8 Days Cairo, Luxor, Aswan & Abu Simbel Tour
Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan with an early morning Abu Simbel visit, domestic flights and a private Egyptologist arranged
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
8 Days Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel Nile Cruise is an eight-day Egypt tour covering Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan and Abu Simbel, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- Private
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- Eight Days / Seven Nights
- Travel style
- Privately Guided Multi-Day Holiday Including a Nile Cruise Section
- Accommodation
- Hotel nights in Cairo and Luxor; Nile cruise segment included as stated in itinerary
- Operated by
- Egypt Discovery Tours
- Destinations
- Cairo · Giza Plateau · Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan · Abu Simbel
- Includes
- 2 nights Cairo hotel · 1 night Luxor hotel · 4 nights Nile cruise · Domestic flights Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Cairo · Meet and assist at airports · Entrance fees to listed sites · English-speaking Egyptologist · Meals as shown in itinerary · Private air-conditioned transfers · Service charges and local taxes
- Best for
- First-time visitors · History enthusiasts · Travellers wanting Cairo, Luxor and Aswan in one itinerary · Couples · Families with older children
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
Best time to go
The most comfortable months are generally October to April, when daytime temperatures in Cairo and Upper Egypt are milder and sightseeing is easier. Luxor and Aswan can be very hot from May to September, and the Abu Simbel departure is usually early in the morning to avoid peak heat. Travellers should also note that Ramadan and major public holidays can affect opening hours and crowd levels, although the main monuments remain open.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718)
- English-speaking Egyptologist guidance on scheduled sightseeing days
- Private air-conditioned transfers and airport meet-and-assist service
- Domestic flights arranged within the itinerary
- Entrance fees included to the sites listed in the itinerary
- On-the-ground support throughout the trip
02Overview
A first look
First light across the Giza Plateau picks out the worn relief of Khufu's casing stones while Cairo beyond still sleeps; the air smells of dust and lemon from the city as you walk the plateau's ramped causeways. Expect quiet approaches to temples, the Nile seen from a shaded deck on the river segment, and the hushed first hours at Abu Simbel before larger tours arrive.
We avoid coach-packed day schedules, so this itinerary gives longer visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo and a morning entry to Abu Simbel rather than an afternoon rush. Our English-speaking Egyptologists lead every guided visit, and we arrange domestic flights, transfers and meet-and-assist at airports so the days run to plan.
Background
The facts
This 8-day Egypt itinerary begins and ends in Cairo and combines city sightseeing with a Nile cruise segment between Luxor and Aswan. It includes two hotel nights in Cairo, one hotel night in Luxor, and four nights on a Nile cruise arranged as part of the tour; guided land transport and domestic flights are used between the main sections.
In Cairo, the programme covers the Giza Plateau, where the Great Pyramid of Khufu is the largest of the three royal pyramids and the nearby Great Sphinx and Valley Temple form part of the same funerary complex. The itinerary also includes the Grand Egyptian Museum, a major museum complex near Giza designed to display large-scale collections from ancient Egypt, including material associated with the Old Kingdom, New Kingdom and later periods.
Luxor is the ancient city of Thebes, and the itinerary covers both banks of the Nile. On the East Bank, Karnak Temple is a vast temple precinct developed over many centuries, while Luxor Temple sits closer to the river and is linked historically to processional festivals. On the West Bank, the Valley of the Kings contains royal tombs from the New Kingdom, including the tomb of Tutankhamun, while the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon are standard components of a west-bank sightseeing circuit.
The cruise segment visits Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus and among the best-preserved temples in Egypt, and Kom Ombo Temple, a double temple associated with Sobek and Horus the Elder. The Aswan portion includes Philae Temple, which was relocated following the construction of the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk in the northern quarries, and a scheduled excursion to Abu Simbel, the twin temples cut into the rock in the 13th century BCE during the reign of Ramesses II.
Named in this entry
Giza Plateau·Great Sphinx·Khufu·The Grand Egyptian Museum·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·The Valley of the Kings·Hatshepsut Temple·Edfu Temple·The Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·The Aswan High Dam·Unfinished Obelisk·Temples of Abu Simbel
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This tour suits first-time visitors, history enthusiasts and travellers who want a structured overview of major Pharaonic sites in one trip. It is appropriate for adults and older children with normal mobility who are comfortable with early departures, domestic flights and several days of guided sightseeing.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a slower itinerary if you want late starts or several unplanned days in each place. It is not a good fit for travellers who need step-free access or cannot manage uneven ground and temple steps.
What lingers
- 01Explore the Giza Plateau, including the Great Sphinx and Valley Temple.
- 02Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
- 03See Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, then visit the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut and Colossi of Memnon.
- 04Visit Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple during the Nile cruise segment.
- 05See Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan.
- 06Visit the twin temples of Abu Simbel in the early morning.
