8 Days Cairo and Nile Cruise Tour

The short answer

No specific vessel is attached to this package; it is an 8-day Cairo and Nile cruise tour using a 5-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt through a third-party supplier.

• Luxury
• Archaeology & history
• Cultural
• Solo travel
• Family
• Photography
• Honeymoon
• Adventure

Snapshot

Good to know

Duration

Eight days and seven nights

Travel style

Cairo guided tour and Nile cruise package

Accommodation

Five-star hotel in Cairo and five-star cabin on the Nile cruise

Operated by

Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt; the Nile vessel and hotels are supplied and operated by third-party providers.

Destinations

Cairo · Giza Plateau · Grand Egyptian Museum · Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan · Abu Simbel

Includes

Three nights’ bed and breakfast at a Cairo hotel · Four nights in a cabin on a five-star Nile cruise, with full board · Private transfers in air-conditioned vehicles · Airport assistance · A professional Egyptologist guide · Admission charges for the itinerary's named sites · Listed service fees and local taxes

Best for

First-time Egypt visitors · History and archaeology enthusiasts · Couples and families with older children · Travellers wanting Cairo plus a Nile Valley cruise · Those seeking guided private transfers

Guide languages

Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

What lingers

• 01Visit Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure pyramids at the Giza Plateau and the Sphinx
• 02Three nights in Cairo with a guided visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum
• 03Fly Cairo to Luxor then embark on a four-night full-board Nile cruise
• 04Explore Luxor East Bank temples and the West Bank necropolis including Valley of the Kings
• 05Sail to Edfu and Kom Ombo, with guided temple visits during cruise stops
• 06Day trip from Aswan to the twin temples of Abu Simbel, timed to avoid midday crowds

Worth knowing

How this compares

Unlike a cruise-only itinerary, this package combines Cairo’s Giza Plateau and Grand Egyptian Museum with a four-night Luxor–Aswan sailing programme. Unlike a fully inclusive flight package, domestic flights between Cairo, Luxor and Aswan are not included, so travellers must book them separately or request assistance arranging them.

Bundled in

• 🚖Private transfer
• 🍳Breakfast
• 🎟All entry tickets
• 🚖Airport transfer
• 🍽Full board
• ✦Cairo extension
• ✦Abu Simbel extension
• ◈Group Egyptologist

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

1. 01

   At Giza, arrive early for softer light on the pyramid faces and fewer tour groups around the Sphinx.

2. 02

   At Karnak, agree a meeting point with your Egyptologist before exploring the columned halls, where sightlines can become confusing.

3. 03

   At Abu Simbel, take water and sun protection for the open approach to the temples; shade is limited.

4. 04

   For Nile photography, keep a camera ready while sailing past village riverbanks, especially in the softer light near sunset.

Tailor it

Make it yours

Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the itinerary as a private or small-group programme, subject to availability, and can adjust sightseeing times around domestic flights. Travellers may request Abu Simbel confirmation or addition, premium tombs such as Tutankhamun or Seti I, pyramid interior tickets, upgraded accommodation, extra Cairo nights or additional guided visits.

All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.

Accessibility

Who can join this

This itinerary involves substantial walking on sand, uneven ancient stone, steps and sloped paths. At the Giza Plateau, distances between viewpoints can be long, with limited shade. Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple and Abu Simbel have uneven surfaces, raised thresholds or steps; accessible routes may not reach every chamber or viewpoint. The Grand Egyptian Museum has more managed visitor routes, but walking is still required. Private vehicles can usually be arranged around mobility needs, but wheelchair storage and boarding assistance must be confirmed in advance. A companion may be helpful, particularly at archaeological sites. Tell us about any mobility requirements before booking so we can review the route and transport arrangements.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

The morning of

Meeting point & timing

Where

Cairo International Airport (CAI), Arrivals HallMap

On the ground

Your route

While you're here

Worth pairing

• The Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square7 min walk
• Cairo Citadel4 km
• Giza Plateau14 km
• The Grand Egyptian Museum12 km

Why book this with us

Three reasons, stated plainly

1. 01

   Combines Cairo monuments with a four-night Nile sailing

2. 02

   Includes Abu Simbel’s temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari

3. 03

   One itinerary links Giza, Luxor, Edfu and Aswan

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

We arrange private, air-conditioned road transfers and work with locally based Egyptologists, drivers, cruise providers and sightseeing suppliers. The itinerary directs spending to businesses in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and communities along the Nile. Where practical, carry a refillable water bottle to reduce single-use plastic, although refill facilities vary by vehicle and cruise provider. Visits follow official visitor routes and site operating rules. We do not describe the transport or Nile cruise as carbon-neutral. Vehicle and cruise details depend on the confirmed local suppliers, and you may request the final arrangements before departure.

• 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

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01What is the total duration of the 8 Days Cairo and Nile Cruise Tour?

   This holiday spans 8 days and 7 nights, featuring three nights in a Cairo hotel and four nights aboard a Nile River cruise. It offers a balanced exploration of Egypt's capital and the ancient sites along the Nile Valley.
2. 02What type of accommodation is provided during this tour?

   You will have three nights in a 5-star hotel in Cairo, including bed and breakfast. The four-night Nile cruise provides a 5-star cabin with full board, ensuring comfortable stays throughout your journey.
3. 03Does the tour price cover domestic flights within Egypt?

   No, domestic flights between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan are not part of the tour package. Travellers are responsible for booking these flights separately, ensuring they fit the itinerary's transfer schedule.
4. 04How are transfers and pick-ups organised for this tour?

   Private, air-conditioned transfers are included for all airport arrivals and departures, as well as transport to and from all sightseeing locations. Our representatives will meet you at airports and hotels to facilitate smooth transitions.
5. 05Are the entrance fees for all historical sites covered?

   Yes, entrance fees for all sites specifically mentioned in the itinerary, such as the Giza Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum, Karnak Temple, and the Valley of the Kings, are included. Specific exclusions, like interior pyramid tickets, are detailed separately.
6. 06What level of physical activity is involved in this tour?

   This tour involves moderate physical activity, including walking on uneven ancient surfaces, navigating stairs at temples, and some early morning starts. A reasonable level of fitness will allow you to comfortably enjoy all planned excursions.
7. 07Is this holiday suitable for families with children?

   This tour can be suitable for families, although some days involve extensive sightseeing and early starts. We recommend it for children who are comfortable with walking and engaging with historical sites. Please contact us for specific age guidance.
8. 08What clothing and items should I bring for this trip?

   We advise bringing light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sunscreen. Modest clothing, covering shoulders and knees, is recommended for visits to religious sites.
9. 09When is the best time of year to book this Cairo and Nile Cruise tour?

   The ideal time to visit is typically from October to April, offering cooler and more pleasant weather for sightseeing. The summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, particularly in Upper Egypt.
10. 10How does this 8-day tour compare to shorter Nile cruise options?

    Unlike shorter 4-night cruise programmes that often condense sightseeing, this 8-day itinerary provides ample time for both Cairo's main attractions and a more thorough exploration of the Nile Valley, including Abu Simbel, without feeling rushed.

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