10-Day Egypt Tour with Nile Cruise
Explore Giza, Abu Simbel and Luxor, then spend time on the Red Sea coast with a planned Nile cruise and private transfers
At a glance
- Length
- 10 days · 9 nights
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
The assigned Nile cruiser is a deluxe vessel operating on the Aswan–Luxor sightseeing route, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt through a third-party cruise supplier.
- New
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 Days / 9 Nights based on the supplied day-by-day schedule
- Travel style
- Private Guided Multi-Day Tour with Nile Cruise Package
- Accommodation
- Selectable comfort, classic, prestige or luxury hotels plus an arranged Nile cruise cabin
- Operated by
- Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt; the Nile vessel and hotels are supplied and operated by third-party providers.
- Destinations
- Cairo · Giza Plateau · Alexandria · Aswan · Abu Simbel · Kom Ombo · Edfu · Luxor · Hurghada · Giftun Island
- Includes
- Cairo hotel accommodation · Three-night Nile cruise cabin as listed in the accommodation plan · Hurghada hotel accommodation · Private Egyptologist guide · Private air-conditioned transfers · Cairo–Aswan and Hurghada–Cairo domestic flights · Entrance fees to listed attractions · Meals as stated · Airport meet-and-assist service · Taxes and service charges
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History and archaeology enthusiasts · Couples · Families with older children · Travelers wanting a Nile cruise and Red Sea stay · Private-tour travelers
- Guide languages
- English
Best time to go
October through April generally offers the most comfortable sightseeing weather, with cooler mornings and lower daytime heat than summer; Cairo and Luxor are commonly warmer than Alexandria, while Hurghada remains suitable for water activities. December through February is the busiest period at major monuments, and Ramadan or public holidays can affect restaurant hours, attraction schedules and daily traffic, so exact operating times should be checked before travel.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator that plans the itinerary and arranges hotels, domestic flights, transfers and the third-party Nile cruise supplier.
- Private sightseeing is conducted with an Egyptologist guide, with entrance fees for listed attractions included as stated in the itinerary.
- Private air-conditioned transportation is arranged for airport transfers, intercity routes and sightseeing outside the cruise vessel.
- Assistance is available during the stay, with taxes and service charges included as stated.
- Cruise and hotel services are supplied by third-party providers selected and booked through Discovery Tours Egypt; Discovery Tours Egypt does not own or operate the vessel or hotels.
- Pyramid interiors, premium tombs and gratuities are excluded unless specifically requested or stated in the itinerary.
02Overview
A first look
By dawn, the Giza Plateau is cooler than Cairo, with limestone underfoot and the city still gathering speed beyond the desert edge. Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure and the Sphinx set the scale for the days ahead, while Alexandria brings salt air, sea light and a slower Mediterranean rhythm.
Our Egyptologists help you read the detail, from the carved streets of Old Cairo to painted royal tombs on Luxor’s West Bank and the vast figures at Abu Simbel. Time on the Nile gives the itinerary breathing space, with a quiet stretch on deck between visits. We arrange private, air-conditioned transport rather than group bus touring, and our licensed Egyptian tour operator team remains available throughout.
Background
The facts
This 10-day Egypt tour begins and ends in Cairo and combines the Giza Plateau, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Alexandria, a Nile cruise itinerary, Abu Simbel and Hurghada on the Red Sea. The supplied accommodation plan covers Cairo hotel stays, a three-night Nile cruise cabin, and two nights in Hurghada, with additional Cairo accommodation before departure. The cruise vessel is assigned at booking and arranged through a third-party supplier by Discovery Tours Egypt.
At Giza, visitors see the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure and the Great Sphinx. The Grand Egyptian Museum is located near the Giza Plateau, while historic Cairo visits include Old Cairo, Al Muizz Street and Khan El Khalili Bazaar when included in the selected itinerary. Standard entrance fees for the listed attractions are included; entry inside the pyramids is excluded unless specifically requested.
The Nile sightseeing route includes Philae Temple on Agilkia Island, the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple, Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple. Luxor’s West Bank includes three standard Valley of the Kings tombs, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon. Abu Simbel is reached by road from Aswan and includes the Great Temple of Ramesses II and the Temple of Nefertari.
The Alexandria day trip from Cairo covers the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina area and the Citadel of Qaitbay, which stands on the site associated with the ancient Pharos Lighthouse. In Hurghada, the Orange Bay excursion visits Giftun Island by boat for swimming, snorkeling and beach time. Private air-conditioned transfers, domestic flights between Cairo and Aswan and between Hurghada and Cairo, sightseeing transportation and an Egyptologist guide are included as stated in the itinerary.
