9 Day Cairo, Aswan, Luxor & Alexandria Tour | Discovery Tours
Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan and Luxor: Giza, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, domestic flights, first-class Aswan to Luxor train and private Egyptologist
At a glance
- Length
- 9 days · 8 nights
- Departs
- Daily
The short answer
9 Day Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and Alexandria Overland Tour is a 9-day multi-day tour covering Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, Luxor, and the Giza Plateau in Egypt, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- Editor’s Pick
- New
- Private
- Small group
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 Days / 8 Nights
- Travel style
- Private Guided Overland Tour
- Accommodation
- Hotels Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt
- Operated by
- Discovery Tours Egypt
- Destinations
- Cairo · Alexandria · Aswan · Luxor · Giza Plateau · Old Cairo
- Includes
- Meet and assist at airport · 8 nights accommodation · Private Egyptologist guide · Private air-conditioned transfers · Domestic flights Cairo-Aswan and Luxor-Cairo · First-class train Aswan-Luxor · Entrance fees to listed attractions · Meals as mentioned · One bottle of water during tours
- Best for
- First-time visitors · History enthusiasts · Private travel guests · Families with older children · Travelers wanting Cairo, Upper Egypt, and Alexandria in one itinerary
- Guide languages
- English
Best time to go
The most comfortable time for this route is usually October to April, when Cairo and Alexandria are milder and Upper Egypt is less hot. Summer months, especially June to August, can be very hot in Aswan and Luxor, with daytime temperatures often above 35°C; Ramadan and major public holidays may affect opening hours and traffic patterns.
- Licensed by Egyptian Tourism Authority
- Discovery Tours Egypt
- Private Egyptologist guides on major sightseeing days
- Entrance fees for listed monuments included
- Modern private air-conditioned transfers
- Domestic flights and first-class train arranged within the itinerary
- Transparent exclusions for pyramid interiors, premium tombs, tips, visa, and insurance
02 Overview
A first look
By 7 am the limestone at Giza is still cool and Khufu's eastern face holds a soft, slanted light while Cairo's traffic is a distant hum. In Alexandria the air carries sea salt and frying oil from the Corniche, and on the Nile in Aswan the water moves with a slow, steady rhythm; across the nine days those contrasts — Mediterranean breeze, desert stone, Nile calm — mark each day's pace.
We arrange private visits with our Egyptologists so you spend time with the monuments rather than waiting on a coach. Your Egyptologist meets you at each stop, explains the chronology and architecture, and manages timing and local logistics so you can concentrate on the place itself.
Background
The facts
This 9-day overland itinerary covers Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, and Luxor by a combination of private road transfers, domestic flights, and first-class rail. It includes the main archaeological and historic areas most commonly visited on a multi-city Egypt tour: the Giza Plateau in Cairo, the Greco-Roman sites of Alexandria, the Nile monuments of Aswan, and the East Bank and West Bank temples and tombs of Luxor.
In Cairo, the itinerary includes the Giza Plateau with the Great Pyramids, the Valley Temple of Khafre, and the Great Sphinx, plus the Grand Egyptian Museum and Old Cairo sites such as the Hanging Church, Ben Ezra Synagogue, Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque, and Salah El Din Citadel. Alexandria is reached by private vehicle for a full-day excursion to the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and Qaitbay Citadel, which sits near the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria.
In Aswan, the scheduled visits include the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and Philae Temple, which was moved to Agilkia Island after the construction of the High Dam. The route then continues to Luxor by first-class train along the Nile Valley, where the East Bank includes Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple, and the West Bank includes the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon.
The tour uses private Egyptologist guiding for the major sightseeing days, and the listed monument entrance fees are included unless specifically excluded. Pyramid interiors and premium tomb access are not included by default, and transport between cities is designed to reduce long road journeys by using flights and rail where practical.
