8 Days Signature Nile Cruise Tour
An iconic Egypt experience — from majestic pyramids and awe-inspiring temples to a luxurious five-star Nile cruise.
No participant limit
Customizable
6-60
Cairo Airport
Meeting Point
Itinerary Dates
Number of people
Age Requirement
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Since the itinerary begins upon arrival in Egypt, the visa and international airfare are the responsibility of the traveler. A visa can be obtained on arrival or applied for online depending on your nationality.
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Please ensure that you have thoroughly read the "About" page.
This is a semi-guided tour. Please confirm that you are suitable for this type of trip before inquiring or signing up.
Arrival dates must be on Monday, Wednesday, or Saturday. If arriving on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, or Sunday, the itinerary may require slight adjustments in the order of visits.
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▲ Visit all the major landmarks, including the Pyramids, Temples, Museum, and Mosque.
▲ Classic Nile River Cruise itinerary.
▲ Experience on sleeper train and domestic flight are also included.
Itinerary Overview
D1 National Civilization Museum
D2 Giza Saqqara Memphis
D3 Philae Temple Unfinised Obelisk High Dam Nubian Village
D4 Abu Simbel Kom Ombo
D5 Edfu
D6 Valley of Kings Hatshepsut Temple Colossi of Memnon
D7 Luxor Temple Karnak Temple
D8 Museum Citadel Mosque Khan El Khalili
Daily Itinerary
DAY04 Abu Simbel-Kom Ombo
Early morning excursion to the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples. Return to the cruise and sail towards Kom Ombo, where you will explore the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus.
Abu Simbel Temples
Abu Simbel Temples are located in the southern Egyptian desert, just over 40 kilometers from the border with Sudan. These monumental structures were commissioned by the renowned Pharaoh Ramses II, with the intent of asserting Egyptian power to the Nubians in the south and reinforcing the dominance of Egyptian religion in the region.
What makes Abu Simbel truly remarkable is that the entire complex was hewn directly from a solid cliff face, carved from the outside in, forming a monolithic rock-cut temple. The main temple extends more than 60 meters deep into the mountain and enshrines four statues of deities—one of which is Ramses II himself, as he deified his own image. At the entrance stand four colossal seated statues of Ramses II, creating an awe-inspiring façade.
Adjacent to the main temple is the Temple of Nefertari, built by Ramses II in honor of his beloved wife, Queen Nefertari.
Kom Ombo
After visiting the Great and Small Temples of Abu Simbel, the journey continues with a return drive to Aswan, where the Nile cruise resumes its voyage. Along the way, it passes by the Temple of Kom Ombo, which was originally constructed during the mid-Ptolemaic period. Subsequent pharaohs expanded the temple complex, with construction continuing up to the reign of Pharaoh Ptolemy XII—by which time ancient Egyptian civilization was nearing its end. As a result, the Temple of Kom Ombo reflects a culmination of various aspects of Egyptian culture.
Unique among Egyptian temples, Kom Ombo features reliefs and inscriptions related to calendrical systems, medicine, and mathematics—elements not commonly found in other temple complexes. Additionally, while most temples follow a single axial layout dedicated to one principal deity, the Temple of Kom Ombo is distinct in its dual dedication. It simultaneously honors two major gods: Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus, the falcon-headed god, thus earning it the title of the Double Temple of Kom Ombo.
During the period when Memphis served as the capital of ancient Egypt, Saqqara functioned as its necropolis, or “City of the Dead.” As early as the First Dynasty, nobles were buried in this area, and by the Second Dynasty, it became a royal burial site. Rather than a single structure, Saqqara is an expansive complex composed of pyramids, temples, and tombs. Among them, the most renowned and best-preserved is the Step Pyramid, built for the Third Dynasty Pharaoh Djoser, and thus also known as the Pyramid of Djoser.
Constructed around 2700 BCE, the Step Pyramid is the earliest pyramid in Egypt and the world’s first large-scale stone monument. It was designed by Imhotep, the legendary architect and high official. Before this innovation, ancient Egyptian tombs were flat-roofed structures known as mastabas. Imhotep revolutionized this tradition by stacking six progressively smaller mastabas atop one another, creating the distinctive step-like shape.
