Egypt 12-Day Tour from Cairo to Hurghada

After breakfast, travel to the Giza Plateau for the first major sightseeing day. You see the Ancient Pyramids at Giza in their desert setting, beginning with the Great Pyramid before moving towards the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure. Your guide explains how the complexes were planned, built and used as royal burial grounds. There is time to walk between the viewpoints and take photographs at a comfortable pace.

Continue to the Sphinx, whose lion body and human head face the pyramid field. Your guide points out details in the surrounding temple area and explains the role of the monument in the Giza complex. The visit involves walking over uneven ground and exposed paths, so comfortable shoes, water and sun protection are useful. Return to Cairo after the plateau visit, with the afternoon free for rest or an optional local meal.

Begin at Cairo's Egyptian Museum of Cairo, where the collections trace Egyptian history through statues, jewellery, coffins and everyday objects. Your guide helps you focus on the galleries that fit your interests and explains how objects were found, dated and used. Allow time for the displays to absorb; the museum is large, and the visit is arranged around the most important collections rather than a rushed walk through every room.

Later, enter Historic Islamic Cairo for a different view of the capital. Walk through the old lanes towards its mosques, historic houses and market streets, with time to pause at architectural details such as carved stone, wooden screens and patterned stonework. The route may include a busy pedestrian area, so stay close to the guide and keep valuables secure. After the visit, return to the hotel and prepare for the flight south to Aswan on the following day.

After breakfast, transfer to Cairo Airport for the flight to Aswan. On arrival, our team collects you and takes you towards the Nile. Begin sightseeing at the Philae Temple Sanctuary, reached by a short boat ride across the water. The temple complex was relocated to higher ground before the original island was affected by the Aswan High Dam, a story your guide explains as you explore the courtyards, gateways and reliefs dedicated to Isis.

Board the Nile cruise vessel and settle into your cabin before the first sailing. Depending on the operating schedule, there may be time to view the riverfront or relax on deck while the crew completes embarkation arrangements. Meals and onboard routines are explained by the cruise team. Keep a small bag with essentials for the next morning, when the Abu Simbel excursion involves an early start and a return to the vessel later in the day.

Travel by road to Abu Simbel, usually before the heat of the day. At the site, walk towards the Great Temple of Ramses II, where four colossal seated figures form the main façade. Inside, your guide explains the reliefs, halls and relationship between the king and the gods. You also visit the smaller temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor, with time to study its painted decoration and balanced façade.

After the visit, return by road to Aswan and rejoin the cruise. The journey takes several hours each way, so bring water, sun protection and a light layer for the vehicle. The exact departure sequence is arranged around road conditions and the vessel's schedule. Once back onboard, the afternoon is available for rest, a meal and views of the Nile as the cruise prepares for its journey north.

The cruise continues north, with sightseeing arranged around the vessel's sailing schedule. At Kom Ombo, walk from the river to the temple shared by the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon-headed god Horus. The symmetrical layout makes it easy to follow the two religious sections, while carved reliefs show medical instruments, calendars and ritual scenes. Your guide explains how the temple's position beside the river shaped its role.

Continue towards Edfu, where a short transfer or horse-drawn carriage ride may be used depending on local arrangements. The Temple of Horus has a large pylon, broad courtyard and inner halls with well-preserved inscriptions. The guide leads the visit in order, from the entrance to the sanctuary area, before you return to the vessel. Sailing time afterwards gives you a chance to watch villages, farmland and desert edges pass from the deck.

Arrive in Luxor and cross to the West Bank for the Kings' Valley Necropolis, where pharaohs were buried in rock-cut tombs rather than exposed pyramids. Your entry access covers a selection of open tombs, and the guide explains how to read the painted scenes showing the ruler's passage into the afterlife. Tomb conditions vary, with stairs, narrow passages and uneven floors, so move at your own pace and follow site instructions.

Continue to the Hatshepsut Mortuary Temple, built in terraces against the cliffs and approached by a broad route through the complex. Reliefs show the queen's reign, trade expedition and relationship with the gods. You also see the Colossi of Memnon from the roadside before returning to the cruise vessel or completing the disembarkation arrangements. Keep luggage organised, as the next stage links Luxor with the Red Sea coast.

Start in East Bank Luxor at the Karnak Temple Sanctuary, the largest religious complex on the itinerary. Walk through the main entrance towards the Great Hypostyle Hall, where tall columns carry carved and painted decoration. Your guide sets the complex in chronological order, helping you understand how different rulers added pylons, courts and chapels over many centuries. The scale calls for steady walking, with shaded pauses where available.

Continue to Luxor Temple, whose avenue, courtyards and seated statues sit close to the modern city. The temple is especially easy to follow as a processional space, and the guide explains its connection with kingship and the annual Opet festival. After sightseeing, collect your luggage and travel by road to Hurghada. The transfer takes several hours, crossing the desert towards the Red Sea Coastal Region, with a stop arranged when needed for comfort.

Wake in Hurghada with the day free to use the resort facilities or rest after the journey from Luxor. You can spend time by the pool, walk along the shoreline or arrange an optional boat, snorkelling or diving excursion through the local team. Activities depend on sea conditions, personal experience and availability, so your guide or representative explains the day's practical arrangements before you choose.

The Red Sea Coastal Region has a different rhythm from the archaeological sites: mornings can be active, while afternoons suit a slow lunch and time by the water. Wear reef-safe sun protection where appropriate, carry water and follow instructions from the boat and activity staff. If you prefer to stay on land, the resort area has cafés, shops and places for an easy evening before returning to your accommodation.

Use another full day in Hurghada for the kind of coastal experience that suits you. A boat trip can take you to areas used for swimming or snorkelling, while a guided diving session may be arranged for travellers with suitable certification and experience. Those who prefer a quieter day can remain at the resort, read beside the pool or take a walk along the coast.

Our team keeps the day flexible because water activities depend on the conditions and the provider's operating plan. Bring a swimsuit, a hat, a cover-up and dry clothing if you go out by boat. Follow the crew's safety briefing, especially around ladders and open water. In the evening, return to the resort for dinner and organise anything you want packed separately for the final leisure day.

Your final full day is free for a relaxed finish in Hurghada. You may revisit the beach or pool, book a short local excursion, or spend the morning at a slower pace before an evening meal. Travellers who want more activity can ask about water sports or a boat outing; those with children often prefer keeping the day close to the resort so breaks are easy to manage.

Take time to check your travel documents, settle any personal purchases and confirm the next day's departure arrangements with our team. Keep valuables, medication and electronics in your hand luggage, and leave room for any items bought during the tour. The evening is yours, with no further archaeological sightseeing scheduled, so you can enjoy the coast without rushing before the transfer to the airport or onward connection.

After breakfast, check out according to the accommodation's departure procedure. Our team arranges your transfer to Hurghada Airport or the next agreed connection, allowing practical time for luggage handling and airport formalities. The exact road time depends on your departure point and flight schedule, so keep your passport, booking details and essential items easy to reach.

If your departure is later, you may have limited free time after check-out, subject to the accommodation's luggage arrangements. Avoid placing travel documents or medication in checked luggage. Your guide or driver confirms the handover point and helps with the final transfer, bringing the 12-day route from Cairo through Aswan and Luxor to the Red Sea coast to a close.