the Egyptian Museum, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple, and Kom Ombo Temple all involve variable terrain and limited shade. Some temples have stairs or raised thresholds, and accessible routes may not reach every chamber or viewpoint. Vehicles can usually accommodate reasonable mobility needs, but wheelchair storage and boarding assistance must be confirmed before arrival. Manual wheelchair users may need assistance at several sites, and a companion is recommended. Please tell us about mobility requirements when booking so our team can assess the itinerary and transport arrangements.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We arrange private, air-conditioned road transfers and use locally based guides, drivers, cruise providers, and sightseeing suppliers. The Nile cruise and domestic travel arrangements support Egyptian businesses in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and the villages along the river. Where practical, our team can help guests avoid unnecessary single-use plastic by carrying a refillable water bottle, although water availability varies by vehicle and cruise provider. Site visits follow official visitor routes and operating rules. We do not claim that transport or cruising is carbon-neutral. Specific vehicle and cruise details depend on the confirmed local suppliers, and guests can request the final arrangements before departure.
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 8 Days Cairo and Nile Cruise Tour?
This tour is 8 days and 7 nights, combining three nights in Cairo with a four-night Nile River cruise. It allows for comprehensive exploration of both Cairo's ancient sites and the major temples along the Nile.02What kind of accommodation is included in this tour?
The tour includes three nights in a 5-star hotel in Cairo with bed and breakfast, and four nights in a 5-star Nile cruise cabin with full board. We arrange reputable, high-quality accommodations for your comfort.03Are domestic flights within Egypt included in the tour price?
No, domestic flights between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan are not included. You will need to book these separately, ensuring they align with the itinerary's transfer schedule for smooth connections.04What is the typical pick-up and transfer arrangement for this tour?
Private air-conditioned transfers are included for all airport arrivals and departures, as well as transfers to and from tour sites. You will be met by our representatives at airports and hotels for seamless transitions.05Are entrance fees to all sites covered?
Yes, entrance fees to all named sites in the itinerary, such as the Giza Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, Karnak Temple, and Valley of the Kings, are included. Exclusions like interior pyramid tickets are noted separately.06What level of physical fitness is required for this tour?
This tour involves walking on uneven ancient terrain, climbing stairs at temples, and early starts. A moderate level of fitness is recommended to comfortably enjoy all the included sightseeing activities.07Is this tour suitable for children and families?
Yes, this tour can be suitable for families, though some days involve extensive sightseeing and early starts. We recommend it for children who are comfortable with walking and historical exploration. Please inquire about specific age recommendations.08What should I wear and bring for this tour?
We recommend light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is advised for religious sites like temples and mosques.09What is the best time of year to take this Cairo and Nile Cruise tour?
The best time to visit is typically 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 Upper Egypt.10What is the difference between this 8-day tour and shorter Nile cruise packages?
Unlike shorter 4-night cruise programs that often rush through Cairo or the Nile sites, this 8-day itinerary provides dedicated time for both Cairo's major attractions and a more relaxed exploration of the Nile Valley.
Last updated Product ID: TOU-CAI-272050
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Starts
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri or Sat
- Route
- Cairo → Luxor → Edfu → Kom Ombo → Aswan → Cairo
- Nights
- 3 Cairo · 4 Nile cruise
- Includes
- Egyptologist guide, entrance fees, transfers