Accommodation
Sleeper train
Mit Rahina Museum (Memphis)
Memphis is the oldest capital of Egypt, serving as the capital during the Old Kingdom period. Located at the southern tip of the Nile Delta, it held a key strategic position at the river’s mouth. At its peak, Memphis was a thriving and influential center of commerce, trade, and religion. The Memphis Open-Air Museum features a colossal reclining statue of Ramses II, alongside an impressive alabaster Sphinx carved from a single block of stone, as well as various ruins of ancient temples and statues.
Overnight train to Aswan
We will take you to Giza Railway Station to board the overnight train to Aswan at night.
Meals
Dinner on the train
Transportation
Private car
Sleeper train
DAY03 Aswan
Upon your arrival in Aswan in the morning, we will meet you at the train station. Then, a private vehicle and guide will be arranged to take you to visit High Dam, Philae Temple, and Unfinished Obelisk. In the afternoon, take a scenic boat ride to a traditional Nubian village for an authentic cultural encounter. Later, board your Nile cruise ship for a 3-night journey.
Philae Temple
The Philae Temple is originally located on Philae Island in Aswan. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, it is also known as the Isis Temple and is affectionately called the "pearl on the throne of the kings of ancient Egypt." According to ancient mythology, Osiris and Isis spent their final divine life on Philae Island, and it was here that the goddess Isis gave birth to Horus. In the late 19th century, the construction of the Aswan Old Dam began to submerge Philae Island. The situation worsened with the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s. To preserve the temple, the Egyptian government, with assistance from UNESCO, dismantled and relocated it in 1972 to Agilkia Island, which is more than 500 meters from the original site at a higher elevation. In 1979, the Philae Temple was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Aswan High Dam
The Aswan Dam consists of the Aswan Low Dam (Old Dam) and the Aswan High Dam (Grand Dam). The British constructed the Old Dam in 1898, which was completed in 1902. However, due to inadequacies in the original design, the dam was raised twice between 1907–1912 and 1929–1933. Despite these modifications, in 1946, flooding nearly overtopped the dam, leading to the decision to build a new dam upstream rather than further raising the Old Dam. Construction of the High Dam began in 1960 and was completed on July 21, 1970.
The construction of the Aswan High Dam brought both benefits and challenges. It significantly aided Egypt's industrial, agricultural, and even fishing sectors, but it also caused numerous environmental issues. The lack of sediment supplied from upstream led to the erosion of farmland and sea embankments downstream, and the land lost its former fertility. This has had a considerable impact on agriculture in the region. Additionally, many historical monuments in the reservoir area were submerged. In 1960, UNESCO launched a large-scale archaeological rescue operation, relocating or gifting many threatened monuments to other countries.
Unfinished Obelisk
The Aswan region is rich in high-quality, durable granite, which was the most important source of granite for ancient Egypt. Pharaohs throughout history used this granite to erect obelisks and build temples. A granite quarry in this area houses a massive, fallen obelisk, measuring 42 meters in length and weighing 1,267 tons. This obelisk was originally commissioned by Queen Hatshepsut. However, because obelisks had to be carved from a single piece of stone, a crack developed during the carving process, causing it to be abandoned before completion. This incomplete obelisk is known as the "Unfinished Obelisk." If it had been erected, it would have been the largest standing obelisk in all of Egypt. The presence of this unfinished obelisk allows modern observers to study the methods used by the ancient Egyptians to quarry and carve obelisks.
Nubian Village
Nubia is located at the border between modern-day Egypt and Sudan. In ancient Egypt, Nubia was referred to as Kush. The Abu Simbel temples were built by Ramses II to assert his power over the Nubians. Nubians have dark skin and curly hair, and although modern Nubians have largely adopted Arab culture, the Nubian language is still spoken, and the Arabic alphabet is used for writing. In the 1960s, when Egypt began constructing the Aswan High Dam, the dam's completion led to the near-total submergence of Lower Nubia. Under the leadership of UNESCO, many of the local cultural landmarks were relocated to higher ground to preserve them. In the region, there are many Nubian villages, characterized by houses painted in various colors and adorned with vibrant artwork, much like Taiwan's Rainbow Village. Additionally, Nubians are known to keep crocodiles as pets within their homes.