Honest Assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Covers Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel in one itinerary
- Includes guided visits to the Giza Plateau and Grand Egyptian Museum
- Combines Luxor’s East and West Bank archaeological sites
- Allows longer visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo than short cruise itineraries
- Includes an early morning visit to Abu Simbel
Things to Consider
- Early start for the Abu Simbel visit
- Full sightseeing days with limited time for rest
- Uneven ancient stone and steps at archaeological sites
- Several changes between hotels, flights and the cruise
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a short Nile cruise that focuses mainly on river stops, this itinerary combines Cairo, Luxor and Aswan with the cruise section so the main Pharaonic sites are covered in one journey. It also includes scheduled time at Abu Simbel and guided visits in both Luxor banks, rather than only a brief pass-through programme. Compared with a land-only Cairo and Luxor tour, it adds the cruise segment and Aswan monuments without removing the classic overland highlights.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
Eight Days / Seven Nights · Cairo · Giza Plateau · Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
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 £1,625 ppClassic
from £1,747 ppPrestige
from £2,200 ppBundled in
- Domestic flight
- Private transfer
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
- Abu Simbel extension
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- A two-night stay at a hotel in Cairo
- A one-night stay at a hotel in Luxor
- Four nights on a Nile cruise
- Full board, as set out in the itinerary
- Domestic flights from Cairo to Luxor and from Aswan to Cairo
- Airport meet-and-greet assistance in Egypt
- Entrance fees for the sites named in the itinerary
- A professional English-speaking Egyptologist during guided visits
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- All transfers in a private, air-conditioned vehicle
- Local taxes and all service charges
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Egyptian entry visa
- Personal spending and optional activities not mentioned
- Gratuities and tips
- Any services not specifically included
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
At Abu Simbel, keep your camera ready before approaching the temple façades; the clearest views are from the open forecourt.
- 02
Carry water and sun protection for exposed Giza paths; shade is limited around the monuments.
- 03
Wear shoes with a firm grip for ancient stone floors and uneven paths at Luxor’s temples.
- 04
Keep small Egyptian pound notes handy for toilets and optional local services; gratuities are not included.
Tailor it
Make it yours
The itinerary can usually be arranged privately or for a small group depending on budget and travel style. Common modifications include upgrading hotels, extending time in Cairo or Aswan, adding extra sightseeing in Luxor, or changing meal arrangements where available. Because the cruise and hotels are supplied by third parties, specific vessel or property options can be selected subject to availability.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
– This itinerary works as a first Egypt holiday, linking Cairo’s ancient and museum sites with the Nile Valley and Abu Simbel. It can also sit within a longer stay in Cairo or be paired with extra time in Luxor or Aswan.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This itinerary involves significant walking on uneven ancient stone, loose sand at riverbanks and paved but irregular surfaces at many sites. Expect stairs at the Giza Plateau, stepped access and narrow passages inside several tombs in the Valley of the Kings, and uneven temple approaches at Karnak and Luxor Temple. Boarding and disembarkation from the Nile cruise segment require gangway steps; tenders and ship entrances include steps that may not suit standard wheelchairs. Airport transfers use private vehicles with standard kerbside steps. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can arrange additional assistance on request, including meet-and-assist at airports and adapted vehicles when available, but wheelchair users should contact us before booking so we can assess feasibility for each site and arrange specific support. Assistance dogs are accepted, though access within some archaeological sites and hotel public areas may be restricted.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport, photocopy and printed e-ticket
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and a wide-brim hat
- Reusable water bottle (empty through airport security)
- Light daypack for camera, water and personal items
- Small personal first-aid kit and any prescription medication
- Motion-sickness tablets for boat or long road transfers
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for hot weather
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at mosques and religious sites
- Comfortable closed shoes for uneven ground and steps
- A hat or light scarf for sun protection
- A light jacket for chilly early mornings and air-conditioned spaces
Children & families
The minimum age is five at the time of travel, given the early starts, long sightseeing days and Abu Simbel visit. Children aged 5 to 11 qualify for a child rate when sharing a room with two adults. Infants under two are charged around 25% of the land portion, subject to confirmation at booking. Strollers can be used in some hotel lobbies and wider paved areas, but are impractical at many archaeological sites. High chairs and cots are limited and should be requested when booking.
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 Grand Egyptian Museum0.0 km
- Giza Plateau0.0 km
- Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square0.0 km
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Visit Abu Simbel on a scheduled morning entry
02
Allow longer visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo
03
Combine Cairo landmarks with an Upper Egypt cruise
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Transfers use air-conditioned minibuses or sedans, typically 2015 model year or newer, operated by local licensed drivers who follow Egyptian road safety regulations. The four-night Nile cruise segment is on a locally staffed vessel; fuel and waste handling are managed by the cruise company according to Egyptian regulatory requirements. We contract directly with Egyptologists, drivers and hotels to keep economic benefit local, and we pay site entrance fees and on-ground service charges to local suppliers. We encourage small-group touring to reduce vehicle numbers compared with large coach tours, and we ask clients to bring refillable water bottles; crews provide bottled water in line with local hygiene rules. If you want a community visit or a supplier with explicit environmental practices, tell us at booking and we will source partners where available.
