Overview

Discover wonders of Egypt on this expertly adventure, taking you from the iconic monuments of Cairo to the sacred temples of Upper Egypt, all while sailing the legendary Nile River aboard a private Dahabiya. Designed for discerning travelers seeking an authentic, unhurried Egyptian experience, this itinerary strikes the perfect balance between world-famous landmarks and off-the-beaten-path discoveries.
Your journey begins in Cairo, where you’ll stand in awe before the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, explore the revolutionary Grand Egyptian Museum, home to the complete Tutankhamun collection, and wander the medieval streets of Coptic and Islamic Cairo. A short domestic flight then transports you to Luxor, the world’s greatest open-air museum, where the colossal Karnak Temple Complex and the royal tombs of the Valley of the Kings await.
The heart of this tour is an intimate Dahabiya sailing experience, a traditional wooden Nile vessel, departing from Esna and gliding gently southward through rural Upper Egypt. Unlike crowded Nile cruises, your private Dahabiya anchors at peaceful islands and visits hidden archaeological gems including El Kab, Gebel Silsila, and the remarkably preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu, before reaching the double temple of Kom Ombo.
The journey culminates in Aswan, where the breathtaking island Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis, provides a fitting farewell to ancient Egypt before your return flight to Cairo.

Tour Itinerary

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    Egypt
    Your Egyptian adventure begins the moment you land at Cairo International Airport, where a dedicated Nile Adventures representative greets you before immigration. They'll assist with your entry visa and guide you seamlessly through customs, ensuring a smooth, stress-free arrival. Once formalities are complete, a private air-conditioned vehicle transfers you directly to your hotel nestled in the heart of Old Islamic Cairo, a UNESCO-listed neighborhood brimming with medieval mosques, ancient bazaars, and centuries-old architecture. Overnight: Cairo
    Begin your first full day in Egypt with a hearty traditional Egyptian breakfast, think fuul medames, fresh-baked bread, local cheese, and sweet tea, before setting off on one of the most anticipated excursions in the world. Your private, expert-guided tour heads first to the Giza Plateau, home to the Great Pyramids of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the only one still standing. Standing before these 4,500-year-old limestone giants is a humbling, unforgettable experience. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the engineering feats, astronomical alignments, and historical mysteries that continue to captivate archaeologists and travelers alike.Explore the iconic Great Sphinx, the enigmatic limestone statue guarding the plateau, and descend into the Valley Temple of Khafre, one of the best-preserved Old Kingdom structures in Egypt.After a delicious lunch at a local Egyptian restaurant, the journey continues to the Saqqara Necropolis — the ancient burial ground of Memphis, Egypt's first capital city. Here you'll encounter the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the world's oldest monumental stone structure, dating back over 4,700 years. This revolutionary architectural achievement predates the Giza Pyramids and marks the beginning of pyramid construction in ancient Egypt. Midday, enjoy one of two iconic Egyptian dishes. Koshary is Egypt's beloved street-food classic, a hearty, satisfying combination of rice, lentils, pasta, chickpeas, and tangy tomato sauce crowned with crispy fried onions. Alternatively, indulge in traditional Fatta, a rich, festive Egyptian dish layered with slow-cooked tender lamb or beef, fragrant saffron rice, toasted flatbread, and a deeply flavored garlic-vinegar tomato broth poured generously over the top. Fatta is comfort food at its finest, deeply rooted in Egyptian culinary tradition and utterly unforgettable. Overnight: Cairo Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
    After a satisfying Egyptian breakfast, your day begins with a visit to one of the most significant museum openings of the 21st century. the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Located just two kilometers from the Giza Pyramids, this colossal cultural institution is the largest archaeological museum in the world, housing over 100,000 artifacts spanning more than 5,000 years of Egyptian civilization.The crown jewel of the GEM is the complete Tutankhamun Collection. the legendary treasures of the boy pharaoh, including his iconic golden death mask, gilded thrones, ornate jewelry, and ceremonial chariots, displayed together in their entirety for the very first time in history. Prepare to be completely overwhelmed by the scale and splendor of ancient Egypt's artistic mastery.After a relaxing lunch at an authentic local restaurant, the afternoon takes a spiritual turn as you explore Coptic Cairo. one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. Wander through the Hanging Church (Al-Moallaqa), the ancient Babylon Fortress, the Coptic Museum, and the Church of St. Sergius, said to be built over the site where the Holy Family sought refuge during their flight into Egypt. Overnight: Cairo Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
    After breakfast and hotel check-out, transfer to Cairo Airport for your short domestic flight to Luxor, the world's greatest open-air museum and the ancient capital of the New Kingdom pharaohs. Known in antiquity as Thebes, Luxor contains the highest concentration of ancient Egyptian monuments on Earth, earning its reputation as an unmissable destination for history lovers. Upon arrival, your expert local guide welcomes you before heading to the magnificent Karnak Temple Complex. Covering over 200 acres, Karnak is the largest religious building ever constructed, featuring soaring hypostyle halls, sacred lakes, towering obelisks, and millennia of royal additions. The Great Hypostyle Hall alone, with its 134 massive columns, ranks among the most breathtaking spaces in the ancient world. From Karnak, walk or drive the legendary Avenue of Sphinxes to Luxor Temple, a beautifully preserved riverside sanctuary illuminated dramatically at sunset. Marvel at the towering Obelisk of Ramses II and the grand colonnade of Amenhotep III, still standing defiantly after 3,000 years. After checking in to your Luxor hotel, the evening is yours to relax, dine locally. Overnight: Luxor Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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      Transport:
      Flight
