9-Day Essential Egypt Tour with Nile Cruise

Craft cherished memories with your loved one on this remarkable private Egypt holiday.

Delve into the wonders of ancient Egypt as you explore the iconic Great Pyramid, uncover the mysteries of Pyramid evolution, immerse in the captivating El Tannoura Dance Show, and embark on a traditional Dahabiya Nile cruise sailing between Luxor and Aswan.

We are happy to customize this itinerary by accommodating your specific interests, adjusting the scheduling, or planning special themed events and activities for celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries, retirement celebrations, or bucket list experiences.

The best time to visit is Oct.- Mar..

• Days:9±
• Best For:First-timer/Couples
• Departure date:up to you
• Highest altitude:—
• Sample price:US$2,558 each (2 per room)
• Flights:—

Brief Itinerary for Essential Egypt Tour with Nile Cruise Tour

This is a first-timer-friendly package for exploring Egypt within 9 days. If you want to discover as much of the ancient Egyptian history and culture as possible while maximizing your vacation time, I can provide the perfect plan.

• Monica Mo
• 8 years of travel advisor experience
• Has helped 5,000+ clients

Tour Highlights

Here are the awesome attractions, the most must-do activities selected by Highlights Travel (HT Hand-Picked), and exclusive cultural experiences offered by Highlights Travel (Only With HT) included in this tour:

Uncover the mysteries of ancient Pyramids as you delve into the evolution at Saqqara and Dahshur.

Experience the awe-inspiring Great Pyramids on camelback and get to know the enigmatic Sphinx in Giza.

Immerse yourself in the captivating El-Tannoura Show, featuring Sufi garbs, and live music.

Discover the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, unearth the treasures hidden within its ancient lanes and marketplace.

Cruise along the majestic Nile River on a dahabiya, embracing the timeless beauty of this historic waterway.

Discover the priceless artifacts within the Grand Egyptian Museum, in particular Tutankhamun's treasures.

Explore the enthralling Valley of the Kings in Luxor, and uncover the secrets hidden within the pharaohs' tombs.

Delve into the depths of temples in Luxor and Aswan, experiencing their rich history and architectural brilliance.

Journey Map (Suggested Route)

Suggested Itinerary for Inspiration

Your preferences design the real journey. We're ready to create a wonderful tour for you.

Day 2

Cairo | Uncover Cairo's History and Cultural Gems

• In the morning, our private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel for an exciting full-day Cairo tour.
• Explore the Hanging Church , one of Egypt's oldest and most revered churches.
• Visit the Citadel of Saladin and Muhammad Ali Mosque, enjoy the Islamic art, architecture, and design.
• Discover the Grand Egyptian Museum , a remarkable repository showcasing the treasures of ancient Egypt, including the famed Tutankhamun collection.
• Venture into the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar and immerse yourself in a maze of local shops.
• Experience the beloved El Tannoura Dance Show at the El-Ghuri Wakala.

Citadel of Saladin

Day 3

Cairo | Pyramids and Sphinx Discovery

• Begin the day by exploring some of the earliest examples of Pyramid architecture in Saqqara and Dahshur, including the Step Pyramid , Bent Pyramid , and the Red Pyramid.
• Take a Camel Ride for a more-memorable experience of exploring the Giza pyramids(about 30 minutes).
• Witness the majestic Great Pyramids on the Giza plateau, an awe-inspiring representation of ancient Egypt's civilization.
• Enter the Pyramid of Khafre and explore the secret chambers inside.
• Discover the captivating beauty of the Great Sphinx that once mesmerized Napoleon, presenting a striking scene against the vast desert backdrop.

great pyramids

Day 4

Cairo-Luxor-Nile Cruise | Unearth Luxor's Hidden Treasures

• A private transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Luxor is provided.
• Upon your arrival at Luxor airport, meet your guide and discover Luxor's treasures.
• Explore Valley of the Kings and learn about ancient Egyptian funerary practices by entering three of the royal tombs.
• Discover the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut which is the only pharaoh's temple on the west bank of the Nile.
• Have a photo stop at the massive Colossi of Memnon .
• Marvel at Luxor Temple 's pillared hall and admire the stunning reliefs on the walls.
• Board your dahabiya ship and enjoy some free time before a delightful dinner onboard.

the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

Day 5

Nile Cruise | Horus Temple and Gebel el-Silsila Historical Voyage

• Take a horse carriage ride to discover the fantastically well-preserved Temple of Horus .
• Immerse yourself in the rock temple and uncover the Speos of Horemheb at Gebel el-Silsila.
• Enjoy dinner in the serene atmosphere of the illuminated temple grounds.

Temple of Horus

Day 6

Nile Cruise | Discover the Kom Ombo Temple

• Explore the unique double-design temple dedicated to two sets of gods: the Kom Ombo Temple .
• Relax on the cruise and marvel at the tranquil scenes of water buffaloes, donkeys, and a variety of bird life along the Nile.
• Lunch and dinner will be served onboard.

Kom Ombo Temple

Day 7

Nile Cruise-Aswan | Explore Aswan's Treasures

• Discover the magnificent Temple of Philae which is dedicated to the revered goddess Isis.
• Visit the impressive High Dam . This massive structure efficiently regulates the Nile River's flooding and provides electricity to several cities.
• Lunch and dinner will be served onboard.

Temple of Philae

Day 8

Aswan-Cairo | Explore Cairo at Your Pace

• Disembark from your ship and bid farewell to the crew after the breakfast.
• A private transfer is provided for your flight to Cairo.
• Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your comfortable hotel. From there, take your time to explore the captivating wonders of Cairo at your own preferred pace.

the peaceful nile river

Ideas for Making This Trip Uniquely Yours

Special experiences can be added to brighten a honeymoon trip, a family vacation, a birthday, or satisfy personal interests.

Hand-Picked Hotels

We select hotels with style and local features. Let us know your preferences and we'll find your ideal hotel.

Marriott Mena House

Sonesta Dahabeya Amirat

Steigenberger Hotel Cairo

Nile cruise with veranda