Named in this entry
Giza Plateau·Great Pyramid of Khufu·Pyramid of Khafre·Pyramid of Menkaure·Great Sphinx of Giza·Grand Egyptian Museum·Old Cairo·Al Muizz Street·Khan El Khalili Bazaar·Alexandria·Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa·Pompey’s Pillar·Bibliotheca Alexandrina·Citadel of Qaitbay·Philae Temple·Aswan High Dam·Unfinished Obelisk·Kom Ombo Temple·Edfu Temple·Luxor Temple·Karnak Temple·Valley of the Kings·Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut·Colossi of Memnon·Abu Simbel·Temple of Nefertari·Giftun Island·Orange Bay·Red Sea
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This itinerary suits first-time visitors, couples, families with older children and history-focused travelers who want to combine ancient monuments with a Red Sea beach day. It requires moderate mobility for uneven temple grounds, vehicle transfers, airport procedures, boat boarding and walking in exposed conditions.
Maybe not, if
- Not ideal for travelers requiring step-free access throughout, due to stairs at temples and on cruise gangways. Also not suited for infants or children under 6 when long coach transfers and early starts are involved.
What lingers
- 01See Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure at the Giza Plateau, with the Sphinx and the Valley Temple of Khafre.
- 02Explore Luxor West Bank, including the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon.
- 03Sail the Nile route between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at Karnak Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple and Philae Temple.
- 04Visit Abu Simbel and the Temple of Nefertari on an excursion from Aswan.
- 05Compare Cairo’s Coptic, Islamic and Jewish heritage at the Hanging Church, Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque, Ben Ezra Synagogue and Al Muizz Street.
- 06Finish in Hurghada on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, with time for seaside relaxation after the sightseeing programme.
Honest Assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Seven nights aboard a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan
- Includes an overland excursion to Abu Simbel from Aswan
- Private Egyptologist guide throughout the itinerary
- Two hotel nights in Cairo bookend the cruise segment
- All site entrance fees included as stated in the itinerary
Things to Consider
- Early starts for some excursions, often before 07:00
- Long road transfer to Abu Simbel, about 3 hours each way
- Walking on uneven ancient stone and temple steps
- Limited shade at open-air sites during midday
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a Cairo-only itinerary, this package connects Egypt’s major ancient sites with Alexandria, a Nile cruise experience, Abu Simbel and Hurghada. Unlike a group bus tour, private air-conditioned transportation and a private Egyptologist guide allow the sightseeing schedule and transfers to be managed for the booked travelers, although cruise operations and onboard services are provided by the assigned third-party vessel supplier.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
10 Days / 9 Nights based on the supplied day-by-day schedule · Cairo · Giza Plateau · Alexandria · Aswan · Abu Simbel · Kom Ombo
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
Bundled in
- Airport transfer
- Private transfer
- Private Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
- Domestic flight
- Abu Simbel extension
- Red Sea extension
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Meet-and-assist service on arrival in the Cairo International Airport arrivals hall.
- Two nights in a Cairo hotel.
- Seven nights in a cabin on a Nile cruise.
- Meals listed in the itinerary.
- A private Egyptologist guide for the itinerary.
- All transfers in a private, air-conditioned vehicle.
- Admission to every attraction listed in the itinerary.
- Domestic flights from Cairo to Luxor and from Luxor to Cairo.
- One bottle of water during each sightseeing tour.
- Assistance throughout your stay.
- All applicable taxes and service charges.
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt.
- Egypt entry visa.
- Travel insurance.
- Tips for Egyptologists, drivers and cruise staff.
- Personal spending and optional purchases.
- Optional domestic flight upgrade to Abu Simbel.
- Entry to pyramid interiors, including Khufu and Khafre, unless specifically requested or included in the itinerary.
- Entry to premium tombs, including Tutankhamun and Seti I, unless specifically requested or included in the itinerary.
- Gratuities, unless specifically requested or included in the itinerary.
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Book Abu Simbel as early as possible, because road departures usually leave before sunrise.
- 02
At Giza, the clearest pyramid photos are often from the morning, before the desert haze builds.
- 03
On Luxor West Bank, wear shoes with grip, because tomb paths can be dusty and uneven.
- 04
For Khan El Khalili, ask for the first price and negotiate calmly, then compare two stalls before buying.
- 05
At Philae, the light is usually better before midmorning, when boat traffic is lighter.
