3-Day Aswan to Cairo & Alexandria Post-Cruise Stay (2 Nights)
Intercity transfer from Aswan to Cairo, two nights' hotel, full-day guided tour of Alexandria and a short Cairo orientation, licensed Egyptologist available on request
The short answer
3-Day Aswan to Cairo & Alexandria Post-Cruise Stay (2 Nights) is a 3-day, 2-night trip to Cairo, Alexandria and Aswan: 2 nights in Cairo. It includes domestic flights, an Egyptologist guide, entrance fees and transfers. Prices start at £341 per person, two sharing (Essential, October–April).
Choose your comfort level
Prices are per person in GBP, from 2 people sharing a double room, including accommodation at the properties listed or similar.
| Comfort level | Where you stay or similar | Per personfrom, Oct–Apr | Choose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essentialfrom £3413★ hotels | £341May–Sep: from £313 | ||
| Comfortfrom £4004★ hotels | Cairo · 2 nightsSonesta Hotel Tower & Casino – Cairo | £400May–Sep: from £554 | |
| Classicfrom £4005★ hotels | Cairo · 2 nightsSonesta Hotel Tower & Casino – Cairo | £400May–Sep: from £554 | |
| Prestigefrom £4965★ deluxe hotels | £496May–Sep: from £554 | ||
| Luxuryfrom £8405★ luxury hotels | Cairo · 2 nightsSt. Regis Cairo | £840May–Sep: from £800 | |
| Signature Collectionfrom £1,112landmark hotels | Cairo · 2 nightsFour Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza | £1,112May–Sep: from £1,024 |
Hotels on bed & breakfast. You'll stay in these properties, or a similar choice of the same quality. Choose your date in the booking panel for the exact price.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
A 3-day, 2-night stay · Aswan · Cairo · Alexandria
- 1
On arrival at Cairo International Airport (CAI) you will be met and assisted through immigration and baggage claim. After meet-and-assist we transfer you by private car to central Cairo; the route is approximately 20 km, typically 40–60 minutes depending on traffic. We do not use shared airport coaches, transfers are private and timed to your flight.
If your flight schedule permits, one of our Egyptologists can run a 19:00 briefing at the hotel to outline the programme and answer questions.
- 2
You travel by road from Cairo to Alexandria, a 220 km journey that takes about 2.5 to 3 hours each way. In the morning your Egyptologist guides you around the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, visiting its modern reading halls and exhibitions, then down to the Roman-era Kom el Shoqafa catacombs.
After lunch at a local restaurant you see Pompey's Pillar, followed by coastal views at the 15th-century Qaitbay Citadel on the Mediterranean. We schedule the return to avoid peak outbound traffic, bringing you back to Cairo in the early evening.
- 3
Morning transfer to Cairo International Airport (CAI). Your driver will meet you in the hotel lobby at the agreed pickup time, normally three hours before an international departure. We arrange a private, air-conditioned sedan or minivan; the drive from central Cairo to CAI typically takes 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. Our Egyptologist is available by phone for last-minute questions.
Unlike fixed-schedule shuttle services, we time the transfer to your flight so you leave when you need to, not to a group timetable.
02Overview
A first look
At dawn the Aswan quayside carries the smell of Nile silt and diesel, feluccas leaning at their moorings while morning light hits the granite banks. That quietness is a useful contrast to the bustle you will meet in Cairo the following day.
A coastal day in Alexandria pairs sea air on the Corniche with cool stone in Kom El Shoqafa and the Bibliotheca's halls. We do not run group bus tours; our Egyptologists lead small guided visits on request, and we time the Aswan to Cairo transfer to link with your cruise disembarkation so your Egyptologist can meet you on arrival.
What lingers
- 01Explore the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, an underground burial complex in Alexandria.
- 02Visit Qaitbay Citadel, built on the site of Alexandria's ancient Pharos lighthouse.
- 03See the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the modern library and cultural centre in Alexandria.
- 04Take a full-day guided visit to Alexandria with an English-speaking Egyptologist.
- 05Choose a scheduled domestic flight or overnight train for the Aswan to Cairo journey.
