9 Day Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and Alexandria Overland Tour
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
The 9 Day Cairo, Aswan, Luxor and Alexandria Overland Tour is a nine-day multi-city tour in Egypt, operated by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- Editor’s Pick
- Private
- Archaeology & history
- Cultural
- Seniors·
- Solo traveller·
- Couples·
- Groups
Snapshot
Good to know
- Duration
- Nine days and eight nights
- Travel style
- Private overland tour with a guide
- Accommodation
- Included hotels in Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan and Luxor
- Operated by
- Tours to discover Egypt
- Destinations
- Cairo · Alexandria · Aswan · Luxor · Giza Plateau · Old Cairo
- Includes
- 8 nights' accommodation · Private Egyptologist guide · Airport meet-and-assist · Private air-conditioned transfers · Domestic flight Cairo to Aswan · Domestic flight Luxor to Cairo · First-class train Aswan to Luxor · Entrance fees to listed attractions · Meals as mentioned in itinerary · Nile-side dinner experience on arrival night
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · First-time visitors to Egypt · Travellers who prefer private touring · Couples and small groups · Families with older children
- Guide languages
- Arabic · English · French · German · Italian · Spanish
Best time to go
The most comfortable months are typically October to April, when daytime temperatures in Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, and Luxor are milder and walking conditions are easier. May to September is hotter, especially in Upper Egypt, with Aswan and Luxor often reaching very high daytime temperatures. During Ramadan and major public holidays, opening hours and traffic patterns may be adjusted, so sightseeing timings may need more flexibility.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Private Egyptologist guidance is included on the major sightseeing days
- Airport meet-and-assist and on-ground assistance are included
- Modern private air-conditioned transfers are used throughout the itinerary
- Domestic flights and rail are arranged as part of the tour logistics
- Standard monument entrance fees are included for the listed itinerary sites
- The programme is built around a day-by-day itinerary with confirmed sightseeing stops
02Overview
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 tour starts and ends in Cairo and combines domestic flights, a first-class rail journey, private transfers, and guided sightseeing across four main destinations: Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, and Luxor. It is structured as a point-to-point itinerary with overnight stays in included hotels, rather than a Nile cruise programme. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the hotels and transport, while the sightseeing is led by a private Egyptologist guide at the major monuments listed in the itinerary.
In Alexandria, the route covers the Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Pompey’s Pillar, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and Qaitbay Citadel. In Aswan, the standard stops are the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and Philae Temple, reached by motorboat transfer. The journey between Aswan and Luxor uses first-class rail along the Nile Valley, which is generally the shortest practical overland link between the two cities and avoids a long road transfer.
Luxor sightseeing is split between the East Bank and West Bank. The East Bank includes Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple, while the West Bank covers the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon. In Cairo, the final sightseeing day includes Old Cairo landmarks such as Salah El Din Citadel, the Hanging Church, Amr Ibn El Aas Mosque, Ben Ezra Synagogue, and Khan El-Khalili, followed by the Giza Plateau and the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Entrance fees for the monuments named in the itinerary are included, but pyramid interiors, premium tombs such as Tutankhamun’s or Seti I’s, and gratuities are excluded unless specifically requested. The itinerary uses a combination of air-conditioned private vehicles, domestic flights, and rail to reduce long road transfers and keep the schedule focused on the principal archaeological and historic sites.
Named in this entry
Giza Plateau·Great Sphinx·The Grand Egyptian Museum·Kom el Shoqafa Catacombs·Bibliotheca Alexandrina·Qaitbay Citadel·The Aswan High Dam·Unfinished Obelisk·Philae Temple·Karnak Temple·The Valley of the Kings·Agilkia Island·Memphis and its Necropolis·Ancient Thebes
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This tour suits travellers who want a full north-to-south Egypt itinerary without managing intercity logistics themselves. It is a good fit for history-focused couples, solo travellers, and families with older children or teenagers who are comfortable with multiple travel days and full sightseeing schedules.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a slower itinerary if you prefer late starts, long stays in one city or plenty of unplanned time. It is not ideal for travellers who need step-free access across archaeological sites or find frequent transfers tiring.
What lingers
- 01See the Giza Plateau and the Grand Egyptian Museum with a private Egyptologist guide.
- 02Visit Alexandria’s Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa, Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Qaitbay Citadel.
- 03Explore Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk and Aswan High Dam.
- 04Visit Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings across Luxor’s East and West Banks.
- 05Travel between Cairo and Aswan, and Luxor and Cairo, by domestic flight.
- 06Take the first-class train from Aswan to Luxor.
