9 Day Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and Alexandria Overland Tour
Domestic flights Cairo, Aswan and Luxor, first-class Aswan to Luxor train, private Egyptologist at Giza, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings
At a glance
- Length
- 9 days · 8 nights
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
9 Day Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and Alexandria Overland Tour is a 9-day multi-day tour covering Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, Luxor, and the Giza Plateau in Egypt, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- Editor’s Pick
- New
- Private
- Small group
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 Days / 8 Nights
- Travel style
- Private Guided Overland Tour
- Accommodation
- Hotels Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
- Operated by
- Discovery Tours Egypt
- Destinations
- Cairo · Alexandria · Aswan · Luxor · Giza Plateau · Old Cairo
- Includes
- Meet and assist at airport · 8 nights accommodation · Private Egyptologist guide · Private air-conditioned transfers · Domestic flights Cairo-Aswan and Luxor-Cairo · First-class train Aswan-Luxor · Entrance fees to listed attractions · Meals as mentioned · One bottle of water during tours
- Best for
- First-time visitors · History enthusiasts · Private travel guests · Families with older children · Travelers wanting Cairo, Upper Egypt, and Alexandria in one itinerary
- Guide languages
- English
Best time to go
The most comfortable time for this route is usually October to April, when Cairo and Alexandria are milder and Upper Egypt is less hot. Summer months, especially June to August, can be very hot in Aswan and Luxor, with daytime temperatures often above 35°C; Ramadan and major public holidays may affect opening hours and traffic patterns.
- Licensed by Egyptian Tourism Authority
- Discovery Tours Egypt
- Private Egyptologist guides on major sightseeing days
- Entrance fees for listed monuments included
- Modern private air-conditioned transfers
- Domestic flights and first-class train arranged within the itinerary
- Transparent exclusions for pyramid interiors, premium tombs, tips, visa, and insurance
02 Overview
A first look
By 6 am the limestone on the Giza Plateau is still cool, and light slips along Khufu's eastern face while the city traffic is a distant hum. The air in Alexandria smells of sea salt and fried fish at the Corniche, and on the Nile in Aswan the river moves with a slow, reflective pulse; you will feel those contrasts between Mediterranean breeze, desert stone, and Nile calm across the nine days.
We arrange private visits with our Egyptologists so you move at a measured pace, not on a fixed-seat coach; most major sites are timed to avoid peak crowds. Your Egyptologist meets you at each stop, explains the architecture and chronology, and manages the logistics so you can focus on the places themselves.
Background
The facts
This 9-day overland itinerary covers Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, and Luxor by a combination of private road transfers, domestic flights, and first-class rail. It includes the main archaeological and historic areas most commonly visited on a multi-city Egypt tour: the Giza Plateau in Cairo, the Greco-Roman sites of Alexandria, the Nile monuments of Aswan, and the East Bank and West Bank temples and tombs of Luxor.
In Cairo, the itinerary includes the Giza Plateau with the Great Pyramids, the Valley Temple of Khafre, and the Great Sphinx, plus the Grand Egyptian Museum and Old Cairo sites such as the Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque, and Salah El Din Citadel. Alexandria is reached by private vehicle for a full-day excursion to the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and Qaitbay Citadel, which sits near the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria.
In Aswan, the scheduled visits include the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and Philae Temple, which was moved to Agilkia Island after the construction of the High Dam. The route then continues to Luxor by first-class train along the Nile Valley, where the East Bank includes Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple, and the West Bank includes the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon.
The tour uses private Egyptologist guiding for the major sightseeing days, and the listed monument entrance fees are included unless specifically excluded. Pyramid interiors and premium tomb access are not included by default, and transport between cities is designed to reduce long road journeys by using flights and rail where practical.