Bundled in
- Domestic flights
- Sleeper train
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Two nights' hotel accommodation, room category as booked
- Transfer between Aswan and Cairo on a scheduled domestic flight or overnight train, with meet-and-assist service included
- Full-day guided visit to Alexandria, with entrance fees listed in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking Egyptologist for the guided activities specified in the itinerary
- Arrival and departure transfers in Cairo and Alexandria, as set out in the itinerary
Not included
- International flights to or from Egypt
- Optional extras such as entry to the Khufu or Khafre pyramid interiors and premium tombs unless specifically requested
- Meals and drinks unless stated in the booking confirmation
- Tips, personal expenses and gratuities
- Visa fees for entry to Egypt
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask for Alexandria departures early in the day, before coastal traffic builds.
- 02
The sea-facing areas around Qaitbay Citadel are brightest in late afternoon.
- 03
If you want the Egyptian Museum, allow extra time in Cairo on arrival day.
- 04
Winter sun dates are popular, so book transport before hotel choice changes.
- 05
Overnight train suits travellers who want fewer airport connections, but it is a longer journey.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Can be arranged as private or small-group touring with a licensed Egyptologist on request. We can add a guided Egyptian Museum visit, upgrade hotel category, or extend with extra nights in Cairo or Alexandria to break up transfers.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Travellers who finish a Nile cruise in Aswan and want a short, organised land extension to Cairo and Alexandria. History-focused adults, couples or small private groups who prefer transfers, hotels and guided sightseeing arranged in advance by a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
Maybe not, if
- Not ideal for travellers requiring step-free access or long layovers between transport sectors, since some sites have steps and limited lift access. Families with children under six should consider a longer, slower-paced extension instead.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Full-day guided visit to Alexandria with named sites included
- Flexible intercity transfer by scheduled flight or overnight train
- Licensed Egyptologists available for private or small-group guiding
- Two nights' hotel accommodation arranged after cruise disembarkation
- Short Cairo orientation with optional Egyptian Museum guidance
Things to Consider
- Long intercity transfer time when using surface travel between Aswan and Cairo
- Some Alexandria sites have steep steps and uneven surfaces
- Sightseeing day in Alexandria can be a full, active day
- Hotel location chosen after cruise may be 3.5 km or more from city centres
Where it fits
Best as a 2-night bridge between an Aswan Nile cruise and onward time in Cairo. It works well if you want one guided day in Alexandria, then a short Cairo stay before a flight home or a return to Luxor.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most operators sell this as a simple transfer with one hotel night. We add two nights and a full Alexandria sightseeing day. Most group tours ignore cruise timings. We coordinate the route around your disembarkation and onward travel. Most land-only extensions stop at Cairo. We continue to Alexandria, with private or small-group guiding available on request.
Compare
Similar tours to compare
On the ground
Your route
Snapshot
Good to know
- Travel style
- Guided tour, privately or in a small group
- Accommodation
- Hotel stay included
- Destinations
- Aswan · Cairo · Alexandria
- Includes
- Two nights' hotel accommodation · Aswan to Cairo transfer by selected flight or overnight train · Greeting and assistance · Full-day guided visit to Alexandria · Entrance fees for sites listed in the itinerary · English-speaking Egyptologist for included guided activities · Cairo and Alexandria transfers as listed in the itinerary
- Best for
- Post-cruise travellers · History enthusiasts · First-time visitors · Couples · Small groups
- Guide languages
- English
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Aswan International Airport, Arrivals HallMap
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and a copy
- Booking confirmation and travel details
- Comfortable shoes for walking, with a firm grip
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle
- Light day bag and phone charger
- Small amount of Egyptian pounds for personal spending and tips
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for warm weather
- Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees for religious sites
- A light layer for air-conditioned spaces and cooler evenings
Children & families
Minimum age for this programme is 5 years when accompanied by an adult. Child fares apply for children sharing a room with two adults; single-child room supplements follow the hotel supplier's rules. Strollers are practical in modern hotel lobbies and museum galleries in Cairo and Alexandria, but they are not suitable in narrow archaeological passages such as parts of the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. If you need a high chair or other baby equipment, tell us at booking so we can confirm availability with the hotel or supplier.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This itinerary requires moderate mobility, with uneven pavements, cobbles and short flights of steps at sites such as the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa and Qaitbay Citadel. Transfers are by saloon car or minibus; if you choose the train or a domestic flight, expect stepped access at platforms and aircraft stairs. Wheelchair users can be assisted into vehicles and at hotels, but many archaeological areas have no ramps and some museum floors have steps. Tell us at booking if you use a mobility scooter or require a wheelchair-accessible vehicle so we can assess feasibility and arrange additional assistance. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and will name your meet-and-assist representative on confirmation, but full independent access at all sites cannot be guaranteed because of historic terrain and security screening.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Transfers use air-conditioned saloon cars and minibuses operated by Egyptian-owned transport companies, and where requested we book scheduled domestic flights or overnight intercity trains. We contract local, English-speaking Egyptologists and drivers per visit so fees support individual livelihoods. Where possible we favour hotels that employ local staff and source food from nearby suppliers; tell us if you want supplier names and we will share them. We encourage practical measures you can take: bring a refill water bottle, avoid single-use plastics, and leave archaeological materials in situ. Entrance fees are paid to site authorities; those payments and guide fees benefit the local economy directly.
