10 Days Classical Tour of Egypt
Ten days from Cairo to Luxor via Alexandria and Aswan, visits include Giza, Saqqara, Philae and Abu Simbel, entrance fees and an Egyptologist provided.
At a glance
- Length
- 10 days · 9 nights
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
10 Days Classical Tour of Egypt is a 10-day guided tour covering Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, Abu Simbel and Luxor, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- Private
- Budget
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Groups·
- Couples
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- A 10-day, 9-night trip
- Travel style
- Private guided tour over several days
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Hotels
- Operated by
- Explore Egypt Tours
- Destinations
- Cairo · Giza Plateau · Saqqara · Alexandria · Aswan · Abu Simbel · Luxor · Karnak Temple · Valley of the Kings · Old Cairo
- Includes
- 5 nights' accommodation in Cairo · 1 night's accommodation in Aswan · 3 nights' accommodation in Luxor · Domestic flights from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo · First-class train from Aswan to Luxor · Cairo Airport pickup · Air-conditioned transport for your private use · Egyptologist guide and entrance fees to listed sites
- Best for
- First-time visitors to Egypt · History enthusiasts · Couples · Adult families · Travellers wanting multiple regions in one trip
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
Best time to go
The most comfortable months are generally October to April, when daytime temperatures in Cairo and Alexandria are milder and Upper Egypt is cooler than in summer. May to September can be very hot, especially in Aswan, Abu Simbel and Luxor, so early departures matter more. Travel during Ramadan and major public holidays can affect opening hours, traffic and meal timing, so itinerary timing should be checked in advance.
- Licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Itinerary led by experienced Egyptologists
- Private air-conditioned transport on touring days
- Domestic flights and rail transfer arranged as part of the programme
- Entrance fees to the listed sites included
- 24/7 on-the-ground coordination for scheduled transfers and sightseeing
- Small-group approach with walking-focused site visits
- Hotels are carefully selected and arranged within the tour package
02Overview
A first look
Before sunrise on the Giza Plateau the stone still feels cool underfoot and the light sharpens Khufu's faces, Khafre's slope and the Sphinx's profile. In Alexandria the air brings a faint salt tang, and in Aswan the Nile carries the scent of reed and river mud; these are the small, first impressions that structure the days ahead.
We keep daily groups small and favour guided walking so there is time to study inscriptions and architecture rather than rush from coach to coach. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange domestic flights and the first-class train between Aswan and Luxor, and your Egyptologist meets you on day one to advise on pacing, modest dress and early starts to avoid the midday heat.
Background
The facts
This 10-day classical tour of Egypt begins in Cairo and continues to Alexandria, Aswan, Abu Simbel and Luxor. It combines Pharaonic, Coptic and Islamic sites with guided sightseeing, hotel stays, domestic flights, and a first-class train transfer between Aswan and Luxor.
In Cairo, the itinerary includes the Giza Plateau, where the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure stand on the west bank of the Nile, together with the Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple. It also includes Saqqara, home of the Step Pyramid of Djoser, which is generally dated to the 27th century BCE, and the Egyptian Museum, whose collections include key royal and funerary artefacts from ancient Egypt.
Alexandria adds Greco-Roman and modern landmarks such as Qaitbay Citadel, Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. In Upper Egypt, the route includes the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple, followed by Abu Simbel, where the rock-cut temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari were relocated in the 1960s to avoid submersion after the creation of Lake Nasser.
The Luxor portion covers the East and West Banks: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon. The final days return to Cairo for Coptic and Islamic landmarks including the Hanging Church, Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque, Ben Ezra Synagogue, Al Muizz Street, the Citadel of Salah El-Din, Sultan Hassan Mosque, Al Rifai Mosque and Ibn Tulun Mosque.
Named in this entry
Giza Plateau·Great Pyramid of Khufu·Khafre Pyramid·Menkaure Pyramid·Great Sphinx·Valley Temple·Saqqara Step Pyramid·Djoser·Egyptian Museum·Bibliotheca Alexandrina·Qaitbay Citadel·Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa·Aswan High Dam·Unfinished Obelisk·Philae Temple·Abu Simbel Temples·Ramesses II·Luxor Temple·Karnak Temple·Valley of the Kings·Hatshepsut Temple·Colossi of Memnon·Hanging Church·Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque·Ben Ezra Synagogue·Egyptian Museum of Civilisation·Sultan Hassan Mosque·Al Rifai Mosque·Ibn Tulun Mosque·Citadel of Salah El-Din·Al Muizz Street·Khan El Khalili
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This tour suits travellers who want a structured introduction to Egypt’s major ancient, Christian and Islamic sites in one itinerary. It is a good fit for first-time visitors, history-focused couples, and adult families who are comfortable with early starts, site walking and several city-to-city transfers.
Maybe not, if
- It is not a good fit for travellers who need step-free access or want a slow-paced holiday with few transfers. Families with very young children may find the consecutive sightseeing days and uneven ground demanding.
