4-Day Egypt Tour: Cairo & Luxor

4 Days
  • 1

Overview:

Embark on a captivating 4-day private tour through Egypt's most legendary landmarks, beginning and ending in Cairo. After settling into your hotel, your second day immerses you in the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Great Sphinx, followed by the world-renowned Egyptian Museum and the vibrant stalls of Khan El Khalili Bazaar. On day three, you'll fly south to Luxor for an unforgettable exploration of the Valley of the Kings, the majestic Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the monumental Karnak Temple. Throughout the journey, your private guide brings each site to life with expert commentary, while all transfers, domestic flights, and quality accommodation are seamlessly arranged. Designed for travelers who want to experience the very best of ancient Egypt at their own pace, this tour delivers an extraordinary blend of history, culture, and personal discovery.

Highlights:

  • Marvel at the iconic Pyramids of Giza and Great Sphinx
  • Explore thousands of ancient artifacts at the Egyptian Museum
  • Wander the colorful lanes of Khan El Khalili Bazaar
  • Discover royal tombs in the legendary Valley of the Kings
  • Visit the stunning terraced Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
  • Experience the colossal columns of Karnak Temple in Luxor
  • Enjoy seamless private transfers and a domestic flight included
  • Travel at your own pace with an expert private guide

Day-by-Day Itinerary

  • Day
    1

    Arrival in Cairo – Airport Transfer & Free Evening

    Welcome to Egypt! Upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, our representative will be waiting in the arrivals hall with a signboard bearing your name. After a warm greeting, you will be escorted to your private air-conditioned vehicle for a comfortable transfer to your hotel in Cairo. Check in, settle into your room, and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

    Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to take a relaxing walk along the Nile Corniche, soak in the energy of the city from your hotel or simply rest after your journey. For those looking to make the most of the evening, an optional Pyramids Sound & Light Show is available (approximately $70 per person, must be reserved in advance). This spectacular multimedia experience brings the story of the ancient pharaohs to life against the dramatic backdrop of the illuminated pyramids. Overnight in Cairo.

  • Day
    2

    Pyramids of Giza, Egyptian Museum & Khan El Khalili Bazaar

    After breakfast at your hotel, around 8:00 AM your private guide will meet you in the lobby to begin a full day exploring Cairo's most iconic landmarks. Your first destination is the legendary Giza Plateau, home to the Great Pyramid of Cheops, the last surviving wonder of the ancient world. Alongside it stand the Pyramid of Chephren and the Pyramid of Menkaure, forming one of the most recognizable skylines on earth. Continue to the Great Sphinx and the adjacent Valley Temple, marveling at these colossal monuments that have endured for over 4,500 years.

    Next, visit the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, which houses an extraordinary collection of over 120,000 artifacts spanning millennia of Egyptian civilization. Among its highlights are the golden mask and treasures of Tutankhamun, royal mummies, and intricately painted sarcophagi. Around midday, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring traditional Egyptian cuisine.

    In the afternoon, your tour continues to Coptic Cairo. Explore the Hanging Church, one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in Egypt, its nave suspended above a passageway. Nearby, visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, believed to stand on the site where baby Moses was found among the reeds. Your final stop is the Khan El Khalili Bazaar in Islamic Cairo, a sprawling marketplace dating back to the 14th century. Browse stalls overflowing with spices, handcrafted jewelry, copper lanterns, and traditional textiles — perfect for picking up authentic souvenirs. Return to your hotel by approximately 5:00 PM, with the evening free to relax or explore at your own pace. Overnight in Cairo.

  • Day
    3

    Flight to Luxor – Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple & Karnak Temple

    Rise early this morning to collect your takeout breakfast from the hotel before your private transfer to Cairo Airport. Board your domestic flight to Luxor, departing between approximately 6:30 and 8:00 AM (flight time around one hour). Upon arrival, your private Egyptologist guide will greet you at the airport, and your full-day exploration of ancient Thebes begins immediately.

