7 Days Cairo, Luxor, Aswan & Abu Simbel Include Edfu and Kom Ombo
Explore Giza Plateau and the Grand Egyptian Museum, then sail from Aswan to Luxor with an Egyptologist and arranged transfers
At a glance
- Length
- 7 days · 6 nights
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
The assigned Nile cruise vessel is a third-party Nile cruise arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt for the Aswan-to-Luxor section of this 7-day guided Egypt tour.
- Private
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 days and 6 nights
- Travel style
- Guided Cairo and Nile Cruise Package
- Accommodation
- Hotels and Nile Cruise Cabin
- Operated by
- Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt; the assigned Nile cruise vessel and hotels are operated by third-party suppliers.
- Destinations
- Cairo · Giza Plateau · Grand Egyptian Museum · Aswan · Philae Temple · Aswan High Dam · Kom Ombo · Edfu · Luxor · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut · Colossi of Memnon
- Includes
- Accommodation for six nights in hotels and on the cruise · Domestic flights linking Cairo, Aswan and Luxor · Transfers in private, air-conditioned vehicles · Egyptologist guide during scheduled sightseeing · Admission fees for the sites listed · Airport meet and greet · Meals as detailed in the itinerary · Local taxes and service charges
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · Ancient-history enthusiasts · Couples · Families with older children · Travellers seeking a guided itinerary with domestic flights
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
Best time to go
October to April generally offers the most comfortable sightseeing conditions, with cooler mornings and evenings and daytime temperatures often around 20–30°C, depending on the month and location. December to February is busiest at major monuments; during Ramadan, opening hours and meal arrangements may vary, while Christmas, New Year and Easter periods can bring higher demand.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator arranging the itinerary, hotels and third-party Nile cruise vessel.
- Professional Egyptologist guiding is included during scheduled sightseeing.
- Private air-conditioned transfers and airport meet-and-greet services are included at the stated locations.
- Standard entrance fees for the listed itinerary sites are included.
- The vessel and hotels are arranged through third-party suppliers; Discovery Tours Egypt does not own or operate them.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718).
02Overview
A first look
Before Cairo’s streets fill, the Giza Plateau offers cool stone, open sky and a clear view of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure. Our Egyptologist helps you notice the choices behind the monuments, then changes the pace at the Grand Egyptian Museum, where close-up details make the ancient world feel human rather than distant.
Aswan brings a quieter rhythm: water beside Philae Temple, desert horizons from the deck and villages appearing between stops at Kom Ombo and Edfu. In Luxor, the West Bank and Karnak Temple demand time on uneven ground, but the rewards are precise details and strong contrasts. We arrange the vehicles, flights, hotel stays and cruise cabin, with a licensed Egyptian tour operator coordinating each handover.
Background
The facts
This 7-day Egypt tour combines two nights in Cairo, three nights on a Nile cruise arranged between Aswan and Luxor, and a final night in Cairo. Domestic flights connect Cairo with Aswan and Luxor with Cairo, while private air-conditioned transfers provide airport, hotel and cruise connections. The assigned cruise vessel and hotels depend on the accommodation category selected at booking and are supplied by third-party providers arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
In Cairo, the itinerary covers the Giza Plateau, approximately 15 km south-west of central Cairo, including the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure and the Great Sphinx. The Grand Egyptian Museum is near the Giza Plateau and presents ancient Egyptian collections, including the monumental Khufu sculpture. The Giza pyramids were built during Egypt’s 4th Dynasty, chiefly in the 26th century BC.
The Nile section begins in Aswan, where visits include Philae Temple on Agilkia Island, the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. The cruise continues north to Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated jointly to Sobek and Horus, and Edfu Temple, built mainly during the Ptolemaic period for the falcon-headed god Horus. Sailing distances and timings vary according to the vessel and river conditions.
In Luxor, the itinerary includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon. Karnak and Luxor Temple lie on Luxor’s East Bank, while the Valley of the Kings and Deir el-Bahari are on the West Bank across the Nile. The standard Valley of the Kings visit includes three tombs; premium tombs such as Tutankhamun and Seti I require supplements unless specifically requested.