What lingers
- 01See the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, along with the Sphinx, on the Giza Plateau
- 02Visit Saqqara’s Step Pyramid complex and see monuments at the Egyptian Museum
- 03Explore Alexandria’s Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Qaitbay Citadel and Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
- 04See Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan, with a visit to Abu Simbel
- 05Walk through Karnak Temple and visit Luxor Temple
- 06Visit the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon on Luxor’s West Bank
Honest assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Covers major Pharaonic, Coptic and Islamic sites across four cities.
- Guided visits leave time to study inscriptions and architecture.
- Includes both Alexandria’s classical sites and Cairo’s ancient monuments.
- The small-group approach avoids the scale of mass coach tours.
Things to Consider
- Early starts are needed at major temples and outdoor sites.
- Uneven ground and steps feature at many archaeological monuments.
- Long sightseeing days involve several transfers between destinations.
- Summer heat can be severe in Aswan, Abu Simbel and Luxor.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a standard coach programme, this itinerary is built around guided sightseeing with shorter walking transfers at each site and limited group sizes. It also covers a broader historical arc than a pyramids-only trip, combining ancient monuments with Coptic and Islamic Cairo, plus Alexandria and Upper Egypt. Compared with a Nile cruise holiday, this is a land-only tour with hotel stays in Cairo, Aswan and Luxor and overland plus flight connections between destinations. It is designed for travellers who want to see several regions in ten days without relying on a cruise segment.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
A 10-day, 9-night trip · Cairo · Giza Plateau · Saqqara · Alexandria · Aswan · Abu Simbel
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
Bundled in
- Domestic flight
- Airport transfer
- Private transfer
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
- Abu Simbel extension
- All meals
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Five nights' stay at a 5-star hotel in Cairo
- Two nights' stay at a 5-star hotel in Aswan
- Two nights' stay at a 5-star hotel in Luxor
- Domestic flights, Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo
- First-class train ticket from Aswan to Luxor
- Airport pickup on arrival at Cairo Airport
- Private air-conditioned transport for all transfers and sightseeing
- Egyptologist guide for the duration of the tour
- Entrance fees for the sites listed in the itinerary
- All service charges and government taxes
Not included
- Tipping
- Egypt entry visa
- International airfare
- Optional excursions or activities
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
At Giza, photograph the pyramids from the panoramic viewpoint for a frame that includes all three main structures.
- 02
At Philae, look for reliefs in the inner courts as well as the better-known scenes on the temple walls.
- 03
Take small-denomination Egyptian pounds for Khan El Khalili purchases; agree the price before accepting goods or services.
- 04
Bring a light layer for early starts in winter, when temperatures can be cool before the sun reaches the monuments.
Tailor it
Make it yours
The itinerary can usually be adjusted as a private tour or adapted for a smaller travelling party, depending on availability. Common changes include adding extra time in Cairo, substituting museum visits, or extending the programme with additional nights in Luxor or Aswan. Meal upgrades, optional experiences and alternative transfer arrangements can also be requested.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
This 10-day land itinerary links Cairo and Alexandria with Aswan, Abu Simbel and Luxor, making it a standalone route through several regions of Egypt. It suits travellers who want ancient, Coptic and Islamic sites in one holiday rather than a Cairo-only stay.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This 10-day itinerary requires sustained walking on uneven stone, loose sand and narrow steps at sites such as the Giza Plateau, Saqqara, Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple. Expect to walk up to 3 kilometres on mixed terrain on some days and to climb short flights of stairs; some tombs have low doorways and steep steps. Most minibuses have a high step entrance and do not have wheelchair lifts. Wheelchair users can access some open-air precincts by vehicle or ramped routes, but many tombs and interior spaces are not reachable. If you need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, close-contact assistance, or reduced-walking alternatives, tell us before booking so we can advise which parts of the itinerary are feasible and arrange extra support where possible. Our staff meet you on arrival and can assist at airports and hotels, but site-level accessibility varies and cannot be guaranteed.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- A valid passport and a photocopy
- Walking shoes with a firm grip
- Sun protection: high-factor sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Light day bag for water and personal items
- Personal medication and a small first-aid kit
- Phone charger and UK-to-Egypt plug adaptor
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees when visiting mosques and some temples
- Bring robust shoes with closed toes for walking over sand and uneven stone
- A light fleece or thin jacket for early mornings and cooler evenings
- A sun scarf or shawl for extra sun protection
Children & families
The minimum age for independent travellers on this itinerary is 6. Children under 12 may qualify for a child rate; the price depends on the arrangements requested and will be confirmed before booking. Strollers are generally impractical at archaeological sites because of steps, sand and uneven ground. A compact umbrella stroller may be useful in smoother areas. Tell us each child’s age and any support needs when enquiring so we can advise on pacing and transport arrangements.
