6-Day Cairo, Aswan & Luxor Nile Cruise Holiday
Two nights in Cairo plus a three-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, visiting Giza Plateau, Grand Egyptian Museum, Philae, Kom Ombo and Edfu.
The short answer
6-Day Cairo, Aswan & Luxor Nile Cruise Holiday is a 6-day, 5-night trip to Cairo, Luxor and Aswan: 1 night in Cairo, 3 on a Nile cruise and 1 in Luxor. Starts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays or Sundays. It includes domestic flights, an Egyptologist guide and transfers. Prices start at £1,443 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 £1,4433★ hotels · well-priced Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 3 nightsNephtis · Magic I | £1,443May–Sep: from £1,328 | |
| Comfortfrom £1,5784★ hotels · 5★ Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 3 nightsTower Prestige · Royal Elite | £1,578May–Sep: from £1,486 | |
| Classicfrom £1,6505★ hotels · 5★ Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 3 nightsSun Times · Stephanie | £1,650May–Sep: from £1,486 | |
| Prestigefrom £1,9865★ deluxe hotels · 5★ deluxe Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 3 nightsSonesta Moon Goddess · Nile Serenity | £1,986May–Sep: from £1,770 | |
| Luxuryfrom £2,9505★ luxury hotels · 5★ luxury Nile cruises | Cairo · 2 nightsSt. Regis Cairo Nile Cruise · 3 nightsSonesta St. George I · Cleopatra | £2,950May–Sep: from £2,291 | |
| Signature Collectionfrom £3,857Iconic heritage vessels · landmark hotels | Cairo · 2 nightsFour Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza Nile Cruise · 3 nightsHistoria | £3,857May–Sep: from £3,019 |
Hotels on bed & breakfast · Nile cruise on full board. 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
Six days and five nights · Cairo · Giza Plateau · Grand Egyptian Museum · Aswan · Aswan High Dam · Philae Temple
- 1
Arrival day in Cairo, with an evening dinner cruise on the Nile after hotel check-in. Your Egyptologist meets you at the hotel for a short orientation before the 19:30 cruise; the river route passes Zamalek and the Gezira district. Dinner service is provided aboard a third-party vessel, with live music and city-light views.
As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange transfers and timing to avoid a late arrival at the pier, unlike larger group itineraries that schedule multiple pick-ups and delays.
- 2
Morning starts on the Giza Plateau with your Egyptologist, visiting the exterior of Khufu Pyramid, the Valley Temple of Khafre and the Great Sphinx; your guide outlines the 4th Dynasty context. Midday you transfer to the Grand Egyptian Museum to see the main Tutankhamun displays.
In the late afternoon you take a domestic flight to Aswan, followed by transfer for cruise embarkation and cabin allocation. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator we plan Cairo visits early to avoid peak crowds, unlike many larger group departures.
- 3
Morning begins with a visit to the Aswan High Dam, completed in 1970 to regulate Nile floods. Next you cross to Philae island, where your Egyptologist explains the Isis cult and the 1960s relocation of temples to save them from the reservoir. After lunch you sail downstream to Kom Ombo, touring the twin temple of Sobek and Haroeris in the late afternoon.
You continue sailing to Edfu, arriving in the evening for your overnight stay. Unlike many cruise-only schedules, we time Philae for the morning to reduce boat congestion.
- 4
In the morning you visit Edfu Temple, the Ptolemaic shrine dedicated to Horus, where your Egyptologist shows the hypostyle hall and carved reliefs. After the guided walk the boat sails downriver toward Luxor, with scenic Nile-side villages en route, arriving in the afternoon.
At Luxor Temple your Egyptologist outlines the Ramesside colonnade and the Avenue of Sphinxes, and you have time to explore the temple precinct on foot. Unlike compressed day trips from Aswan, this itinerary allows an unhurried visit to Edfu before arriving in Luxor.