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
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
If you cancel, your refund depends on how soon you let us know and on the kind of holiday. See our current cancellation and refund terms
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Aswan to Cairo post-cruise stay with Alexandria?
The itinerary lasts three days and includes two hotel nights. It begins in Aswan and ends in Cairo, with a full day in Alexandria. The pace combines intercity travel with a substantial sightseeing day, so it is worth allowing time to rest after your cruise before continuing your onward journey.02How do transfers work after my cruise in Aswan?
We arrange the transfer from Aswan to Cairo by scheduled domestic flight or overnight train, according to your selection. Meet and assist and the transfers listed in your itinerary are included. We do not run group bus tours; tell us your cruise disembarkation details and onward flight times so we can check the arrangements.03What is included in this two-night stay?
The booking includes two hotel nights in the room category selected, the chosen Aswan to Cairo transfer, and the transfers listed in the itinerary. It also includes a guided Alexandria visit with the entrance fees specified in your itinerary and an English-speaking Egyptologist for the guided activities listed there. Check your confirmation for the final arrangements.04What is not included in the tour price?
International flights, Egyptian visa fees, tips, gratuities and personal spending are not included. Meals and drinks are excluded unless your booking confirmation says otherwise. Entry to the interiors of Khufu or Khafre and premium tombs is also extra unless specifically requested, so check before travel if you want to add these visits.05How much walking is involved, and is the tour accessible?
Alexandria sightseeing involves walking, and the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa have stairs and uneven surfaces. Qaitbay Citadel also involves walking around an historic site. These conditions may be difficult for travellers with limited mobility; contact us before booking with your needs so we can discuss what can be adjusted.06Can children join this Aswan to Cairo and Alexandria tour?
Children can travel on this itinerary, but the Alexandria sightseeing day includes several historic sites and walking. The Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa have stairs, which may not suit every child or buggy. Share the children’s ages when enquiring so we can discuss the pace and suitable arrangements.07What should I wear and bring for the trip?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen and light clothing suited to the forecast. Sun and heat can be strong, particularly during outdoor sightseeing. Choose modest clothing for any temple or mosque visit added to your plans; shoulders and knees should be covered. Keep any travel documents needed for transfers close at hand.08Can I take photographs at the sites in Alexandria?
Photography rules vary by site and may change, so ask your Egyptologist before taking pictures indoors. Outdoor photography is generally allowed, but some museum galleries or archaeological interiors may restrict it or require a separate ticket. Follow signs and staff instructions, particularly at the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.09When is the best time to take this post-cruise trip?
The cooler months from October to April are generally more comfortable for sightseeing in Aswan, Cairo and Alexandria. Summer, from May to September, can bring high temperatures, especially inland. For winter sun, plan outdoor visits earlier in the day where possible and carry water; Alexandria’s coastal setting can feel cooler than Cairo.10Which places are covered on the Alexandria sightseeing day?
The Alexandria visit includes the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar, Qaitbay Citadel and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The route brings together Roman-era remains, the 15th-century coastal citadel and a modern library. The specific order and time spent at each stop can depend on opening arrangements and the final itinerary.
Last updated Product ID: TOU-ASW-323544
At a glance
- Length
- 3 days · 2 nights
- Starts
- Daily
- Route
- Cairo → Alexandria → Cairo
- Includes
- Domestic flights, Egyptologist guide, entrance fees, transfers