Named in this entry
Great Pyramids of Giza · Great Sphinx · Valley Temple of Khafre · Grand Egyptian Museum · Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa · Pompey’s Pillar · Bibliotheca Alexandrina · Qaitbay Citadel · Aswan High Dam · Unfinished Obelisk · Philae Temple · Karnak Temple Complex · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Hatshepsut Temple · Colossi of Memnon · Salah El Din Citadel · Hanging Church · Ben Ezra Synagogue · Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This itinerary suits first-time visitors and history-focused travelers who want a broad Egypt overview without long fixed-seat coach travel. It is appropriate for adults and older children who are comfortable with early starts, airport transfers, and full sightseeing days.
What lingers
- 01 Private Egyptologist guide for all major attractions, including the Giza Plateau and Luxor West Bank
- 02 Domestic flights from Cairo to Aswan and from Luxor to Cairo, reducing long road transfers
- 03 First-class train ticket from Aswan to Luxor, overnight or daytime options available on request
- 04 Full-day Alexandria excursion: Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Qaitbay Citadel
- 05 Aswan visits: Aswan High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, and Philae Temple
- 06 Luxor East Bank and West Bank exploration, including Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike large coach programmes, this itinerary uses private transfers and private Egyptologist guiding for the major sightseeing days, which allows more flexible pacing at sites. It also reduces overland travel time by combining domestic flights with a first-class train between Aswan and Luxor. Compared with a Nile cruise-focused package, this is a land-based circuit that prioritizes Cairo, Alexandria, and key Upper Egypt monuments rather than a cruise itinerary.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
9 Days / 8 Nights · Cairo · Alexandria · Aswan · Luxor · Giza Plateau · Old Cairo
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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 $3,215 ppClassic
from $3,570 ppPrestige
from $3,870 ppLuxury
from $6,620 ppLand only — no accommodationfrom $2,390 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
- Domestic flight
- Private Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Meet and assist on arrival at the airport
- Accommodation for 8 nights in Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and Alexandria
- Private Egyptologist guide for all major attractions
- All transfers by modern private air-conditioned vehicle
- Nile-side dinner experience on arrival night in Cairo
- Domestic flight from Cairo to Aswan
- Domestic flight from Luxor to Cairo
- First-class train ticket from Aswan to Luxor
- Entrance fees to all attractions mentioned in the itinerary
- One bottle of water during tours
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Assistance during the stay
- All taxes and charges
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Personal expenses
- Extra meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Travel insurance
- Egypt entry visa
Tailor it
Make it yours
The itinerary can be adjusted for private travel pace, hotel category, and meal plan preferences. Optional add-ons may include a Nubian Village visit in Aswan, Kitchener’s Island Botanical Garden, extra time in Cairo, or premium tomb entries if requested and available.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
– Best as a full Egypt circuit for travellers who want Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, and Luxor in one land-based itinerary. It also works well before or after a Nile cruise, because the Cairo and Alexandria days are already built in and the Aswan to Luxor rail sector reduces backtracking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This 9-day overland tour involves significant walking on uneven ancient stone, cobbles and short sandy sections, with multiple site steps and stairs. Many archaeological sites, including the Giza Plateau, Luxor West Bank and Philae Temple, have uneven surfaces and steps that limit independent wheelchair access; some modern museums and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina provide ramps and accessible toilets. Domestic flights and first-class trains require boarding steps or a short ramp; platforms and stations may have limited level access. We provide meet-and-assist at airports and can arrange additional local mobility assistance, subject to advance notice and availability. Please contact us with precise mobility needs at booking, so we can advise which parts of the itinerary will be comfortable, what assistance we can secure, and realistic alternatives for any site that is not accessible.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and photocopy
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and sunglasses
- Lightweight hat and a refillable water bottle
- Small daypack for camera and personal items
- Any required medications and a basic first-aid kit
- Plug adapter (Egypt uses type C and F sockets)
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for hot days
- Long sleeves or a scarf for sun and modesty at mosques
- Comfortable trousers or skirts for temple visits
- Sturdy closed shoes for uneven archaeological sites
- A light jacket for cooler evenings on the Nile or desert
Children & families
Children aged five and older are accepted on this itinerary, subject to parental supervision at archaeological sites and on transfers. Child pricing typically applies for ages 5 to 11, with adult rates from 12 and above; infants under two may travel at a reduced rate on request, but please ask when booking so we can confirm seat and bed arrangements. Strollers are practical in modern city areas and museums, but not at most ancient sites because of slopes, stairs and cobbles. Hotels and local restaurants supply high chairs on request at some properties, though availability varies by hotel, so request these services when you book.
