Egypt Tours · Style
Cairo and Nile Cruise Packages
Pairing Cairo with a Nile cruise is the most-booked first trip to Egypt, and for good reason: it puts the Pyramids and the river temples in one vacation without a wasted day. You give the first two or three nights to Cairo – the Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the new Grand Egyptian Museum on the plateau – then fly south to join a 5-star cruise sailing between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Edfu and Kom Ombo along the way. We hold both halves under one booking, arrange the internal flight, and keep the same standard of guiding from the plateau to the river. It is the itinerary we build most often for travelers seeing Egypt for the first time.
16 matching tours ·
Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 38 Tripadvisor and Google reviews · ETAA Licence 718 (Category A)
The shape
What is a cairo and nile cruise Egypt tour?
A Cairo and Nile cruise package combines two or three nights in Cairo – the Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum or the Grand Egyptian Museum, and Coptic or Islamic Cairo – with a three- or four-night cruise on the Luxor–Aswan stretch of the Nile. The usual shape is seven or eight days total, with an internal flight linking the two. It is the standard first-visit itinerary: the country's two headline experiences, the ancient capital and the river of temples, in one trip.
Cairo, then the river
How the classic eight-day combination runs
- Days 1–2CairoThe Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx, the Grand Egyptian Museum on the plateau, and a half-day in Coptic or Islamic Cairo.
- Day 3Fly to AswanMorning flight south. Board the cruise after lunch; Philae Temple and the High Dam in the afternoon.
- Day 4Kom OmboSail north to the riverside double temple of Sobek and Horus, reached straight off the gangway at dusk.
- Day 5EdfuThe Temple of Horus at opening, the best-preserved temple in Egypt, then a long afternoon on the water.
- Days 6–7LuxorDisembark for Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and the West Bank, with a night to take it slowly.
- Day 8Fly homeTransfer to Luxor airport for the connection to Cairo and the flight home.
Direction and length flex: we run it as a 5-night cruise, reverse the river leg, or open with the cruise and finish in Cairo to suit your flights.
MidExclusive Private 6-Day Guided Luxury: Cairo, Luxor, Aswan & Abu Simbel
Luxor
A 6-day private tour of Egypt that stays in hotels throughout, with no Nile cruise. Two nights in Cairo, one in Luxor and two in Aswan, linked by domestic flights and a private road day through Edfu and Kom Ombo. You see the Giza Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, Luxor's East and West Banks, Abu Simbel, Philae Temple, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk with a private Egyptologist guide.
Budget4 Days Cairo Tour Package
Cairo
A four-day private tour of Cairo with one of our Egyptologists. After your arrival transfer, spend a day at the Pyramids on the Giza Plateau, then explore the historic sights of Old Cairo before your departure transfer. Hotel nights are included at the tier you choose, from Comfort to Luxury.
Mid13-Day Alexandria, Cairo, Aswan–Luxor Nile Cruise & Hurghada Tour
Nile (cruise route)
A 13-day tour linking Alexandria, Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and Hurghada by domestic flight, road and a three-night Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor. We arrange private guided touring with a dedicated Egyptologist, private air-conditioned transfers, and meet-and-assist at airports. Standard site entrance fees are included; the Khufu pyramid interior and premium tombs such as Tutankhamun or Seti I are not included unless requested. Unlike short fly-cruise packages, this itinerary allows proper guided visits to Edfu and Kom Ombo during the three nights on the Nile. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we coordinate all ground arrangements for the trip.
Mid8 Days Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel Nile Cruise
Cairo
This 8-day itinerary combines Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel with two hotel nights in Cairo, one in Luxor and a four-night Nile cruise segment between Luxor and Aswan. You see the Giza Plateau, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Luxor East and West Bank sites, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Abu Simbel, with guided visits and site entrance fees included as stated. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange domestic flights, transfers and English-speaking Egyptologists. Unlike short packaged cruises that rush river sites, this program allows longer visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo, and a scheduled morning entry to Abu Simbel.
Mid9 Day Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and Alexandria Overland Tour
Aswan
A 9-day, land-based tour that visits Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan and Luxor with private Egyptologists and a combination of domestic flights and a first-class train. We arrange all airport meet-and-assist, modern private transfers and guides for the major sites named in the itinerary. Unlike large coach programs, every major visit is private and paced to avoid peak crowds whenever possible. We do not run fixed-seat group buses; instead you travel in air-conditioned cars with your Egyptologist. Entrance fees for the listed monuments are included, while pyramid interiors and premium tombs are excluded unless requested.
