8-Day Cairo, Luxor & Aswan Nile Cruise Holiday by Sleeper Train
See Cairo’s Giza Plateau and Egyptian Museum, then sail south with an Egyptologist for Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan.
The short answer
8-Day Cairo, Luxor & Aswan Nile Cruise Holiday by Sleeper Train is an 8-day, 7-night trip to Cairo, Luxor and Aswan: 1 night in Cairo, 2 on sleeper trains and 4 on a Nile cruise. Starts on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays. It includes an Egyptologist guide and transfers. Prices start at £1,258 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 £1,2583★ hotels · well-priced Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 4 nightsNephtis · Magic I | £1,258May–Sep: from £1,129 | |
| Comfortfrom £1,3934★ hotels · 5★ Nile cruises | Cairo · 1 nightPyramids Park Nile Cruise · 4 nightsTower Prestige · Royal La Terrasse | £1,393May–Sep: from £1,211 | |
| Classicfrom £1,4845★ hotels · 5★ Nile cruises | Cairo · 1 nightSwiss Inn Pyramids Golf Resort Nile Cruise · 4 nightsSun Times · Stephanie | £1,484May–Sep: from £1,211 | |
| Prestigefrom £1,8545★ deluxe hotels · 5★ deluxe Nile cruises | Nile Cruise · 4 nightsSonesta Moon Goddess · Nile Excellence | £1,854May–Sep: from £1,449 | |
| Luxuryfrom £2,8525★ luxury hotels · 5★ luxury Nile cruises | Cairo · 1 nightSt. Regis Cairo Nile Cruise · 4 nightsSonesta St. George I · Esmeralda | £2,852May–Sep: from £1,911 | |
| Signature Collectionfrom £3,835Iconic heritage vessels · landmark hotels | Cairo · 1 nightFour Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza Nile Cruise · 4 nightsHistoria | £3,835May–Sep: from £2,791 |
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.
- Small group
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
A 7-night, 8-day stay · Cairo · Giza Plateau · Luxor · Luxor West Bank · Edfu · Kom Ombo
- 1
On landing at Cairo International Airport (CAI), our representative will meet you in the arrivals hall, help with your luggage and see you to your private car. The journey into Cairo takes around an hour, traffic permitting. The remainder of the day is free to unwind after the flight, with the night spent at your Cairo hotel.
- 2
After breakfast and check-out, your Egyptologist guides you around the Giza Plateau, home to the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure and the Great Sphinx. Following lunch, you will explore the Grand Egyptian Museum and its Tutankhamun galleries. This evening you are taken to Giza station to join the overnight sleeper to Luxor, travelling in a private two-berth compartment with a washbasin.
Dinner and breakfast are served on the train.
- 3
You reach Luxor early in the morning, where our representative meets you on the platform and takes you to your Nile cruise ship, with boarding normally around midday. After lunch aboard, your Egyptologist leads you round Karnak, the great temple of Amun, with its forest of columns in the hypostyle hall and its Sacred Lake, before visiting Luxor Temple in the centre of town.
Dinner and the night are spent on board, moored at Luxor.
- 4
Your Egyptologist accompanies you to the West Bank and the Valley of the Kings, where your ticket includes three royal tombs. You will also see the terraced Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari and pause at the Colossi of Memnon. Once back aboard, the ship heads upstream, passing through the lock at Esna on the way to Edfu.
- 5
This morning you visit Edfu’s Temple of Horus, among the best-preserved temples anywhere in Egypt. The ship then continues to Kom Ombo and its riverside double temple, shared between Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris. Sailing resumes towards Aswan, where you spend the night.
- 6
A short motorboat crossing brings you to Philae, the island temple of Isis. Afterwards you will see the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk, still lying in its ancient granite quarry. The afternoon is at leisure, on board or in town. Abu Simbel or a felucca trip can be added as optional extras at the time of booking.
- 7
Following breakfast you leave the ship, with time to spend in Aswan before an afternoon transfer to the station. The overnight sleeper carries you north to Cairo, with dinner and breakfast served in your two-berth compartment.
- 8
Your train pulls into Giza station in the morning, where our driver is waiting to take you to Cairo International Airport for your homeward flight. If your flight leaves later in the day, we can arrange a day room or an extra night in Cairo on request.
02Overview
A first look
At first light, Giza’s limestone takes on a pale gold colour while the city beyond the plateau is still finding its rhythm. From the viewing area, Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure stand across the desert floor, with the Great Sphinx lower down the slope. Our Egyptologist puts the monuments into context, then helps you linger over the Egyptian Museum’s galleries rather than racing through them.
Further south, life unfolds at river level. From the deck, palms, fields and desert margins drift past between visits to ancient temples, while Luxor’s sun-warmed stone gives way to Aswan’s quieter granite landscapes. We arrange the hotel stays, cabin, transfers and sightseeing, with our local team on hand throughout.