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Cairo International Airport (CAI), Arrivals Hall Map
On the ground
Your route
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Giza Plateau 14 km
- Grand Egyptian Museum 8 km
- Khan El-Khalili 3 km
- Old Cairo 6 km
- Cairo Citadel 6 km
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We use modern private air-conditioned vehicles for all road transfers, and scheduled domestic flights and first-class rail between Aswan and Luxor to reduce very long night road transfers. Local Egyptologists and drivers from the communities visited deliver guiding and transport, and hotels, restaurants and boat suppliers are contracted locally to keep tourism income within the region. We avoid large coach groups for this itinerary, all transfers are private, which reduces group waiting time but increases vehicle kilometres compared with a full coach; we consider this an acceptable trade-off for flexibility and lower visitor density at sites. We encourage low-waste practices on tours, for example offering one reusable water bottle option and sourcing meals at locally owned restaurants where possible; if you prefer fully plastic-free provisioning, tell us when you book and we will attempt to accommodate that request.
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Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
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Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
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Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
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Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
· In summary
This tour includes 8 nights of accommodation, private Egyptologist guiding on the main sightseeing days, all listed domestic transfers, and entrance fees to the monuments named in the itinerary. It covers Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, Luxor, the Giza Plateau, Old Cairo, Philae Temple, Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and the Grand Egyptian Museum. A Nile dinner cruise on arrival, domestic flights, and a first-class train between Aswan and Luxor are included as listed.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
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01 What is the duration of the Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, and Alexandria Overland Tour?
This tour is 9 days and 8 nights, covering Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, and Luxor with a combination of flights and train travel. We arrange all ground logistics, including private transfers and Egyptologists. -
02 What type of transportation is used for transfers and sightseeing?
We use modern, air-conditioned private vehicles for all transfers and sightseeing. Unlike large group tours, you will travel with your private Egyptologist, ensuring a personalised experience. -
03 What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes 8 nights of accommodation, private Egyptologist guides, all private transfers, domestic flights, a first-class train ticket, entrance fees to all listed attractions, and some meals. We also provide meet-and-assist services at the airport. -
04 What is not included in the tour price?
International flights to Egypt, personal expenses, extra meals beyond those specified, gratuities for guides and drivers, travel insurance, and the Egypt entry visa are not included. These are typically arranged independently. -
05 Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, this private tour can be suitable for families. The pace can be adjusted, and private vehicles offer comfort. We recommend discussing specific age groups and interests with us to tailor the experience. -
06 What should I wear and bring for this tour?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sun cream. Modest dress is advised for religious sites; women should carry a scarf to cover their heads when visiting mosques. -
07 What are the photography rules at the sites visited?
Photography is generally permitted at most outdoor sites. Some indoor areas, like certain tombs or museum exhibits, may prohibit photography or require a special ticket. Your Egyptologist will advise on specific rules at each location. -
08 What is the best time of year to take this overland tour?
The cooler months from October to April are generally best for this tour, offering more comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. Summers, from May to September, can be very hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan. -
09 How does the train journey from Aswan to Luxor work?
You will travel by first-class train from Aswan to Luxor. This journey offers a comfortable way to see the Nile Valley scenery. We arrange your tickets and transfers to and from the stations. -
10 Are the interiors of the Pyramids included in the entrance fees?
No, entrance fees for the interiors of the Pyramids, such as Khufu or Khafre, and premium tombs like Tutankhamun's or Seti I's, are not included. These require separate tickets and can be added upon request.
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
Continue reading
From the archives
Last updated 2 July 2026 Product ID: TOU-CAI-516493
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