Budget6-day Cairo tour package with private sightseeing
Cairo
This guided Cairo holiday focuses on the Egyptian Pyramids and Cairo’s historic attractions, with sightseeing arranged by a licensed Egyptian tour operator. Our Egyptologist guide accompanies you throughout, explaining the sites and placing Cairo’s ancient and Islamic heritage in context. Private air-conditioned vehicle transfers keep the program straightforward between visits, while entrance fees to the sites listed in the itinerary are included. Accommodation is arranged for five nights at a 5-star Cairo hotel. Unlike a short Cairo stopover, this package allows more time for guided visits and a measured pace between major sights. The itinerary is operated daily. International flights, the Egypt entry visa and gratuities are not included.
Mid10 Days Classical Tour of Egypt
Cairo
This 10-day itinerary visits Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, Abu Simbel and Luxor, focusing on Pharaonic, Coptic and Islamic sites. It is led by experienced Egyptologists and includes guided visits to major monuments and museums. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange domestic flights and the first-class train transfer between Aswan and Luxor. Unlike mass coach programs, we limit daily group sizes and favour guided walking at each site so you have time to study inscriptions and architecture. Expect early starts at major temples and a pace tuned to avoiding midday heat where possible.
Mid15 Days Experience Egypt Tour: Cairo, Nile Cruise and Red Sea
Cairo
This 15-day itinerary links Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, a Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor, Luxor and Hurghada, finishing in Cairo. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange all transfers, domestic flights and Egyptologist-led sightseeing. We do not run large coach-group itineraries; transfers and excursions are by private air-conditioned car with local guides. Unlike short packaged cruises, this trip includes full calls at Kom Ombo and Edfu and time on both Luxor East Bank and West Bank, plus two full days at the Red Sea for snorkeling and a desert quad safari.
Mid10 day Egypt tour with Cairo, Alexandria, Nile cruise, Abu Simbel and Hurghada
Cairo
This 10-day Egypt tour combines Cairo’s ancient monuments, Alexandria’s Mediterranean setting, a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan and time on the Red Sea coast. Our Egyptologist guides you through the Giza Plateau, including Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure and the Sphinx, then introduces the Grand Egyptian Museum and historic Cairo. Along the Nile, visits include Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple and Philae Temple. The route continues to Abu Simbel, including the temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari, before finishing in Hurghada. We arrange private air-conditioned transport rather than group bus touring, with a cruise cabin and Cairo hotel accommodation included.
Mid6-day Cairo and Nile cruise tour, Cairo to Luxor via Aswan
Cairo
This six-day itinerary combines two nights in Cairo with a three-night Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor, including domestic flights Cairo–Aswan and Luxor–Cairo. You visit the Giza Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Aswan’s major monuments, Kom Ombo and Edfu en route, and Luxor East and West Bank sites. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange private transfers and an Egyptologist for all sightseeing. We do not run group bus tours, and we time key visits to avoid the busiest hours where possible.
Mid9-Day Cairo, Luxor and Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Cairo
Start in Cairo with an Egyptologist at the Giza Plateau, the Great Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum. Fly to Luxor for a full day on both banks of the Nile: the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon in the morning, then Karnak and Luxor Temple. After a night in Luxor, transfer to Esna and board your dahabiya, a traditional two-masted sailing boat that carries a small group of guests. Over four nights you visit the temples of Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo, with full board on board, before disembarking in Aswan for Philae Temple, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. A flight takes you back to Cairo for your last night. Dahabiyas embark on Mondays, so this tour starts on a Friday. We arrange the hotels, the dahabiya cabin, the flights and every transfer through trusted local partners.
Budget8-Day Cairo and Nile Cruise by Sleeper Train
Luxor
This 8-day Egypt tour combines Cairo’s ancient monuments with a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan. In Cairo, our specialist Egyptologist accompanies visits to the Giza Plateau, the Great Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum. You then travel south by overnight sleeper train instead of flying, which keeps the price down, and join a four-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, with scheduled visits to Karnak and Luxor Temple, the Luxor West Bank, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae Temple. You will also see the Aswan High Dam. Unlike a Cairo-only holiday, this itinerary connects Egypt’s principal archaeological sites with the changing scenery of the Nile. Evening options in Luxor include the Karnak sound and light show or a felucca sail, subject to availability and additional cost.
