More Info

The 11 Days Cairo, Nile Cruise & Abu Simbel Tour is a comprehensive Egypt vacation designed for travelers who want to experience the country’s most famous ancient monuments, historic cities, and the spectacular scenery of the Nile Valley.

The journey combines the highlights of Cairo and Giza with a relaxing Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan, followed by a memorable visit to the magnificent temples of Abu Simbel.

Over 11 days and 10 nights, travelers can explore the Pyramids of Giza, Great Sphinx, Saqqara, Memphis, Egyptian Museum, historic Cairo, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, and Abu Simbel.

The program is ideal for first-time visitors to Egypt because it brings together the country’s most important archaeological attractions in one organized itinerary.

Tour Overview

Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Tour Type: Private Egypt Tour
Destinations: Cairo – Giza – Luxor – Edfu – Kom Ombo – Aswan – Abu Simbel
Nile Cruise: 4 Nights / 5 Days
Accommodation: Hotels + Nile Cruise
Meals: Breakfast at hotels + Full Board during the cruise
Guide: Professional English-speaking Egyptologist
Transportation: Private air-conditioned vehicles and domestic transportation according to the selected package

The itinerary can also be customized for couples, families, honeymooners, groups, or solo travelers.

Day 1 – Arrival in Cairo

Your Egyptian adventure begins when you arrive at Cairo International Airport.

A representative will meet you at the airport and assist with the arrival procedures before transferring you to your hotel in Cairo or Giza.

After check-in, you can relax and recover from your journey.

If you arrive early enough, you can spend the evening exploring the neighborhood around your hotel or simply enjoy a relaxing night before beginning the sightseeing program.

Overnight in Cairo.

Day 2 – Pyramids of Giza, Saqqara & Memphis

After breakfast, begin your first full day with the legendary monuments of Giza.

Pyramids of Giza

The Pyramids of Giza are among the most recognizable monuments in the world.

The plateau contains three principal pyramids:

• Great Pyramid of Khufu
• Pyramid of Khafre
• Pyramid of Menkaure

The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the largest and most famous.

Your Egyptologist will explain the history of the pyramids, their role as royal funerary monuments, and the significance of the Giza complex.

You will also have time to enjoy panoramic views and take photographs.

Great Sphinx

Continue to the Great Sphinx, one of the most famous symbols of ancient Egypt.

The enormous limestone monument combines a human head with the body of a lion and is traditionally associated with Pharaoh Khafre.

The Sphinx is particularly impressive when viewed alongside the nearby pyramids.

Saqqara

Continue to Saqqara, one of Egypt’s most important archaeological sites.

The main attraction is the Step Pyramid of Djoser, an important milestone in the development of Egyptian pyramid architecture.

The Saqqara complex also contains numerous tombs, temples, courtyards, and other ancient monuments.

Memphis

Finish the day at Memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt.

The archaeological site contains important remains, including the enormous Colossus of Ramses II and the Alabaster Sphinx.

After sightseeing, return to your hotel.

Day 3 – Egyptian Museum & Historic Cairo

After breakfast, continue your exploration of Cairo.

Egyptian Museum

Visit the Egyptian Museum, which houses an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts.

The collection includes:

• Statues
• Sarcophagi
• Jewelry
• Papyri
• Ancient tools
• Royal treasures
• Religious objects

Your Egyptologist can explain the most important artifacts and their historical significance.

Citadel of Saladin

Continue to the Citadel of Saladin, a historic fortress overlooking Cairo.

The citadel played an important role in the city’s medieval history.

The complex includes the famous Mosque of Muhammad Ali, known for its prominent location and Ottoman-inspired architecture.

Coptic Cairo

Continue to Coptic Cairo, an important area associated with Egypt’s Christian heritage.

The district contains historic churches and religious monuments and provides insight into the long history of Christianity in Egypt.

Khan El Khalili

Finish the day at Khan El Khalili, Cairo’s famous traditional bazaar.

The market contains shops selling souvenirs, spices, traditional crafts, jewelry, perfumes, and other products.

It is also an excellent place to experience the atmosphere of historic Cairo.

Return to your hotel for overnight.

Day 4 – Cairo to Luxor & Nile Cruise

After breakfast, travel from Cairo to Luxor by the transportation option included in your package.

Luxor is one of the world’s most important archaeological destinations.

Upon arrival, transfer to your Nile Cruise and complete the embarkation process.

Karnak Temple

Begin sightseeing with Karnak Temple, one of the largest ancient religious complexes in the world.

The complex was expanded by successive pharaohs over many centuries.

