9-Day Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan & Luxor Tour
Explore Giza, Alexandria, Aswan and Luxor with domestic flights, first-class train travel and a private Egyptologist guide.
The short answer
9-Day Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan & Luxor Tour is a 9-day, 8-night trip to Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor and Aswan: 3 nights in Cairo, 1 in Alexandria, 2 in Aswan and 2 in Luxor. It includes domestic flights, an Egyptologist guide, entrance fees and transfers. Prices start at $1,954 per person, two sharing (Essential, October–April).
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, Alexandria’s sea air replaces Cairo’s traffic as you look across the Mediterranean from Qaitbay Citadel. In the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, cool stone and low passages change the pace, while the Bibliotheca Alexandrina brings the city’s modern cultural life into view.
Across the itinerary, our Egyptologists help you read the details that are easy to miss: tool marks at the Unfinished Obelisk, incense-darkened spaces at Philae Temple, and the painted tombs of Luxor’s West Bank. We arrange the private vehicles, flights, first-class train journey, hotel stays, and entrance fees, with assistance available throughout your time in Egypt.
What lingers
- 01Private Egyptologist guide for all major attractions, including the Giza Plateau and Luxor West Bank
- 02Domestic flights from Cairo to Aswan and from Luxor to Cairo, reducing long road transfers
- 03First-class train ticket from Aswan to Luxor, overnight or daytime options available on request
- 04Full-day Alexandria excursion: Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Qaitbay Citadel
- 05Aswan visits: Aswan High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, and Philae Temple
- 06Luxor East Bank and West Bank exploration, including Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings
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 $1,9543★ hotels | Aswan · 2 nightsHapi Hotel Aswan Luxor · 2 nightsEl Mesala Hotel Luxor | $1,954May–Sep: from $1,843 | |
| Comfortfrom $2,1754★ hotels | Cairo · 4 nightsJewel Sport City Luxor · 2 nightsIberotel Luxor by JAZ | $2,175May–Sep: from $2,067 | |
| Classicfrom $2,3255★ hotels | $2,325May–Sep: from $2,130 | ||
| Prestigefrom $2,6785★ deluxe hotels | Aswan · 2 nightsTolip Aswan Luxor · 2 nightsSteigenberger Nile Palace Luxor | $2,678May–Sep: from $2,613 | |
| Luxuryfrom $3,8715★ luxury hotels | Cairo · 4 nightsSt. Regis Cairo Aswan · 2 nightsThe Zen Wellness Resort Aswan Luxor · 2 nightsHilton Luxor Resort & Spa | $3,871May–Sep: from $3,738 |
Hotels on bed & breakfast. 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.
- Editor’s Pick
- Private
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
9 Days / 8 Nights · Cairo · Alexandria · Aswan · Luxor · Giza Plateau · Old Cairo
- 1
Arrive at Cairo Airport and transfer to the hotel for check-in. In the evening, take a dinner cruise on the Nile.
- 2
Travel by private vehicle from Cairo to Alexandria for a full day of sightseeing. Visit the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey's Pillar, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and Qaitbay Citadel before returning to the hotel area for overnight.
- 3
Fly from Cairo to Aswan in the morning and continue with sightseeing in the city. Visit the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and Philae Temple by motorboat transfer.
- 4
Spend the day at leisure in Aswan or arrange an optional excursion. Optional activities mentioned on the page include a Nubian Village visit and a boat trip to Kitchener's Island Botanical Garden.
- 5
Travel from Aswan to Luxor by first-class train along the Nile Valley. Visit Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple on the East Bank.
- 6
Cross to the West Bank of Luxor for a full day of sightseeing. Visit the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon.
- 7
Fly from Luxor back to Cairo for a day in Old Cairo. Visit Salah El Din Citadel, the Hanging Church, Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque, Ben Ezra Synagogue, and Khan El-Khalili Bazaar.
- 8
Visit the Giza Plateau for the Great Pyramids, the Valley Temple of Khafre, and the Great Sphinx. Continue to the Grand Egyptian Museum for the included museum visit.
- 9
Transfer to the airport for departure. The transfer point is Cairo or Alexandria depending on the flight arrangements.
Bundled in
- Airport transfer
- Private transfer
- Domestic flights
- 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.
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.
Where it fits
Best as a full Egypt circuit for travelers 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.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike large coach programs, 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.
Compare
Similar tours to compare
On the ground
Your route
Snapshot
Good to know
- Travel style
- Private Guided Overland Tour
- Accommodation
- Hotels Arranged 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
- 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 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.
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.
– 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 kilometers 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.
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 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.02What 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.03What 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.04What 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.05Is 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.06What 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.07What 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.08What 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.09How 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.10Are 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.
Last updated Product ID: TOU-CAI-516493
At a glance
- Length
- 9 days · 8 nights
- Starts
- Daily
- Route
- Cairo → Alexandria → Aswan → Luxor → Cairo
- Nights
- 3 Cairo · 1 Alexandria · 2 Aswan · 2 Luxor
- Includes
- Domestic flights, Egyptologist guide, entrance fees, transfers