6-day Cairo and Nile cruise tour, Cairo to Luxor via Aswan
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.
At a glance
- Length
- 6 days · 5 nights
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
The 6-day Cairo and Nile cruise tour is a guided Egypt itinerary covering Giza, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Luxor, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- Archaeology & history
- Cultural
- Couples·
- Solo traveller·
- Groups·
- Seniors
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- Six days and five nights
- Travel style
- Private Guided Tour with Nile Cruise Segment
- Accommodation
- 2 nights Cairo hotel + 3 nights Nile cruise
- Operated by
- Tours to Discover Egypt
- 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
Best time to go
The best months are usually October to April, when daytime temperatures in Cairo are generally milder and Upper Egypt is more comfortable for temple visits. June to August can be very hot in Aswan and Luxor, so early starts are especially important. During Ramadan and major public holidays, some opening hours and the pace of sightseeing may vary, although the main monuments remain visitable.
- Licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Private Egyptologist guide for all sightseeing days
- Private air-conditioned transfers throughout the itinerary
- Airport meet-and-assist on arrival and departure
- Timed sightseeing to help avoid the busiest hours where possible
- Entrance fees for all listed attractions included
- Domestic flights included to reduce long-distance overland travel
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.
Background
The facts
This 6-day Egypt itinerary combines two nights in Cairo with three nights on a Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor. It begins in Cairo with airport assistance, hotel accommodation, and a dinner cruise on the Nile, then continues with guided sightseeing in Giza before a domestic flight to Aswan. The return to Cairo is by domestic flight from Luxor on day 5, with the final night in a Cairo hotel before departure on day 6.
The Giza portion includes the Giza Plateau, the Great Sphinx, the Valley Temple of Khafre, and the Giza Pyramids, including monuments associated with Pharaohs Khufu and Khafre. The Grand Egyptian Museum is also included, with access to public galleries such as the Tutankhamun displays where open to visitors. Entrance fees for the listed sightseeing sites are included in the tour price unless stated otherwise.
In Aswan, the itinerary includes the Aswan High Dam and Philae Temple, reached by motorboat. The Nile cruise then continues north, calling at Kom Ombo Temple and Edfu Temple before reaching Luxor. In Luxor, the programme covers Luxor Temple in the evening, then Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple at Deir el-Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon on the West Bank.
Distances on this route are typical of upper Egypt touring by road, air and river: Cairo to Aswan is covered by domestic flight, Aswan to Kom Ombo is roughly 45 km by river route, Kom Ombo to Edfu is around 65 km south of Luxor by the Nile, and Luxor’s East and West Bank sites are separated by the river crossing. The itinerary is built around guided transfers and timed sightseeing rather than self-drive travel.
Named in this entry
Giza Plateau·Great Sphinx·The Grand Egyptian Museum·Nile River·The High Dam at Aswan·Philae Temple·Agilkia Island·Temple of Kom Ombo·Edfu Temple·Luxor Temple·Karnak Temple·The Kings' Valley·Hatshepsut’s Mortuary Temple·See the Colossi of Memnon·Tutankhamun·Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
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.
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
Honest assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
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
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.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
Six days and five nights · Cairo · Giza Plateau · Grand Egyptian Museum · Aswan · Aswan High Dam · Philae Temple
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Bundled in
- Airport transfer
- Private transfer
- Private Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
- Domestic flight
- Breakfast
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
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.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
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.
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.
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.
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 PlateauRight here
- The Grand Egyptian MuseumRight here
- Nile RiverRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
One private Egyptologist across the sightseeing itinerary
02
Cairo and Upper Egypt connected by domestic flights
03
Kom Ombo and Edfu visits during the cruise
– 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
·In summary
This 6-day tour includes 2 nights in a Cairo hotel, 3 nights on a Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor, and domestic flights from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo. It covers the Giza Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Aswan High Dam, Philae Temple, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Temple and the Colossi of Memnon. Private transfers, an Egyptologist guide, entrance fees for listed sites and specified meals are included.
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.
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-976743
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