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 8-day Egypt tour includes two nights in Cairo, one night in Luxor and four nights on a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan. It covers the Giza Plateau, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Abu Simbel and Aswan sightseeing, with domestic flights, transfers, entrance fees and an English-speaking Egyptologist included as stated. There is also an included Nile dinner cruise in Cairo on the first evening.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the total duration of the 8 Days Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel Nile Cruise itinerary?
This itinerary spans 8 days and 7 nights, combining hotel stays in Cairo and Luxor with a four-night Nile cruise segment. It also includes two domestic flights within Egypt for efficient travel between regions.02How are transfers and logistics handled throughout this tour?
We arrange all airport transfers upon your arrival and departure in Cairo, alongside transfers between hotels, airports, and your cruise ship. All transport is provided by private, air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring a comfortable journey.03What is included in the price of this 8-day Egypt holiday?
The price covers 7 nights of accommodation, domestic flights between Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, all specified entrance fees, an English-speaking Egyptologist for guided visits, and all meals as detailed in the itinerary. Private transfers and all local taxes are also included.04What expenses are not covered in the 8 Days Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel Nile Cruise tour?
International airfare to and from Egypt, the Egypt entry visa, personal expenses, optional activities not listed, and gratuities for guides and drivers are excluded. Any services not explicitly mentioned under inclusions are also not part of the package.05What level of physical fitness is required for this itinerary?
This itinerary involves moderate physical activity, including walking on uneven ancient stone surfaces at archaeological sites and climbing stairs at temples and tombs. There are also early starts for some excursions, such as the visit to Abu Simbel.06Is this tour suitable for families travelling with children?
This tour can be suitable for families, though we generally recommend it for children aged 6 and above. This is due to the early starts, extensive sightseeing, and the amount of walking involved at various archaeological sites. Please inform us of your children's ages for any specific arrangements.07What clothing and items should I bring for this 8-day tour?
We advise bringing light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sun cream. Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is recommended for religious sites. A reusable water bottle is also very useful.08What is the photography policy at the historical sites we visit?
Photography is generally permitted at most outdoor sites. However, some tombs and museum exhibits may prohibit flash photography or require a separate photography ticket, which is not included in the standard entrance fees. Your Egyptologist will provide specific guidance at each location.09When is the best time of year to book this 8-day Nile cruise holiday?
The ideal time to book this holiday is from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. The summer months, May to September, can be very hot, particularly in Luxor and Aswan, which may impact your comfort.10How does this itinerary ensure comprehensive visits to Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples?
Unlike shorter packaged cruises that often rush these sites, our itinerary dedicates specific time on Day 5 for thorough guided visits to Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple. This allows for a more comprehensive and unhurried experience at both locations.
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-665936
You Might Also Like
Nile8 Days
8-Day Nile Cruise | Luxor Round Trip, Aswan & Temples
This eight-day Luxor round trip follows the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, with visits to major temples and river towns. In Luxor, the itinerary includes Karnak Temple and the West Bank, including the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple. Further south, sightseeing includes Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae Temple. We arrange the accommodation, transfers and guided visits with an English-speaking Egyptologist. Unlike one-way Nile itineraries, a Luxor round trip begins and ends in Luxor; the listed route also includes stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo. Standard entrance fees for guided sights listed in the itinerary are included. The specific meal plan follows the itinerary.
From £908
Cairo7 Days
7 Days Cairo and Hurghada Tour
Seven days split between Egypt's capital and the Red Sea. The first part is spent in Cairo with a professional Egyptologist: the pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, the Grand Egyptian Museum, then a stroll along Al Muizz Street ending in the lanes of Khan El Khalili. Afterwards a domestic flight takes you to Hurghada for three nights by the sea, with a snorkelling trip and a desert quad safari included. Every transfer, local guide and on-the-ground arrangement is handled by our team, and the whole trip is private rather than a coach-group departure.
From £1,027
Cairo9 Days
9 Day Cairo, Aswan, Luxor & Alexandria Tour | Discovery Tours
This nine-day land tour links Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan and Luxor, with private Egyptologist guiding at the major attractions named in the itinerary. In Cairo, visits include the Giza Plateau, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Old Cairo and Khan El-Khalili; Alexandria brings the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Qaitbay Citadel. In Aswan, the itinerary includes Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk and Aswan High Dam, followed by Luxor’s East and West Banks. We arrange the accommodation, transfers and transport between cities. Unlike fixed-seat group coach tours, sightseeing here is by private vehicle with an Egyptologist guide.
From £1,570