8 Days Cairo and Nile Cruise Tour
Visit Giza, Luxor, Edfu and Kom Ombo with hotel stays, a cruise cabin, transfers and an Egyptologist.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
The arranged Nile cruise is a 5-star Nile cruise vessel operating between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt through a third-party cruise supplier.
- New
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Travel style
- Guided Cairo and Nile Cruise Package
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Cairo Hotel and 5-Star Nile Cruise Cabin
- Operated by
- Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt; the Nile cruise vessel and hotels are operated by third-party suppliers.
- Destinations
- Cairo · Giza Plateau · Grand Egyptian Museum · Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan · Abu Simbel
- 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
- English
Best time to go
October through April generally offers the most comfortable sightseeing conditions, with daytime temperatures commonly around 20–30°C in Cairo and the Nile Valley. December through February has higher demand and cooler evenings; summer from June to August is hotter, especially at Abu Simbel and Luxor. Ramadan can affect opening hours and meal schedules, while Christmas, New Year, and Egyptian public holidays may bring heavier demand.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator that plans the itinerary and arranges hotels, transfers, guides, and the third-party Nile cruise vessel.
- A professional Egyptologist guide accompanies the sightseeing program.
- Private air-conditioned transfers and airport assistance are included as stated.
- Standard entrance fees for the named itinerary sites are included.
- The cruise vessel and hotels are supplied and operated by third-party providers; Discovery Tours Egypt arranges these services.
- Pyramid interior tickets, premium tomb entries, international and domestic flights, visas, and gratuities are excluded unless separately arranged.
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 the Egyptian Museum brings you back into the city’s busy center. 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, Aswan, and Abu Simbel. Our licensed Egyptian tour operator arranges the hotels, cruise cabin, vehicles, and Egyptologist so each transition is clear.
Background
The facts
This 8-day Egypt tour combines three nights in Cairo with four nights in a 5-star Nile cruise cabin arranged through a third-party cruise supplier. The itinerary begins with Cairo and Giza, continues by domestic flight to Luxor, follows the Nile south through Edfu and Kom Ombo, and ends in Aswan with an excursion to Abu Simbel. Domestic flights between Cairo, Luxor and Aswan are not included and must be booked separately.
Named in this entry
Giza Plateau·Great Pyramid of Khufu·Pyramid of Khafre·Pyramid of Menkaure·Great Sphinx of Giza·Grand Egyptian Museum·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Colossi of Memnon·Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut·Temple of Horus at Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Aswan High Dam·Unfinished Obelisk·Abu Simbel·Temple of Ramesses II·Temple of Nefertari·Nile River
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.
What lingers
- 01See Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure at the Giza Plateau, with the Sphinx nearby
- 02Visit the 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
- 06See the Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Nefertari at Abu Simbel
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, Aswan, and an Abu Simbel excursion, while domestic flights remain separate.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
8 Days / 7 Nights · Cairo · Giza Plateau · Grand Egyptian Museum · Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo
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- 8
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 $1,385 pp- Cairo
- Barcelo Pyramids · AZAL Pyramids · Pyramids Park · Pyramisa
- Aswan
- Aswan Plaza · Obelisk Nile Towers
- Nile Cruise
- MS Tower Prestige · MS Royal Signature · MS Royal Beau Rivage · MS Esmeralda · MS Royal Elite
You'll stay in these properties, or a similar choice of the same quality.
Classic
from $1,606 pp- Cairo
- Novotel 6 October · Helnan Dream · Steigenberger Pyramids · Concorde El Salam
- Aswan
- Obelisk Nile Towers · Pyramisa Isis · Tolip
- Nile Cruise
- MS Lady Mary · MS Kontiki · MS Jamila · MS Royal Beau Rivage · MS Royal Elite
You'll stay in these properties, or a similar choice of the same quality.
Prestige
from $2,438 pp- Cairo
- Sofitel El Gezirah · Hyatt Regency · Triumph Luxury · Hilton 6 October
- Aswan
- Sonesta Nouba · Movenpick · The Zen Wellness
- Nile Cruise
- MS Sonesta Moon Goddess · MS Movenpick Lily · MS Serenity · MS Steigenberger Regency
You'll stay in these properties, or a similar choice of the same quality.
Luxury
from $5,837 pp- Cairo
- Fairmont Nile · Four Seasons Nile Plaza · St Regis · Marriott Mena House
- Aswan
- Sofitel Old Cataract
- Nile Cruise
- MS Historia · MS Sonesta Sun Goddess · MS Le Fayan
You'll stay in these properties, or a similar choice of the same quality.
Bundled in
- Private transfer
- Breakfast
- Private Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
- Airport transfer
- Full board
- Cairo extension
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.
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, Kom Ombo Temple, and Abu Simbel 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.
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.
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 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 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 8-day tour includes three nights in a Cairo hotel, four nights in a 5-star Nile cruise cabin with full board, private airport and hotel transfers, a professional Egyptologist, and entrance fees to the listed sites. Sightseeing covers the Giza Plateau, Sphinx, Grand Egyptian Museum, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Aswan, and Abu Simbel.
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, including Abu Simbel.
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
Product ID: TOU-CAI-272050
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