8-Day Cairo, Luxor & Aswan Nile Cruise by Sleeper Train
Visit the Giza Plateau, Egyptian Museum, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae Temple with an Egyptologist.
The short answer
8-Day Cairo, Luxor & Aswan Nile Cruise by Sleeper Train is an 8-day, 7-night trip to Cairo, Luxor and Aswan: 1 night in Cairo, 2 on sleeper trains 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 $1,702 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 $1,7023★ hotels · well-priced Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 4 nightsNephtis · Magic I | $1,702May–Sep: from $1,527 | |
| Comfortfrom $1,8854★ hotels · 5★ Nile cruises | Cairo · 1 nightPyramids Park Nile Cruise · 4 nightsTower Prestige · Royal La Terrasse | $1,885May–Sep: from $1,638 | |
| Classicfrom $2,0085★ hotels · 5★ Nile cruises | Cairo · 1 nightSwiss Inn Pyramids Golf Resort Nile Cruise · 4 nightsSun Times · Stephanie | $2,008May–Sep: from $1,638 | |
| Prestigefrom $2,5095★ deluxe hotels · 5★ deluxe Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 4 nightsSonesta Moon Goddess · Nile Excellence | $2,509May–Sep: from $1,960 | |
| Luxuryfrom $3,8595★ luxury hotels · 5★ luxury Nile cruises | Cairo · 1 nightSt. Regis Cairo Nile Cruise · 4 nightsSonesta St. George I · Esmeralda | $3,859May–Sep: from $2,585 | |
| Signature Collectionfrom $5,188Iconic heritage vessels · landmark hotels | Cairo · 1 nightFour Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza Nile Cruise · 4 nightsHistoria | $5,188May–Sep: from $3,776 |
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.
- Small group
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
8 Days / 7 Nights · Cairo · Giza Plateau · Luxor · Luxor West Bank · Edfu · Kom Ombo
- 1
Our representative meets you in the arrivals hall at Cairo International Airport (CAI), helps with luggage and escorts you to your private transfer. The drive into Cairo takes about an hour, depending on traffic. The rest of the day is free to rest after your flight. Overnight at your Cairo hotel.
- 2
Check out after breakfast and spend the day with your Egyptologist at the Giza Plateau, where the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure stand beside the Great Sphinx. After lunch, explore the Grand Egyptian Museum, including the Tutankhamun galleries. In the evening, transfer to Giza station and board the overnight sleeper train to Luxor.
Your private two-berth compartment has a washbasin; dinner and breakfast are served on board.
- 3
The train reaches Luxor early in the morning. Our representative meets you at the station and transfers you to your Nile cruise ship; embarkation is usually around midday. After lunch on board, your Egyptologist takes you to Karnak, the vast temple complex of Amun with its hypostyle hall and Sacred Lake, and then to Luxor Temple in the center of town. Dinner and overnight on board in Luxor.
- 4
Cross to the West Bank with your Egyptologist for the Valley of the Kings, where your ticket covers three royal tombs. Continue to the terraced Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari and stop at the Colossi of Memnon. Back on board, the ship sails south through the Esna lock toward Edfu.
- 5
In the morning, visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. The ship then sails on to Kom Ombo, where the riverside double temple is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris. The cruise continues south to Aswan for the night.
- 6
Take a short boat ride to Philae Temple, the island sanctuary of Isis, then visit the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk in the ancient granite quarries. The afternoon is free on board or in Aswan. Optional extras, such as Abu Simbel or a felucca sail, can be added when you book.
- 7
Disembark after breakfast. You have free time in Aswan before the afternoon transfer to Aswan station for the overnight sleeper train north to Cairo. Dinner and breakfast are served in your two-berth compartment.
- 8
The train arrives at Giza station in the morning. Our driver meets you and transfers you to Cairo International Airport for your flight home. If your flight is late in the day, ask us about a day room or a Cairo hotel night before departure.
02Overview
A first look
Before Cairo’s traffic gathers, the limestone of the Giza Plateau feels cool beneath your shoes, and the Great Sphinx appears beyond the roadway in the clear morning light. Our Egyptologist helps you read the plateau as a living landscape, then brings the Egyptian Museum’s galleries into focus without rushing the details.