Named in this entry
Cairo·Giza Plateau·Khufu’s Pyramid·Khafre’s Pyramid·Menkaure’s Pyramid·Great Sphinx·The Grand Egyptian Museum·Aswan·Philae Temple·Agilkia Island·The Aswan High Dam·Visit to Kom Ombo Temple·Edfu Temple·Karnak Temple
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This itinerary suits first-time visitors, couples and families seeking a structured introduction to Cairo, Giza and the principal temples between Aswan and Luxor. It is particularly appropriate for travellers interested in ancient history who prefer guided sightseeing, domestic flights and arranged transfers rather than independent transport planning.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a slower, single-city itinerary if you want to avoid domestic flights, early starts or frequent changes between hotels, airports and a cruise cabin. It is not a good fit for travellers who need step-free access or families with very young children who may find the schedule and site walking tiring.
What lingers
- 01Tour to Giza Pyramids & The Egyptian Museum
- 02Tour to Luxor Attractions
- 03Tour to Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples
- 04Tour to the Two Temples of Abu Simbel
- 05Tour to Aswan Attractions
- 06End of the 7 Days Experience Egypt Tour
Honest Assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Combines the Giza Plateau and Grand Egyptian Museum with Upper Egypt.
- Visits Philae, Kom Ombo and Edfu temples along the Nile.
- Includes the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s temple at Luxor.
- A guided itinerary covers named archaeological sites across three regions.
- Optional pyramid interiors and premium tombs can be requested separately.
Things to Consider
- Early departures and airport connections take time from sightseeing.
- Uneven ancient stone and steps can make site visits tiring.
- Summer temperatures in Upper Egypt can exceed 35°C.
- Pyramid interiors and premium tombs cost extra if requested.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike an overland Cairo-to-Luxor itinerary, this package uses domestic flights to reduce long road journeys and includes a multi-night Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor. Unlike a cruise-only holiday, it adds Cairo and Giza sightseeing, the Grand Egyptian Museum and return airport arrangements.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
7 days and 6 nights · Cairo · Giza Plateau · Grand Egyptian Museum · Aswan · Philae Temple · Aswan High Dam
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
Choose your comfort level
Prices are per person in GBP, from 2 people sharing a double room, including accommodation. Prefer to arrange your own hotels? See the land-only option below.
Comfort
from £1,372 pp- Cairo
- Barcelo Pyramids · AZAL Pyramids · Pyramids Park · Pyramisa
- Aswan
- Aswan Plaza · Obelisk Nile Towers
You'll stay in these properties, or a similar choice of the same quality.
Classic
from £1,372 pp- Cairo
- Novotel 6 October · Helnan Dream · Steigenberger Pyramids · Concorde El Salam
- Aswan
- Obelisk Nile Towers · Pyramisa Isis · Tolip
You'll stay in these properties, or a similar choice of the same quality.
Prestige
from £1,716 pp- Cairo
- Sofitel El Gezirah · Hyatt Regency · Triumph Luxury · Hilton 6 October
- Aswan
- Sonesta Nouba · Movenpick · The Zen Wellness
You'll stay in these properties, or a similar choice of the same quality.
Luxury
- Cairo
- Fairmont Nile · Four Seasons Nile Plaza · St Regis · Marriott Mena House
- Aswan
- Sofitel Old Cataract
You'll stay in these properties, or a similar choice of the same quality.
Bundled in
- Airport transfer
- Private transfer
- Private Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
- Domestic flight
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Six nights in hotels and a Nile cruise cabin, arranged according to the itinerary
- Meet-and-greet service at Cairo, Aswan and Luxor airports
- Domestic flights connecting Cairo, Aswan and Luxor
- Private air-conditioned vehicles for transfers throughout the itinerary
- Professional Egyptologist guide for scheduled sightseeing
- Entry to the sites included in the itinerary
- Meals specified in the day-by-day programme
- All local taxes and service charges
Not included
- Flights between your home country and Egypt
- Egyptian entry visa fees
- Tips for Egyptologists, drivers and hotel staff
- Entry inside the pyramids of Khufu and Khafre, unless requested
- Admission to premium tombs, including those of Tutankhamun and Seti I, along with other optional site supplements
- Drinks not specified as included and personal expenses
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which Grand Egyptian Museum galleries are open on your visit date, as access arrangements can change.