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Cairo International Airport (CAI), Arrivals HallMap
On the ground
Your route
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Giza Plateau15 km
- Saqqara30 km
- Alexandria220 km
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Compare Pharaonic, Coptic and Islamic sites in one itinerary
02
Walk Alexandria's Catacombs, Qaitbay Citadel and Bibliotheca Alexandrina
03
Connect Aswan and Luxor by first-class train
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Road transfers use air-conditioned minibuses, and domestic sectors are flown on scheduled carriers; the Aswan to Luxor transfer is by first-class intercity train. We work with locally based coach companies and licensed drivers in Cairo, Aswan and Luxor; vehicles are typically modern and maintained by local garages. Egyptologists and site guides are locally employed professionals, and fees for guiding and site entry are paid directly to local suppliers and national authorities. We encourage reduced single-use plastic by scheduling regular water refill stops and asking hotels to offer refillable bottles. When visiting markets and local communities we follow a payment and photography etiquette that supports small vendors by encouraging direct payment and small-group timings to avoid peak congestion. We do not run mass coach group tours, this itinerary runs with private vehicles to reduce group density at sites.
Licensed Egyptologist guides
State-licensed, and people we have worked with for years
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' site rules: marked paths, no touching reliefs
Local teams, real help
Our own offices in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh
·In summary
This 10-day tour includes hotel stays in Cairo, Aswan and Luxor, domestic flights from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo, a first-class train transfer from Aswan to Luxor, and private air-conditioned transport. Guided visits cover the Giza Pyramids, Saqqara, Alexandria, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and major Cairo religious landmarks.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the 10 Days Classical Tour of Egypt?
The itinerary lasts 10 days and begins and ends in Cairo. It includes nine hotel nights across Cairo, Aswan and Luxor, with Alexandria and Abu Simbel among the other destinations. The day-by-day pace includes several early starts, especially for the visit to Abu Simbel.02How are transport and transfers arranged on the tour?
The tour includes Cairo airport transfers, private air-conditioned transport for sightseeing and domestic flights between Cairo and Aswan and Luxor and Cairo. The Aswan to Luxor journey is by first-class train. We coordinate the arrangements, and your Egyptologist confirms the airport departure time with you.03What is included in the 10 Days Classical Tour of Egypt?
The package includes hotel accommodation, domestic flights, the first-class train journey, private transport, an Egyptologist guide and entrance fees to listed sites. Service charges and taxes are also included. International flights, an Egypt entry visa, gratuities and optional tours are not included.04How much walking is involved, and is the tour accessible?
Expect regular walking over uneven stone, sand and archaeological ground, with steps and sloping paths at some sites. Hatshepsut Temple has terraced levels, while Karnak Temple covers a large area. This itinerary may be difficult for travellers with limited mobility; contact us before booking to discuss specific access needs.05Is the tour suitable for children?
Children can join, but the sightseeing days may suit older children better than very young ones. The itinerary includes early departures, long visits and a pre-dawn journey to Abu Simbel. Tell us the children’s ages when enquiring so we can discuss pacing and any practical arrangements.06What should I wear and bring on the tour?
Pack comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen and a refillable water bottle. Lightweight clothing helps in warm weather. For mosques and churches, choose modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees; a light layer can be useful in cooler winter mornings.07Can I take photographs at the sites and museums?
Photography rules vary between outdoor monuments, museums and tomb interiors. Some locations restrict flash or require separate permission for photography, and rules can change. Ask your Egyptologist before taking pictures, particularly inside the Valley of the Kings tombs or museum galleries.08When is the best time to take this Egypt tour?
The cooler months, roughly October to April, are generally more comfortable for sightseeing in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. Summer brings stronger heat, particularly in Upper Egypt, and early starts become more important. Even in winter, expect sun exposure during outdoor visits.09What happens at Abu Simbel on this tour?
The Abu Simbel visit includes the rock-cut Great Temple of Ramses II and the smaller temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari. The temples were relocated during an international preservation campaign completed in 1968. The visit begins before dawn from Aswan, so allow for an early start and a long travel day.10Which museums and historic areas are visited in Cairo?
The Cairo sightseeing includes the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Egyptian Museum, as well as Old Cairo and Khan El Khalili. Visits also cover historic mosques and churches, including the Hanging Church, Sultan Hassan Mosque and Ibn Tulun Mosque. Unlike a museum-only itinerary, this one combines collections with city streets and religious architecture.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- 75% back, or 100% kept as credit towards a future holiday
- 15–30 days
- 50% back, or 75% kept as credit
- 7–14 days
- 25% back, or 50% kept as credit
- 2–6 days
- Nothing back; 25% kept as credit
- Under 48 hours, or if you don't turn up
- No refund and no credit
Notice is counted from the day you arrive in Egypt. A few vessels have their own terms; where that's so, we'll let you know before any payment is taken.Read our full cancellation and refund policy
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: TOU-CAI-336003
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