ULTIMATE EGYPT ITINEARY - CAIRO, GIZA, LUXOR, ASWAN & THE ICONIC NILE CRUISE 8N/9D

DAY 1: Arrival in Cairo – Welcome and Orientation

Arrive at Cairo International Airport, where you'll be warmly received by our representative. After a smooth transfer to your hotel, take some time to relax and settle in. Later, attend a brief orientation session led by your tour guide, who will walk you through the details of your tour package, including the itinerary, travel tips, and local customs.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel and unwind with an overnight stay in Cairo, the vibrant gateway to Egypt.

DAY 2: Cairo – Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx & Egyptian Museum

After breakfast, set out to explore Cairo’s most iconic landmarks, starting with a visit to the Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Stand in awe before the majestic structures of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, and learn about the fascinating history and engineering behind these ancient tombs. Just nearby, the Great Sphinx of Giza, with the body of a lion and the face of a pharaoh, gazes eternally across the desert sands — a powerful symbol of Egypt's ancient legacy.

Enjoy lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant, sampling traditional flavours in the shadow of history.

In the afternoon, visit a traditional papyrus factory, where you'll discover how ancient Egyptians created the world's first form of paper using the papyrus plant. Then, step into the Egyptian Museum, home to the world’s most extensive collection of Pharaonic antiquities, including the golden treasures of King Tutankhamun, ancient mummies, jewellery, and everyday items that bring ancient Egypt to life.

Return to your hotel in Cairo for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 3:  Full-Day Excursion to Alexandria – Catacombs, Pompey’s Pillar & Bibliotheca Alexandrina

After an early breakfast, embark on a day trip to Alexandria, Egypt’s stunning coastal city founded by Alexander the Great. This historic Mediterranean port is a blend of Greco-Roman grandeur and Egyptian charm.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the mysterious Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, one of the largest Roman burial sites in Egypt. Descend into a multi-level network of tombs and chambers, uniquely blending Pharaonic, Hellenistic, and Roman art styles. Next, stop by Pompey's Pillar, a towering Roman triumphal column and one of the most prominent ancient landmarks in Alexandria.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local seafood restaurant, known for its fresh Mediterranean flavours.

In the afternoon, explore the impressive Qaitbay Citadel, a 15th-century fortress built on the site of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Then, visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern architectural masterpiece and cultural hub that pays homage to the ancient library that once stood as the world's greatest centre of learning.

Return to Cairo in the evening for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 4: Cairo to Aswan – High Dam, Philae Temple & Nile Cruise

After breakfast, transfer to Cairo Airport for your flight to Aswan, a city known for its captivating history and breath-taking landscapes along the Nile River.

Upon arrival, begin your exploration with a visit to the Aswan High Dam, one of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century. This marvel of modern engineering controls the Nile’s flooding and generates hydroelectric power, playing a pivotal role in Egypt’s development. Next, head to Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Situated on Agilkia Island, the temple is an architectural gem with grand pylons and impressive hieroglyphic inscriptions.

Enjoy a delightful lunch at Makani Restaurant, offering a selection of local delicacies and stunning views.

In the afternoon, opt for a relaxing felucca ride on the Nile River (available on a direct payment basis), where you can enjoy the peaceful beauty of the riverbanks and take in panoramic views of Aswan's landmarks.

Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Aswan.

DAY 5: Abu Simbel Temple Visit – Exploring Egypt’s Ancient Wonders

After breakfast, embark on an exciting journey to Abu Simbel, one of Egypt’s most awe-inspiring archaeological sites. The Abu Simbel temple complex, built by Ramses II, is a magnificent example of ancient Egyptian architecture, carved into the mountainside along the Nile. Admire the colossal statues of Ramses II at the entrance and explore the intricate interior, which has been relocated to its current site to protect it from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

After a fulfilling visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the Abu Simbel area, offering authentic Egyptian cuisine with scenic views of the desert landscape.

Return to Aswan in the afternoon and unwind before enjoying dinner at Saraya Restaurant—a charming local spot known for its delicious dishes and inviting atmosphere.

Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Aswan.

DAY 6:  Begin Nile River Cruise – Relax and Unwind Onboard

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and drive to the pier to board your Nile River cruise ship, your floating hotel for the next few days as you journey through Egypt’s timeless landscapes and ancient wonders.

Today is a day at leisure, giving you time to settle into your cabin and enjoy the luxurious amenities on board. Soak in panoramic views of the Nile River, unwind on the sun deck, or simply relax as the boat gently sails along one of the world’s most historic waterways.

Enjoy a delicious lunch and dinner served onboard as you prepare for the upcoming days of exploration to temples, tombs, and more.

DAY 7: Nile Cruise – Kom Ombo & Edfu Temples Tour

Today, your Nile River cruise continues as you sail toward some of Upper Egypt’s most iconic ancient temples.

