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9 Day Cairo and Nile Cruise by Air
- Cairo, Egypt
Discover just how amazing Egypt is with our Best of Egypt Tour: 9 days of non-stop sightseeing; Cairo, Luxor, Edfu, Aswan and a Nile River cruise.
Why Choose Egypt
Egypt offers a unique journey through ancient history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From the iconic Pyramids of Giza to the serene beauty of the Nile River, Egypt provides an unparalleled travel experience. Discover timeless monuments with expert-guided tours that immerse you in local culture and bring the past to life.
Day 01: Your Best of Egypt Tour Begins
When you arrive in Cairo, a company representative and a driver will meet you at the airport at any time your plane lands. They will assist with your luggage and drive you to your hotel in a modern air-conditioned vehicle. After check-in, your tour manager will discuss your itinerary, answer any questions, and confirm pick-up times for the tours. You will then have the rest of the day to relax, with a complimentary “Welcome” drink.
Meals Included: No meals
Day 02: Tour of the Pyramids
Start your day with breakfast at your hotel in Cairo. You’ll then meet your English-speaking Egyptologist tour guide to begin your day by visiting the Pyramids of Giza: Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. The iconic Sphinx statue guards this ancient site. Following the tour, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Next, visit Sakkara to explore the Step Pyramid of King Djoser, an architectural marvel created by the famous Architect Imhotep. This groundbreaking pyramid marked a new achievement for the era. The day concludes in Memphis, the Old Kingdom’s capital, where you can explore the Open-Air Museum with monuments of King Ramses II. You will spend the night in Cairo.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 03: Sightseeing in Cairo
After breakfast at your hotel, meet your English-speaking Egyptologist guide to begin a day of exploring Cairo’s historic landmarks. Start with a visit to the Egyptian Museum, home to thousands of artifacts, including the treasures of King Tutankhamen and the Mummies’ Room, offering a close-up view of real pharaohs. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Continue to Old Cairo to visit the Citadel of Salah El-Din, which played a crucial role in protecting Egypt and served as the seat of power for over 700 years. Finally, explore Khan El Khalili, a renowned bazaar in the Middle East. Afterward, return to your hotel in Cairo for an overnight stay.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 04: Fly to Luxor for Nile Cruise
After breakfast and check-out, transfer to the airport for a flight to Luxor. Upon arrival, meet your representative and transfer to your Nile Cruise. Embark before noon. Begin with a tour of the East Bank of Luxor, visiting the Karnak Temples Complex, one of the largest structures ever built, dedicated to the god Amun Ra.
Proceed to Luxor Temple, constructed by Amenhotep III and completed by Ramses II in the heart of ancient Thebes. Both temples are dedicated to Amun Re. Return to the cruise for rest, where an Egyptian folkloric show will be performed in the evening. Dinner will be served on board, and overnight in Luxor.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 05: Valley of the Kings & Sail to Edfu
Enjoy breakfast on the Nile Cruise. Begin the day with a tour of the West Bank of Luxor, visiting the Valley of the Kings, where many Theban kings and rulers of ancient Egypt were buried. Here, you can enter the tomb of King Tutankhamun.
Next, visit Howard Carter’s house, the home of the man who discovered King Tut’s tomb. Then, continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El Bahari, an architectural marvel carved into the mountain. Conclude with a visit to the Colossi of Memnon, two towering statues of Amenhotep III. Return to the cruise for lunch as it sails to Esna and crosses the lock. Enjoy leisure time, dinner, and an overnight stay on the cruise.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 06: Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples
After breakfast, join your guide for a visit to the Temple of Horus in Edfu, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples. Return to the cruise for lunch as it sails to Kom Ombo.
In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris. Afterward, return to the ship to enjoy views of the Nile River, a cradle of ancient Egyptian civilization. Dinner will be served on board as the cruise continues to Aswan, where you will spend the night.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 07: Sightseeing in Aswan
Breakfast on board. Today, join your Egyptologist guide to explore Aswan, starting with the High Dam, constructed by President Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1960 to protect Egypt from the Nile’s floods.
Enjoy a motorboat ride on the Nile River to Agilika Island to visit the Temple of Philae, dedicated to goddess Isis from the Greco-Roman period. End the tour at the Unfinished Obelisk, a massive monument dedicated to Amun Ra. Return to the cruise for lunch and afternoon tea, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in Aswan.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 08: Fly to Cairo
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Aswan airport for your return flight to Cairo.
Optional Excursion to Abu Simbel Temple: Begin with a breakfast box and check-out from the cruise. Transfer by A/C van to Abu Simbel to explore the Abu Simbel Temples, built by King Ramses II. The first temple, dedicated to Rahorakhty, is the largest, while the second temple honors both Ramses II and his wife Queen Nefertari. After the tour, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring back to Aswan Airport for your flight to Cairo. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your Cairo hotel for an overnight stay.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 09: Final Departure
On your final day in Egypt, enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Your tour manager and driver will assist you with luggage and check-in at the airport, ensuring a smooth departure. Say farewell to Egypt with memories of an unforgettable journey through the Land of the Pharaohs.
Meals Included: Breakfast
What's Included
Included
- 5* hotel in Cairo for 4 nights
- 5* Nile Cruise for 4 nights
- Cruise boat experience
- Domestic flights
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfers
- Horse carriage ride at Edfu
- Taftaf shuttle at the Valley of the Kings
- Motorboat to Philae Island
- Meals: 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners
- Meet and greet service upon arrival and departure at airports
- Assistance from experienced personnel throughout your stay
- All transfers in air-conditioned vehicles with a private driver
- Private Egyptologist guide for all tours
- All tours as mentioned in the itinerary
- Bottled water provided during tours
- All shore excursions as per the cruise itinerary
Not Included
- International airfare
- Egypt entry visa
- Any optional tours
- Personal spending
- Tipping