NewGrand Egyptian Museum now included in our Cairo itineraries
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Classic cultural journey with Nile cruise · KT-CLS-08

Pyramids by Morning, the Nile by Moonlight

Classic Egypt and Nile Cruise

Eight days linking Cairo, Aswan, a multi-night Nile cruise and the temples of Luxor, with domestic flights instead of long highway days.

  • 8 days / 7 nights
  • Cairo · Giza · Aswan · Kom Ombo
  • Private or Group

About this journey

This is the itinerary we build most often, because it answers the question most first-time visitors actually ask: how do I see the essential Egypt without living out of a suitcase in a minibus? The answer is flights between Cairo and the south, and a cruise ship that carries your room from Aswan to Luxor while you sleep. You begin in Cairo with the Giza Plateau and the Grand Egyptian Museum, fly to Aswan for Philae and a felucca at sunset, then board the ship for Kom Ombo and Edfu at the river's own pace. Luxor closes the journey with Karnak, Luxor Temple and the royal tombs of the west bank. Sightseeing mornings are paired with genuinely free afternoons on deck. Every day can be re-sequenced, upgraded or extended before you commit.

Why travellers choose this itinerary

  • Domestic flights replace two full days of highway driving between Cairo and the south.
  • Three or four nights afloat means your hotel moves with you between temple towns.
  • Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings all guided by a licensed Egyptologist.
  • Afternoons on deck are protected, not filled with extra stops.
  • Abu Simbel, ballooning and premium tombs stay optional so the base price is honest.
  • Easy to extend with Hurghada, Alexandria or extra Cairo nights without redesigning the trip.

Quick facts

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Starts / ends
Cairo → Cairo
Destinations
Cairo, Giza, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor
Trip format
Private or Group
Group size
Up to 16 travellers
Activity level
Moderate
Recommended ages
Suitable from around age 7 upward; popular with travelers in their 60s and 70s
Best months
October, November, December, January, February, March, April
Languages
English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese
Accommodation
4-star hotels and 5-star cruise (Comfort) · 5-star hotels and deluxe cruise (Superior) · Luxury hotels and premium cruise
Room types
Single, Double, Twin, Triple, Standard cabin, Upper-deck cabin, Suite on request
Meals
Daily breakfast; full board while on the Nile cruise; other meals optional

Trip highlights

  • Pyramids, Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum
  • Domestic flights between Cairo and Upper Egypt
  • Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Karnak temples
  • Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple

Best for: First-time visitors who want Egypt's essential highlights

Day-by-day itinerary

Every day below can be reordered, shortened or extended on a private departure.

Airport meet and assist, private transfer and hotel check-in, with an evening briefing from your travel consultant.

Meals: Dinner. Overnight: Cairo.

What is included

    Not included

      Choose your accommodation level

      The same itinerary, three levels of comfort. Pick a tier when you request your booking and we confirm the exact properties in writing before any payment.

      Comfort

      4-star hotels and 5-star cruise (Comfort)

      Well-located 4-star properties and standard cabins where a cruise is included. Everything essential is covered: private guiding, private transfers and daily breakfast. Chosen for travelers who would rather spend on experiences than on suites.

      Standard double or twin rooms, air conditioned, with private bathroom

      • Private licensed guide
      • Private air-conditioned transfers
      • Daily breakfast
      • All listed entrance fees
      • Standard room or cabin

      Superior

      5-star hotels and deluxe cruise (Superior)

      Our most-booked tier. 5-star hotels in prime locations, deluxe cabins on the river, and upgraded vehicles. Selected lunches and a few extras are folded in so fewer decisions are needed on the road.

      Superior or upgraded rooms, upper-deck cabins where available

      • Private licensed Egyptologist
      • Upgraded private vehicle
      • Daily breakfast and selected lunches
      • All listed entrance fees
      • Superior room or upper-deck cabin
      • Priority check-in assistance

      Luxury

      Luxury hotels and premium cruise

      Landmark and boutique properties, suites or view rooms where available, premium or charter river accommodation, and a senior Egyptologist. Airport meet-and-greet, lounge access and special-occasion requests are handled personally.