What lingers
- 01Giza Plateau: Khufu Pyramid, Khafre and Menkaure group and the causeways on guided visit with an Egyptologist
- 02Egyptian Museum (Tahrir): overview of the New Kingdom and the Tutankhamun collection (note premium rooms/tickets excluded if separately priced)
- 03Saqqara: the Step Pyramid of Djoser and surrounding tombs
- 04Aswan: Philae Temple (dedicated to Isis) and the Aswan High Dam
- 05Optional felucca sail in Aswan around Kitchener’s Island
- 06Cruise itinerary visiting Kom Ombo (Temple of Sobek and Haroeris) and Edfu (Temple of Horus)
- 07Luxor East Bank: Karnak Temple complex
- 08Luxor West Bank: Valley of the Kings (tombs on display vary) and Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple at Deir el‑Bahri, plus the Colossi of Memnon
- 09Option to add Abu Simbel (separate excursion; road transfer is approximately 3–4 hours each way from Aswan or domestic flight option)
Bundled in
- Airport transfer
- Private transfer
- All entry tickets
- Private Egyptologist
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation for the full tour, including hotel rooms and a cabin on the Nile cruise
- Transfers required for the planned itinerary
- Standard admission to the sightseeing sites listed in the itinerary
- Services of an Egyptologist guide
Not included
- Additional tickets to enter the interiors of Khufu or Khafre, unless requested in advance
- Premium tomb admission, including access to Tutankhamun’s or Seti I’s tomb, unless requested in advance
- Gratuities for the Egyptologist, drivers and cruise staff
- Personal spending and drinks, unless specifically included
- Optional evening pursuits in Luxor, such as the Karnak sound and light show or a felucca trip
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Visit the Giza Plateau early for softer light and shorter security queues.
- 02
On Luxor’s West Bank, visit the Valley of the Kings before Hatshepsut Temple to reduce walking in the hottest hours.
- 03
For river views, spend time on deck as the vessel leaves port or shortly before sunset.
- 04
At Philae, an early arrival can mean fewer day visitors near the waterfront.
- 05
At Kom Ombo, the outer courtyard may be quieter after the main visiting groups move inside.
Tailor it
Make it yours
The itinerary can be arranged as a private or shared experience, subject to availability, and hotel or cruise accommodation can be selected from the listed Classic, Comfort and Prestige levels. Pyramid interior tickets, premium tombs, a Karnak sound and light show, or a felucca sail may be added on request at additional cost.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This itinerary suits first-time visitors, couples and families who want to combine Cairo’s pyramids with the principal archaeological sites of Upper Egypt. Travellers should be comfortable with early starts, walking on uneven ground and boarding or leaving a cruise vessel several times during scheduled excursions.
Maybe not, if
- Choose another itinerary if you need step-free access throughout or rely on a stroller at archaeological sites. It may also feel too busy if you want a slow holiday with few early starts or long sightseeing days.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Combines Cairo’s pyramids and museum visits with a Nile cruise south
- Covers Luxor West Bank, Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
- Includes guided visits with an English-speaking Egyptologist
- Allows requests for Abu Simbel and premium tomb tickets
- Optional Luxor evening activities add flexibility to the itinerary
Things to Consider
- Early starts and long sightseeing days, especially in Cairo
- Uneven ancient stone, steps and tomb entrances underfoot
- Little shade at outdoor sites around midday
- Cruise cabin size and balcony availability vary by supplier
Where it fits
This 8-day holiday starts in Cairo before continuing on a 4-night Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan. It also works before a Red Sea stay, with the Giza Plateau, Luxor West Bank and major Aswan sites already on the itinerary.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a Cairo-only holiday, this package adds a four-night Nile sailing and visits to Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Unlike a cruise-only itinerary, it includes a Cairo hotel night, Giza and museum sightseeing, overnight sleeper trains in place of flights, and all transfers.