Premium11-Day Egypt Grand Tour for the 2027 Solar Eclipse
Cairo
This 11-day Egypt tour combines time in Cairo with a Nile cruise package arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator. The program is centered on the 2027 solar eclipse and links Egypt’s capital with the historic Nile Valley. Accommodation is arranged in hotels and aboard an assigned Nile cruiser, with an Egyptologist accompanying the sightseeing program. Standard Egyptian site entrance fees, transfers and accommodation are included unless stated otherwise. Domestic flights are excluded, so the relevant sectors must be arranged separately. Unlike a short Cairo break, this format gives you time to pair the capital’s archaeology with a slower journey along the Nile.
Mid7 Days Cairo, Aswan and Luxor Nile Cruise
Luxor
This seven-day Egypt holiday combines Cairo and Giza sightseeing with a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor. In Cairo, our Egyptologist guides you around the Giza Plateau, including the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, and the Sphinx, followed by the Grand Egyptian Museum. The river section includes Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam, Kom Ombo Temple and Edfu Temple before reaching Luxor. On the Luxor West Bank, visit the Valley of the Kings and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, then explore Karnak Temple. Domestic flights reduce long overland journeys, while private air-conditioned transfers keep connections straightforward. The cruise vessel is assigned at booking, with the itinerary arranged by a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
Premium7-Night Cairo to Aswan Nile Cruise and Solar Eclipse 2027 Package
Cairo
This eight-day Egypt package combines Cairo sightseeing with a four-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, timed around the 2027 solar eclipse. In Luxor, our Egyptologist introduces Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple before you embark on an arranged 5-star Nile cruiser. Sailing south, the itinerary includes Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple, with time in Aswan for Philae Temple where stated in the final program. Cairo accommodation, cruise accommodation, transfers and standard entrance fees are arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator. Eclipse viewing equipment is not included, so travelers should arrange suitable certified protection independently. The vessel and land hotels are confirmed at booking.
Mid6-day Cairo and Alexandria Vacation
Alexandria
This six-day Egypt itinerary combines Cairo’s ancient monuments, Islamic architecture and museum collections with a full-day visit to Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast. At Giza, our Egyptologist introduces the Great Pyramid of Khufu and the Great Sphinx before the route continues to Saqqara and the Step Pyramid of Djoser. In Cairo, visits include the Grand Egyptian Museum, the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir, the Citadel of Salah El Din and Al-Muizz Street. Alexandria adds Qaitbay Citadel and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. Unlike shorter Cairo breaks, this program allows time for both Alexandria and Saqqara, rather than treating them as optional add-ons. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator arranging the accommodation, private transport and guided sightseeing.
Practical questions
What travelers ask about this style of tour.
01How many days do I need for Cairo and a Nile cruise?
Seven days is the minimum that does both halves justice: two nights in Cairo for the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, then a four-day, three-night cruise. Eight days adds a second Cairo night or a fourth on the river. Anything shorter means rushing one half, and the internal flight makes a tight trip tighter.
02Do I fly between Cairo and the cruise?
Yes – a one-hour internal flight links Cairo with Luxor or Aswan, and we include it in the package. The overnight sleeper train is the slower alternative some travelers prefer. Either way we handle the transfer, the timing, and the luggage so the changeover is seamless.
03Is a Cairo and Nile cruise good for a first visit to Egypt?
It is the first-visit itinerary. It puts the two things almost everyone comes to Egypt for – the Pyramids and the river temples – in one trip, with a private Egyptologist guide throughout and a 5-star ship handling the logistics between Luxor and Aswan. Families, couples and solo travelers all do this shape.
04What is the Grand Egyptian Museum and is it included?
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) sits beside the Pyramids at Giza and holds the full Tutankhamun collection. We include it on the Cairo leg of this package. It has largely replaced the old Tahrir Square museum for the headline collection, though both can be visited if you want the contrast.
From the Cairo desk
Found the shape. Now make it yours.
Every Egypt tour we run is tailor-made – your dates, your party, your pace. Send a short brief or talk to the Cairo desk direct. Replies within one working day.
– Suhaila & the Cairo team · 38 years · 6 offices · IATA #90255546