    After breakfast at your hotel, descend into the Valley of the Kings, the royal burial ground of Egypt's most powerful New Kingdom pharaohs, including Ramses II and Amenhotep III. Your ticket includes access to three decorated tombs; additional tickets are available for special tombs like Tutankhamun and Seti I. Next, visit the breathtaking Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari — a three-tiered colonnaded masterpiece carved into the natural cliff face — and pause for photographs at the imposing Colossi of Memnon, twin seated statues that have guarded the floodplain for over 3,400 years. After the West Bank tour, transfer to Esna to board your private Dahabiya, an elegant traditional Nile sailing vessel. Settle into your beautifully appointed cabin, enjoy a fresh lunch on deck, and begin your intimate Nile journey southward. Rise early for an optional hot air balloon ride over Luxor (available only in Luxor city in Egypt) an extraordinary sunrise experience drifting silently above ancient temples, lush sugar cane fields, and the timeless Nile Valley. It's one of the most memorable things to do in Egypt. Overnight: On board Dahabiya Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    One of the great pleasures of sailing the Nile by Dahabiya is the slow, unhurried pace that allows you to discover lesser-visited treasures that standard Nile cruises completely overlook. This morning begins with a crossing of the historic Esna Lock, while you enjoy a leisurely breakfast on deck with panoramic views of the river and its lush banks. The first stop is El Kab, an ancient walled town on the east bank with roots stretching back to prehistoric times. Explore the rock-cut tombs of local nobles, visit the small riverside temple dedicated to the vulture goddess Nekhbet, and observe authentic village life — mud-brick houses, local farmers tending their fields, and children playing along the Nile's edge. This glimpse into rural Upper Egypt is both humbling and deeply moving. Sailing onwards, your Dahabiya arrives at Edfu, home to the Temple of Horus — the best-preserved ancient temple in all of Egypt. Built during the Ptolemaic period, this awe-inspiring sandstone sanctuary is adorned with remarkably vivid relief carvings depicting the mythological battle between Horus and Seth. Arrive in style by horse-drawn carriage through the town's busy market streets. Overnight: On board Dahabiya Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    After breakfast on deck while the boat sails south, disembark to explore the ancient sandstone quarries of Gebel Silsila and the rock-cut Speos of Horemheb — a small but exquisitely carved rock temple dedicated to the gods of Egypt. For those who enjoy a light hike, scramble up the cliffs for sweeping panoramic views over the narrow Nile gorge, one of the most dramatic natural landscapes in Upper Egypt. Back aboard, the Dahabiya continues sailing to Fawaza Island, a peaceful green oasis in the river where you'll enjoy a relaxed lunch on board surrounded by palm trees and birdsong. The afternoon drifts by as the boat moves gently toward Al Bashir Island near Kom Ombo. As golden hour descends and the sun melts into the horizon, gather on deck for fresh Egyptian tea and the day's most memorable moment: a traditional BBQ dinner under a dazzling canopy of Nile Valley stars, with no city lights to dim the view. Overnight: On board Dahabiya Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Wake gently to the sound of the Nile lapping against the hull as your Dahabiya glides toward Kom Ombo. Enjoy breakfast on the upper deck while watching feluccas and local fishing boats pass in the early morning light, one of the most serene experiences of the entire journey. Kom Ombo is home to one of Egypt's most architecturally unique ancient temples: the double Temple of Sobek and Horus the Elder. Unlike any other Egyptian temple, this extraordinary monument is perfectly symmetrical, divided down the middle and dedicated to two separate deities, the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus. Explore mirrored sanctuaries, beautifully preserved reliefs, a fascinating crocodile museum housing mummified crocodiles, and ancient Nilometer markings used to measure the sacred river's flood levels. After your temple visit, return to the Dahabiya for the final leg of your Nile sailing journey toward Aswan, Egypt's southernmost major city and the gateway to ancient Nubia. The afternoon unfolds on deck with lunch served as palm-fringed riverbanks glide past and Nubian villages appear in the distance. As the day fades into a spectacular desert sunset, enjoy your last dinner on board, savoring both the cuisine and the tranquility of this extraordinary voyage. Overnight: On board Dahabiya Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    One final leisurely breakfast on your Dahabiya as it docks in Aswan, a city of extraordinary beauty, where golden desert sands meet the deep blue waters of the Nile and the vibrant colors of Nubian culture fill every corner. After disembarking, your last Aswan excursion brings you to the jewel of Upper Egypt: the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis and set dramatically on Agilkia Island in the middle of Lake Nasser. Reached by a short motorboat ride, Philae is widely considered one of the most romantically situated ancient monuments in Egypt. The temple's graceful colonnades, intricate carvings, and island setting create a scene of profound beauty that lingers long after you've left. Following your visit, your representative transfers you to Aswan Airport for your domestic flight back to Cairo. On arrival in the capital, a private driver meets you and transfers you to your hotel for your final overnight in this remarkable city. Overnight: Cairo Meals: Breakfast
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      Transport:
      Flight
    Your last morning in Egypt begins with a peaceful hotel breakfast and precious free time to experience Cairo at your own pace. Stroll through the medieval lanes of Old Islamic Cairo, browse the legendary Khan el-Khalili bazaar for hand-crafted souvenirs, textiles, spices, and jewelry, or simply settle into a traditional ahwa (coffeehouse) and watch the eternal energy of this extraordinary city flow around you. For those with a few extra hours, the neighborhoods around Al-Azhar and the Fatimid city walls offer incredible streetscape photography and authentic local encounters that no guided tour can replicate. At your confirmed departure time, a private driver collects you from your hotel and transfers you to Cairo International Airport for your onward international flight, concluding one of the most comprehensive and richly layered Egypt travel itineraries available. Meals: Breakfast

