12 Days Cairo, Alexandria & Nile Cruise

In the morning, your private tour guide and driver will collect you from your hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to begin a fascinating day of exploration in Cairo.

Giza Pyramids: Your adventure starts at the Giza Plateau, home to the legendary Pyramids of Giza—the only surviving wonder of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World. Here, you’ll stand in awe of the monumental structures of Khufu (Cheops), Khafre (Chephren), and Menkaure (Mycerinus), each a testament to Egypt’s extraordinary architectural legacy.

Queen’s Pyramids: Nearby, you’ll also see the smaller Queen’s Pyramids, constructed as tombs for the royal women of the pharaohs, surrounded by remnants of ancient temples, tombs, and the workers’ village that once supported pyramid construction.

Great Sphinx of Giza: Continue your visit to the Great Sphinx of Giza, the largest monolithic statue in Egypt. Carved from the limestone bedrock, this iconic figure combines the body of a lion with the head of a human and once gleamed with vibrant red ochre paint and a ceremonial beard now lost to history.

The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities: Your tour then takes you to the renowned Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, home to the world’s most significant collection of Pharaonic artifacts spanning 5,000 years of history. Explore more than 25,000 remarkable pieces, including the dazzling treasures of King Tutankhamun, exquisite jewelry, ceremonial artifacts, and everyday items that offer a window into the lives of ancient Egyptians.

Lunch: Enjoy a break for a delicious lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant, where you’ll savor authentic Egyptian cuisine. Please note that beverages are not included.

Khan El Khalili Bazaar: After lunch, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Cairo’s most famous market. Wander through a labyrinth of bustling alleys filled with shops selling vibrant textiles, intricate handicrafts, jewelry, spices, and unique souvenirs—a perfect place to soak in the local culture and find memorable keepsakes.

At the end of this unforgettable day, you will be transferred back to your hotel, carrying with you vivid memories of Cairo’s ancient wonders and vibrant city life.

In the morning, our representative and driver will collect you from your hotel and accompany you to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor.

Upon arrival at Luxor Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your expert tour guide and driver. You’ll first proceed to your Nile Cruise, where you will check in and leave your luggage, before embarking on a captivating exploration of Luxor in the comfort of a private, air-conditioned vehicle.

Karnak Temple: Begin your tour with a visit to the magnificent Karnak Temple, the largest temple complex in the world. Spanning nearly 3,000 years of history, Karnak boasts structures dating back to the 21st century BC and monuments extending through to the 7th century AD, offering a fascinating journey through the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilization.

Luxor Temple: Continue to the impressive Luxor Temple, originally built by Pharaoh Amenhotep III and later expanded by Ramses II. This remarkable site is unique for incorporating Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, and Islamic elements, reflecting the layers of history that have shaped Luxor over the centuries.

After completing your tour, you will be transferred back to your Nile Cruise to relax and prepare for the adventures that await along the majestic Nile River.

In the morning, your expert tour guide and driver will meet you at your Nile cruise and escort you in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to begin an extraordinary day of exploration.

Valley of the Kings: Your journey starts at the legendary Valley of the Kings, the royal burial ground of Egypt’s New Kingdom pharaohs. Here, you’ll descend into three of the intricately decorated tombs carved deep into the desert rock, each adorned with vivid wall paintings and hieroglyphics that have survived thousands of years, offering a glimpse into ancient beliefs about the afterlife.

Temple of Queen Hatshepsut: Next, continue to the majestic Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari. Dedicated to Egypt’s most successful female pharaoh, this stunning monument rises gracefully from the desert floor in a series of terraces that blend harmoniously with the surrounding limestone cliffs, showcasing unique architectural elegance and historical significance.

Colossi of Memnon: Conclude your tour with a visit to the imposing Colossi of Memnon, two monumental statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that once stood at the entrance of his grand mortuary temple. These towering figures have watched over the Theban necropolis for more than three millennia, bearing witness to centuries of history and legend.

After completing your explorations, your Egyptologist guide will return you to your Nile cruise in Luxor. Enjoy dinner on board and an overnight stay, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Nile.

In the morning, your knowledgeable tour guide will accompany you from your Nile cruise to begin another remarkable day of exploration along the majestic Nile River.

Kom Ombo Temple

Your first stop is the fascinating Temple of Kom Ombo, beautifully situated on the banks of the Nile. Dating back to the Ptolemaic period, it is the only double temple in ancient Egypt, uniquely dedicated to two gods: the falcon-headed Horus and the crocodile-headed Sobek. Revered as the god of the Nile and, according to some legends, the creator of the world, Sobek held significant importance in the religious life of ancient Egypt. The temple’s remarkable symmetrical layout and detailed reliefs vividly depict rituals, deities, and scenes of daily life, making it an extraordinary testament to Pharaonic architecture and beliefs.

Edfu Temple

Continue your journey to the impressive Edfu Temple, devoted to the falcon god Horus. Renowned as one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt, Edfu stands as a magnificent example of ancient religious architecture. Hidden beneath the sands for centuries, it was rediscovered in the mid-19th century by French archaeologist Auguste Mariette. As you explore its towering pylons, majestic halls, and finely carved hieroglyphs, you’ll be transported back in time to the Ptolemaic era, witnessing the grandeur and artistry of ancient Egyptian civilization.

