Classic Egypt with Nile Cruise + Red Sea Extension 13 Days

Your Egypt tour begins today in Cairo, the bustling capital city perched on the banks of the legendary Nile River. A unique mix of modern architecture, ancient landmarks, and winding streets, Cairo offers an extraordinary blend of Pharaonic, Coptic, and Islamic sites that reflect Egypt’s rich history and culture.

There are no scheduled activities today, so you are free to arrive in Cairo at your leisure. For convenience, airport transfers from Cairo International Airport (CAI) to your hotel take approximately 30–45 minutes.

At 6:00 PM, meet your tour leader in the hotel reception for a welcome briefing.

For early arrivals, consider your first exploration of Cairo. Egyptians are famously warm and welcoming, ensuring an authentic and memorable introduction to the city.

Accommodation: Overland Hotel
Hotel Grade: As per your request
Meals Provided: None

Start your Egypt tour with a journey to Giza, home to some of the most iconic monuments in the world. Stand in awe before the Great Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx, a majestic lion with a human head carved from solid rock. Explore the pyramid complex with your local guide, including the Granite Temple, and discover the incredible engineering feats of the ancient Egyptians.

Next, visit the spectacular Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), one of the largest museums dedicated to a single civilization. The museum houses over 100,000 artifacts spanning millennia, including Tutankhamun’s golden treasures, mummified remains, ornate jewelry, and colossal statues. The museum’s architectural brilliance and vast galleries make it a must-visit destination for any Egypt travel itinerary. Enjoy lunch at one of the museum’s restaurants before heading back to your hotel.

Accommodation: Overland Hotel
Hotel Grade: As per your request
Meals Provided: Breakfast

Begin your day with a visit to Saqqara, the famed Step Pyramid of Djoser, the earliest pyramid in Egypt and a significant archaeological site in the ancient necropolis. Continue your exploration with a trip to Islamic Cairo, where you can visit the legendary Cairo Citadel, one of Saladin’s formidable strongholds during the Crusades. Marvel at medieval mosques and grand architecture—please note that modest attire is required, with arms and legs covered.

In the evening, embark on an overnight train from Cairo to Aswan. Travel in comfortable two-berth sleeper cabins, featuring bench seats that convert into bunk beds. Enjoy dinner and breakfast served directly to your cabin by the carriage steward, while soaking in the experience of Egypt’s classic overnight train journey. Snacks for the trip are recommended and can be purchased beforehand.

Accommodation: Sleeper train (Cairo to Aswan)
Hotel Grade: As per your request
Meals Provided: Breakfast and dinner

Aswan, Egypt’s southernmost city, sits gracefully on the east bank of the Nile just below the First Cataract, where Arab, Nubian, and African cultures converge. Known for its stunning scenery and rich history, Aswan offers a unique glimpse into Egypt’s heritage.

Begin the day with a visit to Philae Temple, beautifully relocated to Agilkia Island after the construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened to submerge its original site. Marvel at the intricate pylons and carvings that showcase some of Egypt’s finest temple artwork. Transfer to the island and back on a small motorboat, surrounded by tranquil Nile waters.

Return to your hotel around lunchtime to relax.

For those seeking further exploration, optional excursions include a visit to the Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel completed in 1970, and the Unfinished Obelisk, the largest known ancient obelisk left incomplete in an ancient quarry.

In the evening, experience authentic Nubian hospitality with a home-cooked dinner in a traditional Nubian village, accessible by motorboat. Share stories with a local family and enjoy the flavors of genuine Nubian cuisine.

Accommodation: Overland Hotel
Hotel Grade: As per your request
Meals Provided: Breakfast and Dinner

Start the day with an optional early morning excursion to Abu Simbel, one of Egypt’s most iconic temples. Carved directly into a mountainside, this magnificent site was painstakingly relocated 61 meters (200 feet) to protect it from the waters of the Aswan High Dam. Admire the four colossal 20-meter (65-foot) statues of Ramses II, the legendary Pharaoh and master builder, as you explore the temple’s detailed interiors. You’ll have approximately two hours to marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage Site before returning to Aswan.

Later, board your Nile River cruise boat, your floating home for the next three nights. The vessel offers a comfortable and stylish cruising experience, typically accommodating around 130 guests. Cabins are twin or double en suite with large panoramic windows, air conditioning, a TV, and a fridge. WiFi is available for an additional cost.

Onboard, enjoy multiple communal areas including a lounge, bar, restaurant, reading area, and shops. Relax on the top deck, where a swimming pool and seating area provide stunning views of life along the Nile River. Evening entertainment is offered one night of your cruise.

After boarding just in time for lunch, the afternoon is free to unwind onboard or explore Aswan. Optional activities include visiting Aswan’s bustling market or enjoying afternoon tea at the historic Old Cataract Hotel, where Agatha Christie famously wrote Death on the Nile (dress code applies). Dinner is served onboard, rounding off your first night on the Nile in comfort.

Accommodation: Nile Cruise – Aswan to Luxor
Grade: As per your request
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you have the option to enjoy a traditional felucca boat ride around the scenic islands of Aswan.

Following the felucca excursion, return to your Nile River cruise and set sail north towards Kom Ombo. Here, you’ll disembark to explore the Kom Ombo Temple, a unique double temple dedicated to two gods: Haroeris, the falcon-headed god, and Sobek, the ancient crocodile god. The temple’s design reflects the region’s historical connection to crocodiles, which once populated this part of the Nile. Admire the temple’s detailed carvings, hieroglyphs, and magnificent Ptolemaic architecture.

