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 & Abu Simbel Nile Cruise is an 8-day multi-day tour covering Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, and Abu Simbel in Egypt, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- New
- Private
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Travel style
- Private Guided Multi-Day Tour with Nile Cruise Segment
- Accommodation
- 2 Nights Cairo Hotel, 1 Night Luxor Hotel, 4 Nights Nile Cruise
- Operated by
- Discovery Tours Egypt
- Destinations
- Cairo · Giza Plateau · Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan · Abu Simbel
- Includes
- Hotel accommodation in Cairo and Luxor · Four-night Nile cruise as stated in the itinerary · Domestic flights Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Cairo · Private air-conditioned transfers · Entrance fees to listed sites · English-speaking Egyptologist guide · Meals as shown in the itinerary
- Best for
- First-time visitors to Egypt · History enthusiasts · Travelers wanting Cairo plus Upper Egypt in one trip · Couples · Families with older children
- Guide languages
- English
Best time to go
The best time is typically October to April, when daytime temperatures in Cairo and Luxor are more comfortable and sightseeing is easier. December to February is cooler but busier, while Abu Simbel visits are often most comfortable in the early morning year-round. During Ramadan and major public holidays, opening hours and traffic patterns can change, so timing should be checked in advance.
- 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 guides on guided sightseeing days
- Private air-conditioned transfers included
- Meet-and-assist service at Egyptian airports
- Standard site entrance fees are included for listed sites
- 24/7 on-the-ground operational support for tour logistics
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 in Cairo and continues to Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel, with accommodation in Cairo, Luxor, and on a four-night Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan. The route combines overland sightseeing with domestic flights, private transfers, and guided visits by an English-speaking Egyptologist.
In Cairo, the itinerary covers the Giza Plateau, including the pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and the Valley Temple, followed by the Grand Egyptian Museum. The Giza necropolis lies on the west bank of the Nile, about 20 km from central Cairo, and remains one of Egypt’s most visited archaeological zones.
Luxor is the modern name for ancient Thebes, the capital of Egypt during much of the New Kingdom. The East Bank visits include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, while the West Bank includes the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon. Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple are visited during the Nile cruise segment; Abu Simbel is reached by an early morning excursion from Aswan, and Aswan sightseeing includes the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and Philae Temple.
Named in this entry
Giza Plateau·Great Sphinx·Valley Temple·Grand Egyptian Museum·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Temple of Hatshepsut·Colossi of Memnon·Edfu Temple·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Aswan High Dam·Unfinished Obelisk·Abu Simbel Temples·Pharaoh Khufu
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This tour suits first-time visitors to Egypt who want Cairo, Upper Egypt, and Abu Simbel in one itinerary with guided logistics handled for them. It also suits travelers in their 30s to 70s who are comfortable with early starts, full sightseeing days, and moving between hotels, flights, and a cruise segment.
What lingers
- 01Visit the Giza Plateau, including Khufu, the Great Sphinx and the Valley Temple
- 02See the Grand Egyptian Museum collection in Cairo
- 03Full-day Luxor sightseeing, Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank
- 04West Bank: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple and the Colossi of Memnon
- 05Sail past and visit Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple during the cruise segment
- 06Early morning visit to the twin temples of Abu Simbel and Aswan highlights, including Philae
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike short Nile cruise packages that focus mainly on the river segment, this itinerary adds two full days in Cairo and a Luxor land program before the cruise begins. Compared with self-planned travel, it bundles domestic flights, transfers, hotels, guided sightseeing, and site entrance fees into one coordinated itinerary. The Abu Simbel visit is included as a scheduled excursion rather than an optional add-on.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
8 Days / 7 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 £1,244 ppClassic
from £1,292 ppPrestige
from £1,879 ppLuxury
from £2,817 ppLand only — no accommodationfrom £1,145 pp
Tour, transfers and guiding only; you arrange your own hotels and the Nile cruise.
Indicative rates only – pricing and departure fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
Bundled in
- Domestic flight
- Private transfer
- All meals
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
- Abu Simbel extension
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Two nights' accommodation in a Cairo hotel
- One night's accommodation in a Luxor hotel
- Four nights aboard a Nile cruise
- Full board as specified in the itinerary
- Domestic flights, Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Cairo
- Meet-and-assist service on arrival and departure at Egyptian airports
- Entrance fees for the sites listed in the itinerary
- Professional English-speaking Egyptologist for guided visits
- Meals as indicated in the day-by-day programme
- All transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle
- All service charges
- Local taxes
Not included
- International airfare to and from Egypt
- Egypt entry visa
- Personal expenses and optional activities not listed
- Gratuities and tipping
- Any services not explicitly listed under inclusions
Tailor it
Make it yours
The itinerary can be arranged as a private tour or adapted for different pacing preferences. Common customizations include upgrading meal plans, adding extra nights in Cairo or Aswan, or including additional sightseeing such as Alexandria or a different Luxor West Bank tomb selection. Hotel and cruise categories can also be adjusted at booking time, subject to availability.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
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 in breathable fabrics
- Covered shoulders and knees for mosques and some temples
- A light scarf or shawl for sun protection and modesty
- Comfortable closed shoes for uneven surfaces
- A light jacket for early mornings and air-conditioned interiors
Children & families
Minimum age for this itinerary is five years at time of travel, due to long days, early starts and the Abu Simbel transfer. Children aged 5 to 11 normally receive a child rate when sharing a room with two adults; infants under two are usually charged approximately 25% of the land portion, subject to confirmation at booking. Strollers are manageable in modern hotel lobbies and on wider pavements but are not practical inside many archaeological sites because of steps and uneven ground. High chairs and baby cots are limited and must be requested at booking.
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Cairo International Airport (CAI) — Arrivals HallMap
On the ground
Your route
– 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 tour includes two hotel nights in Cairo, one hotel 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, meals as listed, and entrance fees to the included sites.
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
- Full refund less a £50 admin fee
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund
- Within 14 days
- No refund – date changes considered case by case
Product ID: TOU-CAI-665936
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