After concluding your visits, your Egyptologist guide will return you to your Nile cruise in Aswan. Enjoy a delightful dinner on board and spend a relaxing overnight on the serene waters of the Nile.

In the morning, your expert Egyptologist guide will escort you from your Nile cruise to begin an enriching tour of Aswan’s most iconic landmarks.

Aswan High Dam: Your first stop is the impressive Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel completed in 1970 to regulate the flow of the Nile River and protect Egypt from seasonal flooding. It also created Lake Nasser, one of the largest artificial lakes in the world.

Unfinished Obelisk: Next, visit the site of the Unfinished Obelisk, located in Aswan’s ancient granite quarries. Believed to have been commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut, this massive structure—measuring 42 meters in length and weighing approximately 1,200 tons—offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Egyptian stone-cutting techniques and the ambition of the pharaohs.

Philae Temple: Continue to the enchanting Temple of Philae, beautifully situated on Agilkia Island between the Old and New Aswan Dams. This sacred temple complex, dedicated to the goddess Isis, was one of the last strongholds of ancient Egyptian religion and features elegant reliefs that recount the myth of Isis, Osiris, and Horus.

After completing your sightseeing, you’ll return to your Nile cruise for a relaxing evening on board.

Overnight on the Nile Cruise.

After enjoying breakfast on board, you will be transferred to Aswan Airport for your domestic flight to Cairo. Upon arrival at Cairo Airport, our representative and driver will meet you and escort you in a private, air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel in Cairo for check-in.

The rest of the day is free for leisure, allowing you to relax at the hotel or explore the city at your own pace.

Optional Excursions:

If you wish to enhance your experience, we invite you to explore our selection of Cairo Day Tours, offering a wide range of cultural and historical activities to suit your interests.

You will be picked up from your hotel in Cairo in a private, air-conditioned vehicle for a scenic journey to Alexandria, located about three hours away. Founded by Alexander the Great in the fourth century BC, Alexandria is Egypt’s vibrant second city and was once among the ancient world’s great cultural and commercial centers. Upon arrival in the morning, your tour will begin with the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, a fascinating underground burial complex from the Roman era featuring three levels adorned with a unique blend of Egyptian and Roman art.

You’ll then visit the Roman Theater, initially constructed by the Nabataeans and expanded by the Romans in the early first century AD, accommodating up to 3,000 spectators. The tour continues to the modern Library of Alexandria, an architectural marvel inspired by both the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria and the sun god Amun-Ra, housing libraries, museums, a planetarium, and research facilities, though it is closed on Fridays and Saturdays and visible only from the outside on those days.

You’ll also pass by the striking Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque, a beautiful example of Islamic architecture built between 1929 and 1945 and influenced by historic designs from Cairo. Around midday, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, where you’ll savor authentic Egyptian dishes, including meat, rice, and fresh salads, with drinks not included. The final stop of the tour will be an exterior visit to the Citadel of Qaitbay, a formidable fortress constructed in 1480 by Sultan Ashraf Abu al-Nasr Seif al-Din Qaitbay on the exact site where the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria once stood.

After this enriching day exploring Alexandria’s cultural treasures and scenic beauty, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cairo, carrying with you unforgettable memories of Egypt’s coastal gem.

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Cairo at your own pace.

Should you wish to enhance your experience, you have the option to add exciting excursions upon your arrival in the city.

We invite you to browse our selection of Cairo Day Tours, offering a wide variety of activities and attractions to make the most of your time in Egypt’s vibrant capital.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you will set out in a private car accompanied by your expert tour guide to explore some of Cairo’s most captivating historical sites.

Salah El-Din Citadel: Begin your day with a visit to the majestic Salah El-Din Citadel, once the seat of power in Egypt for over 700 years. Within its walls stands the splendid Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali, designed by the Turkish architect Yousif Boushnaq and renowned for its stunning Ottoman-style architecture.

Hanging Church: Continue your journey to the Hanging Church, the most famous church in Cairo’s Coptic Quarter. Named for its unique construction atop one of the gates of the ancient Roman fortress, the church features a wooden roof shaped like Noah’s Ark, as described in the Old Testament.

Ben Ezra Synagogue: Next, visit the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue. Originally a church, it was sold in the ninth century to Abraham Ben Ezra, who converted it into a synagogue, using the proceeds to pay heavy taxes imposed by the Roman authorities.

Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque: Proceed to the Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque, the oldest mosque on the African continent, dating back to 642 AD. It was established during the foundation of Fustat, the original capital of Islamic Egypt.

Lunch: Pause for lunch at a local restaurant where you’ll savor authentic Egyptian cuisine. (Please note: beverages are not included.)

Khan El Khalili Bazaar: After lunch, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Cairo’s most renowned marketplace. Bustling with both locals and tourists, it’s the beating heart of the city, offering everything from colorful textiles and spices to exquisite local handicrafts—the perfect place to find unique souvenirs.

At the end of your tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Cairo, filled with wonderful memories of your exploration.

Enjoy a full day at your leisure to relax or explore the vibrant city of Cairo at your own pace.

If you wish to enhance your experience, optional excursions can be arranged upon request.

We invite you to discover our wide range of Cairo Day Tours, offering exciting activities and cultural experiences tailored to your interests.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cairo Airport for final departure.