8-Day Cairo, Aswan & Luxor Tour with Nile Cruise

8-Day Egypt Tour with Cairo and an Aswan-to-Luxor Nile Cruise

This 8-day Egypt tour with Nile cruise combines four nights in Cairo with a three-night cruise sailing from Aswan to Luxor. The itinerary connects the early pyramid fields of Saqqara and Dahshur with the temples of Upper Egypt, then finishes with the churches and Islamic landmarks of Old Cairo.

Domestic flights from Cairo to Aswan and from Luxor back to Cairo reduce long overland transfers. The package includes airport assistance, hotel accommodation, full-board cruise accommodation, private guided sightseeing, standard entrance fees, transfers and the meals listed in the daily program.

Important expectation: this itinerary does not include the Giza Pyramids. Its pyramid day focuses on Saqqara, Dahshur and ancient Memphis. Travelers who want Giza added should request a customized extension before booking.

Tour at a Glance

• Duration: 8 days / 7 nights.
• Cairo accommodation: 4 nights with breakfast.
• Nile cruise: 3 nights from Aswan to Luxor on a full-board basis.
• Domestic flights: Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo.
• Main destinations: Cairo, Saqqara, Dahshur, Memphis, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Luxor.
• Guide: Licensed Egyptologist during the included sightseeing.
• Tour style: Private guided services as listed, subject to the final cruise and flight confirmation.

Day 1: Arrival in Cairo

Meet the Egypt Travel Ways representative at Cairo International Airport for assistance with arrival procedures. Continue by private air-conditioned vehicle to the confirmed Cairo or Giza hotel.

After check-in, review the final itinerary, domestic flight schedule and pickup times. The remainder of the day is free. Overnight in Cairo.

Included: Airport assistance, private transfer and welcome drink where provided by the hotel.

Day 2: Saqqara, Dahshur and Memphis

After breakfast, meet the private Egyptologist and driver for a full-day exploration south of Cairo. Begin at Saqqara with the Step Pyramid complex of Djoser, an important milestone in the development of monumental stone architecture. Open tombs, pyramids and interior areas vary according to restoration work and the ticket selected.

Continue to Dahshur to see the Bent Pyramid and Red Pyramid, both associated with King Sneferu. Together, Saqqara and Dahshur illustrate major stages in the development of pyramid construction before the monuments at Giza.

Complete the day at ancient Memphis, where the open-air museum preserves statues and architectural remains connected with Egypt’s former capital. For more preparation, read the Saqqara and Memphis visitor guide.

Lunch is served during the tour before returning to the hotel. Overnight in Cairo.

Included meals: Breakfast and lunch.

Day 3: Fly to Aswan, Sightseeing and Cruise Embarkation

Transfer to Cairo International Airport for the domestic flight to Aswan. Upon arrival, meet the local representative and continue to the Nile cruise for embarkation according to the ship’s check-in schedule.

Begin the Aswan sightseeing program with the Unfinished Obelisk in the ancient granite quarry. The site reveals how a monumental obelisk was shaped directly from the bedrock before a major flaw caused the project to be abandoned.

Continue to Philae Temple, reached by motorboat. The temple complex was relocated to Agilkia Island during the international campaign that protected Nubian monuments from rising waters. Visit the Aswan High Dam before returning to the cruise.

Travelers can review practical details in the Philae Temple and Aswan High Dam guide.

Lunch, dinner and overnight aboard the cruise in Aswan.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 4: Kom Ombo and Edfu Temples

After breakfast on board, sail according to the confirmed cruise timetable. Visit Kom Ombo Temple, an unusual double temple associated with Sobek and Haroeris. Its balanced architectural plan and surviving reliefs distinguish it from other temples along the Nile.

Continue toward Edfu and visit the Temple of Horus. The temple preserves gateways, courtyards, halls and inscriptions from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.

The order of Kom Ombo and Edfu may change according to sailing conditions, lock traffic and official opening hours. A wider explanation of the sailing experience is available in the Nile cruise route guide.

Lunch, dinner and overnight aboard the cruise.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 5: Luxor East Bank

After breakfast, continue sailing toward Luxor. On arrival, explore the East Bank with the Egyptologist guide.

Visit Karnak, a vast temple complex developed over many centuries by successive rulers. Walk through monumental gateways, courts and columned halls while learning how the site functioned as a major religious center of ancient Thebes.