South of the capital, the pace changes. From your cruise deck, villages, palms, desert edges, and evening light pass at river level, while temple visits bring you onto sun-warmed stone and into shaded courtyards. We arrange the hotels, cabin, transfers, and daily sightseeing, with a specialist Egyptologist guiding the archaeological visits and our local team available throughout.
What lingers
- 01View Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure pyramids from the Giza Plateau with the Great Sphinx.
- 02Explore the Egyptian Museum in Cairo with a specialist Egyptologist.
- 03Visit the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple on Luxor West Bank.
- 04Sail between Luxor and Aswan, with scheduled stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo temples.
- 05See Philae Temple and the Aswan High Dam.
- 06Choose an optional Luxor evening activity: the Karnak sound and light show or a felucca sail.
Bundled in
- Airport transfer
- Private transfer
- All entry tickets
- Private Egyptologist
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation throughout the tour, including hotel rooms and a cruise cabin.
- Transfers connected with the itinerary.
- Standard entrance fees for the listed sightseeing visits.
- Services of an Egyptologist guide.
Not included
- Pyramid interior tickets for Khufu or Khafre, unless specifically requested.
- Premium tomb tickets, including Tutankhamun or Seti I, unless specifically requested.
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, and cruise staff.
- Personal expenses and drinks unless stated otherwise.
- Optional Luxor evening activities, including the Karnak sound and light show or a felucca sail.
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Book the Giza Plateau early in the morning for softer light and shorter security queues.
- 02
On the Luxor West Bank, start with Valley of the Kings before Hatshepsut to avoid the hottest walking hours.
- 03
On the cruise deck, the clearest river views are usually at departure and just before sunset.
- 04
At Philae, arrive early if you want fewer day trippers and easier photos near the waterfront.
- 05
For Kom Ombo, the outer courtyard is quieter after the main cruise group has entered the temple.
Tailor it
Make it yours
The itinerary can be arranged as a private or shared guided experience, subject to availability, and may be adjusted with requested hotel or cruise-category preferences. Travelers can request pyramid interior tickets, premium Valley of the Kings tombs, optional Luxor evening activities or additional days in Cairo, Luxor or Aswan at extra cost.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This itinerary suits first-time Egypt visitors, history enthusiasts and travelers who want to combine Cairo’s major monuments with a structured Nile journey. It is appropriate for adults and older children who can manage early starts, walking on uneven archaeological surfaces, stairs and heat exposure.
Maybe not, if
- Not suited for travelers requiring step-free access throughout, or for families with infants under 2 who need full-time stroller use on uneven archaeological sites. Also not ideal for travelers who need fully private transport for every transfer and excursion.
Honest assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Balanced time in Cairo plus four cruise nights on the Nile
- Two full days in Luxor, including West Bank and Karnak
- Guided visits with an Egyptologist at major sites
- Stops at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae en route to Aswan
- Optional Abu Simbel and private entrance tickets on request
Things to Consider
- Early starts and long days at some sites, especially Cairo museums
- Walking on uneven ancient stone and steps at tombs and temples
- Limited shade at outdoor sites during midday
- Cruise cabin sizes vary by supplier, not all have balconies
Where it fits
Best as a full Egypt vacation that begins in Cairo and then moves onto a 4-night Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan. It also works well before a Red Sea stay or after a shorter Cairo arrival night, because the itinerary already covers the Giza Plateau, Luxor West Bank, and major Aswan sites.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a Cairo-only itinerary, this tour adds a four-night Nile sailing with scheduled archaeological stops in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Unlike a land-only route, the cruise provides accommodation on the river between sightseeing days, while overnight sleeper trains replace domestic flights, so the travel nights double as accommodation.