Package Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

Exclusions

Package Destination Map

Trip Information & Guidelines

While our group tours are a great way to travel, most can also be booked privately for a more exclusive experience. Private tours offer greater flexibility, allowing you to customise the itinerary, accommodation, and pace to suit your preferences. They can run on the same dates as group tours or on alternative dates, though some activities may be limited to specific days.

Pricing depends on group size and any customisation. For a fully personalised experience, our team can design a tailor-made tour based on your interests and requirements.

Most sightseeing on a Nile cruise is included and is a highlight of the trip, with tours conducted by air-conditioned minibuses or coaches from the boat. Itineraries may change based on local conditions, and some sailing can occur at night. Special Gala Dinners are typically held on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, and their cost is usually compulsory and included in group tour prices, or added to private and tailor-made tours.

This cruise runs on limited dates and is subject to availability and vessel operation. Please confirm availability with us before booking international flights.
Shorter itineraries are available on request on alternate dates (12-day Cairo–Luxor, 13-day Aswan–Cairo, 10-day Luxor–Cairo)

Our small group tours typically use high-quality 5-star hotels in Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, and Hurghada, with pools and dining options. Budget tours may use comfortable 3–4 star hotels, all with air-conditioned en-suite rooms. Some itineraries also feature charming Nubian-style hotels in Aswan.

Private and tailor-made tours offer a wider range, from mid-range 3–4 star hotels to luxury 5-star properties. Nile cruises usually operate on Egyptian 5-star boats (comparable to international 4-star standards), with deluxe, all-suite boats and Dahabiyas available for private tours.

Accommodation is in air-conditioned twin, double, or triple en-suite rooms or cabins.

Gala Dinners: Many hotels and cruise boats host special dinners on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. These may be optional or compulsory (especially on New Year’s Eve), with prices ranging from USD 50–150+. These are not included in tour prices and may be added if required.

Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after your departure—please avoid travelling with a nearly full or expiring passport. Visa requirements are the traveller’s responsibility and may change, so check with your local Egyptian embassy or consulate before.

Although official advice recommends obtaining a visa in advance (via the official e-visa site), many nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Cairo Airport. This is a quick process, costs USD 30, and must be paid in cash (USD, GBP, or EUR). No forms or photos are required, and our representative will assist you on arrival.

Important Notes:

  • Canadian citizens must obtain a visa in advance.
  • African, Indian, and some other nationalities also need to arrange visas before travel.

For the latest requirements, please contact us or your nearest Egyptian embassy.

Bring any standard luggage (suitcase, backpack, or holdall), plus a small day bag. Your main luggage is usually left at the hotel during sightseeing, with porters available to assist. While there’s no tour luggage limit, airlines typically allow 20–25kg for checked bags and 5–10kg for hand luggage—please confirm with your airline.

Clothing: Egypt is generally hot, but evenings—especially in the desert—can be cool, so pack layers. Casual wear is fine; formal clothing is not required. Modest, loose-fitting clothes are recommended, particularly for women. In central Cairo and at mosques, arms and legs should be covered. Long sleeves are also useful for mosquito protection, especially on felucca trips.

Other Essentials: Consider bringing a light sleeping sheet (or a sleeping bag in winter for felucca trips), along with a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, basic first aid kit, toiletries, small towel, money belt, torch, camera, and charger.

TOUR SUMMARY

10 Days
Cairo to Cairo

Schedule: Every Tuesday & Wednesday
From $2880 (p/p)

Country(ies): Egypt
Group Size: Min: 2 | Max: 12
Accommodation: 5-star Hotels & Nile Cruises
Meals: Breakfasts – 9, Lunches – 6, Dinners – 5
Transport: A/C minibus/coach, Flight & Dahabiya Cruise
Highlights: The Great Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx, Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), Traditional Lunch, Valley of the Kings and Tombs, Luxor Temple, Dahabiya Cruise, Gebel Silsila & Isis Temple 

Starting From
1.600,00 EGP /per person
  • Mony Back Guarentee.
Bonus Activity Included – Limited Time!