One of its most impressive features is the Great Hypostyle Hall, containing enormous columns decorated with ancient inscriptions and reliefs.

Luxor Temple

Continue to Luxor Temple, located in the modern city.

The temple was closely connected with royal ceremonies and the ancient Opet Festival.

After sightseeing, return to the cruise for dinner and overnight.

Day 5 – Luxor West Bank

The fifth day focuses on the famous monuments of Luxor’s West Bank.

Valley of the Kings

Visit the Valley of the Kings, the famous royal burial ground of the New Kingdom.

The valley contains numerous rock-cut tombs decorated with colorful paintings and hieroglyphic inscriptions.

The tombs were created to protect the remains of pharaohs and provide them with the religious imagery believed necessary for the afterlife.

The specific tombs open to visitors can vary depending on conservation work and local regulations.

Temple of Hatshepsut

Continue to the impressive Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari.

The temple was built against a dramatic limestone cliff and consists of several terraces connected by ramps.

Hatshepsut was one of ancient Egypt’s most important female rulers.

The temple’s reliefs provide information about her reign and the famous expedition to the Land of Punt.

Colossi of Memnon

Make a stop at the Colossi of Memnon, two enormous statues representing Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

After completing the West Bank sightseeing, return to the cruise and continue sailing south.

Day 6 – Edfu Temple

The cruise continues toward Edfu.

Temple of Horus

Visit the magnificent Temple of Horus at Edfu.

Built during the Ptolemaic period, the temple is dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god.

It is one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Egypt.

The monumental entrance pylon and detailed reliefs provide an excellent example of ancient Egyptian religious architecture.

After the visit, return to the cruise.

Enjoy lunch onboard while sailing through the Nile Valley.

The afternoon can be spent relaxing on the Sun Deck, enjoying the pool, taking photographs, or watching the scenery along the river.

Day 7 – Kom Ombo & Sailing to Aswan

Continue sailing toward Kom Ombo.

Kom Ombo Temple

Visit Kom Ombo Temple, located directly beside the Nile.

The temple is unusual because it was dedicated to two gods:

Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder.

Its symmetrical design reflects the dual dedication.

The riverside location also offers beautiful views of the Nile.

After the visit, return to the cruise and continue sailing toward Aswan.

Day 8 – Aswan Sightseeing

Arrive in Aswan and explore its major attractions.

Aswan High Dam

The Aswan High Dam is one of Egypt’s most important modern engineering projects.

The dam was built to regulate the Nile, control flooding, support agriculture, and generate electricity.

Its construction also resulted in a major international effort to protect ancient monuments from rising water.

Unfinished Obelisk

Continue to the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan’s ancient granite quarries.

The site provides an opportunity to understand the enormous scale of ancient Egyptian stone-working.

The visible cracks in the granite help explain why the monument was abandoned before completion.

Philae Temple

Continue by boat to Philae Temple, dedicated primarily to the goddess Isis.

The temple complex contains impressive pylons, columns, sanctuaries, inscriptions, and reliefs.

The monument has an important modern history because it was relocated to higher ground to protect it from rising water following the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

Felucca Ride

Enjoy a traditional Felucca ride around the Nile islands of Aswan.

The ride provides beautiful views of palm trees, islands, villages, and the surrounding desert.

Return to your hotel or cruise accommodation according to the itinerary.

Day 9 – Abu Simbel

One of the highlights of this itinerary is the visit to Abu Simbel.

Abu Simbel Temples

The temples of Abu Simbel were built during the reign of Ramses II and are among the most spectacular monuments in southern Egypt.

The Great Temple is famous for its enormous seated statues of Ramses II carved directly into the rock.

The nearby temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari is also decorated with impressive reliefs and statues.

The temples have a remarkable modern history.

They were relocated to higher ground during an international archaeological rescue project to protect them from the rising waters created by the Aswan High Dam.

After visiting Abu Simbel, return to Aswan.

Overnight in Aswan.

Day 10 – Aswan to Cairo

After breakfast, complete your stay in Aswan and travel back to Cairo according to your selected transportation.

Upon arrival in Cairo, transfer to your hotel.

The remainder of the day is free.

You can relax at the hotel or choose an optional activity.

Possible activities include:

• Grand Egyptian Museum
• National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
• Cairo Tower
• Nile dinner cruise
• Shopping
• Islamic Cairo
• Additional historic sites
• Local food experience

Overnight in Cairo.

Day 11 – Departure

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and check out.

At the agreed time, your representative will transfer you to Cairo International Airport for your international departure.

This marks the end of your 11-day Egypt experience.

Nile Cruise Experience

The 4-night Nile Cruise is one of the central elements of the tour.

