10-Day Egypt Tour: Cairo, Nile Cruise & Ancient Wonders

Arrival in Cairo, Airport Transfer and Free Day

Upon arrival at Cairo Airport, our company representative will meet you in the arrivals area with a signboard bearing your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Cairo. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore on your own. Overnight in Cairo.

Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx & Saqqara

After breakfast, at around 8:30 am, your Egyptologist guide will meet you at your hotel and begin your full-day exploration of ancient Egypt’s iconic monuments.

Start your day at the Pyramids of Giza, where you’ll visit the Great Pyramid of Cheops, along with the Pyramids of Chephren and Menkaure, marvels that have stood for over 4,500 years. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Giza plateau and explore the legendary Great Sphinx, a 20-meter-high statue with the body of a lion and the head of a man, believed to represent Pharaoh Chephren.

Next, travel south to [Saqqara (Sakkara)], home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the oldest known pyramid in Egypt and the earliest large-scale cut stone construction in history. Explore surrounding temples and ruins that mark the birth of pyramid architecture.

Finally, continue to Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, where you’ll encounter the impressive Statue of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx of Amenhotep II, set in a tranquil open-air museum.

After the tour concludes around 4:00 pm, you’ll return to your hotel in Cairo. Enjoy a free evening to relax or explore the city at your own pace. Overnight in Cairo.

Fly to Luxor from Cairo – Nile Cruise Embarkation (Departs: Sat, Mon, Thu)

Early in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Cairo Airport for your short flight to Luxor, the ancient capital of Upper Egypt. Upon arrival, our representative will meet you and assist with your transfer to your Nile River cruise ship, where you'll check in before lunch.

In the afternoon, begin your guided tour with a visit to the magnificent Luxor Temple, built by Amenhotep III and later expanded by Ramses II. Continue to the Karnak Temple Complex, one of the largest religious structures ever constructed, dedicated to the Theban Triad—Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Walk among its vast courtyards, towering columns, and sacred lake.

After the tour, return to the cruise ship to relax and enjoy your dinner onboard. Overnight Onboard in Luxor.

Nile Cruise – Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple & Sail to Edfu

Begin your day with a visit to Luxor’s West Bank, one of the richest archaeological zones in Egypt. The tour starts with a photo stop at the towering Colossi of Memnon, two massive statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that have stood for nearly 3,400 years.

Continue to the remarkable Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, a uniquely designed mortuary temple dedicated to Egypt’s first powerful female pharaoh. Set against a dramatic desert cliff, this site is a masterpiece of ancient architecture.

Next, head to the legendary Valley of the Kings, the burial site of nearly all the pharaohs of the New Kingdom's 18th to 20th dynasties. Explore intricately decorated tombs, including the famed Tomb of Tutankhamun (optional entry, subject to availability), and other richly adorned royal chambers that bring to life the mythology and beliefs of ancient Egypt.

In the late afternoon, your cruise sets sail southward toward the peaceful farming village of Esna, eventually docking in Edfu. Overnight Onboard in Edfu.

Nile Cruise – Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples – Sail to Aswan

In the morning, continue your journey to Edfu, home to one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Egypt—the magnificent Temple of Horus. Built during the Ptolemaic period, this temple is remarkable for its grand pylons, impressive inscriptions, and its surprisingly intact condition, which gives visitors a glimpse into what ancient Egyptian temples originally looked like.

Enjoy lunch onboard as your Nile cruise sails to the riverside town of Kom Ombo, where you’ll visit the unique twin temples dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god, and Sobek, the crocodile-headed god of fertility and protector of the Nile. The temple complex features fascinating reliefs, mummified crocodiles, and a small yet impressive crocodile museum.

Later in the evening, continue sailing toward Aswan, where your cruise will dock for the night. Overnight Onboard in Aswan.

Nile Cruise – Aswan Highlights

This morning, discover the charm and history of Aswan, starting with a visit to the impressive Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel that dramatically transformed Egypt’s economy and landscape. Next, see the Unfinished Obelisk, a massive granite monument still attached to the bedrock in an ancient quarry—offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient stone-carving techniques.

Continue to the stunning Temple of Philae, majestically situated on an island in the Nile and dedicated to the goddess Isis. Relocated to its current location due to the flooding of Lake Nasser, Philae remains one of the most romantic and beautifully preserved temples in Egypt.

Optional add-on (available at extra cost): In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful felucca boat ride around Aswan. Sail past Elephantine Island and visit the lush Kitchener’s Island Botanical Gardens, home to exotic plants and trees from across the globe. Overnight Onboard in Aswan.

Disembark Cruise – Abu Simbel Temples Excursion – Fly to Cairo

Begin your day with an early morning departure from Aswan. After receiving your boxed breakfast, meet your guide around 3:30 AM and board a shared air-conditioned vehicle for the 3-hour drive south to the world-renowned Abu Simbel Temples.

Upon arrival, explore the massive rock-cut temples of Ramses II, masterpieces of ancient Egyptian art and engineering. The larger temple is dedicated to Ra-Horakhty, Amun, and Ptah, and features colossal seated statues of the king himself. The smaller temple, built in honor of Queen Nefertari, is one of the few structures in Egypt dedicated to a royal wife and stands as a testament to their powerful relationship.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to Aswan Airport for your domestic flight to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Overnight in Cairo.

Full-Day Trip to Alexandria from Cairo

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel in Cairo for a full-day guided excursion to Alexandria, Egypt’s second-largest city and cultural capital on the Mediterranean coast.

Your first stop will be Pompey's Pillar, a Roman triumphal column that stands on the site of the ancient Temple of Serapis, mistakenly attributed to Pompey. Next, explore the fascinating Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. These multi-level burial chambers, dating back to the 2nd century AD, blend Pharaonic, Greek, and Roman art and architectural elements.

Continue with a photo stop outside the modern Library of Alexandria, built as a tribute to the ancient Great Library of Alexandria. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, sampling fresh Mediterranean cuisine.

After lunch, visit the seaside Qaitbay Citadel, built in the 15th century by Sultan Qaitbay on the site of the legendary Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cairo. Overnight in Cairo.

Egyptian Museum, Citadel & Old Cairo

After breakfast, begin your full-day exploration of Cairo’s historic and cultural landmarks. Your guide will first take you to the world-renowned Egyptian Museum, home to more than 63,000 ancient artifacts, including the treasures of Tutankhamun and countless relics from Egypt’s pharaonic past.

Next, visit the iconic Citadel of Salah El-Din, a medieval Islamic fortress offering panoramic views of Cairo. Inside, explore the exquisite Muhammad Ali Alabaster Mosque, one of the most beautiful and recognizable mosques in Egypt.

Continue your journey through Coptic Cairo with a visit to the Hanging Church, one of the oldest churches in Egypt, built over the ruins of a Roman fortress. Then walk to the nearby Ben Ezra Synagogue, historically believed to be the oldest Jewish temple in Cairo.

In the afternoon, experience the vibrant energy of Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Cairo’s most famous market. Wander through its labyrinthine alleys filled with local crafts, spices, souvenirs, and traditional cafés.

After the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, do some last-minute shopping, or explore Cairo at your own pace. Overnight in Cairo.

Departure from Cairo – End of Tour Service

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel in Cairo (check-out is before 12:00 pm). You will then be transferred to Cairo International Airport in accordance with your flight schedule. End of our tour and services.