Board The Nile cruise Ship
Check-in to a five-star Nile River cruise for a three-night stay. For the next four days and three nights, you will enjoy all meals on board and visit the attractions along the river, leisurely experiencing the scenic beauty of both banks of the Nile.
Accommodation
Nile River cruise
Meals
Breakfast on the train, Lunch & dinner on board
DAY01 Cairo
Welcome to Egypt—a land that may seem mysterious and chaotic at first glance. Upon your arrival, we will be there to greet you at the airport, followed by a private transfer and a guided tour arranged especially for you to visit National Museum of Egyptian Civilization.
National Civilization Museum
Located in the ancient city of Fustat, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) partially opened to the public in February 2017. The museum showcases artifacts spanning thousands of years of Egyptian history — from prehistoric times, through the Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, Medieval, and Islamic periods — presenting a comprehensive narrative of Egypt’s rich and diverse heritage.
Today's arrival flight must land no later than 11:00 a.m. The visit to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization can be substituted with the Grand Egyptian Museum upon request. If time permits, it is also possible to include both museums in the itinerary.
Accommodation
Hotel in Cairo
Meals
No meals included
Transportation
Private car
DAY02 Cairo-Aswan
A private vehicle and professional guide will be arranged in the morning to Begin the day with a full tour of the iconic Giza Pyramids with the Sphinx, Saqqara step pyramid and Memphis. In the evening, transfer to the railway station for your overnight sleeper train to Aswan, with dinner served onboard.
Giza Pyramid Complex
Located in the Giza Plateau on the outskirts of Greater Cairo, the Giza Pyramid Complex was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Constructed during Egypt’s Fourth Dynasty, the complex consists of three main pyramids, the largest of which is the Great Pyramid of Khufu — also known as the Pyramid of Cheops — the oldest and only surviving structure of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The second-largest is the Pyramid of Khafre, and the smallest is the Pyramid of Menkaure. In addition to these monumental structures, the site also includes the iconic Great Sphinx of Giza and several smaller pyramids built for queens.
Saqqara Necropolis
Transportation
Private car
Accommodation
Nile River cruise
Meals
Breakfast box, Lunch & dinner on board
Transportation
Horse carriage
DAY05 Edfu
Visit the beautifully preserved Temple of Horus in Edfu via horse-drawn carriage
Edfu
As the temple is dedicated to the god Horus, it is also known as the Temple of Horus. Like the Philae Temple and the Double Temple of Kom Ombo, it was completed during the Ptolemaic period. Having been buried under layers of sand for centuries, the temple is remarkably well preserved.
The detailed reliefs and inscriptions within the temple provide invaluable archaeological insights into the annual religious ceremonies held at Edfu during ancient Egyptian times. These include rituals reenacting the visit of the goddess Hathor, Horus’s consort; coronation ceremonies conducted within the temple for the pharaoh, regarded as the earthly embodiment of Horus; and dramatizations of Horus’s divine birth—all of which reflect the temple’s significant role in ancient religious and royal traditions.
Esna Lock
Today, the river cruise will continue its journey toward Luxor, passing through the Esna Lock. This lock system is designed to regulate the water levels of the Nile River. Due to the difference in elevation between the upstream and downstream sections, the lock functions much like an elevator, controlling the inflow and outflow of water to allow riverboats to pass through in sequence. Guests can observe this fascinating process from the deck.
Additionally, small boats may approach the cruise vessel to sell souvenirs. The unique method of tossing goods back and forth and completing transactions from boat to boat offers an entertaining and memorable cultural experience.
ccommodation
Nile River cruise
Meals
3 meals on board
Transportation
Private car
Motor Boat
DAY06 Luxor
Disembark in Luxor and explore the legendary West Bank, including the Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, and the Colossi of Memnon.
Valley of Kings
Located on the west bank of the Nile River in Luxor—ancient Thebes—the Valley of the Kings has served as the royal necropolis of ancient Egypt for over two millennia. Beginning with the New Kingdom’s Eighteenth Dynasty, it became the principal burial ground for pharaohs and high-ranking nobles from the Eighteenth to the Twentieth Dynasties.