      Suites, view rooms or premium cabins, subject to availability

      • Senior private Egyptologist
      • Luxury vehicle with dedicated driver
      • Daily breakfast, lunches and selected dinners
      • All listed entrance fees
      • Suite or premium cabin where available
      • Airport meet-and-greet and fast-track assistance
      • 24/7 direct contact with your trip manager

      Transport

      • Airport transfers · private

        Private arrival and departure transfers with a representative meeting you inside the terminal.

      • Ground transport · private

        Modern air-conditioned private vehicle sized to your group, with a dedicated English-speaking driver and bottled water on board.

      • Domestic flights

        Economy-class domestic flights on scheduled Egyptian carriers, including luggage assistance and airport escort at both ends.

      • Nile cruise vessel

        Full-board accommodation aboard a licensed Nile cruise ship, with your cabin serving as your hotel between Aswan and Luxor.

      Guide services

      • Private licensed Egyptologist in Cairo
      • Cruise Egyptologist for temple visits
      • Multilingual guide subject to confirmation

      Suitability and accessibility

      Physical requirements
      Moderate: 2 to 4 miles of walking on most touring days, frequent uneven stone and temple ramps, one early airport start, and steep stepped descents inside royal tombs that can be skipped.
      Recommended ages
      Suitable from around age 7 upward; popular with travelers in their 60s and 70s. Child pricing and reduced-pace alternatives are available on request.
      Mobility and accessibility
      Many ancient sites have uneven paving, sand, steps and no handrails, and some interiors cannot be adapted. We can arrange wheelchair-friendly vehicles, extra assistance and alternative viewing points at most locations, but a small number of tombs and interiors remain inaccessible. Tell us your requirements before booking and we will confirm in writing what is and is not possible on this route.
      Medical and pregnancy notes
      Heat, dust and long days can affect travelers with cardiac, respiratory or mobility conditions. Bring your own medication in original packaging. Pregnant travelers should seek medical advice before booking, and adventure, diving and balloon activities are generally not suitable during pregnancy.
      Dietary requirements
      Vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher-style, gluten-free and allergy-related requirements can be catered for at hotels, on the river and on private meals when notified in advance. Severe allergies should be declared at the time of booking so we can brief every supplier.
      Weather and seasonality
      Best travel months for this route are October, November, December, January, February, March, April. Summer daytime temperatures in Upper Egypt and the desert can exceed 40C, so summer departures are re-timed to start earlier and rest through the afternoon.
      Dress and cultural notes
      Egypt is a conservative country outside beach resorts. Lightweight clothing covering shoulders and knees is appropriate at religious sites, and closed walking shoes are strongly recommended for temples and desert ground. Your guide will brief you on photography rules at each site.

      Optional experiences and upgrades

      Add any of these to your enquiry. Each is confirmed in writing with a price before you pay anything.

      • Hot-air balloon over Luxor

        Available on request. Confirmed in writing with a price before you pay anything.

        Price on request

      • Abu Simbel by road or air

        Available on request. Confirmed in writing with a price before you pay anything.

        Price on request

      • Premium tomb tickets in the Valley of the Kings

        Available on request. Confirmed in writing with a price before you pay anything.

        Price on request

      • Sound and Light show at Karnak or Philae

        Available on request. Confirmed in writing with a price before you pay anything.

        Price on request

      • Nile dinner in Cairo

        Available on request. Confirmed in writing with a price before you pay anything.

        Price on request

      • Private photographer

        Available on request. Confirmed in writing with a price before you pay anything.

        Price on request

      Upcoming dates

      Private departures run on any date you choose. The dates below are currently held open for shared departures.

      • 10 Sept 202610 places left
      • 10 Oct 20268 places left
      • 10 Nov 20266 places left
      • 10 Dec 20264 places left
      • 10 Jan 202711 places left
      • 10 Feb 20279 places left

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      Demo content notice: Sample hotels, departure dates, reviews and prices shown on this page are demo content. Final pricing and named suppliers are confirmed in writing before any payment.

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