    Cross to the West Bank of the Nile to visit the Valley of the Kings, the royal burial ground where over 60 tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs lie carved deep into the limestone hills. Descend into elaborately decorated chambers adorned with vivid hieroglyphs and scenes from the Book of the Dead. Continue to the Colossi of Memnon, two towering quartzite statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that once guarded his vast mortuary temple. Next, visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, a striking colonnaded structure built into the cliffs — a masterwork of ancient Egyptian architecture honoring one of history's most powerful female rulers.

    Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the East Bank. Explore the Luxor Temple, an elegant complex largely built by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II, its grand pylon entrance flanked by colossal statues. Your final visit of the day is the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple, one of the largest religious complexes ever constructed. Walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall with its 134 massive columns and discover sanctuaries, obelisks, and sacred lakes spanning nearly 2,000 years of construction. After the tour, transfer to Luxor Airport for your return flight to Cairo. Upon landing, your driver will meet you and transfer you back to your hotel. Overnight in Cairo.

  • Day
    4

    Departure from Cairo – End of Tour

    After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy any remaining free time before the standard check-out time of 11:00 AM. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have a chance for a final stroll through the neighborhood or some last-minute souvenir shopping. At the designated time, your private driver will collect you from the hotel lobby and transfer you comfortably to Cairo International Airport for your departure flight. End of tour services.

Inclusions:

  • 3 nights hotel accommodation in Cairo (5-star or equivalent)
  • Daily breakfast at the hotel
  • 2 lunches at local restaurants (Days 2 and 3)
  • Private airport meet and greet upon arrival and departure
  • All private airport and hotel transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
  • Round-trip domestic flights: Cairo to Luxor and Luxor to Cairo
  • Private professional licensed English-speaking Egyptologist guide during all tours
  • All entrance fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary
  • Local taxes and service charges

Exclusions:

  • International flights
  • Egypt entry visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Drinks during meals (except beverages served with breakfast)
  • Optional activities (e.g., Pyramids Sound & Light Show, camel rides)
  • Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
  • Anything not explicitly mentioned in inclusions

FAQs:

What is the best time of year to take this tour?

October through April offers the most comfortable weather for sightseeing, with cooler temperatures particularly in Luxor. Summer months (May–September) can be very hot, though fewer crowds are an advantage. The tour operates year-round.

How early is the flight to Luxor on Day 3?

Domestic flights from Cairo to Luxor typically depart between 6:30 and 8:00 AM. Your hotel pick-up will be arranged approximately 2.5 hours before departure. A takeout breakfast will be provided by the hotel so you don't miss a meal.

Domestic flights from Cairo to Luxor typically depart between 6:30 and 8:00 AM. Your hotel pick-up will be arranged approximately 2.5 hours before departure. A takeout breakfast will be provided by the hotel so you don't miss a meal.

Absolutely. As a private tour, the itinerary can be tailored to your interests. Popular additions include an overnight stay in Luxor, a Nile cruise extension, or a day trip to Abu Simbel. Contact us with your preferences for a customized quote.

Is the Pyramids Sound & Light Show worth attending?

The Sound & Light Show at the Pyramids is a popular evening activity that uses laser projections and narration to tell the story of the pharaohs against the backdrop of the illuminated Giza Plateau. It costs approximately $70 per person and must be reserved in advance.

Do I need a visa to enter Egypt?

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Egypt. Many travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at Cairo Airport or apply for an e-visa online before departure. We recommend checking your country's specific requirements well in advance of travel.

How much walking is involved each day?

Touring days involve considerable walking — expect 3 to 5 hours on your feet across ancient sites with uneven surfaces. The Luxor day is particularly active with multiple temple and tomb visits. Comfortable shoes and hydration are essential.

Are tips included in the tour price?

Gratuities for your guide, driver, and hotel staff are not included. Tipping is customary in Egypt. A general guideline is $10–15 per day for your guide and $5–8 per day for your driver, though amounts are at your discretion.

What type of vehicle is used for transfers?

All transfers are provided in a private, modern, air-conditioned vehicle. The vehicle size is matched to your group — typically a sedan for 1–2 travelers or a minivan for 3–4 travelers.