Named in this entry
Great Pyramids of Giza · Great Sphinx · Valley Temple of Khafre · Grand Egyptian Museum · Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa · Pompey’s Pillar · Bibliotheca Alexandrina · Qaitbay Citadel · Aswan High Dam · Unfinished Obelisk · Philae Temple · Karnak Temple Complex · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Hatshepsut Temple · Colossi of Memnon · Salah El Din Citadel · Hanging Church · Ben Ezra Synagogue · Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This itinerary suits first-time visitors and history-focused travelers who want a broad Egypt overview without long fixed-seat coach travel. It is appropriate for adults and older children who are comfortable with early starts, airport transfers, and full sightseeing days.
What lingers
- 01 Private Egyptologist guide for all major attractions, including the Giza Plateau and Luxor West Bank
- 02 Domestic flights from Cairo to Aswan and from Luxor to Cairo, reducing long road transfers
- 03 First-class train ticket from Aswan to Luxor, overnight or daytime options available on request
- 04 Full-day Alexandria excursion: Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Qaitbay Citadel
- 05 Aswan visits: Aswan High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, and Philae Temple
- 06 Luxor East Bank and West Bank exploration, including Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike large coach programmes, this itinerary uses private transfers and private Egyptologist guiding for the major sightseeing days, which allows more flexible pacing at sites. It also reduces overland travel time by combining domestic flights with a first-class train between Aswan and Luxor. Compared with a Nile cruise-focused package, this is a land-based circuit that prioritizes Cairo, Alexandria, and key Upper Egypt monuments rather than a cruise itinerary.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
9 Days / 8 Nights · Cairo · Alexandria · Aswan · Luxor · Giza Plateau · Old Cairo
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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 £2,540 ppClassic
from £2,820 ppPrestige
from £3,057 ppLuxury
from £5,230 ppLand only — no accommodationfrom £1,888 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
- Airport transfer
- Private transfer
- Domestic flight
- Private Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Meet and assist on arrival at the airport
- Accommodation for eight nights in Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan and Luxor
- Private Egyptologist for all principal site visits
- All transfers in modern private air-conditioned vehicles
- Nile-side dinner on the first evening in Cairo
- Domestic flight, Cairo to Aswan
- Domestic flight, Luxor to Cairo
- First-class train ticket from Aswan to Luxor
- Entrance fees for the attractions listed in the itinerary
- One bottle of drinking water during each guided tour
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Assistance from our team during your stay
- All taxes and charges
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Personal expenses
- Extra meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Travel insurance
- Egypt entry visa
Tailor it
Make it yours
The itinerary can be adjusted for private travel pace, hotel category, and meal plan preferences. Optional add-ons may include a Nubian Village visit in Aswan, Kitchener’s Island Botanical Garden, extra time in Cairo, or premium tomb entries if requested and available.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
– Best as a full Egypt circuit for travellers who want Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, and Luxor in one land-based itinerary. It also works well before or after a Nile cruise, because the Cairo and Alexandria days are already built in and the Aswan to Luxor rail sector reduces backtracking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we provide meet-and-assist at Cairo arrivals. This 9-day overland tour involves substantial walking on uneven ancient stone, cobbles and short sandy sections, with steps at the Giza Plateau, Luxor West Bank and Philae Temple. Many temples and tombs have staircases and narrow passages that limit independent wheelchair access. Modern museums such as the Bibliotheca Alexandrina have ramps and accessible toilets, but access and facilities vary by site. Domestic flights and first-class trains usually require aircraft or carriage steps; some stations have limited level access. We can arrange additional local mobility assistance and a porter at airports or stations, subject to advance notice and supplier availability. Please tell us your exact mobility needs when you book so we can advise which itinerary elements are likely to be comfortable and what realistic alternatives we can secure.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport plus photocopy
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and sunglasses
- Lightweight hat and refillable water bottle
- Small daypack for camera and personal items
- Any prescribed medications and a basic first-aid kit
- Plug adapter, Egypt uses type C and F sockets
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for hot days
- Long sleeves or a scarf for sun protection and modesty at mosques
- Comfortable trousers or skirts for temple visits
- Sturdy closed shoes for uneven archaeological sites
- A light jacket for cooler evenings
Children & families
Children aged five and older may join this itinerary, subject to parental supervision at archaeological sites and during transfers. Child pricing normally applies for ages five to 11, with adult rates from 12 and above; infants under two may travel at a reduced rate on request but please confirm when booking so we can allocate seats and bedding. Strollers are practical in modern city areas and museums, but are unsuitable at most ancient sites because of slopes, steps and cobbles. High chairs and other child facilities are available at some hotels and restaurants on request, availability varies by property.