To date, 63 tombs and burial chambers have been identified within the Valley. Since the late 18th century, it has been a focal point for archaeological and Egyptological exploration. The discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun brought the Valley of the Kings worldwide fame, establishing it as one of the most iconic and significant archaeological sites in the world.
Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
The Mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut is a masterpiece designed by the brilliant architect Senemut, more than 1,200 years after the reign of Imhotep. Constructed in a rugged valley surrounded by towering cliffs, the temple—like the Abu Simbel temples—is carved directly into the rock face. It is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding architectural achievements of ancient Egypt.
Hatshepsut—whose name in ancient Egyptian means "The Foremost of Noble Ladies Favored by the Sun God"—was a renowned female pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty. She is recognized by historians as one of the most successful rulers in Egypt’s long and storied history.
Colossi of Memnon
These two colossal stone statues, each standing 20 meters tall, are located not far from the Mortuary Temple of the Queen. Originally, they served as the guardian statues at the entrance of the temple of Amenhotep III, a grand complex that once featured three pylons and a central sanctuary—rivaling the scale of the Karnak Temple. Unfortunately, the temple was destroyed by a massive earthquake in 27 BCE, leaving only the two statues behind.
The Colossi of Memnon, as they are known today, bear deep cracks running from the shoulders to the pelvis and have suffered significant erosion over time, rendering the facial features barely discernible. After the earthquake, the statues became famous for emitting mysterious sounds at sunrise, resembling mournful cries. These eerie sounds ceased after the statues were restored, and the once-mournful "singing colossi" have since fallen silent.
Accommodation
Hotel in Cairo
Meals
Breakfast on board
Transportation
Private car
Accommodation
Hotel in Cairo
The Karnak Temple Complex is often regarded as the world’s largest open-air museum. Its origins date back to the Middle Kingdom; however, it was during the New Kingdom—beginning with the Eighteenth Dynasty—that successive pharaohs significantly expanded the temple, shaping it into much of what we see today. Construction and additions continued through to the early Roman period. Spanning over two millennia of development, Karnak ultimately became the largest temple complex in all of ancient Egypt.
Luxor Temple
The Luxor Temple differs from typical temples dedicated to deities and oriented toward the Nile. Instead, it served as a symbolic site for pharaohs to legitimize their reign and glorify their own greatness. Located in the heart of modern-day Luxor, approximately three kilometers from the Karnak Temple, the two temples were once connected by an avenue lined with sphinxes. Together, they formed the ceremonial grounds for the grand and fervent ancient Egyptian Opet Festival.
Domestic Flight
After visiting the attractions, you will be taken to Luxor Airport to catch a flight back to Cairo.
Meals
No meals included
Transportation
Private car
Domestic flight
DAY08 Cairo
Explore the historic heart of Cairo, including theThe Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Citadel of Saladin, Mosque of Muhammad Ali, and Khan El Khalili Bazaar. Then transfer to the airport for your international departure.
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo
The Egyptian Museum is the most famous and largest museum of ancient Egyptian artifacts in the world, housing historical relics spanning from the time of the Pharaohs over 5,000 years ago to the 6th century AD. The majority of the exhibits are over 3,000 years old. The museum is divided into two floors: the lower floor displays exhibits arranged by chronological period, while the upper floor showcases exhibits by theme. Among the most notable items on display are the pure gold mask and coffin of Tutankhamun.
Citadel Saladin & Mohamed Ali Mosque
In 1171, Saladin deposed the Caliph of the Fatimid dynasty, establishing the Ayyubid dynasty and becoming its first Sultan. In 1176, he began construction of the Saladin Citadel, which was completed in 1182. The citadel was built to defend against the Crusaders and served as the residence of the royal family. Positioned on a hill, the Saladin Citadel boasts an excellent strategic location, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. Until the 19th century, it remained the political center of Egypt.
The Mohammed Ali Mosque began construction in 1830 and was completed in 1857, taking 27 years to finish. The mosque features Turkish-style, multi-tiered, circular domes and slender minarets that pierce the sky. The walls of the ablution room inside the mosque are adorned with snowflake-patterned ceramic tiles, earning it the nickname "Snowflake Mosque." Mohammed Ali is a renowned Muslim ruler in modern Arab history and is considered the father of Egyptian modernization. After his death in 1848, he was buried within the mosque.
