10-Day Egypt Itinerary: Cairo & Nile Cruise Tour Adventure

Upon your arrival at Cairo International Airport, an A1tour representative will be there to meet and assist you, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free arrival experience. You will then be transferred to your hotel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle for added comfort and convenience. Enjoy a free evening at leisure to explore at your own pace or simply relax and unwind after your flight. This is the perfect start to your Cairo vacation.
Overnight stay at the hotel, where comfort and convenience await.

Enjoy a leisure day in Cairo, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace or relax before your next adventure. Depending on the available flight times, you will take a short flight from Cairo to Luxor, where you can begin your exploration of the ancient wonders of Egypt. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Luxor, where you can unwind and prepare for your upcoming sightseeing activities.
Overnight stay in Luxor, offering comfort and convenience as you rest for an exciting day ahead.

After breakfast, enjoy a convenient pick-up from your hotel in Luxor for a transfer to your Nile Cruise. Upon embarkation, settle in and enjoy a delicious lunch on board while preparing for an afternoon of exploration.

Your first visit will be to the East Bank of the Nile, starting with the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple. More than just a temple, Karnak is a vast and spectacular complex of sanctuaries, pylons, obelisks, and kiosks, all dedicated to the Theban gods, particularly Amun, Mut, and Khonso. This grand site was the most significant religious center in ancient Egypt and served as the epicenter of worship for the Theban Triad.

Next, visit the majestic Luxor Temple, built primarily by the New Kingdom Pharaoh Amenhotep III and completed by Tutankhamun and the great Ramses II. The First Pylon of Luxor Temple, erected by Ramses II, is adorned with reliefs depicting his military victory in the Battle of Kadesh.

After your tours, return to your Nile cruise for a relaxing evening onboard. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner as you unwind, followed by an overnight stay in Luxor.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Overnight: Onboard the Nile Cruise in Luxor.

Begin your day with a breakfast on board your luxurious Nile cruise. Afterward, embark on an exciting exploration of the West Bank of the Nile, starting with the Valley of the Kings. Once known as the "Great Place of Truth," this awe-inspiring site is now recognized as the Valley of the Kings, where the Pharaohs were laid to rest in massive stone sarcophagi, awaiting immortality. The valley, set behind the Deir el-Bahri Monastery, is dominated by the pyramid-shaped peak of the mountain.

Next, visit the Colossi of Memnon, two monumental statues that rise 18 meters above the plain. These are the remnants of what was once the largest temple complex on the west bank, built by Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

Continue to the stunning Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an extraordinary structure rising in a series of terraces from the desert floor. The temple is seamlessly integrated with the limestone cliffs of the Theban Mountain, as though it were a natural extension of the landscape.

Optional Balloon Ride over the Valley of the Kings: For a unique perspective, consider an optional hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings for just $80 per person. Soar above this ancient burial site for a breathtaking view of the temples and tombs below.

At 1:00 PM, sail to the Esna Lock while enjoying a delicious lunch on board. Upon arrival at Esna Lock at 6:00 PM, continue your journey, sailing towards Edfu. Enjoy a delightful dinner onboard as you cruise along the Nile.

Overnight: Onboard the cruise in Edfu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast on board the Nile cruise as you set sail towards your first destination, the Temple of Edfu.

07:00 - Visit the Temple of Edfu
The Temple of Edfu is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, located in Upper Egypt. Dedicated to the hawk-god Horus, this majestic structure was built during the Ptolemaic period, with construction beginning in 237 BC under Ptolemy III. The temple’s walls are adorned with intricate carvings, including scenes depicting the mythological battle between Horus and Seth, a drama likely performed annually as a religious ritual. This site offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Egyptian mythology and religious practices.

09:30 - Sail to Kom Ombo
After your visit, continue your journey down the Nile as you sail towards Kom Ombo.

12:30 - Lunch on board
Enjoy a relaxing lunch on board as you continue your sail to the next ancient marvel.