The morning of
Meeting point & timing
- Where
- Cairo International Airport (CAI), Arrivals Hall Map
On the ground
Your route
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Giza Plateau 14 km
- Grand Egyptian Museum 8 km
- Khan El-Khalili 3 km
- Old Cairo 6 km
- Cairo Citadel 6 km
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We use modern private air-conditioned vehicles for all road transfers, domestic scheduled flights for Cairo–Aswan and Luxor–Cairo, and first-class rail between Aswan and Luxor to reduce long night road journeys. Local Egyptologists, drivers and suppliers deliver guiding, hotels, restaurants and boat services, which keeps tourism income within the communities visited. We avoid large coach groups for this itinerary, favouring private transfers for flexibility and lower visitor density at sites, a trade-off that increases vehicle kilometres but reduces waiting time and crowding. On tours we offer one reusable water bottle option, prioritise locally owned restaurants for included meals, and ask suppliers to minimise single-use plastics where possible; if you require fully plastic-free provisioning, tell us at booking and we will try to accommodate that request.
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Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
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Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
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Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
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Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
· In summary
This tour includes 8 nights of accommodation, private Egyptologist guiding on the main sightseeing days, all listed domestic transfers, and entrance fees to the monuments named in the itinerary. It covers Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, Luxor, the Giza Plateau, Old Cairo, Philae Temple, Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and the Grand Egyptian Museum. A Nile dinner cruise on arrival, domestic flights, and a first-class train between Aswan and Luxor are included as listed.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
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01 What is the duration of the Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, and Alexandria Overland Tour?
This tour spans 9 days and 8 nights, encompassing visits to Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, and Luxor. We arrange all ground logistics, including private transfers, domestic flights, and a first-class train journey. -
02 What type of transportation is used for transfers and sightseeing on this tour?
We utilise modern, air-conditioned private vehicles for all transfers and sightseeing. You will travel with your private Egyptologist, ensuring a personalised pace and experience, unlike larger group coach programmes. -
03 What is included in the price of this overland tour?
The tour price covers 8 nights of accommodation, private Egyptologist guides for all major attractions, all private transfers, domestic flights, a first-class train ticket, and entrance fees to all listed sites. Meet-and-assist services at the airport and some meals are also included. -
04 What is not included in the tour price?
International flights to and from Egypt, personal expenses, additional meals beyond those specified, gratuities for guides and drivers, travel insurance, and the Egypt entry visa are not included. Travellers typically arrange these independently. -
05 Is this tour suitable for families travelling with children?
Yes, this private tour can be adapted for families. The itinerary's pace can be adjusted, and private vehicles offer comfort. We recommend discussing your children's ages and interests with us to help tailor the experience. -
06 What should I wear and bring for this 9-day tour?
We suggest light, comfortable clothing, sturdy walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sun cream. For religious sites, modest dress is advised; women should carry a scarf to cover their heads when visiting mosques. -
07 What are the photography rules at the archaeological sites and museums?
Photography is generally allowed at most outdoor sites. However, some indoor areas, such as specific tombs or museum exhibits, may prohibit photography or require a separate ticket. Your Egyptologist will provide guidance at each location. -
08 What is the best time of year to undertake this overland tour?
The cooler months from October to April are generally ideal for this tour, offering more comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. Summers, from May to September, can be very hot, particularly in Luxor and Aswan. -
09 How does the train journey from Aswan to Luxor operate?
You will travel by first-class train from Aswan to Luxor. This journey provides a comfortable way to experience the Nile Valley scenery. We arrange your tickets and manage transfers to and from the railway stations. -
10 Are the interiors of the Giza Pyramids included in the entrance fees?
No, entrance fees for the interiors of the Pyramids, such as Khufu or Khafre, and premium tombs like Tutankhamun's or Seti I's, are not included. These require separate tickets and can be added to your itinerary upon request.
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
Continue reading
From the archives
Last updated 2 July 2026 Product ID: TOU-CAI-516493
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