Compare
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On the ground
Your route
Snapshot
Good to know
- Travel style
- Egyptologist-Guided Nile Cruise Package
- Accommodation
- Cairo Hotels & Four-Night Nile Cruise Cabin
- Destinations
- Cairo · Giza Plateau · Luxor · Luxor West Bank · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- One night in a Cairo hotel · Four-night Nile cruise cabin · Overnight sleeper trains Cairo–Luxor and Aswan–Cairo · Airport, station and itinerary transfers · Standard entrance fees for listed visits · Egyptologist guide
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with older children · Travelers combining Cairo and southern Egypt
- 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 travel documents
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sun protection, including SPF 50 sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Refillable water bottle
- Insect repellent for evening river areas
- Any required prescription medication
- Small day bag for site visits
- Cash for optional activities, refreshments, and gratuities
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for Cairo and Upper Egypt
- Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support
- Hat and breathable layers for strong sun
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- A light layer for air-conditioned transport and cooler evenings
- Swimwear only where permitted by the cruise operator
Children & families
Children can generally join this tour. Child pricing depends on the child’s age, room or cabin arrangement, and the final supplier conditions. We’ll confirm the minimum age and rate before payment. Strollers are difficult to use on sand, uneven ancient paving, steps, and some boat gangways. High chairs may be available on the cruise or at dining venues, but we’ll request them in advance and cannot guarantee availability.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This tour includes walking across uneven paving, sand, stone surfaces, steps, and exposed archaeological areas at the Giza Plateau, the Egyptian Museum, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Aswan High Dam. Some temple approaches and cruise boarding points have steep or narrow steps, and river vessels may not have lifts or accessible cabins. Wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility should contact us before booking so we can check the assigned transport and cruise arrangements. Our team can discuss reduced walking options, but independent access cannot be guaranteed at every site.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We arrange sightseeing with local Egyptologists, Egyptian drivers, transport providers, cruise operators, and site-based suppliers. Road transfers normally use a private vehicle suitable for the group size, while the Luxor to Aswan section uses a locally operated Nile cruise vessel. Visiting Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and other scheduled sites supports local guides, drivers, boat crews, maintenance staff, and small businesses along the river. Specific vehicle and cruise suppliers are confirmed with the booking. We do not claim carbon-neutral operation, and guests should expect fuel use for road travel and river navigation.
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 Cairo and Nile cruise tour?
This tour is 8 days and 7 nights: 1 night in a Cairo hotel, 2 nights on overnight sleeper trains (Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Cairo) and a 4-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan. The trains replace domestic flights, which keeps the price down.02What type of accommodation is included in this tour?
Accommodation is included throughout your trip, featuring hotel stays in Cairo and a cabin aboard a deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser. We arrange comfortable, well-located options for both your land and cruise portions of the journey.03Are transfers included in this 8-day tour?
Yes. Every transfer in the itinerary is included by private air-conditioned vehicle: Cairo airport to your hotel on arrival, your hotel to Giza station, Luxor station to the ship, the ship to Aswan station, and Giza station to Cairo airport on your last morning.04What sightseeing entrance fees are covered by the tour price?
Standard entrance fees for all listed sightseeing visits, such as the Giza Plateau, Egyptian Museum, Valley of the Kings, and Philae Temple, are included. Exclusions like specific pyramid interiors or premium tombs are noted separately.05Will I have an Egyptologist guide during the tour?
Yes, the services of a specialist Egyptologist guide are included for all major sightseeing excursions. Our guides provide expert commentary and historical context, enhancing your understanding of ancient Egypt.06What is not included in the tour price?
The tour price excludes tickets for specific pyramid interiors, premium tombs like Tutankhamun's, gratuities for staff, personal expenses, drinks, and optional evening activities in Luxor. These are typically paid locally if desired.07Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
This tour involves walking on uneven ancient stone, climbing stairs at temples, and navigating cruise ship gangways. While we strive for comfort, some sites have limited accessibility. Please contact us to discuss specific mobility concerns.08What should I wear for sightseeing in Egypt?
We recommend light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunglasses. For religious sites, modest dress covering shoulders and knees is appropriate. Evenings on the Nile cruise can be cooler.09What is the best time of year to take this Cairo and Nile cruise?
The best time to take this tour is generally from October to April, when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, May to September, can be very hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan.10Are there any optional activities available during the cruise?
Yes, optional evening activities in Luxor, such as the Karnak Temple sound and light show or a felucca sail on the Nile, are available. These are not included in the tour price and can be arranged locally.
Last updated Product ID: TOU-CAI-481241
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Starts
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri or Sat
- Route
- Cairo → Luxor → Edfu → Kom Ombo → Aswan
- Nights
- 1 Cairo · 2 sleeper train · 4 Nile cruise
- Includes
- Egyptologist guide, entrance fees, transfers