Honest assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- See Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan and Luxor in one itinerary
- Private Egyptologists guide visits to the major sites
- Flights and first-class rail reduce long road journeys
- Alexandria includes Kom el Shoqafa, the Library and Qaitbay Citadel
- Pyramid interiors and premium tombs are optional, not bundled
Things to Consider
- Full sightseeing days can feel busy
- Archaeological sites have uneven ground and steps
- Summer heat in Aswan and Luxor often exceeds 35°C
- Early starts and transfers may interrupt a relaxed pace
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a fixed coach itinerary, this tour uses private transfers and a private Egyptologist for the major sightseeing days, which allows more flexibility in timing and pacing. It also combines domestic flights and rail to reduce long road journeys between Cairo, Aswan and Luxor. Compared with a Nile cruise-based programme, this is a land-only route with hotels in multiple cities and no continuous river journey.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
Nine days and eight nights · Cairo · Alexandria · Aswan · Luxor · Giza Plateau · Old Cairo
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
Choose your comfort level
Prices are per person in GBP, from 2 people sharing a double room, including accommodation.
| Comfort level | Where you stay | October – Aprilcurrent season | May – September |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Cairo Cosmopolitan Hotel Cairo Aswan Obelisk Nile Hotel – Aswan Luxor Iberotel Luxor by JAZ | October – April: from £1,629 | May – September: from £1,570 |
| Classic | Cairo Radisson Blu Aswan Aswan Plaza Corniche Luxor Sonesta St George | October – April: from £1,812 | May – September: from £1,677 |
| Prestige | Cairo Hilton Cairo Grand Nile Aswan Tolip Aswan Luxor Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor | October – April: from £2,233 | May – September: from £2,050 |
| Luxury | Cairo Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza Aswan Sonesta Nouba Luxor Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa | October – April: from £3,274 | May – September: from £3,098 |
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.
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
- Flights to Egypt from abroad
- Personal expenses
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Travel insurance
- Egyptian entry visa
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
At Qaitbay Citadel, look back towards the harbour for views that place the fortress beside the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria site.
- 02
Ask your Egyptologist about Philae’s relocation to Agilkia Island before entering, so the temple’s present setting has context.
- 03
Keep a light layer handy for air-conditioned vehicles and trains, even during Egypt’s warmer months.
- 04
At the Valley of the Kings, choose any additional tomb ticket before joining the queue; premium tombs are not included.
Tailor it
Make it yours
The itinerary can be arranged as a private tour, with timing adjusted where site access and flight schedules allow. Optional additions may include a Nubian Village visit in Aswan, Kitchener’s Island Botanical Garden, or extra nights in Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, or Aswan. Meal plans and hotel category can also be tailored, subject to availability and budget.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
This nine-day overland itinerary links Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan and Luxor without a Nile cruise. It can also sit before or after a cruise, with the Aswan to Luxor train helping reduce 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 and a photocopy
- Walking shoes that are comfortable and provide good grip
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a lightweight hat
- Refillable water bottle
- Small day bag for personal items
- Any required medication
- Plug adaptor for type C or F sockets
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for heat and sun
- Sturdy, closed shoes for uneven archaeological ground
- Loose-fitting trousers or a long skirt for site visits
- A scarf or clothing that covers shoulders for mosques and religious sites
- A light layer 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), the arrivals hallMap
On the ground
Your route
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Giza Plateau14 km
- The Grand Egyptian Museum8 km
- Khan El-Khalili3 km
- Old Cairo6 km
- Cairo Citadel6 km
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Private Egyptologist visits at Cairo and Luxor's major sites
02
A first-class train links Aswan and Luxor overland
03
Alexandria sightseeing includes Kom el Shoqafa and Qaitbay Citadel
– 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.
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
·In summary
This 9-day tour includes hotel accommodation, private Egyptologist guiding, airport meet-and-assist, private transfers, domestic flights, a first-class train between Aswan and Luxor, and entrance fees for the listed monuments. It visits Cairo, Alexandria, Aswan, Luxor, Old Cairo, Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Philae Temple, Karnak Temple, and the Valley of the Kings.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long does the Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, and Alexandria Overland Tour last?
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.02What 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.03What is included in the price of this overland tour?
Included in the tour price are 8 nights’ accommodation, private Egyptologist guides at all major attractions, private transfers, domestic flights, a first-class train ticket and entrance fees to every site listed. Airport meet-and-assist and some meals are included too.04What does the tour price exclude?
The package excludes international flights to and from Egypt, personal expenses, any meals not specified, gratuities for guides and drivers, travel insurance and the Egypt entry visa. Travellers generally arrange these themselves.05Is 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.06What should I wear and bring for this 9-day tour?
Pack light, comfortable clothes, sturdy shoes for walking, a hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream. Modest clothing is recommended at religious sites; women should bring a scarf to cover their heads when entering mosques.07What 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.08What 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.09How does the train journey from Aswan to Luxor operate?
Your journey from Aswan to Luxor is by first-class train, offering a comfortable way to take in the Nile Valley scenery. We arrange the tickets and transfers to and from the railway stations.10Are visits inside the Giza Pyramids covered by the entrance fees?
No. Entry to the interiors of pyramids such as Khufu or Khafre, and premium tombs including Tutankhamun’s or Seti I’s, is not covered. Separate tickets are required and can be added to your itinerary on request.
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-516493
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