24/7 support
No card fees

Excellent

Essential Egypt by Nile Cruise

Save up to 15% today
8 days

A value-packed adventure through ancient Egypt. Travelling from Cairo, home of the legendary Pyramids of Giza, to Aswan with its colourful souqs and Luxor, famed for its awe-inspiring temples and incredible Valley of the Kings. Combined with a 3-night Nile Cruise, this is the best of Egypt in 8 days!

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Free cancellation
Free amends
Available on all departures booked at least 40 days in advance. Cancel or change your booking for FREE for up to 7 days after booking

Tour Overview

Duration

8 days

Starts

Cairo

Ends

Cairo

Range

Essentials

Tour Guide

Yes, escorted by a tour guide

Group Size

Min 4 / Max 32

Minimum age

15 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

Saturdays

Hotel Rating

3 - 4 star

Countries

Egypt

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

No - can be booked for a supplement

Meals included

Breakfast: 7, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 3
Save 15% today
Per Person From
€1,325.00
€1,126.25
Deposit From
Final payment
€900.00
€1,352.50

Tour Highlights

Giza - Gaze in awe at the legendary Pyramids of Giza and see the iconic Sphinx on the Giza Plateau
Cairo - See King Tutankhamun's treasures in the Grand Egyptian Museum
Aswan - Take a scenic boat ride out to Agilika Island to explore the beautiful Philae Temple and shop in Aswan's colourful souks
Nile cruise - Cruise the River Nile from Aswan to Luxor, spending 3 nights on board a 5 star Nile cruiser
Luxor - Roam around the colossal Temple of Karnak and take an optional tour of the Luxor Temple beautifully illuminated at night
Luxor's West Bank - Discover beautifully preserved pharaohs' tombs in the Valley of the Kings, see the towering Colossi of Memnon and visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Kom Ombo - Discover the unique double Temple of Kom Ombo, on the bank of the River Nile

Included

Breakfast daily, 3 lunches and 3 dinners
2 nights 3 - 4 star hotels and 3 nights aboard a Nile Cruiser (en suite cabin)
2 overnight trains from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo (private 2 berth sleeper cabin)
Airport arrival transfer on day 1
Touring - Cairo, Giza, Aswan, Kom Ombo and Luxor
Escorted by an Egyptian tour guide degree qualified in Egyptology
All relevant transfers and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles

Not Included

International flights and visa
Departure transfer
Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$8 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
Entrance Fees: USD$100-120pp, paid in local currency
Tipping Kitty: USD$60-80pp, paid in local currency
Tipping is not a natural part of many Western cultures and many of us feel uncomfortable, or unsure, about when, or how much, to tip. However, in the places you will visit, tipping makes up a significant part of many people's wages so it's important that we get it right. For this reason we've developed a very simple system to take all the hassle out of tipping. With our 'tipping made easy' policy, a nominal pre-determined amount is collected from all group tour participants to cover tips en route. This then saves you the hassle of when and how much to tip bellhops, luggage handlers, local guides and other support staff through the tour. Our 'tipping made easy' doesn't include a tip to your group tour leader. Naturally, though, the amount is up to you as tipping is an entirely personal gesture.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Cairo

You will be met upon arrival at Cairo Airport and transferred to our start hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or, if you arrive early, opt to join our optional Backstreets of Cairo tour which departs the hotel at 10am.

If you'd like to extend your stay in Egypt we offer a pre tour (Wednesday) or post tour Sunday Day Trip to Alexandria.

Overnight: Cairo

Day 2 - Pyramids of Giza

Our tour begins with a visit to one of the world's most famous sights this morning - the legendary Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Built over 4500 years ago, the three great pyramids are sole survivors of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. A visit to a government supervised Papyrus Museum will also be made at some point during today.This afternoon we take a guided tour of Egyptian Museum, which contains an incredible array of relics and antiquities including the well-preserved mummies, such as those of Yuya and Thuyu - the great-grandparents of King Tutankhamun. These mummies offer a rare glimpse into the past, with some so remarkably preserved that they still have hair on their heads, allowing us to see the incredible skill and techniques used by the ancient Egyptians in their embalming process. This evening, we board the overnight train to Aswan.

Overnight: Sleeper Train
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Aswan & the Philae Temple

Arriving into Aswan early this morning, we take a boat trip out to Agilika Island for a guided tour of the beautiful Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Our final stop today is a perfume oil emporium before check-in on board your Nile Cruiser which will be home for the next three nights. As the sun sets, free time to shop in the colourful souqs and markets or simply relax and watch an amazing sunset in Egypt's southern most town straddling the River Nile.

Overnight: Aswan - Nile Cruiser
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Nile Cruise & optional Abu Simbel

Aswan – Nile cruise - Kom Ombo. Consider booking our optional early morning excursion by road to visit the spectacular Temples of Ramses II at Abu Simbel this morning. Alternatively enjoy a free morning in Aswan. Our Nile Cruiser departs Aswan this afternoon and we cruise the River Nile to Kom Ombo where we disembark to visit the temple which is dedicated to the crocodile headed god - Sobek before returning to the cruiser.

Overnight: Kom Ombo - Nile Cruiser
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Nile Cruise to Luxor

Nile Cruise - Luxor. Relax, enjoy a swim in the pool and chill out in the sun on deck this morning. Let your troubles melt away as we cruise the River Nile to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at its best. Arriving into Luxor this afternoon the rest of the day is free to explore the city before we spend our final night aboard the cruiser.