Compare
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On the ground
Your route
Snapshot
Good to know
- Travel style
- Guided Cairo and Nile Cruise Package
- Accommodation
- Choice of Classic, Comfort or Prestige hotels and Nile cruise cabin
- Destinations
- Cairo · Giza Plateau · Luxor · Luxor West Bank · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- One hotel night in Cairo · A cabin on a four-night Nile cruise · Overnight sleeper trains Cairo–Luxor and Aswan–Cairo · Airport, station and itinerary transfers · Standard admission fees for the visits listed · English-speaking Egyptologist for guided visits · Meals as stated in the itinerary
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with older children · Travellers wanting Cairo and Upper Egypt in one itinerary
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Arrivals Hall, Cairo International Airport (CAI)Map
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- A valid passport and any required travel documents
- Walking shoes that are comfortable and provide good grip
- Suncream, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
- A water bottle you can refill
- Prescription medicines and personal essentials
- A small bag for day trips to sites
- Cash for optional activities, refreshments and tips
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Supportive walking shoes
- A hat and light, breathable clothing for the strong sunshine
- Keep shoulders and knees covered when visiting temples and religious sites
- A light extra layer for air-conditioned transport and cooler evenings
Children & families
Children can generally join, but no minimum age is specified for this tour. The child rate depends on age, room or cabin arrangements and supplier conditions; we confirm the applicable price before payment. Strollers are impractical on sand, uneven ancient paving, steps and some boat gangways. High chairs may be available from dining providers, but availability is not guaranteed, so request one when enquiring.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This tour involves walking over sand, uneven paving and ancient stone at the Giza Plateau, the Egyptian Museum, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Expect steps at some temple approaches and potentially steep or narrow gangways when boarding boats. The Aswan High Dam has paved areas, but walking distances may still be tiring. Wheelchair access, lifts and accessible facilities vary between sites, vehicles and vessels, and cannot be guaranteed across the itinerary. If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, contact us before booking. We can check the arrangements and discuss ways to reduce walking, but some locations may remain inaccessible.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We arrange transport with Egyptian drivers and local transport providers. Road journeys use a private, air-conditioned vehicle suited to the group size; the Luxor to Aswan sailing is operated by a local cruise supplier. Local Egyptologists guide visits, while boat crews, drivers, site staff and nearby businesses provide services along the route. Visiting places such as Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae brings spending to businesses in the towns and communities that support these visits. Vehicle and vessel details are confirmed for each booking. Road transport and river navigation use fuel, and we do not claim that this tour is carbon-neutral.
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 8-day Cairo and Nile cruise tour?
The holiday lasts eight days and seven nights: one hotel night in Cairo, two nights on the overnight sleeper train and four nights aboard a Nile cruiser sailing from Luxor to Aswan. Breakfast is included in Cairo, dinner and breakfast on the trains, and the cruise is full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day.02Which transfers are included on this sleeper-train holiday?
Every transfer in the itinerary is by private air-conditioned vehicle with meet-and-greet: from Cairo airport to your hotel, from your hotel to Giza station, from Luxor station to the ship, from the ship to Aswan station, and from Giza station to Cairo airport for your flight home. International flights are not included.03Which sightseeing and entrance fees are included in the tour?
Standard entrance fees for the listed sightseeing programme are included, along with an English-speaking Egyptologist for guided visits. The programme covers the Giza Plateau, the Great Sphinx, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Karnak and Luxor temples, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and sites in Aswan. Tickets for pyramid interiors and premium tombs are extra.04What is not included in the 8-day Cairo and Nile cruise package?
International flights, the Egypt entry visa and travel insurance are not included. Drinks, personal expenses and gratuities for guides, drivers and cruise staff are also excluded. Entry to Khufu or Khafre’s pyramid interiors and premium tombs such as Tutankhamun’s or Seti I’s tomb costs extra unless requested. Abu Simbel and Luxor evening activities can be arranged at additional cost.05Is the Cairo and Nile cruise tour suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
Expect walking over uneven stone, steps at archaeological sites and gangways when boarding or leaving the vessel. Accessibility varies between sites and the assigned cruise vessel, so this itinerary cannot be assumed to suit every mobility need. Tell us about any mobility restrictions before booking; we can check the arrangements, but access to all areas may not be possible.06Can children join the Cairo and Nile cruise tour?
Children can travel on the itinerary, but the long sightseeing days, heat and walking over uneven ground may be tiring for younger visitors. We’ll confirm the minimum age and child rates when you book. Ask us to confirm room and cabin options for your family before booking.07What should I wear and bring for sightseeing in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle for the Giza Plateau and temple visits. Choose light, breathable clothing, and carry a warmer layer for cooler evenings on the Nile. Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is respectful at religious sites. Sun protection matters particularly in Luxor and Aswan during the hotter months.08Can I take photographs during the tour’s sightseeing visits?
Photography rules differ between the Grand Egyptian Museum, archaeological sites and individual tombs. Follow signs and instructions from site staff, and check before using a camera inside a tomb or museum gallery, as restrictions may apply. The itinerary allows photography time along parts of the Nile.09When is the best time to take the Cairo and Nile cruise tour?
October to April generally brings milder conditions for sightseeing in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. Summer can be very hot, especially at exposed sites such as the Giza Plateau and Luxor West Bank, so early starts and sun protection matter. Unlike a Cairo-only holiday, this route includes several days in Upper Egypt, where daytime heat can be more demanding.10Does the Nile cruise itinerary visit Abu Simbel?
No, Abu Simbel is not part of the listed sightseeing programme, but an add-on from Aswan may be available on request. The Aswan visits listed include Philae Temple, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. Abu Simbel lies south of Aswan, so adding it depends on availability and the final arrangements; it is not included in the tour price.
Last updated Product ID: TOU-CAI-481241
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Starts
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri or Sat
- Route
- Cairo → Luxor → Esna → Edfu → Kom Ombo → Aswan
- Nights
- 1 Cairo · 2 sleeper train · 4 Nile cruise
- Includes
- Egyptologist guide, transfers