- 5
Morning begins at Karnak Temple, where your Egyptologist explains the Precinct of Amun-Ra and the Avenue of Sphinxes. Mid-morning you cross the Nile to the West Bank for a visit to the Valley of the Kings, including time in selected tombs. After lunch see Hatshepsut's mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari and a photo stop at the Colossi of Memnon.
Late afternoon transfer to Luxor Airport for a scheduled domestic flight to Cairo; we time transfers to reduce airport waiting.
- 6
Morning check-out followed by a private transfer to Cairo International Airport (CAI) for your outbound flight. Your hotel will provide final baggage assistance and the driver meets you in the lobby, ready for departure.
As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange pick-up timing to suit your flight; for international departures we advise leaving the hotel three hours before scheduled departure to allow for Cairo traffic and passport control. Unlike shared coach transfers, this is a private, door-to-door service coordinated to your timetable.
02Overview
A first look
By first light on the Giza Plateau the limestone is cool beneath your shoes and the outline of Khufu and the Sphinx reads sharply against a pale sky. Expect mornings when the air is quieter, the tour groups thin, and our Egyptologists point out masonry marks and pharaonic alignments you would miss later in the day.
We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we do not run group bus tours; instead we plan timings to avoid peak crowds and to link Cairo visits with the Nile section sensibly. Your Egyptologist meets you in Cairo, recommends pacing for warm hours, and coordinates local guides and transfers on your behalf.
What lingers
- 01Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo
- 02Evening Nile dinner cruise on the first day
- 03Aswan High Dam and Philae Temple
- 04Kom Ombo Temple and Edfu Temple while cruising north on the Nile
- 05Luxor Temple in the evening
- 06Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, and Colossi of Memnon
Bundled in
- Airport transfer
- Private transfer
- Private Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
- Domestic flights
- Breakfast
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Arrival assistance at Cairo Airport
- Private Egyptologist guide on sightseeing days
- All transfers in a private, air-conditioned vehicle
- Two nights’ accommodation in a Cairo hotel, with breakfast
- Three nights on a Nile cruise, with cabin and specified meals
- Flight from Cairo to Aswan (domestic)
- Flight from Luxor to Cairo (domestic)
- Dinner cruise on the Nile in Cairo
- Entry fees for the attractions named in the itinerary
- Cruise meals as specified for each day
- Bottled water on sightseeing days
- All relevant taxes and service fees
Not included
- Flights to and from Egypt internationally
- Visa fees, whether paid on arrival or before travel
- Travel insurance
- Personal spending and optional activities
- Tips for guides and drivers, unless arranged in advance
- Meals not specified in the daily itinerary
- Upgrades to accommodation (optional)
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
At the Giza Plateau, an earlier visit can help avoid the busiest hours and reduce exposure to midday sun.
- 02
Philae Temple is reached by motorboat to Agilkia Island; allow for time on the water and walking around the complex.
- 03
Tutankhamun galleries at the Grand Egyptian Museum are included in the visit only when open to the public.
- 04
Pyramid interiors, premium tomb tickets and gratuities are extra unless specifically requested or pre-booked.
Tailor it
Make it yours
The tour can be arranged as a private itinerary or adapted for different room and cabin categories, subject to supplier availability. Common modifications include adding extra nights in Cairo or Luxor, extending time in Aswan, or adjusting meal plans and optional site visits. If required, travellers can request a more relaxed pace or additional sightseeing, provided the flight and cruise timings allow it.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This tour suits first-time visitors who want to combine Cairo, a Nile cruise, Aswan and Luxor in one trip with logistics arranged in advance. It is also suitable for travellers who prefer private guiding, set departures by date, and moderate activity levels with hotel and cruise accommodation included.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a slower itinerary if you want long stays in each place or need step-free access at archaeological sites. The pace and heat may also be difficult for young children who struggle with early starts or consecutive days of sightseeing.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Covers Cairo, Aswan and Luxor in six days
- Includes named ancient sites from Giza to Luxor
- Private Egyptologist guiding for sightseeing
- No group bus tours
- Visit timing is planned around busier hours where possible
Things to Consider
- Several early starts and airport transfers
- Six days leaves limited time in each city
- Uneven paths, sand and steps at ancient sites
- Upper Egypt can be very hot from May to September
Where it fits
This itinerary links Cairo’s Giza Plateau and Grand Egyptian Museum with Aswan and Luxor, so it works as a six-day introduction to Egypt’s main Nile Valley sights. Unlike a Cairo-only stay, it also visits Kom Ombo and Edfu between Aswan and Luxor.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a standard Cairo-only break, this itinerary combines the capital, a river section between Aswan and Luxor, and major Luxor West Bank sites in one route. It is also different from large group bus tours because the sightseeing is arranged with private transfers and an Egyptologist guide, with domestic flights used to reduce overland travel time. The Nile cruise element is part of the itinerary and is paired with hotel nights in Cairo rather than replacing them entirely.