Overnight: Luxor - Nile Cruiser
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Karnak Temple

This morning we disembark and check into our Luxor hotel. There's time to relax by the hotel pool before we enjoy a guided tour of the colossal Temple of Karnak this afternoon. More than a temple, Karnak is a spectacular complex of sanctuaries, pylons, chapels, halls and obelisks, all dedicated to the Theban gods and the greater glory of Egypt’s Middle and New Kingdom rulers.

In the evening there's an optional visit to Luxor Temple with dinner included (book and pay locally). This remarkable temple and the Avenue of Sphinxes which leads to it, are most spectacular at night when they're illuminated by hundreds of atmospheric lights.

Overnight: Luxor
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Valley of the Kings

Luxor - Cairo. We travel to Luxor's West Bank this morning for a guided tour of the legendary Valley of the Kings, which is home to an array of beautifully decorated pharaohs' tombs, three of which you can enter. Arriving at the West Bank we will be greeted by the towering 18m-high Colossi of Memnon and after the Valley of the Kings we enjoy a tour of the beautiful Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Returning to the hotel the afternoon is free to relax by the pool. This evening we board the overnight train to Cairo.

Overnight: Sleeper Train
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Cairo

This morning, we arrive back into Egypt's bustling capital. We return to our start hotel which marks the end of our tour. Make your own way to the airport for your onward flight.

Day use rooms can be purchased at an additional cost or you may wish to purchase extra nights and extend your stay. You could also do some last minute souvenir shopping as we offer an optional visit to Cairo's bustling Khan el Khalili bazaar.

Please note flights should not be booked to depart before 2pm. Airport departure transfer or Cairo post tour accommodation can be arranged on request.

Meals: Breakfast

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Pre Tour Accom Essentials Tours - Cairo (from price)

Double

€95per passenger

Twin

€95per passenger

Single

€165per passenger

Post Tour Accom Essentials Tours - Cairo (from price)

Double

€95per passenger

Twin

€95per passenger

Single

€165per passenger

Additional Excursions

Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.

Great Temple of Abu Simbel | Egypt
Abu Simbel by Road

Possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt, with its gargantuan rock-cut facade is the magnificent Abu Simbel. Guarding the entrance to the temple are 4 colossal seated statues of the pharaoh himself, staring out across Lake Nasser.

€175

per passenger

Cairo Departure Airport Transfer

€55

per passenger

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Pyramids Resort by Jaz
Cairo

Just a stone's throw from the Pyramids, the Pyramids Resort (formerly the Oasis Hotel) is a classic Egyptian hotel with beautiful expansive gardens. Rooms are very spacious with comfortable beds and fantastic en suite facilities. Wi-Fi is available and the buffet breakfast offers a good spread. In the evening the outdoor pool and fountains are lit up making the restaurant and bar the perfect place to spend an evening sipping on a cold glass of beer.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Sleeper Train
Cairo

When travelling on an overnight train in Egypt, sleeper carriages offer the highest level of comfort. Cabins are equipped with two beds (one above the other), a basin, electric points and air conditioning. Freshly laundered bedding is provided and in the early evening an attendant will come round and make up your bed for you. The carriages have toilets at each end and there is a club car which serves snacks and beverages. In the morning a very basic breakfast is provided.

Our Rating
Simple
Local Rating
Train
Pyramids Park Resort
Cairo

Located close to the pyramids, the expansive Pyramids Park Hotel is a beautiful hotel set around a stunning outdoor pool. Rooms are modern and bright with excellent facilities. Balconies and terraces look out onto the gardens and pool area. Wi-Fi is available throughout and there is excellent poolside dining. In the evening why not relax by the pool and enjoy a few cold ones after a long days sightseeing.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Aracan Eatabe Luxor Hotel
Luxor

Offering a prime location in the centre of Luxor, this 4-star hotel is close to top attractions including the Luxor Museum and Luxor Temple. Surrounded by manicured gardens, the contemporary-style guestrooms are well-equipped with air conditioning, a minibar and a balcony overlooking the garden or River Nile. Guests can enjoy a rich breakfast, lunch and dinner in the sun-lit restaurant or outdoors by the resort style pool. There you’ll also find a poolside bar and sun deck, so you can enjoy a cocktail or two as you soak up the rays.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel

Prices & Dates

All dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 4 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.

2024
Twin/Double
Single
14 Dec - 21 Dec
Save 15%
€1,665€1,416
€2,555€2,172
28 Dec - 4 Jan
Save 15%
€1,965€1,671
€3,055€2,597
2025
Twin/Double
Single
1 Feb - 8 Feb
Save 15%
€1,325€1,127
€1,895€1,611
1 Mar - 8 Mar
Save 15%
€1,325€1,127
€1,895€1,611
15 Mar - 22 Mar
Save 15%
€1,325€1,127
€1,895€1,611
5 Apr - 12 Apr
Save 15%
€1,325€1,127
€1,895€1,611
19 Apr - 26 Apr
Save 15%
€1,965€1,671
€3,055€2,597
26 Apr - 3 May
Save 15%
€1,665€1,416
€2,555€2,172
17 May - 24 May
Save 15%
€1,415€1,203
€2,135€1,815
31 May - 7 Jun
Save 15%
€1,415€1,203
€2,135€1,815

Similar Tours

Explore more exciting tours in Egypt to discover even more unforgettable adventures!

4.4 out of 5 based on 275 reviews