Continue to Luxor Temple in the center of the modern city. The temple was connected with royal ceremony and the annual Opet festival, and its architecture reflects additions made across different periods.

Use the Karnak and Luxor Temple comparison to understand how the two East Bank sites differ.

Return to the cruise for dinner and the final night on board in Luxor.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Day 6: Luxor West Bank and Flight to Cairo

After breakfast, disembark and cross to Luxor’s West Bank. Begin at the Colossi of Memnon, the surviving seated statues that once stood before the mortuary temple of Amenhotep III.

Continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, known for its terraces and dramatic setting beneath the cliffs. Then visit the Valley of the Kings, the royal burial ground used by rulers of Egypt’s New Kingdom.

The standard Valley of the Kings ticket normally permits entry to a selection of open tombs. Premium tombs and special tickets are not included unless specifically stated in the final confirmation.

An optional hot-air balloon ride may be arranged before the regular sightseeing program, subject to weather, aviation approval and an additional charge. Preparation details are available in the Luxor hot-air balloon guide.

Transfer to Luxor Airport for the domestic flight to Cairo. Upon arrival, meet the representative and transfer privately to the hotel. Overnight in Cairo.

Included meal: Breakfast.

Day 7: Old Cairo, Citadel and Religious Heritage

After breakfast, begin a private exploration of Coptic and Islamic Cairo. Visit the Citadel of Salah al-Din and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, subject to opening conditions and religious observances.

Continue to Old Cairo to see the Hanging Church and the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, traditionally associated with the Holy Family’s time in Egypt. Visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue area according to current access conditions.

The route connects different layers of Cairo’s religious and architectural history. Travelers can prepare through the Coptic Cairo guide.

Lunch is included during the tour. Return to the hotel and overnight in Cairo.

Included meals: Breakfast and lunch.

Day 8: Final Departure

After breakfast, check out according to the hotel’s policy. Transfer by private vehicle to Cairo International Airport at the appropriate time for the confirmed international flight.

The original fixed 5:30 AM departure has been removed because the correct airport pickup time must depend on the traveler’s actual flight.

Included meal: Breakfast, subject to hotel service hours and departure time.

Accommodation Plan

The seven included nights are divided as follows:

• Night 1: Cairo hotel.
• Night 2: Cairo hotel.
• Night 3: Nile cruise in Aswan.
• Night 4: Nile cruise during sailing.
• Night 5: Nile cruise in Luxor.
• Night 6: Cairo hotel.
• Night 7: Cairo hotel.

The final hotel, cruise vessel, cabin category and room type must appear in the booking confirmation. The ship may be the advertised vessel or a confirmed vessel of similar category when substitution is necessary.

Domestic Flights and Transfers

The package includes two domestic flight sectors: Cairo to Aswan and Luxor to Cairo. Final flight numbers, departure times and baggage allowance depend on the operating airline.

Domestic schedules may require changes to sightseeing times without removing the principal confirmed visits. Airport, hotel and cruise transfers listed in the itinerary are included by private air-conditioned vehicle.

What Is Not Included in Standard Admission?

• Interior entry to selected pyramids at Saqqara or Dahshur when separately ticketed.
• Premium tombs in the Valley of the Kings.
• Optional Luxor hot-air balloon ride.
• Optional Abu Simbel excursion from Aswan.
• Any additional Cairo, Aswan or Luxor activity not listed in the confirmed package.

Practical Travel Notes

• Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven archaeological sites.
• Carry sun protection, a hat and a refillable water bottle.
• Dress modestly for mosques, churches and synagogues.
• Women may wish to carry a light scarf for mosque visits.
• Share dietary requirements, mobility needs and child ages before confirmation.
• Opening hours, accessible tombs and cruise schedules can change for operational reasons.

A complete preparation checklist is available in the Egypt packing guide.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This package suits first-time visitors who want a compact combination of Cairo, early pyramid sites and a classic Upper Egypt cruise. It is particularly useful for travelers who prefer domestic flights over overnight trains and want the journey organized through one itinerary.

Because the program visits Saqqara, Dahshur and Memphis instead of Giza, it also works well for returning travelers or guests who plan to visit the Giza Pyramids separately.

Book the 8-Day Cairo and Nile Cruise Tour

Reserve this 8-day Egypt tour for a journey from Cairo’s early pyramid fields to Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and Old Cairo. Final availability depends on the domestic flights, hotel space and the operating Aswan-to-Luxor cruise departure.