Compare
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On the ground
Your route
Snapshot
Good to know
- Travel style
- Private Guided Tour with Nile Cruise Segment
- Accommodation
- 2 nights Cairo hotel + 3 nights Nile cruise
- Destinations
- Cairo · Giza Plateau · Grand Egyptian Museum · Aswan · Aswan High Dam · Philae Temple · Kom Ombo · Edfu · Luxor · Karnak Temple · Valley of the Kings · Temple of Hatshepsut · Colossi of Memnon
- Includes
- Airport welcome and assistance in Cairo · A dedicated Egyptologist guide · Air-conditioned transport for private transfers · 2 nights in a Cairo hotel with breakfast · 3 nights on a Nile cruise with meals as stated · Domestic flights from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo · Admission to the attractions listed · Drinking water provided on sightseeing days
- Best for
- First-time visitors to Egypt · History enthusiasts · Travellers wanting Cairo, Aswan and Luxor in one trip · Couples and families seeking private guided touring
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Cairo International Airport (CAI) — Arrivals HallMap
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and a photocopy
- Travel insurance details and emergency contacts
- Walking shoes that feel comfortable and offer reliable grip
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- SPF 30+ sun cream and lip balm
- Small daypack and refillable water bottle
- Personal medication in its original packaging
- Arrival flight details and e-ticket
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for heat
- Wear long trousers or skirts and cover your shoulders when visiting temples and mosques
- Robust, closed-toe footwear for rough stone paths and steps
- A light jumper or shawl for early starts and air-conditioned interiors
- A wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses
Children & families
The minimum advised age is 2 years, as the itinerary involves domestic flights and boat transfers. Child rates commonly apply to children aged 2 to 11 sharing with two adults; the exact rate and any infant supplement are shown during booking and in your confirmation. Strollers are difficult to use on uneven paths and steps, though a lightweight folding model may be practical in some airport or visitor areas. High chairs and child seats are not guaranteed, so request them in advance and we will check availability with local suppliers.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This itinerary involves moderate physical activity, including walking over uneven limestone, ancient stone and cobbled paths at the Giza Plateau, Luxor West Bank and Valley of the Kings. Some tombs have low ceilings, narrow passages and steps, so visitors may need to stoop or climb without assistance. Philae Temple is reached by motorboat, and boarding via the gangway can be difficult if your balance or mobility is limited. Our private vehicles can carry folding wheelchairs, but many archaeological areas have steps and no continuous level route. Tell us before booking if you use a wheelchair or need personal assistance, so we can discuss realistic site access and request airport assistance for the domestic flights.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Transport on this programme uses private air-conditioned sedans and minibuses for road transfers, two short domestic flights (Aswan and Luxor sectors), plus a three-night Nile cruise run by a third-party cruise company. We contract locally owned hotels, Egyptologists and boat crews, which keeps income within the communities visited and supports seasonal staff. Bottled water is provided during touring days as noted in the inclusions; if you prefer a refillable bottle, bring one and we will point out acceptable refill stations where available. Our Egyptologists and partner suppliers follow site-management rules that reduce wear on monuments, for example controlled circulation in fragile tombs and restrictions on flash photography when required. Tell us your specific sustainability preferences at booking, and we will try to accommodate them with our local suppliers.