- 02
At Philae, allow time to appreciate the island setting as well as the temple’s reliefs and columns.
- 03
Bring sun protection for exposed areas at Giza, the Aswan High Dam and Luxor’s archaeological sites.
- 04
Wear shoes with a firm grip for uneven ancient stone at the Giza Plateau and temple complexes.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange private or shared guiding where available, adjust hotel and cruise accommodation categories, and add requested sites such as extra tombs or Cairo sightseeing. Pyramid interiors, premium tombs, additional meals, drinks, day-use rooms and extended stays can be requested at extra cost when available.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
– This seven-day route combines Cairo and Giza with a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, so it works as a complete first visit rather than a short Cairo stopover. The cruise vessel is assigned at booking, and the itinerary is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This itinerary involves walking across uneven ancient surfaces, stone paving, sand and steps at the Giza Plateau, Philae Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s temple and Karnak Temple. Shade and accessible restrooms are limited at some sites. Nile cruise access may involve a gangway and steps, depending on the vessel and river level. Air-conditioned vehicles are used for transfers, but not every site has step-free routes. Please contact us before booking if you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, so our licensed Egyptian tour operator can assess vehicle access, guide support and pacing.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- A valid passport and the necessary visa documents
- Booking confirmation and flight details
- Comfortable walking footwear with a good grip
- A sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen, ideally SPF 50+
- Refillable water bottle, where permitted
- Any regular medication
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for warm weather
- Walking shoes with secure soles
- A light layer for air-conditioned vehicles and flights
- Clothing that covers shoulders and knees at temples
- Modest clothing for any mosque visit in the programme
- Lightweight, breathable clothing and a sun hat
Children & families
Children are welcome, but no minimum age or fixed child rate has been provided for this itinerary. The price may depend on flight seats and cruise arrangements, so we confirm the applicable child rate before payment. Strollers are difficult to manage on sand, uneven paving, steps and some cruise gangways; a compact folding model is more practical than a full-size pushchair. High-chair availability depends on the cruise and dining suppliers, so please request one 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
- Giza Plateau15 km
- The Grand Egyptian Museum12 km
- Coptic Cairo5 km
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Cairo and Nile cruise sightseeing arranged in one itinerary
02
Cruise vessel assigned at booking, with no ship name assumed
03
Egyptologists guide visits to named ancient sites
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We arrange private air-conditioned road transfers, domestic flights and Nile cruising through Egyptian suppliers. Our Egyptologists, drivers and operational partners are based in Egypt, supporting local employment and locally held knowledge of Cairo, Aswan and Luxor. Flights are used because these cities are separated by substantial distances, and we do not describe this transport plan as carbon-neutral. At ancient sites, please stay on marked paths, do not touch monuments and follow security instructions. Carry a refillable water bottle where site rules permit, and reduce single-use plastic during the journey.
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 tour includes two Cairo hotel nights, three nights in a Nile cruise cabin, a final Cairo hotel night, domestic flights between Cairo, Aswan and Luxor, private air-conditioned transfers, scheduled Egyptologist-guided sightseeing and entrance fees for listed sites. The itinerary visits the Giza pyramids, Great Sphinx, Grand Egyptian Museum, Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s temple and the Colossi of Memnon.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Cairo, Aswan and Luxor Nile cruise tour?
The tour lasts seven days, starting and ending in Cairo. It combines visits in Cairo and Giza with a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, then returns to Cairo by domestic flight. The number of hotel and cruise nights follows the itinerary arranged for your dates.02How are airport transfers and sightseeing transport arranged?
We arrange airport meet-and-greet assistance and private, air-conditioned transfers for the itinerary. A driver meets you at Cairo, Aswan and Luxor airports, with transfer timing coordinated around your flights. Your Egyptologist accompanies scheduled sightseeing; the vessel and hotels are arranged through third-party suppliers.03What is included in the seven-day Egypt tour?
The package includes accommodation, domestic flights, private transfers, an Egyptologist during scheduled sightseeing and entrance fees to the listed sites. Meals are included where specified in the day-by-day programme, along with local taxes and service charges. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator that arranges the trip on the ground.04What is excluded from the Cairo and Nile cruise package?