Tailor it
Make it yours
- The itinerary can be arranged as a private tour with selected comfort, classic, prestige or luxury hotel and cruise-cabin categories, subject to availability. Travelers can request a flight upgrade to Abu Simbel, additional Cairo or Luxor sightseeing, different hotel standards, extra Red Sea activities or a longer stay
- pyramid interiors and premium tombs require specific arrangements and additional fees.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
– Best for travelers who want Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel in one loop with hotel nights in Cairo and cabin nights on a Nile cruise. It also fits well before or after a short Red Sea stay or a separate Alexandria extension.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This tour involves uneven ground, sand, ancient stone surfaces, steps and extended walking at the Giza Plateau, Alexandria, Luxor’s West Bank, Karnak Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple and Abu Simbel. Some monuments have narrow entrances and no lifts. Boarding the private vehicle and reaching a Nile cruise cabin may also involve steps. The vehicle reduces walking between sites but cannot remove these physical demands. Wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility should contact us before booking so we can check vehicle access, guide support and arrangements at each stop.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and required visa documents
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 or higher
- Reusable water bottle
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Small day bag
- Required prescription medication
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for hot days and cooler evenings
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and religious sites
- Light scarf for sun protection
- Swimwear for time on the Red Sea coast
Children & families
Children may join this tour, but no confirmed minimum age is supplied. Child pricing depends on age, room or cabin arrangements and supplier rules, so we confirm the amount before booking. Strollers are difficult on sand, uneven ancient stone and steps, especially at Giza and Luxor’s West Bank. A compact stroller is more practical. High-chair availability depends on the dining provider and should be requested in advance.
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Cairo International Airport (CAI), Arrivals HallMap
On the ground
Your route
While you're here
Worth pairing
- The Great Pyramid of Khufu, Giza Plateau19 km
- Grand Egyptian Museum17 km
- Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square14 min walk
- Hanging Church, Coptic Cairo7 km
- Khan El Khalili Bazaar28 min walk
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Private Egyptologist from Cairo to Cairo
02
Abu Simbel included in a single route
03
Hotel and cruise logistics arranged end to end
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We arrange sightseeing and transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles with locally based Egyptian drivers and Egyptologists who know the roads and sites. Visits to Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel and Hurghada direct spending towards local transport, guiding, food and visitor-service providers. Supplier names and vehicle models depend on availability, so we do not claim a fixed fleet. One bottled water is provided during sightseeing. Carrying a refillable bottle can reduce plastic use where safe refill facilities are available. We review practical arrangements locally rather than selling an interchangeable package.
Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
·In summary
This 10-day Egypt tour includes Cairo and Giza sightseeing, a Grand Egyptian Museum visit, an Alexandria day trip, a Nile cruise itinerary with Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Luxor temples, an Abu Simbel excursion, and a Hurghada Red Sea day. It also includes selected hotel and cruise-cabin accommodation, domestic flights, private air-conditioned transfers, entrance fees for listed attractions, meals as stated and a private Egyptologist guide.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the total duration of this Egypt holiday?
This Egypt holiday spans 10 days, combining hotel stays in Cairo and a Nile cruise. It includes two nights in Cairo, seven nights aboard a Nile cruise vessel, and time in Hurghada on the Red Sea coast.02What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes two nights in a Cairo hotel and seven nights in a Nile cruise cabin. We arrange comfortable, well-located hotels and a deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser for your journey, ensuring a pleasant stay.03Are meals included in the overall tour price?
Meals are included as specified in your itinerary, typically covering breakfast at hotels and full board on the Nile cruise. Specific meal inclusions for each day are detailed in your final booking documentation.04How are transfers and sightseeing tours organised?
All transfers and sightseeing excursions are conducted in private, air-conditioned vehicles with a dedicated driver. Domestic flights between Cairo, Luxor, and Hurghada are also included, ensuring efficient travel between regions.05Are entrance fees for historical sites covered in the tour?
Yes, entrance fees to all attractions mentioned in the itinerary, such as the Giza Pyramids, Grand Egyptian Museum, Karnak Temple, and Valley of the Kings, are included. Exclusions like pyramid interiors or premium tombs are noted separately.06What is the guidance on tipping for guides and drivers?
Tips for your Egyptologists, drivers, and cruise staff are not included in the tour price. We recommend budgeting for gratuities as a customary practice in Egypt, acknowledging excellent service throughout your trip.07Is this tour suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
This tour involves walking on uneven ancient stone, climbing stairs at temples, and navigating cruise ship gangways. While private transport offers comfort, some sites have limited accessibility for wheelchairs or those with significant mobility challenges.08What clothing should I wear when visiting temples and mosques?
When visiting religious sites like temples and mosques, modest dress is recommended. This typically means covering shoulders and knees. Comfortable walking shoes are also essential for exploring archaeological sites and city streets.09Can children participate in this 10-day tour of Egypt?
Children are welcome on this tour, but parents should consider the early starts, extensive sightseeing, and travel days involved. Our Egyptologists are skilled at engaging younger travellers, but the itinerary is quite full.10When is the best time of year to book this Egypt tour?
The best time to take this tour is generally from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- Full refund less a £50 admin fee
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund
- Within 14 days
- No refund – date changes considered case by case
Last updated 26 July 2026Product ID: TOU-CAI-536159
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