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 6-day Cairo and Nile cruise tour?
The itinerary lasts six days, with sightseeing in Cairo, Giza, Aswan and Luxor, and a three-night cruise between Aswan and Luxor. The days are full, particularly the visits to Giza and Luxor. Unlike a short Nile cruise excursion from one city, this route includes both Kom Ombo and Edfu.02How are airport pick-ups and transfers arranged on this tour?
We arrange airport meet-and-assist in Cairo and private, air-conditioned transfers during the itinerary. Your driver meets you for the planned transfers, including those to and from the airports; exact meeting details depend on your flight and final arrangements. International flights are not included, so please share your arrival and departure details when confirming the arrangements.03What is included in the 6-day Cairo and Nile cruise tour?
The package includes accommodation, specified meals, domestic flights, a private Egyptologist for sightseeing and entrance fees to the listed attractions. It also includes the Cairo Nile dinner cruise, private transfers, bottled water on touring days and applicable taxes and service charges. The Tutankhamun displays at the Grand Egyptian Museum are included where open to visitors.04What is not included in the Cairo and Nile cruise tour?
International flights, Egyptian visa fees and travel insurance are not included. You pay separately for personal expenses, optional activities, meals not listed in the itinerary and accommodation upgrades. Tips for guides and drivers are excluded unless requested in advance. Entry to the listed sites is included, but optional activities may carry separate charges.05How much walking is involved, and is the tour accessible?
Expect substantial walking on uneven ancient stone and sandy ground at Giza, the Valley of the Kings and Luxor’s temples. The itinerary also includes transfers between sites and stairs on the cruise vessel. Some areas may be difficult for travellers with limited mobility; tell us about access needs before booking so we can discuss what can be adjusted.06Is this Cairo and Nile cruise tour suitable for children?
Children can join, but the itinerary includes long sightseeing days, early starts and considerable walking in the heat. The Giza Pyramids, Great Sphinx and Nile sailing provide varied points of interest, while the Egyptologist can explain the sites in age-appropriate terms. Tell us the children’s ages when enquiring, as arrangements and room options depend on the final booking.07What should I wear and bring on the tour?
Pack comfortable walking shoes, light breathable clothing, a hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream. Carry water and any personal medication, and bring a light layer for air-conditioned spaces or cooler evenings. Choose modest clothing for religious sites, covering shoulders and knees. Shade is limited at some outdoor sites, especially around midday.08Can I take photographs at the sites on this tour?
Photography rules vary between sites, tombs and museum galleries, so check with your Egyptologist before taking pictures indoors. Flash may be restricted, and some locations may charge separately for camera use. Drones require official permission and should not be brought for casual use. Follow posted notices at the Grand Egyptian Museum and each monument.09When is the best time to take this Cairo and Nile cruise tour?
October to April generally brings cooler conditions for sightseeing in Cairo and Upper Egypt. Winter sun is a useful reason to travel then, though mornings can feel cool and popular sites still draw visitors. From May to September, temperatures in Aswan and Luxor can be very high; visits are timed to avoid the busiest hours where possible.10What will I see at the Grand Egyptian Museum?
The Grand Egyptian Museum visit includes its Tutankhamun displays where those galleries are open to the public. The museum is in Giza, near the Giza Plateau, and the Egyptologist can place its objects in context before you continue to Aswan. Gallery access and displays can change, so a particular room or object cannot be guaranteed.
Last updated Product ID: TOU-CAI-976743
At a glance
- Length
- 6 days · 5 nights
- Starts
- Tue, Wed, Thu or Sun
- Route
- Cairo → Aswan → Kom Ombo → Edfu → Luxor → Cairo
- Nights
- 1 Cairo · 3 Nile cruise · 1 Luxor
- Includes
- Domestic flights, Egyptologist guide, transfers