Khan El Khalili Bazzar
The term "Khan" originates from Persian, meaning "inn" or "caravanserai." The Khan el-Khalili Bazaar was originally the royal family cemetery of the Fatimid dynasty. In the second half of the 14th century, the new regime destroyed this cemetery and constructed a "Khan" on the site. In 1511, the building was dismantled, and the area was redeveloped into warehouses, inns, and other structures, effectively turning it into a resting place for travelers. After several centuries, it evolved into the famous craft market it is today, becoming the premier destination for purchasing souvenirs.
End Of The Itinerary
After visiting the attractions, you will be escorted to Cairo Airport to board your flight.
The departure time for today's flight must be after 8:00 p.m.
Accommodation
None
Meals
No meals included
DAY07 Luxor-Cairo
Begin the day with visits to the magnificent Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank. Later, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight back to Cairo. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Karnak Temple
Transportation
Private car
About This Tour
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Inclusions of the Tour Package :
Airport transfer upon arrival at Cairo International Airport
All mentioned ground transfers and transportation during the itinerary
Cairo Museum Tour with private vehicle and English-speaking guide
2 nights of hotel accommodation in Cairo, B&B
Cairo Pyramids Tour with private vehicle and English-speaking guide
Sleeper train ticket from Cairo to Aswan
Aswan Tour with private vehicle and English-speaking guide
3 nights onboard a deluxe 5-star Nile cruise, including full board (three meals per day)
Shared tour to Abu Simbel (without guide)
Guided visit to Kom Ombo Temple with English-speaking guide
Guided visit to Edfu Temple with English-speaking guide
West Bank Luxor Tour with private vehicle and English-speaking guide
1 night of hotel accommodation in Luxor, B&B
East Bank Luxor Tour with private vehicle and English-speaking guide
Airport transfer from hotel to Luxor International Airport
Domestic flight ticket from Luxor to Cairo
Airport transfer upon arrival at Cairo International Airport
Cairo Old City Tour with private vehicle and English-speaking guide
Final airport transfer for international departure from Cairo International Airport
Exclusions of the Tour Package :
Entrance tickets to all tourist sites and attractions
Meals (except where specifically stated as included, such as during the Nile cruise)
Optional or additional activities outside the scheduled itinerary
Tips and gratuities
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Entrance Fees: Our itinerary is designed to be flexible and traveler-centered. We do not require guests to enter every site listed, as we respect each traveler’s preferences and pace. Some may choose to skip a particular site on the day of the visit. Additionally, many attractions offer optional add-ons—such as the Great Pyramid interior at Giza or access to additional tombs in the Valley of the Kings—which vary in price. By excluding entrance fees from the package, guests have the freedom to decide where and how they wish to explore.
Gratuities: In Egypt, tipping customs are not strictly standardized and are generally based on personal satisfaction with the service received. We believe gratuities should be merit-based. Travelers are encouraged to tip drivers and guides who provide excellent service, and equally, we support travelers who choose not to tip if the service falls short. In such cases, we also appreciate guests sharing feedback with us directly.
Meals: Dining preferences can be highly individual. Some guests may prefer to focus on sightseeing during mealtimes, while others may have specific dietary needs or wish to explore local street food and restaurants. To allow full freedom of choice, we do not include meals in the tour unless explicitly mentioned (e.g., meals provided on the Nile cruise or at certain hotels). This ensures that each traveler can enjoy their culinary experience according to their own tastes and schedule.
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You are welcome to book your own accommodation, or we can assist with the booking if preferred.
If you would like us to assist with the reservation, please provide your accommodation budget, and we will help arrange suitable options that align with your budget.
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The total cost will vary depending on the number of travelers, accommodation preferences, and the preferred language of the guide. Once these details are confirmed, please complete the form below to contact us for a quotation.
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Please carefully review all the information provided on the "About" page.
Kindly ensure that you fully understand, agree to, and are comfortable with the semi-guided travel model, and that you have confirmed that this style of travel suits you before reaching out for a quotation.