Disembark to visit the fascinating Temple of Kom Ombo, a unique double temple dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon-headed god. Located on the banks of the Nile, the temple is known for its symmetrical design and well-preserved reliefs. Don’t miss the on-site Crocodile Mummification Museum, a small but intriguing collection.

Next, visit the grand Temple of Edfu, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, dedicated to Horus, the sky god. Built during the Ptolemaic period, the temple’s towering pylons and detailed carvings offer a powerful glimpse into ancient Egyptian religious life.

Return to the ship for lunch and dinner onboard as the cruise sails toward Luxor, the heart of ancient Thebes and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

DAY 8: Explore Luxor – Valley of the Kings, Karnak & Luxor Temples

After breakfast onboard your Nile cruise ship, disembark for a day filled with some of the most legendary sites in ancient Egypt.

Start with a visit to the Valley of the Kings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where more than 60 tombs of New Kingdom pharaohs—including the famous Tomb of Tutankhamun—are carved into the arid hills. Marvel at the vivid wall paintings and hieroglyphs that have survived thousands of years.

Continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut, an extraordinary mortuary temple built into limestone cliffs, dedicated to Egypt’s most successful female pharaoh. On the way, stop for a photo at the Colossi of Memnon, two massive seated statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that have stood guard for over 3,000 years.

Return to the ship for a relaxing lunch onboard.

In the afternoon, visit Luxor’s East Bank. Begin at the awe-inspiring Temples of Karnak, one of the largest religious complexes in the world, featuring grand pylons, sacred lakes, and towering columns in the Hypostyle Hall. Walk the Avenue of the Sphinxes, which once connected Karnak to Luxor Temple, your final stop of the day. This majestic temple is home to colossal statues of Ramses II and some of the most iconic scenes of ancient Egyptian history.

Return to your cruise ship for overnight stay.

TOUR SUMMARY

Discover the Wonders of Ancient Egypt – A Timeless Journey

Step into the land of pharaohs, pyramids, and legends with this immersive Egypt tour that captures the essence of one of the world’s most iconic civilizations. Begin in Cairo, where you'll marvel at the Great Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx, standing guard over the desert sands for over 4,500 years. Explore Egypt’s rich heritage at the Egyptian Museum, home to a staggering collection of artefacts including the treasures of Tutankhamun. Visit a traditional papyrus factory, where the secrets of ancient Egyptian writing materials come to life.

Take a day trip to Alexandria, the Mediterranean city founded by Alexander the Great. Delve into history at the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa and gaze upon the towering Pompey’s Pillar. Walk the fortified walls of the Qaitbay Citadel, built on the site of the legendary Lighthouse of Alexandria, and explore the ultra-modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a tribute to the ancient library that once made the city the knowledge capital of the world.

Fly south to Aswan and admire modern engineering at the High Dam before sailing to the sacred Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Take an optional felucca ride on the Nile River, where the timeless rhythms of Egyptian life unfold on the riverbanks. An unforgettable excursion awaits at the Abu Simbel Temples, the colossal rock-cut monuments of Ramses II that stand as a testament to ancient Egypt’s grandeur.

Embark on a Nile cruise that takes you to the twin temples of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek and Horus, and the beautifully preserved Edfu Temple, honouring the falcon god Horus. In Luxor, journey into the afterlife with a visit to the Valley of the Kings (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), where Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs lie entombed beneath the desert hills. Explore the Temple of Hatshepsut, the only woman to rule Egypt as pharaoh, and view the Colossi of Memnon, silent sentinels of the Theban necropolis.

Conclude your Egyptian odyssey with a visit to the Temples of Karnak, the world’s largest religious complex, and the majestic Luxor Temple, linked by the recently restored Avenue of the Sphinxes. End your journey with a spiritual detour through Coptic Cairo, visiting the Hanging Church, Abu Serga, and the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, each offering a glimpse into Egypt’s rich Christian heritage.

DAY 9:  Fly to Cairo – Explore Coptic Christian Cairo

After breakfast, disembark your Nile cruise and transfer to Luxor Airport for your domestic flight to Cairo.

Upon arrival, explore the spiritual heart of the city with a guided visit to Coptic Cairo, a historic neighbourhood that reflects Egypt’s early Christian heritage. Begin with the Hanging Church (El Muallaqa), one of the oldest churches in Egypt, famously suspended above a Roman gatehouse. Admire its intricate wooden roof and ancient icons.

Next, visit Abu Serga, a 5th-century church built over the site where the Holy Family is believed to have rested during their flight into Egypt. Conclude with the Church of St. George, a striking Greek Orthodox church built atop one of the towers of the ancient Roman fortress of Babylon.

Later, enjoy some free time for shopping at Cairo’s vibrant markets or local bazaars—perfect for picking up souvenirs, spices, or traditional Egyptian handicrafts.

Later transfer to Cairo international airport for further to your respective destinations.

TOUR ENDS

Detailed Itinerary . Best time: October - April