International flights, Egypt’s entry visa, staff gratuities, drinks unless specified and personal spending are not included. Entry inside the pyramids, including Khufu and Khafre, costs extra unless requested. Tutankhamun’s and Seti I’s tombs, along with other optional site supplements, are also excluded.05How much walking is involved, and is the tour accessible?
Expect walking on uneven ground at archaeological sites, including the Giza Plateau, Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. The itinerary also involves airport transfers and moving between hotel rooms and a cruise cabin. Step-free access and assistance vary by site and vessel, so tell us about mobility needs before booking.06Is this Cairo and Nile cruise tour suitable for children?
Children can visit the sites with an accompanying adult, but the programme includes long sightseeing days and substantial walking. The pyramids, Sphinx and sailing sections offer variety, while ancient stone paths can be tiring for younger travellers. Ask us to check child ages, cabin arrangements and any supplier-specific terms before confirming.07What should I pack and wear for Cairo, Aswan and Luxor?
Pack comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, a hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen for Egypt’s sun. Bring a light layer for cooler mornings and evenings, especially in winter. Choose modest clothing for temples and mosques, with shoulders and knees covered; carry water during outdoor visits.08Can I take photographs at the sites and on the Nile cruise?
Photography rules vary between outdoor sites, museum galleries and tombs. Flash or video equipment may be restricted, and some areas may require a separate photography ticket. Check current rules with your Egyptologist before taking pictures, particularly inside the Valley of the Kings tombs and at the Grand Egyptian Museum.09When is the best season for this Cairo and Nile cruise tour?
October to April generally brings cooler conditions for sightseeing in Cairo, Aswan and Luxor. Summer visits can mean high daytime temperatures, particularly in Upper Egypt, so outdoor stops may feel more demanding. Winter sun is a useful reason to travel, though mornings and evenings can be cool.10Which tombs and temples are visited in Luxor?
The Luxor programme includes Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. Entry to three Valley of the Kings tombs is included; Tutankhamun’s and Seti I’s tombs require an extra supplement. The route also visits Luxor Temple and the Avenue of Sphinxes.
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-LUX-915061
You Might Also Like
Hurghada7 Days
7 Day Nile Cruise and Stay from Hurghada
This seven-day holiday combines a stay in Hurghada with time aboard a Nile cruise vessel. The Nile is Egypt’s principal river and has long connected settlements and historic sites along its banks. Unlike a holiday based only in Hurghada, this itinerary pairs the Red Sea coast with a river cruise. The exact hotel, vessel and sailing schedule are confirmed at booking, as they depend on availability. Our Egyptologists guide the included sightseeing, with the route and visits set out in your confirmed itinerary.
From £983
Nile7 Days
Discover Egypt: Luxurious 7-Day Nile Cruise Adventure
This seven-day programme links Cairo's museum galleries and the Giza Pyramids with a deluxe Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor. Visits include the Egyptian Museum, Khufu's Giza complex, Philae, the Aswan High Dam, Kom Ombo, Edfu, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut and Karnak. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we work with experienced Egyptologists and local partners to manage permitted temple visits. We do not run large coach-group tours; every departure has a private Egyptologist for guided visits. Unlike short packaged cruises, this route allows full on-site time at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than brief quay-side stops. Evening options include a Nile dinner in Cairo and the Karnak Sound and Light show, both available at additional cost.
Cairo8 Days
8-day Cairo, Luxor and Aswan Nile cruise package
I’m based in Cairo and we operate this programme on the ground as a licensed company under the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism (ETAA). Over eight days you’ll combine two nights in Cairo with a four‑night Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor plus return travel. Our Egyptologists lead the guided visits: the Giza Plateau (Khufu Pyramid and surrounding monuments), the Egyptian Museum (Tahrir), Saqqara (Djoser), then the cruise visits Philae, the Aswan High Dam, Kom Ombo, Edfu and the principal sites of Luxor – Karnak Temple on the East Bank and the Luxor West Bank including the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut (Deir el‑Bahri). Standard entrance fees to the sites included in the itinerary are covered; pyramid interior tickets (Khufu/Khafre), premium tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I) and optional excursions such as Abu Simbel are not included unless you request them. We arrange airport transfers, private transport between sites and the ship, and the cruise cabin; our local teams manage the logistics so you can focus on the sites themselves.
From £1,476