In the evening, continue sailing upstream to Edfu city, where you’ll spend the night onboard the cruise.

Accommodation: Nile Cruise – Aswan to Luxor
Grade: As per your request
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic morning as your Nile River cruise continues north towards Luxor. Today includes a scheduled stop at the Temple of Edfu, one of Egypt’s best-preserved Ptolemaic temples, dedicated to the falcon god Horus.

Please note that transport from the dock to the temple is typically by locally managed horse-drawn caleshes. Due to animal welfare concerns, we strongly encourage travelers to consider skipping this visit. Your tour leader can provide guidance and arrange alternative options if you wish to visit.

After exploring Edfu Temple (if you choose to visit), continue your cruise towards Luxor, arriving in the late afternoon. The evening is free to explore the city, browse the bustling souks, or relax before dinner.

Optional evening experiences include the Karnak Sound and Light Show, which brings the temple’s ancient history to life through dramatic illumination and storytelling, or visits to the Luxor Museum and the Luxor Mummification Museum, open until 9 PM.

Accommodation: Nile Cruise – Aswan to Luxor
Grade: As per your request
Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Begin your day by disembarking from your Nile cruise and storing your luggage at your hotel before heading out to visit the magnificent Karnak Temple. Dedicated to Amun-Ra, this sprawling complex was built over centuries by multiple pharaohs, with construction beginning around 2000 BC and continuing through the reign of Cleopatra. Wander through towering pylons, intricately carved obelisks, and vast courtyards that showcase the grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture.

After your temple visit, the afternoon is free to relax or explore Luxor temple.

For a truly unforgettable experience, opt for a hot air balloon ride over Luxor at sunrise. Drift above the Valley of the Kings, the West Bank temples, and the Nile Valley while enjoying panoramic views of the ancient landscape. Pick-up is provided from your hotel between 4:30 and 5:00 AM for early risers seeking a bird’s-eye view of Luxor.

Accommodation: Overland Hotel
Grade: As per your request
Meals Provided: Breakfast

Wake up early today for an unforgettable journey into ancient Egypt’s royal past with a visit to the Valley of the Kings, the famed burial site of Tutankhamun and over 60 other pharaohs. Explore three selected tombs (decided on the day due to preservation schedules) and gain insight into the fascinating funerary rituals of Egypt’s New Kingdom. For enthusiasts, there’s an option to pay a supplement to enter Tutankhamun’s tomb, the world-renowned discovery of 1922 by Howard Carter.

Next, visit the Temple of Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s most striking monuments built into the limestone cliffs of Luxor’s West Bank. This temple celebrates Pharaoh Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt’s most successful female rulers. Its architectural elegance and historical significance make it a must-see highlight of any West Bank tour then, Enjoy a home-cooked lunch at a local West Bank family home, sampling authentic Egyptian dishes such as okra stew, koshari (rice, lentils, pasta, and chickpeas), and tagen, served with freshly baked bread.

Return to your hotel in the mid-afternoon for leisure—relax or explore Luxor’s vibrant local markets.

Accommodation: Overland Hotel
Grade: As per your request
Meals Provided: Breakfast & Lunch

After exploring the ancient wonders of Luxor, today marks the start of a sun-soaked finale as we journey east to Hurghada, Egypt’s premier Red Sea resort. Leaving the temples and tombs behind, enjoy a scenic drive across the Eastern Desert, where vast sand dunes, rocky hills, and rugged mountain ridges gradually give way to the sparkling waters of the Red Sea.

The drive to Hurghada takes approximately five hours. Upon arrival, check in to your beach side hotel and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your leisure. Stretch out by the swimming pool, take a stroll along the waterfront, or dip your toes into the warm turquoise sea. This slower-paced day is perfect for unwinding and soaking up the sun after days of sightseeing.

Please note: This Red Sea extension is independent and not accompanied by a tour leader. You may not be travelling with other guests.

Accommodation: Overland Hotel
Grade: As per your request
Meals Provided: Breakfast and Dinner

Your final full day in Egypt is all about relaxation and enjoyment. After days filled with ancient wonders, Nile cruises, and historic explorations, today is your chance to unwind and soak up the beauty of the Red Sea coast.

Take advantage of your beachside hotel amenities – enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the sea, indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment, or take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear Red Sea waters.

For those seeking a bit of local culture, Hurghada town is just a short walk away. Browse the bustling local markets, shop for souvenirs, or sip mint tea at a seaside café while taking in the vibrant coastal atmosphere. Alternatively, simply lounge by the pool or beach and let the sun and waves bring your Egyptian adventure to a peaceful and memorable close.

Accommodation: Overland Hotel
Grade: As per your request
Meals Provided: Breakfast and Dinner

Today marks the end of your unforgettable journey through Egypt, from the bustling streets of Cairo to the majestic Nile River and the stunning Red Sea coast. After breakfast at your Hurghada hotel, your trip concludes.

There are no planned activities today, giving you the flexibility to depart Hurghada at your convenience. If your flight is later in the day, luggage storage is available at the hotel, allowing you to enjoy a final stroll along the Red Sea or explore the local town before heading to the airport.

For your convenience, airport transfers can be arranged from Hurghada International Airport (HRG), located approximately 20 minutes from the hotel.

Meals Provided: Breakfast