Instead of traveling between Luxor and Aswan by road, guests stay onboard while the ship sails along the Nile.

During sailing periods, travelers can enjoy:

• Nile views
• Sun Deck
• Swimming pool
• Restaurant
• Lounge
• Onboard entertainment
• Relaxation
• Full-board meals

The cruise provides a slower and more relaxing pace between archaeological excursions.

Accommodation

Accommodation includes hotels in Cairo and Aswan together with a Nile Cruise cabin.

Hotel accommodation generally includes breakfast.

During the cruise, guests receive full-board meals.

Cruise cabins are generally air-conditioned and feature private bathroom facilities.

The major advantage of cruise accommodation is that travelers can unpack once and remain in the same cabin while visiting several destinations.

Meals

The package generally includes:

Hotels: Breakfast.

Nile Cruise: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Drinks and beverages are generally excluded unless specifically stated in the selected package.

Travelers with dietary restrictions should communicate their requirements before departure.

Transportation

Transportation can include:

• Cairo airport transfers
• Private sightseeing vehicles
• Cairo-to-Luxor transportation
• Cruise transfers
• Air-conditioned vehicles
• Boat transfer to Philae
• Felucca ride
• Aswan-to-Abu Simbel transportation
• Aswan-to-Cairo transportation
• Cairo airport departure transfer

The exact transportation method between cities depends on the selected package.

Professional Egyptologist Guides

Professional English-speaking Egyptologists accompany the sightseeing program.

Rather than simply visiting monuments, travelers can learn about:

• Ancient Egyptian religion
• Pharaohs and royal dynasties
• Temple architecture
• Burial traditions
• Hieroglyphic inscriptions
• Ancient Egyptian daily life
• Archaeological discoveries

Private guiding also allows the sightseeing pace to be adjusted according to the group’s preferences.

Optional Experiences

Although the itinerary already covers the main attractions, several optional activities can be added.

Hot Air Balloon in Luxor

An early-morning hot air balloon ride provides panoramic views over Luxor, the Nile Valley, temples, agricultural land, and the surrounding desert.

Nubian Village

A visit to a Nubian Village around Aswan offers an opportunity to experience Nubian culture, architecture, crafts, and traditions.

Nile Dinner Cruise

A dinner cruise in Cairo combines traditional food, entertainment, and views of Cairo’s illuminated skyline.

Grand Egyptian Museum

Travelers can add a visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum according to its operating arrangements and the selected tour schedule.

Best Time to Travel

The most comfortable period for this itinerary is generally October through April.

Temperatures are usually more pleasant during these months, particularly for long sightseeing days in Luxor and Aswan.

Summer can be extremely hot.

Travelers visiting during the warmer months should bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, lightweight clothing, and plenty of water.

What to Bring

Recommended items include:

• Passport
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Lightweight clothing
• Hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Swimwear
• Light jacket
• Camera or smartphone
• Reusable water bottle
• Personal medications

Comfortable footwear is particularly important because many archaeological sites involve walking on uneven surfaces.

Who Is This Tour Suitable For?

First-Time Visitors

This itinerary is ideal for travelers visiting Egypt for the first time because it includes the country’s most famous historical destinations.

Couples

The combination of private sightseeing and a relaxing Nile Cruise makes the program suitable for couples and honeymooners.

Families

Families benefit from private transportation and the ability to adjust the sightseeing pace.

History Enthusiasts

The tour includes pyramids, temples, royal tombs, museums, and ancient cities covering thousands of years of Egyptian history.

Photography Lovers

The itinerary offers excellent opportunities to photograph pyramids, temples, desert landscapes, Nile villages, Feluccas, and ancient monuments.

Final Experience

The 11 Days Cairo, Nile Cruise & Abu Simbel Tour offers a complete introduction to the history and culture of Egypt.

The journey begins in Cairo with the Pyramids of Giza, Great Sphinx, Saqqara, and Memphis, followed by the Egyptian Museum and historic Cairo.

The itinerary then moves south to Luxor, where travelers explore Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon.

The Nile Cruise continues through Edfu and Kom Ombo, giving travelers the opportunity to discover ancient temples while enjoying the scenery of the Nile Valley.

In Aswan, the tour includes the High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, Philae Temple, and Felucca ride.

The experience reaches one of its major highlights with the visit to Abu Simbel, where travelers can admire the monumental temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari.

The combination of Cairo’s ancient monuments, Luxor’s royal heritage, Nile sailing, Aswan’s beautiful scenery, and Abu Simbel’s monumental architecture makes this itinerary an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience the essential highlights of Egypt in one carefully organized journey.