15:30 - Arrive at Kom Ombo
Upon arrival, you will explore the remarkable Temple of Kom Ombo, a unique structure dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon-headed god. The temple, which dates back to the Ptolemaic and Roman periods (332 BC - 395 AD), is known for its symmetrical design, with two entrances and two sanctuaries. It offers an exceptional blend of Egyptian and Roman architectural styles and a fascinating insight into the duality of Egyptian worship.

17:30 - Continue sailing to Aswan
After the visit, set sail towards Aswan, the gateway to southern Egypt, with dinner served during the sail.

21:00 - Arrive in Aswan
You will arrive in Aswan by evening, where you will spend the night on board the cruise, reflecting on the day’s exploration of ancient Egyptian temples.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Overnight: Onboard the Nile Cruise in Aswan.

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast on board the cruise as you prepare for a day of exploring the incredible attractions of Aswan.

Visit the Temple of Philae, a remarkable site dedicated to the goddess Isis. This temple, built around 690 BC, is the last of its kind to be constructed in the traditional Egyptian style and is one of the final locations where the goddess Isis was worshipped. Its beauty and historical significance make it an unforgettable stop.

Next, head to the Aswan High Dam, one of Egypt's most impressive engineering feats. Located at the border between Egypt and Sudan, the dam was completed in 1968 and regulates the flow of the Nile River, creating Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes. The dam is essential for irrigation, flood control, and power generation, making it a cornerstone of Egypt’s modern infrastructure.

Afterward, visit the Unfinished Obelisk, an ancient monument that provides valuable insights into the construction of Egypt's massive stone structures. The obelisk, which remains unfinished in Aswan’s northern quarries, weighs over 1,168 tonnes and would have been the largest single piece of stone ever crafted by the ancient Egyptians. Despite its incomplete state, it offers a fascinating look into how obelisks and other monumental structures were created.

In the afternoon, enjoy a sailing trip aboard a traditional felucca around Elephantine Island and take in the scenic views. During your trip, you will also visit Lord Kitchener Island, known for its lush botanical gardens.

The final stop of the day is the Nubian Village, a vibrant and colorful part of Aswan’s cultural landscape. Here, you’ll experience the unique Nubian lifestyle, with its authentic charm and artistic expression. The village is full of life and color, and a walk through its streets will immerse you in the true spirit of Nubian culture.

After a day full of exploration and discovery, return to the cruise for a relaxing dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Overnight: Onboard the Nile Cruise in Aswan.

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast on board as you prepare for an unforgettable excursion to one of Egypt’s most impressive and iconic sites, the Abu Simbel Temples.

Carved into the mountainside on the western bank of the Nile River, the Abu Simbel Temples were built during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II between 1274 and 1244 BC. The site features two magnificent temples that showcase the power and grandeur of ancient Egypt.

The Great Temple is dedicated to Ramses II as well as the gods Ra-Harakhty, Amun Ra, and Ptah. This temple is famous for its four colossal statues of Ramses II that stand at the entrance, each towering over visitors and representing the strength and majesty of the Pharaoh.

The Small Temple is dedicated to Queen Nefertari, the beloved wife of Ramses II, and the goddess Hathor. This temple is known for its intricate carvings and graceful depictions of the queen and the goddess, reflecting the deep respect and admiration held for them in ancient Egyptian culture.

Both temples were originally located at a lower elevation along the Nile but were dismantled stone by stone and meticulously rebuilt at a higher location to protect them from the rising waters caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam. The preservation of these temples stands as one of UNESCO's greatest achievements in safeguarding the world’s cultural heritage.

After a day spent marveling at these monumental structures, you will return to Aswan for a peaceful evening.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: In Aswan.

Enjoy a free day in Cairo, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace, relax, or engage in personal activities. Discover more of the vibrant Egyptian capital, its historic landmarks, bustling markets, or enjoy leisure time at your hotel.

For those who wish to explore further, an optional tour to Alexandria is available. This day trip takes you to Egypt’s second-largest city, located on the Mediterranean coast, where you can explore its rich history, beautiful coastline, and famous landmarks such as the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the ancient Pompey's Pillar, and the stunning Qaitbay Citadel, all of which offer a fascinating glimpse into Egypt’s Hellenistic past.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: In Cairo.

Start your day with a pick-up from your hotel in Cairo by our expert tour guide for an unforgettable excursion to the Giza Pyramids-one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Explore the iconic Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus, and marvel at their incredible architecture and historical significance.

Next, head to the Great Sphinx of Giza, an awe-inspiring monument dating back to the reign of Pharaoh Chephren. The Sphinx is a symbol of strength and mystery, and you’ll have the chance to learn about its fascinating history and the theories surrounding its construction. You will also visit the Valley Temple-a fascinating structure used for the mummification process of pharaohs, located near the Great Sphinx.

A delicious lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Giza, offering a great opportunity to relax and enjoy traditional Egyptian cuisine.

In the afternoon, proceed to the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, home to one of the most comprehensive collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts. The museum houses over 250,000 authentic pieces, some dating back more than 5,000 years, including an exclusive collection of treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb. Discover the famous golden mask, jewelry, and other priceless artifacts that remained buried for over 3,500 years until their discovery in 1922.

For those interested in ancient Egyptian royalty, the Royal Mummies Hall is a must-see. To visit this special section, please ask your guide to arrange an additional visit to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization for an extra $30 per person.

Please note that the New Grand Egyptian Museum is still under construction and is set to open in 2023.

In the evening, you have the option to enjoy the mesmerizing Sound and Light Show at the Giza Pyramids (additional $40 per person). This spectacular show brings the history of Egypt’s ancient monuments to life with stunning visuals and narration.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: In Cairo.

Start your unforgettable Old Cairo tour with a pick-up from your hotel in Giza at 08:00 AM by your expert Egyptologist guide. Embark on a comprehensive 8-hour guided excursion through historic Cairo, exploring its key monuments and the bustling labyrinth of streets in the famous Khan El Khalili Bazaar.

Your first stop will be the impressive Saladin Citadel, built by Salah al-Din in 1183 AD to defend against Crusader invasions. Located on the Moqattam Hills, this historic site offers panoramic views of Cairo and is home to several iconic mosques and museums. Among them is the stunning Mosque of Muhammad Ali Pasha, designed by the Turkish architect Yousif Boushnaq. Its grand alabaster structure stands out against the backdrop of Cairo's ancient sandstone buildings, making it one of the city's most breathtaking landmarks.

Lunch will be served at a traditional local restaurant in Old Cairo, where you can savor the flavors of authentic Egyptian cuisine.

After lunch, you will continue to explore Old Cairo's fascinating religious landmarks, including the Hanging Church (Saint Virgin Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church), the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the Church of St. Barbara, and Abu Serga Church—one of the oldest Coptic churches in the city. These historical sites will provide you with insight into Egypt's rich Christian heritage.

Next, you will head to the world-famous Khan El Khalili Bazaar, one of the oldest and most vibrant markets in the Middle East. Wander through a maze of narrow alleys filled with traditional shops offering unique souvenirs, jewelry, spices, and textiles. This historic market has been at the heart of Cairo's commerce since the 14th century, and it's a fantastic place to experience the true essence of Egyptian culture and craftsmanship.

In the afternoon, you will fly to Luxor, and upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in this ancient city, known as the world's greatest open-air museum.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Overnight: In Luxor.
On the final day, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure, marking the end of this incredible Egyptian journey.

This 10-day Egypt tour has provided you with unforgettable memories and a deep understanding of Egypt's ancient civilizations. Whether you’ve marveled at the Pyramids of Giza, sailed along the Nile River, or explored the ancient treasures in Luxor, the experience will leave you with a lifetime of remarkable moments to cherish.